GENliKAL IJ. S. GRANT
THE
UNION ARMY
A History of Military Affairs in the Loyal
States 1861-65 — Records of the Regi-
ments IN THE Union Army — Cyclo-
pedia OF Battles — Memoirs
OF Commanders and
Soldiers
VOLUME VIII
Biographical
MADISON, WIS.
Federal Publishing Company
1908
Copyright, 1908
BY
Federal Publishing Company
CONTENTS
VOLUME I
Military Affairs and Regimental Histories of Maine, New Hamp-
shire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Con-
necticut, Pennsylvania and Delaware.
VOLUME II
Military Affairs and Regimental Histories of New York,
Maryland, West Virginia and Ohio.
VOLUME III
Military Affairs and Regimental Histories of New Jersey,
Indiana, Illinois and Michigan.
VOLUME IV
Military Affairs and Regimental Histories of Wisconsin, Minne-
sota, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee,
California, Oregon, The Territories and
District of Columbia.
VOLUME V
Cyclopedia of Battles — -A to Helena.
VOLUME VI
Cyclopedia of Battles — Helena Road to Z.
VOLUME VII
The Navy.
VOLUME VIII
Biographical,
BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX
Generals of the Union Army, pages 17 to 310 inclusive.
Page
Andrews, George L 311
Bain, Capt. Peter C 313
Barnard, Job 314
Belden, Capt. W. Scott 314
Bergland, Maj. Eric 321
Bickford, Nathan B. E 325
Blair, Henry W 316
Bliss, Alonzo 0 322
Bradford, Rev. James H 323
Brown, George H 319
Buckingham, Hiram 327
Bukey, Brig.-Gen. Van H 331
Burch, Sylvester R 326
Burt, Brig.-Gen. A. S 320
Butts, Frank A 329
Buxton, Charles H 327
Campbell, Frank L 328
Carson, John M 332
Case, William W 333
Clements, Joseph C 331
Cole, Henry A 334
Coleman, Horace, M. D 335
Conner, Lendell A 337
Gushing, Lyman F. W 337
Davis, Jefferson W. . , 338
DeMerritt, John H 3-38
Page
Hancock, Col. John 348
Harrington, Delavan W 3.>!
Hart, Capt. Abraham 350
Hartung, Charles E 351
Henderson, George, M. D 347
Hensey, Thomas G .352
Hine, Lemon G .3-53
Hull, Charles W .3-54
Jacobs, Horace G .355
Janney, Bernard T 356
Janney, Joseph J .357
Jarrett, James H., AT. D 358
Johnson, Albert E., ]\L D 358
Johnston, William J 359
Kapp, Hosea W 360
Kelley, Capt. Leverclt M 361
Kellogg, William P 365
Kemp, Joseph R 362
Kerr, Robert W 363
Kimball, Ivory G 364
Knapp, Capt. William A 372
Kniffin, Col. Gilbert C 367
Koerper, Egon A 368
Larrabee, Charles F 369
Lewis, Morgan D 374
Lower, Cyrus B 370
Dickson, Charles H., Sr 339 Lyman, Charles 373
Dye, P. Edwin 340
Ebaugh, Theodore 0 340
Faunce, Solomon E 336
Franklin, Walter S 341
Garrison, John S 347
Gibbs, John S 342
Gilmore, Brig.-Gen. John C 346
Graham, George R., M. D 343
Graham, Dr. Neil F 344
Grant, Robert E 345
McCalmont, John S 375
McCurley, Isaac 380
McMillan, Alexander F 379
Martin, Nathan C 381
Maxwell, Charles A 383
Merriam, Henry C' 382
Merriam, Lewis, Jr 376
Michael, William H 384
Morrison, Thomas 385
Moulton, Judge Hosea B 386
xni
XIV
Biographical Index
Page
Oakcs, James 389
Odcll, William S 391
Orr, Charles A 388
Owens, Benjamin B 392
Tarker, Myron M 395
Peelle, Stanton J 393
Petteys, Charles V., M. D 400
Phillips, Duncan C 400
Prince, Howard L 398
Purman, James J., A. M., M. D. 397
Redway, Capt. George 399
Reeve, Col. Felix A 401
Reeve, James H 406
Reinohl, David C 408
Reyburn, Robert, M. D 409
Rizer, Henry C 407
Sanders, Capt. Henry P 410
Sands, Francis P. B 411
Shertzer, A. Trego, M. D 414
Simmons, George 412
Sloat, Frank D 415
Page
Smith, Francis M 41(>
Spear, Ellis 417
Strieby, George F. W 418
Swift, Harlan J 420
Swiggert, William Y 419
Tappan, Myron A 421
Thomas, Ammi A 420
Thorp, Martin R 422
Townsend, Eddy B 423
Vale, Josiah M 424
Webster, Daniel 425
White, Albert B 426
White, James E 427
VVhittleton, Capt. Robert J 428
Williams, Col. Robert, Jr 430
Wright, Riley E 429
Yarrow, Harry C, M. D 432
Yellott, John 1 431
Yoder, Charles T 433
Zimmerman, Lewis M 434
]jiig.-G<.n. J. J. AnKKCKiiM-
BIE
l?rig.-Gen. AdELBERT Ames
nrig.-Gen. Christopher
Andrews
Brig.-Gen. Richard Arnold
llrig.-C.cn. Rokt AllK.n
Brig.-Gen. Jacob Ammen
I'rig.-Gen. G. L. Andrews
Brig.-Gen. A. S. Asboth
Jjiig.-Gen. Cent. AL\\)Rii
Brig.-Gen. Rob't Anderson
Brig.-Gen. L. G. Arnold
Maj.-Gen. C. C. Augur
Generals of the Union Army
NOTE — In the following pages will be found a short biographical sketch of every officer
who attained the full rank of major or brigadier-general during the war. Those who re-
ceived these titles by brevet only are not included.
Abercrombie, John J., brigadier-general, was born in Tennessee
in 1802, and died in Roslyn, N. Y., in 1877. Entering West Point
from Tennessee, he was graduated in 1822, served as adjutant in
the 1st infantry from 1825 to 1833 and was made captain in 1836.
He served in the Florida war, and was brevetted major for gallant
conduct at the battle of Okechobee. Then, until the outbreak of
the Mexican war, he was engaged in frontier duty in the west. He
took an active part in the Mexican war, and for gallantry at the
battle of Monterey, where he was wounded, was given the brevet
rank of lieutenant-colonel. Besides Monterey, he fought also at
the siege of Vera Cruz and at Cerro Gordo, and, in 1847, served as
aide-de-camp to Gen. Patterson. When the Civil war broke out
he was stationed in Minnesota. He took part in the Shenandoah
campaign and was in command at the action of Falling Waters.
Through the Peninsular campaign he served as brigadier-general
of volunteers, was wounded at Fair Oaks, and took part in the bat-
tle of Malvern hill, and at several skirmishes on the retreat to Har-
rison's landing. He was engaged in the defense of Washington in
1862 and 1863, had charge of depots at Fredericksburg in May,
1864, and took part in the defense against Hampton's legion in
June, 1864. He was brevetted brigadier-general, U. S. A., on March
13, 1865, and retired on the 12th of the following June.
Allen, Robert, brigadier-general, was born in Ohio in 1815, and
appointed from Ohio to West Point, in which school he was grad-
uated in 1836. After service in the Seminole war as second lieu-
tenant, he served as assistant quartermaster during the Mexican
war, on the march to Monterey. He was present at the siege of
Vera Cruz, the battles of Cerro Gordo, Contreras and Churubusco,
and the taking of Mexico. For gallant conduct at the battle of
Cerro Gordo he received the brevet rank of major. After the Mex-
ican war he was chief quartermaster of the Pacific division, and,
at the outbreak of the Civil war was made chief quartermaster of
the Department of Missouri, with headquarters at St. Louis, where
he had charge of supplies and transportation for the various armies
of the Mississippi valley. From Nov., 1863, to 1866, he was chief
quartermaster of the Mississippi valley, with headquarters at Louis-
ville, and furnished transportation and supplies to^Sherman's com-
mand for the march across the country to join Gen. Grant at Chat-
tanooga. He also fitted out the Kentucky, Virginia and North Car-
olina expeditions. He was promoted to major in 1861, colonel in
1862, brigadier-general of volunteers in 1863, and was brevetted
brigadier-general in the regular army in 1864. On March 13. 1865,
Vol. VIII— 2 17
18 The Union Army
he received the brevet rank of major-general, U. S. A. Gen. Allen
served after the war as chief quartermaster of the Pacific, and was
retired on March 21, 1878. He died in Geneva, Switzerland, Aug.
6, 1886.
Alvord, Benjamin, brigadier-general, was born in Rutland, Vt.,
Aug. 18, 1813, and was appointed from Vermont to West Point
military academy, in which he was graduated with the class of 1833.
Being brevetted second lieutenant in the 4th infantry, he served in
the Seminole war (1835-1837), and was then instructor in mathe-
matics and physics at West Point until 1839. He was then engaged
in frontier, garrison and engineer duty until 1846, when he par-
ticipated in the military occupation of Texas, and subsequently in
the Mexican war. For gallant conduct in several affairs with
guerrillas at Paso Ovejas, National Bridge and Cerro Gordo, he
was given the successive brevets of captain and major, and was
then chief of stafif to Maj. Lally's column on the march from Vera
Cruz to the city of Mexico in 1847. On June 22, 1854, he was made
paymaster, and served as such until 1862, when he became briga-
dier-general of volunteers, having command during the war of the
district of Oregon. Resigning this position, he was brevetted brig-
adier in the regular army in 1865, and was made paymaster-general
in 1872. On July 22, 1876, he was made brigadier-general and pay-
master, a position which he held until 1880, when, after over 46
years of service, he was retired at his own request. He died in
1884. Gen. Alvord, during the later years of his life, wrote several
treatises on mathematics, and numerous essays and reviews which
have become popular.
Ames, Adelbert, brigadier-general, was born in Rockland, Me.,
Oct. 31, 1835. He was graduated at West Point in 1861, and as-
signed to the 5th artillery. At the battle of Bull Run he was
wounded, and was brevetted for gallantry in that action. He was
present at the siege of Yorktown, and the battles of Gaines' mill,
Malvern hill, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Antietam, and Get-
tysburg, besides many minor engagements in Virginia throughout
the Civil war. Having been brevetted colonel for gallantry, he
commanded a brigade and at times a division, in the Army of the
Potomac in the operations before Petersburg in 1864. Gallant con-
duct at the capture of Fort Fisher in 1865 won for him the brevet
of major-general of volunteers, and, later, he was brevetted major-
general, U. S. A., for "gallant and meritorious conduct in
the field during the rebellion." After the war he was promoted
to the full rank of lieutenant-colonel in the regular army, and on
July 15, 1868. was appointed temporary governor of Mississippi, his
authority being extended later to include the 4th military district
In 1870 he was elected United States senator, a position which he
resigned three years later to accept the office of governor. This
office he resigned in 1876, removing to New York, and later to
Lowell, Mass. On June 20, 1898, he was appointed brigadier-gen-
eral of volunteers, in which capacity he served throughout the war
with Spain.
Ammen, Jacob, brigadier-general, was born in Botetourt county,
Va., Jan. 7, 1808. In 1831 he was graduated at West Point and was
then, until Aug. 31, 1832, assistant instructor on mathematics and
military tactics. He then spent some time on duty in Charleston
harbor during the trouble over the nullification acts of South Caro-
lina, and, returning to West Point, resumed his work as instructor.
In Nov., 1837, he resigned from the army to accept a professorship
Biographical Sketches 19
in mathematics in Bacon college, Georgetown, Ky. He continued
to teach in various institutions, until 1855, and was then until 1861,
a civil engineer at Ripley, O. On April 18, 1861, he became captain
in the 12th Ohio volunteers, and shortly afterward was promoted
to lieutenant-colonel, in which capacity he participated in the West
Virginia campaign under Gen. McClellan. On July 16, 1862, after
the campaigns in Tennessee and Mississippi, he was promoted to
brigadier-general of volunteers, and had charge of camps of in-
struction in Ohio and Illinois until Dec. 16, 1863. From the fol-
lowing April, until Jan. 14, 1865, when he resigned, he was in
command of the district of eastern Tennessee.
Anderson, Robert, brigadier-general, was born near Louisville,
Ky., at a place called "Soldier's Retreat," June 14, 1805. In 1825
he was graduated at West Point and received a commission as
second lieutenant in the 3d artillery. During the Black Hawk war,
in 1832, he served as colonel of the Illinois volunteers, and after
that, from 1835 to 1837, acted as instructor in artillery at West
Point. He was brevetted captain for services in the Florida war,
then was for a time attached to the staff of Gen. Scott as assistant
adjutant-general, and in 1841 was promoted to captain. He also
served in the Mexican war, and was severely wounded in the battle
of Molino del Rey. In 1857 he was appointed major of the ist ar-
tillery, and in i860 assumed command of the troops in Charleston
harbor, with headquarters at Fort Moultrie. Owing to threatened
assaults, Maj. Anderson withdrew his command, on the night of
Dec. 26, i860, to Fort Sumter, where he remained until forced to
evacuate, on April 14, 1861. after a bombardment of thirty-six
hours, to which he replied until forced by the disabling of his guns
to yield. In recognition of his services at Fort Sumter he was
appointed by President Lincoln brigadier-general in the U. S.
army, and was assigned to command the Department of Kentucky,
being subsequently transferred to that of the Cumberland. On
account of failing health he was relieved from duty in Oct., 1861,
and was retired from active service on Oct. 27, 1863. On Feb. 3,
1865, he was brevetted major-general, U. S. A. In 1869 he sailed
for Europe in search of health, and died there, at Nice, France,
Oct. 27, 1871. He was the translator from the French of "Instruc-
tions for Field Artillery. Horse and Foot," and "Evolutions of
Field Batteries." To his personal efforts credit is due for the orig-
inal steps in the organization of the Soldiers' home in Washington,
which has since then sheltered many thousands of Civil war vet-
erans.
Andrews, Christopher C, brigadier-general, was born in Hills-
boro, N. H., Oct. 2']. 1829. As a boy he worked on his father's
farm, attending school during the winter months, and in 1843 went
to Boston. He later attended Francestown academy, and studied
law after that in Cambridge, being admitted to the bar in 1850.
After practicing two years in Newton he moved to Boston, but
removed later to Kansas, and thence to Washington to further the
interests of Kansas before congress. He spent two years in Wash-
ington, being employed as a departmental clerk, then moved to St.
Cloud, Minn., where, in 1859, he was elected state senator. He
supported Douglas in the campaign of i860, and in 1861 assisted in
bringing out the "Minnesota Union," a publication supporting the
administration. Soon after the outbreak of the Civil war he en-
listed as a private, but was soon commissioned captain in the 3d
Minn, infantry. In a fight near Murfreesboro he was surrendered.
30 The Union Army
and was held prisoner from July to Oct., 1862. Upon being ex-
changed he was appointed lieutenant-colonel of his regiment, in
which capacity he served during the operations about Vicksburg,
and in July, 1863, became colonel, serving then in the campaign
which resulted in the capture of Little Rock, Ark., where he was
placed in command of a brigade. To his efforts was due to a large
extent the change in public opinion in Arkansas, which resulted, in
Jan., 1864, in the reorganization of Arkansas as a free state. Dur-
ing the year 1864 he was in command of forces near Augusta, Ark.,
and then, being promoted brigadier-general, participated in the
siege and storming of Fort Blakely. Ala. On March 9, 1865, he
was brevetted major-general of volunteers, and subsequently com-
manded the district of Mobile, Ala., and later that of Houston,
Tex. After putting affairs in Texas on a firm basis, Gen. Andrews
returned to St. Cloud, and on Jan. 15, 1866, was mustered out of the
service. After the war he continued to take a great interest in
public affairs, and served as minister to Sweden and consul-general
to Rio de Janeiro. Gen. Andrews is the author of various historical
and technical works of value.
Andrews, George L., brigadier-general, was born in Bridge-
water, Mass., Aug. 31, 1828, and graduated in 1851 at West Point,
standing the highest in his class. After graduation he superintend-
ed the construction of fortifications in Boston harbor, and then,
returning to West Point, was assistant professor there in 1854 and
1855. Resigning this position in 1855, he was a civil engineer until
the outbreak of the Civil war, when he became lieutenant-colonel
and subsequently colonel of the 2nd Mass. regiment, serving in the
Shenandoah valley and conducting the rear guard of the retreat at
Cedar mountain. He fought through Pope's campaign and was at
Antietam, and on Nov. 10, 1862, was promoted for distinguished
bravery to brigadier-general. In Banks' expedition he led a bri-
gade, and from July, 1863, to Feb. 13, 1865, commanded the Corps
d'Afrique. On March 26, 1865, on account of distinguished serv-
ices at the capture of Mobile, he was brevetted major-general of
volunteers. After the war. on April 8, 1867, he was appointed
United States marshal for Massachusetts, and on Feb. 2"], 1871,
went to West Point to accept a position as professor of the French
language.
Arnold, Lewis G., brigadier-general, was born in New Jersey,
in Dec, 1815. Graduating at West Point in 1837, he served with
the 2nd artillery in the Florida war, and then, as iirst lieutenant in
the same regiment, on the Canada frontier, at Detroit, in 1838-39.
In 1846 he accompanied his regiment to Mexico, where, under Gen.
Scott, he engaged in the siege of Vera Cruz, in which he was slight-
ly wounded, in the battles of Cerro Gordo and Amozoque, the cap-
ture of San Antonio, and the battle of Churubusco. For gallant
conduct at Contrcras and Churubusco he was brevetted captain,
and later, for gallantry at Chapultepec, was given the brevet of
major. Again, in 1856. he distinguished himself, leading a small
force, in Florida, against a large force of Seminoles at Big Cy-
press. When the Civil war broke out in 1861, Maj. Arnold was sta-
tioned at Dry Tortugas, whence he was transferred to Fort Pick-
ens on Aug. 2, 1861. He remained at Fort Pickens until May, 1862,
being in command after Feb. 25 of that year. In the successive
bombardments of that fort, in November, January and May, he
so distinguished himself by his gallantry that he was brevetted a
lieutenant-colonel, to date from Nov. 22, 1861, appointed a briga-
Biographical Sketches 21
dier-general of volunteers, and assigned to the command of the
Department of Florida, his headquarters being at first at Fort Pick-
ens and later at Pensacola. On the first of Oct., 1862, he was given
command of the forces at New Orleans and Algiers, La., a com-
mand which he held until Nov. 10, when he suffered a stroke of
paralysis from which he never recovered. In Feb., 1864, all hope
of his being again able to take up his duties having been abandoned,
he was retired. Gen. Arnold died in South Boston, Sept. 22, 1871.
Arnold, Richard, brigadier-general, was born in Providence, R. I.,
in 1828 and graduated at the United States military academy at
West Point in 1850. At the outbreak of the Civil war in 1861 he
was made captain of an artillery company, and served with dis-
tinguished gallantry at Bull Run, Savage Station, Port Hudson
and Fort Morgan. He was promoted to brigadier-general on Nov.
29, 1862, and was made brevet major-general of volunteers in Au-
gust, 1865. In 1875 he was promoted to major in the regular
service and in 1882 was made lieutenant-colonel. He died in 1882.
Asboth, Alexander S., brigadier-general, was born in Keszthely,
Hungary, Dec. 18, 181 1. He received his education in Oldenburg,
and served some time as a cuirassier in the Austrian army. He
then studied law for a time, and, after that, turning his attention
to engineering, was employed in various important works in Banat.
He served with Kossuth in the Hungarian war of 1848-49, followed
Kossuth to Turkey, and then came with him, in 1851, to America,
where he soon became a citizen. At the outbreak of the Civil war
he offered his services to the government, and, in July, 1861. was
sent to Missouri as chief of staff to Gen. Fremont. He was ap-
pointed a brigadier-general in September of the same year and
commanded the fourth division in Fremont's western campaign.
After that he was assigned to command a division in Gen. Curtis'
army, and during the Arkansas campaign occupied Bentonville and
Fayetteville. In the fighting at Pea ridge he was severely wound-
ed. The year 1863 saw him in command of Columbus, Ky., and in
August of that year he was transferred to command the district
of West Florida. Shortly afterward, at the battle of Marianna, he
was severely wounded, his left cheek bone being broken and his
left arm fractured in two places. His services in Florida won him
the brevet of major-general, March 13, 1865, and in 1866 he was
sent to Argentine Republic and Uruguay, as United States minis-
ter. Two years later, Jan. 21, 1868, he died at Buenos Ayres. death
being caused by the wound in his face received four years pre-
vious.
Augur, Christopher C, major-general, was born in New York in
1821, and in 1843 was graduated at West Point to which school he
had been appointed from Michigan. He served during the Mex-
ican war, at first as aide-de-camp to Gen. Hopping, and then, after
the latter's death, in a similar capacity to Gen. Caleb Gushing. In
1852 he was promoted to captain and served with distinction in the
war against the Indians of Oregon in 1856. On May 11, 1861, he
was appointed major in the 13th infantry, was then for a time
commandant of cadets at West Point, and in November of that
year was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers, being as-
signed to Gen. McDowell's corps. In July. 1862, he was assigned
to a division under Gen. Banks, and was severely wounded in the
battle of Cedar mountain. On Aug. Q, 1862, he was promoted
major-general of volunteers and, joining his command in the fol-
lowing November, he took part in the Louisiana campaign. Meri-
22 The Union Army
torious services at the siege of Port Hudson, where he commanded
the left wing of the army, won for Gen. Augur the brevet of
brigadier-general in the U. S. army, March 13, 1865, and at the
same time he was brevetted major-general, U. S. A., for meritori-
ous services during the rebellion. Re was commandant of the
Department of Washington from Oct. 13, 1863, to Aug. 13, 1866,
afterwards being commandant successively of the departments of
the Platte, Texas, the Gulf, the South and the Missouri, and, in
1885, he was retired.
Averell, William W., brigadier-general, was born in Cameron,
Steuben county, N. Y., Nov. 5, 1832. Being graduated at West
Point in 1855 he was assigned to the mounted riflemen and served
in garrison and at the school for practice at Carlisle, Pa., until
1857, when he was ordered to frontier duty, and saw a great deal of
Indian fighting. He was severely wounded in a night attack by
the Navajos in 1859, and was given sick leave until the outbreak
of the Civil war in 1861. Being promoted to first lieutenant of the
mounted riflemen, on May 14, 1861, he fought at Bull Run and in
other engagements until Aug. 23. 1861, when he was appointed
colonel of the 3d Penn. cavalry, and given command of the cavalry
defenses in front of Washington. In March, 1863, he began the
series of cavalry raids in western Virginia that have made his name
famous. His raids did much to help the Union cause, and he was
rewarded by the government in frequent promotions. On March
13. 1865, he was made brevet major-general, U. S. A., and on May
18 he resigned. From 1866 to 1869 Gen. Averell was consul-gen-
eral of the United States in the British possessions of North Ameri-
ca, and then became president of a large manufacturing concern.
He invented a process for making cast steel from the ore in one
operation, the American asphalt pavement and several complicated
machines.
Ayres, Romeyn B,, brigadier-general, was born in Montgom-
ery county, N. Y., Dec. 20, 1825, and graduated at West Point in
1847. Shortly after graduation he was sent to Mexico as second
lieutenant in the 3d artillery, and remained in the garrison at Fort
Preble until 1850. From that time until the outbreak of the Civil
war he did frontier and garrison duty, and in May, 1861, was made
captain in the 3d artillery. He was present at all the early en-
gagements of the war about the defenses of Washington, then
served as chief of artillery in W. F. Smith's division and of the 6th
army corps, after which he accompanied the Army of the Potomac
in the peninsular campaign of 1862, going thence into the Mary-
land campaign, ending in the battle of Antietam. After three
months' sick leave he engaged in the winter campaign on the Rap-
pahannock, and fought at Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and in
the intervening engagements. Being made brigadier-general of
volunteers in Nov., 1862, he commanded a division of the 5th corps
at Gettysburg, and was then ordered to New York city to suppress
the draft riots. He accompanied his command in the movements
against Richmond in 1864, was wounded at the siege of Petersburg
in June, and took part in the final engagements which resulted in
Lee's surrender at Appomattox. On April 30, 1866, he was mus-
tered out of the service as lieutenant-colonel of the 28th infantry
and brevet major-general. U. S. A., having received these and lesser
appointments on account of meritorious service during the war.
Bailey, Joseph, brigadier-general, was born in Salem, O., April
28, 1827. He was killed, near Nevada, Newton county. Mo., March
Biographical Sketches 23
21, 1867, while, in performance of his duty as sheriff, a position to
which he was elected after the war, he was attempting to take two
arrested desperadoes to the county seat. Gen. Bailey entered the
service of the United States as captain, July 2, 1861, was assigned
with his regiment to New Orleans, and in Dec, 1862, was made
acting engineer of the defenses of that city. He was later pro-
moted to major, and was sent home on a recruiting expedition, re-
turning to duty with his regiment in time to accompany Gen. N. P.
Banks on the Red river campaign. It was on this campaign that
he won fame by saving the army by means of an engineering feat.
When Banks, accompanied by a fleet of twelve gun-boats and thir-
ty transports, tried to pass Alexandria on the way back, it was
found that the Red river had fallen so that it was impossible for
the fleet to pass the rapids. Working against the advice of the
regular engineers, Bailey constructed dams on each side of the
river, so that the channel was narrowed to sixty-six feet. This
caused an increase in the depth of the river and enabled the fleet
to escape. In recognition of this service he was promoted to
brigadier-general in 1864, and on March 13, 1865, he was given the
brevet of major-general of volunteers. He resigned from the army
July 7, 1865.
Baird, Absalom, brigadier-general, was born in Washington, Pa.,
Aug. 20, 1824, and graduated at West Point in 1849. He served in
1850-51 as second lieutenant during the Seminole war. In 1853 he
was promoted to first lieutenant and served until 1859 as assistant
professor of mathematics at the military academy, spending the
next two years on frontier and garrison duty. In March, 1861, he
took command of the light battery for the Department of Wash-
ington, and on May 11 was brevetted captain. In July, 1861, he
served as adjutant-general in the defense of Washington and in
the Manassas campaign, engaging later in the siege of Yorktown
and the battle of Williamsburg. He commanded a brigade in the
Army of the Ohio from May to Sept., 1862, and was engaged in
the capture of Cumberland gap. From Oct., 1862, to June, 1863,
he commanded the third division in the Army of the Kentucky, and
was, for gallant action at Chickamauga. brevetted lieutenant-colonel.
He also held important commands in the operations about Chat-
tanooga, the battle of Missionary ridge, the march to the sea, the
capture of Atlanta, and the march through the Carolinas, being
present at the surrender of Johnston's army at Durham station. For
his services in the Atlanta campaign he received the brevet rank of
brigadier-general in the regular army, while distinguished services
throughout the war won him that of brevet major-general, U. S. A.
Since the war. Gen. Baird has served as inspector-general of vari-
ous departments.
Baker, Edward D., brigadier-general, was born in London, Eng-
land, Feb. 24, 181 1, and four years later was brought to America
by his father, who selected Philadelphia as his place of residence.
There Edward D. grew to manhood and at the age of nineteen
started for the new West and selected Springfield, Il-l., as his home.
Amid struggles with poverty he studied law, and established a
practice in Greene county and soon became noted as one of the
leading advocates of the state. In 1837 he was sent to the legisla-
ture by the Whig party, and then to the state senate, serving from
1840 until 1844. In the latter year he was elected to Congress, but
left his seat in 1846 to raise a company of Illinois volunteers for
the Mexican war, becoming colonel of the 4th 111. regiment, and he
24 The Union Army
served as one of the most brilliant officers of the army in all the
actions on the route to the city of Mexico. At Cerro Gordo he
succeeded to the command of Gen. Shields' brigade, which he led
until the close of the war. He was honorably mustered out of the
service on May 29. 1847, and, returning to Illinois was again elected
to Congress and served from 1849 until 1851. Declining a re-elec-
tion, he removed to San Francisco, where he became distinguished
as the head of the bar, and as one of the most eloquent speakers
in the state. In i860 he removed to Oregon and was sent to the
United States senate by the united votes of the Republicans and
Douglas Democrats. When the opening blow was struck at Fort
Sumter, at a great mass-meeting in New York on April 20, he made
a thrilling appeal for the preservation of the Union. Raising the
"California" regiment in New York and Philadelphia, he entered
the war, and at the fatal battle of Ball's blufif he led the brigade
with undaunted courage, and fell pierced with several wounds, Oct.
21, 1861. He was given the commission of brigadier-general of vol-
unteers on May 17, 1861, but declined it; was commissioned colonel
on June 21, and was advanced to major-general of volunteers on
Sept. 21, 1861, but had not accepted the appointment at the time he
was killed.
Baker, Lafayette C, brigadier-general, chief of the U. S. secret
service, was born in Stafford, Genesee county, N. Y., Oct. 13. 1826,
being a grandson of Remember Baker, one of Ethan Allen's cap-
tains. Young Baker moved with his parents to Michigan in 1839,
but in 1848 went to New York and Philadelphia, and in 1853 to San
Francisco, working in each of the cities as a mechanic. In the
riots in San Francisco, in 1856, he joined the vigilance committee
and took an active part in restoring order in the city. At the out-
break of the Civil war he offered his services at Washington, and,
at the suggestion of Gen. Hiram Walbridge. Gen. Scott sent him on
foot to Richmond. The success of this mission, in which he col-
lected much valuable information, followed by equal successes in
other hardy enterprises, won for him the confidence of the govern-
ment and he was made head of the bureau of secret service, with
almost unlimited resources at his command. In 1862 the bureau
was transferred to the war department and he was commissioned
colonel, and later brigadier-general of volunteers. Gen. Baker's
duties made him enemies in influential quarters and serious charges
were several times preferred against him. but they were not sub-
stantiated. At the time of Lincoln's assassination, Gen. Baker or-
ganized the pursuit of the murderer and was present at his cap-
ture and death. Gen. Baker published, in 1868, a "History of the
United States Secret Service," which is of historical value. He
died in Philadelphia, July 2, 1868.
Banks, Nathaniel P., major-general, was born in Waltham, Mass.,
Jan. 30, 1816, received a common school education, and then learned
the trade of a machinist in a cotton factory of which his father
was superintendent. He afterwards became editor of a local paper
at Waltham, studied law. was admitted to the bar, and in 1849 was
elected a member of the state legislature. He was elected speaker
of the Massachusetts legislature in 1851, re-elected in 1852, was
chairman of the Massachusetts constitutional convention in 1853,
and was in the same year elected to Congress as a coalition-demo-
crat. He was re-elected on the "Know-Knothing" ticket, elected
speaker of the house of representatives, after a spirited fight, on
the 133d ballot, and at the next election was chosen congressman
Brig.-Gen. W. W. Anerell l!i-ig.-(.eii. K. 1!. Avrk?
Brig.-Gen. Absalom Baird Brig.-Gen. E. D. Baker
Maj.-Gen. N. P. Banks iMaj.-Gen. F. C. B.\rlo\v
Brig.-Gen. James B.\rnes Brig.-Gen. T. K. Barnes
r.n.ir.t'Cn. IciSEPII IJMLEY
Brig.-Gen. L. C. Baker
Brig.-Gen. J. C. Barnard
Brig.-Gen. H. .\. Barnum
Biographical Sketches 25
on the republican ticket. On Dec. 4, 1857, he resigned to become
governor of Massachusetts, was re-elected governor in 1858 and
1859, and in i860 accepted the presidency of the Illinois Central
railroad, succeeding Gen. George B. McClellan in that capacity.
When the Civil war broke out in the following year, he resigned
his position, was commissioned major-general of volunteers and
assigned to the command of the 5th army corps in the Army of the
Potomac, seeing his first active service along the upper Potomac
and in the Shenandoah valley, in 1861-62. On March 23, 1862, a
part of his troops, under Gen. Shields, defeated Jackson at Win-
chester, and the next month, at the head of two divisions. Gen.
Banks was assigned to guard the Shenandoah. When one of the
divisions had been withdrawn, leaving only 8,000 men with Banks,
the force was attacked by Gen. Jackson and defeated, but escaped
capture. Gen. Banks then joined Pope, who had command of the
army of Virginia, and on August 9, was defeated at the battle of
Cedar mountain. He was then for a time in command of the de-
fenses of Washington, and in Dec, 1862, commanded the expedi-
tion to New Orleans, where he succeeded Gen. B. F. Butler as
commander of the Department of the Gulf. In the spring of 1863
he commanded the expedition against Port Hudson, which finally,
after several disastrous attempts to storm it had failed, surren-
dered on July 9, 1863, when the occupants learned that Vicksburg
had fallen. Early in 1864 Gen. Banks led the expedition up the
Red River, his force strengthened by the addition of a powerful
fleet, and at Sabine cross-roads met defeat at the hands of Gen.
Richard Taylor. On the next day the Confederates made an at-
tack at Pleasant Hill, but were defeated, and the army withdrew
to Alexandria. There the skill of Gen. Joseph Bailey saved the
fleet, and the whole expedition withdrew to the Mississippi. In
May, 1864, Gen. Banks was relieved of his command, resigned his
commission, and, returning to Massachusetts, was elected to Con-
gress, where he served, with the exception of one term, until 1877,
being for many years chairman of the committee on foreign relations.
In 1888 he was again elected to Congress, but, after 1890, suffered from
a mental disorder and was forced to withdraw from public life. In
1891 Congress voted him an annual pension of $1,200, and in 1894 he
died.
Barlow, Francis C, major-general, was born in Brooklyn, N. Y.,
Oct. 19, 1834. He was graduated at Harvard, ranking first in his
class, then studied law in New York city, and practiced there, be-
ing for a time also on the editorial staff of the "Tribune." In 1861
he enlisted as a private in the 12th regiment. New York state na-
tional guard, and at the end of the three months' service had been
promoted lieutenant. He at once re-entered the service as lieu-
tenant-colonel of the 6ist N. Y. volunteers, was promoted colonel
during the siege of Yorktown, and at Fair Oaks distinguished him-
self so that he was later promoted brigadier-general. At Antietam
his command captured 2 stands of Confederate colors and 300
prisoners, but he himself was severely wounded. Recovering, he
fought at Chancellorsville, but at Gettysburg he was again severe-
ly wounded and taken prisoner. He was exchanged and recovered
in time to take the field again the following spring, and at Spott-
sylvania Court House, May 12, 1864, commanded the ist division,
which, with the 3d division formed the rush line, the assault of
which carried the Confederate works, making possible the victory.
Gen. Barlow participated in the final campaigns of the Potomac
26 The Union Army
under Grant, was present at the assault on the enemy's lines at
Petersburg, and at the surrender of the Confederate forces in April,
1865. Upon being mustered out. he returned to New York, and
was from 1865 to 1868 secretary of state for New York, and in 1872-73
attorney-general. He then returned to the practice of law. Gen.
Barlow died in 1896.
Barnard, John C, brigadier-general, was born in Sheffield, Mass.,
May 19, 1815. In 1833 he was graduated at West Point, standing
second in a class of forty-three, and was from that time until the
outbreak of the Mexican war employed in various engineering
works, being promoted in the meantime to captain. In the Mexi-
can war he superintended the construction of the defenses of Tam-
pico, and surveyed the battle-fields about the city of Mexico. For
these services he was brevetted major, and in 1850 was appointed
chief of a scientific commission to survey the isthmus of Tehaun-
tepec, his report of this work being the first full topographical ac-
count of the isthmus. From then until the outbreak of the Civil
war he was engaged in various important engineering works, with
the exception of the years 1855 and 1856. when he was superintend-
ent of the military academy at West Point. He was promoted
major of engineers in 1858, and at the outbreak of the Civil war
served as chief engineer of the Department of Washington and then
as chief engineer to Gen. McDowell in the first Bull Run campaign.
In the Virginia peninsular campaign of 1862 he served as chief en-
gineer of the Army of the Potomac with rank of brigadier-general,
and was later made chief engineer of the defenses of Washington,
being promoted to lieutenant-colonel of engineers, March 31, 1863.
He was on the staflf of Gen. Grant in 1864 and at the close of the
war was made colonel of the corps of engineers and brevetted
major-general, U. S. A. After the war he was a member of various
boards having charge of the fortifications and river and harbor con-
structions. He was the author of a number of valuable works on
engineering subjects. Gen. Barnard died in Detroit, Mich., May
14, 1882.
Barnes, James, brigadier-general, was born in Boston, Mass.. in
1806, and graduated at West Point in 1829. He resigned at the end
of seven years' service, having attained the rank of first lieutenant
in the 4th artillery, and was then until 1857 a railroad engineer and
builder of railroads. Returning to service in the army at the out-
break of the Civil war, he was colonel of the i8th Mass. volunteers
from July 26, 1861, to Nov. 29, 1862, when he was promoted briga-
dier-general. He took part in the engagements of Fredericksburg,
Chancellorsville, and the skirmishes of Aldie and Upperville, and
the battle of Gettysburg, where he commanded a division, and was
severely wounded. He was afterwards on court-martial duty in
command of various posts until the close of the war, and on March
13, 1865, he was brevetted major-general of volunteers. He was
mustered out of the service in Jan., 1866, and died at Springfield,
Mass., Feb. 12, 1869, having never fully recovered from wounds
and exposure.
Barnes, Joseph K., brigadier-general, and surgeon-general, U. S.
A., was born in Philadelphia, July 21, 1817. Being obliged by ill
health to give up the studies which he had begun at Harvard, he
left college, and later began his surgical studies under Surgeon-
General Harris, U. S. A., and in 1838 v/as graduated from the medi-
cal department of the University of Pennsylvania. After two years*
practice in Philadelphia he was appointed assistant surgeon in the
Biographical Sketches 27
army and assigned to duty at West Point, where he remained a
year, and was then transferred to Florida, spending two years
there with Gen. Harney's expedition against the Seniinoles. He
then served four years at Fort Jessup, La., and subsequently saw
active service throughout the Mexican war, as chief medical officer
in the cavalry brigade. He was assigned to duty at West Point in 1854,
spent several years there, and at the beginning of the Civil war was
called to duty at Washington. He was assigned to duty in the office of
the surgeon-general in 1861, was appointed two years later medical in-
spector with the rank of colonel, and in Sept., 1863, was promoted to
fill a vacancy in the surgeon-general's office, with the rank of brigadier-
general. In 1865 he was brevetted major-general, U. S. A. After the war
he did much to elevate the standard of the medical department, and was
influential in having established the army medical museum and the
library of the surgeon-general's ofifice. He was present at the death-bed
of President Lincoln, attended Secretary Seward when he was shot,
and was physician to President Garfield during his long confine-
ment. He died in Washington, April 5, 1883.
Barnum, Henry A., brigadier-general, was born in Jamesville,
Onondaga county, N. Y., Sept. 24, 1833, was educated in Syracuse,
and in 1856 became a teacher in the Syracuse institute, after which
he studied law and was admitted to the bar. Enlisting at the be-
ginning of the Civil war as a private in the 12th N. Y. volunteers,
he was elected captain of Co. I, and fought with his regiment at
Bull Run, the 12th being the first under fire at Blackburn's ford,
previous to the battle. In Oct., 1861, he was promoted to major,
served after that a short time as a member of Gen. Wadsworth's
staff, and then rejoined his regiment and fought through the penin-
sular campaign. At Malvern hill he received a wound from which
he never fully recovered, was carried apparently dead from the
field, and a body, supposed to be his, was buried, while at his home
a funeral oration was delivered. He was taken to Libby prison,
remaining there until July 18, 1862, and then, after a six months'
leave of absence returned to the war as a colonel, leading his regi-
ment at Gettysburg, and at Lookout mountain, where he was again
wounded, and where his regiment captured 11 battleflags. He
was again wounded in the Atlanta campaign, cornmanded a bri-
gade in Sherman's march to the sea, and had the distinction of be-
ing the first officer to enter Savannah. On March 13, 1865, he was
brevetted a major-general of volunteers, and in the following Jan-
uary he resigned, having declined a colonelcy in the regular army,
and became inspector of prisons in New York.
Barry, William F., brigadier-general, was born in New York
city, Aug. 8, 1818, was graduated at West Point in 1838, and in that
year assisted Maj. Ringgold to organize the first battery of light
artillery formed in the United States army. He served in Mexico
from 1846 to 1848. fighting at the battle of Tampico, was stationed
at Fort Henry from 1849 to 1851 and on July i, 1852. was made
captain of the 2nd artillery. He served in the Seminole war in
Florida and during the Kansas disturbances, and at- the outbreak
of the Civil war entered active service, assisting in the defense of
Fort Pickens as major of light artillery. On Aug. 20, 1861, he was
appointed brigadier-general of volunteers and took an active part
in the Virginia peninsular campaign until Aug., 1862, fighting in all the
important battles. From the end of the campaign until 1864 he was
chief of artillery in the defenses of Washington, having been ap-
pointed lieutenant-colonel of the ist artillery on Aug. i, 1863. In
28 The Union Army
May, 1863, he was assigned to the command at Pittsburg, Pa., and
Wheeling, W. Va., against a threatened cavalry raid, and was. from
March, 1864, to June, 1866, chief of artillery on Gen. Sherman's
staff, taking part during this time in the siege of Atlanta. During
his service in the war he was given various brevet titles, culminat-
ing in that of brevet major-general, U. S. A., which was conferred
on him March 13, 1865. After the war he served on the northern
frontier, then as commander of the artillery school of practice at
Fortress Monroe, and as commandant at Fort Henry. He died in
Fort McHenry, Baltimore, Md., July 18, 1879.
Bartlett, Joseph J., brigadier-general, was born about 1820, and
at the beginning of the Civil war enlisted to fight for the Union.
He became colonel of the 27th N. Y. volunteers, and on Oct. 4,
1862, was appointed brigadier-general of volunteers. Meritorious
service during the war won him a renewal of his commission as
brigadier-general, in March, 1864, and on Aug. i, 1864, he was bre-
vetted major-general of volunteers. He was mustered out Jan. 15,
1866. After the war, from 1867 to 1869, Gen. Bartlett was United
States minister to Norway and Sweden.
Bartlett, William F., brigadier-general, was born in Haverhill,
Mass., Jan. 6. 1840, and was a student at Harvard college when
President Lincoln issued his first call for troops. He at once en-
listed in the 4th battalion of Massachusetts volunteers, returned to
college for a short time, and was then elected captain in the 20th
Mass. volunteers. His aptitude for military service soon won for
him promotion, and he became an acting field officer. In the spring
of 1862 he was severely wounded at Yorktown and lost a leg. Re-
covering, he organized the 49th Mass. volunteers in the fall of 1862,
and, in spite of the loss of his leg, was elected its colonel. Col.
Bartlett's regiment was ordered to Louisiana with Gen. Banks' ex-
pedition, and at the assault on Port Hudson he was twice wounded.
Returning to the north, he organized the 57th Mass. volunteers, led
it in the Wilderness campaign, and was again wounded. He was
appointed brigadier-general and returned to duty as soon as he
was able to ride. After the explosion of the mine before Peters-
burg, July 30, 1864, he was taken prisoner and suffered several weeks
in Libby prison and elsewhere, being then exchanged. In Sept.,
1864, he was given command of the ist division of the 9th army
corps, and was brevetted major-general of volunteers in 1865. Gen.
Bartlett's military career is one of the most brilliant on record. He
was noted as a soldier for his daring, coolness and intrepidity in ac-
tion. After the war he engaged in business in Richmond, Va., and
Pittsfield, Mass., and died in Pittsfield in 1876.
Baxter, Henry, brigadier-general, was born in Sidney Plains,
Delaware county, N. Y., Sept. 8, 1821. He received an academic
education and in 1849 went to California as captain of a company
of thirty men. Early in 1861 he volunteered as a private, raised
a company, and was elected its captain, the company afterwards
being mustered into the 7th Mich.- volunteers. On May 22, 1862,
he was promoted to lieutenant-colonel, and, while in command of
his regiment, at Fredericksburg, led an attack upon a company of
Confederate sharpshooters across the river. The sharpshooters
were dislodged, but Col. Baxter was shot through the lung. In
March, 1863, he was promoted to brigadier-general, and participat-
ed in most of the battles of the Army of the Potomac. He distin-
guished himself at Antietam and in the Wilderness, in both of
which contests he was wounded, besides having two horses killed
Brig.-Gen. W. F. Barry
Brig.-Gen. Henry Baxter
Brig.-Gen. John Beatty
Brig.-Gen. H. W. Benham
r.i-ig.Geii. T. T. BarTlETT Brig.-Gen, \V. F. Barti.Ett
Brig.-Gen. G. D. Bayard Brig.-Gen. G. L. Beal
Brig.-Gen. Samuel Beatty Brig.-Gen. W. W. Belknap
Brig.-Gen. W. P. BenTon Maj.-Gen. H. G. Berry
Biographical Sketches 29
under him at the Wilderness. For gallantry at the Wilderness,
Dabney's mill and Five P'orks, he was made brevet major-general
of volunteers, April i. 1865. After the war, from 1866 to 1869, he
was United States minister to Honduras. He died in Jonesville,
Hillsdale county, Mich., Dec. 30, 1873.
