Thomas Kenan (Civil War) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Stephen Kenan
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| Born | February 12, 1838 |
| Died | December 23, 1911 (aged 73) |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States of America |
| Service/ |
 Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Unit | 43rd North Carolina Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Other work | Attorney General of North Carolina North Carolina Supreme Court clerk |
Thomas Stephen Kenan (born February 12, 1838 – died December 23, 1911) was an American lawyer, a soldier, and a politician. He is best known for serving as the top lawyer for the state of North Carolina. This job is called the Attorney General of North Carolina. He held this important role from 1877 to 1885.
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Thomas Stephen Kenan's Early Life
Thomas Stephen Kenan was born into a well-known family. His parents were Sarah Rebecca Graham and Owen Rand Kenan. His grandfather, also named Thomas Kenan, was a U.S. Congressman. His great-grandfather, James Kenan, was a general during the American Revolutionary War.
Education and Early Career
Thomas Kenan started his schooling in Duplin County, North Carolina. He attended Old Grove Academy in Kenansville, North Carolina. This town was actually named after his great-grandfather. He also spent a year at Central Military Institute in Selma, Alabama.
In 1853, he began college at Wake Forest College. He later moved to the University of North Carolina. He graduated from there in 1857. After college, he studied law for two years with Judge Pearson. In 1860, he began his law practice in Kenansville.
Starting a Militia Group
In 1859, Thomas Kenan helped create a local military group. It was called the Duplin Rifles. He was elected as a captain of this group in April 1861.
Serving in the Civil War
During the American Civil War, Thomas Kenan joined the Confederate States Army. He was elected as a lieutenant colonel in the 43rd North Carolina Infantry Regiment in April 1862. Later that same year, he was promoted to colonel.
Wounded and Captured
On July 3, 1863, Colonel Kenan was wounded. This happened during a major battle called the Battle of Gettysburg. While he was on a special ambulance train, he and his older brother, James Kenan, were captured. They were then held as prisoners of war. Their prison was on Johnson's Island in Ohio.
Release from Prison
Thomas Kenan was released from prison on March 22, 1865. This was done on "parole." Being on parole meant he was allowed to go home. However, he had to promise not to fight in the war anymore.
After the War
When he returned home, he was elected to the state legislature. This is a group of people who make laws for the state. He served there from 1865 to 1867. Later, he tried to run for the U.S. Congress, but he did not win.
Life After the War
In 1869, Thomas Kenan moved to Wilson, North Carolina. He became the mayor of Wilson, serving from 1872 to 1876. After that, he was elected as the North Carolina Attorney General. He held this important state job from 1877 to 1885.
Community Involvement
Thomas Kenan was very involved in his community. He also helped with many state-wide activities. He was the president of the State Bar Association of North Carolina. He was also a member of the board of trustees for the University of North Carolina.
Family Life
In May 1868, Thomas Kenan married Sarah "Sallie" Dortch (1845–1916). They did not have any children.
