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By the death of Capt. Thomas Pinckney on November 15, 1915, there has passed out of the life of Charleston, S. C., an influence for good in every way. He was born in Charleston, August 13, 1828, the son of Charles Cotesworth Pinckney and a direct descendant of the Pinckneys famous in Revolutionary times. He first attended school at Pendleton, then was a student at the University of VIrginia, and graduated from the South Carolina Medical College in 1850. He was also a graduate of the New York University of Medicine. He entered the military service of the State of South Carolina in 1860 as captain of the St. James Mounted Rifles, and in 1861 he entered the service of the Confederate States as captain of the Independent Company, which was Company D, 4th South Carolina Cavalry. After a year's service, his command was transferred to Hampton's Legion. Captain Pinckney was in a number of skirmishes while on picket duty on the coast of South Carolina and was captured in a fierce engagement at Hawes' Shop, Va., on May 28, 1864. He was exchanged with the sick and wounded and surrendered April 26, 1865. He was one of the famous six hundred placed on Morris Island by the Federals and exposed to the fire of their Confederate comrades.

During his service Captain Pinckney wore the sword that had been worn by his father in the War of 1812 and which had also been worn by his grandfather in the Revolutionary War. When captured the sword was taken from him and never returned.

Returning from the war to his devastated plantation on the Santee River, he again took up rice-planting, in which he had been so successful before the war. He took and actve part in electing General Hampton Governor in 1876, thus overturning negro rule in the State. He was prominently identified with many fraternal and patriotic associations of his city and State, and at the time of his death he was Commander of Camp Sumter, U. C. V. No finer tribute could be paid him than to say that he was "a brave soldier of the Confederacy, a true patriot whose role during the troublous years of his young manhood was worthy of the distinguished lineage from which he was sprung, a good citizen, and a modest gentleman."