Thomas Saltus Lubbock facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Saltus Lubbock
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| Born | November 29, 1817 Charleston, South Carolina |
| Died | January 9, 1862 (aged 44) Bowling Green, Kentucky |
| Buried |
Glenwood Cemetery (Houston, Texas)
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| Allegiance |  Confederate States of America |
| Service/ |
 Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1862 |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Commands held | Eighth Texas Cavalry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Spouse(s) | Sarah Obedience Smith Lubbock |
Thomas Saltus Lubbock (born November 29, 1817 – died January 9, 1862) was an important figure in Texas history. He was a brave Texas Ranger and a high-ranking officer, a colonel, in the Confederate army during the American Civil War. Some old records show his first name might have been Thompson.
Early Life and Adventures
Lubbock was born in Charleston, South Carolina. His parents were Henry Thomas William Lubbock and Susan Ann Saltus. His brother, Francis R. Lubbock, later became a Governor of Texas.
In 1835, Thomas moved to Louisiana. He worked in New Orleans with cotton. When the Texas Revolution began, he joined Captain William G. Cooke's company. He marched to Nacogdoches, Texas, and helped in the fight for San Antonio. After this, he worked on a steamboat on the Brazos River.
Lubbock later joined the Texan Santa Fe Expedition. He was a lieutenant leading one of the military groups. His men and he were captured in New Mexico. They were held in a convent in Mexico City. Lubbock bravely escaped by jumping from a balcony. He then made his way back to Texas.
When Adrián Woll took over San Antonio in 1842, Lubbock was chosen as a first lieutenant. He led his company to Bexar to help push the Mexican forces back. Lubbock and his men were among those who returned to Texas with Alexander Somervell. They chose not to join the Mier Expedition.
Role in the Civil War
Lubbock strongly believed in states' rights. He was a dedicated member of a group called the Knights of the Golden Circle. When the American Civil War started, he traveled from Galveston, Texas, to Richmond, Virginia. He went with other important Texans like Benjamin Franklin Terry and John A. Wharton.
In June 1861, Lubbock and Terry asked Confederate President Jefferson Davis for permission. They wanted to form a special group of rangers. President Davis reportedly told them, "I must have your men."
While in Virginia, Lubbock, Terry, and about 15 other Texans formed their own group of rangers. They scouted for the Confederate Army. In early July, Lubbock and Terry, leading some Virginia cavalry, attacked a Union camp. They captured two enemy soldiers and a horse. They later realized they had charged ahead alone.
Lubbock was still a civilian during the First Battle of Bull Run. He risked his life carrying messages during the fight. After this battle, Lubbock and Terry were allowed to create a cavalry regiment. They went back to Texas and recruited the Eighth Texas Cavalry. This group became famous as "Terry's Texas Rangers." Terry became the colonel, and Lubbock was the lieutenant colonel. However, Lubbock became very sick and had to leave the regiment in Nashville, Tennessee. He never returned to his unit.
Personal Life
Thomas Saltus Lubbock married Sara Anna Smith on December 14, 1843.
Death and Legacy
Colonel Terry, the leader of Terry's Texas Rangers, was killed in Kentucky on December 17, 1861. This happened at the Battle of Rowlett's Station.
On January 8, 1862, Lubbock was very sick in a hospital in Bowling Green, Kentucky. He had typhoid fever. Despite his illness, he was promoted to colonel and given command of the regiment. He died the very next day, on January 9, 1862. Thomas Saltus Lubbock is buried in Glenwood Cemetery (Houston, Texas).
