Thomas A. Morris facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Armstrong Morris
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| Born | December 26, 1811 Nicholas County, Kentucky |
| Died | March 22, 1904 (aged 92) San Diego, California |
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
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United States Army Indiana Militia (Union) |
| Years of service | 1834–1836, 1861 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General (Indiana Militia) |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
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Thomas Armstrong Morris (born December 26, 1811 – died March 22, 1904) was an important American engineer and soldier. He was a leader in the railroad industry. During the early part of the American Civil War, he served as a brigadier general for the state of Indiana. A brigadier general is a high-ranking military officer.
In 1861, Morris played a key role in the Western Virginia campaign. He led soldiers from West Virginia, Indiana, and Ohio. They helped clear the Confederate army out of western Virginia. This included a big win at the Battle of Philippi. His actions helped strengthen support for the Union in the area. This also helped lead to West Virginia becoming its own state. After the war, Morris was important in building the Indiana State House.
Contents
Who Was Thomas Morris?
Early Life and Education
Thomas Morris was born in Nicholas County, Kentucky. His parents were Rachel and Morris Morris. His father was an early settler in Indianapolis and later became the state's auditor. An auditor checks government money.
Young Thomas went to local schools. When he was twelve, he started working at Indianapolis's first newspaper. He worked in the print room. Three years later, he went back to school. In June 1830, he was accepted into the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. This is a famous military school.
Becoming an Engineer
Thomas Morris graduated from West Point in 1834. He was one of the top students in his class. After graduating, he became an officer in the 1st U.S. Artillery. He was stationed at Fort Monroe in Virginia and then at Fort King in Florida.
He worked on several engineering projects. In Indiana, he helped extend the National Road into Illinois. This was a major road project. He later left the army to become Indiana's Resident Engineer. In this role, he oversaw the building of important projects. These included the Central Canal and several railroads. He helped build the Madison and Indianapolis Railroad and the Terre Haute and Richmond Railroad. Later, he became the president of two railroad companies. He was also a colonel in the Indiana state militia. A militia is a group of citizens who can be called to serve as soldiers.
Thomas Morris in the Civil War
Leading Troops in West Virginia
When the Civil War began, Governor of Indiana Oliver Morton chose Morris for an important job. He made Morris the quartermaster general for Indiana's troops. A quartermaster general is in charge of supplies for the army.
On April 27, 1861, Morris was made a brigadier general in the Indiana state militia. Soon after, he took command of a group of new Indiana soldiers. This group was called the "Indiana Brigade." They joined the Department of the Ohio, led by George B. McClellan.
Key Battles and Victories
General Morris was the main Union commander at the Battle of Philippi. This was an early battle in the war. He also fought in other battles in West Virginia. These included the battles at Rich Mountain and Corrick's Ford.
On July 13, 1861, Morris's men attacked the Confederate forces at Corrick's Ford. The Confederates were retreating. Morris's soldiers chased them for miles. They finally defeated the Confederates after killing their general, Robert S. Garnett. This victory helped the Union gain control of western Virginia. Morris left the militia on July 27, 1861.
Life After the War
Returning to Railroads and Public Works
After his military service, Thomas Morris was offered more high-ranking positions in the U.S. Army. He was offered the rank of brigadier general and later major general. However, he turned them down. He chose to go back to working in the railroad industry.
In 1868, he became president of the Indianapolis and St. Louis Railroad. In 1877, he helped oversee the building of the Indiana State House. This important building was finished in 1880. He also supervised the construction of the Union Railway and Union Depot in Indianapolis. From 1888 until his death, he was president of the Indianapolis Water Company.
Thomas Morris passed away at his daughter's home in San Diego, California. He was 92 years old. He was buried in Indianapolis.
