Thomas H. Dunham

Thomas Harrison Dunham Jr. (July 30, 1840 – October 1, 1925) was a volunteer soldier in the Union Army during the American Civil War who rose from the rank of private to colonel and in 1867 was awarded the honorary grade of brevet brigadier general, to rank from March 13, 1865.

Early career Dunham was the son of Thomas Harrison Dunham Sr. and Eliza West Dunham. His father was an entrepreneur in cotton textiles manufacturing and ropemaking, primarily in Boston and Plymouth, Massachusetts. Before the Civil War, Dunham worked as a shipping clerk in Boston.

Civil War service Soon after the start of the Civil War, Dunham assisted with the recruitment of a company of infantry in Boston. Although he first enlisted as a private, Dunham was almost immediately promoted to corporal on May 8, 1861.

Arriving at Washington on July 3, the 11th Massachusetts became part of the First Brigade, Third Division of Brigadier General Irvin McDowell's army. On July 21, 1861, the 11th Massachusetts took part in the First Battle of Bull Run, the first major land battle of the Civil War. During the engagement, which resulted in the full retreat of the Union army, the 11th Massachusetts suffered relatively minor casualties and primarily acted in support of Rickett's artillery battery. During Bull Run, Dunham was given a Battlefield promotion to sergeant. For their conduct during the battle, the Governor John Andrew of Massachusetts awarded the unit a new regimental battle flag. During the remainder of the Peninsular campaign, the 11th Massachusetts was primarily engaged in picket duty. They played a minor role in the Seven Days Battles being engaged in the Battles of Savage's Station and Malvern Hill. Historians, including John J. Hennessy, have claimed that the breakthrough of Grover's brigade might have resulted in a Union victory if the breach had been exploited and reinforced. However, Union reinforcements did not arrive, Grover's brigade were surrounded and forced to retreat back over the unfinished railroad, suffering severe casualties. 40 percent of the 11th Massachusetts were killed, wounded, or captured. During this action, Dunham was again promoted, this time to first sergeant.

Post-war After the war, Dunham worked as a United States Customs official in Boston.