Bayard, George Dashiell, brigadier-general, was born in Seneca
Falls, N. Y., Dec. 18, 1835. Moving with his parents to Iowa in
early youth, he attended a military school taught by a Maj. Dorn,
and learned fencing from Col. Korponay, an exiled Hungarian.
Going then to West Point he was graduated in 1856, and was as-
signed to frontier duty in the ist cavalry. He was severely wound-
ed there in a fight with the Kiowa Indians. In 1861 he was cavalry
instructor at West Point, became a ist lieutenant in the 3d cavalry
on March 16 of that year, and on Aug. 20 he was promoted to cap-
tain of the 4th cavalry and granted a leave of absence to become
colonel of the ist Penn. cavalry. On April 28, 1862, he was pro-
moted to brigadier-general of volunteers, and served with distinction
in the campaigns of the Shenandoah, northern Virginia and on the
Rappahannock. In the battle of Fredericksburg he was mortally
wounded, and on the next day, Dec. 14, 1862, he died. He was
buried with military honors at Princeton, N. J. A memorial by
his father was published in 1874.
Beal, George L., brigadier-general, was born in Norway, Me.,
May 21, 1825. Leaving Portland on Oct. 6, 1861, as colonel of the
loth Maine volunteers, he served with distinction throughout the
Civil war, and was mustered out of the service, Jan. 15, 1866. On
May 30, 1864, while colonel of the 29th Maine volunteers, he was
appointed brigadier-general by the president, and served in this
capacity during the remainder of the war. He was brevetted ma-
jor-general of volunteers March 13, 1865.
Beatty, John, brigadier-general, was born near Sandusky, O.,
Dec. 16, 1828, received a common school education, and then en-
tered business life as clerk in a banking house. In 1861 he enlist-
ed as a private in the 3d Ohio infantry, was appointed captain, and
later lieutenant-colonel. He took part in the early campaigns in
western Virginia, became a colonel in 1862, and in the three days'
fight at Stone's river, Dec. 31, 1862, to Jan. 2. 1863, commanded a
brigade. He was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers
Nov. 29, 1862, and resigned from the service Jan. 28. 1864. After
the war he took an active interest in public affairs, served two terms
in congress, was a presidential elector-at-large, and wrote two books.
Beatty, Samuel, brigadier-general, was born in Mifflin county,
Pa., Dec, 16, 1820. In 1827 he moved with his father to Jackson.
Stark county, Ohio, where he spent the rest of his life, with the
exception of the time spent in military service. He served nearly
two years as ist lieutenant in the 3d Ohio volunteers during the
Mexican war, and then, returning to civil life, was elected sheriff
of his county in 1857 and re-elected in 1859. On Nov. 16, 1861, he
became colonel of the 19th Ohio volunteers and served with dis-
tinction throughout the war. On Nov. 29, 1862, he was made brig-
adier-general of volunteers, and commanded a division in the bat-
tle of Stone's river. He was brevetted major-general of volun-
teers March 13, 1865, was mustered out of the service, Jan. 15,
1866, and returned to Ohio, where he spent the rest of his life on
his farm. He died. May 26, 1885.
Belknap, William W., brigadier-general, was born in Newburgh,
N. Y., Sept. 22, 1829. In 1848 he was graduated from Princeton
30 The Union Army
university, afterwards studied law, and in 1851 moved to Keokuk,
la., to practice his profession. While residing there he was elected,
in 1857 as a Democrat, to the state legislature. When the Civil war
broke out he joined the Union forces as major of the 15th Iowa
volunteers, fought at Shiloh, Corinth and Vicksburg, and distin-
guished himself during Sherman's Atlanta campaign. He was pro-
moted to brigadier-general on July 30, 1864, and on March 13, 1865,
was given the brevet rank of major-general of volunteers. After
the war he was collector of internal revenue from 1865 to 1869,
when he was appointed secretary of war. He held this office dur-
ing the entire administration of Gen. Grant until March 7, 1876,
when, on account of charges of official corruption, he resigned. He
was impeached on charges of accepting bribes, but, as his resig-
nation took efifect before the trial was actually begun, the proceed-
ings were dropped for lack of jurisdiction. He died in 1890.
Benham, Henry W., brigadier-general, was born in Connecticut
in 1817, and graduated from West Point at the head of his class in
1837. Being assigned to the engineer corps, he had charge of vari-
ous engineering works until the outbreak of the Mexican war, in
which he distinguished himself, being brevetted captain for meri-
torious services at the battle of Buena Vista. After the Mexican
war he again engaged in engineering works, until the outbreak of
the Civil war, when he entered upon active service as a member of
Gen. Morris' staff, as engineer of the Department of the Ohio. He
was brevetted colonel for gallantry at the battle of Carrick's ford,
July 13, 1861, was made brigadier-general of volunteers in August,
and took part in the Virginia campaigns of that year. In 1862 he
was present at the capture of Fort Pulaski and James' island, and
in the same year superintended the construction of fortifications in
Boston and Portsmouth harbors, and commanded the northern dis-
trict of the Department of the South. He showed himself efficient
in the construction of pontoon bridges, and was, in 1864, in com-
mand of the pontoon department at Washington. During the war
he was advanced by regular stages of promotion to lieutenant-colonel
of engineers, U. S. A., and he was at the end of the war given the
brevet titles of brigadier-general and major-general, U. S. A., and
major-general, U. S. volunteers. After the war he was promoted
to colonel of engineers, and was employed in various governmental
works. He was retired in 1882, and died in New York, June I,
1884.
Benton, William P., brigadier-general, was born near Newmarket,
Frederick county, Md., Dec. 25, 1828. His father dying when he
was but four months old, he was taken by his mother to Indiana
in 1836. At the beginning of the Mexican war, when only eighteen
years old, he enlisted for the Mexican war as a private in a regi-
ment of mounted riflemen, and fought at Contreras, Churubusco,
Chapultepec, and the capture of the City of Mexico. Returning
after the war to Richmond, Ind., he was admitted to the bar in 1851,
was appointed prosecuting attorney in 1852, and in 1856 was made
judge of the common pleas court. Judge Benton was the first man
in Wayne county to respond to the president's call for troops, and
his company, which he gathered in twenty-four hours, was the first
in Indiana to be mustered into the service. He was promoted colonel
of the 8th Indiana, had command at Rich mountain and distinguished
himself there by personal bravery. Upon the expiration of the
first three months he re-enlisted and re-organized the regiment, and
reported to Gen. Fremont in Sept., 1861. The regiment, placed in
Biographical Sketches 31
the vanguard of Fremont's army, served in the campaign in Mis-
souri and Kansas. Col. Benton commanded a brigade at Pea ridge,
and for gallantry in that battle was promoted to brigadier-general.
He took part in the battles of Port Gibson, Jackson, Champion's
hill, Black River bridge, the sieges of Vicksburg and Mobile, and
was injured at Jackson, Miss. On March 25, 1865, he was brevetted
major-general of volunteers, and resigned the following July. While
in New Orleans, under appointment from the government, he died
in 1867.
Berry, Hiram G., major-general, was born in Thomaston (now
Rockland), Me., Aug. 27, 1824, learned the carpenter trade as a
boy, and afterwards becam.e a navigator. He represented his native
town for several terms in the state legislature and was mayor of
the city of Rockland. At Rockland he organized and for several
years commanded a company called the Rockland Guard, which
was well known for its excellent discipline. At the beginning of
the Civil war. Gen. Berry entered the service as colonel of the 4th
Maine infantry, took part in the battle of Bull Run, the siege of
Yorktown, and on April 4, 1862, was made a brigadier-general. He
was present at the battles of Fair Oaks and Williamsburg, at the
Seven Days' fight, the second Bull Run campaign, and Chantilly.
In Jan., 1863, he was nominated by the president as major-general
of volunteers, the nomination was confirmed, and he was placed in
command of the 2nd division of the 3d army corps, succeeding Gen.
Sickles. Berry lost his life at a critical juncture in the battle of
Chancellorsville, when, at the head of his division, he was leading
a bayonet charge against the enemy.
Biddle, Charles J., brigadier-general, was born in Philadelphia
in 1819. He was a son of Nicholas Biddle, of United States Bank
fame, graduated at Princeton college in 1837, studied law and was
admitted to the bar in 1840, served as a captain of the Voltigeurs
in the U. S. army in the Mexican war, and was in the actions of
Contreras, Churubusco, Molino del Rey. Chapultepec, and the tak-
ing of the City of Mexico, and was brevetted major for gallant and
meritorious services. At the close of that war he resumed the prac-
tice of his profession in his native city. On June 21, 1861, he was
appointed a colonel in the Penn. Reserve Volunteer Corps, and on
Aug. 31, was appointed brigadier-general of volunteers, but de-
clined the appointment. In October he was elected a member of
the 37th Congress, and on Dec. 11, resigned his commission as colonel.
After the war he became one of the proprietors and editor-in-chief
of the Philadelphia Age, and he died in Philadelphia, Sept. 28, 1873.
Bidwell, Daniel D., brigadier-general, was born about 1816 in
Buflfalo. N. Y., where he became a prominent and influential citi-
zen, and for more than twenty years was identified with the mili-
tary organizations of the city. When the war broke out he was
holding the office of police justice, but resigned his position and
entered the 6sth N. Y. infantry as a private, and was subsequently
appointed brigade inspector. Upon the death of the captain of
his company he resigned that position, accepted the command va-
cated, and withdrawing it from the regiment reorganized it as an
independent citizens' corps, thus forming the nucleus" of what was
afterward known as the 74th N. Y. infantry. In Sept., 1861, he
was commissioned colonel of the 49th N. Y. infantry, served with it
through the Peninsular campaign, and during the Seven Days' bat-
tles was in command of a brigade, continuing in charge from Har-
rison's landing to Washington and up to the time of the battles of
33 The Union Army
South mountain and Antietam, when he resumed command of his
regiment. Col. Bidwell took a prominent part in the battles of
Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, commanded a brigade at Get-
tysburg, and when Gen. Grant took command of the armies in Vir-
ginia was again placed in charge of a brigade, participating in all
the battles near Petersburg. He was commissioned brigadier-gen-
eral of volunteers in July, 1864, and served with honor in all the
battles in the Shenandoah valley, under Gen. Sheridan, up to the
battle of Cedar creek, in which engagement he was killed.
Birge, Henry W., brigadier-general, was born in Plartford, Conn.,
about 1830. He was serving on the staflF of Gov. Buckingham of
Connecticut when the Civil war broke out, and organized the first
regiment raised in that state. On May 22, 1861, he was made ma-
jor of the 4th Conn, volunteers, the first three-year regiment or-
ganized in Connecticut, and served with his regiment in Maryland
and Virginia. He was promoted colonel of the 13th Conn, regi-
ment, Nov. 5, 1861, left in the following March to join Gen. But-
ler's forces in New Orleans, and was afterwards placed in command
of the defenses there. In September he commanded a brigade under
Maj.-Gen. Beckwith, took an active part in the battle of Georgia
landing in October, accompanied Gen. Banks on the first Red
River campaign, and was present at the siege and surrender of Port
Hudson, July 8, 1863. On Oct. 6, 1863, he was promoted brigadier-
general and in 1864 commanded a brigade under Banks in the sec-
ond Red River campaign, served actively in several engagements
and was then placed in command of Baton Rouge, La. He was
ordered north with the 2nd division of the 19th corps in Aug.,
1864, commanded a division under Gen. Sheridan in the Shenan-
doah valley, and, early in 1865, was sent to command the fortifica-
tions at Atlanta, Ga. At the recommendation of Gen. Sheridan,
he was, on Feb. 25, 1865, brevetted major-general of volunteers for
gallant action at the battle of Cedar creek. He resigned his com-
mission in Oct., 1865, and, on his return to Connecticut, was award-
ed a vote of thanks by the state legislature. Gen. Birge died June
I, 1888.
Birney, David B., major-general, was born in Huntsville, Ala.,
May 29, 1825, being a son of James G. Birney, the abolition leader.
He studied law in Cincinnati, O., where his father published a
newspaper, then moved with his parents to Bay City, Mich., and
later to Philadelphia, where he was practicing law at the outbreak
of the Civil war. Giving up his profession, he recruited, largely at
his own expense, the 23d Penn. volunteer regiment, of which he
was made at first lieutenant-colonel and afterwards colonel, being
promoted from this rank to brigadier-general and major-general
of volunteers. He fought bravely at Yorktown, Williamsburg,
Manassas, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, and, upon the death
of Gen. Berry, succeeded him as commander of the division. In the
battle of Gettysburg he commanded the 3d corps after Gen. Sick-
les was wounded, and on July 23, 1864, was made commander of
the lOth corps. He returned home with greatly impaired health,
and on Oct. 18, 1864, died of disease contracted while in the serv-
ice.
Birney, William, brigadier-general, was born in Huntsville, Ala.,
in 1819, the second son of James G. Birney, and was like his father
a strong abolitionist. He was educated at Centre and Yale col-
leges, and spent five years in study in Europe. While in France,
in 1848, he took an active part in the revolution and was appointed,
dig. -Gen. C. J. BiddlE
Brig.-Gen. Wm. Birney
Maj.-Gen. J. G. Blunt
Brig.-Gen. J. T. Boyle
Biig.-licn. II. W. BiRGE
Maj.-Gen. F. P. Blair
Brig.-Gen. Henry BohlEn
Brig.-Gen. L. P. Bradley
M.ij.-i.cii. .). ;... :;.,-., ICY
Brig.-Gen. Louis BlenkER
Brig.-Gen. James BowEN
Brig.-Gen. E. S. Br.\gg
Biographical Sketches 33
on competitive examination, professor of English literature in the
college at Bourges. Entering the military service of the United
States as captain, in 1861, he rose through all the grades to the
brevet rank of major-general of volunteers, and during the last
two years of the war commanded a division. In 1863. having been
commissioned by the war department to organize colored troops, he
enlisted, equipped, and sent to the field, seven regiments of colored
troops, in doing which, he liberated the slaves from the slave pris-
ons in Baltimore, thus freeing a large number of slaves belonging
to Confederate officers. The result of his operations was to hasten
the abolition of slavery in Maryland. After the defeat of the
Union troops at Olustee, Fla., being placed in command of that
district, he succeeded in regaining possession of the principal parts
of the state and of several Confederate strongholds. He took part
in numerous skirmishes and the principal battles in Virginia, in-
cluding the first and second Bull Run, Petersburg, Fredericksburg,
Chantilly and Chancellorsville. After the war he spent four years
in Florida, and then removed to Washington where he practiced
his profession, becoming attorney for the District of Columbia.
Blair, Francis P., Jr., major-general, was born in Lexington, Ky.,
Feb. 19, 1821, son of Francis Preston Blair, statesman. He was grad-
uated from Princeton in 1841, admitted to the bar in 1843, prac-
ticed two years in St. Louis, and then spent two years in the Rocky
mountains for his health. He served as a private in the Mexican
war, then returned to St. Louis, where he took an active part in
politics as a Free Soil Democrat, and represented his district in
the state legislature from 1852 to 1856, after which he spent sev-
eral terms in Congress. In 1861, at a meeting of Republican lead-
ers in St. Louis, Mr. Blair urged the necessity of saving from the
state authorities the St. Louis arsenal, containing 65,000 stands of
arms belonging to the government, and he became the head of the
military organization then formed, which guarded the arsenal from
that time. Under his direction, the state troops under Gen. Frost
were captured in May, 1861, and it is claimed that this act, done
though it was without authority from Washington, saved Missouri
and Kentucky to the Union. He then joined the Union army as
colonel of volunteers and was promoted to brigadier-general, and,
on Nov. 29, 1862, was made major-general of volunteers. He com-
manded a division in the Vicksburg campaign, led his men at Look-
out mountain and Missionary ridge, and was at the head of his
troops, the 17th corps, during Sherman's campaigns in 1864-65,
including the march to the sea. His opposition to reconstruction
policies after the war led to his rejection by the senate, when nom-
inated by President Johnson as revenue collector at St. Louis, and
also as United States minister to Austria. He returned to the
Democratic party and was its candidate for the vice-presidency in
1868. In Jan.. 1871, he again entered the Missouri state legislature,
was elected to the United States senate to fill an unexpired term,
but failed at re-election in 1873. At the time of his death, which
occurred in St. Louis in 1875, he was state superintendent of in-
surance.
Blenker, Louis, brigadier-general, was born in Worms, Hesse
Darmstadt, Germany, July 31, 1812. While in the service of the
Bavarian legion, which accompanied King Otho to Greece, he at-
tained the rank of lieutenant, in 1837. He was a leading member
of the revolutionary government at Worms, in 1849, and upon the
overthrow of the revolutionist cause, was forced to retire to Swit-
Vol. VIII— 3
34 The Union Army
zerland. Being ordered to leave that country also, he emigrated
in Sept., 1849, to the United States, where he at first undertook to
cultivate a farm in Rockland county, N. Y., and later engaged in
business in New York city. Being commissioned on May 31, 1861,
colonel of the 8th N. Y. volunteers, which he had organized, he
first distinguished himself at the battle of Bull Run, where his regi-
ment, which acted as a reserve, covered the retreat with great
steadiness and recovered two Union colors which the retreating
soldiers had left on the field. For gallantry at this time he was
promoted brigadier-general of volunteers, and, in the early part of
the peninsular campaign, was ordered to West Virginia, where he
took an active part in the battle of Cross Keys, June 8, 1862, until,
on the arrival of Gen. Fremont, he was superseded by Gen. Sigel.
He was then ordered to Washington, mustered out of the service
in March, 1863, and on Oct. 31, died on his farm in Rockland
county, N. Y., as the result of internal injuries, received from a
fall of his horse during the Virginia campaign.
Blunt, James G., major-general, was born in Hancock county.
Me., in 1826. From the time he was fifteen until his twentieth
year he spent on the sea, then studied medicine, was graduated in
1849 from the Starling medical college, Columbus, O., and prac-
ticed medicine in Ohio until 1856, when he settled in Anderson
county, Kan. In Kansas he soon became prominent in politics,
used his influence against the introduction of slavery, and was a
member of the state constitutional convention. Entering the army
in July, 1861, as lieutenant-colonel of the 3d Kan. volunteers, he
commanded the cavalry in Gen. James Lane's brigade, and on
April 8, 1862, was made brigadier-general and given command of
the military Department of Kansas. His troops routed the Con-
federates in the battle of Old Fort Wayne, Oct. 22, 1862, again at
Cane hill. Ark., on Nov. 28, 1862, and on Dec. 7 of that year he met
and defeated, with the aid of Gen. Herron, the Confederates under
Hindman at Prairie Grove, checking thereby the advance of the
Southern troops into Missouri. On Dec. 28, he captured Fort Van
Buren. He was promoted to major-general of volunteers Nov. 29,
1862, and in June, 1863, being relieved of command of the Depart-
ment of Kansas, he took the field with the Army of the Frontier.
He defeated Gen. Cooper at Honey Springs, July 16, 1863, and in
Oct., 1864, aided by Sanborn's cavalry, he met the Confederates
at Newtonia, Mo., and there dealt the final blow to Price's inva-
sion of Missouri. During the latter part of the war he was military
commandant of the district of south Kansas. He was mustered
out of the service, July 29, 1865, and settled at Leavenworth, Kan. He
died in Washington, D. C, in 1881.
Bohlen, Henry, brigadier-general, was born in Bremen, Ger-
many, Oct. 22, 1810. Coming to the United States while a boy, he
settled in Philadelphia and there acquired a fortune in the liquor
business. In 1861 he became colonel of the 75th Penn. (German)
volunteers and was attached to Gen. Blenker's command. On
April 28, 1862, he was made brigadier-general of volunteers and
served in western Virginia under Gen. Fremont, distinguishing
himself especially at the battle of Cross Keys, on June 8. 1862. He
was also commended for his services under Gen. Sigel in the
Shenandoah valley. While covering the retreat of the army of
Virginia across the Rappahannock he led his brigade across the
river to attack a detachment of Longstreet's division, but was as-
sailed by superior numbers and lost his life while retreating back
across the river, on Aug. 22, 1862.
Biographical Sketches 35
Bowen, James, brigadier-general, was born in New York city
in 1808. Left an ample fortune by his father, he was the first pres-
ident of the Erie railway, holding that office for many years. He
was a member of the state legislature in 1848 and 1849, and sub-
sequently held various civic offices, being in 1855 the first police
commissioner in New York city. At the beginning of the Civil
war he raised several regiments, which were formed into a brigade,
of which he was made brigadier-general. After Gen. Butler left
New Orleans, Gen. Bowen went there, being made provost-marshal-
general of the Department of the Gulf in Dec, 1862. He resigned,
July 27, 1864, and on March 13, 1865, was made brevet major-gen-
eral of volunteers. His last public office was that of commissioner
of charities, to which he was appointed by Mayor Havemeyer, and
which he held for many years. Gen. Bowen was a man of unusual
qualities, and numbered among his intimate friends such men as
Daniel Webster and William H. Seward. He died at Hastings-on-
the-Hudson, Sept. 29, 1886.
Boyle, Jeremiah T., brigadier-general, was born in 1818, gradu-
ated from Princeton in 1839, was admitted to the bar, and prac-
ticed law in Kentucky until the outbreak of the Civil war. When
the slave states seceded from the Union and Kentucky was in doubt
which side to join, he took the Union side, and on Nov. 4, 1861, was
appointed brigadier-general of volunteers. Because of distinguished
services in organizing for defense against the Confederate invasion,
he was appointed military governor of Kentucky, holding that of-
fice from 1862 to 1864, when he resigned his commission to become
president of the Louisville city railway company. In 1866 he be-
came president of the Evansville, Henderson & Nashville rail-
road company, which position he held during the remainder of his
life. He died in Louisville, Ky., July 28, 1871.
Bradley, Luther P., brigadier-general, was born in New Haven,
Conn., Dec. 8, 1822. After receiving a common school education he
removed to Illinois, and in 1861 entered the Union service as lieu-
tenant-colonel of a regiment which he had organized, — the 51st 111.
volunteers. He was on recruiting duty until Feb., 1862, and sub-
sequently fought at the capture of Island No. 10. at New Madrid,
Farmington, Nashville, Stone's river, Chickamauga, where he was
severely wounded, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kennesaw moun-
tain, Peachtree creek, Atlanta and Jonesboro. On Oct. 15,
1862, he became colonel of his regiment. He was made brigadier-
general of volunteers July 30, 1864, and took part in the campaign
against Gen. Hood, being wounded at the battle of Franklin, Tenn.
On June 30, 1865, he resigned his commission, was appointed lieu-
tenant-colonel of the 27th U. S. infantry, July 28, 1866, and on
March 2, 1867, was brevetted colonel in the regular army for serv-
ices at Chickamauga, and brigadier-general for services at Resaca.
After the war, from 1866 to 1886, he served as lieutenant-colonel
and afterwards colonel, on the plains, and in Wyoming, Kansas,
New Mexico and other places. He was retired Dec. 8, 1886.
Bragg, Edward S., brigadier-general, was born at Unadilla, N. Y.,
Feb. 20, 1827. After a preliminary education in the village school
and academy, he entered Geneva, now Hobart college, where he
remained three years, going then to study law in the office of Judge
Noble of Unadilla. He was admitted to the New York bar in
1848, practiced law for a time in New York, and then moved to
Fond du Lac, Wis., where he served as district attorney from 1854
to 1856. In i860 he was sent as a Douglas Democrat to the Charles-
36 The Union Army
ton convention. Entering the Union army, May 5, 1861, as cap-
tain, he was promoted through all the intermediate grades to the
rank of brigadier-general of volunteers, to which he was appointed
June 25, 1864. He participated in all the campaigns of the Army of
the Potomac except the Peninsular and was at Gettysburg and
Five Forks, serving with such distinction as to win him deserved
promotions. He was mustered out Oct. 8, 1865, returned to Fond
du Lac, and in 1866 was appointed postmaster there by President
Johnson. Since the war he has held various important civic of-
fices. He was in 1866 a delegate to the Philadelphia Union con-
vention, was elected state senator in 1867 and served one term, and
was a delegate to the Soldiers' and Sailors' convention which nom-
inated Horatio Seymour for president in 1868. In 1872 he was a
delegate to the national Democratic convention in Baltimore which
nominated Horace Greeley for president, and was also a member
of the Democratic national conventions of 1884, 1892 and 1896. In
the convention of 1884 he seconded the nomination of Grover
Cleveland for president, using the phrase which has since become
famous: "We love him for the enemies he has made." In 1896
he was a prominent gold Democrat, and in 1900 supported McKin-
ley. He was a member of Congress from 1877 to 1883. and from
1885 to 1887, and was regarded during his congressional career as
one of the most dangerous antagonists in debate in the house. He
was minister to Mexico in 1888-89, consul-general to Havana from
May 19, 1902, to Sept. 15, 1902. and was on Sept. 15, 1902, appointed
consul-general to Hong Kong, in which position he served imtil
1906. He is now living retired at Fond du Lac, Wis.
Bramlette, Thomas E., brigadier-general, was born in Cumber-
land county, Ky., Jan. 3, 1817. He was educated in the county
schools, studied law and was admitted to the bar, and in 1848 be-
came state's attorney, resigning that office in 1850 in order that he
might devote himself to his private practice. In 1856 he was elect-
ed district judge, but resigned in 1861 to enter the Union army.
He raised the 3d Ky. infantry, was elected its colonel, and in April,
1863, became brigadier-general of volunteers. He resigned his com-
mission the same year to become governor of Kentucky, to which
office he had been elected on the Union ticket. He remained in
office until 1867, and then resumed his law practice at Louisville.
He died in Louisville, Jan. 12, 1875.
Brannan, John M., brigadier-general, was born in the District
of Columbia, in 1819, and was graduated at the United States mili-
tary academy at West Point in 1841. He served at Plattsburg,
N. Y., during the border disturbances in 1840-41, and in the Mexi-
can war as ist lieutenant of the ist artillery. He took part in most
of the important engagements of the Mexican war, was severely
wounded in the assault on the City of Mexico, and came out of the
contest with the brevet of captain. He served in the Seminole war
in Florida in 1856-58, and entered the Civil war as brigadier-
general of volunteers. He was made brevet lieutenant-colonel in
the regular army for gallantry at the battle of Jacksonville, Fla.,
in 1862, and in Sept., 1863, won the brevet of colonel for meritori-
ous service at the battle of Chickamauga. On Jan. 23, 1865, he was
brevetted major-general of volunteers and on March 13, 1865, was
given the brevet of major-general in the regular army for services
at Atfanta. He was active in the Tennessee and Georgia cam-
paigns, fighting with distinction in most of the battles of each. He
was mustered out of the volunteer service in 1866, and, after a
Biographical Sketches 37
short leave of absence, was placed in command of Fort Trumbull,
Conn. Subsequently he served at Ogdensburg, N. Y., during the
Fenian disturbances of 1870, and at Philadelphia, in 1877, during the
railroad riots, commanding United States troops in both places.
He was retired from the active service in 1882 and died Dec. 16,
1892.
Brayman, Mason, brigadier-general, was born in Buffalo, N. Y.,
May 2^, 1813. Brought up on a farm, he became a printer, then
editor of the Buffalo "Bulletin," studied law, and in 1836 was ad-
mitted to the bar. Removing to the west, he became city attorney
of Monroe, Mich., in 1838, editor of the Louisville "Adviser" in
1841, opened a law office in Springfield, 111., in 1842, and in 1844-45
revised the state statutes. In 1843, as special government com-
missioner, he adjusted the Mormon disturbances at Nauvoo, and
conducted the negotiations which resulted in the withdrawal of
the Mormons from Illinois. He was from 1851 to 1855 attorney
for the Illinois Central railroad, and then, until the outbreak of the
Civil war, was a promoter of railroad enterprises in Missouri, Ar-
kansas and the southwest. In 1861 he joined the Union army as
major of the 29th 111. volunteers, became colonel of the regiment
in May, 1862, and fought with such conspicuous gallantry at the
battles of Belmont, Fort Donelson and Shiloh that he was pro-
moted brigadier-general of volunteers. He was in command at
Bolivar, Tenn., when Van Dorn's attack was successfully repulsed.
He afterwards reorganized about sixty Ohio regiments, at Fort
Dennison; was president of a board of inquiry to investigate the
conduct of Gen. Sturgis, commanded at Natchez, Tenn., from July,
1864, to May, 1865, and was presiding officer of a committee to in-
vestigate cotton claims. He was mustered out of the service at
the close of the war with the brevet rank of major-general of vol-
unteers. After the war he was engaged in reviving railroad inter-
ests in the south, was editor of the "Illinois State Journal" in 1872-
73, practiced law in Ripon. Wis., from 1873 to 1877, and was then
appointed by President Hayes governor of Idaho. At the expira-
tion of his term, in 1880, he resumed the practice of his profession
in Ripon, Wis. He afterwards settled in Kansas City, Mo., and
died there Feb. 27, 1895.
Briggs, Henry S., brigadier-general, was born in Aug., 1824,
and in 1844 graduated from Williams college. He afterwards
studied law and gained some distinction as a lawyer, and in 1861,
at the outbreak of the Civil war, joined the Union army as colonel
of the loth Mass. volunteers. At the battle of Fair Oaks he dis-
tinguished himself, and on July 17. 1862, was made a brigadier-
general of volunteers. He served throughout the war and was at
its close a member of the general court-martial in Washington,
D. C. He was mustered out of the service Dec. 4, 1865.
Brisbin, James S., brigadier-general, was born in Boalsburg, Pa.,
about 1838. He received a classical education, taught school, and
became well known before the Civil war as an anti-slavery ora-
tor. Enlisting in the Civil war as a private, he was commissioned
2nd lieutenant, and fought in the battle of Bull Run, July, 1861,
where he was severely wounded. In Aug., 1861. he was promoted
captain of the 2nd cavalry and fought with distinction in the fol-
lowing May, with the Army of the Potomac. He was present at
Malvern hill and most of the other battles of the Peninsular cam-
paign, and also in the Blue Ridge expedition, and for meritorious
service at the battle of Beverly ford, Va., June 9, 1863, was bre-
38 The Union Army
vetted major U. S. A. He commanded the Pennsylvania state cav-
alry at Gettysburg, and then joined Banks' Red River expedition
as chief of cavalry on the staff of Gen. A. L. Lee. Being wounded
at Sabine cross-roads, April 8, 1864, he returned north and be-
came chief of staff to Gen. S. G. Burbridge in his operations in
Kentucky and Tennessee. Near the close of the war he was bre-
vetted lieutenant-colonel and colonel U. S. A., brigadier-general of
volunteers and major-general of volunteers and promoted to the
full rank of brigadier-general of volunteers, receiving his brevets
for gallant action at Beverly, Va., and Marion. Va., and meritori-
ous service during the war. He was mustered out of the volunteer
service in 1866, and became captain in the 6th U. S. cavalry. In
January, 1868, he was promoted to major of the 2nd cavalry, was
made lieutenant-colonel of the 9th cavalry in 1885, and on Aug. 20,
1889, became colonel of the ist cavalry. He died Jan. 14, 1892.
Brooke, John R., brigadier-general, was born in Pottsville, Pa.,
July 21, 1838, and joined the Union army in April, 1861, as captain
in the 4th Penn. volunteers. At the close of his three months'
service he reenlisted as colonel of the 53d Pa. infantry, and on
May 12, 1864, was commissioned brigadier-general for distinguished
services during the battles of the Wilderness and Spottsylvania
Court House. On Aug. i, 1864, he was brevetted major-general of
volunteers for "gallant and meritorious services in the battles of
Totopotomy and Cold Harbor, Va.," and resigned from the vol-
unteer service Feb. i, 1866. He was commissioned lieutenant-colonel
in the regular army, July 28, 1866, being assigned to the 37th U. S.
infantry. On March 2, 1867, he received the brevets of colonel and
brigadier-general U. S. A. for gallant and meritorious services at
Gettysburg and Spottsylvania court-house. He was transferred to
the 3d infantry, March 19, 1869, promoted colonel of the 13th in-
fantry, March 20, 1879, transferred to the 3d infantry, June 14, 1879,
and promoted brigadier-general, April 6, 1888. He was assigned
to the command of the Rialto in 1888 and in 1896 to the command of
the Department of Dakota, with headquarters at St. Paul, Minn.
On May 22, 1897, he was promoted major-general and assigned to
the Department of the Missouri, with headquarters at Chicago, HI.,
and in April, 1898, was given command of the troops assembled at
Chickamauga park for service in the Spanish-American war. In
July, 1898, he was made head of the military commission and gov-
ernor-general of Porto Rico, and in Dec, 1898, was transferred to
Cuba as governor-general, his conduct in both places meeting with
the approval of the inhabitants. In May, 1900, he became com-
mander of the Department of the East, a position which he held un-
til July 21, 1902, when he was retired.
Brooks, William T. H., major-general, was born at New Lis-
bon, Ohio, Jan. 28, 1821. He was graduated at West Point in 1841,
going immediately afterwards into service in the Florida war, and
in 1842 was made second lieutenant. He was garrisoned at Fort
Stansbury, Fla., in 1843, did frontier duty at Fort Leavenworth,
Kan., from 1843 to 1845, served during the military occupation of
Texas, and then engaged in the war with Mexico with the rank
of first lieutenant. At Monterey, Contreras and Churubusco he es-
pecially distinguished himself and won the brevets of captain and
major. He was acting adjutant-general of Gen. Twiggs' division
in 1847 and 1848, and aide-de-camp for the next three years, was
promoted captain in 1851, and from 1852 to 1858 was on duty in
New Mexico. After two years' sick leave, he returned to duty at
Biographical Sketches 39
the beginning of the Civil war as brigadier-general of volunteers,
and engaged in the war until July 14, 1864, when he resigned on
account of failing health. He was major-general of volunteers
from June 10, 1863, to April 18, 1864. During the war he was pres-
ent at the principal battles of the Army of the Potomac, command-
ed a division in the Rappahannock campaign, was in command of
the Department of the Monongahela in 1863 and 1864, and of the
loth army corps from May 10, 1864, until he resigned. He was
wounded at Savage Station and Antietam. After the war, in 1866,
he moved to his farm near Huntsville, Ala., where he spent the re-
mainder of his days. He died there July 19, 1870.
Brown, Egbert B., brigadier-general, was born at Brownsville,
N. Y., Oct. 24, 1816. He obtained the rudiments of an education
at Tecumseh, Mich., and then, being thrown upon his own resources,
was employed as helper on a whaling voyage around the world.
He was afterwards employed at various occupations in Toledo,
Ohio, became mayor of that city in 1849, and then, removing to St.
Louis in 1852, was, until 1861, a railroad manager. Resigning his
position at that time, he was influential in saving the state to the
Union, and in May, 1862, was appointed brigadier-general of Mis-
souri volunteers, and in 1863, after the battle of Springfield, was
made brigadier-general of United States volunteers. He was se-
verely wounded at the battle of Springfield, and never fully recov-
ered. The troops under his command at that battle were officially
complimented for gallantry by the Missouri legislature. He served
throughout the war, mainly in Missouri, Arkansas and Texas, com-
ing out of the conflict with one shoulder almost wholly disabled,
and a bullet in his hip. In 1866 he was appointed United States
pension agent at St. Louis, and held this position two years, re-
signing at the end of that time to engage in farming at Hastings,
111. From 1881 to 1884 he was a member of the state board of
equalization.
Buchanan, Robert C, brigadier-general, was born in Maryland
about 1810, was graduated at West Point in 1830, served then in
the Black Hawk and Seminole wars, and in 1838 was promoted
captain. He served during the military occupation of Texas in
1845-46, and in the Mexican war, being brevetted major for gal-
lant action at Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, Tex., and lieu-
tenant-colonel for meritorious conduct at the battle of Molino del
Rey, Mexico. He was appointed major in the 4th infantry, Feb.
3, 1855, served on recruiting, garrison and court martial duty until
1861, and in September of that year was promoted to the lieutenant-
colonelcy of the 4th infantry and stationed at Washington, D. C,
where he remained until March, 1862. He took a prominent part in
the Peninsular campaign, winning the brevet of colonel for gal-
lantry at Gaines' mill, was appointed brigadier-general of volun-
teers in Nov., 1862, and, after March, 1863, commanded Fort Dela-
ware. He was promoted colonel in the regular army in 1864 and
in 1865 was given the brevets of major-general and brigadier-gen-
eral, U. S. A., for gallantry at Malvern hill, Manassas and Freder-
icksburg. He was a member of the military comihission, Dec. I,
1865, to investigate the complaints of Prussia concerning the Mas-
sachusetts enlistments in 1863, was a member of the Iowa claims
commission in 1867, was in command of the district of Louisiana
in 1868, and of Fort Porte in 1869-70. He was retired at his own
request Dec. 31, 1870, and died in Washington, D. C, Nov. 29,
1878.
40 The Union Army
Buckingham, Catharinus P., brigadier-general, was born in Spring-
field, Ohio, March 14. 1808. He graduated in the military academy
at West Point in 1829, served one year on topographical duty and
another as instructor at West Point, and then resigned from the
service to become professor of mathematics and natural philosophy
at Kenyon college, Gambler, Ohio. He then engaged in manufac-
turing and acquired a business interest in the Kokosing iron works
at Mt. Vernon, Ohio. On May 3, 1861, he entered the United States
service as assistant adjutant-general of Ohio, was made commis-
sary-general on May 8, and on July i, adjutant-general with the
rank of brigadier-general, serving until April 2, 1862. He was de-
tailed on special duty in the war department in Washington from
July, 1862, to Feb., 1863, and then resigned to go into business
in New York. He built the Illinois Central railroad company's
grain elevators in Chicago, and rebuilt those that had been de-
stroyed by the great fire, being occupied in this work from 1868 to
1873, and then became president of the Chicago steel works. He
died in Chicago, 111., Aug. 30, 1888.
Buckland, Ralph P., brigadier-general, was born at Leyden,
Mass., Jan. 20, 1812, was educated in Ohio, admitted to the bar there
in 1837, and began the practice of law in Fremont, that state. He
was in 1848 a delegate to the national Whig convention, and in
1855 became state senator, holding that office until 1859. At the
outbreak of the Civil war he enlisted a regiment which became the
72nd Ohio volunteers, and was elected its colonel. For gallantry
at the battle of Shiloh, where he commanded the 4th brigade of
Sherman's division, he was promoted brigadier-general of volun-
teers, Nov. 29, 1862. He commanded a brigade of the 15th army
corps at Vicksburg, was later assigned to the command of the dis-
trict of Memphis, and on March 13, 1865, was brevetted major-
general of volunteers. He resigned from the army in Jan., 1865,
to accept a seat in Congress to which he had been elected while
in the field, and was re-elected in 1866. He was president of the
board of managers of the Ohio soldiers' and sailors' orphans' home
from 1867 to 1873, and government director of the Union Pacific
railroad from 1877 to 1880. Gen. Buckland was a delegate to the
Philadelphia loyalists' convention in 1866. to the Pittsburg soldiers'
convention, and to the Republican national convention of 1876. He
died at Fremont, Ohio, May 28, 1892.
Buell, Don Carlos, major-general, was born near Marietta, Ohio,
March 23, 1818. He was graduated at West Point in 1841, and as-
signed to the 3d infantry, being raised to ist lieutenant June 18,
1846. He served in the war with Mexico, being brevetted captain
for gallant action at Monterey, and major after Contreras and Chu-
rubusco, having received a severe wound in the latter engagement,
and was then, from 1848 to 1861, on duty as assistant adjutant-gen-
eral at Washington and at various department headquarters. He
received a staff appointment as lieutenant-colonel. May 11, 1861,
was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers on May 17, be-
ing employed at first in organizing the troops at Washington, and
in Aug., 1861, was given command of a division of the Army of the
Potomac. In Nov., 1861, he superseded Gen. W. T. Sherman as com-
mander of the Department of the Cumberland, which was reorgan-
ized as the Department of the Ohio, and the campaign in Ken-
tucky was opened on Dec. 17, 1861. when an attack was begun
upon his pickets at Rowlett station, near Munfordville. Gen.
Buell occupied Bowling Green, Feb. 14, 1862, took possession with
r.iig.-Cen. T. M. Draxnan Ciig. Iku. Masox Dkavman
Brig.-Gen. j. S. Brisbin Brig.-Gen. J. R. Brooke
Brig.-Gen. Rob't Anderson Brig.-Gen. R. C. Buchanan
Brig.-Gen. R. P. Buckland Maj.-Gen. D. C. Buell
];ii^. i.cii. II. .S. BuiGOS
Maj.-Gen. W. T. H.
Brooks
Brig.-Gen. C. P. Bucking-
ham
Maj.-Gen. John Bupord
Biographical Sketches 41
a small force of Gallatin, Tenn., on the 23d, and entered Nashville
two days later. On March 21, 1862, he was made major-general of
volunteers, his department becoming a part of the Department of
the Mississippi under Gen. Halleck, and on the 6th of April fol-
lowing, his opportune arrival at Shiloh saved Gen. Grant from dis-
astrous defeat. On June 12, 1862, he took command of the Depart-
ment of the Ohio, and, upon the advance of Bragg into Kentucky,
he was forced to evacuate Central Tennessee, and make a rapid re-
treat to Louisville, in order to save that city, and Cincinnati, which
also was threatened by the Confederates. He arrived at Louis-
ville at midnight, Sept. 24, amid great excitement, as the inhabi-
tants had feared that Bragg would get there first. Buell was or-
dered to give over his command to Thomas, Sept. 30. but was re-
instated the next day and began a pursuit of the Confederates.
After a week's chase, Bragg halted to give battle at Perryville, and
there the two armies fought an indecisive battle which lasted from
early in the afternoon of Oct. 8 until dark, with great loss on both
sides. On the next day Bragg retired to Harrodsburg, and thence
slowly to Cumberland gap. Buell's management of this command
has been pronounced masterful by military authorities, but he was
censured by the war department for not pursuing the Confederates
swiftly enough to bring them into action again, and on Oct. 24,
1862, was ordered to turn over his command to Gen. Rosecrans. A
military committee made a report which was never published. Gen.
Buell was mustered out of the volunteer service. May 23, 1864, and
resigned his commission in the regular army June i, 1864. After
the war he became extensively engaged in the iron business in
Muhlenburg county, Ky., and in 1885 was appointed by President
Cleveland pension agent in Kentucky. He died near Rockport,
Ky.. Nov. 19, 1898.
Buford, John, major-general, was born in Woodford county, Ky.,
March 4, 1826, a half brother of Gen. Napoleon Bonaparte Buford.
He served as lieutenant in the ist dragoons in the expedition against
the Sioux, in 1855; at Bluewater, Kan., in 1856-57; in Utah in 1857-
58, and in 1861 was promoted major and attached to the corps of
the inspector-general. For a few months in 1862 he was on the
staff of Gen. Pope in the Army of Virginia, and on July 27, 1862,
was promoted to the rank of brigadier-general, commanding a
brigade of cavalry in Gen. Hooker's army during the North Vir-
ginia campaign. He took part in the engagement at Madison Court
House, Aug. 9. pursued Gen. Jackson's army across the Rapidan,
Aug. 12, was present at Kelly's ford. Thoroughfare gap, and Man-
assas, and was wounded at the last named battle. He was chief
of cavalry during the Maryland campaign, being present at South
mountain, Sept. 14, and at Antietam, Sept. 17, acting in that battle
on Gen. McClellan's staff. In Dec, 1862, he commanded the re-
serve cavalry under Stoneman and did gallant service at Fred-
ericksburg on the 13th of the month. He was also present at
Stoneman's raid. May, 1863, and Beverly ford, June 9, 1863, and
as chief of the cavalry division of the Army of the Potomac was
present at all the principal engagements, including Gettysburg,
where he began the attack. Wolf's hill, and Round Top, and the
pursuit of the enemy to Warrenton. He played a conspicuous part
at Culpeper, and in driving the Confederates across the Rapidan,
when he was obliged to cut his way through the enemy to rejoin
the army. He was assigned to the command of the cavalry of the
Army of the Cumberland, in 1863, and on July i of that year was
42 The Union Army
commissioned major-general of volunteers. He died in Washing-
ton, D. C, Dec. i6, 1863.
Buford, Napoleon B., major-general, was born in Woodford
county, Ky., Jan. 13, 1807, graduated at West Point in 1827, tlien
studied law at Harvard by permission of the government, and was
assistant professor of natural and experimental philosophy at West
Point in 1834 and 1835. He resigned from the army in 1835, was
for a time employed by the state of Kentucky as an engineer, then
engaged in the iron business and became a banker and railroad
president in Illinois. Entering the Union army in 1861 as colonel
of the 27th 111. volunteers, he was present at the engagement at
Belmont, Mo., Nov. 7, 1861, occupied Columbus, Ky., in March,
1862, captured Union City by surprise after a forced march, was
in command of the garrison at Island No. 10 after the capitula-
tion of the fort, and was present at Fort Pillow in April, 1862. He
was promoted brigadier-general April 15, 1862, was present at the
siege of Corinth, in May, 1862, at the battle of Corinth on Oct. 3 and
4 of that year, and the siege of Vicksburg in 1863, was in command
from March to Sept., 1863, at Cairo, 111., and from Sept., 1863, to
March, 1865, at Helena, Ark. He held a commission as major-
general of volunteers from Nov. 29, 1862, to March 4, 1863, and on
March 13, 1865, was given the rank by brevet. He was mustered
out of the service, Aug. 24, 1865, and served as special United
States Indian commissioner, in 1868, having been appointed in 1867
by the government to inspect the Union Pacific railroad, being
employed at the latter task until 1869, when the road was completed.
