Thomas Maret Forbus (1843 - 1921)

Born Oct 1843 in Rockcastle, Kentucky, United States

Ancestors

Descendants

Died 4 Feb 1921 at age 77 in White Oak, Franklin, Arkansas, United States

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Biography

In 1861, at 18 years of age, Thomas enrolled in Captain Smith’s Company, 3rd Battalion of Hilliard’s Legion, Confederate State of Alabama. He served as a private in the American Civil War, surviving the increasingly scarce ammunition, lack of shoes, a tattered uniform. After the initial setbacks, as the war progressed, the Union was able to muster the full vigor of its industry and fill its ranks with fresh troops, especially Irish and German-born immigrants. In 1863, Thomas got sick and returned home - no telling what traumas, physical or psychological he carried with him. His getting sick likely saved his life and that of his descendants. He lived to a sound 78 years alongside his wife Mary Ann, farming land that was later swallowed by the cement and oblivion of modern America.

Sources

• NARA M311. Compiled service records of Confederate soldiers from Alabama