Thomas Jefferson Simmons

Thomas J. Simmons not only served as a temporary commander of Thomas's Georgia brigade in the old "Light Division" during the 1864 Campaign, he also later became chief justice of the Georgia Supreme Court.

Born in Hickory Grove, Georgia on June 25, 1837, Simmons enlisted as a lieutenant in Company E of the 6th Georgia regiment. He soon became lieutenant colonel of the 45th Georgia by the early spring of 1862. Simmons was wounded at Gaines Mill. He was promoted to colonel to rank from October 13, 1862.

After the War, Simmons served in the Georgia Senate. He was a member of the Georgia Supreme Court from 1887-1905, serving as the chief justice after 1894. Simmons died on September 12, 1905.