He died March 28, 1883.
Burbridge, Stephen G., brigadier-general, was born in Scott
county, Ky., Aug. 19, 1831. He acquired a classical and military
education, studied law with United States Senator Garrett Davis,
then engaged in business in Georgetown, D. C, after which he re-
moved to a large plantation in Logan county, Ky. At the outbreak
of the Civil war he recruited the 26th Ky. regiment, was made its
colonel, and at the battle of Shiloh won by gallant action promo-
tion to the rank of brigadier-general of volunteers. He defended
Kentucky against the invasion of Gen. Bragg in 1862, commanded
the 1st brigade, ist division, 13th army corps, before Vicksburg,
led the storming party at the capture of Arkansas Post, and, in
acknowledgment of his bravery at this time, was permitted, by
orders of Gen. A. G. Smith, to plant the Stars and Stripes upon the
Confederate fort. He was also conspicuous in the capture of Port
Gibson, being among the first to enter the works. During the At-
lanta campaign of 1864 he was in command of the military district
of Kentucky, and drove Morgan back into Tennessee. In acknowl-
edgment of this, and particularly for services at the battle of
Cynthiana, he received the thanks of President Lincoln. He re-
signed from the service in 1865 and retired to his home in Ken-
tucky.
Burnham, Hiram, brigadier-general, was born in Maine, and en-
tered the Union service at the beginning of the Civil war as colonel
of the 6th Maine volunteers. He led his regiment with skill and
gallantry through the Peninsular campaign, at Antietam and sub-
sequent engagements. He distinguished himself for gallantry at
the second battle of Fredericksburg and at Gettysburg, and on
April 27, 1864, was made brigadier-general of volunteers. He bore
a conspicuous part in the campaign from the Wilderness to Peters-
burg. He was killed Sept. 29, 1864, in battle at Chaffin's farm. A
Biographical Sketches 43
few weeks prior to his death he was given command of a brigade
in Stannard's division, i8th army corps.
Bums, William W., brigadier-general, was born in Coshocton,
Ohio, Sept. 3, 1825, was graduated at West Point in 1847. and joined
the 3d infantry. He served throughout the war with Mexico, and,
after ten years of frontier, garrison and recruiting duty, was given
a staff appointment as captain and commissary of subsistence. His
experience in the supply department led to his appointment for
similar duties of an important nature during the Civil war. He
served with the Army of the Potomac, was wounded at Savage
Station, June 29, 1862, and was in the field witli the Army of the
Potomac up to and including the battle of Fredericksburg. He was
then appointed chief commissary of the Department of the North-
west, and subsequently, during the closing years of the war, was
in charge successively of commissary departments of the Caro-
linas, Georgia, Florida, and finally of the entire south. After the
war he was on duty at Washington. He was brevetted brigadier-
general, U. S. A., March 13, 1865.
Burnside, Ambrose E., major-general, was born in Liberty, Ind.,
May 23, 1824, fourth son of Edgehill and Pamelia (Brown) Burn-
side. He was descended from Robert Burnside, a Scotchman who
had fled his native country after the final defeat of the "Young Pre-
tender," whose cause he had espoused. During the Revolutionary
war the Burnside family took different sides, and James Burnside,
grandfather of Ambrose, remained a loyalist during the struggle.
He was forced to flee to the island of Jamaica, but returned in
1786 and died in South Carolina in 1798. His widow, after freeing
her slaves, emigrated to Indiana, and her third son, Edgehill, set-
tled in Liberty, a town which was just being built. Here he mar-
ried and reared a family of nine children. Ambrose, the fourth
child, was sent to school until he reached the age of seventeen,
obtaining a better education than was generally to be had in coun-
try schools of the time, and then, his father being too poor to
give him professional training, was apprenticed to a tailor. Through
conversations with soldiers who had fought in the war of 1812 he
became interested in military life, and read all the books which he
could obtain which related to military affairs. While engaged in
reading one of these books in his shop in Liberty, so goes the tra-
dition, one of the patrons, Caleb B. Smith, then a congressman,
came into the shop, and asked the boy about his ambitions. He
became interested in young Burnside and eventually succeeded in
procuring for him an appointment to West Point. Upon his grad-
uation with the class of 1847, Lieut. Burnside was ordered to the
City of Mexico, where he remained on garrison duty until the re-
turn of the army, when he served at Fort Adams, at Las Vegas,
where he was wounded, and at Jefferson Barracks, Mo. In 1853
he resigned his commission as ist lieutenant of the 3d artillery to
devote his attention to the manufacture of a breech-loading rifle
which he had invented. The rifle, which had been submitted in
competition with some eighteen others, had received the approval
of a board of commissioners appointed by Congress, and Burnside
expected an order from the government. Upon investigating, how-
ever, he was told that he would have to pay $5,000 to a profes-
sional lobbyist before the government would order any of his
guns, and, as he refused indignantly to pay a sum for such a pur-
pose, he was forced to make an assignment, and, with fifteen dol-
lars in his pocket returned west to retrieve his fortunes. Eventu-
44 The Union Army
ally he succeeded, by dint of strictest economy, in paying off all
the indebtedness incurred in the disastrous venture. After his as-
signment he secured a position as cashier of the land department
of the Illinois Central railroad, of which his former classmate,
George B. McClellan. was then vice-president, and, a year later, be-
came treasurer of the road. Just before the outbreak of the Civil
war he made a business trip to New Orleans, and. learning the
state of affairs in the South, arranged his affairs, upon his return
to the Xorth. so as to be ready to start at a moment's warning for
the war. He was appointed in the spring of 1861. by Gov. Sprague
of Rhode Island, colonel of the ist R. I. volunteers, and led his
regiment to Washington by way of Annapolis, being one of the first
to assist in the defense of the city. In the first battle of Bull Run
he commanded a brigade at the beginning of the battle and suc-
ceeded to the command of Gen. Hunter's division after that offi-
cer was wounded, winning by his services in that engagement many
public testimonials and promotion to the rank of brigadier-general.
Gen. Burnside won his greatest popularitj'. however, by an expe-
dition which he successfully led against North Carolina in the win-
ter of 1861-6J. Starting from Hampton Roads, Jan. 12. 1862, the
fleet arrived at Pamlico sound after a tempestuous voyage, on Jan.
25, and on Feb. 8. after several sharp engagements. Roanoke island
was captured. This gave control of Pamlico and Albemarle sounds
to the northern forces, and soon, by means of a series of brilliant
maneuvers. Burnside captured New Berne. Beaufort, and Fort Macon,
besides a number of less important points of vantage to the north,
and on his return was hailed as the most uniformly successful of
Union generals, being appointed by President Lincoln major-gen-
eral of volunteers. Gen. Burnside was next attached to the Army
of the Potomac, and, with his famous 9th corps, assisted Gen. Mc-
Clellan in withdrawing from the Peninsula. He next distinguished
himself by dislodging the Confederates from a strong position which
they held in the passes at South mountain. Lee retreated to An-
tietam creek, threw up entrenchments there, and waited battle.
When the battle was fought, three days later. Burnside's division,
which held the stone bridge across the creek in spite of fearful
loss, was all that saved the Union army from complete defeat. Gen.
Burnside assumed command of the Army of the Potomac when
McClellan was retired, in Nov., 1862. and retained it until super
seded, on Jan. 26. 1863. by Gen. Hooker, on account of the disas-
trous result of the battle of Fredericksburg, blame for which was
placed on Burnside. and generously assumed by him. In this bat-
tle, which was fought against the advice of Gen. Burnside. the
Union army was forced to attack the Confederates at a great dis-
advantage, the latter holding a line of hills, and being strongly
entrenched. x\ttempts to carry the place by assault failed, and the
army was forced to withdraw with a loss of 12.000 men. After be-
ing relieved of his command Burnside resigned, but the president
refused to accept his resignation, and placed him in command of
the Department of the Ohio, where he rendered conspicuous serv-
ice by ridding the country of guerrillas, enforcing stringent meas-
ures against Southern sympathizers on both sides of the river, and
affording protection to loyalists. In Aug.. 1863. he captured Cum-
berland gap with a force of 18.000 men. then moved on to Knox-
ville and held that place against siege and assault by t.ongstreet,
against terrible odds, until relieved at the end of a month by Sher-
man. He was again assigned to command of his old 9th corps,
Maj.-Gen. X. B. Bi ford
Brig.-Gen. W. W. Burns
Brig. -Gen. Richard
Bl-STEED
Maj.-Gen. G. C. C.\d\v.xl-
.ADER
Brig.-Gen. S. G. Burbridce
Maj.-Gen. A. E. Bvrnside
Maj.-Gen. B. F. Bitler
Brig.-Gen. T. C. C.\ldwell
Brig.-Gen. Hir.^m Bur.n-
H.\M
Brig.-Gen. Cyrus Bussev
Maj.-Gen. D.\niel Butter-
field
Brig.-Gen. R. A. Cameron
Biographical Sketches 45
and in the closing operations of the war under Grant, in the Wil-
derness, Cold Harbor and Petersburg campaigns took a conspicu-
ous part. The losses of his troops in the explosion of the Petersburg
mine were heavy, and a court martial, called at the suggestion of
Gen. Meade, judged him "answerable for want of success." This
decision was afterwards revoked, however, by a congressional com-
mission which investigated the matter. At the close of the war
Gen. Burnside resigned his commission and retired to private life
with a reputation as a patriotic, brave and able oificer. He was
elected governor of Rhode Island in 1866, was twice re-elected,
but refused a fourth nomination and engaged again in railroad
construction and management. He was in Paris at the time of the
Franco-Prussian war, and acted as envoy, and, while his mission
of peace was not successful, he gained the respect and admiration
of both parties. He was elected to the United States senate from
Rhode Island in 1875, and re-elected in 1880. He gained prom-
inence as a senator, proving himself as capable a statesman as he
had been a soldier. Gen. Burnside died in Bristol, R. I., Sept. 3,
1881.
Bussey, Cyrus, brigadier-general, was born in Hubbard. Trumbull
county, Ohio, son of a Methodist minister. Commencing business
life at the age of sixteen, after two years' experience in a drygoods
store at Dupont, Ind., he studied several hours daily, and for two
years studied medicine v/ith his brother. Having removed to Iowa
in 185s he was elected to the state senate as a Democrat in 1858,
was a delegate to the convention which nominated Stephen A. Doug-
las for president, and at the outbreak of the Civil war came out
strongly in favor of the Union. He was appointed by Gov. Kirk-
wood to command the militia in the southern part of the state with
the rank of lieutenant-colonel, and on Aug. 10, 1861, became colonel
of the 3d Iowa volunteer cavalry, which he had raised, and joined
the Army of the Southwest. He commanded a brigade in the battle
of Pea ridge, participated in the Arkansas campaign of 1862, lead-
ing the 3d brigade of Steele's division on July 10, commanded the
district of eastern Arkansas from Jan. 11, 1863, until the following
April, and then took charge of the 2nd cavalry division of the Army
of the Tennessee. He led the advance, under Gen. Sherman, at
the siege of Vicksburg and in the pursuit of Johnston, overtaking
and defeating the Confederate general at Canton, Miss., and forc-
ing him finally to retreat across Pearl river. He was made briga-
dier-general, for "special gallantry," Jan. 5, 1864, and shortly after-
wards was given command of the district of Western Arkansas and
the Indian Territory, where he soon broke up corruption and re-
stored proper discipline. He was brevetted major-general of vol-
unteers, March 13, 1865, and, after the war, resumed his business
as a commission merchant, first in St. Louis and then at New Or-
leans, where he was president of the chamber of commerce for six
years, and was instrumental in securing an appropriation for the
Eads jetties at the mouth of the Mississippi river. He was a dele-
gate to the Republican national convention of 1868, was an active
supporter of Blaine for president in 1884, and in i88q was appointed
assistant secretary' of the interior. Gen. Bussey served in the in-
terior department until 1893, and then opened in Washington an
ofiice for the carrying on of a general practice of law before the
district courts, the departments and congressional committees, in
which he has been successful.
Busteed, Richard, brigadier-general, was born in Cavan, Ireland,
46 The Union Army
Feb. i6, 1822, son of George Washington Busteed, emancipationist,
colonel in the British army, and afterwards barrister in Dublin,
who moved to London, Canada, where he published a paper called
the "True Patriot." Richard Busteed worked as a boy as com-
positor for his father, afterwards following this vocation in Cin-
cinnati, Ohio. Hartford, Conn., and New York city, where he also
engaged in preaching for a while by license of the Methodist church.
He was admitted to the bar in 1846, was corporation counsel of
New York city from 1856 to 1859, and supported Douglas for presi-
dent in i860. He was appointed brigadier-general of volunteers
and served at Yorktown, but handed in his resignation, March 10,
1863, fearing that his sentiments on the slavery question would pre-
vent the appointment being confirmed by the senate. He was ap-
pointed United States district judge for Alabama in 1864, making
decisions while in that office which were afterwards confirmed by
the supreme court, and in 1874 resigned to resume his law prac-
tice in New York. He died in New York city, Sept. 14, 1898.
Butler, Benjamin F., major-general, was born in Deerfield, N. H.,
Nov. 5, 1818, was graduated from Watertown college, in 1838, was
admitted to the bar in 1840, and soon gained a reputation as an
astute criminal lawyer. He was elected to the Massachusetts house
of representatives in 1853, and to the state senate in 1859, and was
a delegate to the Democratic national convention which met at
Charleston in i860, withdrawing, however, before the close of the
convention, with the other delegates who later met at Baltimore
and nominated Breckinridge and Lane. As brigadier-general of
militia in Massachusetts he was assigned, in the spring of 1861, to
command of the district of Annapolis, and on May 13, 1861, occu-
pied Baltimore with 900 men without opposition, and was appointed
major-general May 16. He captured Forts Hatteras and Clark in
North Carolina in August, then returned to Massachusetts to re-
cruit an expedition for the Gulf of Mexico and the Mississippi, and
on May i, Admiral Farragut's fleet having virtually captured the
city, he took possession of New Orleans. He at once put in effect
a stringent military government, armed the free negroes, compelled
rich secessionists to contribute to the support of the poor of the
city, and instituted strict sanitary regulations. For his course in
hanging William Mulford, who had pulled down the Stars and
Stripes from the mint, and for the issue of an obnoxious order in-
tended to prevent soldiers being insulted by women, he aroused
much strong opposition sentiment, not only in the South, but in
the North and abroad, and Jefferson Davis declared him an out-
law and put a price upon his head. On May i, 1862, Gen. Butler
seized $800,000, which he claimed had been entrusted to the Dutch
consul to be used in purchasing supplies of war, and by this act
aroused the protest of every European country, so that the gov-
ernment at Washington, after investigation, ordered the return of
the money. He was recalled Dec. 16, 1862, and near the close of
1863 was placed in command of the department of Virginia and
North Carolina, afterwards known as the James. He was re-
called to New York city in Oct., 1864, because election^ riots were
feared there, and in December conducted an expedition against
Fort Fisher, near Wilmington, N. C., which failed, as had a
previous attempt on his part to operate in conjunction with Gen.
Grant against Lee, and soon afterwards he was removed from his
command by order of Gen. Grant. Returning to Massachusetts,
he was elected by the Republicans, to Congress, where he remained.
Biographical Sketches 47
with the exception of one term, until 1879, being most active in the
impeachment of President Johnson. He was an unsuccessful can-
didate for governor in 1871, failed again as a candidate of the
Greenback partj^ and one wing of the Democrats in 1878 and 1879,
but in 1882 the Democrats having united upon him as their can-
didate, he was elected. During his administration he made charges
which were not sustained against the administration of the Tewks-
bury almshouse. He was re-nominated governor in 1883 but was
defeated, and in 1884 was the candidate of the Greenback and
Anti-Monopolist parties for president. He died in Washington,
D. C., Jan. II, 1893-
Butterfield, Daniel, major-general, was born in Utica, N. Y.,
Oct. 31, 1831, was graduated from Union college in 1849, and became
a merchant in New York city. He was colonel of the 12th N. Y.
militia when the Civil war began, and, accompanying his regiment
to New York city in July, 1861, led the advance into Virginia over
the Long Bridge, joined Gen. Patterson on the upper Potomac
and commanded a brigade. He was commissioned lieutenant-colonel
when the regular army was enlarged, assigned to the 12th infan-
try, May 14, 1861. and appointed brigadier-general of volunteers,
Sept. 7, 1861, being ordered to the corps of Fitz-John Porter. He
took a conspicuous part in the actions at Hanover Court-House,
Mechanicsville, Gaines' mill, where he was wounded, in the bat-
tles incidental to the retreat of McClellan's army to Harrison's
landing, where he commanded a detachment on the south side of
the river, covering the retreat, at all the battles fought by Pope
and McClellan in August and Sept., 1862. He was promoted ma-
jor-general of volunteers, Nov. 29, 1862, was made colonel of the
5th infantry in the regular army, July i, 1863, and commanded the
5th corps in the battle of Fredericksburg; was chief of staff. Army
of the Potomac, at Chancellorsville and at Gettysburg where he
was wounded; was ordered to reinforce Rosecrans' Army of the
Cumberland in Oct.. 1863. acting as chief of staff to Gen. Hooker
at Lookout mountain, Missionary ridge, Ringgold and Pea Vine
creek, Ga.; commanded a division of the 20th corps at the battles
of Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, Dallas, New Hope Church, Kennesaw,
and Lost mountain, and was brevetted brigadier-general and major-
general U. S. A., for gallant and meritorious conduct, receiving
his brevet titles at the close of the war. After the war he had
charge of the general recruiting office, U. S. army, with headquar-
ters in New York, was commander of the forces at Bedloe's, Gov-
ernor's and David's islands in New York harbor from 1865 to 1869,
and was then appointed head of the United States sub-treasury in
New York city. Resigning that office, he traveled in Europe for
several years, and was afterwards connected with the American
express company. He was the originator of the system of corps
badges, flags and insignia adopted in the Army of the Potomac.
He was in charge of the great public demonstrations on the occa-
sions of Sherman's funeral, the Washington Centennial celebra-
tion in New York city. May i, 1889, and the arrival of Admiral
Dewey in New York, Sept. 30, 1899. after his triumph at Manila.
Cadwalader, George C, major-general, was born in Philadel-
phia, Pa., in 1804, son of Gen. Thomas Cadwalader. He passed his
boyhood in Philadelphia and received his education there. When
the war with Mexico began he was commissioned brigadier-gen-
eral of volunteers and was present at the battles of Molino del
Rey and Chapultepec, being brevetted major-general for gallantry
48 The Union Army
in the latter engagement. At the outbreak of the Civil war he was
appointed by Gov. Curtin major-general of state volunteers, and
in May, 1861, was placed in command of the city of Baltimore, then
in a state of semi-revolt. In the following month he accompanied
Gen. Patterson as second in command in the expedition against
Winchester, and on April 25, 1862, he was commissioned major-
general of volunteers. In December of that year he was appointed
one of a board to revise the military laws and regulations of the
United States, and on July 25, 1865, he resigned. He died in Phil-
adelphia, Pa., Feb. 3, 1S79.
Caldwell, John C., brigadier-general, was born in Lowell. Vt.,
April 17, 1833, and was graduated at Amherst college in 1855. In
Oct., 1861, he was commissioned colonel of the lith Maine volun-
teers; was made brigadier-general of volunteers, April 28, 1862,
and brevetted major-general Aug. 19, 1865. Gen. Caldwell was in
every action of the Army of the Potomac from its organization
until Grant took command, and in the last year of the war was
president of the advisory board of the war department. After the
war he served a term in the Maine senate, was adjutant-general
from 1867 to 1869, became, in 1869, by appointment from Presi-
dent Grant, consul to Valparaiso, Chili, and in 1874 was appointed
United States minister to Montevideo, Uruguay. Returning to the
United States in 1882, he subsequently removed to Kansas, and in
1885 was appointed president of the board of pardons of that state.
Cameron, Robert A., brigadier-general, was born in Brooklyn,
N. Y., Feb. 22, 1828. He was graduated at the Indiana medical
college in 1850, studied for a while at the Rush medical college in
Chicago, and then practiced his profession until 1861 at Valparaiso,
Ind. He also published the Valparaiso "Republican," and was a
member of the Indiana legislature for one term. At the outbreak
of the Civil war, in 1861, he entered the national service as captain
in the 9th Ind. volunteers, became lieutenant-colonel of the 19th
Ind. infantry the same year, and in 1862 was made colonel of the 34th,
taking part in the engagements at Philippi, Carrick's ford. Island
No. 10, New Madrid. Port Gibson, Memphis and Vicksburg. He
was promoted brigadier-general of volunteers. Aug. 11. 1863, and
in Banks' Red River expedition of 1864 commanded the 13th army
corps after Gen. Ransom was wounded. Then, until the close of
the war, he commanded the district of La Fourche, La., and on
March 13, 1865, he was made brevet major-general of volunteers.
After the war he became actively engaged in founding colonies
in the west — Greeley, Manitou and Colorado Springs being among
those founded by him. He was appointed warden of the Colorado
penitentiary in 1885, and in 1888 became commissioner of immi-
gration of the Denver, Texas & Fort Worth railroad. He died
in Carson City, Col., March 15, 1894.
Campbell, Charles T., brigadier-general, was born in Franklin
county. Pa., Aug. 10, 1823. At the outbreak of the Mexican war he
entered the army as 2nd lieutenant in the 8th U. S. infantry, was
promoted to the rank of captain, Aug. 14. 1847, and was honorably
discharged a year later. He was elected a member of the lower
house of the Pennsylvania legislature in 1852. In Aug., 1861. he
was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the ist Penn. artillery,
was made colonel the next month, and was later transferred to the
57th infantry. He was promoted brigadier-general of volunteers
Nov. 29, 1862. Gen. Campbell's fame as a soldier is based chiefly
upon his gallantry at the battle of Fair Oaks, where, after having
Bng.-Gen. C. T. Campbell nrig.-Gen. W. B. Campbell Maj.-Gen. E. R. S. Canby
Brig.-Gen. J. H. Carleton lirig.-Gen. W. P. Carlin Brig.-Gen. E. A. Carr
Brig.-Gen. J. B. Carr Brig.-Gen. H. B. Carring- Brig.-Gen. S. S. Carroll
i.rig.-Gen. S. P. Carter ton Brig.-Gen. R. F. Catterson
Maj.-Gen. Silas Casey
Biographical Sketches 49
his horse shot under him, he received two severe wounds and was
taken prisoner with his regiment. He escaped by turning upon
his captors and brought two hundred of them back to the Federal
lines as prisoners. His wounds prevented any further active serv-
ice, and on March 13, 1863, having been reappointed brigadier-
general of volunteers his first commission expiring March 4, 1863,
he was transferred to Dakota. Gen. Campbell died April 15, 1895.
Campbell, William B., brigadier-general, was born in Sumner coun-
ty, Tenn., Aug. 19, 1807. He studied law and was admitted to the bar
in Tennessee, practicing in Carthage, was chosen district attorney for
the fourth district in 1831, and became a member of the legislature in
1835. He raised a cavalry company, of which he became captain, and
served in the Creek and Florida wars in 1836, and was from 1837 to
1843 a Whig member of Congress from Tennessee. He was elected
major-general of militia in 1844, and served in the Mexican war as
colonel of the ist Tenn. volunteers, distinguishing himself at Monterey
and Cerro Gordo, and commanding a brigade after Gen. Pillow was
wounded. He was governor of Tennessee from 1851 to 1853, was
chosen judge of the state circuit court in 1857, and on June 30, 1862,
President Lincoln appointed him, without solicitation, brigadier-
general of volunteers. He served until Jan. 23, 1863, when he re-
signed on account of failing health. He was elected to Congress in
1864, but was not allowed to take his seat until the end of the first
year of his term. Gen. Campbell died in Lebanon, Tenn., Aug. 19,
1867.
Canby, Edward R. S., major-general, was born in Kentucky in
1817, received his early education there, and in 1839 was graduat-
ed at West Point, being commissioned 2nd lieutenant, 2nd infan-
try. He served as quartermaster in the Florida war, assisted in
escorting the Indians who emigrated to their new lands in Ar-
kansas, and then served on garrison and recruiting duty until the
outbreak of the Mexican war. Entering the war with the rank of
1st lieutenant, he participated in the siege of Vera Cruz, in the bat-
tles of Cerro Gordo, Contreras and Churubusco, and upon the as-
sault upon the Belen gate of the City of Mexico, being rewarded
for his services with the brevets of major and lieutenant-colonel.
After the close of the war he was employed in adjutant duty and
on the frontier, and was from 1858 to i860 in command of Fort
Bridger, Utah. At the opening of the Civil war he was in com-
mand of Fort Defiance, N. M., and at once become a most zealous
and ardent supporter of the Union. He became colonel of the 19th
regiment. U. S. infantry, May, 1861, and, acting as brigadier-gen-
eral of the forces in New Mexico, he repelled the Confederate
Gen. Sibley, forcing him to retreat, "leaving behind him," as he
observed in his report, "in dead and wounded, in sick and prison-
ers, one-half of his Original force." He was promoted brigadier-
general in March, 1862, was transferred to Washington, and had
command of the United States troops during the draft riots in New
York in July, 1863. At the opening of the campaign of 1864, Gen.
Canby was given command of the military division of west Missis-
sippi, and, while on a tour of inspection on White river, Ark., Nov.
4, 1864, was severely wounded by Confederate guerrillas. In the
following spring he led an army of thirty thousand men against
Mobile, and captured the city April 12, 1865. On learning that Lee
had surrendered in Virginia, Gen. Richard Taylor, who command-
ed west of the Mississippi, surrendered to Gen. Canby, thus end-
ing the war in the southwest. Gen. Canby was given the brevet
Vol. VIII— 4
50 . The Union Army
ranks of brigadier-general and major-general U. S. A., March 13,
1865, and continued to command the Department of the South until
1866, when he was given the full rank of brigadier-general in the
regular army, and transferred to Washington. He had charge of
the military district with headquarters at Richmond, after the sur-
render, and organized Gen. Lee's disbanded cavalrymen for sup-
pression of bushwhacking, with complete success. Subsequently,
from 1869 to 1873, he commanded the Department of the Colum-
bia, and lost his life while trying to arrange peace with the Modoc
Indians. He met Capt. Jack, the leader of the Modocs, on neutral
ground for the purpose of discussing peace terms, on the morning
of April II, 1873, in Siskiyou county, Cal., and, at a signal planned
before hand, the Indians attacked him and two fellow officers, kill-
ing all three. Capt. Jack and two subordinates were afterwards
captured and hanged for murder. Gen. Canby bore a reputation for
honesty, gallantry and unseliishness which few officers have en-
joyed. He was popular among almost all classes and was univer-
sally respected among his fellow-officers.
Carleton, James H., brigadier-general, was born in Maine in
1818. He took part in the "Aroostook war" which resulted from a
dispute as to the location of the northeastern boundary of the
United States, and in Feb.. 1839, after the conclusion of that dis-
pute, was commissioned 2nd lieutenant of the ist U. S. dragoons.
He was promoted ist lieutenant in 1845 and was assigned to com-
missary duty in Kearny's expedition to the Rocky mountains in
1846. During the Mexican war he served on Gen. Wood's staf?,
was promoted captain in Feb., 1847, and in the same month was
brevetted major for gallantry at Buena Vista. After the war he
was engaged until the outbreak of the Civil war in exploring and
in expeditions against hostile Indians, and, on Sept. 7, 1861, he was
commissioned major and ordered to California in command of the
6th cavalry. In 1862 he raised and organized the "California col-
umn," and conducted it across the deserts to Mesilla on the Rio
Grande. He was made commander of the department of New
Mexico, succeeding Gen. Canby, and served in this capacity through-
out the remainder of the war. On March 13, 1865, he was raised
through the ranks by brevet to brigadier-general in the regular
army for his services in New Mexico, and brevetted major-general
U. S. A. for his conduct during the war. He was commissioned
lieutenant-colonel in the regular army, July 31, 1866, and, subse-
quently, was promoted to colonel of the 2nd cavalry and ordered
to Texas. He died in San Antonio, Tex., Jan. 7, 1873.
Carlin, William P., brigadier-general, was born in Rich Woods,
Greene county. 111., Nov. 24. 1829, and was graduated at the United
States military academy in 1850, with the brevet rank of 2nd lieu-
tenant. After serving in garrison duty at Fort Snelling, Minn., he
became ist lieutenant in the 6th infantry, March 3, 1855, and took
part in Gen. Harney's expedition against the Sioux in that year.
He commanded a company in the expedition against the Cheyennes
the following year, spent the years from 1858 to i860 in California,
and on March 2, 1861, was promoted captain. He entered the vol-
unteer service in August of that year as colonel of the 38th 111.
volunteers, and was present at the defeat of Gen. Jeff. Thompson
at Fredericktown, Mo., Oct. 21, 1861, after which he com-
manded the district of southeastern Missouri. He won promotion
to brigadier-general of volunteers for gallant action at Perryville,
in Oct., 1862, took part in the Tullahoma campaign and the bat-
Biographical Sketches 51
ties of Chickamauga, Lookout mountain anU Missionary ridge. He
was brevetted lieutenant-colonel for distinguished service at Chat-
tanooga, and in Feb., 1864, as major of the i6th U. S. infantry, was
engaged in the Georgia campaign and the surrender of Atlanta. He
won the brevet of colonel, U. S. A., at Jonesboro, Ga., Sept. i,
1864, and for faithful and efficient service during the war, he was
made, on March 13, 1865, brevet major-general of volunteers, and
brevet brigadier-general and major-general U. S. A. After the war
he was engaged in frontier duty during the Indian troubles, was
made colonel of the 4th infantry, in 1882, and was retired in 1893.
Carr, Eugene A., brigadier-general, was born in Erie county,
N. Y., March 20, 1830, was graduated at West Point in 1850, and
then engaged in Indian fighting and garrison duty until 1861, being
promoted in the meantime to captain. During the Civil war he
served with distinction at most of the principal battles, being pro-
moted and given brevet ranks until he reached the rank of brevet
major-general, U. S. A., March 13, 1865. He engaged at Dug springs,
Wilson's creek, where he won the brevet of lieutenant-colonel for
gallantry, was acting brigadier-general in Fremont's hundred days'
campaign, served under Hunter, Halleck and Curtis, and was as-
signed, Feb.. 1862, to the command of the 4th division of the Army
of the Southwest, participating in the pursuit of the enemy into
Arkansas, and holding the rank of brigadier-general which he had
received March 7, 1862. At Pea ridge, although thrice wounded,
he held his position for seven hours, contributing in large measure
to the success of the day and winning for himself a medal of honor.
The rest of his army record in the Civil war was no less illustri-
ous than that already described, and he came out of the contest
with many testimonials to his gallantry and faithful attention to
duty. He was made lieutenant-colonel of the 4th cavalry, in 1873,
transferred to the 5th cavalry later, and promoted to colonel of the
6th cavalry in 1879. He was actively engaged in many of the In-
dian wars of the southwest, proving himself always a gallant and
efficient soldier. In July, 1892, he was commissioned brigadier-
general U. S. A., and was retired Feb. 15, 1893.
Carr, Joseph B., brigadier-general, was born in Albany, N. Y.,
Aug. 16, 1828. He was educated in the public schools, apprenticed
to a tobacconist, entered the militia in 1849, and rose to be colonel.
In May, 1861, he went to the front as colonel of the 2nd N. Y.
volunteers, his regiment being the first to encamp in Virginia, and
he commanded the 2nd at Big Bethel, Newmarket bridge, the Or-
chards, Fair Oaks and Glendale. He commanded the 2nd N. J.
brigade at Malvern hill, distinguishing himself at that battle, and
on Sept. 7, 1862, he was commissioned brigadier-general for "gal-
lant and meritorious services in the field." He subsequently served
with conspicuous bravery at the battles of Bristoe station, 2nd
Bull Run, Chantilly, Chancellorsville, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg,
Wapping Heights and Robinson's tavern. He served in front of
Petersburg in command of the ist division, i8th corps, and sup-
ported Gen. Burnside in the mine fight with this force and the 3d
division of the loth corps (colored). He was given command of
the James river defenses with headquarters at Wilson's landing,
June I, 1864, was transferred to City Point on May 20, 1865, and
on June i. 1865, was given the brevet commission of major-general
of volunteers, to date from March 13, "for gallant and meritorious
services during the war." Being mustered out of the service in
Oct., 1865, he was appointed by Gov. Fenton, major-general, N. Y.
52 The Union Army
state militia, and commanded the forces that quelled the railroad
riots of 1877. He was placed on the retired list in 1887. Gen.
Carr was elected secretary of state for New York in 1879, and
served three terms, and was candidate for governor in 1885. He
died at Troy, N. Y., Feb. 24, iSpS-
Carrington, Henry B., brigadier-general, was born in Walling-
ford, Conn., March 2, 1824, was graduated at Yale in 1845, spent
several years in teaching, and was, in 1848, admitted to the bar, be-
ginning practice in that year in Columbus, Ohio. He was an active
anti-slavery Whig, and in 1854 helped in the organization of the
Republican party. He was appointed judge-advocate-general by
Gov. Chase in 1857, and aided in the organization of the state mil-
itia, was afterwards appointed inspector-general, and was adju-
tant-general of Ohio when the war began. As adjutant-general he
placed ten regiments of Ohio infantry in West Virginia before vol-
unteers could be mustered, and organized the first twenty-six Ohio
regiments. He received an appointment as colonel in the regular
army, May 14, 1861, commanded the camp of instruction at Fort
Thomas, Ohio, commanded a brigade at Lebanon, Ky., served as
chief muster officer in Indiana in 1862, mustering 100,000 troops,
and on the occasion of Morgan's raid into Indiana, having been
made a brigadier-general of volunteers Nov. 29, 1862, he command-
ed the militia of that state, aided in raising the siege of Frankfort,
Ky., and afterward gave publicity to the charges against the "Sons
of Liberty." He was mustered out of the volunteer service in Sept.,
1865, was president of a military commission to try guerrillas in
November, and in 1866 was given command of Fort Kearny, Neb.
He opened a road to Montana, in May, 1866, in spite of interfer-
ence by hostile Sioux, conducted the military operations in Ken-
tucky until the close of 1869, and in 1870 was retired. He was then,
until 1873, professor at Wabash college, and after that devoted his
attention to literary work.
Carroll, Samuel S., brigadier-general, was born in Washington,
D. C, Sept. 21, 1832, and was graduated at West Point in 1856. Be-
ginning his military service in the loth infantry, he was promoted
captain, Nov. i, 1861. became colonel of the 8th Ohio volunteers,
Dec. 15, 1861, and served in the operations in western Virginia
from Dec, 1861, to May, 1862. From May 24, 1862, until Aug. 14
of that year he commanded a brigade in Gen. Shields' division, was
engaged in the northern Virginia campaign, in the battle of Cedar
mountain, and was wounded in a skirmish on the Rapidan, Aug.
14, 1862. He commanded a brigade at Fredericksburg, Chancellors-
ville and Gettysburg, receiving the brevet rank of major for his
services at Chancellorsville, and being brevetted lieutenant-colonel
for services at Gettysburg, He won the brevet of colonel in the
battle of the Wilderness, and in the engagements near Spottsyl-
vania was twice wounded and disabled for further active service
during the war. He was promoted brigadier-general of volunteers.
May 12, 1864, and on March 13, 1865, was given the brevet ranks of
brigadier-general and major-general U. S. A. for gallantry at Spott-
sylvania and services during the war, respectively. Gen. Carroll
was mustered out of the volunteer service, Jan. 15, 1866, was from
June, 1866, to April, 1867, on recruiting service, and in 1868 was
acting inspector-general of the division of the Atlantic. He was
retired as brevet major-general. June 9, 1869, "for disability from
wounds received in battle." He died in Washington, D. C.. Jan.
28, 1893.
Biographical Sketches 53
Carter, Samuel P., brigadier-general, was born in Elizabethtown,
Carter county, Tenn., Aug. 6. 1819. He studied at Princeton col-
lege, but never graduated, leaving college in 1840 to accept an ap-
pointment as midshipman in the U. S. navy. He was promoted to
passed midshipman in 1846, assigned to duty on the "Ohio" and
served on the eastern coast of Mexico during the Mexican war, be-
ing present at the capture of Vera Cruz. He was attached to the
U. S. naval observatory in Washington in 1847 and 1848, was as-
sistant instructor at the U. S. naval academy in 1851-53, was pro-
moted master in 1854 and lieutenant in 1855, and from 1855 to 1857
was attached to the "San Jacinto" of the Asiatic squadron, partici-
pating in the capture of the Barrier forts in the Canton river. Re-
turning to America, he was for two years assistant instructor at
West Point, and on July 11, 1861, was ordered to the special duty
of organizing troops from east Tennessee. He was commissioned
brigadier-general. May i, 1862, was provost-marshal of east Ten-
nessee during 1863 and 1864, was brevetted major-general of vol-
unteers, March 13, 1865, and mustered out in Jan., 1866. He dis-
tinguished himself during the war for gallantry at Wild Cat, Ky.,
Mill Springs, and in the capture of Cumberland gap. In Dec, 1862,
he commanded a cavalry expedition which cut the east Tennessee
railroad, destroying nearly 100 miles of track, and doing other dam-
age. He commanded the left wing of the army at Kinston, N. C,
March 10, 1865, and defeated the Confederates at Goldsboro. At
the close of the war he returned to naval duty, was promoted cap-
tain and commodore, was retired Aug. 6, 1881, and promoted rear-
admiral on the retired list. May 16, 1882. He was commandant at
the U. S. naval academy during 1869-72, and was a member of the
light-house board from 1867 to 1880. He died in Washington,
D. C, May 26, 1891.
Casey, Silas, major-general, was born in East Greenwich, R. I.,
July 12, 1807, was graduated in the U. S. military academy at West
Point in 1826, and then, until the outbreak of the Civil war, served
on frontier and garrison duty, and in the battles of the Florida and
Mexican wars. Entering the Civil war with the rank of colonel in
the regular army and brigadier-general of volunteers, he was as-
signed a division in Gen. Keyes' corps of the Army of the Poto-
mac, and, occupying with it the extreme advance before Richmond,
received the first attack of the enemy at Fair Oaks, so distinguish-
ing himself as to win promotion to brevet brigadier-general U. S. A.,
and major-general of volunteers. He was from 1863 to 1865 presi-
dent of the board for examining candidates for officers of colored
troops, and on March 13, 1865, was brevetted major-general in the
regular army. He was mustered out of the volunteer service Aug.
24, 1865, and later in that year was given command of troops at
Fort Wayne, Detroit, Mich. He was retired from the active serv-
ice, July 8, 1868, on his own request, after forty consecutive years
of service, and died in Brooklyn, N. Y., Jan. 22, 1882.
Catterson, Robert F., brigadier-general, was born in Indiana and
entered the United States service at the beginning of the Civil war,
from that state. He served throughout the war, winning promotion
to the rank of brigadier-general of volunteers and was honorably
mustered out Jan. 15, 1866. Gen. Catterson became ist sergeant
in the 14th Ind. infantry, June 7, 1861; 2nd lieutenant, July 5, 1861;
and was then promoted from one rank to another, until, on May
31, 1865, he became brigadier-general of volunteers.
Chamberlain, Joshua L. (See page 17, Vol. I.)
54 The Union Army
Chambers, Alexander, brigadier-general, was born in New York
in 1832, was graduated at West Point in 1853, served on garrison
and other duty until 1855, and then took part in the Florida war
against the Seminoles, and was promoted first lieutenant in 1859.
He became captain in the i8th infantry, May 14, 1861, colonel of
the i6th Iowa volunteers. March 24, 1862, and on Aug. 11, 1863,
was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers, his commission
expiring April 6, 1864. He was brevetted brigadier-general of vol-
unteers, March 13, 1865, for gallant services in the battle of Cham-
pion's hill, Feb. 4, 1864, and Meridian, Miss., Feb. 14, 1864. Gen.
Chambers engaged in the Tennessee campaign, March 12, iP'')2,
was twice wounded in the battle of Shiloh, April 6, 1862, and once
at the battle of luka, Sept. 19, 1862, and for gallant conduct on
these occasions was brevetted major and lieutenant-colonel. He
tlien served in the Vicksburg campaign, winning the brevet rank
of colonel for gallantry, July 4, 1863. He was afterwards, until
Feb. I, 1864, in garrison at Vicksburg, and then served in Sher-
man's raid to Meridian, and commanded a battalion at Lookout
mountain. After the war. Gen. Chambers was judge-advocate of
the district of Nebraska in the early part of 1866, and of the De-
partment of the Platte until July 31, 1867, was then promoted ma-
jor and lieutenant-colonel U. S. A. and served on garrison and
frontier duty, and from July, 1877, to Sept., 1878, was military at-
tache at Constantinople, Turkey. Subsequently he was stationed
at Fort Townsend, Wash. He died in San Antonio, Tex., Jan. 2,
1888.
Champlin, Stephen G., brigadier-general, was born in Kingston,
N. Y., July I, 1827, was educated in the common schools and at
Rhinebeck academy, N. Y., studied law, and was admitted to the
bar of New York at Albany in 1850. He removed to Grand Rapids,
Mich., in 1853, became judge of the recorder's court and prosecut-
ing attorney there, and in i86r entered the Union service as major
in the 3d Mich, infantry. He became its colonel in Oct., 1861, and
fought at Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Groveton and Antietam. At
Fair Oaks, June i, 1862, he received a severe wound which prevent-
ed him seeing active service upon receiving promotion to the rank
of brigadier-general of volunteers Nov. 29, 1862, and he was placed
on detached duty in command of the recruiting station at Grand
Rapids, He died there, in the service, as the result of his wound,
Jan. 24, 1864.
Chapin, Edward P., brigadier-general, was born in New York,
about 1831, and entered the Union army from that state in 1S61,
being made captain in the 44th N. Y. volunteer infantry, Sept. 6,
1861. He was promoted major, Jan. 2, 1862, and lieutenant-colonel
July 4, 1862, resigning on that day, to organize a new regiment. In
the fall of 1862, this regiment, the Ii6th N. Y. volunteers, was mus-
tered in. and Gen. Chapin became colonel, Sept. 5, 1862. He then
went with his regiment through a number of engagements, and
was promoted brigadier-general of volunteers May 2.7, 1863. He
was killed the same day, while fighting heroically at Port Hudson,
La.
Chapman, George H., brigadier-general, was born in Massachu-
setts, and at the time of the outbreak of the Civil war was em-
ployed in the ofifice of the clerk of the lower house of Congress,
in Washington. He was appointed major in the 3d Ind. cavalry,
Nov. 2, 1861, and served with distinction throughout the war. He
was promoted lieutenant-colonel, Oct. 25, 1862, colonel, March 12,
Biographical Sketches 55
1863, and brigadier-general, July 21, 1864. He was brevetted m.iior-
general of volunteers March 13, 1865, and resigned from the army,
Jan. 7, 1866. Gen. Chapman distinguished himself for gallantry on
numerous occasions during the war, his brevet of major-general
being awarded for meritorious conduct at the battle of Winchester.
He died June 17, 1882.
Chetlain, Augustus L., brigadier-general, was born in St. Louis,
Mo., Dec. 26, 1824. His parents moving to Galena, 111., he obtained
a common school education there, and, at a meeting called in re-
sponse to President Lincoln's appeal for troops, was the first man
to enlist. He was elected captain of a company which afterwards
became part of the 12th 111. regiment, of which he was commis-
sioned, April 26, 1862, lieutenant-colonel. He was in command from
Sept., 1861, to Jan., 1862, at Smithland, Ky., then joined his regi-
ment and led it in the Tennessee campaign. He participated in the
capture of Forts Henry and Donelson, was promoted colonel, and
led his regiment at Shiloh and at the siege of Corinth. After the
battle of Corinth, in which he distinguished himself, he was left
by Gen. Rosecrans in command of the city, and while in this serv-
ice recruited the first colored regiment enlisted in the west. He
was relieved in May, 1863, was promoted brigadier-general in De-
cember of that year and placed in charge of the organization of
colored troops in Tennessee and afterwards Kentucky. He was
successful in raising a force of 17,000 men, receiving for this work
special commendation from Gen. Thomas. He was in command of
the post of Memphis from Jan. to Oct., 1865, was then given com-
mand of the district of Talladega, Ala., and on Feb. 5, 1866, was
mustered out of the service. He was brevetted major-general of
volunteers. June 17, 1865. After the war Gen. Chetlain served as
collector of internal revenue for Utah and Wyoming, and as U. S.
consul-general to Brussels, and then became a banker in Chicago.
In i8gi he organized and became president of the Industrial bank of
Chicago.
Chrysler, Morgan H., brigadier-general, was born in New York
and entered the Union service from that state, becoming captain
in the 30th N. Y. infantry, June i, 1861. He served with distinc-
tion throughout the war, winning frequent promotions for meri-
torious services, and on March 13, 1865, was awarded the brevet
rank of major-general of volunteers. He was promoted to major,
March 11, 1862; lieutenant-colonel, Aug. 30, 1862, and was then,
June 18. 1863, honorably mustered out. Returning to New York,
he became lieutenant-colonel of the 2nd N. Y. veteran cavalry,
Sept. 8, 1863; was promoted colonel, Dec. 13 of that year, and on
Nov. II, 1865, was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers.
