Thomas Quincy Stanford

Captain Thomas Quincy Stanford, whose walk of life was characterized by pure embodying manhood, and whose conduct on the battle field won for him the praise of his comrades in arms, sleeps the sleep of death. Col. Clayton, in this address on Monday night, paid truthful tribute to his worth, when he said, "a better and a braver man never lived." Let his admiring acquaintances and loving relatives take consolation in the reflection that he died as the brave are wont to die fighting for his country's liberties. An affectionate wife and doting mother, whose grief is unbounded, has our heartfelt sympathies in their bereavement.

In an editorial of the same newspaper it states, "In the second charge the brave Capt. Stanford was killed, whilst leading his men, when nearly at the mouth of the guns."

Captain Thomas Quincy Stanford served with the 39th Alabama Volunteer Co., G, Infantry. He was killed in action at the Battle of Stones River in Murfreesboro, TN. He received a mortal wound on the morning of December 31, 1862 and died January 2, 1863.

In a letter home to his wife, he says that in this photo he is the Officer of the Day.
The sash indicates this, also the blue in his hat indicates that he was in the infantry.

Military Service Survey - Thomas Quincy Stanford

Dates of Service: 15 May 1862 to 2 Jan 1863
Branch: Army, Confederate States of America
Rank/Paygrade: Capt, Appointed 15 May 1862.
Specialty: Company Commander, Company G, 39th Alabama Infantry
Units: Co G, 39th Alabama Infantry, Dea's Brigade, Wither's Division, Army of Tennessee
Theater of Operations: Western Theater
Significant Operations: Murfreesboro (Stone's River), TN (31 Dec 1862 - 3 Jan 1863).
Awards & Decorations: None, received a fatal wound attacking an artillery unit on 31 Dec 1862. Died 2 Jan 1863.

Citations: See attached letter from Jno. M. Johnson M.D. The letter was transcribed by C.L.Stanford, a lawyer and nephew of T.Q. "Quince" Stanford circa 1908. The letter was addressed to C.L.'s father Dr. William J. Stanford, Asst Surgeon, 39th Alabama Infantry.

Brief Biography: Thomas Quincy Stanford, was born in Duplin Co, NC, in 1832. His family moved to Henry Co, AL, in 1840. Capt Stanford received a fatal wound while leading his company against an artillery unit at Murfreesboro on 31 Dec 1862. He died on 2 Jan 1863.

Murfreesboro, Tenn.
January 2nd, 1863

Dr. Stanford

My Dear Sir:

          I send you herewith the sword of your Gallant brother Capt. Stanford of the 39th Reg. Ala. Vol: He received a mortal wound in the breast, the ball passing entirely through him about 9 o'clock on the morning of the great battle of the 31st Dec. before Murfreesboro. I saw him fall, with his naked sword in his hand urging a most gallant charge. I had him carried from the field to a hospital where he was waited upon and nursed by Mrs. Dr. Bedford & other ladies, and every thing done that could be to save him, but his wound was mortal.

          The fight is yet raging. I cannot write more, other circumstances and facts might be given by (sic) my services are needed this instant. God bless his wife and children.

                   Respectfully

                   Jno. M. Johnson,
                   Chief Surg. Cleburnes Div.
                   Hardees Corps Army of Tenn.

Thomas Quincy Stanford had three brothers who also served and fought for the CSA: Monroe Stanford, Dr. William J. Stanford and Samuel McGee Stanford. Click here!