James Fleming Fagan James Fleming Fagan ( March 1 , 1828 – September 1 , 1893 ) was a planter , public official , and a major general in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War . His Arkansas brigade distinguished itself in the Red River campaign of 1864 , helping to drive the Union army from southern Arkansas . Early life and career . James F . Fagan was born in Louisville , Kentucky . When he was ten years old , his family moved to Little Rock , the capital of the recently created State of Arkansas . His father had been hired to work on the Old State House . His father died during his youth and his mother , Catherine A . Fagan , in 1842 married Samuel Adams , who became Governor of Arkansas two years later . After his stepfather ' s death , Fagan took control of the family farm along the Saline River in southern Arkansas . Though he was a member of the Whig Party , he represented the heavily Democratic Saline County for one term in the Arkansas state legislature . Fagan served in the United States Army during the Mexican - American War in the 1st Arkansas Volunteer Cavalry under General Archibald Yell and was promoted to the rank of lieutenant . Civil War . At the start of the Civil War , Fagan raised a company for the Confederate Army and became its captain . When his unit was folded in with the 1st Arkansas Infantry , Fagan was elected as colonel of the combined 900 - man regiment . They were formally mustered into service in Lynchburg , Virginia in May 1861 . His regiment was a part of the first wave of Confederate attacks under Albert Sidney Johnston at the Battle of Shiloh . He also participated in the battle at Farmington , Mississippi , on May 9 and the Siege of Corinth , but fell into disfavor with his superior officer , Braxton Bragg . He was soon transferred to the Trans - Mississippi District , where he fought at Cane Hill and Prairie Grove in command of the 1st Arkansas Cavalry . Fagan was promoted to brigadier general on September 12 , 1862 , and commanded a brigade entirely composed of Arkansas regiments . He played a central role in the Battle of Helena , where he and his brigade made repeated assaults on Federal artillery batteries . He assumed command of Sterling Price ' s division upon the latter ' s promotion , and played a role in the successful defense of Little Rock . He participated in the Arkansas portion of the Red River Campaign and played a central role in the battles during the Camden Expedition , including the successful destruction of a Federal supply train at the Battle of Marks ' Mill , which led to the Federal retreat from southern Arkansas . In recognition for his service in the Camden Expedition , Fagan was promoted to major general on April 24 , 1864 , and commanded the Arkansas division of Confederate cavalry during Price ' s Raid into Missouri . His division broke in a " disgraceful manner " during the failed assault on Fort Davidson at Pilot Knob , Missouri . During Price ' s withdrawal from Missouri and Kansas , Fagan and Marmaduke ' s divisions were overwhelmed at the Battle of Mine Creek . The end of the war found Fagan in command of the District of Arkansas of the Trans - Mississippi Department , which was active militarily until late April 1865 . Postbellum activities . General Fagan ' s first wife was the sister of General William Nathan Rector Beall . He was also related by marriage to Governor Henry Massey Rector . Fagan was not paroled by the U . S . government until June 20 , 1865 . After his parole , he returned to his farm to make a living . Fagan participated in the Brooks - Baxter War of Arkansas in 1874 , serving as Joseph Brooks ' main commander , despite Fagan ' s former service as a Confederate officer . He was appointed United States Marshal by President Ulysses S . Grant in 1875 . He served as a receiver for the United States Land Office in 1877 . In 1890 , he ran for Arkansas Railroad Commissioner , but was defeated . James Fleming Fagan died in Little Rock , Arkansas . He is buried at the historic Mount Holly Cemetery in that city . Honors . The Gen . James Fleming Fagan Camp # 280 of the Military Order of the Stars and Bars was named in his honor .