Thomas Alfred Smyth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Alfred Smyth
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Thomas Alfred Smyth during the American Civil War
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| Born | December 25, 1832 County Cork, Ireland |
| Died | April 9, 1865 (aged 32) Burkeville, Virginia |
| Place of burial |
Wilmington and Brandywine Cemetery, Wilmington, Delaware
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General Brevet Major General (posthumous) |
| Commands held | 1st Delaware Volunteer Infantry Regiment 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, II Corps 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, II Corps 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, II Corps 2nd Division, II Corps Irish Brigade Gibraltar Brigade |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War - Battle of Fredericksburg - Battle of Chancellorsville - Battle of Gettysburg - Siege of Petersburg |
Thomas Alfred Smyth (December 25, 1832 – April 9, 1865) was a brave brigadier general who fought for the Union Army during the American Civil War. He was the very last Union general to be killed in that war. After he died, he was given an even higher rank, major general, to honor his service.
Contents
Early Life and Moving to America
Thomas Alfred Smyth was born on December 25, 1832, in a place called Ballyhooly in County Cork, Ireland. He grew up helping on his father's farm. In 1854, when he was 21, he moved to the United States. He first settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He worked as a wood carver and also made parts for coaches and carriages. Later, in 1858, he moved to Wilmington, Delaware.
Personal Interests
Thomas Smyth was part of a group called the Freemasons. He joined them in Wilmington, Delaware, in 1865.
Serving in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began in 1861, Thomas Smyth joined the Union Army. He started as a captain in an Irish-American regiment from Pennsylvania. Later, he became a major in the 1st Delaware Infantry.
Early Battles and Promotions
Smyth fought in important battles like the Battle of Fredericksburg and the Battle of Chancellorsville. After Fredericksburg, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel and then to colonel.
The Gettysburg Campaign
During the Gettysburg Campaign, Colonel Smyth was in charge of the 2nd Brigade of the II Corps. In the famous Battle of Gettysburg, his soldiers helped protect a key area called Cemetery Ridge. They also pushed back enemy sharpshooters from a place called the Bliss farm. Smyth was hurt on the third day of this battle and had to briefly give up his command.
Leading Brigades and Promotions
After Gettysburg, Smyth continued to lead his brigade. He commanded different brigades within the II Corps, including the famous Gibraltar Brigade. In October 1864, during the Siege of Petersburg, he was promoted to brigadier general. He kept leading his brigade throughout this long siege.
Final Days of the War
General Smyth also commanded the 2nd division of the II Corps for some periods in 1864 and 1865. In April 1865, near Farmville, Virginia, a sniper shot him in the mouth. The bullet badly injured his spine, which made him unable to move. General Smyth died two days later at a place called Burke's Tavern. This was on the same day that Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered his army at Appomattox Court House, effectively ending the war.
Two years after his death, in March 1867, President Andrew Johnson honored General Smyth by giving him a special posthumous (after death) promotion to major general. This promotion was made official by the United States Senate. Thomas Alfred Smyth was the last Union general to be killed or mortally wounded during the American Civil War. He is buried in the Wilmington and Brandywine Cemetery in Wilmington, Delaware.
Images for kids
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Burke's Tavern, where General Smyth died
