Thomas Turpin Crittenden facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Turpin Crittenden
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Thomas Turpin Crittenden
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| Born | October 16, 1825 Huntsville, Alabama, US |
| Died | September 5, 1905 (aged 79) East Gloucester, Massachusetts, US |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1846–1847, 1861–1863 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Thomas Turpin Crittenden (born October 16, 1825 – died September 5, 1905) was an important general who fought for the Union Army during the American Civil War. He was known for his early service in the war.
Contents
Early Life and First Military Steps
Thomas Turpin Crittenden was born in Huntsville, Alabama. Soon after his birth, his family moved to Texas. He grew up there and later attended Transylvania College in Lexington, Kentucky.
Before the Civil War, Thomas Crittenden became a lawyer. He worked in Missouri until 1846. That year, he joined the army to fight in the Mexican–American War. He served as a second lieutenant in a volunteer regiment from Missouri. After the war, he moved to Madison, Indiana, and continued his law career.
A Family of Generals
Thomas Turpin Crittenden came from a well-known family. His uncle was Senator John J. Crittenden from Kentucky. He also had two cousins who became generals during the Civil War. One cousin, George B. Crittenden, fought for the Confederate side. The other, Thomas L. Crittenden, also served the Union, just like Thomas Turpin.
Serving in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began in April 1861, Thomas Crittenden quickly volunteered to join the Union Army. Just five days after the war started, he became a captain in the 6th Regiment Indiana Infantry (3 months). A little over a week later, he was promoted to colonel of the same regiment.
Early Battles and Promotions
Colonel Crittenden led his regiment into what is now West Virginia. There, they took part in several smaller battles. His first enlistment was only for 90 days, so his regiment was discharged in August 1861. However, Crittenden quickly reorganized his men for three years of service.
In September 1861, he led his troops into Kentucky, a state that was officially neutral at the time. They spent the winter near Bowling Green. Later, they marched to Tennessee and arrived just in time for the second day of the important Battle of Shiloh. In April 1862, Crittenden was promoted to brigadier general.
Capture and Resignation
General Crittenden faced a difficult challenge on July 13, 1862. He was in charge of the Union troops at Murfreesboro, Tennessee. However, the cavalry led by Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest captured Crittenden and his entire command.
Crittenden was exchanged in October 1862, meaning he was released in exchange for a captured Confederate soldier. But this event hurt his military career. In early 1863, he was given command of a new brigade. However, he felt that his leaders no longer trusted him as much as before. Because of this, he resigned from the army in May 1863. He did not serve in the military again after that.
Life After the War
After the Civil War ended, Thomas Crittenden moved to Washington, D.C.. He went back to practicing law, even arguing cases before the highest court in the country, the U.S. Supreme Court.
In 1885, he moved far away to San Diego, California. There, he became involved in developing real estate, which means buying and selling land and buildings. Thomas Turpin Crittenden passed away at the age of 79 while visiting East Gloucester, Massachusetts. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, a special place where many American heroes are laid to rest.
Images for kids
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Grave at Arlington National Cemetery
