Thomas Moonlight

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Thomas Moonlight

Thomas Moonlight (November 10, 1833 – February 7, 1899) was a United States politician and general.

Moonlight was born in Forfairshire, Scotland. He emigrated to the United States and served for five years as a first sergeant in the 4th U.S. Artillery regiment.

During the American Civil War Moonlight raised the 1st Kansas Volunteer Artillery Battery and became its captain. His service during the war was primarily in Kansas against bushwhackers and border guerrillas. He also pursued William C. Quantrill's raiders following the Lawrence Massacre. In 1864 he was appointed colonel and commanded the 3rd Sub-district in the District of South Kansas. During Sterling Price's Missouri Raid in 1864, Colonel Moonlight commanded the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division in the Army of the Border and was conspicuous at the Battle of Westport.

Towards the end of the war, he was in command of the District of Colorado and campaigned against Indians on the plains. He was given a brevet promotion to brigadier general in 1865.

After the war, he returned to his farm and became involved in politics in the state of Kansas. He served as the Kansas Secretary of State, and also as state senator. From 1887 to 1889 Moonlight served as the governor of the Wyoming Territory. After his term as governor he served as U.S. Minister to Bolivia.

He died at Leavenworth, Kansas, and is buried there in Mount Muncie Cemetery.