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THOMAS GREEN
1814 – 1864
Thomas Green was born in Amelia County, Virginia, January 8, 1814, and was graduated from the University of Nashville. He studied law under the tutelage of his father who was a justice of the Tennessee supreme court. Removing to Texas in 1835, he fought at San Jacinto in the War for Texas Independence, and then srved with Gen. Zachary taylor’s command in the Mexican War as captain of the 1st Texas Rifles. In the interim he held office of clerk of the Texas supreme court from 1841 to 1861.
Tom Green entered the Confederate Army as colonel of the 5th Mounted Texas Volunteers which he led at the engagement of Valverde in New Mexico Territory. He subsequently distinguished himself at Galveston in January 1863, and under Gen Richard Taylor in Louisiana. He was promoted brigadier general from May 20, 1863. While commanding a brigade composed of the 4th, 5th, and 7th Texas cavalry, Gen. Taylor recommended him for promotion to major general, but action was not taken to this request by Richmond. While he was in the fight at Mansfield and Pleasant Hill during the Red River campaign, Gen Green was killed in action by a shell from one of the Federal gunboats at Blair’s Landing, Louisiana, April 12, 1864. He is buried in Oakwood Cemetery in Austin, Texas.
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