Thomas Montague GUNTER (FAMOUS)(VETERAN CSA)

Arkansas
COLONEL CSA
Gunter's Battalion, Arkansas Cavalry
Civil War Confederate
September 16, 1826* - January 13, 1904

Born in Warren Tenn
Member of the U.S. Congress 1872 - 1882

CONFEDERATE ARKANSAS TROOPS

Gunter's Battalion, Arkansas Cavalry

Gunter's Cavalry Battalion was assembled during the fall of 1863 and served under General Cabell in the Trans-Mississippi Department. It took an active part in the conflicts at Elkins' Ferry and Marks’ Mills, then participated in Price's Missouri Expedition. After some light action, the unit disbanded prior to the surrender in June, 1865. Its commanders were Lieutenant Colonel Thomas M. Gunter and Major James Woosley.

From usgwarchives.net:
Hon. Thomas Montague Gunter, one of Washington County's representative men, and one who has been closely identified with her interests, was born on a farm in Warren County, Tenn., September 18, 1826, the son of John and Lavina (Thomason) Gunter, natives of North Carolina and Tennessee, respectively, and grandson of Augustus Gunter, of North Carolina, who settled in Tennessee at an early date. The Gunters were people of fine physical development, [p.948] and were strong in their convictions. They were believers in the Presbyterian doctrine. The Thomasons were of similar characteristics, and Mrs. Lavina (Thomason) was the daughter of William Thomason, of Tennessee. Thomas M. Gunter was reared to manhood on the farm, and secured a fair education in the common schools, supplementing it with a collegiate course at Irvin College, near McMinnville, Warren Co., Tenn., from which institution he graduated in 1849, as valedictorian of his class. He had, in early manhood, formed strong inclinations for the study of law, and after graduating he taught school for twelve months in Alabama, and with the means thus obtained was enabled to further prosecute that study. In 1852 he moved to Arkansas, and on the 2d of January, 1853, he moved to Fayetteville, where he entered the office of Gen. H. F. Thomason (a cousin), completing a thorough course of study under him, and was admitted to the bar in 1854, by Hon. Felix I. Batson, circuit judge of this district. He served in the Forty-third, Forty-fourth, Forty-fifth, Forty-sixth and Forty-Seventh General United States Congress.

He also served as prosecuting attorney for the ten counties of Northwest Arkansas, served under the Murphy Government, and was reconstructed out of that office upon the reconstruction of the State. He was married in Louisiana, Mo., December 4, 1854, to Miss Marcella Jackson, whom he buried, in 1856, at Mount Comfort Cemetery in full communion with the Christian Church; she was a noble woman, and left a son, Julius C., attorney at Trinidad, Colo., and a graduate of the University of Virginia. He settled there at first on account of his health, and afterward permanently located there. Mr. Gunter took for his second wife Miss Jennie Bragg, of Charleston, Va., who is a relative of Gen. Bragg, of the Confederate States army. They have a son and daughter: Walker T., reading law with his brother, and Gertrude. When the war broke out Mr. Gunter enlisted in the Confederate army, in the Arkansas State Militia, and participated in the Wilson Creek battle, commanding Company A. Walker's regiment, under Gen. Pierce, and, upon the formation of the regular service, entered it as captain. He was subsequently promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel upon the organization of the Thirty-fourth Arkansas Infantry, known as Brooks' regiment, and rendered active and honorable service until the winter of 1864, when he was elected lieutenant- colonel of a battalion of cavalry upon the reorganization of the troops, and held command of this battalion (Gunter's battalion of cavalry) until cessation of hostilities. He went with Gen. Price to Missouri, and, after Gen. Cabell's capture, commanded the brigade at Newtonia. He participated in the battles of Oak Hill, Elk Horn or Pea Ridge, Prairie Grove, Poison Spring, Jenkins' Ferry, and after the last named battle made the raid to Missouri. As before mentioned, he commanded the brigade after Cabell's capture, fought at Neosho. While a member of Congress Mr. Gunter was chairman of the committee on private land claims, and served in that capacity for eight years. He was also a member of the committee on Indian affairs, etc. He retired on his own account, after serving his tenth year. He was a delegate to the seceding convention of Arkansas, and felt opposed to the principles, holding that the matter should be settled without difficulty. He is considerably interested in agricultural pursuits, and is a successful breeder of Jersey cattle and Southdown sheep. In 1880 he built large flouring mills at Siloam Springs, which he has lately remodeled by the roller process. Mrs. Gunter is a member of the Episcopal Church, and an ardent worker in the Ladies' Aid Society of that church. Mr. Gunter has held affiliation with the Masonic body since his early manhood. He has passed all the chairs of that body, and is a worthy Sir Knight of Baldwin Commandery No. 4.