He was mustered out of the service, Jan. 15, 1866, and died Aug.
24, 1890.
Clark, William T., brigadier-general, was born in Norwalk, Conn.,
June 29, 1831. Entering the Civil war at its outbreak in 1861, as a
private, he was promoted through the grades to the rank of brevet
major-general of volunteers, which was conferred on him Nov. 24,
1865, for gallant and meritorious services. Gen. . Clark enlisted
from Iowa, became ist lieutenant and adjutant in the 13th Iowa
infantry, Nov. 2, 1861; was promoted captain and assistant adju-
tant-general, March 6. 1862; major, Nov. 24. 1862; lieutenant-colonel,
Feb. 10, 1863; and brigadier-general of volunteers. May 31. 1865.
He was brevetted brigadier-general of volunteers July 22, 1864. for
distinguished service at the battle of Atlanta. Gen. Clark was chief
56 The Union Army
of staff and adjutant-general of the Army of the Tennessee until
the battle of Atlanta, July 22, 1864, and afterwards commanded a
brigade and a division. Being honorably mustered out of the serv-
ice, Feb. I, 1866, he engaged in business in Galveston, Tex., and
was a member of Congress from the Galveston district from 1869 to
1873. While in Congress he secured the first appropriation of $100,-
000 for the Galveston harbor, which resulted in the completion of
the jetties, making Galveston one of the most important ports in
the United States. At this writing (1903) Gen. Clarke is the last
surviving adjutant and chief of staff of Grant's old Army of the
Tennessee.
Clay, Cassius M., major-general, was born in Madison county,
Ky., Oct. 19, 1810. He attended Centre college, Ky., and Transyl-
vania university, and was graduated from Yale in 1832. Gen. Clay's
career was that of an abolitionist and diplomatist rather than a
soldier, though the part he took in war was most creditable to
him. Entering the Mexican war as captain of a volunteer company
which had already as an organization distinguished itself at Tippe-
canoe in 181 1, he was taken prisoner, in 1847, with several others,
while more than 100 miles in advance of the main armj'-, and saved
the lives of the party by gallantry and presence of mind. He was
appointed by President Lincoln, March 28, 1861, minister to Russia,
and was preparing to leave when the national capital was threat-
ened. He enlisted volunteers and organized Clay's battalion, which
he commanded until troops from the North arrived, and then left
for St. Petersburg, where his influence did much to make the Czar
favorable to the Union. Resigning in June. 1862, he accepted a
position as major-general of volunteers, which he held until the
following March, when he resigned to become again minister to
Russia. Gen. Clay was for years a picturesque figure in national
politics. Before the war he was an ardent abolitionist, and published,
in spite of mob violence, and threats upon his life, a paper called
"The True American" which he circulated in Kentucky. He was
an important figure in almost every national election until after the
defeat of Blaine, in 1884, when he retired to a quiet life at his
home, "Whitehall," Ky., where he lived to an extreme old age.
Clayton, Powell, brigadier-general, was born in Bethel, Dela-
ware county, Pa., Aug. 7, 1833. He studied civil engineering at
Bristol, Pa., moved to Leavenworth, Kan., and was elected civil
engineer of that city in 1857. When the Civil war broke out he en-
listed a company, of which he became captain, and entered the
Union ariny as captain in the ist Kan. infantry. May 29, 1861. He
was appointed lieutenant-colonel of the 5th Kan. cavalry, Feb. 27,
1862, and was promoted colonel, March 30, 1862. On May 6, 1863,
he commanded a successful expedition from Helena. Ark., to the
White river, to break up a band of guerrillas and destroy Confed-
erate stores, and afterwards one from Pine Bluff, which, in March,
1864, inflicted severe loss on the enemy. He was commissioned
brigadier-general of volunteers, Aug. i, 1864, and was honorably
mustered out of the service, Aug. 24, 1865. After the war he set-
tled in Arkansas as a planter, was elected governor and inaugu-
rated in June, 1868, and was, in 1871, elected United States senator.
At the expiration of his term he moved to Little Rock, Ark., and
later to Eureka Springs, where he became president of the Eureka
Springs railway, which he had built, and manager of the Eureka
Improvement company, besides holding various public oflfices. He
was appointed, in 1897, by President McKinley, minister to Mexico,
Biig.-Gen. J. L. Chamber-
lain
Brig.-Gen. E.' P. Chapin
Brig.-Gen. M. H. Chrysler
Brig.-Gen. Powell Clayton
Brig.-Gen. G. II. Cii.\pman
Brig.-Gen. W. T. Clark
Brig.-Gen. G. P. CluserET
- I .111. .>. I I. CllAMPI.IN'
r.ris.-Geii. .\. L. Chetlain
Maj.-Gen. C. M. Clay
Brig.-Gen. John Cochrane
Biographical Sketches 57
a position which he retained until 1905. Gen. Clayton has always
taken an active interest in politics, and was a member of every Re-
publican national convention from 1872 to 1896.
Cluseret, Gustave P., brigadier-general, was born in Paris, France,
June 13, 1823, and entered the service of the United States, after a
career of varying fortunes in European armies, in 1862. He was
appointed aide-de-camp to Gen. McClellan with the rank of colonel,
Jan., ,1862, joined Freinont's army of West Virginia later, and for
gallantry at the battle of Cross Keys was promoted brigadier-
general of volunteers Oct. 14, 1862. In this battle he commanded
the right wing, and, in spite of Fremont's repeated orders to re-
treat, made nine consecutive attacks upon "Stonewall'' Jackson,
fighting fifteen hours without eating. The ninth attack was suc-
cessful, and the Union forces were saved from defeat. After some
further service in the Shenandoah, he resigned from the army, and
in 1864 edited the "New Nation," denouncing President Lincoln
and advocating the candidacy of John C. Fremont for the presi-
dency. In 1867 he returned to Europe, where his career was as
tempestuous as it had been before his coming to the United States.
After having been exiled from France and condemned to death by
both the French and British governments, he returned to France
and was, in 1888, elected member of the French chamber of depu-
ties. He was re-elected in 1889, in 1893 and 1898. He died Aug.
23, 1900.
Cochrane, John, brigadier-general, was born in Palatine, Mont-
gomery county, N. Y., Aug. 27, 1813, being a direct descendant,
on both sides, of Revolutionary war heroes. He was graduated
at Hamilton college, in 1831, was admitted to the bar and prac-
ticed in Oswego, Schenectady and New York city, and in 1853 was
appointed by President Pierce surveyor of the Port of New York.
He was a representative in Congress from 1857 to 1861, was ap-
pointed by President Buchanan a member of a board of visitors
to West Point, and on June 11, 1861, was commissioned by Secre-
tary Cameron to recruit and command a regiment of volunteers to
.serve during the war. On Nov. 21, he was made colonel of the ist
U. S. chasseurs, with rank from June 19, and on July 19, 1862, was
made brigadier-general of volunteers. He served in Gen. Couch's
division of the Army of the Potomac in the battles of Fair Oaks,
Malvern hill, Antietam, Williamsport and Fredericksburg, and on
Feb. 25, 1863, resigned on account of physical disability. In 1864
he was nominated by the Independent Republican national con-
vention for vice-president of the United States, with Gen. John C.
Fremont for president. After the war he held for many years an
important position in New York politics, being one of the leaders
of Tammany Hall, and had charge of many celebrations of national
importance. He was an orator of note, and, in a speech made Nov.
4, 1861. was the first to advocate arming the slaves. Gen. Coch-
rane died in New York city, Feb. 7, 1898.
Connor, Patrick E., brigadier-general, was born in the south of
Ireland, March 17, 1820, came to the United States when a boy and
was educated in New York city. In 1839 he enlisted in the regu-
lar army, serving through the Seminole war, and, upon being dis-
charged in 1844, entered upon commercial pursuits in New York
city, but moved to Texas in 1846. At the outbreak of the Mexi-
can war he became captain of Texas volunteers in the regiment of
Albert Sidney Johnston, and fought at Palo Alto, Resaca de la
Palma and Buena Vista, where he was severely wounded. Short-
58 The Union Army
ly after the close of the war he emigrated to California, where he
engaged in business, and at the beginning of the Civil war he
raised a regiment of California volunteers, and was ordered to
Utah to keep the Mormons in check and protect the overland
routes from the raids of Indians. With a force of 200 men he
marched 140 miles in four days through deep snow and in the dead of
winter, and, attacking a band of 300 Indians in a stronghold, killed
the whole band. He commanded the Utah district during the war,
eflfectively establishing the authority of government. He was com-
missioned brigadier-general, March 30, 1863, and on March 13,
1865, was brevetted major-general of volunteers for efficient and
meritorious services. Declining a commission as colonel in the
regular army, he was mustered out of the service in 1866. and be-
came the leader in building up a gentile community in Utah. He
founded the first daily paper published in the state, located the first
silver mine, and did much to advance the interests of the territory.
He died in Salt Lake city. Utah, Dec. 17, 1891.
Connor, Seldon, brigadier-general, was born in Fairfield, Me.,
Jan. 25, 1839. He was graduated at Tufts college, Mass., studied
law, and when the war broke out enlisted for three months in the
1st regiment of Vermont volunteers. At the end of this period of
service he became major, and soon afterwards lieutenant-colonel
of the 7th Maine regiment, which he commanded in the Peninsular
campaign from the beginning of the Seven Days' battles. For a
short time after the battle of Antietam he commanded the 77th
N. Y. volunteers. In Jan., 1864, he was made colonel of the 19th
Maine infantry, and commanded the brigade as ranking officer.
In the battle of the Wilderness, on May 6, 1864, his thigh was shat-
tered by a bullet, and, although commissioned brigadier-general in
June, 1864, was incapacitated for further service. He was made a
member of the staff of Gov. Chamberlain in 1867, was appointed
assessor of internal revenue in 1868, and in 1874 was appointed by
President Grant collector for the Augusta district. He was elected
governor of Maine in 1875, and served two terms. He was pen-
sion agent under President Arthur from 1882 to 1885, and in 1897
was appointed to the same position by President McKinley.
Cook, John, brigadier-general, was born at Belleville, 111., June
12. 1825. He was educated at Jacksonville college and began life
in the drygoods business at St. Louis, Mo. Later he removed to
Springfield, 111., engaged in the real estate business there, was
elected mayor of the city in 1855, sheriff of Sangamon county a
year later, and at the beginning of the Civil war was quartermaster-
general of the state of Illinois. He commanded the first regiment
raised in Illinois in defense of the Union, and served through the
war, commanding a brigade at Fort Donelson. He was at first
colonel of the 7th 111. infantry, being appointed to that position
on April 25, 1861, and was honorably mustered out of the three
months' service on July 24, following. Upon the reorganization
of the regiment for the three years' service, on July 25, he again
became its colonel, was commissioned brigadier-general of volun-
teers on March 21, 1862. and for faithful and meritorious service
he was brevetted major-general of volunteers, Aug. 24, 1865. He
was honorably mustered out of the service on Aug. 24, 1865. re-
turned to Springfield, 111., and there continued to reside.
Cooke, Philip St. G., brigadier-general, was born in Leesburg,
Va., June 13, 1809, was graduated at West Point in 1827, and as-
signed to the 6th infantry. He took a prominent part in the Black
Biographical Sketches 59
Hawk war, and was adjutant in his regiment at the battle of Bad
Axe river, in 1832. He commanded a Missouri volunteer battnlion
from 1846 to 1847 during the Mexican war, being located in Cali-
fornia, and later commanded a regiment in the city of Mexico.
He was for years a noted Indian tighter, being for a long time sta-
tioned at various frontier posts. He was promoted to brigadier-
general. Nov. 12, 1861, and commanded all the regular cavalry in
the Army of the Potomac during the Peninsular campaign, par-
ticipating in the siege of Yorktown, and the battles of VVilliams-
burg, Gaines' mill, and Glendale, besides smaller engagements. At
Harrison's landing he was relieved and in 1862 and 1863 was on
court martial duty in St. Louis. He commanded the Baton Rouge
district after that until 1864, and was then, until 1866, general su-
perintendent of the recruiting service. After the war he was head
of the departments of the Platte, the Cumberland and the Lakes,
successively, and in 1873 was retired, having been in active service
more than forty-five years. He died in Detroit, Mich., March 20,
1895.
Cooper, James, brigadier-general, was born in Frederick coun-
ty, Md., May 8, 1810. He attended St. Mary's college, and after-
wards Washington college, being graduated at the latter institution
in 1832. He was admitted to the bar in 1834, practiced in Gettys-
burg, Pa., and was from 1839 to 1843 a member of the lower house
of Congress. He was then member of the state legislature from
1844 to 1848, being speaker of the assembly in 1847, was attorney-
general of the state in 1848. and from 1849 to 1855 United States
senator. He afterwards settled in Frederick City, Md., and in 1861
commanded the Union volunteers in that state, being commis-
sioned brigadier-general of volunteers May 17, 1861. He subse-
quently commanded Camp Chase, until his death, which occurred
there March 28, 1863.
Cooper, Joseph A., brigadier-general was born in Pulaski county,
Ky., Nov. 25, 1823. He served during the Mexican war in the 4th
Tenn. infantry, then became a planter, and at the outbreak of the
Civil war entered the Union army as captain in the ist Tenn. in-
fantry. He was promoted colonel of the 6th Tenn. infantry in
1862, served in East Tennessee and Georgia, and on July 4, 1864,
was made brigadier-general, in which capacity he commanded in
the march through Georgia. He commanded a division in the bat-
tle of Nashville, and in North Carolina in 1865. On March 13,
1865, he was brevetted major-general of volunteers. Returning to
Tennessee in 1866, he was commander of state troops in 1866 and
1867, and subsequently was from 1869 to 1879 collector of internal
revenue. He then resumed farming in Kansas.
Copeland, Joseph T., brigadier-general, was born in Michigan
about 1830. Entering the ist Mich, cavalry, which was organized
in the summer of 1861, he was elected lieutenant-colonel on Aug.
22, fought through the Manassas campaign and then returned to
Detroit in July, 1862. There he organized the 5th Mich, cavalry,
of which he became colonel on Aug. 14, and on Nov. 29, 1862. he
was appointed brigadier-general of volunteers and assigned to
command the Michigan cavalry brigade, then forming in Washing-
ton. The brigade was a part of Hooker's cavalry, and was in
Maryland after Lee crossed the Potomac. They were the first
troops to enter Gettysburg, but, with other changes of command-
ers then carried out. Gen. Copeland transferred his command to
Gen. Custer just before the battle, July i, 1863. Subsequently he
60 The Union Army
commanded a draft rendezvous at Annapolis Junction, Md., and at
Pittsburg, Pa., and was then, until the close of the war, command-
er of the post and military prison at Alton, 111. He died May 6,
1893.
Corcoran, Michael, brigadier-general, was born in Carrowkeel, Ire-
land, Sept. 21, 1827. His father, a captain in the British army, gave him
a good education, and procured for him a commission in the Irish con-
stabulary in 1845. This he resigned, being unwilling to oppress his people,
and in 1849 he emigrated to America, locating in New York. He joined
the militia there as a private, rose through the grades to the rank of
colonel, 1859, and when Prince Albert of Wales visited this country, he
refused to order out the regiment, the 69th, to do honor to the prince.
For this he was subjected to trial by court-martial, that was still pending
when the Civil war began. Upon the first call for troops, he led the
69th to the seat of war, and, being ordered to Virginia, built Fort Cor-
coran on Arlington Heights, and then led it into the battle of Bull Run,
where he fought with impetuous gallantry. He was wounded and cap-
tured, and spent nearly a year in various Confederate prisons, refusing
to accept a release conditional upon his promise not to take up arms
again in defense of the Union. Upon being exchanged, Aug. 15, 1862,
he was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers to date from July
21. 1861, and organized the Corcoran legion, which he commanded in the
battles on the James, near Suffolk, in April, 1863, and in checking the
advance of the Confederates upon Norfolk. The legion was attached to
the Army of the Potomac, in Aug., 1863, and Gen. Corcoran was killed
by the falling of his horse upon him while riding in company with Gen.
Thomas Francis Meagher, Dec. 22, 1863.
Corse, John M., brigadier-general, was born in Pittsburg, Pa.. April
27, 1835, entered West Point military academy, but resigned before
graduation, studied in the Albany law school and was admitted to the
bar, after which he located in practice at Burlington, la. Soon thereafter
he was nominated by the Democrats for lieutenant-governor of Iowa, and
was defeated. Entering the Federal service in Aug., 1861, as major of
the 6th Iowa regiment, he served with Fremont in Missouri, was on Gen.
Pope's staff at the siege of New Madrid and at the battle of Farmington,
and in the Corinth campaign. He was then transferred to the division of
Gen. W. T. Sherman, promoted lieutenant-colonel, and acted as colonel
in the Memphis and Holly Springs campaign, and with Grant at Vicks-
burg. On Aug. 14, 1863, he was promoted brigadier-general, and com-
manded a division at Collierville, Tenn.. where he rescued Sherman's
division, which was surrounded by the Confederate cavalry under Gen.
Chalmers. He made a night attack across Lookout mountain, then re-
turned to command Sherman's assaulting column at Missionary ridge, and
was carried from the field with a broken leg. He was appointed inspec-
tor-general on the staff of Gen. Sherman in the spring of 1864, served
through the Atlanta campaign, and, when Logan succeeded McPherson,
Corse was made commander of the 2nd division, i6th army corps. Gen.
Corse made his greatest reputation by holding the post of Allatoona
against fearful odds. He was sent to Allatoona after the evacuation of At-
lanta, when Col. Tourtellotte, with 890 men, was threatened by an infan-
try division of the enemy. He arrived at Allatoona, with 1,054 men, before
the Confederates, who, wlien they reached the place shortly afterwards,
in vastly superior numbers, demanded his immediate surrender. Upon
his refusal they attempted again and again to storm the place, but were
unsuccessful. Meanwhile Sherman had heard the firing, eighteen miles
away, and he sent by the sun-telegraph the since famous message, "Hold
the fort for I am coming." And Corse held the fort. Furthermore he
Pri!'"?""- n i-- V-''^^"" Brig.-<-,cn SeldEN O.X.N, k
i.r.g.-Gen. P. h,T G. Cooke Brig.-Gen. .1 vmes Cooper
P.rig.-Gen. T. T. Copeland
Maj.-Gen. D. N. Couch
Brig.-Gen. Mich.^el
CORCOR.\N
Brig.-Gen. Kob't CowDir
lirig.-licn. jwii \ Cook
Brig.-Gen. J. .\. Coopek
Brig.-Gen. J. M. Corse
^faj.-Gen. T. D. Cox
Biographical Sketches 61
captured 500 prisoners. His action at Allatoona was made the subject of
a special order from Gen. Sherman, in which he showed the importance
of retaining to the last a fortified place, and Corse was given the brevet
of major-general of volunteers Oct. 5. 1864. After this, Gen. Corse con-
tinued in command of a division on the march to the sea, and at the close
of the war conducted a successful campaign against the Indians of the
northwest. Declining an appointment as lieutenant-colonel in the regular
army. Gen. Corse engaged in railroad building in Chicago, was appointed
revenue collector there and in 1869, was removed by President Grant.
He then spent several years in Europe, located in Boston in 1877, and was
appointed postmaster of the city by President Cleveland, Oct. 9, 1886.
He was removed by President Harrison in March, 1891. Gen. Corse died
in Winchester, Mass., April 27, 1893.
Couch, Darius N., major-general, was born in South East, Putnam
county, N. Y., July 23, 1822, and was graduated at the United States
military academy at West Point in 1846, entering immediately thereafter
upon active service in the Mexican war. He was brevetted first lieutenant
for gallantry at Buena Vista, and was later, upon the promotion of Capt.
Washington to the command of the artillery battalion of Gen. Taylor's
army, made adjutant. After service in the Seminole war, at various artil-
lery posts, and in the department of natural history in the Smithsonian
institution, he resigned from the army in 1855, and engaged, until 1857,
in business in New York city, and afterwards, until the Civil war, in man-
ufacturing in Norton, Mass. In 1861 he offered his services to Gov.
Andrew, and was appointed colonel of the 7th Mass. volunteers. He was
given a commission as brigadier-general, dating from May 17, 1861, and
was promoted major-general of volunteers July 4, 1862. On the reor-
ganization of the Army of the Potomac, he was assigned a division in Gen.
Keyes' corps, with which he distinguished himself at Fair Oaks, Williams-
burg and Malvern hill, and later commanded a division in the retreat from
Manassas to Washington, Aug. 30 to Sept. 2, 1862, and took part in the
battle of Antietam in Franklin's corps. He took a prominent part in the
battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, being twice wounded in
the latter engagement and having his horse killed under him. He com-
manded the Department of the Susquehanna from June 11, 1863, to Dec.
I, 1864, and was then at the head of the 2nd division of the 23d army
corps until May, 1865. He was present at the battle of Nashville, and
took part in the operations in North Carolina in Feb., 1865. He resigned,
May 25, 1865, was the unsuccessful candidate for governor of Massachu-
setts that year, and in 1866 was appointed by President Johnson collector
of the port of Boston, serving from October of that year until March 4,
1867, when he was forced to vacate the office, the senate having refused
to approve the appointment. He became president of a Virginia mining
and manufacturing company in 1867, but subsequently moved to Norwalk,
Conn., and was quartermaster of the state from 1876 to 1878 and adju-
tant-general in 1883 and 1884. He died in Norwalk, Conn., Feb. 12, 1897.
Cowdin, Robert, brigadier-general, was born at Jamaica, Vt., Sept.
18, 1805. On May 25, 1861, he was appointed colonel of the ist Mass.
volunteers, which was the first regiment enlisted for three years or the
war to reach Washington. He distinguished himself at the battle of
Blackburn's ford by his bravery, standing conspicuously in white shirt
sleeves and refusing to sit down, saying "The bullet is not, cast that will
kill me to-day." He commanded a brigade from Oct., 1861, to Feb. 7,
1862, and then, returning to command of his regiment, took part in the
Peninsular and Manassas campaigns. He was appointed brigadier-gen-
eral of volunteers, Sept. 26, 1862. his appointment expiring March 4, 1863,
because it had not been approved by the senate. During the war Gen.
62 The Union Army
Cowdin engaged in the battles of Bull Run, Williamsburg, Fair Oaks,
Glendale, Malvern hill and Chantilly. Upon the expiration of his com-
mission he returned to Massachusetts, and died in Boston July 7, 1874.
Cox, Jacob D., major-general, was born in Montreal, Canada, Oct. 2"],
1828, spent his boyhood in New York, removed with his parents to Ohio in
1840, and graduated at Oberlin college in 185 1. After leaving college
he studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1853, practiced in Warren,
Ohio, and was from 1859 to 1861 member of the state senate. Holding
a state commission as brigadier-general of volunteers at the beginning of
the Civil war, he was active in raising troops, and on May 17, 1861, was
commissioned brigadier-general of U. S. volunteers. He commanded an
independent column in the West Virginia campaign under McClellan from
July to Sept., 1861, and under Rosecrans from September to December
of the same year. He commanded the district of the Kanawha almost
continuously until Aug., 1862, when he was ordered to Washington and
assigned to the Army of Virginia under Pope. He led the advance of
the right wing of McClellan's army at South mountain and opened the
battle, Sept. 14, 1862, assuming command of the 9th army corps when Gen.
Reno fell, and directing its movements in the battle of Antietam three
days later. For his services in this campaign he was commissioned major-
general of volunteers, Oct. 6, 1862, and was ordered to West Virginia,
where he drove back the Confederates, and then commanded the district
until April, 1863, when he was put in command of the district of Ohio,
and later of a division of the 23d army corps. He served in the Atlanta
campaign and in the campaigns of Franklin and Nashville under Gen.
Thomas. For services at the battles of Franklin he was restored to the
rank of major-general of volunteers from which he had been reduced
by constitutional limitation, in April, 1863, and was given permanent com-
mand of the 23d corps. He was transferred with his corps to North
Carolina, in Feb., 1865, as part of Schofield's army, capturing Fort An-
derson, the cities of Wilmington and Kinston, then joining Sherman's
army at Goldsboro, and commanding the district of western North Car-
olina at Greensboro after the surrender of Gen. Johnston. He resigned
from the service, Jan. i, 1866, returned to Ohio, and was governor of
the state in 1866 and 1867. He was secretary of the interior in Presi-
dent Grant's cabinet, 1869-70, then resigned, and, returning to Ohio, was
a representative from the Toledo district in the 45th Congress, 1877-79.
He was also for several years president of the Wabash railroad. He was
elected dean of the Cincinnati law school in 1881, and was president of
the University of Cincinnati from 1884 to i88g. He retired from the
deanship of the law school in 1897, and from active professional life, and
died Aug. 4, 1900.
Craig, James, brigadier-general, was born in Pennsylvania, May 7,
1820. He studied law and removed to St. Joseph. Mo., where he practiced
his profession, and in 1847 was a member of the state legislature. He
was captain of the Missouri mounted volunteers in the Mexican war from
Aug., 1847, until Nov., 1848, and then, returning to Missouri, was from
1852 to 1856 state attorney for the 12th judicial circuit. He served in
Congress as a Democrat from 1857 to 1861, and on March 21, 1862, was
commissioned by President Lincoln, brigadier-general of volunteers. This
office he held until May 5, 1863, serving in the west, then resigned and
was an unsuccessful candidate for election to the 47th Congress. He was
subsequently the first president of the Hannibal S: St. Joseph railroad,
and the first controller of St. Joseph. He died in St. Joseph, Mo., Oct.
21, 1888.
Crawford, Samuel W., brigadier-general, was born in Franklin county,
Pa.. Nov. 8, 1829, was graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in
Biographical Sketches 63
1846 and the medical department in 1850, and entered the United States
army in 1851, serving in Texas and Mexico from 1851 to 1857, and in
Kansas from 1857 to i860. He was then stationed at Fort Moultrie, and
later at Fort Sumter, being one of the garrison there under Maj. Ander-
son and having command of a battery during the bombardment. lie Vv^as
then stationed until Aug., 1861, at Fort Columbus, New York harbor,
vacating his commission as assistant surgeon then, by becoming major
in the 13th U. S. infantry, and in 1862 was connnissioned a brigadier-
general of volunteers. Gen. Crawford was conspicuous at Winchester,
and at Cedar mountain, where he lost one-half of his brigade, and at the
battle of Antietam he succeeded to the command of Gen. Mansiield's di-
vision, and was severely wounded. Early in 1863 he was placed in com-
mand of the Pennsylvania reserves, then stationed at Washington, and
led them at Gettysburg, July 1-3, serving with great bravery. Subse-
quently he participated in all the operations of the Army of the Potomac
until the close of the war, and was brevetted from colonel, in 1863, up
to major-general, U. S. A., March 13, 1865, for conspicuous gallantry in
the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Petersburg, Five Forks and
other engagements. He was mustered out of the volunteer service in
1866 and served with his regiment in the south, becoming colonel of the
l6th infantry in 1869 and later of the 2nd infantry. He was retired by
reason of disability caused by wounds, in Feb., 1873, with rank of briga-
dier-general, and died in 1892.
Crittenden, Thomas L., major-general, was born in Russellville, Ky.,
May 15, 1819, studied law under his father, was admitted to the bar, and
was elected commonwealth's attorney in Kentucky in 1842. In the Mex-
ican war he served as lieutenant-colonel of Kentucky infantry, and was
vohmteer aide to Gen. Taylor in the battle of Buena Vista. He was from
1849 to 1853, under appointment from President Taylor, consul to Liver-
pool, then returned to the United States, resided for a time in Frankfort,
and afterwards engaged in mercantile pursuits in Louisville, Ky. Es-
pousing the Union cause at the beginning of the Civil war, he was com-
missioned brigadier-general, Oct. 27, 1861. At Shiloh he commanded a
division and won by gallantry on that field promotion to major-general
of volunteers, being assigned to command of a division in the Army of
the Tennessee. He commanded the 2nd corps, forming the left wing of
Gen. Buell's Army of the Ohio, served afterwards under Gen. Rosecrans
in the battle of Stone's river, and at Chickamauga commanded one of the
two corps that were routed. He was afterwards given command of a
division of the 9th corps. Army of the Potomac, and operated with that
corps in the campaign of 1864. He resigned, Dec. 13, 1864, but was after-
wards commissioned by President Johnson colonel of the 32nd U. S. infan-
try, and in 1869 was transferred to the 17th infantry. He was retired by
reason of his age. May, 1881. Gen Crittenden won by gallantry at Stone's
river the brevet of brigadier-general in the regular army, which was con-
ferred on him, March 2, 1867. He died at Annandale, Staten Island,
N. Y., Oct. 23, 1893.
Crittenden, Thomas T., brigadier-general, was born in Alabama
about 1828. He served in the Mexican war, from Aug., 1846, to Sept.,
1847, as 2nd lieutenant in Willcock's battalion. Mo. volunteers, settled
afterwards in Indiana, and at the beginning of the Civil war enlisted
for three months as captain in a regiment of which be became colonel,
April 2"], 1861 — the 6th Ind. volunteers. He took part with a detachment
of his regiment in the battle of Philippi, and the regiment was reorgan-
ized in September, under his command, for three years' service. He was
promoted brigadier-general of volunteers on April 28, 1862, and served
until May 5, 1864, when he resigned. He was taken prisoner at Murfrees-
boro on July 12, 1862, and was not released till October.
64 The Union Army
Crocker, Marcellus M., brigadier-general, was born in Franklin, Ind.,
Feb. 6, 1830, entered the United States military academy at West Point
in 1847, but left at the end of his second year and studied law, practicing
later in Des Moines, la. In May, 1861, he joined the national army as
major in the 2nd Iowa volunteers. He was promoted colonel on Dec. 30,
fought with distinction in the battle of Shiloh, April 6 and 7, 1862, was
promoted brigadier-general of volunteers on Nov. 29, 1862, and engaged
in the siege of Vicksburg, conducting a raid in Mississippi. In 1864,
upon the reenlistment of his brigade, he joined Sherman's army, and was
present at the siege of Atlanta and on the march to the sea, commanding
a division part of the time. He was suffering from consumption all dur-
ing his service, and was ordered to Mexico at his personal solicitation, in
hopes of bettering his health. He returned afterwards to Washington,
D. C, and died there, Aug. 26, 1865.
Crook, George, major-general, was born near Dayton, Ohio, Sept.
8, 1828, was graduated at West Point in 1852, and served in California
as 2nd lieutenant in the 4th U. S. infantry until 1861, participating in the
Rogue river expedition in 1856, and commanding the Pitt river expedition
in 1857, where he was engaged in several actions, in one of which he was
wounded by an arrow. He had risen to a captaincy at the time of the
outbreak of the Civil war, and was ordered east to become colonel in the
36th Ohio volunteer infantry. He commanded a brigade in western Vir-
ginia, being wounded at the affray at Lewisburg, and then engaged in the
northern Virginia and Maryland campaigns, winning the brevet of lieu-
tenant-colonel U. S. A. for his services at Antietam. He was in command,
in 1863, of the 2nd cavalry division. Army of the Cumberland, and, after
the battle of Chickamauga, in which he distinguished himself, pursued
Wheeler's cavalry, driving it across the Tennessee into Alabama with
great loss. In Feb., 1864, he was transferred to the command of the mili-
tary district of West Virginia, made constant raids, partook in various
actions and won the battle of Cloyd's mountain, May 9, 1864, and later
in the year took part in Sheridan's Shenandoah campaign. For his serv-
ices he received, March 13. 1865, the brevets of major-general and brig-
adier-general in the regular army. He commanded the cavalry of the
Army of the Potomac in March and April, 1865, during which time he
was engaged at Dinwiddie Court House, Jetersville, Sailor's creek and
Farmville, imtil the surrender of Lee at Appomattox. He was after-
wards transferred to the command of Wilmington, N. C, where he re-
mained from Sept. i, 1865, until mustered out of the volunteer service,
Jan. 15, 1866. After the war Gen. Crook gained great fame as a fighter
of Indians, and manager of them, being equally skillful in both. After
a short leave of absence, he was commissioned lieutenant-colonel U. S. A.,
July 28, 1866, and assigned to service in Idaho, where he actively en-
gaged against hostile Indians until 1872, when he was ordered to quell
Indian disturbances in Arizona. He sent an ultimatum, ordering the
chiefs to return at once to their reservations or "be wiped ofT the face
of the earth," and, this being disregarded, he attacked them in what was
considered an impregnable stronghold, the Tonto basin, and soon brought
them to subjection. Next, in 1875, he defeated the Sioux and Cheyenne
Indians at Powder river, Wy.. following this victory with two more, one
at Tongue river and one at Rosebud. The final victory so incensed the
Sioux that they massed eleven tribes and at Little Big Horn massacred
Gen. Custer with 277 of his famous troopers, in what has since been
known as the "Custer Massacre." Crook was given reinforcements,
and proceeded so vigorously that by May, 1877, all the hostile tribes in
the northwest had yielded. Returning to Arizona in 1882. he drove off
white marauders from lands belonging to the Apaches, and pledged the
Bng.-C.en. I". V. Critten-
DEX
Brig.-Gen. J. T. Croxton
nrig.-Gen. X. M. Curtis
Brig.-Gen. S. W. Gr\«imri, Maj.i.in T. 1.. i,'kitti;n--
Brig.-Gen. :\I. M. Crocker den
Brig.-Gen. Cii.\rles Critt Maj.-Gen. Geo. Crook
ilaj.-Gen. S. R. Curtis Brig.-Gen. G. \V. Cullvm
Maj.-Gcn. G. A. Custer
Biographical Sketches 65
Indians the protection of the government. This action he followed in
1883 by regaining a large amount of plunder stolen by the Chiricahuas,
and making those Indians peaceable and self-supporting, and then for
two years had complete charge of Indian affairs. Gen. Crook was pro-
moted major-general in 1888 and assigned to the Department of the
Missouri. He died in Chicago, 111., March i, i8go.
Croxton, John T., brigadier-general, was born in Bourbon county,
Ky., Nov. 29, 1837. He v^as graduated at Yale in 1857, was admitted to
the bar in 1858, and practiced law in Paris, Ky. When the Civil war
broke out he espoused the Union side and joined the national service in
June, 1861, as lieutenant-colonel of the 4th Ky. volunteers. In March,
1862, he succeeded to the colonelcy, and in Aug., 1864, was commissioned
brigadier-general. He was brevetted major-general of volunteers, April
27, 1865, for gallant and meritorious services at the battle of Franklin,
Tenn., and in the campaign from the Tennessee river to Macon, Ga. He
commanded the district of southwest Georgia, with headquarters at Ma-
con, in 1865, and then, resigning his commission, Dec. 26, 1865, he resumed
his law practice in Paris, Ky. He helped establish the Louisville Com-
mercial as a Republican organ. Gen. Croxton's health had been under-
mined by exposure during the war and overwork afterwards, and in 1873
he accepted the office of United States minister to Bolivia, in hope of
regaining it. He died in La Paz, Bolivia, April 16, 1874.
Cruft, Charles, brigadier-general, was born in Indiana, and entered
the service of the United States from that state, becoming, on Sept. 20,
1861, colonel of the 31st Ind. infantry. He was promoted brigadier-general
of volunteers, July 16, 1862, and on March 5, 1865, was given the brevet
of major-general of volunteers. He was honorably mustered out of the
service, Aug. 24, 1865. Gen. Cruft served with distinction throughout the
war, receiving on several occasions special mention from his superior of-
ficers, and distinguishing himself especially at the battles which were
fought near Richmond, Ky., Aug. 29 and 30, 1862, having on these occa-
sions command of a brigade under Gen. Mahlon D. Manson. He died
in Terre Haute, Ind., March 23, 1883.
Cullum, George W., brigadier-general, was born in New York city,
Feb. 25, 1809, was graduated in the military academy at West Point in
1833, standing third in his class, and, being assigned to the engineer corps,
was promoted captain in 1838, and superintended the construction of gov-
ernment works at New London, Conn., and in Boston harbor. He or-
ganized platoon trains for use in the Mexican war, was instructor in en-
gineering at West Point from 1848 to 1855 and then, until 1861, superin-
tended the construction of government works at New York city, Charles-
ton, S. C, New Bedford, Mass., Newport, R. I., and New London, Conn.
He was ordered to Washington, April 9, 1861, as aide-de-camp of Gen.
Scott, then commander-in-chief of the army, was promoted major of en-
gineers, Aug. 6, 1861, and, upon the resignation of Gen. Scott, Oct. 31,
1861, was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers the next day.
He was appointed chief engineer of the Department of the Missouri, and
was made chief of staff to Gen. Halleck, commanding that department.
He directed engineering operations on the western rivers, was for some
time in command at Cairo, was engaged as chief of engineers in the siege
of Corinth, and then, after accompanying Gen. Halleck to Washington,
was employed in inspecting fortifications, examining engineering inven-
tions, and on various engineer boards. He was also from 1861 to 1864
member of the U. S. sanitary commission, and in the autumn of 1864
was emploj'ed in projecting fortifications for Nashville, Tenn., which had
been selected as a base of operations and depot of supplies for the west-
ern armies. He was then, from Sept., 1864, until Aug., 1866, superintend-
Vol. VIII— 5
66 The Union Army
ent of the U. S. military academy at West Point. He was brevetted ma-
jor-general U. S. A., March 13, 1865. He served on various boards for
national defense until 1874, and on Jan. 13, 1874, retired from active serv-
ice on account of his age. He then devoted himself to military, literary
and scientific studies. He married the widow of Gen. Halleck, and, in
conjunction with his wife, gave $200,000 to the New York cancer hospital.
By his will he bequeathed over a quarter of a million dollars to the U. S.
military academy to build a memorial hall. He died in New York city,
Feb. 29, 1892.
Curtis, N. Martin, brigadier-general, was born in De Peyster, St. Law-
rence county, N. Y., May 21, 1835, was educated in the common schools
and at the Gouverneur, N. Y., Wesleyan seminary, and became prominent
in local Democratic circles, being postmaster in his home town 1857-61,
and candidate for the assembly in i860. He enrolled a volunteer com-
pany, April 14, 1861, was commissioned captain on May 7, and served
with the Army of the Potomac. He participated in the first battle of
Bull Run, July 21, 1861 ; was severely wounded at West Point, Va., May
7, 1862; was promoted lieutenant-colonel in Oct., 1862, and colonel of
the 142nd N. Y. volunteers in Jan., 1863, and was assigned to command
a brigade in June, 1864, after the battle of Cold Harbor, in which he had
commanded a brigade whose leader was killed in action. He advanced
with his brigade on Petersburg, June 15, 1864, and took part in all the
operations before Petersburg and Richmond until Dec. 5, when he was
assigned to the first expedition against Fort Fisher. For his services at
the capture of Fort Fisher in Jan., 1865, when he was several times
wounded, losing his left eye on account of one of the wounds, he was
promoted brigadier-general on the field, and thanked by the legislature of
New York state. He was brevetted major-general of volunteers, March
13, 1865, and assigned to duty as chief of staff to Gen. E. O. C. Ord; was
given command of southwestern Virginia, with headquarters at Lynch-
burg, July I, 1865, and was mustered out there Jan. 15, 1S66. After the
war Gen. Curtis was collector of customs; special agent of the U. S.
treasury department; member of the New York assembly, 1884-90; and
representative in Congress from 1891 to 1897.
Curtis, Samuel R., major-general, was born in Clinton county, N. Y.,
Feb. 3, 1807, was taken as a child to Ohio, was graduated at West Point
in 1831, and, after a year in the army, resigned to take up civil engi-
neering. He afterwards studied law, became actively interested in state
militia affairs, and, having risen to colonel of Ohio militia in 1843, in 1846
was made adjutant-general of Ohio for the special purpose of organizing
the state's quota for service in the Mexican war. He served in that war
as colonel of the 2nd Ohio volunteers, and while in charge of the army
stores at Camargo defeated an attempt made by Gen. Urrea to capture
the place, driving the Mexican general through the mountains to Ramos,
and thus opening communications with Gen. Taylor. He subsequently
served on the staff of Gen. Wool and, after the war, opened a law office
in Keokuk, la. While residing in Keokuk he was elected to Congress,
served two terms and part of a third, and then resigned, in 1861, to be-
come colonel of the 2nd Iowa regiment. He was one of the first officers
to receive a commission. May 17, 1861, as brigadier-general, and during
the summer organized and had charge of a camp of instruction at St.
Louis. He commanded the district of southwestern Missouri from Dec.
26, 1861, to Feb., 1862, and the Army of the Southwest until Aug. of that
year, defeating in a decisive battle at Pea Ridge on March 6-8 1862, a
Confederate force commanded by Gens. Price and McCulloch, for which
action he was promoted major-general of volunteers. He then marched
over one thousand miles through swamps and wilderness and captured
Biographical Sketches 67
Helena, Ark., which place he held from July 14 to Aug. 29, 1862. He com-
manded the Department of Missouri, 1862-63, and the Department of Kan-
sas, 1864-65, being in command at Fort Leavenworth in Oct., 1864, and
aiding in the defeat and pursuit of Gen. Price's army. He commanded
the Department of the Northwest from Feb. to July, 1865, and was United
States Indian commissioner during the latter part of that year. He was
early interested in the Pacitic railroad, having presided over the conven-
tion that met in Chicago in Sept., 1862, and was a commissioner to ex-
amine the road in 1866. He died at Council Bluffs, la., Dec. 26, 1866.
Custer, George A., major-general, was born in New Rumley, Harri-
son county, Ohio, Dec. 5, 1839, and was graduated at West Point in 1861.
Being assigned to duty as 2nd lieutenant in the ist U. S. cavalry, he ar-
rived at the front on the day of the first battle of Bull Run and joined
his regiment on the field. In the fall of 1861 he was ordered home on
sick leave, and on his return, in Feb., 1862, he rejoined the army, being
assigned to the 5th U. S. cavalry. He served successively as aide on the
stafifs of Gens. Phil Kearny, W. F. Smith and George B. McClellan, was
promoted to be a captain of volunteers and served throughout the Pen-
insular campaign of 1862. He was commissioned brigadier-general of
volunteers in June, 1863, and placed at the head of a brigade of Michi-
gan cavalry, which, under his leadership, became one of the best trained
and most efficient bodies in the Federal army. He led his brigade at the
battle of Gettysburg, and distinguished himself by gallantry which won
for him the brevet rank of major in the regular army. Subsequently his
brigade was attached to Sheridan's cavalry corps, with which he served
in the campaigns in Virginia, in the spring and summer of 1864, and in
the subsequent operations in the Shenandoah valley, distinguishing him-
self by his bravery on numerous occasions. He was then given com-
mand of the 3d division of Sheridan's corps, won the battle of Wood-
stock, and at Cedar creek his division recaptured, before the day was
over, guns and colors that had been taken from the army earlier in the
fight, together with Confederate flags and cannon. After this brilliant
success. Gen. Custer was sent to Washington in charge of the captured
colors, and was recommended for promotion. He was given the brevet
of major-general of volunteers, Oct. 19, 1864, defeated Gen. Early at
Waynesboro, and took part in the battles of Five Forks, Dinwiddle Court
House, and other engagements of Grant's last campaign. He received
the first flag of truce from the Army of Northern Virginia, and was
present at Appomattox Court House when Lee surrendered his army.
He was appointed major-general of volunteers to date from April 15,
1865, having been brevetted major-general, U. S. A., March 13, 1865, and,
after the grand review at Washington, commanded the cavalry in Texas
in the winter of 1865 and 1866, and then applied for leave of absence to
become commander of the cavalry which Juarez was organizing to drive
the Emperor Maximilian out of Mexico. His request being denied, he
accepted the position of lieutenant-colonel of the 7th cavalry and gained
his first experience in Indian fighting in 1867-68, with Gen. Hancock's
campaign against the Cheyennes, bringing the campaign to a successful
conclusion by a decisive defeat which he inflicted on the Indians at
Washita, I. T., in Nov., 1868. He first met the hostile Sioux in 1873,
when his regiment was ordered to Dakota to guard the Northern Pacific
railroad construction, and in 1874 he commanded an expedition to the
Black Hills which opened up a hitherto undiscovered region of mineral
wealth. Gen. Custer lost his life, June 25, 1876, at the fatal massacre on
the Little Big Horn. Reaching the Indian encampment in a region which
was little known, he did not wait for the rest of the army, under com-
mand of Gen. Terry, and, underestimating the strength of the Indians,
68 The Union Army
divided his force of 277 troopers into three divisions, v^rith which he
made the attack. The Indians, outnumbering their opponents ten to one,
killed every one of the noble band.
Cutler, Lysander, brigadior-general, was born in Massachusetts about
1806. He became an early settler of Wisconsin, and at the beginning of
the Civil war he offered his services to the government being appointed
colonel of the 6th Wis. infantry, July 16, 1861. He speedily brought this
regiment into a state of discipline and rendered it one of the best in the
service. He was afterwards in command of the famous "Iron Brigade"
(Meredith's), of the Army of the Potomac, to which his regiment was
attached, and on Nov. 29, 1862, was commissioned brigadier-general. He
was brevctted major-general of volunteers, Aug. 19, 1864, for meritorious
services, and resigned from the army, June 30, 1865, leaving the service
with scars of two wounds upon his body. He died in Milwaukee, Wis.,
July 30, 1866.
