Thomas B. Ballou

Thomas B. Ballou was a native of Nankin Township, Michigan. His father owned an 80 acre farm at Newburg Road and Marquette (SE corner). As a youngster, Thomas attended Patchen School. At the time of the Regiment's formation, Thomas was working as a farmer in Nankin, possibly on is father's farm.

He enlisted on August 5, 1862 at Plymouth, and was mustered into service on August 15, 1862. He was 22. Thomas was a tent-mate of Minot Weed, a peacetime acquaintance. One of Thomas' letters, from early in his service, is in the collections of the Wayne Historical Museum.

Thomas was appointed to the color guard, a position of great honor. It was perhaps his undoing. While a member of the color guard Thomas was mortally wounded at Gettysburg on July 1, 1863. The flag that Thomas gave his life to protect is illustrated at left (wartime image)

Thomas was wounded in the groin during the retreat to Cemetery Hill. Initially Thomas was cared for at the John Cannon house. He was eventually sent to a more permanent facility in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Thomas medical history is included in the 15 volume "Medical and Surgical History of the War of the Rebellion" (vol. IX, p. 239)

Case 692.- Private T. B. Ballou, Co. C, 24th Michigan, aged 23 years, was wounded at Gettysburg, July 1, 1863, by a conoidal ball, which entered at the right hypogastrium one inch from the linea alba, passed backward and downward, and, fracturing the right pubic bone, emerged from the right natis one inch from the anus . He had urinated half an hour previously or the ball would have perforated the bladder. The patient was admitted into Camp Letterman Hospital. Acting Assistant Surgeon W. B. Jones reported that: "On August 7th, he had a severe attack of gastric remittent fever, with vomiting and persistent nausea. Several splinters of bone were removed from the anterior wound, also some pieces of clothing and part of a button. The patient was allowed a generous diet; quina and sweet spirits of nitre were administered, and poultices were applied." He was transferred to the Cotton Factory Hospital, Harrisburg, on October 12th, and died November 26, 1863, as reported by Acting Assistant Surgeon W. S. Woods, of traumatic tetanus.

His father was notified of his condition and when the doctors deemed that Thomas had recovered sufficiently, his father went to bring him home. According to one story, on the return train trip, Thomas had a setback, and while the train was at Pittsburgh, he died suddenly. According to this story, Thomas died on November 28, 1863, rather than the 26th. Imagine the grief among the crowd gathered at the station who had hoped to welcome him home, when his body was unloaded.

Thomas was buried in the Downer Cemetery in the family plot. Thomas was not to rest in eternal peace, however. When Michigan Avenue was widened in 1929 or 1930, the Ballou graves were moved to west end of the cemetery.

Flag photograph courtesy of the Dearborn Historical Museum. Used with permission.
Much of the information for this page is courtesy of the Wayne Historical Museum. Used with permission.

Thomas B. Ballou

Flag photograph courtesy of the Dearborn Historical Museum. Used with permission. Much of the information for this page is courtesy of the Wayne Historical Museum. Used with permission.

Flag photograph courtesy of the Dearborn Historical Museum. Used with permission.
Much of the information for this page is courtesy of the Wayne Historical Museum. Used with permission.