Joseph Thoburn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joseph Thoburn
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| Born | April 29, 1825 Mallusk, County Antrim, Ireland |
| Died | October 19, 1864 (aged 39) Frederick County, Virginia |
| Place of burial |
Mt. Wood Cemetery, Wheeling, West Virginia
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| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/ |
 United States ArmyUnion Army |
| Years of service | 1861–64 |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Commands held | 1st Division of the VIII Corps |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Other work | school teacher, physician |
Joseph Thoburn (born April 29, 1825 – died October 19, 1864) was an important American soldier and doctor. He was born in Ireland and later became a leader in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He was a skilled physician and a brave soldier from West Virginia. Sadly, he was killed in action during the Battle of Cedar Creek in the Shenandoah Valley.
Early Life and Education
Joseph Thoburn was born in 1825 in County Antrim, which is in northern Ireland. His parents were Matthew and Jane Lyle (Crawford) Thoburn. In the autumn of 1825, his father moved to Canada. The next year, in 1826, the family moved to the United States. They settled on a farm near St. Clairsville, Ohio.
Joseph went to the local school there. He loved to read books from a young age. When he was older, he taught school for several years. After teaching, he decided to study medicine. He learned from Dr. Ephraim Gaston in Morristown, Ohio. Later, he went to Starling Medical College in Columbus, Ohio.
In 1849, Joseph moved to Brownsville, Pennsylvania. He worked as a doctor there for a short time. Then, he took a job in Columbus at the Ohio Lunatic Asylum. He worked as an assistant to the main doctor. In 1853, due to changes in leadership, he left that job. He moved to Wheeling, Virginia (which is now West Virginia). There, he started his own medical practice, which became very successful.
On December 13, 1853, Joseph married Catherine "Kate" Ann Mitchell in Martins Ferry, Ohio. They had three children together: one son and two daughters.
Serving in the Civil War
The American Civil War began in April 1861 with the attack on Fort Sumter. The next month, Joseph Thoburn joined the army. He became the surgeon for the 1st Virginia Infantry. This regiment was led by Colonel Benjamin Franklin Kelley.
Joseph went with his regiment to the Battle of Philippi. During this battle, he cared for wounded soldiers, including Colonel Kelley himself.
In August 1861, Joseph's regiment finished its service. Most of the soldiers joined a new, reorganized 1st Virginia Infantry regiment. Colonel Kelley was still recovering from his wound. So, Joseph Thoburn was made the colonel of the new regiment.
He led his troops in many smaller battles and fights. These took place in what is now West Virginia. They also fought in the Shenandoah Valley in 1862 and 1863. In 1864, he took command of a larger group of soldiers called a division. This division was part of the VIII Corps. They fought in the Valley Campaigns of 1864 under General Philip Sheridan.
During the Third Battle of Winchester, also known as the Battle of Opequon, Thoburn's division was held in reserve. They moved to the edge of a forest. General Sheridan soon arrived and told Thoburn to advance when other troops were ready. Around 3 p.m., a loud battle cry from the other side of Red Bud Run signaled that the other troops had arrived. The Union soldiers moved forward. One soldier remembered that "For thirty minutes the battle that ensued was perfectly terrific." But then, the enemy soldiers gave way. The Union troops quickly moved past their defenses, shouting with victory.
Death and Lasting Impact
On October 19, 1864, Joseph Thoburn was killed during the Battle of Cedar Creek. This battle was a victory for the Union Army. His commander, Major General George Crook, reported the sad news. He said that Colonel Joseph Thoburn and Captain Philip G. Bier "fell mortally wounded while rallying the men." General Crook added that they were "brave, efficient, and ever conspicuous for their gallantry." He felt that the country had lost valuable leaders.
A writer later described Dr. Thoburn as a kind and generous man. He was also known for his bravery and love for his country. As a doctor, he was very skilled and had a strong sense of professional honor.
Joseph Thoburn's body was taken to Wheeling for a large public funeral. A military escort took his body to Mt. Wood Cemetery. Many people joined a public procession, including city officials, doctors, and citizens. His wife, Catherine, passed away in 1886 and was buried next to him.
