★★★ Smith, Thomas

Thomas Smith
​

Born: August 26, 1836

Birthplace: Culpepper, Virginia

Father: Governor William "Extra Billy" Smith 1797 – 1887

(Buried: Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond, Virginia)​

Mother: Elizabeth H. Bell 1800 – 1879

(Buried: Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond, Virginia)​

Wife: Elizabeth Fairfax Gaines 1851 – 1920

(Buried: Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond, Virginia)​

Education:

Graduated from College of William & Mary​

​

Studied law at University of Virginia​

Occupation before War:

Attorney in Charleston, Virginia (West Virginia)​

Civil War Career:

1861: Private of Company H, 22nd​ Virginia Infantry Regiment​

​

1861 – 1864: Major of 36th​ Virginia Infantry Regiment

​

1864: Lt. Colonel of 36th​ Virginia Infantry Regiment​

​

1864: Wounded and Captured during Battle of Cloyd's Mountain, Virginia​

​

1864 – 1865: Colonel of 36th ​Virginia Infantry Regiment​

1864 – 1865: Acted as Brigade Commander​

Occupation after War:

Attorney in Warrenton, Virginia​

​

United States Attorney for the territory of New Mexico​

​

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of New Mexico Territory​

Died: June 29, 1918

Place of Death: Warrenton, Virginia

Cause of Death: Uremia

Age at time of Death: 81 years old

Burial Place: Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond, Virginia

 

[Luke Freet]

Thomas Smith:​

Born: August 26, 1836View attachment 382930
Birthplace: Culpepper Virginia
Father: Governor William "Extra Billy" Smith 1797 – 1887
(Buried: Hollywood Cemetery Richmond Virginia)
Mother: Elizabeth H. Bell 1800 – 1879
(Buried: Hollywood Cemetery Richmond Virginia)
Wife: Elizabeth Fairfax Gaines 1851 – 1920
(Buried: Hollywood Cemetery Richmond Virginia)

Education:
Graduated from College of William & Mary
Studied law at University of Virginia

Occupation before War:
Attorney in Charleston Virginia (West Virginia)

Civil War Career:
1861: Private of Company H 22nd​ Virginia Infantry Regiment
1861 – 1864: Major of 36th​ Virginia Infantry Regiment
1864: Lt. Colonel of 36th​ Virginia Infantry Regiment
1864: Wounded and Captured during Battle of Cloyd's Mountain VA.
1864 – 1865: Colonel of 36th​ Virginia Infantry RegimentView attachment 382931
1864 – 1865: Acted as Brigade Commander

Occupation after War:
Attorney in Warrenton Virginia
United States Attorney for the territory of New Mexico
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of New Mexico Territory


Died: June 29, 1918
Place of Death: Warrenton Virginia
Cause of Death: Uremia
Age at time of Death: 81 years old
Burial Place: Hollywood Cemetery Richmond Virginia

Smith commanded McCausland's old infantry brigade (After McCausland was transferred to cavalry and Beuhring Jones was captured at Piedmont) from the end of Piedmont to the end of the war. His men were part of Breckinridge's/Echols'/Wharton's division in the Army of the Valley District.
I believe it was his brigade that formed the "backbone" of the confederate force at the Battle of Waynesboro.

 

[Pollaco]

This Smith is not to be confused with Thomas Benton Smith who was savagely attacked by Union Colonel William McMillen with his own sword after surrendering.

 

[Luke Freet]

This Smith is not to be confused with Thomas Benton Smith who was savagely attacked by Union Colonel William McMillen with his own sword after surrendering.

Despite being the son of the recently elected Virginia Governor, this Tom Smith does not appear to have been promoted to Brigadier, despite serving essentially as the permanant brigade commander for almost a year.