Dana, Napoleon J. T., major-general, was born in Fort Sullivan, East-
port, Me., April 15, 1822. was graduated in the United States military
academy at West Point in 1842, and served on garrison duty until the
Mexican war. He served with distinction throughout that contest, being
severely wounded at the storming of Cerro Gordo, and being made cap-
tain by brevet for gallant and meritorious conduct on that occasion. He
was promoted captain on the staff and assistant quartermaster in 1848, and
was on garrison duty, principally in Minnesota, until 1855, when he re-
signed to take up banking in St. Paul, serving there as brigadier-general
of state militia from 1857 to 1861. He raised and commanded the ist
Minn, infantry in the first year of the war, was commissioned brigadier-
general in Feb., 1862, and attached to the Army of the Potomac. He
served in the battles before Richmond, commanded a brigade in Gen.
Sedgwick's division at Antietam, and at that battle received so serious a
wound that he was carried off the field for dead. Recovering, he was
commissioned major-general of volunteers, in Nov., 1862, commanded the
defenses of Philadelphia during Lee's invasion, afterwards joined the
Army of the Gulf, and commanded an expedition by sea to the Rio Grande,
landing at Brazos Santiago, and driving the Confederate forces as far as
Laredo. He then successively commanded the 13th army corps, the dis-
trict of Vicksburg, the i6th army corps, the districts of west Tennessee
and Vicksburg, and the Department of the Mississippi, and in May, 1865,
resigned from the army to engage in mining in the far west. He was sub-
sequently, from 1866 to 1871, general agent of the American-Russian com-
mercial company of San Francisco, in Alaska and Washington, then be-
came superintendent of railroads in Illinois, and superintendent of the
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad in 1878. He was made chief of
the old war and navy division, pension department, in 1893, was promoted
first deputy commissioner of pensions by President Cleveland, in 1895, and
was removed from the latter office in 1897 by President McKinley.
Davidson, John W., brigadier-general, was born in Fairfax county,
Va.. Aug. 28, 1824, was graduated at West Point in 1845, and commanded
a howitzer battery under Gen. Stephen M. Kearny in 1846. He remained
with the army of the west during the Mexican war being present at the
combats of San Pasqual, San Bernardo, San Gabriel and Mesa, and after
the war served on the frontier, his most notable accomplishment being the
defeat, in 1854, of the Apache and Utah tribes, at Cieneguilla. N. M.. in
an engagement in which he lost three-fourths of his force and was himself
wounded. He won promotion to captain by this action, was promoted
major, Nov. 14, 1861, while stationed at Washington, in the defense of the
capital, and was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers in Feb-
ruary, 1862, commanding a brigade in the Peninsular campaign. He was
Biographical Sketches G9
brevetted lieutenant-colonel U. S. A. for action at Gaines' mill and colonel
for Golding's farm, and also distinguished Iiimself for gallantry at Lee's
mill, Mechanicsville, Savage Station and Glendale. lie was transferred
to the Department of the Missouri and commanded the St. Louis district
from August to Nov., 1862, the Army of Southeast Missouri until Feb.,
1863, and the district of St. Louis again for the following live months.
He directed the operations at Pilot Knob and Fredericktown and drove
Gen. Marmaduke out of Missouri, and in the operations in Arkansas lead-
ing to the capture of Little Rock, commanded a cavalry division. He was
made chief of the cavalry forces west of the Mississippi on June 26, 1864,
and led the cavalry expedition from Baton Rouge to Pasagoula, Nov.
24, 1864. He was brevetted brigadier-general in the regular army on
March 13, 1865, for services at Little Rock, and, at the same time, major-
general U. S. A. for services during the war. Gen. Davidson was pro-
moted lieutenant-colonel of the 10th U. S. cavalry, Dec. i, 1866, was act-
ing inspector-general of the Department of the Missouri, 1866-67 ', profes-
sor of military science in the Kansas agricultural college, 1868-71, com-
manded posts in Texas and Idaho, 1871-77, and the district of Upper
Brazos, Tex., 1877-78. He was promoted colonel in the regular army,
March 20, 1869. Gen. Davidson died in St. Paul, Minn., June 26, 1881.
Davies, Henry E., major-general, was born in New York city, July
2, 1836, was educated at Harvard and Williams colleges, and at Colum-
bia, in which he was graduated, and in the same year, 1857, he was ad-
mitted to the bar. He entered the volunteer service in April, 1861, as
captain in the 5th N. Y. regiment, was made major of the 2nd N. Y.
cavalry in July of that year, and served in the cavalry corps, Army of the
Potomac, as colonel and brigadier-general, having command of a divi-
sion at the close of the war. He was brevetted major-general of volun-
teers, Oct. I, 1864, having been promoted brigadijer-general, Sept. 16,
1863, and was given the full rank of major-general of volunteers. May 4,
1865. He served with distinction throughout the war, and resigned from
the service Jan. i, 1866. He commanded the middle district of Alabama
during the reconstruction, 1865, until he resigned. He was public ad-
ministrator, after the war, in New York city, 1866-69, assistant U. S. dis-
trict attorney, 1870-72, and thereafter refused public office in order that
he might devote himself to the practice of law. He died in Middleboro,
Mass., Sept. 6, 1894.
Davies, Thomas A., brigadier-general, was born at Black Lake, St.
Lawrence county, N. Y., Dec. 3, 1809, was graduated at West Point in
1829, and, after serving two years on frontier duty, resigned to become
civil engineer on the Croton aqueduct, and to enter mercantile pursuits
in New York city. He reentered the national service. May 15, 1861, as
colonel of the i6th N. Y. regiment, and distinguished himself at the bat-
tle of Bull Run, where, as commander of the 2iid brigade, 5th division,
Army of the Potomac, he successfully repulsed an attack upon the left
wing after the main body of the Federal army was in full flight, thus
preventing the capture of Washington. At the close of the battle he was
placed in command of the left wing of the army by Gen. McDowell, was
afterwards engaged on fortifications around Washington and in the de-
fenses of Alexandria, until March 7, 1862, when he was commissioned
brigadier-general for "gallant conduct at the battle of Bull Run," and
joined Gen. Halleck's army at Corinth. He engaged in the siege of
that place in April and May, 1862, in the battle of Corinth. Oct. 3-4,
1862; commanded Columbus, Ky., 1862-63; Rollo, Mo., 1863-64; the dis-
trict of North Kansas, 1864-65, and that of Wisconsin in 1865. His serv-
ices being no longer needed in Wisconsin, he resigned his commission, in
June, 1865, and on July 11, 1865, was brevetted major-general of volun-
70 The Union Army
teers, "for gallant and meritorious services." After the war he devoted
a good deal of his time to literature, and was the author of numerous
books on religious criticism and kindred subjects. He died at Black
Lake, N. Y., Aug. 19, 1899.
Davis, Edmund J., brigadier-general, was born in St. Augustine, Fla.,
Nov. 21, 1830. He moved to Texas in 1848, practising law there later;
was collector of customs, 1850-52, district attorney, 1853-54, and district
judge, 1854-60. He joined the Union army as colonel of the ist Tex.
cavalry, Oct. 26, 1862, and was promoted brigadier-general of volunteers,
Nov. 10, 1864. He was mustered out, Aug. 24, 1865, was a member of the
first and president of the second reconstruction conventions, and Repub-
lican governor of Texas from 1870 to 1874. He died in Austin, Tex.,
Feb. 8, 1883.
Davis, Jefferson C, brigadier-general, was born in Clark county,
Ind., March 2, 1828, was educated at the county academy, and, at the age
of eighteen, enlisted for service in the Mexican war. For bravery at
Buena Vista he won a commission as 2nd lieutenant in the ist artillery.
In 1852 he was promoted ist lieutenant. In 1858 he was placed in charge
of the garrison at Fort Sumter, and, as an officer under Maj. Anderson,
took part in the occupation and defense of that fort. In recognition of
his bravery on this occasion, he was promoted captain and given leave
of absence to recruit the 22nd Ind. volunteers, of which regiment he be-
came colonel. Being assigned as acting brigadier-general to the Depart-
ment of the Missouri, he distinguished himself by bravery at Milford,
Mo., and won promotion to the rank of brigadier-general of volunteers.
He commanded a division at the battle of Pea ridge, March 8, 1862, and
took part in the battle of Shiloh, April 6 and 7, and the siege of Corinth,
and after the evacuation of that place by the Confederates, May 29, he
was assigned to the Army of the Tennessee. On Sept. 29, 1862, he chanced
to meet in Louisville Gen. William Nelson, his superior officer, from whom
he claimed to have had harsh treatment, and, in a quarrel which ensued,
he shot and instantly killed Nelson. Gen. Davis was arrested, but was
not tried, and was soon afterwards assigned to duty in Covington, Ky.
He commanded a division forming a part of McCook's right wing at the
battle of Stone's river, Dec. 31, 1862, where he so distinguished himself
that Gen. Rosecrans recommended him for promotion to major-general.
In 1864 he commanded the 14th corps of Sherman's army in the Atlanta
campaign and in the march through Georgia, and on March 13, 1865, he
was brevetted major-general U. S. A. for gallant and meritorious serv-
ices at the battle of Jonesboro, Ga. He was promoted colonel of the 23d
U. S. infantry, July 23, 1866, and served on the Pacific coast, in Alaska,
and, after the murder of Gen. Canby by the Modoc Indians, in 1873, suc-
ceeded to the command of the department and forced the tribe to sur-
render. Gen. Davis died in Chicago, 111., Nov. 30, 1879.
Deitzler, George W., brigadier-general, was born in Pine Grove. Pa.,
Nov. 30, 1826, was educated in the district schools and removed to Kan-
sas in 1855, becoming there one of the leaders of the conservative Free
State party. In March, 1855, he was sent east by Gov. Robinson, and ob-
tained from the emigrant aid company an order for 100 Sharp's rifles,
which he brought back to Lawrence in boxes labeled "books." In May,
1856, he was arrested, with other leaders of the Free State party, in-
dicted for treason and thrown into prison, but was set at liberty on Sept.
10. He was elected to the state legislature in 1857 and chosen speaker,
was reelected in 1859, and in 1861 was appointed Indian agent by Presi-
dent Lincoln, the appointment being withdrawn, however, on account of
opposition by Senator James H. Lane, before it came before the senate
for confirmation. At the outbreak of the Civil war he organized the ist
Biographical Sketches ^ 71
Kan. volunteers, of which he became colonel, June 5, 1861, and was com-
missioned brigadier-general of volunteers Nov. 29, 1862, for bravery at
Wilson's creek, where he commanded a brigade. He resigned from the
volunteer army on account of ill health, Aug. 22, 1863, and in 1864 was
made major-general of Kansas militia. Subsequently he served as mayor
of Lawrence and treasurer of the board of regents of the University of
Kansas. He died at Tucson, Ariz., April 11, 1884, from injuries sustained
in a fall from his carriage.
Delafield, Richard, brigadier-general, was born in New York city,
Sept. I, 1798, and was graduated first in his class in the U. S. military
academy in 1818, being promoted 2nd lieutenant at once and assigned
to duty with the American boundary commission under the treaty of
Ghent. He was engaged as superintending engineer in constructing U. S.
defenses until 1838, was then promoted major and was superintendent
of the military academy at West Point from 1838-45 and 1855-61. He
accompanied Capt. George B. McClellan and Maj. Alfred Mordecai to
Europe in 1855-56, to watch the operations of the Crimean war, and his
elaborate report of modern war methods as seen in that war was printed
jjy Congress in i860. He was promoted lieutenant-colonel in 1861, colonel
in 1863, brigadier-general and chief of engineers, April 22, 1864, and was
brevetted major-general U. S. A. for "faithful, meritorious and distin-
guished services in the engineer department during the war." He ren-
dered valuable service to the government during the Civil war on the
staff of Gov. Morgan of New York, 1861-63, in the reorganization and
equipment of state forces ; was from 1864 to 1870 on duty at Washington
as commander of the engineer corps, and in charge of the bureau of en-
gineers of the war department, and served as inspector of the military
academy, as member of the light-house board, and of the commission for
the improvement of Boston harbor. He was also a regent of the Smith-
sonian institution, and a member of scientific organizations. He was re-
tired, Aug. 8, 1866, after forty-five years' service, and died in Washing-
ton, D. C, Nov. 5, 1873.
Dennis, Elias S., brigadier-general, was born in New York, and at
the time of the outbreak of the Civil war was a resident of Carlyle, III.
On Aug. 28, 1861, he became lieutenant-colonel of the 30th 111. infantry,
and when Col. Philip B. Fouke resigned, April 22, 1862, he was promoted
colonel. May i, to succeed him. His services won him promotion to brig-
adier-general, Nov. 29, 1862, and on April 13, 1865, he was promoted brevet
major-general of volunteers for gallant and meritorious services in the
operations before Mobile, Ala. Gen. Dennis was honorably mustered out
of the service, Aug. 24, 1865. He died Dec. 16, 1894.
Dent, Frederick T., brigadier-general, was born in White Haven, St.
Louis county, Mo., Dec. 17, 1820. son of Frederick F. and Ellen (Wren-
shall) Dent, and brother of Julia Dent, wife of Gen. U. S. Grant. He was
graduated at the U. S. military academy in 1843 and served in the IMex-
ican war, at the siege of Vera Cruz, the capture of San Antonio, the bat-
tles of Churubusco, where he was severely wounded, and Molino del
Rey, receiving for gallant and meritorious conduct at the last named bat-
tles the brevets of ist lieutenant and captain. He then served on the Pa-
cific railroad survey and on frontier duty against hostile Indians in the
far west, and in 1863 was promoted major and given command of a regi-
merit in the Army of the Potomac. He was on duty in New York city
during the draft riots of that year, and served as a member of a commis-
sion for the trial of state prisoners from January to March, 1864. He was
then assigned to the staff of Lieut. -Gen. Grant, with the rank of lieu-
tenant-colonel, and was present at the battles and operations of the Rich-
mond campaign to the surrender of Lee, after which he was military
72 The Union Army
commander of the city of Richmond and of the troops stationed at Wash-
ington, lie was colonel and aide-de-camp to the general-in-chief at Wash-
ington, in 1866, and served as private secretary to President Grant from
1869 to 1873. He was transferred to the 14th infantry in 1866, made
lieutenant-colonel of the 32nd infantry in 1867, colonel of the ist artil-
lery in 1881, and was retired at his own request in 1883. He was pro-
moted brevet brigadier-general U. S. A. and brigadier-general of volun-
teers, in 1865, for "gallant and meritorious services in the field during
the war." Gen. Dent died in Denver, Col., Dec. 24, 1892.
Denver, James W., brigadier-general, was born in Winchester, Va.,
May 28, 1817, removed to Ohio in 1830, studied at the Cincinnati law
school, in which he was graduated, and practiced law and edited a local
Democratic paper in Xenia. Removing thence to Platte county. Mo., he
was appointed captain of Company H, 12th U. S. infantry, in March, 1847,
and served in the war with Mexico until its close, participating in the
battles of Contreras, Churubusco, Molino del Rey, Chapultepec and the
Garetas. In 1850 he moved to California, locating in Weaverville, and
he served as state senator, secretary of state, and representative in Con-
gress, 1855-57, where he was chairman of the committee on the Pacific
railroad. He was subsequently commissioner of Indian affairs, but resigned
this office to become governor of the territory of Kansas, which then in-
cluded Colorado. The city of Denver was named for him. He resigned
this latter office in 1858 to become again commissioner of Indian affairs,
and on Aug. 14, 1861, President Lincoln appointed him brigadier-general
of volunteers. He served in this capacity about two years, resigning in
1863. He was for some time in Kansas, was then ordered to report to
Gen. Halleck at Pittsburg landing. Term., and advanced thence to Cor-
inth, Miss., where he had command of all the railroads in that section,
his force increasing to 30,000 men. After his resignation he practised
law at Washington, and at Wilmington, Ohio, where he also had a large
farm. Gen. Denver died in Washington, D. C, Aug. 9, 1892.
De Russy, Gustavus A., brigadier-general, was born in Brooklyn,
N. Y., Nov. 3, 1818. He was a cadet at the U. S. military academy,
1835-38, and in March, 1847, was appointed 2nd lieutenant, 4th U. S. ar-
tillery. He served throughout the war and received the brevets of ist
lieutenant for gallantry at Contreras and Churubusco, and captain for like
service at Chapultepec. He was quartermaster of the 4th U. S. artillery
from 1849 to 1857, and was promoted captain in Aug., 1857. He was
brevetted major, June 25, 1862, for bravery in action at Fair Oaks, lieu-
tenant-colonel for gallantry at Malvern hill, colonel and brigadier-gen-
eral U. S. A. March 13, 1865, for services during the war. He entered
the volunteer service as colonel of the 4th N. Y. artillery, March 17, 1863,
was promoted May 29, 1863, and was mustered out of the service, Jan.
15, 1866. He was made major of the 3d U. S. artillery, July 26, 1866;
lieutenant-colonel, Aug. 25, 1879, and colonel of the 4th U. S. artillery,
June 30, 1882. He was superintendent of practical instruction and tactical
recitations at West Point from 1871 till 1874. Gen. De Russy was re-
tired by operation of law, Nov. 3, 1882, and died in Detroit, Mich., May
29, 1891.
De Trobriand, Philip R., brigadier-general, was born in the Chateau
des Rochetts, near Tours, France, June 4, 1816. He became a page at
the court of Charles X, then king of France, but the revolution of 1830
changed the plans formed for his military education and he was gradu-
ated at the University of Orleans as bachelier-cs-lettrcs in 1834 and at
Pontiers as licencie-en-droit in 1838. Coming to the United States in
1841, he married the daughter of a New York merchant, and published
in New York, in 1849-50, the "Revtie de Nouveau Monde," and was joint
Brig.-Gen. I^ysander
Cutler
Maj.-Gen. H. E. Davies
Brig.-Gen. G. W. Deitzler
Brig.-Gen, F. T. Dent
Maj.-Gen. N. J. T. Dana
Brig.-Gen. T. A. Davies
Brig.-Gen. Richard Dela-
FIELD
Brig.-Gen. T. W. Denver
Brig.-C»en. J.
Brig.-Gen. E.
W. Davidson
J. Davis
Brier.-Gen. E. S. Denxis
Brig.-Geii. G. .\. De Rrssv
Biographical Sketches 73
editor of the "Courier dcs Etats-Unis" in 1854-61. On Aug. 28, 1861,
he entered the service of the United States as colonel of the 55th N. Y.
regiment. He was engaged at Yorktown and Williamsburg, commanded
a brigade of the 3d army corps in 1862-63 and took part in the engagements
at Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, where, on the second
day, he held the peach orchard, the central point of Gen. Sickles' line.
He was then mustered out of the service, but in Jan., 1864, was com-
missioned brigadier-general, a position which he accepted in May, and
in May and June, 1864. he commanded the defenses of New York city.
As commander of a brigade in the _'nd army corps he was present at Deep
Bottom, Petersburg, Hatcher's run and Five Forks, and he commanded
the 3d division of the 2nd corps in the final campaign, ending in the sur-
render of Lee at Appomattox. He was brevettcd major-general of vol-
unteers, April 9, 1865, for "highly meritorious services during the cam-
paign terminating with the surrender of the insurgent army under Gen.
R. E. Lee," being the only Frenchman besides Lafayette to hold that rank
in the United States army. He entered the regular army as colonel in
July, 1866, was brevetted brigadier-general March 2, 1867, and commanded
the district of Dakota in August of that year. In March, 1869, he was
transferred to the 13th infantry and commanded the district of Montana,
and subsequently that of Green river. He was retired at his own request,
March 20, 1879, on account of age. Gen. De Trobriand became Baron de
Trobriand upon the death of his father, in 1840, and inherited the title
of count in 1874, but he never carried the titles in the United States. He
spent the last years of his life in New Orleans, spending the summers al-
ternately in France and at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Charles A.
Post, at Bayport, X. Y., and he died at Bayport, July 15, 1897.
Devens, Charles, brigadier-general, was born in Charlestown. Mass.,
April 4, 1820. He was graduated at Harvard in arts in 1838 and in law
in 1840, and practised his profession in Northfield and later in Greenfield,
Mass. He was state senator, 1848-49, and U. S. marshal for the district,
1849-53, under appointment of President Fillmore. In this capacity it
became his duty to execute the process under which the fugitive slave,
Sims, was returned to his owner, but after the rendition he offered to
pay for Sims' freedom, and in 1877, when attorney-general of the United
States, he appointed him to a position in the department of justice. He
entered the Federal army in 1861, was made major of the 3d battalion
rifles in April of that year; and in July was appointed colonel of the 15th
Mass. volunteers. He served with this regiment until 1862 and was
wounded at Ball's bluff. He was made brigadier-general of volunteers,
April 15, 1862, commanded a brigade during the Peninsular campaign,
and fought at Fair Oaks, Antietam and Fredericksburg, being severely
wounded at Fair Oaks and having a horse shot under him at Antietam.
For gallant conduct at Fredericksburg he received commendations from
the division commander. In 1863 he commanded a division in the ilth
corps at Chancellorsville, and was severely wounded there. Returning
to the field in 1864, he was appointed to the command of a division of the
l8th army corps, reorganized as the 3d division of the 24th corps, and
his troops were the first to occupy Richmond upon the evacuation of the
city by the Confederates. On recommendation of Gen. Grant, he was bre-
vetted major-general of volunteers for gallant and good conduct at the
capture of Richmond. He commanded the district , of Charleston, in
1865-66, and then, in June, 1866, was mustered out of the service and re-
turned to practice his profession in Worcester. He was judge of the su-
perior court of Massachusetts, 1866-73, was afterwards judge of the su-
preme judicial court, and then resigned to become attorney-general of the
United States under President Hayes. At the close of the administra-
74 The Union Army
tion he was appointed by Gov. Long to the supreme bench of the state,
where he remained until his death. Gen. Devens was commander-in-chief
of the G. A. R. in 1874. He was orator of the day on numerous note-
worthy occasions, and, after his death, a heroic size statue was erected
to his memory by the state of Massachusetts. Gen. Devens died in Bos-
ton, Mass., Jan. 7, 1891.
Devin, Thomas C., major-general, was born in New York city in
1822, was educated in the common schools there and learned the trade
of painter. He was lieutenant-colonel of the ist N. Y. state militia in
1861, and recruited in June of that year the first company of cavalry sent
by Gov. Morgan to the defense of Washington. He became captain of
that company, which was made part of the ist N. Y. cavalry, and after
his first three months' service, returned to the front as colonel of the 6th
N. Y. volunteer cavalry. He commanded a brigade at Five Forks and
captured the Confederate earthworks there, and at Front Royal his regi-
ment captured two sets of colors and he was himself severely wounded.
For gallantry at Front Royal he was brevetted brigadier-general of vol-
unteers, Aug. 15, 1864, and on March 13, 1865, he received the brevet of
major-general of volunteers for his services during the war. At the
close of the war he was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the 8th U. S.
cavalry, July 28, 1866, and on March 2, 1867, he was brevetted colonel
U. S. A. for gallantry at Fisher's hill, and brigadier-general for distin-
guished service at Sailor's creek. He was promoted colonel of the 3d
U. S. cavalry, June 25, 1877. Gen. Grant is said to have ranked Gen.
Devin as second only to Sheridan as a cavalry officer. Gen. Devin died
in New York city, April 4, 1878.
Dewey, Joel A., brigadier-general, was born in Georgia, Vt., Sept.
20, 1840, and was a student at Oberlin college in 1861, when he received
a commission as ist lieutenant. He left college to join the Union army,
served in the army of Gen. John Pope, and afterwards with Gen. Sher-
man, was promoted captain and served on the staff of Gen. Rosecrans.
In 1863 he was promoted colonel and commanded the iiith colored regi-
ment. He led a brigade in the operations in Alabama, was captured at
Athens, Ala., while engaging Forrest's cavalry, and, after his exchange,
served in Tennessee and Alabama until the close of the war. He re-
ceived his commission as brigadier-general of volunteers. Dec. 13, 1865,
declined an appointment as captain in the regular army, and was mus-
tered out of the volunteer service Jan. 31, 1866. He then studied law in
the Albany (N. Y.) law school, was graduated in 1867 and removed to
Dandridge, Tenn., where he practised law. He was attorney-general of
Tennessee from 1869 to 1873. He died in Knoxville, Tenn., June 17, 1873.
Dix, John A., major-general, was born in Boscawen, N. H., July 24,
1798, and received his early education at the academy at Salisbury, at
the Phillips Exeter academy, and the College of Montreal. As a boy of
fourteen he entered the war of 1812 as a cadet in his father's regiment,
the 14th U. S. infantry, stationed at Baltimore, Md., where he also studied
at St. Mary's college. He was made ensign in 1813, took part in the oper-
ations on the Canadian frontier, served subsequently as adjutant to Col.
Walback, and in 1819 was appointed aide-de-camp to Gen. Jacob Brown,
then in command of the northern military department of the United States,
and stationed at Brownsville, where he studied law. He was later pre-
pared for the bar in Washington, under William West, but did not prac-
tice there, and in 1826 was sent as special messenger to the court of Den-
mark. On his return he was stationed at Fort Monroe, but ill health
led him to practice law in Cooperstown, N. Y., and he subsequently held
various important positions in that state. He was adjutant-general "of the
State of New York, secretary of state and superintendent of public schools.
Biographical Sketches 75
a prominent member of the "Albany Regency." and then, going out of
office in 1840 by the defeat of the Democratic party, devoted himself to
literary pursuits, being editor-in-chief from 1841 to 1843 of '"The Northern
Light." He was elected member of the state assembly in 1841, spent two
years abroad, was United States senator from New York from 1845 to
1849, and, in 1848, was the candidate on the Free-Soil Democratic ticket
for governor of New York, but was overwhelmingly defeated by Hamil-
ton Fish. He was appointed assistant treasurer at New York by Presi-
dent Pierce, and was the choice of the president as minister to France,
but was never nominated, owing to political opposition. He earnestly
supported Buchanan and Breckenridge in the canvass of 1856, and opposed
the election of Lincoln in i860, voting for Breckenridge and Lane. He was
appointed by President Buchanan postmaster of New York to succeed
Isaac V. Fowler, defaulter, declined the portfolio of war in that presi-
dent's cabinet, and on Jan. 9, 1861, accepted the place of secretary of the
treasury It was while in this office that he sent the historic message to
Lieut. Caldwell at New Orleans, to arrest the commander of the revenue
cutter, adding to the message : "If anyone attempts to haul down the
American flag, shoot him on the spot." At the opening of the Civil war
he rendered effective service as president of the L^nion defense committee
in New York, from its formation in 1861, and on April 24 of that year
presided over the great meeting in Union Square which determined the
attitude of the metropolis and of the entire North in reference to sup-
porting the new administration. On the president's call for troops he or-
ganized and sent to the front seventeen regiments, and was appointed by
Gov. Morgan one of the four major-generals of state troops. In the
following June he was commissioned by President Lincoln major-general
of volunteers, and was ordered to Washington by Gen. Scott to take com-
mand of the Arlington and Alexandria department. He was ousted from
this post by political intrigue and given command of the Department of
Maryland, which was then considered of comparatively minor importance,
but which became later the center and key of the national position, and
it was through Gen. Dix's energetic and judicious measures that the city
and state were prevented from espousing the Confederate cause. He was
sent from Baltimore to Fortress Monroe in May, 1862, and in June, 1863,
was in command of a force of 10,000 men, in the movement up the York
river to the White House, where he succeeded in cutting off Lee's line
of communication with the Confederate capital, and in destroying bridges,
capturing Confederate troops, including Gen. W. H. F. Lee, and obtain-
ing control of the whole country between the Pamunkey and Rappahan-
nock rivers. Then, when the city of Richmond was almost within his
grasp, he was ordered to fall back and send all his available troops to the
defense of Washington and the Pennsylvania border, then threatened by
the combined Confederate forces. After the trouble connected with the
draft riots in New York, he was transferred to New York, in command
of the Department of the East, superseding Gen. Wool, and he held this
post until the close of the war, his energetic action preventing further
trouble in the metropolis and restoring business confidence. He was the
first president of the Union Pacific railroad company, and in 1866 was
appointed U. S. naval officer of New York, and in the same year, minister
to France. He returned to America on the accession of President Grant
in 1869, was elected governor of New York in 1872, but in 1874, owing
to political intrigue in the Republican party, was defeated of reelection.
He became president of the Erie railroad company in 1872. Gen. Dix
died in New York city, April 21. 1879.
Dodge, Charles C., brigadier-general, was born in Plainfield. N. J.,
Sept. 16, 1841. He was commissioned captain in the first N. Y. mounted
76 The Union Army
rifles, Dec. 6, 1861, and was soon afterwards promoted major. He was
in command of the outposts at Newport News, and of a cavalry column
of Gen. Wool's army that marclicd on Norfolk, and received the surrender
of that place before the arrival of his superior oflkers. He commanded in
successful engagements at Suffolk, Va., and Hertford ford, N. C, was pro-
moted lieutenant-colonel, July 1, 18O2, colonel, Aug. 13, 1862, and brig-
adier-general of volunteers, Nov. 29, 1862, and on June £2, 1863, he re-
signed.
Dodge, Grenville M., major-general, was born in Danvers, Mass.,
April 12, 183 1, was graduated in Capt. Partridge's military academy, Nor-
wich, Vt., in 1850, and in 1851 moved to Ilhnois, going thence to Iowa,
and was employed as a civil engineer in railroad construction work until
the outbreak of the Civil war. He was sent to Washington in 1861 to
secure arms and equipments for the Iowa troops, was successful in his
mission, and on returning to Iowa was appointed colonel of the 4th Iowa
regiment, which he had raised. He served in Missouri under Fremont,
commanded a brigade in the Army of the Southwest, and a portion of
his command took Springfield, Feb. 13, 1862, opening Gen. Curtis' Ar-
kansas campaign of that year. At the battle of Pea ridge he commanded
a brigade on the extreme right, had three horses shot under him in that
engagement and was severely wounded in the side. For gallantry he
was appointed brigadier-general of volunteers, March 31, 1862, and in June
of that year he took command of the district of the Mississippi and built
the Mississippi & Ohio railroad. He was one of the first to organize negro
regiments. He defeated Gen. J. B. Villepigue on the Hatchie river, Oct.
5, 1862, captured Col. W. W. Faulkner and his forces near Island No. 10,
and in the autumn of 1862 was placed in command of the 2nd division
of the Army of the Tennessee. During the Vicksburg campaign, with
headquarters at Corinth, he made frequent raids, and indirectly protected
the flanks of both Grant and Rosecrans, and for his services was placed
at the head of Gen. Grant's list of officers recommended for promotion.
He distinguished himself at the battle of Sugar valley, May 9, 1864, and
at Resaca, May 14 and 15, 1865, and for his services at these engagements
was promoted major-general of volunteers June 7, 1864. In the Georgia
campaign he led the i6th corps of Sherman's army and distinguished
himself at Atlanta, July 22, withstanding, with eleven regiments, a whole
army corps, and at the siege of that city, on Aug. 19, where he received
a wound so severe as to incapacitate him for service for some time. He
succeeded Gen. Rosecrans in the command of the Department of Missouri
in Dec, 1864, became commander also of the Department of Kansas and
the territories in Feb., 1865, breaking up bands of guerrillas and marau-
ders and defeating hostile Indians, and receiving the surrender of Gen.
Smith's army in Missouri, and Gen. Merriwether JefT Thompson's com-
mand in Arkansas. Gen. Dodge was chosen chief engineer of the Union
Pacific railroad on May i, 1866, and resigned from the army to accept the
ofiice. He served in the 40th Congress, 1867-69, as representative from
Iowa, but declined renomination. He was chief engineer of the Texas &
Pacific railroad from 1871 to 1881, and then removed to New York city.
Gen. Dodge was a delegate to the Republican national conventions of 1868
and 1876, held the office of president of the Society of the .•Xrmy of the
Tennessee, and was at one time commander of the Loyal Legion. He was
appointed major-general in the war with Spain, in 1898, but declined the
honor.
Doolittle, Charles C, brigadier-general, was born in Burlington. Vt.,
March 16, 1832, was educated at the Montreal, Canada, high school, and
moved in 1847 to New York city, going thence to Michigan. In 1861 he
was elected ist lieutenant in the 4th Mich, volunteers, was promoted
Brig.-Gen. P. R. De
Trobriand
Brig.-Gen. T. A. Dewey
Maj.-Gen. G. M. Dodge
Brig.-Gen. Ne.^l Dow
Brig.-Gen. Charles Devens Brig.-Gen. T. C. Devin
Maj.-Gen. J. A. Dix Brig.-Gen. C. C. Dodge
Brig.-Gen. C. C. Doolittle Maj.-Gen. Abner Double-
Brig.-Gen. A. X. Duffie pay
Brig.-Gen. Ebenezeb
DUMONT
Biographical Sketches 77
colonel of the i8tli Mich, volunteers, July 22, 1862, and fought with con-
spicuous gallantry at the battle of Gaines' mill where he received a slight
wound. Being transferred to the Army of the Ohio, he served in Ken-
tucky, 1862-63, and in Tennessee, 1863-64. While in command of troops
occupying Decatur, Ala., Oct. 30, 1864, he repulsed Gen. Hood in his three
successive attacks, and at the battle of Nashville he led a brigade. He
commanded Nashville during the early part of 1865, and was trans-
ferred later in the year to the command of the northeastern district of
Louisiana. He was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers, Jan.
27, 1865, and was brevetted major-general June 13. 1865. He was mustered
out of the volunteer service, Nov. 30, 1865, and located at Toledo, Ohio,
becoming cashier of the Merchants' national bank there. Gen. Doolittle
died Feb. 20, 1903.
Doubleday, Abner, major-general, was born in Ballston, N. Y., June
26, 1819. He was graduated at West Point in 1842 and served in tlie
Mexican war in the ist artillery, being present at Monterey, and at Buena
Vista, where he defended the Rinconoda pass. He was promoted capt.'iin
in 185s, served in the Seminole war. 1856-58, and was one of the garrison
at Fort Moultrie in i860, withdrawing with his men, by order of Maj.
Anderson, to Fort Sumter, Dec. 26, i860. He aimed the first gun fir^'d
in defense of that fort, April 12, 1861. He was promoted major, in the
7th infantry. May 14, 1861, and served with Gen. Patterson in the valley
and in the defense of the national capital. Promoted brigadier-general of
volunteers, Feb. 3, 1862, he commanded the defense of Washington, led
a brigade in the Northern Virginia campaign from May to Sept., 1862, and
at the second battle of Bull Run he succeeded to the command of Hatch's
division, while at Antietam his division, which led the extreme rigiit,
opened the battle and captured six battle flags. Gen. Doubleday was pro-
moted major-general of volunteers. Nov. 21, 1862, fought at Fredericks-
burg and Chancellorsville, and, when Reynolds was made commander of
a wing of the army, succeeded to command of the ist army corps. He
supported Buford's cavalry at Gettysburg, commanded the field when
Reynolds fell until the arrival of Gen. Howard, and on the third day his
division aided in turning back Pickett's charge and putting the Confed-
erate army to flight. He was after that, until 1865, on courtmartial duty
and on various commissions, was brevetted colonel and brigadier-general
in the regular army. March 11, and major-general U. S. A. March 13,
1865, for services during the war. He was commander of Galveston, Tex.,
at the close of 1866, and was then commissioner of the Freedmen's bureau
in Texas until mustered out of the volunteer service, Aug. i, 1867. He
was promoted colonel U. S. A. and assigned to the 35th infantry, Sept.
15, 1867, and was afterwards stationed on various duties in New York
city, San Francisco, and Texas. Gen. Doubleday was retired Dec. 11,
1873. He died in Mendham. N. J.. Jan. 27, 1893.
Dow, Neal, brigadier-general, was born in Portsmouth. Me., March
20, 1804. of Quaker parentage, was educated in public schools and in the
Friends' academy in New Bedford. Mass.. and was trained in mercantile
pursuits, succeeding to the management of his father's tannery in 1861.
Early in life he became a champion of the temperance movement, and in
1851 succeeded in getting through the legislature a radical, anti-liquor
law. He made many addresses on temperance throughout the state, was
elected mayor of Portland in 1851 and again in 1855. and was a member
of the state legislature. 1858-59. On Dec. 31, t86i. he was appointed
colonel of the nth Maine regiment, which he had raised, as he had also
the 2nd Maine battery, and was assigned with his regiment to join Gen.
Butler's expedition to New Orleans. He was in the steamer "Mississippi"
with about 2.500 men when she was run aground on Frying Pan
78 TKe Union Army
shoals off the coast of North CaroHna. Soon after the arrival of the
expedition at Ship island, he was commissioned brigadier-general of vol-
unteers, April 28, 1862, and was placed in command of the forts at the
mouth of the Mississippi and afterwards of the district of Florida. In
the attack on Port Hudson, May 27, 1863, he was wounded twice and taken
prisoner while lying in a house near, and spent eight months in Libby
prison and at Mobile. He was exchanged for Gen. W. H. Fitzhugh Lee,
in March, 1864, but his health was so undermined from privations of pris-
on life that he was unable to take the field again, and on Nov. 30, 1864,
he resigned his commission. After the war. Gen. Dow resumed his tem-
perance work, and in 1880 was candidate on the Prohibition ticket for the
presidency, receiving 10,305 votes. In 1884, as the result of his many
years of labor for the cause, the state of Maine adopted an amendment
forbidding forever the manufacture or keeping for sale of intoxicating
liquors. Gen. Dow died in Portland, Me., Oct. 2, 1897.
Duffie, Alfred N., brigadier-general, was born in Paris, France, May
I, 1835. He studied at several military academies in Paris, was gradu-
ated at the military college of St. Cyr in 1854 as 2nd lieutenant, and then
served in Algiers and Senegal, and in the Crimea during the war with
Russia, being promoted there to ist lieutenant of cavalry. He afterwards
took part in the campaign against Austria and gained several medals of
honor. Coming to the United States when war was threatened, in i860,
he was given a captaincy in a cavalry regiment, Aug. 9, 1861. He was
promoted major, on Oct. 5, and on July 6, 1862, became colonel of the
1st R. I. cavalry. He was promoted brigadier-general of volunteers,
June 23, 1863, and served until Aug. 24, 1865, when he was honorably
mustered out of the service. After the war Gen. Duffie was appointed
United States consul in Cadiz, and held this office until his death, which
occurred in Cadiz, Spain, Nov. i, 1880.
Dumont, Ebenezer, brigadier-general, was born in Vevay, Ind., Nov.
23, 1814. He was educated at the Indiana state university, studied law
and was admitted to the bar, and began to practice his profession in Ve-
vay. He was chosen member of the state legislature in 1838, was elected
speaker of the house, and in 1839-45, was treasurer of Vevay county, and
was for many years president of the state bank. In the Mexican war he
served as lieutenant-colonel of the 4th Ind. volunteers, and distinguished
himself at the battle of Huamantla. Returning to Indiana, he was a
Democratic elector in 1852, and in 1850 and 1853 was again a member
of the lower house of the state legislature. At the beginning of the Civil
war he became colonel of the 7th Ind. regiment, served with distinction
at Laurel hill. Rich mountain and Carrick's ford, and then, reorganiz-
ing his regiment for three years' service, commanded it at the action of
Greenbrier river, Oct. 3, 1861, under Gen. Reynolds. He was commis-
sioned brigadier-general of volunteers Sept. 3, 1861, was engaged at Cheat
mountain, Sept. 12, and commanded the 17th brigade, Army of the Ohio,
in Jan., 1862. He attacked and drove off Morgan and his raiders at Leb-
anon, Ky., May 5, 1862, and after September of that year commanded the
I2th division of Buell's army. He was compelled by failing health to
resign his commission, Feb. 28, 1863, and was elected to Congress as a
LTnionist, serving from 1863 till 1867. He died in Indianapolis, Ind.,
April 16, 1871.
Duryee, Abram, brigadier-general, was born in New York city, April
29. 1815. His father and two uncles were officers in the war of 1812,
while his grandfather was a soldier in the Revolution and was for a time
a prisoner in the old sugar house on Liberty street. He received a high
school education and acquired a fortune through the sale of mahogany.
Joining the militia as a private when eighteen years old, he rose through
Biographical Sketches 79
the grades, becoming colonel of the 7th regiment in 1849 and holding this
office fourteen years. He commanded his regiment in live desperate riots
in Xew York city, was wounded in the Astor place riot, and his prompt
action on that occasion suppressed a serious outbreak, though not with-
out the loss of several lives. He was among the iirst to recruit volun-
teers for the Civil war, raising in less than a week, in April, 1861, the
5th N. Y. regiment, known as "Duryee's Zouaves," leading it to the front
and participating in the first important battle of the war, the disastrous
engagement at Big Bethel, June 10, 1861. After the battle he was made
acting brigadier-general, superseding Gen. Pierce, and, in Aug., 1861, he
was commissioned brigadier-general. He commanded his brigade at Cedar
mountain, Thoroughfare gap, 2nd Bull Run and Chantilly, and at South
mountain and Antietam commanded Ricketts' division when that officer
succeeded Gen. Hooker to the command of the corps. He was then for
a time absent on furlough, and on his return, finding that his brigade had
been given to an inferior, and that his claims to the old position were ig-
nored, he resigned Jan. 5, 1863. He was brevetted major-general of vol-
unteers, March 13, 1865, for distinguished services. He was appointed
police commissioner of New York city, in 1873, holding that office for
many years, and distinguishing himself by routing the assembled com-
munists in Tompkins square in 1874. He was dockmaster from 1884 until
1887. He died in New York city, Sept. 2"], 1890.
Duval, Isaac H., brigadier-general, was born in Wellsburg, Va., Sept.
I, 1824, received a common school education, and, when thirteen years old,
became a traveller, hunter and trapper in the Rocky mountains, Mexico,
Central and South America and California. In 1846-47 he was secretary
of the commissioners sent out by President Polk to make treaties with
the Indians living on the borders of Texas and New Mexico. He led
the first expedition which crossed the plains from Texas to California in
1849; was in the Lopez insurrection in Cuba in 1851, barely escaping
execution, and then returned to Wellsburg, Va., where he remained until
the outbreak of the Civil war. He entered the United States service as
major of the first three months' service regiment of volunteer infantry
sent out from western Virginia, was promoted colonel of the 9th W. Va.,
infantry, in Sept., 1862, became brigadier-general in 1864, and was as-
signed to the command of a division of the 8th army corps. He was
brevetted major-general of volunteers, March 13. 1865, for gallantry and
meritorious service on the battle field, particularly at the battle of Win-
chester, Va., and was mustered out Jan. 15, 1866. During the war he was
in thirty-two battles, was wounded three times, and had eleven horses
killed or wounded under him. After the war Gen. Duval was both rep-
resentative and senator in the state legislature of West Virginia, was ad-
jutant-general of the state two years; a representative in Congress from
1869-71 ; U. S. assessor for the District of West Virginia, 1882-84, and col-
lector of internal revenue, 1884-98.
Dwight, William, brigadier-general, was born in Springfield, Mass.,
July 14, 1831. He was a student at a preparatory military school at West
Point, 1846-49, and a cadet at the United States military academy, 1849-53,
but resigned before graduation to engage in manufacturing in Boston.
He was commissioned captain in the 13th U. S. infantry. May 14. 1861,
and in June of that year was appointed lieutenant-colonel of the 70th
N. Y. volunteers, of which Daniel E. Sickles was colonel. At the battle
of Williamsburg, where his regiment lost half its men, he was
twice wounded, left for dead on the field, and taken prisoner. He was
exchanged, and for gallantry was promoted brigadier-general of volun-
teers, Nov. 29, 1862, and assigned to the ist brigade of Grover's division,
which he led in the attack on Port Hudson. For his braverv on this
80 The Union Army
occasion he was appointed member of the commission to receive the sur-
render of Confederate forces, l^e was chief of staff to Gen. Banks in
the Red River expedition after May, 1864, and in July of that year was
assigned to the command of the ist division of the lyth army corps, with
which he rendered important service under Sheridan in the campaign of
the Shenandoah valley, notably at Winchester, Fisher's hill and Cedar
creek. He resigned, Jan. 15, 1866, and engaged in business in Cincinnati,
Ohio. Gen. Dwight died in Boston, Mass., April 21, 1888.
Dyer, Alexander B., brigadier-general, was born in Richmond, Va.,
Jan. 10, 1815. He was graduated in the United States military academy
in 1837, served in garrison, in the Florida war, was on ordn.ance duty
at various United States arsenals, 1838-46, and was chief of ordnance
to the army invading New Mexico, 1846-48, serving part of the time on the
staff of Gen. Sterling Price. He was engaged at Canada, in the valley
of Taos, where he was wounded, Feb. 4, 1847, and Santa Cruz de Rosales,
Mexico, receiving for his services the brevets of ist lieutenant and cap-
tain. He was commandant of the armory at Springfield. Mass., 1861-64,
and in charge of the ordnance bureau, Washingtc)n, D. C, with the rank
of brigadier-general, 1864-74. During the war he extended greatly the
manufacture of small arms for the army. He invented the Dyer projec-
tile for cannon. On March 13, 1865, he was brevetted major-general
U. S. A. for "faithful and meritorious services during the war." Gen.
Dyer died in Washington, D. C, May 20, 1874.
