Image Credit: David Seibert
Today’s #MarkerMonday highlights General Wiley Thompson, who passed away on this day in 1835. Although originally born in Virginia, Thompson moved to Elberton, Georgia when he was a young man. He became commissioner of Elbert Academy in 1808, and went on to have a successful political and military career. He was elected to the state senate in 1817, ultimately serving one term, and appointed Major General of the 4th Division of the Georgia Militia in November of the same year. Thompson also served in the U.S. Congress for over a decade, from 1821–1833, where he represented the Republican and later Jacksonian parties. He then became an agent to the Seminole Indians, and was selected to supervise the removal of the tribe from Florida in 1834. Thompson was killed by a group of Seminole warriors led by famed leader Osceola (aka William Powell) in a battle at Fort King, Florida on Dec. 28, 1835. This event contributed to the outbreak of the Second Seminole War, which lasted until 1839. Thompson was buried in a private cemetery on his estate in Elberton.
Explore the links below to learn more about General Wiley Thompson and The Seminole Wars.