Born in Ireland in 1825, Joseph Thoburn established a medical practice in Wheeling in 1853. He was appointed surgeon of the pro-Union 1st VA Infantry in May 1861 and fought at Philippi under Benjamin Kelley. In August 1861, he became colonel of the reorganized regiment. Wounded at Kernstown in 1862, he served until he was mortally wounded on October 19, 1864, at Cedar Creek. He was buried in Wheeling.