Biography
Sally Louisa Tompkins was born on November 9, 1833 in Polar Grove, Mathews City, VA. She was born and raised in a wealthy family. Later in her life, when the Civil War began, she built a private hospital for the wounded soldiers. Robertson Hospital was the named this way because of the man who sponsored it. Sally had become a Confederate nurse and helped the wounded in her hospital.
She had become the first woman to have a commission in the military. Sally was made captain of the calvary in the Civil War. This was very different for a woman to be a part of the military. From being a captain, the nickname "Captain Sally" stayed with her for the rest of her life. Her hospital stayed open until the war was over. |
When the war was over, Sally continued to do charity work. She continued until she got too old. In 1905, she went to go live in the Confederate Women's Home and stayed there for the rest of her life. On July 26, 1905, she died in the home in Virginia. She got honored by there being a tablet placed at Robertson Hospital. Her funeral was in full military respect for her service. Sally will always be remembered for saving the lives of men that fought for our country. |