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TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR LAVINIA THOMPSON, AN AFRICAN AMERICAN FEMALE CONFEDERATE VETERAN.
Whereas, the finding of Lavinia Thompson, an African American female Confederate Veteran, was a remarkable discovery, and Betsy R. Bloomer was extremely generous to share her research and bring the story to light; and
Whereas, Lavinia Thompson was born June 3, 1844 in Aiken County, South Carolina, daughter to Robert Staley and Phillis Corley. In the census data, her name was spelled a variety of different ways and, at times, was also shortened to a nickname, such as Viney or Elviny; and
Whereas, census data generally concludes that Lavinia married Logan, a farmer, and kept a household with him of ten children, to include daughter, Dora; daughter, Della; daughter, Carey; son, Willie; son, Robert "Free"; daughter, Effie; son, Oscar; son, Governor; and daughter, Queen; and
Whereas, after her husband died, Lavinia took on the role of farmer. Although she lived alone at this time, her sons, Governor, Robert "Free," and Oscar lived nearby with their families; and
Whereas, Lavinia Thompson served the State of South Carolina as a cook in the Civil War, under Sam Webb, who was in Company A, 1st Regiment of Reserves. She served continuously from September 1, 1863 to the end of the war in 1865; and
Whereas, Lavinia Thompson died at the venerable age of eighty-four on June 8, 1928 in Aiken County, Tabernacle Township and was buried in an unmarked grave at Smyrna Church. It is hoped that her final resting place will be found and a Confederate marker placed on it to mark where this remarkable and unique woman lies; and
Whereas, although Lavinia Thompson may not have taken up arms, her life was placed in jeopardy, and she suffered the same hardships as all of the soldiers. Her story and her life deserve commemoration. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize and honor Lavinia Thompson, an African American female Confederate veteran.
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