Thomas Chamberlain (soldier) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Davee Chamberlain
|
|
|---|---|
Thomas D. Chamberlain
|
|
| Nickname(s) | Tom |
| Born | April 29, 1841 Brewer, Maine, U.S. |
| Died | August 12, 1896 (aged 55) Bangor, Maine, U.S. |
| Buried |
Castine, Maine, U.S.
|
| Allegiance |  United States of America
|
| Service/ |
 United States Army
|
| Years of service | 1861–1866 |
| Rank |  Lieutenant Colonel |
| Unit |  20th Maine Infantry, Army of the Potomac |
Thomas Davee Chamberlain (born April 29, 1841 – died August 12, 1896) was a brave soldier who fought in the American Civil War. He was a Lieutenant Colonel in the 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment. His older brother, Joshua L. Chamberlain, was also a famous general in the same war.
Contents
Early Life of Thomas Chamberlain
Thomas D. Chamberlain was born in Brewer, Maine, in 1841. He was the youngest of five children. Thomas grew up on his family's farm with his four older brothers and sisters. His family life was strict but also very loving.
Thomas was known as a fun-loving and sometimes mischievous boy. His older brother, Joshua, even called him a "little rogue." As the youngest, he was his mother's favorite. Unlike his brothers, Thomas did not go to college. By his mid-teens, he was working in a grocery store in Bangor, Maine.
Thomas Chamberlain's Civil War Service
Thomas Chamberlain came from a family of soldiers. His great-grandfathers fought in the American Revolutionary War. His grandfather served in the War of 1812. His father also served in a conflict called the Aroostook War. So, it was no surprise that Thomas and his brother Joshua joined the army.
In 1862, Thomas joined the Union Army. He felt it was his duty to serve his country. He was placed in the new 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment. His brother Joshua also joined this regiment and later became its Colonel.
The 20th Maine regiment marched to the Battle of Antietam but did not fight there. They did fight in the Battle of Fredericksburg. They had few casualties but spent a very cold night among the wounded soldiers. They missed the Battle of Chancellorsville because many soldiers got smallpox. In June 1863, Joshua became the Colonel of the regiment. Thomas Chamberlain fought in most of the battles with the 20th Maine, especially the Battle of Gettysburg.
The Battle of Gettysburg
One of the most famous battles for the 20th Maine was at Little Round Top during the Battle of Gettysburg. The 20th Maine was attacked by the Confederate 15th Alabama regiment. After fighting for several hours, the 20th Maine ran out of ammunition.
Thomas's brother, Joshua, knew they were in a very dangerous spot. He ordered his soldiers to charge downhill with their bayonets attached to their rifles. This surprise attack ended the Confederate advance on the hill. The 20th Maine and another regiment captured over 400 Confederate soldiers. Joshua was slightly wounded, but Thomas was unharmed. Because of their brave defense, the Chamberlain brothers and the 20th Maine became very famous.
After Gettysburg
After Gettysburg, Thomas Chamberlain and the 20th Maine fought in other major battles. These included the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House and the Siege of Petersburg. During the Siege of Petersburg, Thomas's brother Joshua was badly wounded. A bullet hit him in the hip, and it was feared he would die.
Thomas Chamberlain rushed to the hospital where Joshua was. The surgeons worked all night to save Joshua's life. Joshua later wrote that Thomas "stood over me like a brother." Amazingly, Joshua survived and was promoted to brigadier general. Many people believe Thomas's presence and support helped save his brother's life.
End of the War
After Petersburg, Thomas Chamberlain and the 20th Maine were part of the Appomattox Campaign. They fought in the Battle of Five Forks, where Thomas was honored for his bravery. They also fought in the Battle of Appomattox Court House, which was the final battle of the war.
The 20th Maine marched to Washington, D.C., and was officially released from service in July 1865. Thomas ended the war with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Life After the War
After the war, Thomas Chamberlain had a hard time finding a steady job. He suffered from serious lung and heart problems, likely due to his time in the war. He passed away at the age of 55 in Bangor, Maine.
