WILLIAM POLK HARDEMAN
1816 – 1898
"Gotch" Hardeman was born in Williamson County, Tennessee, Nov 4, 1816, and moved to Texas in 1835. He took part in the War for Texas Independence and later in the Mexican War serving under Ben McCulloch.
His first Confederate service was as a captain of the 4th Texas Cavalry in Gen Sibley’s expedition into New Mexico Territory resulting in being commended by his superior for his performance at Valverde. He was promoted to lt. Colonel and in 1862 to colonel. He led his command during the Red River campaign of 1864 and the battles of Mansfield and Pleasant Hill and the resulting pursuit of Union Gen. N P Banks. Upon the recommendation of Kirby Smith, he was promoted to brigadier general to rank from March 17, 1865.
After the end of the war and until 1874, Hardeman was planter. He subsequently served as assistant sgt.-at-arms of the Texas house of representatives, a railroad inspector, and during the last years of his life he was superintendent of public building and grounds which was a position that included supervision of the Texas Confederate Soldier’s Home.
Hardeman died in Austin, Texas, April 8, 1898. He is buried in the State Cemetery in Austin.
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