Jesse Augustus Gove was born on December 5, 1824, in Weare, New Hampshire, to Squier Gove and Dolly Atwood, both of whom are buried in Hillside Cemetery in their hometown. Raised in rural New England, he later attended Norwich Military Academy, an institution known for producing disciplined military leaders. In 1852, he married Maria Louisa Sherburne, who would survive him by many years and is interred in Blossom Hill Cemetery in Concord, New Hampshire. Together they had two children: Charles Augustus Gove, who went on to become a Rear Admiral in the United States Navy, and Jessie Ridgely Gove Killeen, both of whom are buried beside family members in their respective cemeteries.
Before the Civil War, Gove led a varied and active professional life. He served in the Mexican–American War from 1847 to 1848, rising to the rank of second lieutenant. After the war, he worked as the Deputy Secretary of State for New Hampshire from 1850 to 1855, demonstrating his versatility in both military and civilian roles. He returned to the U.S. Army in 1855 and served until 1861, attaining the rank of captain.
With the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, Gove accepted command as colonel of the 22nd Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He and his men spent the winter of 1861–1862 at Hall's Hill, Virginia, before entering active combat. Gove led his regiment during the Virginia Peninsula Campaign, including the Siege of Yorktown in 1862. His service came to a tragic end on June 27, 1862, when he was killed at the Battle of Gaines Mill in Hanover County, Virginia, at the age of thirty-seven. His body was never recovered, leaving his final resting place unknown.
In summary, Jesse Augustus Gove lived a life marked by military service, public duty, and family devotion. From his New Hampshire upbringing to his rise as a respected Civil War commander, his legacy continues through the historical record and through the distinguished careers of his descendants.
Before the Civil War, Gove led a varied and active professional life. He served in the Mexican–American War from 1847 to 1848, rising to the rank of second lieutenant. After the war, he worked as the Deputy Secretary of State for New Hampshire from 1850 to 1855, demonstrating his versatility in both military and civilian roles. He returned to the U.S. Army in 1855 and served until 1861, attaining the rank of captain.
With the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, Gove accepted command as colonel of the 22nd Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He and his men spent the winter of 1861–1862 at Hall's Hill, Virginia, before entering active combat. Gove led his regiment during the Virginia Peninsula Campaign, including the Siege of Yorktown in 1862. His service came to a tragic end on June 27, 1862, when he was killed at the Battle of Gaines Mill in Hanover County, Virginia, at the age of thirty-seven. His body was never recovered, leaving his final resting place unknown.
In summary, Jesse Augustus Gove lived a life marked by military service, public duty, and family devotion. From his New Hampshire upbringing to his rise as a respected Civil War commander, his legacy continues through the historical record and through the distinguished careers of his descendants.
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