Sons of Leitrim
Craig
Thomas
Soldier Profile: Thomas Craig
Co. D, 1st Rhode Island Infantry
Thomas Craig’s service represents the "First Responders" of the American Civil War. Unlike many of his countrymen who enlisted for three-year terms later in the conflict, Thomas answered the very first call for troops in the spring of 1861.
Early Life
Born: Circa 1831 in Mayo, County Leitrim, Ireland.
Emigration: While his arrival date is unconfirmed, Thomas had established himself in the New England area by the time the war broke out.
Military Service: A "Ninety-Day" Volunteer
When the war began in April 1861, President Lincoln called for 75,000 volunteers to serve for just three months, believing the conflict would be short-lived. Thomas was among the first to step forward.
Enlistment: He joined the Union Army on April 17, 1861, in Providence, Rhode Island—just five days after the attack on Fort Sumter.
The 1st Rhode Island Infantry: Thomas was mustered into Company D. This regiment was raised and initially led by the future Colonel Ambrose Burnside later promoted to General.
First Battle of Bull Run: The regiment fought in the first major land battle of the war on July 21, 1861. While Thomas was a member of the unit, he had only been in uniform for seven weeks, and it was a chaotic introduction to the horrors of war.
Mustered Out: Following the expiration of their short-term enlistment, Thomas and the entire regiment were mustered out of service on August 2, 1861.
Navy: He joined the Navy on1 July 1862 as a coalheaver. He is listed as 5' 5" tall, Sandy hair, Hazel eyes, fair complexion. He is listed as a widower but we have no information about his wife. His religion is listed as protestant. Thomas remained in the Navy until 21 Nov 1898.
Later Life and Legacy
Thomas survived the war years and eventually moved west to Ohio. In his later years, he resided at the National Military Home in Dayton, a sanctuary for those who had served.
Death: Thomas passed away on June 19, 1910, at the age of 79.
Final Resting Place: He is buried with full military honors in the Dayton National Cemetery (Section 1, Row 7, Grave 14).
Service Timeline
Date Event Location
April 17, 1861 Enlisted (90-Day Volunteer) Providence, RI
July 21, 1861 Battle of First Bull Run Manassas, VA
August 2, 1861 Honorably Mustered Out Providence, RI
June 19, 1910 Deceased Dayton, OH
