George Strother James

(? - 1862)
Home State: South Carolina
Command Billet: Commanding Battalion
Branch of Service: Infantry
Unit: 3rd South Carolina Infantry Battalion

Before the Antietam Campaign:
He was a member of the Euphemian Literary Society at Erskine Seminary, graduating in 1845. He was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the 4th US Artillery in June 1856 and 1st Lt in December 1857. He resigned his US commission to go South 1 February 1861. He was Captain, CSA in command of the Battery at Ft. Johnson, Charleston Harbor, and ordered the first (probably signal round) shot on Ft Sumter at 4:30 am, 12 April 1861.

He was appointed Major, 3rd South Carolina Battalion in December 1861, and Lt Colonel and commanding officer on 2 February 1862.

In the Antietam Campaign:
He was killed in action at Fox's Gap on South Mountain on 14 September. He was (probably) relieved in command by Major William G. W. Rice.

References, Sources, and other notes:
Source: Heitman, Francis Historical Register and Dictionary of the United States Army 1789-1903, Washington, US Government Printing Office, 1903;
Clary, James B. and Sam B. Davis, History of the 3rd SC Battalion ( work in progress) - Euphemian Literary Society - members list -history online.

Birth State: SC
College: Erskine Seminary (later College), SC    Graduating Year: 1845
Death Date: 09/14/1862    Death Place: Fox's Gap, MD

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