Thomas Lafayette Rosser | |
---|---|
Born |
Campbell County, Virginia |
October 15, 1836
Died | March 29, 1910 Charlottesville, Virginia |
(aged 73)
Allegiance |
Confederate States of America United States of America |
Service/branch |
Confederate States Army United States Army |
Years of service | 1861–65 (CSA) 1898 (USA) |
Rank |
Major General (CSA) Brigadier General (USA) |
Commands held | 5th Virginia Cavalry |
Battles/wars |
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Thomas Lafayette (Tex) Rosser (October 15, 1836 – March 29, 1910) was a Confederate major general during the American Civil War, and later a railroad construction engineer and in 1898 a brigadier general of volunteers in the United States Army during the Spanish–American War. A favorite of J.E.B. Stuart, he was noted for his daring cavalry raids, efficiency in handling combat troops, and tactical brilliance.
Rosser was born on a farm called "Catalpa Hill", in Campbell County, Virginia, the son of John and Martha Melvina (Johnson) Rosser. In 1849, the family relocated to a 640-acre (2.6 km2) farm in Panola County, Texas, some forty miles west of Shreveport, Louisiana. The 13-year-old Tom Rosser led the wagon train bearing his mother and younger siblings westward, as business considerations compelled his father to remain in Virginia for a short time. Texas Congressman Lemuel D. Evans appointed Rosser to the United States Military Academy in 1856. However, Rosser did not complete the required five-year course of study, as Rosser, a supporter of Texas secession, resigned when Texas left the Union on April 22, 1861 two weeks before the scheduled graduation. Rosser traveled to Montgomery, Alabama, to enlist in the Confederate States Army. Thomas Rosser's room mate at the academy, George Armstrong Custer was a close friend and despite being on opposing sides this friendship continued both during and after the Civil War ended. He was known for his “hit and run” raids.