Eaton, Amos B., major-general, was born in Catskill, N. Y., May
12, 1806, and was graduated in the United States military academy in
1826. He took part in the Seminole war in Florida and Alabama, in
1827-28, and was a captain in Gen. Taylor's army of occupation in the
war with Mexico, winning a brevet as major for "gallant and meri-
torious conduct" at Buena Vista. He served in the Civil war as pur-
chasing commissary in New York city, 1861-64, and as commissary-
general of subsistence, at Washington, 1864-65. He was promoted
lieutenant-colonel, colonel and brigadier-general, U. S. A., and on
March 13, 1865, was given the brevet rank of major-general for efficient
services in the commissary department during the Civil war. Gen.
Eaton was retired in 1874, and died in New Haven, Conn., Feb. 21,
1877.
Edwards, John, brigadier-general, was oorn in Jefferson county, Ky.,
Oct. 24, 1815. He received a common school education, studied law, and
entered upon the practice of his profession in Indiana, becoming a repre-
senative in the state legislature, 1845-49. In 1849 he removed to Califor-
nia and was at once made an alcalde, and then, returning to Indiana in
1852, he served in the state senate. Subsequently he moved to Iowa,
was a member of the state constitutional convention there in 1855, and
a representative in the state legislature in 1856-60. being speaker of the
house, 1859 and i860. He was appointed member of Gov. Kirkwood's
staff in t86i. and in May, 1862. organized tlic i8th Iowa volunteers, be-
came colonel of the regiment, and led it to the front. He was promoted
brigadier-general of volunteers, Sept. 24, 1864, and served in this capacity
until mustered out of the service, Jan. 15, 1866. After the war he settled
at Fort Smith, Ark., and was appointed United States assessor, Aug. 6,
1866. He was elected by the Republicans a member of the 42nd Congress,
but his seat was successfully contested by Thomas Boles, the Democratic
candidate, who took his seat, Feb. 9, 1872. Gen. Edwards died April 8,
1894.
Edwards, Oliver, brigadier-general, was born in Springfield. Mass.,
Jan. 30, 1835. At the beginning of the Civil war he was commissioned
1st lieutenant and adjutant of the loth Mass. regiment, and in Jan.. 1862,
Jfed^^ 1^^
'>*=i
Brig.-Gen. Abraham Brig.-Gen. I. II. IIuval
• DuRYEE Tirie.-Gen. A. B. Eaton
Brig.-Gen. A. B. Dyer Brig.-Gen. T. W. Ecan
Brig.-Gen. Oliver Edwards Maj.-Gen. W. H. Emory
Brig.-Gen. W. L. Elliott
Brig.-Gen. Wm. Dwicjit
Brig.-Gen. J. C. Edwards
Brig.-Gen. A. W. Ellet
Brig.-Gen. G. P. Este
Biographical Sketches 81
he was appointed senior aide-de-camp on the staff of Gen. Darius N.
Couch. He was commissioned major of the 37th Mass. regiment, Aug. 9,
1862, was promoted colonel soon afterward; was brevetted brigadier-gen-
eral of volunteers, Oct. 19, 1864, "for gallant and distinguished services
at the battle of Spottsylvania Court House, and for meritorious services
at the battle of the Upcquan;" was given the brevet rank of major-general
of volunteers, April 5, 1865, for "conspicuous gallantry in the battle of
Sailor's creek, Va.," and on May 19, 1865, was given the full rank of
brigadier-general of volunteers. After serving through the Peninsular
campaign of 1862, and the Fredericksburg and Gettysburg campaigns. Gen.
Edwards was ordered to New York city to quell the draft riots of July,
1863, ^nd was placed in command of Forts Hamilton and Lafayette. Re-
turning then to the Army of the Potomac, he took part in the battle of
Rappahannock, and then distinguished himself at the battle of the Wilder-
ness, when, on the second day, he made a charge at the head of the 37th
Mass. regiment and succeeded in breaking through the Confederate lines;
and at Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864, when he held the "bloody angle" dur-
ing twenty-four hours of continuous fighting. He subsequently partici-
pated in all the battles of the overland campaign, and accompanied the
6th corps when sent to the defense of Washington against the advance
of Early. He was afterwards in Sheridan's campaign in the Shenandoah
valley, took part in the battle of Winchester and was placed in command
of that city by Gen. Sheridan. He distinguished himself at the final as-
sault on Petersburg, when his brigade captured the guns in front of three
of the enemy's brigades, and he received the surrender of the city, April
3, 1865. At Sailor's creek, on April 6, with the 3d brigade of the ist di-
vision, he captured Gen. Custis Lee and staff with his entire brigade,
Lieut.-Gen. Ewell and staff, and many others. Gen. Edwards was mus-
tered out of the army in Jan., 1866, and after the war engaged in mercan-
tile pursuits both in England and the United States.
Egan, Thomas W., brigadier-general, was born in New York city,
in 1836. Entering the 40th N. Y. regiment at the beginning of the Civil
war, he was appointed lientcnant-colonel, and on June 5, 1862, was pro-
moted colonel. He participated in all the battles of the Army of the Po-
tomac. He commanded a brigade in Grant's overland campaign of 1864,
receiving his commission as brigadier-general Sept. 3 of that year, and
was wounded at Petersburg. He commanded the division at the battle
of Boydton plank-road, Va., and for distinguished services on this occa-
sion was brevetted major-general of volunteers, Oct. 27, 1864. In No-
vember of that year he was severely wounded, and on recovery was given
a division in the Army of the Shenandoah. Gen. Egan was mustered out of
the service, Jan. m, 1866, and subsequently lived in New York. He died
Feb. 24, 1887.
EUet, Alfred W., brigadier-general, was born at Penn's Manor, Bucks
county. Pa., worked on a farm, and studied civil engineering at Bristol
academy. When his brother, Charles Ellet, was ordered by the war de-
partment, in t86i, to purchase vessels and convert them into rams, he
accompanied him, being commissioned lieutenant-colonel. They completed
their fleet at Cincinnati and steamed down the river to IMemphis, defeat-
ing the Confederate fleet there, on Jime 6, 1862, and sinking or disabling
eight of the nine Confederate ironclads. Col. Charles Ellet received a
wound in the battle which proved fatal and left the command of the fleet
to Alfred, the appointment being confirmed later by the secretary of war.
With the "Monarch," accompanied by the "Lancaster,'" he steamed 50
miles up the Yazoo river and discovered and reported the presence of
the "Arkansas." He was promoted brigadier-general of volunteers, Nov.
I, 1862, for gallant and meritorious service at the capture of Memphis,
Vol. VIII— 6
82 The Union Army
and in 1863 was assigned to the Department of the Mississippi and placed
in command of the marine brigade. He added to his distinctions in
March, 1863, by running the Confederate batteries at Vicksburg, and after
that was kept busy moving Gen. Grant's troops. He burned Austin, Miss.,
May 24, 1863, in retaHation for information furnished by citizens to the
Confederates of Gen. Chalmer's command, which nearly resulted in the
capture of one of his transports. Gen. EUet resigned his commission, Dec.
31, 1864, and engaged in the practice of his profession as a civil engi-
neer. He died in Kansas in 1895.
Elliott, Washington L., brigadier-general, was born in Carlisle, Pa.,
March 31, 1821. He was graduated at West Point in 1846 and served in
the Mexican war until the surrender of Vera Cruz, being promoted ist
lieutenant July 20, 1847, and captain in July, 1854. I" an engagement with
the Navajos in New Mexico, Sept., 1858, he commanded a company of
United States troops and distinguished himself. Being stationed in Mis-
souri at the outbreak of the Civil war, he took part in the engagements
at Springfield and Wilson's creek, and in Sept., 1861, he was commissioned
colonel of the 2nd Iowa cavalry. He was promoted major in the regular
army, Nov. 5, 1861, and for services at New Madrid, Mo., in March, 1862,
at Island No. 10 in April and at Corinth in May, he was severally bre-
vetted. He was promoted brigadier-general of volunteers in June, 1862,
and in the following August became chief of cavalry of the Army of Vir-
ginia and was wounded at the second battle of Bull Run. Early in 1863
he was transferred to the command of the Army of the Northwest, but
in the summer of that year he was placed in command of a division of the
Army of the Potomac, then in the Army of the Cumberland, and com-
manded the Federal troops at the battle of Mossy creek, Tenn. He was
subsequently chief of cavalry in the Army of the Cumberland, and was
conspicuous in the Atlanta campaign and in the pursuit of Gen. Hood.
He commanded a division in the 4th army corps in the battles about Nash-
ville, Tenn., in Nov. and Dec, 1864. and received for gallant services in
that campaign the brevets of major-general of volunteers and brigadier-
general in the regular army, while for gallant and meritorious services in
the field during the war he was given the brevet rank of major-general
U. S. A. He was promoted lieutenant-colonel in the regular army, Aug.
31, 1866, colonel in 1878, and was retired at his own request, March 20,
1879. Gen. Elliott died in San Francisco, Cal., June 29, 1888.
Emory, William H., major-general, was born in Poplar Grove, Queen
Anne county, Md., Sept. 9, 181 1. was graduated at the United States mili-
tary academy in 1831 and appointed lieutenant in the 4th artillery. He
was on garrison duty at Charleston, S. C, during the nullification excite-
ment, was engaged on the Delaware breakwater and in the survey of the
northwest boundary, 1837-46, went with Gen. Stephen M. Kearny to Cal-
ifornia in 1846, and was on his stafif during the Mexican war, receiving
the brevet of captain for action at San Pasqual, Dec. 6, 1846, and major
for San Gabriel, Jan. 9, 1847. He was on topographical duty on the Mex-
ican boundary line from 1848 till 1853, was promoted lieutenant-colonel for
this service, was in Kansas in 1854 and in Utah in 1858, and remained on
border duty until May 9, 1861, when he resigned. In 1861 he captured
with his command, and brought to Fort Leavenworth, Kan., the first pris-
oners of war taken by Federal troops in the Civil war. a body of Con-
federate troops from Texas. He was appointed lieutenant-colonel of the
6th cavalry. May 14. 1861, and took part in the Peninsular campaign
under McClellan, engaging at Yorktown, Williamsburg, and Hanover
Court House, and on March 17, 1862, was commissioned brigadier-gen-
eral of volunteers. Gen. Emory commanded a division under Gen. Banks
in 1863, was raised to the command of the 19th corps and accompanied
Biographical Sketches 83
Banks in the Red River expedition of 1864, in which the displayed un-
usual skill and bravery, winning especial distinction at Sabine cross-
roads, Pleasant Hill, and Cane river. He was afterwards transferred to
the army operating in Virginia, where he defeated Early at Opequan creek,
Sept. 19, 1864. and fought in the subsequent battles of Fisher's hill and
Cedar creek. He commanded the department of West Virginia in 1865,
and in Jan., 1866, was mustered out of the volunteer army. He was
awarded the brevets of major-general in the volunteer army, July 23,
1864, brigadier-general and major-general U. S. A., March 13, 1865, and
on Sept. 25, 1865, was commissioned full major-general of volunteers.
After the war he was successively in command of the Department of
Washington and the Department of West Virginia, and was retired in
1876 with the rank of brigadier-general in the regular army. Gen. Emory
died in Washington, D. C.. Dec. i, 1887.
Este, George P., brigadier-general, was born in Nashua, N. H., April
30, 1830, was graduated at Dartmouth college in 1846, then took a trip
to California, and, returning to the states in 1850, practised law at first
in Galena, 111., and then in Toledo, Ohio. Enlisting in the volunteer
army at the beginning of the Civil war, he was elected lieutenant-colonel
of the 14th Ohio regiment, April 24. 1861, and after the first three months'
service rendered conspicuous service by reorganizing the regiment, and
was subsequently promoted its colonel. He was then put in command of
the 3d brigade, 3d division, 14th army corps, which he continued to lead
through the Atlanta campaign, the march to the sea, and the campaign
of the Carolinas. He engaged in the battles of Snake Creek gap, Resaca,
Kennesaw mountain, the Chattahoochee, where he had his horse shot under
him, Peachtree creek, and Jonesboro. At Jonesboro, where he had an-
other horse shot under him and was again slightly wounded, he especially
distinguished himself, winning special commendation from Gen. Absalom
Baird, commanding the division. He was brevetted brigadier-general of
volunteers, Dec. 9, 1864, and was commissioned the full rank June 26, 1865.
He resigned from the service. Dec. 4, 1865, and practised law in Wash-
ington, D. C. Gen. Este died in New York city. Feb. 6. 1881.
Eustis, Henry L., brigadier-general, was born at Fort Independence,
Boston, Mass.. Feb. i. i8to. He Avas graduated at Harvard in 1838, and
at West Point, at the head of his class, in 1842. He assisted in the con-
struction of Fort Warren and Lovell's island sea-wall in Boston harbor,
was assistant professor in engineering at the United States military acad-
emy from 1847 to 1849, and in that year resigned to become professor of
engineering at Lawrence scientific school of Harvard college. He joined
the volunteer army in 1861 as colonel of the loth Mass. infantry and was
promoted brigadier-general of volunteers Sept. 12. 1863. During the war
he served at Williamsport. Fredericksburg, Marye's heights, Salem, Get-
tysburg, Rappahannock Station, Mine run. Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold
Harbor, and in many minor actions. He resigned, June 27, 1864, owing
to impaired health, and resumed his college duties. He was dean of the
Lawrence scientific school until his death, which occurred in Cambridge,
Mass.. Jan. it. 1885.
Ewing, Charles, brigadier-general, was born in Lancaster. Ohio,
March 6, 1835. He was educated at the Dominican college and at
this University of Virginia, studied law and was admitted to the
bar, and when the Civil war broke out was practising law in St.
Louis, Mo. He was commissioned captain in the 13th infantry.
May 14. 1861, and afterward served on the staff of his brother-in-
law. Gen. William T. Sherman. For his action at Vicksburg. where
he planted the flag of his battalion on the parapet of the Confeder-
ate fort, receiving in this accomplishment a severe wound, he was
84 The Union Army
brevetted major, July 4, 1863. and for gallant and meritorious serv-
ices at Jackson, CoUierville and Missionary ridge, and in the At-
lanta campaign, he was brevetted lieutenant-colonel Sept. i, 1864.
He was brevetted colonel in the regular army, March 13, 1865, for
gallant and meritorious services during the war. He was commis-
sioned brigadier-general of volunteers, March 8, 1865, and resigned
his commission July 31, 1867. Gen. Ewing then opened a success-
ful law practice in Washington, D. C, and died in Washington,
June 20, 1883.
Ewing, Hugh, brigadier-general, was born in Lancaster, Ohio,
Oct. 31, 1826, and was educated at the United States military acad-
emy. Going to California at the time of the gold fever in 1849,
he went to High Sierra in an expedition sent out by his father,
then secretary of the interior, to rescue snowbound emigrants,
and returned by way of Panama in 1852, as bearer of despatches
to Washington. He then resumed his law studies in Lancaster,
practised law from 1854 to 1856 in St. Louis, practising after that
in Leavenworth, Kan., and in 1858 removed to Ohio to take charge
of his father's salt works. He was appointed by Gov. Dennison
brigade-inspector of Ohio volunteers, in April, 1861, and served
under Rosecrans and McClellan in western Virginia. He was made
colonel of the 30th Ohio infantry, Aug. 20, 1861, was promoted
brigadier-general of volunteers, Nov. 29, 1862, and on March 13,
1865, was given the brevet rank of major-general of volunteers for
gallant and meritorious service during the war. He led the assault
at South mountain which drove the enemy from the summit, led
a brigade in a brilliant charge at Antietam, and served through-
out the campaign before Vicksburg, leading assaults made by Gen.
Sherman, and upon its fall was placed in command of a division.
At Chattanooga his division formed the advance of Sherman's
army and carried Missionary ridge. He was ordered to South
Carolina in 1865, and was planning a secret expedition up the Roa-
noke river to co-operate with the Army of the James, when Lee
surrendered. After the war Gen. Ewing served as United States
minister to Holland from 1866 to 1870, and then retired to a farm
near Lancaster, Ohio.
Ewing, Thomas, brigadier-general, was born in Lancaster, Ohio,
Aug. 7, 1829, and was educated at Brown university', leaving college
to act as private secretary to President Taylor, 1849-50. He studied
law in Cincinnati and began to practice his profession there, but
moved to Leavenworth, Kan., in 1856. became a member of the
Leavenworth constitutional convention of 1858. and in 1861 was
elected chief justice of the state. In 1862 he resigned his judge-
ship, recruited and became colonel of the nth Kan. volunteers,
and with his regiment fought in the battles of Fort Wayne, Cane
hill and Prairie Grove. He was made brigadier-general March
13, 1863, for gallantry at Prairie Grove, and checked the invasion
of Missouri in Sept. -Oct., 1864, by holding Fort Davidson, at Pilot
Knob, with about 1,100 men, against the repeated attacks of the
Confederate forces under Price. He made a successful retreat to
Rolla in 1864, and on March 13, 1865, was brevetted major-general
of volunteers for meritorious services at the battle of Pilot Knob.
He resigned from the army, Feb. 26, 1865. and practised law in
Washington, but returned to Lancaster in 1871, and from 1877-81
was a member of Congress, where he prepared a bill to establish
a bureau of labor statistics, opposed the presence of soldiers at the
polls, and favored the remonetization of silver and the continua-
Biographical Sketches 85
tion of the use of the greenback currency. In 1879 he was an un-
successful candidate of the Democratic party for governor of Ohio.
At the close of his last term in Congress, Gen. Ewing declined re-
nomination and resumed his law practice, making his office and
residence in New York city. He died in New York city, Jan. 21,
1896.
Fairchild, Lucius, brigadier-general, was born at Franklin Mills,
now Kent, Ohio, Dec. 27, 1831. He attended the public schools in
Cleveland and the Twinsburg (Ohio) academy, moved to Madison,
Wis., in 1846 and continued his education at Carroll college, Wau-
kesha, Wis., until 1849, when he joined a caravan party organized
at Madison and crossed the plains to California. He returned to
Madison not much richer then when he left, was clerk of the cir-
cuit court of Dane county, 1859-60, and in 1861 was admitted to
the bar. Joining, in 1858, a volunteer company known as the "gov-
ernor's guard," he rose to ist lieutenant in March, 1861, and in
April, 1861, became its captain, the company having been mustered
in as company K, ist Wis. volunteers. After taking part in the
skirmish at Falling Waters, Va., tlie regiment was mustered out,
and on Aug. 5, i86r, Capt. Fairchild was promoted to the rank of
captain in the regular army and assigned to the i6th U. S. infan-
try. He obtained leave of absence and was appointed major and
then lieutenant-colonel of the 2nd Wis. infantry, and in the 2nd
battle of Bull Run he commanded the consolidated 2nd and 7th
Wis. regiments, forming part of the famous "iron brigade." He
was promoted colonel, to date from Aug. 30, 1862, and on Sept. 14,
stormed and carried Turner's gap. South mountain, pursuing the
enemy through Boonsboro to Antietam creek, where, on the 17th,
although sick, he was lifted to his horse and commanded his regi-
ment through "the bloodiest day that America ever saw." He com-
manded his regiment also in the battle of Fredericksburg, Dec.
13, 1862, winning for skill and gallantry there special commenda-
tion from Gen. Meredith, and in Jan., 1863, commanded the expe-
dition to Heathsville, Va., which secured valuable stores and im-
portant information, and destroyed several blockade runners on
the river. He rendered important service at Chancellorsville, and
at Gettysburg led a charge up Seminary hill, losing his left arm.
While recovering from his wounds he was commissioned brigadier-
general of volunteers, Oct. 19, 1863. and on Nov. 2, 1863, he was
mustered out of the service. He was then secretary of state of
Wisconsin, 1864-65; governor of Wisconsin, 1866-72; U. S. consul
at Liverpool, 1873-78; president of the National soldiers' and sail-
ors' convention, 1878; U. S. consul-general at Paris, 1878-80 and
U. S. minister and envoy plenipotentiary to Spain, 1880-81. He was
department commander, G. A. R., 1886; commander-in-chief of the
organization, 1887; commander of the Wisconsin commandery of
the military order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, 1890-
93, and commander-in-chief, 1893-94. He was also a promoter and
officer of various state and national military homes and beneficent
organizations. Gen. Fairchild died in Madison, Wis., May 23. 1896.
• Farnsworth, Elon J., brigadier-general, was born in Green Oak,
Livingston county, Mich., in 1837. He was educated in the public
schools and spent a year at the University of Michigan, but left
college in 1858 and served in the quartermaster's department of the
army during the Utah expedition of that year. He subsequently
engaged in buflfalo-hunting and in carrying freight to the then
newly discovered mines at Pike's peak, and in 1861 became assist-
86 The Union Army
ant quartermaster of the 8th III. cavalry, which his uncle was then
organizing. He was soon promoted captain and took part in all
the battles of the Peninsula, and in those of Pope's campaign. He
was appointed aide-de-camp to Gen. Pleasonton in May, 1863, and
was promoted brigadier-general of volunteers on the 29th of the
following month. He was killed, July 3, 1863, while leading a
charge at Gettysburg.
Farnsworth, John F., brigadier-general, was born in Eaton, Can-
ada, March 2"}, 1820. He removed with his parents to Michigan in
1834, received a classical education, studied and practised law, and
afterwards went to Chicago, 111. He was elected as a Republican
a representative in the 35th and 36th Congresses, serving from
1857 to 1861. He then recruited and became colonel of the 8th 111.
cavalry regiment, was afterwards ordered by the war department
to recruit the 17th 111. regiment, and on Nov. 29, 1862, was com-
missioned brigadier-general of volunteers. He was on active duty
at the front until March, 1863, when, on account of injuries re-
ceived in battle, he was compelled to resign. He made his home
in St. Charles, 111., was a representative from his district in Con-
gress from 1863 to 1873, and then engaged in the practice of law in
Washington. Gen. Farnsworth died in Washington, D. C, July
14, 1897- . ^ ^ c- ■
Ferrero, Edward, brigadier-general, was born m Granada, Spam,
of Italian parentage, Jan. 18, 1831, and came to the United States
with his parents in 1833. Prior to the Civil war he conducted a
dancing-school in New York city, taught dancing at West Point,
and was a member of the state militia, having attained the rank of
colonel by 1861. In the summer of 1861 he raised the 51st N. Y.
regiment, called the "Shepard rifles," at his own expense, and led
it in Burnside's expedition to Roanoke island, while at New Berne
he commanded a brigade under Gen. Reno. He served in Pope's
Virginia campaign of 1862, distinguishing himself at the second
battle of Bull Run, and in covering Pope's retreat at Chantilly on
the following day. At South mountain he commanded a brigade
after the death of Reno, and at Antietam he so distinguished him-
self that he was promoted brigadier-general on the field of battle,
Sept. 19, 1862. He subsequently served at Fredericksburg, where
he again distinguished himself, and at Vicksburg where his
brigade was a part of the 9th army corps. He pursued Gen. Jo-
seph E. Johnston, defeating him at Jackson, Miss., commanded a
division under Burnside at Knoxville, during the siege, from Nov.
17 to Dec. 4, 1863; and his defense of Fort Sanders against an as-
sault by Longstreet, Dec. 4, compelled that commander to retire,
while at the battle of Bean's station his timely occupation of Kel-
ley's ford frustrated Longstreet's attempt to send a detachment
across the Holston, and attack the Union forces in the rear. In
Grant's final campaign Gen. Ferrero commanded a colored division
at Petersburg. He was brevetted major-general of volunteers, Dec.
2, 1864, and was mustered out of the service, Aug. 24. 1865. Gen.
Ferrero died in New York city, Dec. 11, 1899.
Ferry, Orris S., brigadier-general, was born in Bethel, Fairfield
county. Conn., Aug. 15, 1823. He was graduated at Yale in 1844,
studied law, was admitted to the bar and began the practice of his
profession in Norwalk. He was appointed lieutenant-colonel of the
1st division of Connecticut militia in 1847, was judge of probate
for the district of Norwalk from 1849 to 1856, and was elected to
the state senate in 1855 and 1856. He was an unsuccessful candi-
Biographical Sketches 87
date for Congress in 1856, was elected two years later, and was
again defeated in i860. He zealously supported the national govern-
ment when the Civil war broke out, became colonel of the 5th
Conn, regiment in July, 1861, joined Gen. Banks' corps in Mary-
land, and on March 17, 1862, was promoted brigadier-general and
assigned a brigade in Shields' division. He was subsequently trans-
ferred to Peck's division of the 4th army corps under Gen. Keyes.
He served until the close of the war, being brevetted major-gen-
eral of volunteers, May 23, 1865, for gallant and distinguished serv-
ice in the battles of the Peninsula and the campaigns of the Army
of the Potomac, and resigned June 15, 1865. After the war, in
1866, he was elected United States senator from Connecticut, and
in 1872 he was re-elected. He died in Norwalk, Conn., Nov. 21,
1875.
Fessenden, Francis, major-general, was born in Portland, Me.,
March 18, 1839. He was graduated at Bowdoin in 1858, became a
lawyer, and at the outbreak of the Civil war was appointed cap-
tain in the 19th U. S. infantry. May 14, 1861. He was subsequently
on recruiting duty, commanded a company in the Army of the
Cumberland from January to April, 1862, and was severely wound-
ed at Shiloh. Becoming colonel of the 25th Maine volunteers,
Sept. 29, 1862, he commanded a brigade in the defenses of Wash-
ington, and then, from Sept., 1863, to May, 1864, was colonel of
the 30th Maine veteran infantry. He was commissioned brigadier-
general in the volunteer army. May 10, 1864, accompanied Banks
in the Red River expedition, and took part in the battles of Sabine
cross-roads. Pleasant Hill and Monett's bluff, distinguishing him-
self especially for gallantry in the last named engagement, where
he led the charge of his brigade and lost a leg. For gallantry at
Shiloh and Monett's bluff he was given the brevet ranks of major
and lieutenant-colonel U. S. A., July 6, 1864. He was commissioned
major-general of volunteers, in Nov., 1865, commanded the ist in-
fantry division, Department of West Virginia, and was subsequently
assigned to the ist veteran corps. He was a member of the Wirz
military commission in the winter of 1865-66, and after that was
assistant commander of the bureau of refugees, freedmen and aban-
doned lands. He was retired with the rank of brigadier-general
and brevet major-general in the regular army, at his own request,
Nov. I, 1866, was subsequently mayor of his native city, Portland,
and then practised law there.
Fessenden, James D., brigadier-general, was born in Westbrook,
Me., Sept. 28, 1833, was graduated at Bowdoin in 1852, and then
practised law in Portland until the Civil war broke out. He was
commissioned captain of the 2nd U. S. sharpshooters, Nov. 2, 1861,
and in 1862-63 served on the staff of Gen. David Hunter and en-
gaged in the operations on the Carolina coast, being present at the
attack on Fort McAllister, in the operations on the Edisto, and at
Du Pont's attack on Charleston. He organized and commanded
the 1st regimefit of colored troops in May, 1862, but the govern-
ment refiised to accept such service at that time. In July of that
year he was promoted colonel and additional aide-de-camp. He
was subsequently transferred to the Army of the" Tennessee, in
1863, and served under Hooker in the campaigns of Chattanooga
in that year and Atlanta in 1864. He was promoted brigadier-
general of volunteers, Aug. 8, 1864, was ordered to report to Gen.
Sheridan in the valley of Virginia, and participated in the battle
of Cedar creek in October. He was brevetted major-general of
88 The Union Army
volunteers, March 13, 1865, for distinguished service in the war, and
served in South Carolina until mustered out, Jan. 15, 1866. Return-
ing then to Maine, he was appointed register of bankruptcy in 1868
and was representative in the state legislature, 1872-74. Gen. Fes-
senden died in Portland, Me., Nov. 18, 1882.
Fisk, Clinton B., brigadier-general, vvas born near Greenville,
N. Y., Dec. 8, 1828. He began preparation for college at Albion
academy, but, being obliged to give up his studies on account of
trouble with his eyes, was a merchant, miller and banker in Michi-
gan, and then western financial manager at St. Louis of the Aetna
insurance company of Hartford, Conn. He served three months
in 1861 as private in the Missouri home guards, and in July, 1862,
recruited the 33d Mo. regiment, and, as its colonel, led it to the
front. In September he was ordered to St. Louis to organize a
brigade, became brigadier-general Nov. 24, 1862, and served with
the army of the Tennessee. He was made commander of the mili-
tary district of southeast Missouri in June, 1863, was transferred to
the command of the Department of North Missouri in March, 1864,
and defended the state capital against the attacks of Confederate
troops under Gens. Price, Marmaduke and Shelby. For this timely
action he was made major-general of state militia by the legisla-
ture of Missouri and on March 13, 1865, he was given the title of
major-general of volunteers by brevet, but was not allowed to re-
sign, being appointed assistant commissioner of the Freedmen's
bureau for Kentucky and Tennessee. Gen. Fisk was active in
founding the Fisk university, which was named for him, gave
large sums of money to the institution, and was until his death
president of its board of trustees. He also rendered conspicuous
service to the Methodist church. He was president of the U. S.
Indian commissioners from 1872 to 1890, was a candidate for gov-
ernor of New Jersey on the Prohibition ticket in 1886, and for
president of the United States in 1888. Gen. Fisk died in New
York city, July 9, 1890.
Force, Manning F., brigadier-general, was born in Washington,
D. C, Dec. 17, 1824. He was graduated at Harvard in 1845 and
from the Harvard law school in 1848, moved to Ohio in 1849 and
began the practice of law in Cincinnati in that year. At the begin-
ning of the Civil war he joined the Union army as major of the
20th Ohio volunteers, was promoted lieutenant-colonel Sept. 11,
1861, and served with Grant at Fort Donelson and Shiloh. He was
promoted colonel of his regiment May i, 1862, served with Gen.
Grant in the campaign of southwestern Tennessee and north Mis-
sissippi in 1862-63, 'ifd on Aug. 11, 1863, was promoted brigadier-
general of volunteers for service at the siege of Vicksburg. In the
Meridian and Atlanta campaigns and the march to the sea he com-
manded a brigade in Sherman's army, and in the campaign of the
Carolinas he commanded a division. For special gallantry before
Atlanta, where he was severely wounded, he was brevetted major-
general of volunteers, March 13, 1865, and subsequently command-
ed a military district in Mississippi until mustered out in Jan.,
1866. For his services at Atlanta he was also awarded a medal of
honor by Congress, May 31, 1892. After the war Gen. Force was
judge of the court of common pleas at Cincinnati, 1867-77, oi the
superior court, 1877-87, and then superintendent until iSigg of the
soldiers' home at Sandusky, Ohio. He was the author of numer-
ous historical and biographical works on the Civil war, and a
member of various learned societies. He died at Soldiers' Home,
Sandusky, Ohio, May 8, 1899.
Brig.-C.en. H. L. EusTis Brig.-Gen. Charles Ivvving Brig.-Gen. Hugh Ewing
Brig.-Gen. Thomas Ewing, Brig.-Gen. Lucius Fair- Brig.-Gen. J. F. Farns-
Jr. child worth
Brig.-Gen. Edward Ferrero Brig.-Gen. O. S. Ferry Maj.-Gen. Francis Fessen-
Brig.-Gen. J. D. Fessenden Brig.-Gen. C. B. Fisk den
Brig.-Gen. yi. F. Force
Biographical Sketches 89
Forsyth, James W., brigadier-general, was born in Ohio, Aug.
26, 1834. He was graduated at West Point in 1856, was promoted
1st lieutenant of infantry March 15, 1861, and captain in the i8th
infantry Oct. 24, 1861. He served on Gen. McClellan's staff dur-
ing the Peninsular and Maryland campaigns, was brevettcd major
for gallantry at Chickamauga. and in 1864-65 was assistant adju-
tant-general of volunteers and chief-of-staff to Gen. Sheridan. He
took part in tlie Richmond and Shenandoah campaigns, was bre-
vetted brigadier-general of volunteers for gallantry at Winchester, Fish-
er's hill and Middletown, Oct. 19, 1864, colonel in the regular army,
April I, 1865, for gallant and meritorious service in the battle of
Five Forks, and brigadier-general April 9, for gallant and meri-
torious service in the field during the war. Gen. Forsyth was
given the full commission of brigadier-general of volunteers. May
19, 1865, and in 1866-67 was assistant inspector-general of the de-
partment of the gulf. He was promoted major in the regular army,
July 28, 1866; lieutenant-colonel of the ist cavalry April 4, 1878,
colonel June 11, 1886, brigadier-general commanding the Depart-
ment of California Nov. 9, 1894, and major-general May 12, 1897.
Foster, John G., major-general, was born in Whitefield, N. H.,
May 2^, 1823. He was graduated at the United States military
academy in 1846, assigned to the engineer corps, and served in the
Mexican war under Gen. Scott at the battles of Vera Cruz, Cerro Gor-
do, Contreras, Churubusco and Molino del Rey, where he was severely
wounded. He was brevetted ist lieutenant and captain for gal-
lantry, and then, until the Civil war, was assistant engineer in
Maryland, engaged on coast survey work in Washington, assistant
professor of engineering at West Point, and engaged in the con-
struction of Forts Sumter and Moultrie. He successfully moved
the garrison of Fort Moultrie to Fort Sumter during the night of
Dec. 26-27, i860, and was subsequently one of the defenders of the
latter fort during its bombardment, and received the brevet of ma-
jor for his services. He was commissioned brigadier-general of
volunteers Oct. 23, 1861, and for services at Roanoke island in
Burnside's expedition to North Carolina received the brevet of
lieutenant-colonel U. S. A. He was then in command of the De-
partment of North Carolina, having been promoted major-general
of volunteers, conducted several important and successful expedi-
tions in 1862-63, had charge of the combined departments of Vir-
ginia and North Carolina from July to Nov., 1863, and after that
commanded the Army and Department of the Ohio. This com-
mand he was forced to give up in Dec, 1864, on account of
severe injuries sustained by a fall from his horse, and, on
recovery, was given command of the Department of the South.
He received Gen. Sherman and his army at Savannah, Dec. 21,
i3;64, on the completion of the march to the sea, and commenced
the operations for the reduction of Fort Sumter and the capture of
Charleston, S. C, but was forced by the condition of his old wound
to leave the carrying out of his plans to Gen. Q. A. Gillmore. lie
received the brevet ranks of brigadier-general and major-general
in the regular army for his services at Savannah and in the field
during the war. Gen. Foster commanded the Depa-rtment of Flori-
da in 1865-66, and afterward superintended the construction of river
and harbor improvements at Boston and Portsmouth. He died in
Nashua, N. H., Sept. 3. 1874.
Foster, Robert S., brigadier-general, was born in Vernon, Jen-
nings county, Ind., Jan. 27, 1834, where he received a common school
90 The Union Army
education. Joining the Union army at the outbreak of the war
he fought to the close, being advanced from rank to rank until, on
March 31, 1865, he received the brevet of major-general of volun-
teers for gallant conduct in the field. He became captain in the
nth Ind. infantry, April 22, 1861, major of the 13th Ind. infantry,
June 19, 1861, and was promoted lieutenant-colonel on Oct. 28
of that year, and colonel April 30, 1862. He was commissioned
brigadier-general of volunteers June 12, 1863. He resigned Sept.
25, 1865, and was offered a lieutenant-colonelcy in the regular army,
but declined and took up his residence in Indianapolis, where he
was city treasurer from 1867-72. He was United States marshal
for the District of Indiana from 1881 to 1885. Gen. Foster died
March 3, 1903.
Franklin, William B., major-general, was born in York, Pa.,
Feb. 27, 1823, and was graduated at the United States military
academy at West Point, first in his class, in 1843. He served in
the Mexican war as topographical engineer under Gen. Taylor, and
so distinguished himself at the battle of Buena Vista as to win
promotion to the brevet rank of ist lieutenant. In the years be-
tween the Mexican war and the Civil war he was employed on
topographical duty on the frontier, as engineer-secretary of the
light-house board, assistant professor of engineering at West Point,
and supervising engineer in the construction of additions to the
national capitol and in the erection of the treasury and postoffice
buildings in Washington, D. C, rising in this interval also to the
rank of captain, July i, 1857. When the Civil war broke out he
was promoted colonel of the 12th infantry, May 14, 1861, brigadier-
general of volunteers, May 17, 1861, and major-general of volun-
teers, July 4, 1862. Gen. Franklin's first service in the volunteer
army was at Bull Run, July 21, 1861, when he commanded a bri-
gade and engaged in the heaviest fighting of the day around the
Henry house. He received a division on the organization of the
Army of the Potomac, and when the 6th army corps was formed,
became its commander, continuing as such throughout the year
1862. He was in almost all the battles of the Peninsula, engaging
at Yorktown, West Point, White Oak bridge. Savage Station, Mal-
vern hill and Harrison's landing, and, after his return to Maryland
with the army, commanded the left of the army at Crampton's gap,
South mountain, Sept. 14, 1862, and engaged in the battle of Antie-
tam three days later. At the battle of Fredericksburg he com-
manded the left grand division under Burnside. Gen. Burnside, by
complaining that Franklin did not obey orders in this battle caused
the latter to be sharply censured by the Congressional committee
on the conduct of the war, and he was also removed from his com-
mand for insubordination. The failure of the president to approve
the order of removal led to Burnside's resignation of his command.
After several months on waiting orders Gen. Franklin returned to
duty in July, 1863. and on Aug. 15, was assigned to command the
19th army corps, which he directed under Banks in the Red River
expedition of 1864. He was wounded at the battle of Sabine cross-
roads, April 8, 1864, and was on sick leave until Dec. 2, 1864, when
he was placed on duty as president of the retiring board at Wil-
mington, Del., in which capacity he served until Nov. 9, 1865. Dur-
ing his leave, while still an invalid, he was captured by Confederate
raiders while riding on a train of the Baltimore & Philadelphia
road, but made his escape the same night. He was given the brevet
rank of brigadier-general, June 30, 1862, for gallant and meritori-
Biographical Sketches 91
ous service in the battles before Richmond, and brevet major-gen-
eral U. S. A. March 13, 1865, for gallant and meritorious services
in the field during the war. He resigned from the regular army-
March 15, 1866, as colonel of the 12th infantry. He was adjutant-
general of Connecticut 1877-78, was for several years president of
the board of managers for the National home for disabled soldiers,
and was interested in the manufacture of fire arms and a director
of three insurance companies. Gen. Franklin died March 8, 1903.
Fremont, John C, major-general, was born in Savannah, Ga.,
Jan. 21, 1813, and was educated at Charleston college, from which
he was expelled before graduation, although subsequently, in 1836,
he was given his degree by the college authorities. lie became
teacher of mathematics on the sloop-of-war "Natchez" in 1833, on
which he took a two-year cruise, and, on returning, passed the nec-
essary examination and was appointed professor of mathematics in
the U. S. navy. He was commissioned 2nd lieutenant in the U. S.
topographical engineers in 1838, while engaged in exploring the
country between the Missouri and the northern frontier, and in
1842, having suggested a geographical survey of all the territories
of the United States, he was sent at the head of a party of 28
men to explore the Rocky mountain region. In accomplisliing this
he ascended the highest peak of the Wind River mountains, which
was afterwards known as Fremont's peak. He next explored the
territory between the Rocky mountains and the Pacific, then a re-
gion almost unknown, and early in 1843 started with a party of 39
men, and, after a journey of 1,700 miles, reached Great Salt lake.
It was his report of this region which gave to the Alormons their
first idea of settling in Utah. He proceeded thence to the tribu-
taries of the Columbia river and in November started upon the re-
turn trip, but, finding himself confronted with imminent danger of
death from cold and starvation, turned west, and, after great hard-
ship, succeeded in crossing the Sierra Nevada range and in March
reached Sutter's fort in California. His return journey was con-
ducted safely by the southern route, and he reached Kansas in
July, 1844. He went on another exploring expedition in 1845, spend-
ing the summer along the continental divide and crossing the Sier-
ras again in the winter. Upon refusal of the Mexican authorities to
allow him to continue his explorations, he fortified himself with
his little force of 64 men on a small mountain some 30 miles from
Monterey, but when the Mexicans prepared to besiege the place
he retreated to Oregon. He was overtaken near Klamath lake, May
9, 1846, by a courier with despatches from Washington, directing
him to watch over the interests of the United States in the
territory, there being reason to fear interference from both Great
Britain and Mexico. He promptly returned to California, where the
settJers, learning that Gen. Castro was already marching against
the settlements, flocked to his camp, and in less than a month
Northern California was freed from Mexican authority. He re-
ceived a lieutenant-colonel's commission. May 27, and was elected
governor of the territory by the settlers July 4. Learning on July
10 that Com. Sloat, commanding the American squadron on the
Pacific coast, had seized Monterey, Fremont joined, him and, when
Com. Stockton arrived with authority to establish the power of
the United States in California, Fremont was appointed by him
military commandant and civil governor. Near the end of the year
Gen. Kearny arrived with a force of dragoons and said that he had
orders also to establish a government. Friction between the two
92 The Union Army
rival officers immediately ensued, and Fremont prepared to obey
Stockton and continued as governor in spite of Kearny's orders.
For this he was tried by court-martial in Washington, and, after a
trial which lasted more than a year, was convicted, Jan. 31, 1847,
of "mutiny," "disobedience to the lawful command of a superior
officer," and "conduct to the prejudice of good order and military
discipline," and was sentenced to dismissal from the service. Pres-
ident Polk approved of the conviction for disobedience and mutiny,
but remitted the penalty and Fremont resigned. In Oct., 1848, Fre-
mont started on an independent exploring expedition with a party
of 33 men, and reached Sacramento in the spring of 1849 after
more severe sufferings than tl^ose experienced on any of his earlier
expeditions. He represented California in the United States senate
from Sept., 1850, to March, 1851, and in 1853 made his fifth and last
exploring expedition, crossing the Rocky mountains by the route
which he had attempted to follow in 1848. Fremont's known oppo-
sition to slavery won him the presidential nomination of the Re-
publican party in 1856, but in the election he was defeated by Bu-
chanan, who received 174 electoral votes to Fremont's 114. Soon
after the beginning of the Civil war Fremont was appointed major-
general in the regular army and assigned to command the newly
organized Western Department with headquarters at St. Louis. Soon
after the battle of Wilson's creek. Aug. 10, 1861. he proclaimed mar-
tial law, arrested active secessionists, suspended the publication of
papers charged with disloyalty, and issued a proclamation assum-
ing the government of the state and announcing that he would free
the slaves of those in arms against the Union. This proclamation
he refused to withdraw, and on Sept. 11, the president annulled it
as unauthorized and premature. Fremont was relieved of his com-
mand, Nov. 2, 1861, many complaints having been made of his ad-
ministration, but in March, 1862, he was placed in command of the
Mountain Department of Virginia, Tennessee and Kentucky. Early
in June he pursued the Confederate Gen. Stonewall Jackson for 8 days,
finally engaging him at Cross Keys, June 8, but permitted him to
escape with his army. When the Army of Virginia was created,
June 26, to include Gen. Fremont's corps, with Pope in command,
Fremont declined to serve on the ground that he outranked Pope,
and for sufficient personal reasons. He then went to New York
where he remained throughout the war, expecting a command, but
none was given him. He was nominated for the presidency. May
31, 1864, by a small faction of the Republican party, but, finding
but slender support, he withdrew his name in September. He sub-
sequently became interested in the construction of railroads, and
in 1873, was prosecuted by the French government for alleged par-
ticipation in the swindles connected with the proposed transcon-
tinental railway from Norfolk to San Francisco, and was sentenced,
on default, to fine and imprisonment, no judgment being given on
the merits of the case. Gen. Fremont was governor of Arizona in
1878-81, and was appointed major-general on the retired list by act
of Congress in 1890. He died in New York city, July 13, 1890.
French, William H., major-general, was born in Baltimore, Md.,
Jan. 13. 1815. He was graduated at the U. S. military academy in
1837, served in the Florida war and on the Canadian frontier as
second lieutenant of artillery, and in the Mexican war, where he
was aide-de-camp to Gen. Franklin Pierce, and on the stafif of Gen.
Patterson. He was engaged at the siege of Vera Cruz, the battles
of Churubusco and Contreras, and the capture of the City of Mex-
Biographical Sketches 9o
ico, receiving the brevet of captain for gallantry at Cerro Gordo,
and major for service at the capture of the Mexican capital, lie served
against the Seminole Indians in Florida, 1850-52, and on frontier and
garrison duty, and in 1861 was commissioned brigadier-general of vol-
unteers and assigned to McClellan's army operating against Richmond.
He was engaged at Yorktown, Fair Oaks, Oakgrove. Gaines" mill,
Peach Orchard, Savage Station, Glendale and Malvern hill. He
commanded a division in Sumner's corps during the Maryland cam-
paign at the battles of Antietam and Fredericksburg, and was soon
afterward appointed major-general of volunteers. He was given
command of the gth army corps in July, 1863, commanded it in the
operations at Mine run from Nov., 1863, to May, 1864, and was
honorably mustered out of the volunteer service May 6, 1864. Hav-
ing received the intervening brevets, he was brevetted brigadier-
general and major-general U. S. A. for services in the war, March
13, 1865. Gen. French subsequently served on the Pacific coast, 1865-
72, and commanded Fort McHenry, Baltimore, until July i, iSSo.
when he was retired at his own request. He died in Baltimore, Md.,
May 20, 1881.
