James Maughlin diary

James W. Maughlin was born on December 4, 1837, in Baltimore, Maryland to Mary Ann Anderson (1813-1886) and William W. Maughlin (1816-1885). The eldest of six children, his siblings were: Rebecca Anderson (1839-1915), Hugh Anderson (1844-1909), William Workman (1847-1913), John Workman (1849-1867), and Samuel Smith (1852-1915). James was baptized at Montebello United Presbyterian Church in Baltimore on September 2, 1838.

In 1858, Maughlin graduated from the Maryland Institute for the Promotion of Mechanic Arts, later renamed in 1959 as the Maryland Institute, College of Art (MICA). In the tenth annual report, Maughlin is listed as having received an award for Mechanical Drawing, as well as the Peabody Premium in the amount of $100. In the 1860 Federal Census, James Maughlin is recorded as living with his parents and siblings in Baltimore Ward 6, and his occupation is listed as "Machinist." On October 29, 1861, Maughlin entered the United States Navy as Third Assistant Engineer. He served on the Steam Gunboat Kineo beginning on February 8, 1862, participating in the capture of New Orleans on April 24, 1862; Farragut's passing of Fort Hudson in March 1863; and supporting the siege of Port Hudson, May to July 1863. Maughlin also served as head of the enginnering department aboard the Kineo, January-August, 1863. On August 3, 1863, he was promoted to Second Assistant Engineer. The USS Kineo was decommissioned in May 1865, and Maughlin resigned on August 11, 1865.

After the war, Maughlin returned to Baltimore. After a short illness, he died on April 23, 1869 at the age of 31. He is buried in Green Mount Cemetery.