Briefing Document: Thomas Jefferson Farquhar

Date: October 26, 2023 Subject: Biographical Information and Military Service of Thomas Jefferson Farquhar

Summary:

This document provides a biographical overview of Thomas Jefferson Farquhar, who served as a private in the Texas Frontier Regiment during the American Civil War. He died at the age of 19 while stationed at Camp San Saba. The document details his family connections, his military enlistment, and the circumstances of his death.

Key Information:

Birth and Death: Thomas Jefferson Farquhar was born on December 29, 1844, in Fayette County, Alabama, and died on April 16, 1864, at Camp San Saba, McCulloch County, Texas, at the age of 19.

Burial: He is buried in the Camp San Saba Cemetery in McCulloch County, Texas.

Family: He was one of twelve children born to Anderson and Lavina Kirkland Farquhar. Notably, he had a twin brother, Ambrose Nelson "Ab" Farquhar. The document also lists all of his siblings, their birth and death dates.

Military Service:

He enlisted as a private in Company K of the mounted volunteers of the Texas Frontier Regiment.

The unit was commanded by Capt. William G. O'Brien, with Col. J.E. McCord as the commanding officer.

He enlisted on July 16, 1863, at Camp San Saba for a term of 3 years or the duration of the war.

He was mustered in on the same date and at the same location.

Cause of Death: Thomas Jefferson Farquhar died of an illness while stationed at Camp San Saba. The source states, "while at Camp San Saba became ill and died there." Family history supports this claim, stating that "according to family, he was buried in the camp cemetery."

Main Themes:

Youth and Tragedy: The document highlights the young age at which Thomas Jefferson Farquhar died. At 19, his life was cut short by illness during his military service. This underscores the human cost of the Civil War, which impacted young men in the frontier regions as well as on the major battlefields.

Family Context: The extensive list of siblings paints a picture of a large, closely knit family. This adds depth to the narrative by showing that Thomas's death affected a wider family circle.

Frontier Service: Thomas's enlistment in the Texas Frontier Regiment shows his participation in a different type of war effort, one that wasn't always in the large battles that dominate the popular understanding of the Civil War. Frontier regiments were concerned with local security and dealing with conflicts in the western territories.

Military Details: The document includes precise military information about his unit, its leadership and the terms of his enlistment. This provides a specific record of his military service that contributes to the broader historical record.

Quotes from the Source:

"Thomas Jefferson Farquhar was the son of Anderson and Lavina Kirkland Farquhar of Burnet County, Texas, and was born the twin brother of Ambrose Nelson Farquhar."

"Thomas enlisted in the Texas Frontier Regiment during the Civil War and while at Camp San Saba became ill and died there."

"According to family, he was buried in the camp cemetery."

"Pvt. T. Farquhar, CO. K, mounted volunteers, FRONTIER REGIMENT Capt. William G. O'Brien, Comm. Off. Col. J.E. McCord commdg., TEXAS STATE TROOPERS, Enlisted July 16, 1863 at Camp San Saba for 3 years or the duration of the war; mustered in same date and same place."

Conclusion:

The document provides a concise yet informative account of Thomas Jefferson Farquhar's life and short military career. It emphasizes the tragic circumstances of his death and positions him within the context of his family and the specific duties of the Texas Frontier Regiment.