Thomas Garland Jefferson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Garland Jefferson
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| Born | January 1, 1847 Winterham, Virginia |
| Died | May 18, 1864 (aged 17) New Market, Virginia |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States of America |
| Years of service | 1864 |
| Rank | Cadet private |
| Unit | Company B, Corps of Cadets |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Thomas Garland Jefferson was a brave young cadet who lived from 1847 to 1864. He was only 17 years old when he died during the American Civil War. Thomas was a student at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI). He is remembered for his courage at the Battle of New Market. He was also the great-grand nephew of former U.S. President Thomas Jefferson.
Early Life
Thomas Garland Jefferson was born on January 1, 1847. His parents were John Garland Jefferson and Otelia Mansfield Howlett. They lived in a place called Winterham, Virginia. Thomas was the oldest boy in a very large family. He had 13 brothers and sisters! His family lived on a large farm where they grew crops like cotton and tobacco.
The Battle of New Market
In 1864, the American Civil War was still happening. Thomas was a cadet, which is like a student soldier, at the Virginia Military Institute. On May 15, 1864, a big fight called the Battle of New Market took place.
During this battle, a general named John C. Breckinridge needed more soldiers. He had to make a tough choice. He ordered the young VMI cadets, including Thomas, to join the fight. The cadets bravely charged forward to help fill a gap in the battle line.
The cadets fought very well. They even managed to capture a cannon from the Union army. This battle was one of the last big victories for the Confederate side in the war.
A Hero's Sacrifice
During the battle, Thomas Garland Jefferson was shot in the stomach. Two other cadets quickly ran to help him. But Thomas, showing incredible bravery, told them to keep fighting. He said, "you can do me no good." He wanted them to focus on the battle.
Thomas was later found wounded in a farmhouse by another cadet named Moses Ezekiel. Ezekiel stayed by Thomas's side and read to him from the Bible. Sadly, Thomas died three days after the battle, on May 18, 1864, from his injuries. He was only 17 years old.
Thomas Garland Jefferson is buried beneath a special statue. The statue is called "Virginia Mourning Her Dead." It was created by Moses Ezekiel, the same cadet who was with Thomas when he died. The statue honors all the brave VMI cadets who lost their lives at the Battle of New Market.
