" I enlisted with the hope and desire of rendering aid to the great and glorious cause of Southern independence, prompted by principle, religiously believing that the time had arrived when we were justifiable in resisting Northern
aggression, and even at the expense of this once unparalleled Republic. As for my part I don't want to survive a subjugation of my country." --Col. J. Goodner

A field officer in the 7th Tennessee Infantry, C.S.A., this Mexican war veteran attained the ranks of Captain, May 20, 1861; Lieutenant Colonel, May 27, 1861. On May 23, 1862, he became Colonel and commander of the famed 7th Tennessee Infantry after Robert Hatton was elevated to the rank of Brigadier General. “Ill heath” forced his resignation from service on April 8, 1863. 

Photo: Statesville Tigers Co. F, 7th TN Infantry Reunion