Joseph Pembroke Thom

Joseph Pembroke Thom (March 13, 1828 – August 21, 1899) was an American military officer and politician. He served in the United States Navy during the Mexican–American War and served in the American Civil War with the Confederate States Army. He served in the Maryland House of Delegates and as Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates in 1884. Early life Joseph Pembroke Thom was born on March 13, 1828, at his family's "Berry Hill" estate in Culpeper County, Virginia, to Abby de Hart (née Mayo) and Colonel John Watson Triplett Thom. Thom was taught skills at the estate and attended a log schoolhouse. He was the great-great grandson of William Mayo. Thom was commissioned as lieutenant of the 11th Infantry Regiment at the outbreak of the Mexican–American War. He resigned his commission shortly after speaking with his father about his service. Thom then studied medicine under his brother, Dr. William Alexander Thom. He studied medicine and graduated from the University of Virginia and Jefferson College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1851. Career