Three Forks of the Kentucky River Historical Association

Theophilus Toulmin Garrard

In the American Civil War Officers

Garrard, Theophilus T., brigadier-general, was born in Manchester, Ky., June 7, 1812. He was a member of the lower house of the Kentucky legislature in 1843-44, and served through the Mexican war as captain in the 16th U. S. infantry.

He went to California by the overland route, upon the discovery of gold in that state in 1849, remained a year and then returned to Kentucky by way of Panama. He was elected to the state senate in 1857, resigned to become a candidate for Congress, and was again elected state senator in 1861.

When the Civil war broke out he actively espoused the Union side and was appointed colonel of a Kentucky infantry regiment, Sept. 22, 1861. He was promoted brigadier-general of volunteers, Nov. 29, 1862, and served with distinction until April 4, 1864, when he was honorably mustered out, having been incapacitated for further service by a severe affliction of the eyes. After the war he took up his residence in Clay county, Ky. Gen. Garrard died March 15, 1902.