Thomas Maley Harris facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Maley Harris
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Gen. Thomas Maley Harris, M.D.
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| Born | June 17, 1817 Harrisville, Virginia (now West Virginia) |
| Died | September 30, 1906 (aged 89) Harrisville, West Virginia |
| Buried |
Harrisville I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Harrisville, West Virginia
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861 - 1866 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General Brevet Major General |
| Commands held | 10th West Virginia Volunteer Infantry Regiment Department of West Virginia (Division) |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Other work | Physician, state legislator, author
Lincoln Conspirators' Trial and Execution |
Thomas Maley Harris (1817–1906) was an American physician and a brave officer. He served as a general for the Union Army during the American Civil War.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Thomas Maley Harris was born on June 17, 1817. His hometown was Harrisville, Virginia. This area is now part of West Virginia. Thomas first wanted to be a teacher. However, he later decided to study medicine instead. He went to Louisville Medical College. In 1843, he earned his medical degree. After finishing his studies, he returned to Virginia. He worked as a doctor there until 1861. When the Civil War began, he closed his medical practice.
Military Service During the Civil War
When the Civil War started, Thomas Maley Harris joined the Union Army. He became a leader in the military.
Leading the 10th West Virginia Infantry
During the war, Harris commanded the 10th West Virginia Volunteer Infantry Regiment. This group fought in the Shenandoah Valley. He later led a larger group called a brigade. Then he led an even bigger group called a division. These were part of Philip Sheridan's important campaigns in the Valley in 1864.
Key Battles and Promotions
Harris showed great courage in battle. He was recognized for his service at the Battle of Cedar Creek. This battle happened on October 19, 1864. For his actions, he was promoted to brigadier general. This was a special promotion called a brevet.
He then moved to the Army of the James. There, he took charge of a division. These troops were reinforcements from West Virginia. They joined the XXIV Corps. In March 1865, he received a full promotion to brigadier general. He also got another brevet promotion to major general. This was for his service at the Battle of Fort Gregg on April 2, 1865.
Role at Appomattox and Lincoln's Assassination
General Harris's troops played a very important role. They helped to block Robert E. Lee's army. This happened at the Battle of Appomattox Court House. This battle led to the end of the Civil War.
After the war ended, General Harris had another important task. He served on a special military group. This group looked into the events surrounding the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. He later wrote two books about this investigation. The books were about the evidence and what happened during the process. One book was called Assassination of Lincoln: A History of the Great Conspiracy, Trial of the Conspirators by a Military Commission, and a Review of the Trial of John H. Surratt, published in 1892. The second book was Rome's Responsibility for the Assassination of Abraham Lincoln, published in 1897.
Life After the War
After his military service, Thomas Maley Harris continued to serve his community.
Political and Public Service
In 1867, Harris served in the West Virginia House of Delegates. This is like being a representative in the state government. He was first a member of the Whig Party. When the Civil War began in 1861, he joined the Republican Party. He also served as the mayor of his hometown, Harrisville, West Virginia.
From 1867 to 1869, he worked as an adjunct general. This was in the state's military force. From 1871 to 1876, he was a U.S. pension agent for Wheeling, West Virginia. This job involved helping people get their government pensions.
Return to Medicine and Retirement
After his public service, he went back to being a doctor. He practiced medicine until 1885. That year, he decided to retire. Thomas Maley Harris passed away in 1906.
External sources
- Eicher, John H., and Eicher, David J., Civil War High Commands, Stanford University Press, 2001, ISBN: 0-8047-3641-3.
