Frank Tompkins Papers, 1861-1948 (2 Boxes)
©2010 Norwich University Archives
About Frank Tompkins
Frank Tompkins (1868-1954) was born in Washington, DC, the son of Charles H. Tompkins (1830-1915). His thirty-two years of service with the U.S. Army included stations in Cuba, the Philippines, Mexico and France. He became well-known for his pursuit of Mexican revolutionary, Francisco Villa during the Mexican border skirmishes of 1916. During World War I, Tompkins commanded Boston’s famous 301st Infantry. Colonel Tompkins was associated with Norwich University for nearly fifty years, through three tours of duty as professor of military science and tactics and as commandant from 1910 to 1923. Largely through the efforts of Tompkins, Norwich received the Moses Taylor riding hall (later became the Taylor hockey arena), the cavalry stables, Sabine field and, because of his connection with Rush Hawkins, a contribution from General Hawkins of $400,000.00. Frank Tompkins married Alice Gertrude Barr (1870-1964) in 1893 and the couple had two sons, Charles Barr Tompkins (1893-1894) and Francis Parker Tompkins (1896-1971). Additional biographical information on the life and career of Frank Tompkins can be found in control and articles about Frank Tompkins files in the collection.
About the Collection
The collection contains biographical information on Frank Tompkins and his family, including his commissions. Also included are papers and other records related to the Mexican Punitive Expedition of 1916. Frank Tompkins’ time at Norwich University is documented in correspondence and photographs. The collection also contains papers of Frank Tompkins’ father, Charles H. Tompkins, son, Frank P. Tompkins, and composition books of his wife, Alice Barr Tompkins. The papers of Charles H. Tompkins pertain to his Civil War service. The content listing below contains a more detailed description of the collection.
Search Terms
The following subjects are represented in this collection. If you are researching these topics, try using these terms in the library catalog:
- Tompkins, Frank, — 1868- — Archives.
- Pershing, John J. — (John Joseph), — 1860-1948.
- Villa, Pancho, — 1878-1923.
- Tompkins, Alice B., — 1870-
- Tompkins, Charles H., — b. 1830.
- Norwich University — History — 20th century.
- United States. — Army — History — Punitive Expedition into Mexico, 1916.
- United States. — Army. — Vermont Cavalry Regiment, 1st (1861-1865).
- United States — History — Civil War, 1861-1865 — Personal narratives.
- Mexico — History — 1910-1946.
You can also browse for finding aids to the papers of other Norwich University faculty or others records kept by past commandants using the the Faculty/Staff and Commandant categories.
More About the Collection…
About the Biographical Files Collection
