Thomas Alfred Smyth

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Thomas Alfred Smyth (December 25, 1832 – April 9, 1865) was a brigadier general in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He was the last Federal general killed in the war.

Smyth was born in Ballyhooly in Cork County, Ireland, and worked on his father's farm as a youth. He immigrated to the United States in 1854, settling in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was employed as a wood carver and coach and carriage maker. In 1858, he moved to Wilmington, Delaware.

He enlisted in 1861 in the Union army in an Irish-American three-months regiment, the 24th Pennsylvania. He was later commissioned as major of the 1st Delaware Infantry, a three-years regiment. He served at the battles of Fredericksburg (following which he was promoted to lieutenant colonel and then to colonel) and Chancellorsville. During the Gettysburg Campaign, he commanded the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division of the II Corps. During the Battle of Gettysburg, his men helped defend Cemetery Ridge and advanced to the area of the Bliss farm.

In October 1864, he was promoted to brigadier general during the Siege of Petersburg. In April 1865 at Farmville, Virginia, Smyth was shot through the mouth by a sniper, with the bullet shattering his cervical vertebra and paralyzing him. Smyth died two days later, concurrent with the surrender of Robert E. Lee at Appomattox Court House. He was promoted posthumously to brevet major general.

He was buried in Brandywine Cemetery in Wilmington, Delaware.