Colonel Wm. L. Moody
Fairfield, Freestone County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(1828 - 1920) Came to Texas from Virginia, 1852. Organized and was captain of Co. G, 7th Texas Infantry, the first Freestone County unit to go into battle in the Civil War. Captured at Fort Donelson, Tenn., Feb. 1862. exchanged, soon won promotion to colonel for bravery on battlefield. Commended for personally leading and rallying men in hand-to-hand combat in thick woods. Wounded and returned to Texas, where he served till war ended. In 1866 moved to Galveston. Became leader in financial business, philanthropic and civic affairs. (1964)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Arriving in Texas from Virginia in 1852, William L. Moody organized and captained Company G of the 7th Texas Infantry, the first Freestone County unit to march to the Civil War. Captured at Fort Donelson in 1862 and later exchanged, he won promotion to colonel for bravery, cited for rallying his men in hand-to-hand fighting in dense woods before wounds sent him home. After the war he moved to Galveston and became a leader in its financial, philanthropic, and civic life.
Why it matters
Moody's path from battlefield colonel to Gilded Age Galveston financier typifies the Confederate veterans who rebuilt the South's economy and led its institutions in the decades after Appomattox.
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Related people
- · William L. Moody
Related events
- · Battle of Fort Donelson
Themes & tags
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