Sweeny

Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)

THOMAS WILLIAM, an American military officer; born in Cork, Ireland, Dec. 25, 1820; settled in the United States in 1832 and learned the printer's trade. In 1846 he was made 2d lieutenant in the 1st New York Volunteers; took part in the bombardment of Vera Cruz, and in the assault on Churubusco, where he greatly distinguished himself, and lost his right arm. After the Mexican War he was commissioned 2d lieutenant in the 2d United States Infantry , and was often engaged against hostile Indians. In January, 1861, he was promoted captain and assigned to the command of the arsenal in St. Louis . In his command were only 40 recruits, while there were nearly 3,000 hostile minute men in St. Louis. He kept all enemies at bay by the threat that if any violence were attempted he would blow the place to atoms. He became a brigadier -general of volunteers in May, 1861, and later colonel of the 52d Illinois Volunteers, with which regiment he took part in the capture of Fort Donelson. During the first day of the action at Shiloh he held the key of the Union position. He was promoted major of the 16th United States Infantry in October, 1863. During the Atlanta campaign his command captured Snake Creek gap. He also took part in the action at Dallas and Kenesaw mountain; but won his greatest distinction on July 22, 1864, in the engagement before Atlanta. He was retired in May, 1870, with the rank of Brigadier- General U. S. A. He died in Astoria, L. I., April 10, 1892.