*Obituary
The Springdale News
Friday, January 22, 1904

GUNTER, T.M. - (from The Fayetteville Democrat) Col. T.M. Gunter passed away at his home in this city at ten minutes past five o'clock yesterday afternoon. He was born in Warren, Tenn. on Sept. 7th, 1826 and came to Fayetteville in 1863 and entered the office of Gen. H.F. Thomason, as a law student. He was admitted to the bar in 1854 (1864?). He served ten years in the United States Congress and was prosecuting attorney for this judicial district when it included ten counties. He was married in Louisiana, Mo. to Miss Marcella Jackson in 1854, who died after two years. He subsequently married Miss Jennie Bragg of Charleston, Va., a relative of Gen. Bragg of the Confederate State Army. She entered into rest eternal about two years ago. He is survived by three children: Judge Julius C. of Trinidad, Col., Walter T., a lawyer of Salt Lake City, Utah and Gertrude, Mrs. Robert M. Forbes of Evanston, Ill. On Christmas day Col. Gunter was taken suddenly and severely ill and from the beginning of his illness until the end he was conscious only at brief intervals. His children hastened from their distant homes upon their first information of his illness and with physician, nurse and friends did all that human power could do to alleviate his sufferings. But the time had come and the grim monster has taken him from his loved ones. The funeral will take place tomorrow, Thursday, at 2:00 from St. Paul's church. The interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery. For forty years Col. T.M. Gunter has been one of the foremost citizens of Northwest Arkansas. As a lawyer he was a pronounced success. As a public speaker he was pleasing, forceful and convincing. As prosecuting attorney he was fearless but just and fair. As a Confederate soldier he was like a plumed Knight who never commanded his men to go where he did not lead. As a legislator and statesman he was ever true to the interests of his constituents and an able defender of their cause in the halls of the National Congress. As a private citizen he was a friend to the poor, a liberal contributor to every movement for the community's good, a wise counselor, true friend to the poor, a liberal contributor to every movement for the community's good, a wise counselor, true friend and obliging neighbor. He was a true, noble, manly man. He enjoyed life and made sunshine for other people. His death is a distinctive loss to this community and will be mourned by friends in every part of the state and nation. He had no enemies.

*Obituary
The Springdale News
Friday, January 22, 1904

(from The Fayetteville Daily, Friday) One of the largest congregations that ever assembled in this city gathered in St. Paul's church yesterday afternoon to attend the funeral ceremonies of Col. T.M. Gunter. More than a hundred Masons were present and the bar of all the surrounding towns were represented. The floral offerings were profuse and magnificent. After the burial service was read by Rev. J.R. Wahling, Rector of St. Paul's church, Prof. A.H. Purdue, as Worshipful Master, conducted a Masonic service in the church. The masons and lawyers marched to the cemetery, a guard of honor following the hearse. Mr. Wahling conducted the services at the grave as provided by the church and Rev. N.M. Ragland offered a prayer. The funeral was then given over to the masons, and the Worshipful Master conducted a beautiful and impressive service.

Contributed on 1/19/11 by nailgal123
Email This Contributor

Suggest a Correction

Record #: 449816

Don't Follow