Although some people believe that Thomas Jackson was negatively affected by his childhood with his bachelor uncle Cummins Jackson, this unusual background ultimately made Stonewall Jackson the great American military figure that it is today. Cummins Jackson had a strong work ethic, which was instilled in the young Stonewall Jackson. Stonewall Jackson's father died when Jackson was very young, leaving Jackson without a father figure who transformed him into a respectable man. Jean Fritz tells a fascinating story of Thomas Stonewall Jackson. It describes the humble beginnings of this great military figure. The reader gets a sense of General Jackson's passions and feelings. Stonewall Jackson is not only remembered as a military leader, but also as a person. Fritz takes us through a timeline of Stonewall's life, from his struggles to his death. Cummins Jackson had a strong work ethic, which was instilled in the young Stonewall Jackson. Cummins was known for his partying and drinking habits. Because of this, many people believe that Stonewall was negatively affected. In fact, Cummins pushed Stonewall to adopt a strong work ethic. Cummins led Stonewall into a difficult and harsh farming life. As Stonewall grew, his previously taught work ethic played a key role in his life. Because of this strong work ethic, we now know Stonewall Jackson as an exceptional military leader who led the Confederacy during the American Civil War. On July 21, 1861, one of the first major battles of the Civil War took place at Manassas, Virginia. the First Battle of Bull Run. Both sides, Union and Confederate, had a small untrained force, with approximately 18,000 troops on each side. That day, General Irvin McDowell led his Union troops middle of paper with another relative. It was under Cummins' leadership that Thomas Jackson found a father figure. Cummins' hard-nosed, blue-collar attitude shaped Jackson into a sturdy, respectable young man. Without Cummins, Thomas could easily have grown up with three wives. This would extract the strong work ethic that ultimately made Stonewall Jackson a great military leader. In conclusion, although some people believe that Thomas Jackson was negatively affected by growing up with his bachelor uncle Cummins Jackson, this unusual background ultimately made Stonewall Jackson America's great military man. I think it is today. Cummins Jackson had a strong work ethic, which was instilled in the young Stonewall Jackson. Stonewall Jackson's father died when Jackson was very young, leaving Jackson without a father figure to make him a respectable man..