Thomas James Churchill

Thomas J. Churchill

Thomas James Churchill (10 March 1824 – 10 March 1905) was a Confederate major general during the American Civil War and a governor of the state of Arkansas.

Thomas J. Churchill was born near Louisville, Kentucky. He was educated at St. Mary's College and studied law at Transylvania University. He served during the Mexican-American War and rose to the rank of lieutenant in a regiment of mounted infantry. He was captured by the Mexican Army and remained a prisoner of war until near the end of the conflict. In 1848, he moved to Little Rock, Arkansas, married the daughter of Senator Ambrose Sevier, and became a planter.

At the start of the Civil War, Churchill offered his services to the state and was elected Colonel of the 1st Arkansas Mounted Rifles. His first combat took place at the Battle of Wilson's Creek near Springfield, Missouri. On 4 March 1862, he was promoted to brigadier general and soon thereafter took part in Kirby Smith's Kentucky Campaign. Churchill played an important role in the victory at Richmond, Kentucky.

In the latter part of 1862, Churchill was transferred back to Arkansas and placed in charge of the fortifications at Arkansas Post. In January 1863, the Post was attacked and seized in the Battle of Fort Hindman by an overwhelming Union force under Major General John McClernand. On 17 March 1863, Churchill was promoted to major general and transferred to the Army of Tennessee. He remained only a short time and returned to the Trans-Mississippi District and served during the Red River Campaign in command of a division of Arkansas infantry. He played a major role in the Battle of Jenkins Ferry.