Colonel Thomas H. Williamson (CSA)

Civil War Confederate Army Officer Served as Professer of Engineering and Drawing at Virginia Military Institute for 47 years. A Lieutenant Colonel of Engineers in Provisional Army of Virginia, in April of 1862, Maj. General Stonewall Jackson requested that he be temporarily released from his duties and assigned to Jackson's command. He served as Chief Engineer at the First Battle of Bull Run.

1813. Born August 30, in Richmond Va., to Thomas and Anne Walke Williamson

1819-1828. Schooling in Norfolk, Va.

1829. Entered West Point, but resigned before graduation in 1833. Roommate of Francis H. Smith, who would become VMI's first Superintendent.

1834. Entered profession of Civil Engineering. Became assistant to the office of the U.S. Engineer in charge of building the dry-dock in the Norfolk Navy Yard.

1837. Married Louisa Henrietta Fenton Garnett on May 11.

1841. Appointed Instructor in Tactics and Drawing at VMI. Reported for duty on Aug. 28.

1841 ca. Taught Drawing at the Female Seminary in Lexington.

1841-1845. Commandant of Cadets.

1845. Resigned from VMI (over differences with Supt. Francis H. Smith); Board of Visitors rejected the resignation.

1845-1849. Treasurer of VMI.

1849. Promoted to Major; wrote the textbook An Elementary Course in Architecture and Civil Engineering, for use in his cadet classes.

1855 ca. Appointed VMI Librarian in addition to his other duties. Salary increased by $100.00.

1859. Louisa Williamson died in January, leaving five children: Mercer, William Garnett, Anne, Thomas, Olympia.

1861 April. Promoted to Lt. Col; served with the Corps of Engineers on defense of the Rappahanock River and Manassas; ordered to report to VMI and resume duties as Professor of Civil and Military Engineering in October.

1862 April. Promoted to Colonel; joined Stonewall Jackson's staff for temporary special duty.

1864. Married Mrs. Julia Wharton (nee Lewis) of Lexington.

1877-78. Promoted to Brigadier General.

1887. Julia Wharton Williamson died on March 30. Mother of two children:

Sydney Bacon, Cornelia.

1888. Died on March 31.