Thomas Stephens

Thomas Stephens (May 13, 1815 – July 22, 1871) was an English American immigrant, miner, and Wisconsin pioneer. As a young man he served in the Queen's Life Guard during the reign of Queen Victoria, and after emigrating to the United States, he served as a Union Army cavalry officer in the American Civil War. He was a celebrated swordsman and fencer, and wrote a treatise on swordsmanship which was part of the recommended curriculum for United States Army officers in the Civil War era. During his lifetime, his last name was often spelled Stevens.

Biography Thomas Stephens was born in Tavistock, Devonshire, in the United Kingdom. As a young man he went to work as a miner, but entered military service in the British Army and was recognized for his intellect and unique physical stature. As a result, he was admitted to the elite Queen's Life Guard. In this elite corps of the Household Division, he was instructed in fencing, horsemanship, and other self defense.

Before completing his full term of service, he sought a replacement and excused himself, finding the Guard's work monotonous and idle. He sought new opportunities in the United States, and in 1840, he set sail for America with his younger brother, Richard. They initially settled in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, to find work in mining. However, his skill as a swordsman soon became widely known in the area, and he was called to give demonstrations and performances. After this notoriety, he moved to Philadelphia, where he gave fencing lessons and held exhibition matches against other famous American swordsmen of his era. Around the same time, he wrote an update to his 1844 essay on swordsmanship, A New System of Broad and Small Sword Exercise, which was praised by the Union Army's commanding general Winfield Scott, and recommended for study by officers entering the United States Army.

The regiment participated in the early phases of Grant's Vicksburg campaign at the end of 1862, but in early 1863, they were transferred to Memphis, where Stephens was elevated to chief of cavalry, commanding the 3rd brigade. Despite Washburn and others advising him to ignore the allegations, Stephens demanded an investigation, which ultimately vindicated him. The accusations against Stephens this time were apparently incited by H. E. Eastman, who had recently been dismissed from the regiment. Further information on the court martial cannot be found, but Stephens did continue to serve as colonel of the 2nd Wisconsin Cavalry through the end of the war.

Postbellum years

His health never recovered from his years of military service. In 1869, he took an extended vacation to his native England, hoping for recovery. He was received with honor at Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace, and at Westminster. The trip did not provide any benefit to his health, however. He died shortly after returning to his home in Dodgeville, on July 22, 1871.

Personal life and family Thomas Stephens was the eldest of four sons born to Charles and Elizabeth Stephens. His parents followed him to America about two years after his emigration, along with his other siblings. His brother Richard Stephens also served in the Union Army during the Civil War.

Thomas Stephens married Jane W. Hagerman, of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, on August 5, 1847. They had at least five children together, though two died in infancy.

Published works