Last updated: January 26, 2026
Person
Joseph Thoburn
Quick Facts
Significance:
US Army Officer
Place of Birth:
County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Date of Birth:
April 29, 1825
Place of Death:
Middletown, Va.
Date of Death:
October 19, 1864
Place of Burial:
Wheeling, W.V.
Cemetery Name:
Mount Wood Cemetery
Col. Joseph Thoburn died in Middletown during the Battle of Cedar Creek. A Virginian before the war, he remained loyal to the United States. Respected by his soldiers, Thoburn fought in many Shenandoah Valley battles.
Joseph Thoburn was a US Army surgeon at the beginning of the war. He later led the 1st West Virginia Infantry Regiment. By 1864 he commanded the 1st Division, of the Army of West Virginia. At the Battle of Cedar Creek on October 19, 1864, he died from mortal combat wounds.