Thomas Williamson, M.D.

Thomas Williamson, M.D.. , Doctor Williamson, a Maryland native, entered the United States Navy in 1813. He was appointed Assistant Surgeon in 1818 and served in various assignments, including sea duty as a ship's surgeon., While assigned to the Gosport Naval Shipyard (now the Norfolk Navy Shipyard in Portsmouth) he received orders to make ready the newly constructed Naval Hospital to receive its first patient. This hospital, now known as the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, is the nation's first naval hospital and has been in continuous Operation since 1830. Surgeon Williamson was the hospitals first Medical Director and was assigned to that position on four seperate occasions between the years of 1830 and 1855. He served in this capacity for 16 years., Napoleon III of France awarded him a special gold medal for his humanity and courage in the practice of his profession in administering to the yellow fever stricken crew of the French Frigate Chimere in 1855., Dr. Williamson married Caroline Dulton, daughter of Captain Thomas Dultan of Portsmouth, on May 2. 1825. They resided on North Street where he also conducted a private medical practice., One of their several children, Dr. Charles H. Williamson, also became a United States Navy Surgeon. The young Dr. Williamson served with the United States Navy until the outbreak of the War Between the States when he resigned and accepted an appointment as a Surgeon in the Confederate States Navy.