Confederate Medal of Honor to
Elijah Going of 7th Arkansas
Elijah Going was born about 1843, place and parents
unknown. He enlisted at Pocahontas, Arkansas for one year in
Company A, Seventh Arkansas Infantry Regiment. He
reported to Camp Shaver there and was placed under the
command of Capt. Cameron.
On July 26, 1861 his company muster roll shows him,
“Absent, unfit ever since enlistment with few days exception.”
When his unit moved out, it was noted that Elijah Going as
“Left at Pittman’s Ferry, Arkansas.” He had not yet rejoined
his unit on October 31. Another notation showed that he
remained in the hospital at Pittman’s Ferry “from September
25 to December 25, 1861.”
After getting off to such a shaky start, Elijah Going turned out
to be one of the most decorated soldiers in the Confederate
Army. He was present for duty thereafter, and on June 30,
1862, it was noted that he was “Entitled to bounty.” Louise
Goins Richardson, Goins researcher of Paragould, Arkansas
turned up evidence to show the importance of this soldier to
his regiment:
Pvt. Elijah Going, Company B, Sixth & Seventh Arkansas Infantry
Regiment Consolidated was elected by his fellow infantrymen
to receive the Confederate Medal of Honor.
Pvt. Going was considered by them as the outstanding
infantryman of the consolidated regiment. The medal was
awarded for valor displayed in the Battle of Chickamauga
fought September 19-20, 1863 between the Federal Army of
the Cumberland under Gen. Rosecrans and Bragg’s
Confederate Army. Bragg routed the Union Army in a shortlived
victory.
His name was published in the Roll of Honor that was read at
a formation of every Confederate regiment in the service, in
the first dress parade following receipt of the list by the
regiment. This award was made in compliance with an act of
Congress which bestowed such medals. This award was published
at Richmond, Virginia August 10, 1864, according to
War Department Reports, Series I, Volume 30, Part 2.
Elijah Going was wounded in the Battle of Atlanta on July 21,
1864. He was recuperating from his wounds at Camp Wright
in Macon, Georgia in November and December, 1864.
Goyen Family Tree 