Thomas Corbett was killed 160 years ago today, during the first day’s fighting at the battle of Trevilian Station.

Thomas was born in Tipperary, Ireland in 1837. He appears to have immigrated at the age of 13, with his father and an older sibling. They arrived in New Orleans on the Sea King on October 19, 1849 and eventually moved to Memphis, TN.

He and his wife, Margaret Feeney, were married at St Peter’s Church by Rev. T.L. Grace in Memphis on February 20, 1859. Their son John was born there on October 9, 1860. At some point in the next three years he moved to Cincinnati with his young family. They resided at No. 131 East 6th Street and he worked as a laborer.

Lieutenant Robert Smith enlisted him into Company A, 2^nd US Cavalry in Cincinnati, OH on May 22, 1863. His enlistment documents describe him as 26 years old, 5’6″ tall, with hazel eyes, black hair, and a ruddy complexion. He does not appear to have served in a volunteer unit.

After his initial training at Carlisle Barracks, Thomas joined Company A on October 1^st. He served with the regiment at Mitchell Station through the winter of 1863, rotating with others on the picket lines. He served in the opening battles of the Overland Campaign in May 1864 without incident or injury.

Thomas was shot in the head and killed during the first day’s fighting at Trevilian Station. Since the company’s commander, fellow Irishman First Lieutenant Michael Lawless, was killed the same day, there was no officer present with the company at the time. First Sergeant James A. Timmons wrote a letter to Margaret notifying her of Thomas’ death. Since Margaret could not read or write, someone had to read the letter to her. It must have been an even more devastating way to learn of her husband’s death.

“Camp 2^nd US Cavalry

Near White House Landing Va

June 22^nd 1864

Mrs. Corbitt

It is with regret I have to inform you that your husband Thomas Corbitt of Co. A, 2^nd US Cavalry was killed on the 11^th inst while engaged with enemy at Trevilian Station Va near Gordonsville. He was shot in the head. He did not speak after he was hit. I found on his person the old letter purporting to be from you which I enclose also a silver ring that was all he had about him. At the earliest opportunity I will send his papers to the Adjutant Genl Office Washington and you can get all that is coming to him. Any further information regarding him I will be happy to give.

I am very respectfully your obt svt

James Timmons

1^st Sergt Co A 2^nd US Cav”

Corbett was initially buried on the field and most likely later reinterred at Culpeper National Cemetery as an unknown soldier when it was established in 1867. Margaret filed a pension claim for herself and John, remaining at the same address in Cincinnati for several years. Later in life she moved to Chicago, where she died about 1903.