Stephen Thomas (Medal of Honor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Stephen Thomas |
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| 26th Lieutenant Governor of Vermont | |
| In office 1867–1869 |
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| Preceded by | Abraham B. Gardner |
| Succeeded by | George W. Hendee |
| Member of the Vermont Senate from Orange County | |
| In office 1848–1849 |
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| Member of the Vermont House of Representatives from Fairlee | |
| In office 1838, 1839, 1845, 1846, 1860, 1861 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | December 6, 1809 Bethel, Vermont |
| Died | December 18, 1903 (aged 94) Montpelier, Vermont |
| Resting place | Green Mount Cemetery, Montpelier, Vermont |
| Political party | Democratic (before 1861) Republican (from 1861) |
| Occupation | Manufacturer |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
| Signature |  |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Commands | 8th Vermont Infantry 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, XIX Corps |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War - Battle of New Orleans (Civil War) - Battle of Fort Bisland - Siege of Port Hudson - Valley Campaigns of 1864 |
Stephen Thomas (December 6, 1809 – December 18, 1903) was an important figure in Vermont history. He was a businessman, a politician, a judge, and a brave officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He even received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for bravery a soldier can get.
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Stephen Thomas's Early Life
Stephen Thomas was born in Bethel, Vermont. His father, John Thomas, sadly died when Stephen was only four years old. His father was serving in the U.S. Army during the War of 1812 at the time. Stephen's grandfather, Joseph, also served in the American Revolution.
Because his father died young, Stephen had to start working early to help his mother. He learned about the woolen industry and later started his own business. After some challenges, he became successful in the manufacturing business in West Fairlee.
In 1831, Stephen married Ann Peabody. She passed away in 1877.
Stephen Thomas's Political Career
Stephen Thomas was very involved in politics. He represented his hometown of Fairlee in the Vermont House of Representatives several times between 1838 and 1861. He also served as a state senator for Orange County in 1848 and 1849. He helped write the state's rules by being a delegate at special meetings in 1843 and 1850. He also worked as a judge in the Bradford district.
Before the Civil War, Stephen was a member of the Democratic Party. He even ran for Lieutenant Governor in 1860.
When the Civil War began in 1861, Stephen Thomas strongly supported the Union. He attended a special meeting of the Vermont Legislature. During this meeting, he gave a powerful speech. He asked the state to spend more money to support the soldiers and the government. He said that Vermont should use all its "strength and power" to help win the war. His speech helped convince everyone to approve a large amount of money for military efforts.
Stephen Thomas's Military Service
On November 12, 1861, Stephen Thomas became a colonel and led the 8th Vermont Infantry regiment. His regiment joined the Union Army and traveled to the southern United States. They took part in important events like the capture of New Orleans and battles at Fort Bisland and the Siege of Port Hudson.
In 1864, Colonel Thomas and his troops moved to the eastern part of the war. They joined other Union forces in the Shenandoah Valley. They fought in several battles, including the Battle of Opequon, Battle of Fisher's Hill, and Battle of Cedar Creek.
At the Battle of Cedar Creek on October 19, 1864, Stephen Thomas showed incredible bravery. He was involved in a fierce hand-to-hand fight where he stopped the enemy's advance. For his actions, he was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1892. This is the highest military honor in the United States, given for extreme courage.
Stephen Thomas was promoted to Brigadier General in 1865. He left the army later that year.
Stephen Thomas's Life After the War
After the war, Stephen Thomas changed his political party from Democrat to Republican. He believed that the Republican party better represented his views after the war.
He served as Lieutenant Governor of Vermont from 1867 to 1869. He also helped nominate General Ulysses S. Grant for president.
President Grant later appointed Stephen Thomas as a U.S. pension agent in 1870. He held this job for eight years, helping soldiers and their families get their pensions.
In his later years, Stephen Thomas was also a successful businessman. He was the president of the U.S. Clothes Pin Company and the North Haverhill Granite Company.
He remained active in veterans' groups, leading the Department of Vermont for the Grand Army of the Republic.
General Stephen Thomas passed away in Montpelier, Vermont, in 1903. He is buried in Green Mount Cemetery.
