Jackson, THOMAS JONATHAN (1824-1863), more commonly known as "Stonewall" Jackson, an American soldier, born at Clarksburg, Va. (now W. Va.), of Scotch-Irish parentage. He early showed marked qualities of leadership, was elected sheriff at the age of eighteen and at about the same time entered West Point, where he graduated in 1846 with honors, in a class which included McClellan, Pickett and A. P. Hill. He entered the army immediately, served in the Mexican War and was brevetted captain and major for gallantry in action. He resigned from the army in 1851, became professor of military tactics in Lexington Military Institute. Here he remained until April, 1861, never attaining distinction as an instructor, for he did not inspire interest in his subjects, and his eccentricities of manner were such that the cadets were continually laughing at him. He was, however, a powerful influence for good in the community as an ardent Presbyterian and gave much of his time and money even while in active service to the betterment of the negroes who belonged to his class in Sabbath School. It is interesting to know that after the war, when a bronze monument was to be raised to his memory in Lexington, the first contribution came from the colored Baptist Church. Jackson was a union man and did not favor secession, but when volunteers were called for to coerce the States he said, "I have longed to preserve the Union and would have been willing to sacrifice much to that end. But now that the North has chosen to inaugurate war against us, I am in favor of meeting her by drawing the sword and throwing away the scabbard." He was commissioned colonel in the Virginia forces and later placed in command of the Virginia brigade which afterwards became so famous under him. At the battle of Bull Run, when Jackson was seen fighting valiantly against what seemed to be overwhelming odds, General Bee called out, "There stands Jackson like a stone wall." The phrase was taken up and from that time on Jackson was known as Stonewall and his troops as the Stonewall brigade. He was promoted to be major general in September of the same year and in a campaign in the Shenandoah Valley against General Banks, he won brilliant victories at McDowell and Winchester and completely baffled the Federal commanders. In June, 1862, Jackson joined Lee in the defense of Richmond against McClellan and took a prominent part at the battles of Mechanicsville and Malvern Hill, and, after McClellan's withdrawal, at Cedar Mountain and the second Battle of Bull Run, against General Pope. His force was conspicuous in Lee's first invasion of the North, and at Antietam and Fredericksburg he did yeoman's service for the Confederate army. In May, 1863, at Chancellorsville, he fell upon Hookers right flank under Howard and almost destroyed a full corps. At nine o'clock in the same night he was accidentally shot by his own men, while reconnoitering, and died May 10. His loss was a severe blow to the Confederate cause, for he had been a tower of strength in every campaign. He combined a deeply religious nature with the highest military talents, beginning every battle with prayer and giving thanks to God after every victory. He was without doubt the greatest lieutenant upon either side in the Civil War, but was never tried in command of large forces. Consult Hovey's Stonewall Jackson.