Hester, Thomas S

Thomas Hester

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Significance:

Company A, 86th Indiana Infantry

Place of Birth:

Elizaville, Indiana

Date of Birth:

1825

Place of Death:

Murfreesboro, TN

Date of Death:

January 1st, 1863

Place of Burial:

Murfreesboro, TN

Cemetery Name:

Stones River National Cemetery

Thomas S Hester was born in 1825 in Elizaville, Indiana. He was married to Elizabeth Hester and continued to live in Elizaville with her. Hester enlisted on August 1st, 1862 in Lebanon, Indiana with Company A of the 86th Indiana. Thomas's records indicate that he could be listed under the name of Thomas Lester as well. Hester was a corporal upon enlistment. The 86th Indiana was organized in Lafayette, Indiana and mustered in September 1862. They spent time in Ohio at the start of their service before moving towards Kentucky. In Kentucky they fought in the battle of Perryville and then proceeded to duty in Nashville, Tennessee until December of 1862. From there, they were sent to Murfreesboro, Tenessee in pursuit of Bragg.

On December 30th, the 86th Indiana arrived in Murfreesboro and took up a position along the railroad tracks that made up the Nashville Chattanooga line. Early on the 31st, they were sent over the railroad tracks to occupy a position on McFadden's Ford before they were sent back south across the railroad tracks to reinforce Union troops that were retreating towards the area. By 10am, they held Asbury Lane and waited as Confederate attacks sent Union troops in their direction.

They were able to hold off the Confederate attacks for a brief amount of time, however, by 1pm they were forced to retreat back towards the Nashville Pike and railroad tracks. Corporal Hester was mortally wounded during these attacks. He likely remained on the battlefield overnight and was found on January 1st, 1863. Corporal Hester died of his wounds received from that first day of battle on January 1st, 1863.

Thomas S Hester is laid to rest in the Stones River National Cemetery in plot K-4486.