Rash's Surname Index
Notes for Thomas Ward CUSTER
Custer, Thomas Ward, soldier, was born in New Rumley, Ohio, March 15, 1845; son of Emmanuel H. and Maria (Ward) Kirkpatrick Custer. Being but sixteen years old and small of stature when the civil war began he failed in all his efforts to enlist until late in 1863, when an Ohio infantry regiment received him as a private and be served in the west. His brother, Gen. George A. Custer, then in the
army of the Potomac, succeeded in having him appointed on his staff as an aide-de-camp and he was commissioned second lieutenant in the 6th Michigan cavalry, to date from Nov. 8, 1864. He rode by the side of his famous brother in many cavalry charges and at Namozine Church, April 2. 1865, he captured a Confederate flag. He took a similar trophy during the battle at Sailor's Creek, April 6, and in the encounter was severely wounded in the face by the discomfited color-bearer. Undertaking to charge the enemy a second time he was ordered by his brother to the rear to have his wonnds dressed, and not being obeyed, the general placed the brave boy under arrest. Congress awarded him a medal for this exploit. He accompanied his brother to Texas in 1865 and was mustered out of the volunteer service in November, 1865, receiving brevets as captain major and lieutenant-colonel. He joined the regular army as 2d lieutenant in the first infantry, Feb. 23, 1866, and on July 28 was commissioned 1st lieutenant and assigned to the 7th U.S. cavalry commanded by his brother. General Custer's estimate of his brother's soldiership was tersely expressed: "If you want to know my opinion of Tom, I can only say that I think he should be the general and I the captain." He accompanied the general in the expedition against the Sioux, and died at his side in the battle of Little Big Horn, Montana, June 25, 1876.
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