Fry, James B., brigadier-general, was born in CarroUton, Greene
county. 111., Feb. 22, 1827, was graduated at West Point in 1847 and
assigned to the 3d artillery. In the same year he joined the army
of Gen. Scott in the City of Mexico, and the next year, with a
detachment of artillery, made the voyage around Cape Horn to take
military possession of Oregon. He was subsequently on frontier
and garrison duty, assistant to Maj. George H. Thomas at the mili-
tary academy, and adjutant of the academy under Col. R. E. Lee.
Being promoted captain and made assistant adjutant-general, March
16. 1861, he was chief of staff to Gen. Irwin McDowell in that year,
serving in the first battle of Bull Run, was afterwards chief of staff
to Gen. Don Carlos Buell, 1861-62, and took part in the battles of
Shiloh and Corinth, the movement to Louisville, Ky., and the pur-
suit of Gen. Bragg. He was made provost-marshal-general of the
United States on March 17, 1863, given the full rank of brigadier-
general April 21. 1864, and was successively brevetted lieutenant-
colonel, colonel, brigadier-general and major-general in the regular
army for "faithful, meritorious and distinguished services during
the war." Before the abolition of the office of provost-marshal-
general, Aug. 30, 1866, Gen. Fry put in the army 1,120,621 men, ar-
rested 76,562 deserters, collected $26,366,316.78, and made an exact
enrolment of the national forces. Gen. Fry was subsequently suc-
cessively adjutant-general of the Departments of the Pacific, the
South, the Missouri and the Atlantic, and was placed on the retired
list June i, 1881. He died at Newport, R. I., July 11, 1894.
Fvy, Speed S., brigadier-general, was born in l\Tercer county,
now Boyle county, Ky.. Sept. 9, 1817. He began his college educa-
tion at Centre college, but finished at Wabash, where he was grad-
uated in 1840, studied law, and in 1843 was admitted to the bar. He
organized a company for the 2nd Ky. volunteers in 1846, command-
ed it during the Mexican war, and on his return to Kentucky re-
sumed his law practice and was, from 1857 to i86r, county judge of
Boyle county. At the beginning of the Civil war ,he organized the
4th Ky. infantry, became its colonel Oct. 9, 1861, and served through-
out the war, being mustered out of the service Aug. 24. 1S65. He
was brigadier-general of volunteers from March 2t, 1862. After
the war, from 1869-72, Gen. Fry was supervisor of internal revenue
in Kentucky. He died in Louisville. Ky., Aug. r, 1892.
94 The Union Army
Fuller, John W., brigadier-general, was born in Cambridge, Eng-
land, July 28, 1827, and came to New York with his father, a Bap-
tist clergyman, in 1833. He became a bookseller, first in Utica,
N. Y., and afterwards in Toledo, Ohio, and in May, 1861, was ap-
pointed assistant adjutant-general of Ohio. He was elected colonel
of the 27th Ohio volunteer regiment upon its organization, and in
Feb., 1862, joined the army of Gen. John Pope in his operations
on the Mississippi river, being present at the capture of New Ma-
drid and Island No. 10 in the spring of that year. He commanded
a brigade at luka, Sept. 19, 1862, and at Corinth in October checked
the Confederate charge and broke their line, winning for himself
and brigade the thanks of Gen. Rosecrans. He defeated Forrest's
cavalry in December, at Parker's cross-roads, commanded Mem-
phis until Oct., 1863, when he accompanied Gen. Sherman's army to
Chattanooga, and in March. 1864, captured Decatur. As comman-
der of a brigade in the Atlanta campaign he rendered brilliant
service at the Chattahoochee river on July 21, while at Atlanta his
division opened the battle and won the approbation of Gen. Mc-
Pherson. He fought Hood at Snake Creek gap and commanded
the 1st division of the 17th corps in the march to the sea and
through the Carolinas, being present at the surrender of Gen.
Johnston. He was brevetted major-general of volunteers, March
13, 1865, and resigned on Aug. 15. Gen. Fuller was appointed col-
lector of the port of Toledo. Ohio, in 1874. by President Grant,
and held the office by reappointment by President Hayes until
1881. He died in Toledo. Ohio, March 12, 1891.
Gamble, William, brigadier-general, was born in Ireland about
1819. came to America when twenty years old, and enlisted in the
1st U. S. dragoons, serving in the Florida war and being promoted
sergeant and sergeant-major. He was honorably discharged from
the army in 1843 and moved to Chicago. 111., where he was a civil
engineer until the outbreak of the Civil war. He became lieuten-
ant-colonel of the 8th 111. cavalry, Sept. 18, 1861, was promoted
colonel Dec. 5, 1862, and was mustered out July 17, 1865. He was
brevetted brigadier-general of volunteers, Dec. 14, 1864, and, en-
listing again after his first discharge, was given the full rank of
brigadier-general of volunteers Sept. 25, 1865. Gen. Gamble was
engaged in the battles of the Peninsula, proving himself a fearless
and capable officer, and was severelj^ wounded in the breast while
leading a charge at Malvern hill, Aug. 5, 1862. Gen. Gamble died
Dec. 20, 1866.
Garfield, James A., major-general, was born in a one-room log
house in Orange township. Cuyahoga county, Ohio, Nov. 19, 1831.
His father's death occurring when Garfield was onh^ two years
old, the boy spent his youth in alternate periods of study and hard
manual labor on the farm. Obtaining monej'^ for his higher edu-
cation by teaching school, he attended Geauga seminary at Ches-
ter. Ohio, and the Western Reserve eclectic institute (now Hiram
college) at Hiram, Ohio, entered Williams college, Mass., in 1854,
and was graduated with distinguished honor in 1856. He was also,
before entering college, a preacher in the Disciples church, though
never ordained to preach. He was for a time instructor in an-
cient languages and literature in the Western Reserve eclectic in-
stitute, was its president from 1857-61 and studied law at Hiram,
although he entered his name as a law student with a firm of
lawyers in Cleveland. He joined the new Republican party and
spoke for Fremont and Dayton in 1856, and was from 1860-62
Biographical Sketches 95
member of the Ohio legislature. At the outbreak of the Civil war
he gave up the practice of law, which he had but just begun, and
in Aug., 1861, was commissioned by Gov. Dennison lieutenant-colonel
of the 42nd Ohio volunteers, a regiment which Garfield had en-
listed at Hiram from the alumni of the institution. Col. Garfield
brought his regiment to a state of discipline, was elected its colonel
and led it to the front in December, reporting to Gen. Bucll at
Louisville, Ky. He was at once assigned by Gen. Buell to com-
mand a brigade of 2,500 men, and was commissioned to drive Gen.
Humphrey Marshall from the state. In this he had to attack, in a
region where a majority of the people were hostile, a general with
a force twice outnumbering his own and strongly entrenched in a
mountainous country. Garfield concentrated his force, confused
Marshall by sudden, rapid moves, and b}' false information skilfully
prepared for him, so that the Confederate general abandoned his
large store of supplies at Paintville and allowed himself to be
caught in retreat by Garfield, who charged the full force of the
enemy and maintained a hand-to-hand fight with it for five hours.
He was then reinforced by Gens. Granger and Sheldon, and Mar-
shall was forced to give way, leaving Col. Garfield victor at Middle
creek, Jan. 10, 1862, one of the most important of the minor bat-
tles of the war. In recognition of these services President Lincoln
made him brigadier-general, dating his commission from the bat-
tle of Middle creek. He was assigned to the command of the 20th
brigade and ordered to join Gen. Grant, who was opposing Gen.
A. S. Johnston. Reaching the battle-field of Shiloh on the second
day of the fight, April 7, 1862, he aided in repulsing the enemy and
then joined Gen. Sherman in his attack on the rear guard of the
Confederate army. After rebuilding the bridges on the Memphis
& Charleston railroad, and repairing the fortifications at Harts-
ville, Tenn., Gen. Garfield was forced to return home on sick leave,
July 30, 1862. He remained at Hiram until Sept. 25, when he was
ordered on court-martial duty at Washington, where he so dis-
played his ability that on Nov. 25 he was assigned to the case of
Gen. Fitz-John Porter. Returning to the Army of the Cumberland
in Feb., 1863, he was made chief-of-staflf to Gen. Rosecrans, and
so won that general's confidence and respect that when, on June
24, every one of the seventeen general ol^cers except Garfield ad-
vised against an advance, Rosecrans disregarded their opinions and
ordered the advance. Gen. Garfield wrote out all the orders for the
battle of Chickamauga except the fatal one which lost the day,
and, after the defeat of the right of the army, carried the news of
the defeat, though exposed to constant fire, to Gen. Thomas on the
extreme left, thus enabling that general to save the Army of the
Cumberland. For this action Garfield won promotion to the rank
of major-general of volunteers, Sept. 19. 1863, which rank was con-
ferred upon him "for gallantrj^ on a field that was lost." He then
declined command of a division urged upon him by Gen. Thomas
and, at the urgent request of President Lincoln, gave up ambitions
for a military career and took his seat in Congress, Dec. 7. 1863, to
which he had been elected in Oct., 1862. serving until the end of the
war as a member of the military committee, and winning respect as
an expert, experienced and careful authority on military affairs.
While on the military committee he opposed the bill that increased
bounty paid for raw recruits, favored the draft and favored liberal
bounties to veterans who re-enlisted. Gen. Garfield's career from
this point, although always illustrious, is not concerned with the
96 The Union Army
history of the Union army and will be but briefly sketched. He
continued to sit in Congress, term after term, until 1880, being one
of the leaders of his party, for several terms its candidate for speak-
er when the party was in the minority, taking particular interest in
bills relating to the currency, and on Jan. 13, 1880, was chosen
United States senator from Ohio. At the Republican national con-
vention, held in Chicago ni 1880, Garfield supported John Sherman
of Ohio against Grant, Blaine and others. Although not himself a
candidate at first, he so won the admiration of the delegates from
all sections that, after thirty ballots had been cast without a choice,
he was elected on the thirty-sixth ballot. He took the stump in
his own behalf and was elected in November, receiving the elec-
toral votes of all but three of the northern states. President Gar-
field, early in his administration, incurred the enmity of Senator
Conkling of New York — who had secured New York to the Repub-
lican column — by nominating W. H. Robertson for collector of the
port of New York in direct opposition to the senators from that
state. Both Senators Conkling and Piatt resigned their seats in
the senate and failed at re-election, and the senate confirmed the
president's nomination. President Garfield was shot by Charles
Jules Guiteau, a disappointed office seeker, in the station of the
Baltimore & Potomac railroad, July 2, 1881, while on his way to
attend the commencement exercises at Williams college. The presi-
dent lingered between life and death at the White House, and sub-
sequently at Elberon, N. J., and died at Elberon, Sept. 19, 1881. He
was buried at Cleveland, Ohio, and over the spot where his re-
mains lie an imposing monument was erected by popular subscrip-
tion at a cost of over $155,000.
Garrard, Kenner, brigadier-general, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio,
in 1830. He was graduated at West Point in 1851 and was serving
in Texas as captain of dragoons in 1861, when he was captured by
Confederate forces. He was paroled but not exchanged until Aug.
27, 1862, and in the meantime served as instructor and commandant
of cadets at West Point. He was commissioned colonel of the
146th N. Y. volunteers, in Sept., 1862, took part in the Rappahan-
nock and Pennsylvania campaigns, was promoted brigadier-general
July 23, 1863, and took part at Rappahannock station and in the
Mine run operations. In 1864 he was transferred to the Army of
the Cumberland as commander of a cavalry division, and participat-
ed in the operations around Chattanooga and the invasion of Geor-
gia, being engaged constantly in detached operations. For services
in the operation to Covington, Ga., he was brevetted colonel U. S. A.,
and from Dec. 1864, until the end of hostilities he commanded the
2nd division of the i6th army corps, winning the brevets of major-
general of volunteers and brigadier-general in the regular army
for services at Nashville. He participated in the operations against
Mobile, led in the capture of Fort Blakely, Ala., and commanded the
district of Mobile until mustered out of the volunteer service Aug.
24. 1865. He was brevetted major-general U. S. A., March 13, 1865,
for gallant and meritorious service in the field during the war. Gen.
Garrard resigned his commission in the regular army Nov. 9, 1866,
and died in Cincinnati. Ohio, May 15, 1879.
Garrard, Theophilus T., brigadier-general, was born in Man-
chester, Ky., June 7, 1812. He was a member of the lower house
of the Kentucky legislature in 1843-44, and served through the
Mexican war as captain in the i6th U. S. infantry. He went to
California by the overland route, upon the discovery of gold in
Brig.-Gen. J. VV. Forsyth
Maj.-Gen. W. B. Franklin
Hrig.-Cen. J. B. Fry
Brig.-Gen. William
Gamble
Maj.-Gen. J. G. Foster
Maj.-Gen. J. C. Fremont
Brig.-Gen. S. S. Fry
Maj.-Gen. J. A. Garfield
Brig.-Gen. R. S. Foster
Maj.-Gen. W. H. French
Brig.-Gen. J. VV. Fuller
Brig.-Gen. Kennek Garrard
Biographical Sketches 97
that state in 1849, remained a year and then returned to Kentucky
by way of Panama. He was elected to the state senate in 1857, re-
signed to become a candidate for Congress, and was again elected
state senator in 1861. When the Civil war broke out he actively
espoused the Union side and was appointed colonel of a Kentucky
infantry regiment, Sept. 22, 1861. He was promoted brigadier-
general of volunteers, Nov. 29, 1862, and served with distinction
until April 4, 1864, when he was honorably mustered out, having
been incapacitated for further service by a severe affliction of the
eyes. After the war he took up his residence in Clay county, Ky.
Gen. Garrard died March 15, 1902.
Geary, John W., brigadier-general, was born in Mount Pleas-
ant, Westmoreland county, Pa.. Dec. 30, 1819. He entered Jeflfer-
son college but was compelled to leave before graduation on ac-
count of his father's sudden death and loss of property, then taught
school and was a civil engineer at the time of the outbreak of the
Mexican war. He organized the "American Highlanders," and as
lieutenant-colonel of the 2nd Penn. volunteer infantry joined Gen.
Scott at Vera Cruz and commanded the regiment at Chapultepec,
where he was twice wounded, and at Belen Gate the same day. His
service won the approbation of the commanding general and he
was made the first commander of the city and promoted colonel of
his regiment. At the close of the war he went to California, was
made first postmaster of San Francisco, and was authorized by
President Polk to establish the postal service throughout Califor-
nia. He was elected by the people alcalde and first mayor of San
Francisco, and also judge of the first instance. He was a delegate
to the state constitutional convention, where he was instrumental
in securing the organization of California as a free state, and upon
his return to Pennsylvania he retired for several years from pub-
lic life to his farm in Westmoreland county. He was appointed by
President Pierce governor of Kansas in 1856, but resigned the next
year upon failing to secure the state a free state constitution. Upon
the outbreak of the Civil war he organized, in April, 1861, a regi-
ment of 1,500 men and reported for duty to Gen. Banks at Har-
per's Ferry, Va. He commanded in several engagements, distin-
guished himself and was wounded at Bolivar Heights, captured
Leesburg, Va., March 8, 1862, and was made brigadier-general
April 25. He was twice wounded at the battle of Cedar mountain,
and on recovery was placed in command of the 2nd division of the
I2th army corps, which he led in the battles of Chancellorsville
and Gettysburg. He was subsequently transferred to the Army
of the Cumberland, in Gen. Hooker's command, and distinguished
himself at the battles of Wauhatchie and Lookout mountain. In
Sherman's march to the sea he commanded the 2nd division of the
20th army corps, was the first to enter Savannah after its evacua-
tion. Dec. 22, 1864, and for his conduct at the capture of Fort Jack-
son and gallantry at Savannah, he was appointed military governor
of the city. He was brevetted major-general of volunteers, Jan.
12, 1865, "for fitness to command and promptness to execute." Upon
returning to Pennsylvania in 1866, Gen. Geary was elected gov-
ernor, and in 1869 he was re-elected. His administration was emi-
nently successful, and, after his death, which ocdurred eighteen
days after the expiration of his second term, the legislature erect-
ed a monument to his memory. Gen. Geary died in Hamburg, Pa.,
Feb. 8, 1873.
Getty, George W., brigadier-general, was born in Georgetown,
Vol. VIII— 7
98 The Union Army
D. C, Oct. 2, 1819. He was graduated at West Point in 1840,
doing garrison duty at various posts, was promoted ist lieutenant
Oct. 31, 1845, and served in the Mexican war, being present at Con-
treras and Churubusco, for which service he was brevetted cap-
tain, April 20, 1847, and at Molino del Rey, Chapultepec, and the
taking of the City of Mexico. He served in the Seminole wars of
1849-50, and 1856-57, was promoted captain in 1853, and was in
Kansas during the troubles incidental to the organization of a
state government, 1857-58. He was made aide-de-camp with the
rank of lieutenant-colonel, Sept. 28, 1861, commanded the artillery
in the engagements near Budd's ferry in November and December
of that year, and in the Peninsular campaign of 1862 commanded
four batteries at Yorktown, Gaines' mill and Malvern hill. He
engaged also at South mountain and Antietam, was promoted briga-
dier-general of volunteers, Sept. 25, 1862, and took part in the
Rappahannock campaign of 1862-63, being engaged at Fredericks-
burg and in the defense of Suffolk, from April 11 to May 3, re-
ceiving the rank of lieutenant-colonel U. S. A. April 19, 1863, for
his services. He was brevetted colonel May 5. 1864, for gallan-
try at the battle of the Wilderness, where he was severely wound-
ed, served in the defense of Washington in July, 1864, was brevet-
ted brigadier-general for services in the battle of Petersburg, and
on the same day, March 13, 1865, was given the brevet rank of
major-general U. S. A., for services in the field during the war.
He was also given the brevet rank of major-general of volunteers,
Aug. I, 1864, for services at the battles of Fisher's hill and Win-
chester. After the war he became colonel of the 37th infantry,
July 23, 1866, and commanded various districts and posts until
Oct. 2, 1883, when he was retired from active service. Gen. Getty
died Oct. 1, 1901.
Gibbon, John, major-general, was born near Holmesburg. Pa.,
April 20, 1827, and was graduated at the United States military
academy in 1847. In the Mexican war he served as 2nd lieuten-
ant of artillery at the City of Mexico and at Toluca, and was then
on frontier and garrison duty, served in the Seminole war, was
instructor at West Point, 1854-57, and quartermaster, 1856-59. He
was made chief of artillery in Gen. McDowell's division, Oct. 29,
1861, and brigadier-general of volunteers. May 2, 1862. He com-
manded a brigade through the Northern Virginia, Maryland, Rap-
pahannock, and Pennsylvania campaigns of 1862-63, was brevetted
major in the regular army, Sept. 17, 1862, for gallant and meritori-
ous services in the battle of Antietam; lieutenant-colonel, Dec. 13,
1862, for Fredericksburg, where he was so severely wounded as
to be disabled for service for three months, and colonel. July 4,
1863, for services at Gettysburg, where he was severely wounded
while in command of the 2nd corps and disabled for four months.
When he was able to return to service he was in command of the
draft depot in Philadelphia until March 21, 1864, when he was as-
signed to a division in the 2nd corps, becoming major-general of
volunteers, June 7, 1864, and being engaged at the Wilderness,
Spottsylvania and Cold Harbor. He commanded the 24th army-
corps after Jan. 15, 1865, and was before Petersburg from June,
1864, to April, 1865, taking part in the assaults of the last two
days and carrying two redoubts. He was brevetted brigadier-gen-
eral and major-general U. S. A., Alarch 13, 1865, and was one of
the commissioners to carry into effect the stipulations of Lee's
surrender. He was mustered out of the volunteer service, Jan.
Biographical Sketches 99
15, 1866. After the war Gen. Gibbon commanded various posts as
colonel, first of the 36th and then of the 7th infantry, commanded
the Yellowstone expedition against Sitting Bull in 1876, fought
Chief Joseph and the Nez Perces at Big Hole pass in 1877, where
he was wounded, commanded the Department of the Columbia,
1885, and then, until his retirement, April 20, 1891, the Department
of the Pacific. He was promoted brigadier-general U. S. A., July
10, 1885. Gen. Gibbon died in Baltimore, Md., Feb. 6, 1896.
Gibbs, Alfred, brigadier-general, was born in New York April 22,
1823. He was graduated at West Point in 1846 and served in the
Mexican war, winning the brevet of ist lieutenant for gallantry at
Cerro Gordo and captain for services at Garita de Belen, City of
Mexico, engaging also at Vera Cruz, Contreras, Churubusco, and
Chapultepec. After the war he was assigned to the staff of Gen.
Persifal F. Smith, with whom he served in Mexico, Texas and Cali-
fornia, was promoted ist lieutenant. May 31, 1853, and served on the
frontier until the Civil war, engaging in several Indian expeditions
and serving in New Mexico, 1860-61. He was promoted captain,
May 13, 1861, was subsequently taken prisoner by the Confederates,
at San Augustine springs, N. M., and paroled until exchanged, Aug,
27, 1862. He became colonel of the 130th N. Y. regiment Sept. 6,
was engaged in the operations about Suffolk until June, 1863, and
in July and August of that year reorganized his regiment as the ist
N. Y. dragoons. He commanded a cavalry brigade, 1864-65, serv-
ing under Sheridan in several raids, was brevetted major, June 11,
1864, for services at Trevilian Station, Va., lieutenant-colonel for
gallantry at Winchester, Va., and on Oct. 19, 1864, was appointed
brigadier-general of volunteers. He commanded a cavalry brigade
in the final attack and pursuit of the army of Northern Virginia
in March and April, 1865, was present at the surrender of Lee, and
commanded a cavalry division in the department of the Gulf, 1865-
66. On March 13, 1865, he received all the brevets up to and includ-
ing major-general in the regular army, for services during the war.
He was mustered out of the volunteer service, Feb. i, 1866, became
major of the 7th cavalry in July, and served in various forts in Kan-
sas until his death, which occurred at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., Dec.
26, 1868.
Gilbert, Charles C, brigadier-general, was born in Zanesville,
Ohio, March i, 1822, and was graduated at the United States mili-
tary academy in 1846. He served in the war with Mexico at Vera
Cruz, 1847-48, and in the occupation of the Mexican capital, 1848.
He was "subsequently assistant professor at the military academy,
1850-55, and was on the frontier in Texas and the Indian territory
from then until the outbreak of the Civil war, being promoted in
the meantime ist lieutenant and captain. He served in the south-
west during the Civil war, was wounded at Wilson's creek, Aug. 10,
1861; was appointed inspector-general of the Department of the
Cumberland, Sept. 20, 1861, and of the Army of the Ohio in the field,
Aug. 25, 1862. He was brevetted major for action at Shiloh, April
7, 1862; lieutenant-colonel for services at the battle of Richmond,
Ky., Aug. 30, 1862, and was made brigadier-general of volunteers,
Sept. 9, 1862, for gallant conduct at Springfield, Mo., and Shiloh,
Tenn. He became acting major-general in command of the Army
of Kentucky, was brevetted colonel in the regular army for gallan-
try at Perryville on Oct. 8, 1862, and afterward, taking command of
the loth division of the Army of the Ohio, guarded the Louisville
& Nashville railroad through the winter, when he became assistant
100 The Union Army
to the provost-marshal at Louisville until July 2, 1863. He was then
commissioned major in the 19th infantry and served at various forts
until Sept. 21, 1866, when he was transferred to the 28th infantry.
He was subsequently promoted lieutenant-colonel and colonel, and
was retired, March i, 1886, by operation of law. Gen. Gilbert died
Jan. 17, 1903.
Gilbert, James J., brigadier-general, was born in Kentucky, about
1824, and at the time of entering the National service, in the sum-
mer of 1862, was in business in Lansing, Iowa. He was commis-
sioned colonel of the 27th Iowa volunteers and served with his regi-
ment without special distinction, and without seeing active service
in battle, until the spring of 1864. when he joined Gen. A. J. Smith
for the Red River campaign. His gallant conduct at Fort De Russy
and throughout the whole campaign, and before Nashville nearly a
year later, won him promotion to brigadier-general Feb. 9, 1865.
On March 26, 1865, he was brevetted major-general of volunteers
for faithful and meritorious service during the campaign against
the city of Mobile and its defenses. Gen. Gilbert was honorably
mustered out of the service, Aug. 24. 1865. He died Feb. 9, 1884.
Gillem, Alvan C, major-general, was born in Jackson county,
Tenn., July 29, 1830, was graduated at West Point in 1851 and saw
active service against the Seminoles in 1851-52. He became a cap-
tain. May 14, 1861, served as brigade quartermaster, was brevetted
major for gallantry at Mill Springs, and was in command of the
siege artillery and chief quartermaster of the Army of Ohio in the
Tennessee campaign, 1861-62, being engaged at Shiloh and in the
siege of Corinth. He was made colonel of the loth Tenn. volunteers,
May 13, 1862, was provost-marshal of Nashville, commanded a bri-
gade in the operations in Tennessee during the first half of the year
1863, and afterward served as adjutant-general of the state of Ten-
nessee, being promoted brigadier-general Aug. 17, 1863. He com-
manded troops guarding the Nashville & Northwestern railroad
from July, 1863, to Aug., 1864, then took command of the ex-
pedition to eastern Tennessee, engaging in many combats and
being brevetted colonel for bravery at Marion, Tenn. For bravery
on the field of battle he received the brevet ranks up to and includ-
ing major-general. U. S. A., receiving the highest brevet, April 12,
1865, for the capture of Salisbury, N. C., which he took in an expe-
dition to North Carolina, having previously commanded a cavalry
expedition to East Tennessee. When the state government of Ten-
nessee was organized in 1865, Gen. Gillem was vice-president of the
convention and was chosen a member of the first legislature elected
under the new constitution. He was promoted colonel in the regular
army, July 28, 1866, commanded the District of Mississippi in 1867-
68, served on the Texas frontier and in California, and in 1873 led
the troops against the Modoc Indians at the Lava Beds. He died
near Nashville, Tenn., Dec. 2, 1875.
Gillmore, Quincy A., major-general, was born in Black River, Ohio,
Feb. 28. 1825, was appointed cadet at the United States military acad-
emy in 1845 and graduated at the head of his class in 1849. The inter-
val between graduation and the opening of the Civil war he spent as
engineer at Hampton Roads, instructor and subsequently treasurer and
quartermaster at the academy, and in charge of the fortifications in
New York harbor. He was promoted captain of engineers in Aug..
i86r, and as chief of engineers in the Port Royal expedition and after
the capture of Hilton Head, S. C. rebuilt the forts and otherwise
strengthened their position. Gen. Gillmore gained his greatest rep-
Brig. -Gen. T. T. Garr.\rd
Maj.-Gen. John Gibbon
Brig.-Gen. T. J. Gilbert
Brig.-Geii. G. H. Gorhon
Iirig.(ieii. J. W. Ge.-\ry
Brig.-Gen. .\lfki;i) Gibbs
Maj.-Gen. .\. C. Gillem
Brig.-Gen. W. .\. Gorm.\x
Brig.-Gen. G. W. Getty
Brig.-Gen. C. C. Gilbert
Maj.-Gen. O. A. Gillmore
Brig.-Gen. C. K. Grah.\m
Biographical Sketches 101
utation and recognition as a leading military engineer by reducing
Fort Pulaski, defending the water approach to Savannah, a strong
fortification built on a marshy island that was entirely surrounded
by deep water. The reduction of this fort, while considered essen-
tial to the success of the expedition, was regarded as impractica-
ble by the ablest engineers of both armies. Capt. Gillmore, then
acting brigadier-general, accomplished this by establishing iju Ty-
bee island, a mile distant, eleven batteries of mortars and rifled
guns, which, aimed and fired under his minute directions, so shat-
tered the fort as to render it untenable. The bombardment was
begun at 8 a. m., April lo, 1862, and lasted until 2 p. m. the fol-
lowing day. For the exploit Capt. Gillmore was brevetted lieuten-
ant-colonel U. S. A. lie was given important commands in Ken-
tucky in Aug., 1862, defeated Gen. Pegram at Somerset in March,
1863, for which he was given the brevet rank of colonel, and in
June, 1863, he was given command of the Department of the South,
comprising all territory occupied by Union troops on the coasts of
South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. He was placed in command
■ of the loth army corps in July, 1863, and commanded it in the oper-
ations against Charleston, S. C. Here he again won distinction
and was promoted by brevet to lieutenant-colonel, colonel, briga-
dier-general and major-general in the regular army for the capture
of Fort Wagner in July, 1863. For the part he took in the bombard-
ment of Fort Sumter, capture of Fort Wagner and Battery Gregg,
and for operations against Charleston, at long range, from the bat-
tery known as the "Swamp Angel," he was also promoted major-
general of volunteers and received the commendation of the com-
mander-in-chief, who said of him, "His operations on Morris island
constitute a new era in the science of engineering and gunnery."
Being transferred in 1864 to the command of the loth corps in
Virginia, he was engaged at the landing at Bermuda Hundred and
the action at Swift creek, captured the line in front of Drewry's
bluff and enabled Gen. Butler to withdraw his army to the intrench-
ments at Bermuda Hundred. He commanded two divisions of the
19th army corps in the defenses of Washington in July of the same
year, and in 1865 was again ordered to the Department of the
South, which he commanded until near the end of that year, when
he resigned his commission in the regular army, and, returning
to service in the engineer bureau in Washington, was made engi-
neer-in-clw.ef of all fortifications on the Atlantic coast south of
New York. He was promoted major U. S. A., in June, 1863; lieu-
tenant-colonel in 1874, and colonel, Feb. 20, 1883. He was president
of the Mississippi river commission created by Congress in 1879, of
the boards of engineers for the improvement of the Cape Fear river,
N. C, and the Potomac river and flats, of several boards for impor-
tant harbor improvements, and was one of the judges at the Cen-
tennial exhibition of 1876. Gen. Gillmore's works on professional
subjects are considered among the highest authorities in their class.
He died in Brooklyn, N. Y., April 7. 1888.
Gordon, George H., brigadier-general, was born in Charlestown,
Mass., July 19. 1824, and was graduated at the United States mili-
tary academy in 1846. In the Mexican war he took part in the
siege of Vera Cruz, was wounded at Cerro Gordo and brevetted
ist lieutenant for bravery there, and engaged also in the battles of
Contreras and Chapultepec and the assault on and capture of the City
of Mexico. On Dec. 21, 1847, he was attacked near San Juan bridge
by two guerrillas, defended himself in a hand-to-hand fight and was
102 The Union Army
severely wounded. He was promoted ist lieutenant Jan. 8, 1848,
was on sick leave for a year, then on duty at the cavalry school
for practice at Carlisle, Pa., and subsequently was on frontier duty
in Washington territory and on the coast survey, and in 1854 re-
signed to study law at the Harvard law school, being admitted to
the bar in 1857, and practicing then in Boston until the outbreak
of the Civil war. He became colonel of the 2nd Mass. regiment,
May 24, 1861, was military governor of Harper's Ferry, command-
ed a brigade under Gen. Banks, and for his conduct in the retreat
from Strasburg to Williamsport was made brigadier-general of
volunteers, June 9. 1862. He engaged with his brigade at Cedar
mountain, Groveton and Antietam, was then on guard duty at Har-
per's Ferry, engaged in the operations under Gillmore against
Charleston, 1863-64, and after that had command of the Department
of Florida; kept open the communications with Little Rock, Ark.,
by the White river, and took part in the operations against Mobile.
He was in command of the eastern district of the Department of
Virginia in 1864-65, was brevetted major-general of volunteers April
9, 1865, and at the close of the war returned to Boston, becoming
collector of internal revenue in 1866. Gen. Gordon died at Framing-
ham, Mass., Aug. 3o, 1886.
Gorman, Willis A., brigadier-general, was born near Flemings-
burg, Ky., Jan. 12, 1814. He studied law at the University of In-
diana, in which he was graduated in 1835, practised his profession
in Bloomington, was for several terms in the state senate, and at
the outbreak of the war with Mexico, in 1846, was appointed major
of Gen. Lane's regiment of Indiana volunteers. He was wounded
at Buena Vista, was promoted colonel of the 4th Ind. volunteers
in 1847, and in 1848 was civil and military governor of Pueblo.
After the war he was representative in Congress from Indiana,
1849-53, governor of Minnesota territory in 1853-57, delegate to
the Minnesota state constitutional convention in 1857 and repre-
sentative in the state legislature in 1858. He entered the Union
army in 1861 as colonel of the ist Minn, regiment, was present at
the battle of Bull Run, July 21, 1861, and on Sept. 7 was appointed
brigadier-general of volunteers. He commanded a brigade at the
battles of Savage station. South mountain, Edwards' ferry and
Antietam, and led a bayonet charge at Fair Oaks. He was at the
head of the 2nd division, 2nd corps, until the reorganization of the
army following McClellan's removal. He was mustered out of the
service in 1864 and resumed his practice of law in St. Paul, being
city attorney from 1869 until his death. May 20, 1876.
Graham, Charles K., brigadier-general, was born in New York city,
June 3, 1824. He became a midshipman in the United States navy in 1841,
served actively in the Gulf during the Mexican war until 1848, when
he resigned and became a civil engineer in New York city. Having be-
come, in 1857, constructing engineer in the Brooklj-n navy yard, he of-
fered his services, in 1861, together with those of about 400 men who
had worked under him, the company becoming part of the Excelsior
brigade in which Graham became major and subsequently colonel. He
was actively engaged in the Army of the Potomac during the early part
of the Civil war, and in Nov., 1862, was promoted brigadier-general. He
fought in the battle of Gettysburg, was severely wounded there and taken
prisoner, and, after his release, was assigned to command a gun-boat flo-
tilla under Gen. Butler. He was the first to carry the national colors up
the James river, took part in the attack on Fort Fisher, and then re-
mained on duty at different points until the close of the war. He was
0
Biographical Sketches 103
brevetted major-general of volunteers, March 13, 1865, for gallant and
meritorious service during the war. Gen. Graham returned to the prac-
tice of engineering in New York city after the war, was chief engineer
of the New York dock department, 1873-75, surveyor of the port, 1878-83,
and naval officer, 1883-85. He died in Lakewood, N. J., April 15, 1889.
Graham, Lawrence P., brigadier-general, was born in Amelia countj%
Va., Jan. 8, 1815. He was appointed 2nd lieutenant in the 2nd dragoons
in 1837, was subsequently promoted ist lieutenant and captain, and on
June 14, 1858, major. He was made lieutenant-colonel of the 5th cav-
alry in Oct., 1861, colonel of the 4th cavalry, May 9, 1864, and was pro-
moted brigadier-general U. S. A. by brevet March 13, 1865, for meritori-
ous services during the Civil war. He took an active part in the Semi-
nole war in Florida from 1837 to 1842, being present at the battle of
Lochahatchee, and in the Mexican war won the brevet of major for gal-
lantry in the engagements of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma. In Aug.,
1861, he was commissioned brigadier-general in the volunteer army, and
in 1862 he raised and commanded a brigade of cavalry in the Army of the
Potomac. He afterward acted as president of a general court-martial
in St. Louis, and of a board for the examination of invalid officers at An-
napolis. He was mustered out of the volunteer service Aug. 24, 1865.
Gen. Graham was retired at his own request, Dec. 15, 1870, after more
than thirty years of continuous service in the army.
Granger, Gordon, major-general, was born in New York about 1822.
He v^as graduated at the United States military academy in 1845 and took
part in the principal battles of the Mexican war, being brevetted ist lieu-
tenant and captain for bravery at Contreras and Churubusco and at the
storming of Chapultepec. After the close of the war he served on western
frontier service, and in 1861 was assigned to the staff of Gen. McClellan
at Cincinnati. When the 2nd Mich, cavalry was formed he was made its
colonel, Sept. 2, 1861, having previously served at Dug springs and Wil-
son's creek, in August, and been brevetted major for gallantry at Wil-
son's creek. He was promoted brigadier-general of volunteers, March 26,
1862, commanded the cavalry division in the army of Gen. Halleck in the
siege of Corinth, became major-general of volunteers Sept. 17, 1862, and
was placed in command of the Army of Kentucky. He repelled Forrest's
raid into the interior of Tennessee in June, 1863, commanded a division
in Gen. Rosecrans' army in the Tennessee campaign and distinguished
himself at the battle of Chickamauga. Being soon afterward assigned to
command the 4th army corps, he took a prominent part in the operations
about Chcfttanooga and in the battle of Missionary ridge, Nov., 1863. On
the reformation of the army he was granted a leave of absence, and, re-
turning to the field in July, 1864, commanded a division at Fort Gaines,
Ala., in August, and was commander of the 13th corps in the capture of
Fort Morgan and throughout the operations which resulted in the fall of
Mobile in the spring of 1865. He was promoted by brevet lieutenant-
colonel and colonel for services at Chickamauga and Chattanooga ; brig-
adier-general for gallantry in the capture of Mobile, and major-general
U. S. A. for the capture of Fort Gaines and Fort Morgan. Gen. Granger
was mustered out of the volunteer service Jan. 15, 1866, and at the time
of his death was in command of the district of New Mexico, having been
promoted colonel in the regular army July 28, 1866. He died in Santa
Fe, N. M., Jan. 10, 1876.
Granger, Robert S., brigadier-general, was born 'in Zanesville, Ohio,
May 24, 1816, was graduated at the United States military academy in
1839 and saw his first active service in the Seminole war in Florida,
1840-42. He was subsequently for two years assistant instructor in tac-
tics at West Point, and served in the Mexican war, winning promotion
104 The Union Army
to captain, Sept. 8, 1847. He afterwards served on the Texas frontier,
and on April 2"], 1861, was captured by the Confederate commander on
the Texas coast and paroled. While on parole he organized and prepared
for the held a brigade at Mansfield, Ohio, and then, being exchanged in
Aug., 1862, was commissioned in September brigadier-general of Ken-
tucky troops. He engaged with Confederate troops at Shepherdsville,
Lebanon Junction and Lawrenceburg, was for his action in the last named
battle brevetted colonel in the regular army, and on Oct. 20, 1862, he was
commissioned brigadier-general of U. S. volunteers. He commanded a
division and, during 1863, the districts of Nashville and Middle Ten-
nessee successively, and in the hrst part of 1864 prepared Nashville as a
depot of supplies. He then commanded the District of Northern Ala-
bama, and while there captured Gen. Philip D. Roddey's camp, drove
Gen. Joseph Wheeler out of middle Tennessee and defended his district
against the raid of Gen. Forrest, and Decatur, Ala., against the army of
Gen. Hood. He was brevetted brigadier-general in the regular army for
these services and was awarded the brevet of major-general U. S. A.
for services during the war. He commanded in northern Alabama dur-
ing the occupation, in 1865, was promoted lieutenant-colonel U. S. A.,
on June 12 of that year ; colonel, Aug. 16, 1871, and was placed on the
retired list, Jan. 16, 1873. Gen. Granger died in Washington, D. C.,
April 25, 1894.
Grant, Lewis A., brigadier-general, was born in Bennington county,
Vt., Jan. 17, 1829. He was educated at Townsend and Chester, Vt., prac-
ticed law at Bellows Falls, Vt., and in 1861 organized the 5th regiment,
Vermont volunteer infantry, of which he was commissioned major, Aug.
15, 1861, lieutenant-colonel Sept. 25, 1861, and colonel Sept. 16, 1862.
He took command of the "Old Vermont Brigade" in Feb., 1863, and con-
tinued in command most of the time until the close of the war. The bri-
gade was actively engaged in almost every important battle of the Army
of the Potomac and with Sheridan in the Shenandoah valley, and is said
to have lost more heavily in killed and wounded than any other brigade
in the Federal service. Col. Grant was promoted brigadier-general of
volunteers, April 2"], 1864, and brevetted major-general of volunteers Oct.
19, 1864, for his services at the battle of Cedar creek, in which battle his di-
vision saved the day by holding Early in check for an hour in the morning,
while later in the day, after the arrival of Sheridan, it was on this di-
vision that the line was formed from which the victorious charge of the
afternoon was made. After the war Gen. Grant was one of the organ-
izers and for several years was president of the New England Loan &
Trust company. He was made assistant secretary of war by President
Harrison, in April, 1890, and resigned in December, 1893. He was award-
ed a Congressional medal of honor, in 1893, for having led his command
at the battle of Salem Heights, Va.. May 3, 1863, over the enemy's works
and captured three battle flags.
Grant, Ulysses S., general, was born at Point Pleasant. Clermont
county, Ohio. April 27, 1822. His grandfather was a soldier of the Revo-
lution, bore arms at the battle of Lexington, and, when the war was
ended, settled in western Pennsylvania. As a lad Ulysses assisted on the
farm. He received the ordinary education of the frontier, going to
school in winter, and at all other times working on the farm. In 1839,
through the instrumentality of Thomas L. Hamer. member of Congress,
he was appointed to a cadetship at West Point, entering at the age of
seventeen. He was graduated in 1843. standing number twenty-one in a
class of thirty-nine, slightly below the general average of the class. He
was assigned to the infantry as brevet second lieutenant, and was sent
to Jefferson barracks at St. Louis, Mo., where he remained until May,
Rrig.-Gen. L. P. Graham
Brig.-Gen. L. A. Grant
Brig.-Gen. D. McM. Gregg
Maj.-Gen. Charles Griffin
Maj.-Gen. Gordon Granger
Gen. U.S. Grant
Brig.-Gen. W. Q. Gresham
Brig.-Gen. S. G. Griffin
Brig.-Gen. R. S. Granger
Brig.-Gen. G. S. Greene
Maj.-Gen. Benj. Grierson
Brig.-Gen. Wm. Grose
Biographical Sketches 105
1844, was then sent to Louisiana, and in Sept., 1845, was commissioned
second lieutenant. At the beginning of the Mexican war he joined the
army of occupation under Gen. Zachary Taylor and saw a great deal of
service, being in all the battles of the war in which any one man could
be. He first saw blood shed at Palo Alto on May 8, 1846, at Monterey
he showed bold and skillful horsemanship by running the gauntlet of the
enemy's bullets to carry a message for "more ammunition." In the spring
of 1847 he was made quartermaster of his regiment and placed in charge
of the wagons and pack-train for the march. At Vera Cruz he served
with his regiment during the siege, until the capture of the place, March
29, 1847. At the battle of Molino del Rey, on Sept. 8 following, he was
with the first troops that entered the place. Seeing some of the enemy on
top of a building, he took a few men, climbed to the roof and forced
the surrender of six Mexican officers, for which service he was brevetted
first lieutenant. At the storming of Chapultepec he distinguished himself
by conspicuous services and received the brevet of captain. For an es-
pecially gallant exploit during the advance on the city of Mexico, he was
summoned into the presence of Gen. Worth, specially complimented and
promoted to a full first lieutenancy. Lieut. Grant remained with the army
in Mexico until the withdrawal of the troops in 1848, then went with
his regiment to Pascagoula, Miss., and at the close of the war was trans-
ferred with his regiment to Detroit, Mich. On July 5, 1852, he sailed from
New York with his regiment for California, via the Isthmus of Panama,
going first to Benicia barracks, Cal., and thence to Fort Vancouver, Ore.,
a lonely outpost in the wilderness of the extreme Northwest. In July,
1854, the year after he became captain, he resigned from the army and
went to St. Louis, where he had married, in 1848, Julia T. Dent, a sister
of one of his classmates at West Point. The next six years of his life
were years of poverty, obscurity and failure. He tried his hand as a
farmer but was not successful ; took up bill collecting, but this also re-
sulted in failure; tried for the position of county engineer, but failed to
get the place; tried auctioneering, and also made an experiment in the
real estate business, but the result was the same in all his ventures. In
the winter of 1859 lie was actually wandering about the streets of St.
Louis seeking work, and even oflfering to become a teamster to accom-
pany quartermaster's stores to New Mexico. He finally went to Galena,
111., and became* a clerk at a nominal salary of $66 a month, in the store
of his father and brother, who had a leather and saddlery business. Lin-
coln's first call for troops was made on April 15, 1861, and the telegraph
flashed the call throughout the country. That evening the Galena court
house was packed with an excited crowd, and Grant, being known as a
West Pointer, as well as a Mexican soldier, was called upon to preside.
In four days he was drilling a company of volunteers, then oflfered himself
to Gov. Yates of Illinois, and was given the charge of mustering regiments.
His eleven years' service in the regular army brought him a commission
as brigadier-general of volunteers, to date from May 17, 1861, and on
May 24 he wrote to Adjt.-Gen. Thomas, commanding at Washington, D. C,
tendering his services to the government, but the letter was carelessly
filed away and temporarily lost. Gov. Yates then placed Grant in com-
mand of the 2ist 111. volunteer infantry, and on July 3 he led it to Pal-
myra, Mo., and from there to guard the Hannibal & St. Joseph railroad.
Subsequently he took command of the district of southeast Missouri, with
headquarters at Cairo, and on Sept. 6, took possession "of Paducah, Ky.,
on the Ohio near the mouth of the Tennessee, thus commanding a large
region. Early in November he was ordered to make a demonstration in
the direction of Belmont, a point on the west bank of the Mississippi,
about eighteen miles below the junction of the Ohio with the Mississippi,
106 The Union Army
the object being to prevent the crossing of hostile troops into Missouri.
