Gideon W. Thompson

Gideon W. Thompson (February 28, 1823 - January 8, 1902) was a colonel in the Missouri State Guard and the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. He assumed command on the field after the fall of Brigadier General John T. Hughes at the First Battle of Independence.

Early life

Gideon W. Thompson was born in Todd County, Kentucky to Robert C. Thompson and Eveline (Roberts). They relocated to Howard County, Missouri while Gideon was a toddler. Gideon became a farmer and livestock trader in Platte County, Missouri.

Civil War

At the outbreak of the Civil War, Thompson was elected captain of a company in the 5th Division of the Missouri State Guard. Serving in the major battles of Price's 1861 Missouri campaign he was elected major then colonel in November 1861. In August 1862 he was recruiting a new regiment in Missouri and suffered a wound to the foot or leg at the First Battle of Independence.

Thompson was appointed Colonel of the 6th Missouri Cavalry (Confederate) November 9, 1862 as a result of John T. Coffee's removal from command on charges of drunkenness. The regiment participated in three large Missouri raids in 1863, including the Battle of Hartville and the defense of Little Rock, Arkansas. At the Battle of Hartville, he was reported as doing his duty "well and nobly" while commanding his regiment. After the Battle of Hartville, he was mistakenly reported dead in enemy communications by Union Brigadier General Fitz Henry Warren. After his many exploits during these campaigns, a command reorganization in December 1863 resulted in his replacement by another commander.

Post-war

At the close of hostilities, Thompson returned to his farm in Platte County, Missouri. He died January 8, 1902 and is buried in the Barry Cemetery in Clay County, Missouri.