Thomas J. Kirkpatrick facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas J. Kirkpatrick
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| Member of the Virginia Senate from the Campbell County district |
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| In office December 6, 1871 – November 30, 1875 |
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| Preceded by | Robert L. Owen Sr. |
| Succeeded by | John W. Daniel |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 31, 1829 Cumberland County, Virginia |
| Died | October 17, 1897 (aged 68) Lynchburg, Virginia |
| Spouse | Fortunata Sydnor Kirkpatrick |
| Occupation | lawyer, teacher |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States of America |
| Branch/service | artillery |
| Years of service | 1861-1865 |
| Rank | major |
| Unit | Amherst Light Artillery |
Thomas Jellis Kirkpatrick (born July 31, 1829 – died October 17, 1897) was an important person in Virginia. He was a lawyer and a soldier during the American Civil War. After the war, he became the first leader of public schools in Lynchburg, Virginia. He also served as a state senator, representing Campbell County for one term.
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Early Life and Family
Thomas J. Kirkpatrick was born in Cumberland County, Virginia. His parents were John Kirkpatrick and Jane Maria Jellis.
In 1852, Thomas Kirkpatrick married Fortunata Sydnor. Her family was connected to a patriot named Benjamin Watkins. Thomas and Fortunata had several children. Some of their children who lived to be adults included Elizabeth, Sydnor, and Thomas Jr.
Kirkpatrick's Career
By 1850, Kirkpatrick started working as a lawyer in Lynchburg, Virginia. He lived there with his mother and sisters. In 1855, he became the first president of the local YMCA. He also led the Sunday School at the First Presbyterian Church for 50 years.
Before the American Civil War, Kirkpatrick was a trustee for Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. He stayed on their board until 1870.
During the Civil War
In February 1861, Kirkpatrick tried to get elected to the Virginia Secession Convention. He wanted Virginia to leave the United States. However, voters in Lynchburg chose other candidates who wanted Virginia to stay.
After Virginia decided to leave the Union in April 1861, Kirkpatrick helped create a group of soldiers. This group was called the "Amherst Light Artillery." He became their captain on July 24, 1861. Later, in 1865, he was promoted to the rank of major.
Kirkpatrick's wife, Fortunata, and another woman named Narcissa Chisholm Owen were very active. They led about 500 women in Lynchburg. These women helped the Confederate soldiers by sewing uniforms and providing other support.
After the War
After the war ended, Kirkpatrick went back to being a lawyer. He also became the superintendent of schools in Lynchburg. He helped set up and run four schools for white children and two schools for Black children. At this time, other private schools also started in the city.
In December 1871, Kirkpatrick became a state senator for Virginia. He represented Campbell County. He served one term, until 1875. After his term, another Confederate veteran, John W. Daniel, took his place.
By 1891, Kirkpatrick was a trustee for Howard University in Washington, D.C.. He later became an honorary trustee there.
Death and Legacy
Thomas J. Kirkpatrick passed away in Lynchburg on October 17, 1897. He was buried in the Presbyterian cemetery.
