Thomas Jonathan Jackson was born on January 21, 1824. 2 years later, his 6-year-old sister died of typhoid fever. A short time later, her father died of the same disease, leaving her mother to care for 4 children alone. A few years later she married Blake Woodson. Thomas and his brothers were disliked by their stepfather, and he was raised primarily by his uncle. Thomas Jackson went to West Point, the famous military school. His classmates teased him about his poor family. Even so, Jackson did well, finishing 17th in a class of 59. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get Original Essay After graduation, there was a new life ahead of him. He fought for the United States during the Mexican War. At the beginning of the war he was a lieutenant in the 1st U.S. Artillery, but rose to the rank of major. Returning to civilian life he became a teacher. Jackson married Elinor Junkin, the daughter of a minister. Unfortunately Elinor died in childbirth. In 1857 he married Mary Anne Morrison. Two years later she had a daughter. Unfortunately he died in the first month of his life. In 1862 they had another baby girl whom they named Julia. But before that, Jackson had made a major and unorthodox decision. Virginia seceded from the Union in 1861. Thomas Jackson, deciding to follow his state, supported the Confederacy. At the First Battle of Bull Run, also known as the First Battle of Manassas, a Confederate officer said Jackson stood like a stone wall! Therefore Jackson was nicknamed "Stonewall" Jackson. 2 years later, a controversial accident killed the famous Stonewall Jackson. In 1863 Stonewall fell victim to friendly fire. It's kind of strange because Jackson was liked by his men. He was shot twice in the left arm and once in the right hand. The doctors immediately realized that they could not save his left arm. They amputated his arm. (Do NOT do this at home, kids!) After the amputation, Jackson was fine. But on the fourth day he developed pneumonia. On the eighth day, May 10, 1863, Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson closed his eyes for the last time. Stonewall Jackson's death completely changed the Civil War for Virginia. Without him Virginia might have been completely destroyed by the North at the start of the war. He changed military tactics. But nothing can live forever except memories.