Thomas H. Rynning facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas H. Rynning
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| Born | February 17, 1866 Christiana, Norway |
| Died | June 18, 1941 (aged 75) San Diego, California |
| Buried |
Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery
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| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Rank | Second Lieutenant |
| Battles/wars | Apache Wars |
| Other work | Arizona Ranger, Prison warden, United States Marshal |
Thomas Harbo Rynning (born February 17, 1866 – died June 18, 1941) was a brave officer in the United States Army. He fought alongside Theodore Roosevelt's famous Rough Riders during the Spanish–American War.
Thomas Rynning also held important jobs in Arizona and California. He was the leader (called a captain) of the Arizona Rangers. He also worked as the warden (in charge) of the Yuma Territorial Prison. Later in his life, he became a United States Marshal in San Diego, California.
Contents
Thomas Rynning's Early Life and Army Adventures
Growing Up and First Army Days
Thomas Rynning was born in Christiana, Norway, on February 17, 1866. When he was just two years old, his family moved to the United States. They made their home in Beloit, Wisconsin.
In 1885, when Thomas was in Texas, he decided to join the United States Army. He became part of the 8th Cavalry Regiment.
Fighting in the American Indian Wars
Thomas Rynning's first battle was against the Cheyenne people. He served under a leader named General Philip Sheridan. After this, his army group moved to Arizona.
In Arizona, Rynning took part in a conflict known as Geronimo's War. He was there when the Apache leader Geronimo was captured.
In 1888, Rynning went on a very long journey called the Great March. This was the longest cavalry ride in American history. His group rode from Arizona all the way to Dakota. In Dakota, they fought in the Ghost Dance War against Chief Sitting Bull.
Thomas Rynning left the army in 1891. He had fought in many battles against Native American tribes. After leaving the army, he moved to California. Two years later, he settled in Tucson, Arizona. There, he became a successful builder.
Serving in the Spanish–American War
In 1898, a war started between the United States and Spain. Thomas Rynning learned that his old friend, Colonel Leonard Wood, was putting together a special group of volunteer soldiers. This group became famous as Theodore Roosevelt's Rough Riders.
Rynning joined as a regular soldier. By the end of the war, he was promoted to a second lieutenant. He was part of Troop B, 1st United States Volunteer Cavalry Regiment.
The Battle of San Juan Heights
During the Battle of San Juan Heights, Rynning took charge of the American soldiers after their captain died. A few minutes later, he led the Rough Riders up Kettle Hill. He was the first American soldier to reach the top.
Even under heavy fire, Rynning told his men to wave their regiment's flag. This helped to encourage the other soldiers. The flag was badly damaged with holes from the fighting. Today, this historic flag is kept safe in Phoenix, Arizona. After this, Rynning joined Theodore Roosevelt in the charge up San Juan Hill. This charge helped the Americans win the battle.
Thomas Rynning's Life After the War
Leading the Arizona Rangers
After returning from Cuba, Thomas Rynning went back to Arizona. He continued his work as a builder. However, in 1902, his friend Alexander Oswald Brodie became the governor of Arizona. One of the first things Governor Brodie did was make Rynning the new captain of the Arizona Rangers.
The Arizona Rangers were a special police force that helped keep law and order in Arizona. Rynning moved his headquarters to Douglas, Arizona.
Keeping the Peace in Arizona
In 1903, Rynning played an important part in keeping peace during some unrest in Clifton and Morenci, Arizona. In 1906, he led a large group of American volunteers to help stop a riot in Cananea, Sonora, Mexico.
Mine owner William D. Greene sent a message saying that American citizens were being attacked during a workers' strike. Rynning quickly organized 275 armed men. He and five rangers, along with seventy others, took a train to Sonora. Their mission was to stop the rioting and protect American lives and property. By the time Rynning arrived, the fighting had mostly ended. His men guarded the company buildings during discussions.
Stopping a Border Group
On September 4, 1906, Rynning led the Arizona Rangers and immigration officers in a raid. They found a secret meeting of a group called the Partido Liberal Mexicano in Douglas. They found dynamite, pistols, and banners. Seven members were arrested for breaking a law about neutrality.
This group had been gathering weapons to go into Mexico. They planned to take over border buildings, blow up railways, and cut telegraph wires. They also wanted to get the Yaqui tribe to help them by promising to return their land.
Working in Prisons
In March 1907, Thomas Rynning left the Arizona Rangers. He was then chosen by President William Howard Taft to be the superintendent (leader) of the Yuma Territorial Prison in Yuma, Arizona.
Rynning immediately started planning to build a new prison in Florence, Arizona. He oversaw the building work and even brought prisoners from Yuma to help. When Arizona became a state in 1912, a new government took over. Rynning was removed from his job. However, in 1921, he was again appointed superintendent of the prison.
Later Years and Passing
Later in his life, Thomas Rynning moved to San Diego, California. In 1934, he became a deputy marshal there. He also served as an undersheriff.
Thomas Rynning passed away in San Diego on June 18, 1941. He was 75 years old. He was buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.
In Popular Culture
- Thomas Rynning was played by actor Tristram Coffin in a TV show called 26 Men. This show was on TV from 1957 to 1959.
