Theophilus T. Garrard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Theophilus Toulmin Garrard
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Brig. Gen. Theophilus T. Garrard
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| Born | July 7, 1812 Clay County, Kentucky |
| Died | March 15, 1902 (aged 89) Clay County, Kentucky |
| Place of burial |
Garrard Family Cemetery, Garrard, Kentucky
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1847–1849, 1861–1864 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Commands held | Mexican War
Civil War
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| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Theophilus Toulmin Garrard (June 7, 1812 – March 15, 1902) was an important person in Kentucky history. He was a Union general during the American Civil War, a politician, a farmer, and a businessman.
Contents
Early Life and Political Beginnings
Theophilus T. Garrard was born on July 7, 1812, in Clay County, Kentucky. His family lived near Manchester at a place called Goose Creek Salt Works. His father was Colonel Daniel Garrard, and his grandfather was James Garrard, who was a governor of Kentucky.
Theophilus went to Centre College in Danville, Kentucky. In 1832, he married Nancy Brawner, but she sadly passed away just five days later. Years later, in 1849, he married Lucinda "Lucy" Burnham Lees. They had eleven children together.
Garrard was interested in politics from a young age. He tried to become a member of the Kentucky House of Representatives in 1841 and 1842 but didn't win. However, in 1843, he won his election. He was reelected in 1844 without anyone running against him.
Service in the Mexican-American War
During the Mexican–American War, Garrard served as a captain in the U.S. Army. He was part of the 16th U.S. Infantry from 1847 to 1849. Even though he was in the army, he never fought in any battles. His company was stationed in Cerralvo, Mexico.
Garrard later said that his time there was "the most pleasant part of my life." He mentioned that the Mexican people were friendly, and everything went well.
Adventures and Return to Politics
In 1849, Garrard left Kentucky to try his luck in the California Gold Rush. He hoped to find a lot of gold, but he didn't. So, he returned to Kentucky in 1850.
He continued his political career. In 1857, he won a seat in the Kentucky Senate. He left this position in 1859 to run for the United States Congress but was defeated. He was elected to the Kentucky Senate again in 1861. However, he decided not to serve because he had just become a colonel in the army.
At this time, Garrard was a strong supporter of the Union. Like many wealthy people in Kentucky during that period, he owned slaves. Records show he owned several slaves and was one of the richest people in Clay County.
Civil War Service
When the American Civil War began, Theophilus Garrard was given permission to create his own army regiment. He personally recruited soldiers from several counties in Kentucky. On September 22, 1861, he was made a colonel of the 7th Kentucky Infantry.
He led his troops in several important events:
- The Battle of Camp Wildcat
- The Cumberland Gap Campaign
- A part of the Battle of Perryville
Garrard stayed with the 7th Kentucky Infantry until late 1862. After that, he joined the staff of Brigadier General Samuel P. Carter.
Becoming a Brigadier General
Garrard was promoted to brigadier general on November 29, 1862. He was sent to Helena, Arkansas, and later to Milliken's Bend, Louisiana. While there, he started having problems with his eyesight. He lost central vision in his left eye. Doctors told him it was an incurable eye condition.
Because of his vision problems, Garrard was honorably discharged from the army on April 4, 1864.
Later Life and Legacy
After leaving the army, Garrard went back to his home in Clay County. He continued to farm and run the Union Salt Works. These salt works had been burned by Union soldiers during the war to stop Confederate forces from using them. Garrard rebuilt them.
He lived the rest of his life in the same home where he was born. Theophilus T. Garrard passed away on March 15, 1902. He is buried in his family's cemetery in Garrard, Kentucky.
To honor him, a group called the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War named their Camp #4 after him: The Brigadier General Theophilus T. Garrard Camp #4.
