Background
Thomas, George Henry was born on July 31, 1816 in Southampton County, Virginia, United States. Son of John and Elizabeth (Rochelle) Thomas.
Thomas, George Henry was born on July 31, 1816 in Southampton County, Virginia, United States. Son of John and Elizabeth (Rochelle) Thomas.
Graduated from the United States Military Academy, 1840.
Commissioned Second lieutenant 3d Artillery, United States Army during Florida War. Brevetted First lieutenant for gallantry in action against Indians. Served in several Southern garrisons.
Commissioned First lieutenant, 1844.
Served throughout Taylor’s Mexican campaign. Brevetted captain and major for gallantry at battles of Monterey and Buena Vista.
Instructor artillery and cavalry United States Military Academy, 1851-1854. Commissioned lieutenant colonel, 1861, colonel, 1861.
Commanded brigade in Shenandoah Valley.
Commissioned brigadier general United States Volunteers, 1861. Assumed command 1st Division, Army of Ohio, 1861. Won victory at Mill Springs, 1862.
Promoted major general volunteers, commander right wing of Halleck’s army, 1862.
Commanded XIV Army Corps at Stone’s River, 1862-1863, became known as “the Rock of Chickamauga” as result of Battle of Chickamauga, 1863. Promoted brigadier general United States Army, 1863.
Sherman’s Atlanta campaign began, 1864, Thomas’ Army of Cumberland participated in every offensive move. Received surrender of Atlanta.
Ordered to Nashville, Tennessee, 1864.
Defeated Hood near Nashville, 1864. Promoted major general United States Army, 1865. Received thanks of the United States Congress, 1865.
Name sent by President Johnson to Senate for promotion to rank of major general United States Army, and for brevets of Lieutenant general and general, 1868, declined ranks.
Assumed command Military Division of Pacific, San Francisco, 1869.
Married Frances Lucretia Kellogg, November 17, 1852.