He received his orders Nov. 5; moved 3,100 men on transports on the 6th;
landed at Belmont on the 7th, and broke up and destroyed the camp while
under tire, with raw troops. When Gen. Halleck assumed command of
the Department of the Missouri he placed Grant in command of the dis-
trict of Cairo, which was enlarged so as to make one of the greatest in
size in the country, including the southern part of Illinois, Kentucky west
of the Cumberland, and the southern portion of Missouri. In Feb., 1862,
Grant gained a reluctant consent to a well-matured plan that he had been
cherishing for a month past, and started off with 15,000 men, aided by
Com. Foote with a gunboat fleet, to capture Forts Henry and Donelson,
the former commanding the Tennessee river, and the latter the Cumber-
land, near the dividing line between Kentucky and Tennessee. The capit-
ulation of both of these forts, as well as the other military achievements
of Gen. Grant, are important parts of the main history of the Civil war,
and are given appropriate mention on other pages of this work, but it may
be said here that the boldness of the assault at F"ort Donelson, and the
completeness of the victory, made Grant the hero of the people. The
president nominated him to the senate as major-general of volunteers, to
date from Feb. 16. 1862, the date of the surrender of Fort Donelson, and
the senate immediately confirmed him. While this was going on Gen.
Halleck, who never seemed to estimate Grant's work at its value, was
writing to the war department that after his victory Grant had not com-
municated with him, and the result of this complaint was that Grant was
suspended from his command. Halleck's jealousy met with a rebuff, how-
ever, and Grant was restored to his position and was soon on his way to
other important and decisive victories. On March 17 he transferred his
headquarters to Savannah, on the Tennessee river, and in the vicinity
of Pittsburg landing. After the dearly-bought victory at Shiloh, Grant
was named second in command of all the Federal troops congregated in
that section, but especially intrusted with the right wing and reserve, and
on April 30 the order was given to advance against Corinth. On June 21
Grant moved his headquarters to Memphis, on July 11 Halleck was ap-
pointed general-in-chief of all the armies and six days later set out for
Washington, leaving Grant in command of the Army of the Tennessee,
to which position he was officially promoted on Oct. 25. On Jan. 29, 1863,
he arrived at Young's point above Vicksburg, and began in detail the work-
ing out of well matured plans of his own, the ultimate object of which was
the capture of the fortified city of Vicksburg, a supposed impregnable po-
sition commanded by the Confederate Gen. Pemberton. The history of
this campaign is the record in detail of one of the master strokes and bril-
liant achievements of the Federal forces during the Civil war, but it is
unnecessary to recount the different movements in this sketch. On May
I he defeated a portion of Pemberton's force at Port Gibson; on May 12
he routed a part of Johnston's army that was trying to join Pemberton;
and then pushed on to Jackson, Miss., capturing that place on the 14th.
Grant then turned about and moved rapidly toward Vicksburg, attacking
Pemberton at Champion's hill, and from this onward the advance was
steady and the fighting constant. And after an active campaign of eighty
days, on the afternoon of July 4. 1863, the Federal troops marched in and
took possession of the city, while Pemberton's troops marched out as
paroled prisoners of war. Port Hudson soon surrendered to Banks, and
the Mississippi was open for commerce through its entire length, or, as
President Lincoln expressed it, "the mighty river ran unvexed to the sea."
Grant was at once appointed a major-general in the regular army to date
from July 4, 1863, a gold medal was given him by Congress, and on Oct.
18 he was given command of the "Military District of the Mississippi,"
Biographical Sketches 107
comprising the departments of the Tennessee, the Ohio, and the Cum-
berland. He went at once to Chattanooga, took command in person, and
five days later a three hours' battle was fought at Wauhatchie in Lookout
valley, resulting in a Federal victory and the opening of a much-needed
line of communication for supplies. Grant then ordered a concentration
of forces near Chattanooga, and on Nov. 23, one month after his arrival,
began the series of battles embracing Chattanooga, Orchard knob, Lookout
mountain and Missionary ridge. On March i, 1864. Grant was nominated
lieutenant-general, the grade having been revived by Congress, was con-
firmed by the senate on March 2, and left Nashville, where he then was
stationed, in obedience to an order calling him to Washington, March 4.
His new commission was handed him by the president on the 9th, and
he was given formal command of all the armies of the United States on
the 17th. He established himself at Culpeper, Va., with the Army of the
Potomac, and opened the final great campaign of the war, on May 4,
when he crossed the Rapidan, and the 5th, 6th, and 7th witnessed the
terrible scenes of the battle of the Wilderness between opposing forces
aggregating 183,000 men. Then by strategic movements Grant endeav-
ored to outwit Lee, and a long series of battles resulted. Spottsylvania,
North Anna, Cold Harbor and Chickahominy followed, and by the time
Grant had reached the James river he had lost, including the Wilderness
fight, 70,000 of his troops. Then ensued the Richmond and Petersburg
campaign, with the capture of those places as the desideratum, and through
the summer, autumn, and following winter the campaign was "fought out
on this line." On the morning of April 2, 1865, an assault was begun upon
the lines around Petersburg, the city was evacuated the same night, and
the Federal forces took possession on the morning of April 3. Then the
retreat of the Confederates began, closely pursued by the Federal troops,
and on April 9 the end came — the war was over — Lee surrendered to
Grant at Appomattox Court House. Following the surrender Grant es-
tablished his headquarters in the city of Washington. Wherever he went
he was greeted with ovations ; honors were heaped upon him from every
hand, and he was universally hailed as the country's deliverer. Congress,
as a reward for his military valor, created for him the grade of general.
He also obtained through Congress the entire control of affairs relating
to the southerR states, and in Aug., 1867, was appointed by President
Johnson secretary of war ad interim while Secretary Stanton was under
suspension. Grant protested against this action, and much dissension,
ensued, but he held the office until Jan. 4, 1868, when, the senate refusing
to confirm the suspension of Stanton, Grant promptly retired, greatly to
the president's annoyance. Grant grew daily in popularity with the peo-
ple, and at the national convention of the Republican party, held at Chi-
cago on May 20, 1868, he was nominated for the presidency on the first
ballot. When the election occurred in November, out of 294 electoral
votes cast for president, Grant received 214, and Seymour, the Democratic
candidate, 80 — the former carrying twenty-six states against eight won
by his rival — and on March 4, 1869, the victorious general took the oath
as chief executive of the United States. During his first term of office
occurred the Credit Mobilier scandal, in connection with the building of
the Union Pacific railroad, but in all the investigations made in connec-
tion with the matter, no stain ever rested on Grant. There came another
scandal, the "Back-pay" affair, where certain laws regarding salaries
had been passed, retroactive in their character, and near the close of his
term a determined effort was made by his political enemies to encompass
his defeat. The lamented Horace Greeley was placed against him in the
presidential contest of 1872, but Grant carried thirty-one states and re-
ceived the largest vote that had ever been given for any presidential can-
108 The Union Army
didate. His second administration was mainly important for the pas-
sage of the "Resumption act" in Jan., 1875, and the detection and punish-
ment of the ringleaders in tlie notorious "Whiskey ring," of which many
were men of great personal influence, and with friends claiming to hold
very important positions near the president himself. Shortly after the
close of his second term, on May 17, 1877, he set sail from Philadelphia
on a tour of the world, his first objective point being England. On May 28
he arrived at Liverpool and there received the first of a grand series of
ovations in foreign lands, which for two years and four months consti-
tuted a triumphal tour never experienced by even a Roman or Oriental
monarch, his welcome by every class of people, from royalty to peasants,
being of the most heartfelt kind. He finally sailed from Yokohama for
home on Sept. 3, 1879, and touched the American shore at San Francisco
on Sept. 20. Then banquets and receptions met him everywhere, until he
sought the retirement of his private home. In 1880 he visited Cuba and
Mexico, after which he went with his family to his old home in Galena,
111., but the popular feeling in his favor was such that a movement was
started for his third nomination to the presidency of the United States.
The convention gathered at Chicago, in June, 1880, and for thirty-six
ballots the iron-clad vote for Grant was 306, with slight variations rang-
ing between 302 and 313. After a long and exciting contest, the opposi-
tion became united upon James A. Garfield and secured his nomination,
thus defeating the third-term movement. The military and public life of
Gen. Grant having ended, he invested his entire capital of accumulated
money in a banking house in New York city, and in May, 1884, through
a series of unblushing frauds the firm became bankrupt, and the man who
had been able to conquer and subdue the greatest uprising in all history
found himself completely swindled by the skillful manipulation of a single
business partner. In 1884, at the age of sixty-two, Gen. Grant was at-
tacked by a disease which proved to be cancer at the root of the tongue,
and which ultimately caused his death. On March 4, 1885, Congress
unanimously passed a bill creating him a general on the retired list, thus
restoring him to his former rank with full pay; but he enjoyed this evi-
dence of a nation's gratitude but a short time, for on July 21 an alarming
relapse set in, and on Thursday morning, July 25, 1885, death released him
from his suffering. In 1884 he began the preparation in two octavo vol-
umes of "Personal Recollections," in which he told the story of his life
down to the close of the Civil war, and he finished the proof-reading four
days prior to his death. Gen. Grant was buried at New York city, and
the public funeral, which occurred Aug. 8, 1885, was the most impressive
spectacle of the kind ever witnessed in the United States.
Greene, George S., brigadier-general, was born in .Apponaug, War-
wick, R. I., May 6, 1801. He was graduated at the United States mili-
tary academy in 1823, second in his class, served in various garrisons and
as instructor at West Point until 1836, when he resigned and became a
civil engineer, building many railroads in the states of Maine, Massachu-
setts, Rhode Island, New York, Maryland and Virginia. He served in
the Crotan aqueduct department in the city of New York, and designed
and built the reservoir in Central park and the enlargement of High
bridge. He entered the army in Jan., 1862. as colonel of the 60th N. Y.
regiment, was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers, April 28,
1862, commanded his brigade at Cedar mountain, and commanded the
2nd division of the 12th corps at the battle of .\iitietam. He also led a
brigade at the battle of Chancellorsville, and at Gettysburg, on the night
of July 2, 1863, he held with his brigade the right wing of the .Army of
the Potomac at Gulp's hill against the onslaught of more than a division
of Confederate troops, thus saving the position of the wing. He was
Biographical Sketches 109
transferred to the western armies in Sept., 1863, and in a night engage-
ment at Wauhatchie, near Chattanooga, Oct. 28, 1863, was dangerously
wounded in the jaw. Returning to active service in Jan., 1865, he re-
joined the army at New Berne, N. C, took part in the battle of Kin.ston,
where he had a horse shot under him, commanded a brigade at Golds-
boro, and in Slocum's corps in the march to Washington, D. C, where
the army was disbanded. He was brevetted major-general in the volun-
teer army for his services, March 13, 1865. He died at Morristown, N. J.,
Jan. 28, 1899.
Gregg, David McM. (see vol. I, pa:,e 311).
Gresham, Walter Q., brigadier-general, was born in Lanesville, Har-
rison county, Ind., March 17, 1833. He was educated at Corydon seminary
and the University of Indiana, studied law in the office of Judge William
A. Porter, and was admitted to the bar in 1854, entering a partnership
with Judge Thomas C. Slaughter. He canvassed the state in that year in
the interest of his partner, who was candidate for Congress on the anti-
Nebraska bill ticket, canvassed the state in 1856 for John C. Fremont, and
in i860 was elected to the state legislature, where he was chairman of the
military committee. At the beginning of the Civil war he offered his
services to the government, and, on being refused a commission, organ-
ized a company at Corydon, of which he was chosen captain, becoming
later lieutenant-colonel of the 38th Ind. volunteers. He was promoted
colonel of the 53d regiment in December, and was present at Shiloh, the
siege of Corinth, and the siege of Vicksburg, and then, on recommenda-
tion of Gen. Grant, he was promoted brigadier-general of volunteers,
Aug. IT, 1863. Being then assigned to Sherman's army, he commanded
the 4th division of the ijth corps at Atlanta, and for gallantry at Atlanta
was brevetted major-general of volunteers, March 13, 1865. He was shot
in th.j knc? in the engagement at Bald hill, Ga., July 22, 1864 and his
wound incapacitated him for further active service. After the war Gen.
Gresham attained prominence as a politician and statesman. He was an
unsuccessful candidate for Congress in 1864 and 1866. was financial agent
at New York for the state of Indiana, 1867-68, and from 1869-82 United
States district judge for Indiana under appointment from President
Grant. He was., then postmaster-general under President Arthur, for
three months secretary of the treasury after the death of Secretary Fol-
ger, and then United States judge for the Seventh judicial district until
1893, when he resigned to accept the portfolio of state in President Cleve-
land's cabinet. This office he held at the time of his death, which oc-
curred in Washington. D. C, May 28, 1895.
Grierson, Benjamin H. (see vol. Ill, page 209).
Griffin, Charles, major-general, was born in Licking county, Ohio, in
1826. and was graduated at the United States military academy in 184^.
In the Mexican war he commanded a company under Gen. Patterson in
the campaign from Vera Cruz to Puebla, and after the war served against
the Navajo Indians, on general frontier service, and then as instructor
in artillery practice at West Point, until 1861, having been promoted ist
lieutenant in 1849. He commanded the "West Point Battery" in the
first battle of Bull Run, was commissioned brigadier-general of volun-
teers June 9, 1862, and served with McClellan's army, distinguishing him-
self for action at Gaines' mill ; commanded the artillery at Malvern hill,
where he supported his brigade against the assault of Gen. Magruder, and
contributed largely to the success of the day. He was ordered to support
Pope at Manassas and after the battle was arrested on charge of re-
fraining from taking part in the action and "spending the day in making
ill-natured strictures upon the commanding general." He was tried and
acquitted and was promoted to command a division, which he led at
110 The Union Army
Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chanccllorsville, Gettysburg, and in all the
engagements from the Wilderness to Five Forks. He commanded the
5th army corps at Appomattox, and, by direction of Gen. Grant, received
the arms and colors of the Army of Northern Virginia after the surren-
der. He was brevetted major-general of volunteers, Aug. i, 1864; col-
onel in the regular army, .'\ug. 18, 1864, and brigadier-general and major-
general U. S. A. May 13, 1865. He was promoted colonel of the 35th
infantry, July 28, 1866, commanded the District of Maine in 1865-66, the
Department of Texas with headquarters at Galveston, 1866-67, and after
the removal of Gen. Sheridan, the Department of the Gulf. When or-
dered to transfer his headquarters to New Orleans from Galveston, as
the yellow fever was epidemic in the latter city, he refused to obey,
replying to the order that "to leave Galveston at such a time was like
deserting one's post in time of battle." He died of yellow fever at Gal-
veston, Tex., Sept. 15, 1867.
Griffin, Simon G., brigadier-general, was born in Nelson, N. H., Aug.
9, 1824. He was educated at Roxbury, N. H., taught school, represented
his native town in the state legislature, 1859-60, studied law and was ad-
mitted to the bar, and in i860 began to practice in Concord. Being com-
missioned captain in the 2nd N. H. volunteers at the beginning of the
Civil war, he fought at Bull Run, was commissioned lieutenant-colonel
of the 6th N. H. regiment in the fall of 1861, commanded his regiment
in Burnside's expedition to North Carolina in Jan., 1862, and on April
22 was promoted colonel. He distinguished himself in April by capturing,
with 600 men and the aid of five gun-boats, a number of prisoners and
stands of arms at Elizabeth City, N. C., and again at Camden, where his
regiment fought with such notable gallantry that it was permitted to in-
scribe "Camden, April 19, 1862," upon its colors. He commanded a bri-
gade at second Bull Run, Chantilly and South mountain, and at Antietam
he charged the stone bridge and carried it in the face of a heavy fire.
He was present at Fredericksburg, where his regiment lost one-third its
number, and in May, 1863, was given permanent command of the ist bri-
gade, 2nd division, 9th army corps, and with it joined Sherman in the
defense of the rear of Grant's army before Vicksburg. He then joined
Burnside at Knoxville, commanded Camp Nelson, Ky., where he was at
the head of 9,000 troops, and in 1864 joined the Army of the Potomac on
the Rapidan, commanding his brigade in the battles of the Wilderness
and Spottsylvania Court House, and so distinguishing himself in the last
named battle that on Gen. Grant's recommendation he was promoted
brigadier-general. Gen. Griffin commanded a brigade at the North Anna,
Totopotomy, Bethesda church and Cold Harbor, and commanded two
brigades in the assault on Petersburg, carrying the works and capturing
1,000 prisoners, together with arms, ammunition and artillery. On April
2, 1865, he arranged and planned the assault at "Fort Hell," and for gal-
lant conduct was brevetted major-general of volunteers, participating
afterward in the pursuit and capture of Lee's army. He was mustered
out of the volunteer service, Aug. 24, 1865, declined an appointment in
the regular army and returned to New Hampshire, where he was a rep-
resentative in the state legislature, 1867-69, was chairman of the Repub-
lican state convention in 1868. and in 1888 commander of the Massachu-
setts commandery of the military order of the Loyal Legion. He subse-
quently became extensively interested in land and railroad enterprises in
Texas and devoted much time to literary work. Gen. Griffin died Jan.
14, igo2.
Grose, William, brigadier-general, was born in Dayton. Ohio, Dec.
16, 1812. He received a common school education and attained some
prominence in local politics prior to the war, being a Pierce elector and
Biographical Sketches 111
unsuccessful candidate, in 1852, for Congress ; elected member of the state
legislature in 1856, and judge of the court of common pleas in i860. This
latter office he resigned in 1861 to accept the colonelcy of the 36th Ind.
infantry, which he had recruited. At Shiloh his was the only regiment
of Buell s army that engaged in the first day's fight, and after the battle
he was promoted to command a brigade. He served with the Army of
the Cumberland in all its campaigns, including Vicksburg, Chickamauga,
Lookout mountain, Dalton, and the battles in front of Atlanta, and, at the
request of Gens. Sherman and Thomas, he was promoted brigadier-gen-
eral, receiving his commission while under fire in front of Atlanta. Gen.
Grose then served in the battles of Franklin and Nashville, and after-
wards was president of a court-martial at Nashville until Jan., 1866, being
brevetted major-general of volunteers Aug. 13, 1865. He subsequently
served as collector of internal revenue under appointment by President
Johnson, 1866-74, was an unsuccessful candidate for Congress in 1878,
served in 1884-86 as one of a commission to build three hospitals for the
insane, and in 1887 served as member of the Indiana legislature. Gen.
Grose died July 30, 1900.
Grover, Cuvier, brigadier-general, was born in Bethel, Me., July 24,
1829, and was graduated at West Point in 1850. He saw his first service
in the west and rose to captain before the outbreak of the Civil war. On
April 14, 1862, having previously been called east to the defense of Wash-
ington, he was made brigadier-general of volunteers and was assigned
to the command of the ist brigade, and division, 3d army corps, Army of
the Potomac. He was brevetted lieutenant-colonel in the regular estab-
lishment for gallantry at Williamsburg, and colonel for service at Fair
Oaks, was then transferred with his brigade to Pope's army, where he
distinguished himself in a brilliant bayonet charge, in which, after a hand-
to-hand struggle which lasted over an hour, his men were obliged to fall
back before a superior force. Being transferred to the Department of the
Gulf, he took charge of the 4th division of the 19th corps, with which
he took possession of Baton Rouge, and in the siege of Port Hudson he
commanded the right wing of Gen. Banks' army. He held the right of
the 2nd corps in the first line of battle at Winchester and charged the
enemy with great , bravery, and again distinguished himself by conspic-
uous gallantry at Fisher's hill and Cedar creek, being wounded at the lat-
ter battle and brevetted on the same day major-general of volunteers for
gallantry at Winchester and Fisher's hill. On March 13, 1865, he was
given the brevet rank of brigadier-general and major-general in the reg-
ular army in recognition of gallant and meritorious services in the field.
Gen. Grover was mustered out of the volunteer service, Aug. 24, 1865,
and subsequently served on frontier and garrison duty, rising to the rank
of colonel of the ist cavalry, Dec. 2, 1875. He died in Atlantic City, N. J.,
June 6, 1885.
Hackleman, Pleasant A., brigadier-general, was born in Franklin
county, Ind., Nov. 15, 1814, son of Maj. John Hackleman, an officer in
the war of 1812. He was admitted to the bar in 1837 and soon won dis-
tinction in the practice of his profession in Rushville; was judge of pro-
bate court of Rush county, 1837-41 ; clerk of the state house of repre-
sentatives and clerk of Rush county, 1841-47, and in 1848 and again in
1858 was an unsuccessful candidate for Congress. He was a delegate to
the Republican national convention of i860 and to the peace conference
at Washington in 1861. He entered the national service in May, 1861, as
colonel of the i6th Ind. regiment, served in the first battle of Bull Run
and later on the staff of Gen. Banks in Virginia, and on April 28, 1862,
was promoted brigadier-general of volunteers. In June he was ordered
to report to Gen. Grant in the southwest. He participated actively in the
112 The Union Army
battles of luka and Corinth, and was killed in the latter battle, near Cor-
mth. Miss., Oct. 4, 1862.
Halleck, Henry W., major-general, was born at Westernvillc, Oneida,
county, N. Y., Jan. 16, 1815. After a common-school education, received
at tludson academy, and a partial course at Union college, he entered the
United States military academy July i, 1835, graduating four years later
third in a class of thirty-one. On July i, 1839, he was appointed second
lieutenant in the engineer corps of the army, and from his marked ability
and skill as an instructor, while still a cadet, was retained as assistant
professor of engineering at tlic academy until June 28, 1840. During the
next year he acted as assistant to the board of engineers at Washington,
D. C, and was thence transferred to assist in the construction of the forti-
fications in New York harbor. Here he remained several years, with the
exception of time spent in 1845 on a tour of inspection of public works in
Europe, receiving while absent a promotion to first lieutenant. At the
outbreak of the war with Mexico, he was sent to California as engineer
of military operations for the Pacific coast, and after a seven-months'
voyage in the transport Lexington, reached Monterey, Cal., which he
partially fortified as a port of refuge for the Pacific fleet, and a base for
incursions into California by land. Tn his military capacity he accom-
panied several expeditions ; in that of Col. Burton into Lower California,
he acted as chief of staff to that officer, and took part in the skirmishes
of Palos Prietos and Urias, Nov. 19-20, 1847; with a few volunteers made
a forced march to San Antonio, March t6, 1848, surprising a large Mex-
ican garrison and nearly capturing the governor, and was engaged at
Todos Santos on March 30. He was also aid-de-camp to Com. Shubrick
in naval operations on the coast, among which was the capture of Mazat-
lan (of which for a time he was lieutenant-governor), and for "gallant
and meritorious services," received the commission of captain by brevet,
to date from May i, T847. As secretary under the military governments
of Gens. Mason and Riley, he displayed "great energy, high administra-
tive qualities, excellent judgment and admirable adaptability to his va-
ried and onerous duties," and as a member of the convention, called to
meet at Monterey, Sept. i, 1849, to frame a constitution for the state of
California, he was substantially the author of that instrument. On Dec.
21, 1852, he was appointed inspector and engineer of lighthouses; from
April II, 1853, was a member of the board of engineers for fortifications
of the Pacific coast, receiving the promotion of captain of engineers on
July I, and retained all these positions until Aug. i, 1854, when he resigned
from the army to become the head of the most prominent law firm in
San Francisco, with large interests and much valuable property in the
state, with whose development and prosperity his name was identified.
In 1860-61 he was major-general of the militia of California, and at the
outbreak of the Civil war tendered his services to the government, and
was appointed major-general of regulars at the urgent recommendation of
Gen. Scott, his commission dating Aug. 19, t86i. On Nov. 18 he took
command of the Department of Missouri, with headquarters at St. Louis,
where his vigorous rule soon established order. After the victor^' at Shiloh
Halleck took the field, having. March it, 1862, succeeded to the command
of the Department of the Mississippi, and the siege of Corinth took place
under his personal direction. After the evacuation by the enemy, and in
the midst of the fortification of Corinth against his return fmm the south,
Halleck was visited by two assistant secretaries of war and one U. S.
senator, to urge his acceptance of the office of general-in-chief, which had
been tendered him, but which he declined until events in the Peninsular
campaign forced his acceptance of the honor on July 23. From Wash-
ington, on Oct. 28, he wrote the letter which constitutes "the only official
Brig. Gtn. Ci \ ier GrovER
Brig. -Gen. T. E. Hamblin
Maj.-Gen. Schuyler
Ha .MILTON
Maj.-Gcn. W. S. H.\ncock
Brig.-Gen. P. A. HacklE-
MAN
Brig.-Gen. A. J. Hamilton
Brig.-Gen. Cyrus Hamlin
Brig.-Gen. J. A. H.\rdie
Maj.-Gen. H. W. HallCCK
Maj.-Gen. C. S. Hamilton
Brig.-Gen. W. A. Hammond
r.rig.-Gen. M. D. Hardin
Biographical Sketches 113
explanation of the final removal of McClellan from command, Nov. 7."
After Gen. Grant became lieutenant-general of the army, Halleck remained
at Washington as chief of staff from March 12, 1864, to April 19, 1865,
and from April 22 to July i of the latter year was in command of the
military division of the James with headquarters at Richmond. On Aug.
30 he took command of the division of the Pacific, from which he was
relieved by Gen. George H. Thomas, and on March 16, 1869, was trans-
ferred to that of the South, with headquarters at Louisville, Ky. Gen.
Halleck died at Louisville, Jan. 9, 1872.
Hamblin, Joseph E., brigadier-general, was born in Yarmouth, Mass.,
in 1828, was for many years prior to the Civil war a member of the 7th
N. Y. militia regiment, and on the outbreak of the war accompanied that
regiment to Washington. At the expiration of his first thirty days' serv-
ice he was made adjutant of the 5th N. Y. volunteers, and was soon af-
terward transferred as lieutenant-colonel to the 65th N. Y. volunteers and
assigned to the ist brigade, 3d division. Army of the Potomac, under Gen.
Joseph Hooker. He commanded his regiment at Chanccllorsville, distin-
guished himself at Hazel run. May 2, 1862, was promoted colonel and led
his regiment at Gettysburg during the entire engagement. He served under
Grant from the Wilderness to Petersburg, was with Sheridan's army in
the valley, where he commanded the 2nd brigade in the battle of Cedar
creek and was severely wounded. For gallantry at Cedar creek he was
brevetted brigadier-general and given command of the brigade, and upon
the return of the corps to Petersburg he was promoted to the full rank
of brigadier-general of volunteers and participated in all the subsequent
engagements of the Army of the Potomac to the surrender at Appomattox,
being brevetted major-general of volunteers for distinguished bravery at
Sailor's creek. He was mustered out of the service, Jan. 15, 1866, and re-
turned to New York city, where he died July 3, 1870.
Hamilton, Andrew J., brigadier-general, was born in Madison county,
Ala., Jan. 28, 1815. He was for some years clerk of the circuit court of
his native county, moved to Texas in 1846 and practised law at Austin,
becoming attorney-general of the state and a Buchanan elector. He was
a representative in the 39th Congress, 1859-61, having been elected as a
Republican, opposed the secession of Texas in 1861 and removed north.
He was appointed brigadier-general of volunteers in 1862, and in the
same year was appointed by President Lincoln military governor of Texas.
He commanded the U. S. troops at Matamora. In 1865 he became pro-
visional governor of the state under appointment of President Johnson,
and in 1866 he became a justice of the supreme court of the state. The
same year he was delegate to the Philadelphia loyalists' convention, and
also delegate to the soldiers' convention held in Pittsburg. He was an
independent candidate for governor of Texas in 1869, but was defeated.
Gen. Hamilton died in Austin, Tex., April 10, 1875.
Hamilton, Charles S., major-general, was born in Westernville, N. Y.,
Nov. 16, 1822. He was graduated at the United States military academy
in 1843, went to Mexico in 1846 as ist lieutenant in the army of occu-
pation, was brevetted captain for gallantry at Contreras and Churubusco,
and was severely wounded at Molino del Rey. He subsequently served
on frontier duty until 1853, when he resigned his commission and engaged
in farming and milling at Fond du Lac, Wis., returning to the service of
the United States at the beginning of the Civil war as colonel of the 3d
Wis. volunteers. May 11, 1861, and being promoted six days later to
brigadier-general. When Banks opposed the advance of""StonewaU" Tack-
son in northern Virginia, Gen. Hamilton commanded the ist division.
He was transferred to the Army of the Potomac in 1862 and served in
the operations of that year, including the siege of Yorktown, receiving
Vol. VIII— 8
114 The Union Army
promotion to the rank of major-general of volunteers Sept. 19, 1862.
Being transferred to the Army of the Mississippi, he commanded the 3d
division at luka, Sept. 19, 1862, and at Corinth on Oct. 3 and 4, and was
then, until Jan., 1863, commander of the left wing of the Army of the
Tennessee. Resigning from the army in April, 1863, he returned to Wis-
consin, was member of the board of regents of the University of Wiscon-
sin, 1866-75, being president of the board, 1869-75, and from 1869 to 1875
was United States marshal for the district of Wisconsin. Gen. Hamilton
died in Milwaukee, Wis., April 17. 1891.
Hamilton, Schuyler, major-general, was born in New York city, July
25, 1822. He was graduated at West Point in 1841, entered the first in-
fantry and served on the plains and as assistant instructor in tactics at
West Point. In the Mexican war he served with conspicuous distinction,
being brevetted ist lieutenant for gallantry at Monterey, where he was
severely wounded, and captain for gallantry at Mil Flores, where in a
hand-to-hand encounter with Mexican lancers, he was wounded by a
lance, which passed entirely through his body. He was promoted ist
lieutenant in March, 1848, was acting aide-de-camp to Gen. Scott from
1847 to 1854, and in 1855 resigned from the army. At the beginning of
the Civil war he reentered the national service, volunteering as a private
in the 7th regiment, N. Y. state militia, served for a time on the staff of
Gen. Benjamin F. Butler, and afterwards acted as military secretary to
Gen. Scott until the latter's retirement, being instrumental in preventing
the murder of certain Confederate prisoners of war captured on the battle
field of Bull Run. He was subsequently assistant chief of staff to Gen.
H. W. Halleck, with the rank of colonel, was commissioned brigadier-
general of volunteers on Nov. 12, 1861, and ordered to command the De-
partment of St. Louis. He served with Grant's army operating in west-
ern Kentucky and Tennessee, suggested to Gen. Pope the cutting of a
canal to turn the enemy's position at Island No. 10. and commanded a
division in the assault on that island and New Madrid, for which he was
promoted major-general of volunteers on Sept. 17, 1862. He commanded
the reserve at the battle of Farmington. On Feb. 27, 1863, he was com-
pelled to resign on account of feeble health. After the war Gen. Hamil-
ton made a number of attempts to be reinstated on the army list as lieu-
tenant-colonel and colonel U. S. A., but was unsuccessful, and his friends
have always maintained that in neglecting to restore him to rank the
government was guilty of gross injustice to a brave and faithful officer.
He was hydrographic engineer for the department of docks, New York
city, 1871-75. Gen. Hamilton died March 18, 1903.
Hamlin, Cyrus, brigadier-general, was born in Hampden, Me., April
26, 1839, was educated at Hampden academy and at Colby university, but
left Colby before graduating and studied law, being admitted to the bar
in i860, and practising in York county, Me. He was appointed captain
and aide-de-camp to Gen. Fremont in 1862 and attracted that officer's
favorable notice by his conduct at Cross Keys. He was among the earliest
ofificers in the army to advocate enlisting the negro, was appointed col-
onel of the 80th U. S. colored infantry, Feb. 12, 1863, serving in the De-
partment of the Gulf, and on Dec. 3, 1864. was made brigadier-general of
volunteers. He commanded Port Hudson, 1864-65, and on March 13, 1865,
was brevetted major-general of volunteers for distinguished service during
the war. He remained at New Orleans after the war. practising law
and taking an active part in the movements of the reconstruction period,
and died there, Aug. 28. 1867, of disease contracted while in the army.
Hammond, William A., brigadier-general, was born in Annapolis,
Md.. Aug. 28. 1828. He was graduated M. D. at the University of the
City of New York in 1848 and entered the U. S. army in 1849 as assist-
Biographical Sketches 115
ant surgeon with the rank of ist lieutenant. After eleven years spent on
the frontier he resigned in Oct., i860, to become professor of anatomy and
physiology in the University of Maryland, but reentered the army, May,
1861, as assistant surgeon, and organized United States hospitals at Ha-
gerstown, Frederick and Baltimore. Upon the reorganization of the med-
ical department he was appointed surgeon-general of the U. S. army with
the rank of brigadier-general U. S. A. in April, 1862, through the urgent
request of Gen. McClellan and the United States sanitary commission.
He instituted radical changes in the management of his office, established
the army medical museum by special order, and increased the efficiency
of the field, camp and permanent hospital service many fold, making it fully
competent to handle an army of 1,000,000 men. On account of charges
preferred against him of irregularity in the award of liquor contracts,
he was tried by court-martial and dismissed from the army in Aug., 1864,
but in 1879, upon a review of the court-martial proceedings made lay the
president, he was restored to his place on the army rolls as surgeon-
general and brigadier-general and placed on the retired list. Upon leav-
ing the army Dr. Hammond practiced medicine in New York city, attain-
ing prominence as an authority on nervous diseases, on which he deliv-
ered many lectures before medical students. He was the author of a
number of technical works, mainly on diseases of the nervous system,
and of several novels. He died in Washington, D. C, Jan. 5, igoo.
Hancock, Winfield S., major-general, was born at Montgomery
Square, Pa., Feb. 14, 1824. and was sent in early boyhood to Norristown
academy. There he first began to display his military tastes by contin-
ually marching and countermarching with his playmates, among whom
he organized a military company, of which he was chosen captain. In his
fifteenth year the boy received a marked expression of public esteem, in
being appointed to read in public at Norristown the Declaration of Inde-
pendence. In 1840, at the age of sixteen, he entered the West Point mili-
tary academy, as a member of a class that graduated twenty-five, among
whom were Gens. U. S. Grant, George B. McClellan, William B. Frank-
lin. William F. Smith, Joseph J. Reynolds, Rosecrans, Lyon, and others
of the Federal army; and Longstreet, Pickett, E. K. Smith, and "Stone-
wall" Jackson of the Confederate army. Hancock was graduated on
June 30, 1844, and was brevetted second lieutenant of the 6th infantry,
July I. He was afterward sent to join his company in the Indian coun-
try, near the Red river, on the border of Texas, and in this rough but
exhilarating duty he remained until 1846. when he was commissioned sec-
ond lieutenant in a company stationed on the frontier of Mexico, where
he remained until the outbreak of the Mexican war. His first active serv-
ice in that conflict was at the National bridge, on the way from Vera
Cruz to Puebla, where he was in command of a storming party, and cap-
tured the bridge and a strong barricade. He was brevetted first lieuten-
ant "for gallant and meritorious conduct in the battles of Contreras and
Churubusco in the war with Mexico." Between 1848 and 1855 he served
as regimental quartermaster and adjutant on the upper Missouri, being
ordered to Fort Snelling, Minn., in 1849. In 1855 Lieut. Hancock was
appointed quartermaster with the rank of captain, and ordered to Florida,
where the Seminole war was going on, and where, under Gen. Harney,
he performed difficult and arduous service. Next occurred the disorders
in Kansas, and he was ordered to Fort Leavenworth, and after the Kan-
sas troubles were over he accompanied Gen. Harney's expedition to Utah.
Following the Utah outbreak, he was ordered to join his regiment, the
6th infantrj% at Fort Bridger, and made the trip with sixteen soldiers, a
distance of 709 miles, in twenty-seven days with a train of wagons. He
was next ordered to Benicia, Cal., and the entire journey which he made
116 The Union Army
from Fort Leavenworth to that station, 2,100 miles, was performed by
Capt. Hancock on horseback. Later he was stationed at Los Angeles,
Cal., where he was when the Civil war broke out, with a depot of military-
stores under his control, which he succeeded in holding until the arrival
of reinforcements. He was then ordered to the east, reaching New York
Sept. 4, 1861, when he reported at Washington for service. He was at
once commissioned brigadier-general and placed in charge of a brigade,
consisting of the 5th Wis., the 6th Me., the 49th Pa., and the 4th N. Y.
infantry. In the spring of 1862 the division of which his brigade was
a part was assigned to the 4th army corps and had its first serious
conflict with the enemy at Lee's mill on April 16. He saw sharp fight-
ing at Williamsburg and Frazier's farm and in the Maryland campaign.
At the battles of South mountain and Antietam he commanded the ist
division of the 2nd army corps, which fought brilliantly during the second
day of the battle of Antietam. In the battle of Fredericksburg he again
commanded the same division in the magnificent attempt to storm Marye's
heights, Dec. 13, 1862, when he led his -men through such a fire as has
rarely been encountered in warfare. The following spring Hancock's
division fought at Chancellorsville, and on June 25 he was ordered by the
president to assume command of the 2nd army corps. In the fight of
July 3, at Gettysburg, he commanded the left center, the main point as-
sailed by the Confederates, and was shot from his horse, being danger-
ously wounded, but remained on the field until he saw that the enemy's
attack had been repulsed by his corps. For his services in this campaign
Gen. Hancock received, on April 21, 1866, a resolution of thanks passed
by Congress. His wound kept him from active duty imtil March, 1864,
when he resumed command in the spring campaign of that year, and
fought in the battles of the Wilderness and Spottsylvania, also at the
second battle of Cold Harbor and in the assault on the lines in front of
Petersburg. On Aug. 12, 1864, he was appointed brigadier-general in the
regular army "for gallant and distinguished services in the battles of the
Wilderness, Spottsylvania, and Cold Harbor, and in the operations of the
army in Virginia under Lieut.-Gen. Grant." In the movement against the
South side railroad in October of that year Gen. Hancock took a leading
part. On Nov. 26 he was called to Washington to organize a veteran
corps of 50,000 men, and continued in the discharge of that duty until
Feb. 26, 1865, when he was assigned to the command of the military divi-
sion and ordered to Winchester, Va. After the assassination of Presi-
dent Lincoln, Gen. Hancock's headquarters were transferred to Washing-
ton, and he was placed in command of the defence of the capital. On
July 26, 1866, he was appointed major-general of the regular army, and
on the loth of the following month assigned to the command of the De-
partment of the Missouri. Here he fought the Indians until relieved by
Gen. Sheridan, when he was placed in command of the fifth military dis-
trict, comprising Texas and Louisiana. In t868 he was given command
of the division of the Atlantic, with headquarters in New York city.
The following year he was sent to the Department of Dakota, but in 1872
was again assigned to the division of the Atlantic, in which command he
remained until the time of his death. In 1868 and in 1872 Gen. Hancock
was a candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination, and in 1880
was nominated by the Democratic convention at Cincinnati. The election
in November, however, gave the opposing candidate, James A. Garfield,
a majority in the electoral college. More than any other officer on either
side, perhaps, he was the embodiment of chivalry and devotion to the
highest duties of the soldier. Gen. Grant, best qualified to judge, said of
him : "Hancock stands the most conspicuous figure of all the general
officers who did not exercise a general command. He commanded a corps
Biographical Sketches 117
longer than any other one, and his name was never mentioned as having
committed in battle a blunder for which he was responsible. He was a
man of very conspicuous personal appearance, tall, well-formed, and, at
the time of which I now write, young and fresh looking; he presented an
appearance that would attract the attention of an army as he passed.
His genial disposition made him friends, and his presence with his com-
mand in the thickest of the tight won him the confidence of troops who
served under him." He died at Governor's island. New York harbor,
Feb. 9, 1886.
Hardie, James A., brigadier-general, was born in New York city,
May 5, 1823, and was graduated at the United States military academy
in 1843. From 1844-46 he held an assistant professorship at West Point,
and was then on frontier duty until 1861, serving in the Mexican war as
commander of a New York regiment with the rank of major, and being
promoted captain in the regular army in 1857. Being transferred to the
5th artillery in 1861, with the rank of lieutenant-colonel and aide-de-camp,
he served on Gen. McClellan's staff during the Peninsular and Maryland
campaigns, and on the staff of Gen. Burnside in the battles around Fred-
ericksburg. He was made judge advocate-general on Gen. Hooker's staff
when that general succeeded Burnside, and for his services and conduct
was made brigadier-general of volunteers, Nov. 29, 1862, and assistant
adjutant-general with the rank of major in 1863. He was assigned to
special duty in the war department and was assistant secretary to Secre-
tary of War Stanton, and afterwards to acting Secretaries Grant, Scho-
field and Rawlins. He was promoted inspector-general with the rank of
colonel in 1864, and on March 13, 1865, was given the brevet ranks of brig-
adier-general and major-general U. S. A. in recognition of distinguished
and faithful services. In 1866 Gen. Hardie was senior member of the
commission to inspect ordnance and ordnance stores in forts and arsenals,,
and commissioner to audit the military claims of Kansas, Montana, Da-
kota, California a?>d Oregon. He died in Washington, D. C, May 5, 1876.
Hardin, Martin D., brigadier-general, was born in Jacksonville, 111.,
June 26, 1837, was graduated at West Point in 1859 and served until the
outbreak of the Civil war at Fortress Monroe and in Washington terri-
tory. He then served in the defences of Washington and with McClel-
lan at Yorktown, and, after some time on sick leave, fought in the Seven
Day's battles. He became lieutenant-colonel in July and colonel in Sept.,
1862, of the I2th Penn. reserve regiment, and led his regiment with dis-
tinction at Mine run and Gettysburg. He lost his arm in an engagement
with guerrillas near the close of the year 1863, but returned to active
service the following spring and commanded a brigade, being wounded
at North Anna and distinguishing himself at Bethesda Church. He was
then put in command of the defences of Washington north of the Poto-
mac river and promoted brigadier-general, and in July, 1864, rendered
important service by holding Early in check until the arrival of the 6th
corps. He was assigned to command the district of North Carolina, Aug.
IS, 1865, was commissioned major of the 43d veteran reserve in July, 1866,
and in 1870 was retired from active duty with the rank of brigadier-
general in the regular army, having been advanced by brevet to this
grade, through the intervening ranks for gallantry on numerous occa-
sions. He then studied law, was admitted to the bar, and practised in
Chicago.
Harding, Abner C, brigadier-general, was born in East Hampton,
Middlesex county. Conn., Feb. 10, 1807. He attended tlie Hamilton, N. Y.,
academy, was subsequently admitted to the bar and practised for some
time in Oneida county, N. Y., moving then to Warren county. III, where
he was actively engaged in the practice of his profession for fifteen years.
118 The Union Army
He was a member of the Illinois constitutional convention in 1848, served
in the legislature, 1848-50, and for the ten years prior to the Civil war
was engaged in railway enterprises. Enlisting in the 83d 111. infantry
as a private in 1862, he rose to the rank of colonel, was promoted brig-
adier-general (^f volunteers for bravery at Fort Donelson, and in 1863
had command at Murfreesboro, Tenn. He was then a representative in
the 39th and 40th Congresses, 1865-69, and after that devoted his attention
principally to the promotion of railway enterprises in Illinois. He en-
dowed a professorship in Monmouth college and gave generously to other
educational institutions. Gen. Harding died in Monmouth, 111., July 19,
1874.
Harker, Charles G., brigadier-general, was born in Swedesboro, N. J.,
Dec. 2, 1837, and was graduated at West Point in 1858. He was pro-
moted 1st lieutenant in the 15th infantry. May 14, 1861, and captain, Oct.
24; became lieutenant-colonel of the 65th Ohio volunteers, and on Nov.
II, 1861, colonel. He served with his regiment at Shiloh, April 6-7, 1862,
took part in the siege of Corinth, and at Stone's river, Dec. 31, 1862- Jan.
3, 1863, where he commanded a brigade, he so distinguished himself that
he was recommended by his superior officers for promotion to brigadier-
general of volunteers. He did not receive his promotion, however, until
he had still further distinguished himself at Chickamauga and Chatta-
nooga, when he was given his commission, to date from Sept. 20, 1863.
He commanded a brigade under Gen. Howard in the Georgia campaign,
and at Rocky Face ridge in ]\Iay, 1864, held the peak against determined
efforts on the part of the Confederates to dislodge him. He was mor-
tally wounded at Kennesaw mountain, Ga., June 2"], 1864, while leading
his brigade in a gallant charge, and died on the field of battle the same
day.
Harland, Edward, brigadier-general, was born in Norwich, Conn.,
June 24, 1832. He was graduated at Yale in 1853 and admitted to the
bar in Norwich two years later. At the beginning of the Civil war he
organized a company, of which he was chosen captain, and which became,
in April, 1861, a part of the 3d Conn, infantry. In September of that year
he became colonel of the 8th Conn, infantry and served with his regiment
until March, 1863, when he was promoted brigadier-general of volunteers.
He resigned this commission in June, 1865. During the war Gen. Harland
served with distinction in many of the most important battles. After
seeing service with Burnside in the North Carolina expedition, he fought
at South mountain and Antietam, commanding a brigade in these bat-
tles and succeeding to command of a division at Antietam, after Gen.
Rodman fell. He served also at the battle of Fredericksburg and the
siege of Suffolk, the battles of Port Walthall Junction and Fort Darling,
and in numerous other engagements. After the war Gen. Harland served
two terms in the state house of representatives and one in the state senate,
and was judge of probate from 1862-76. Later he became president of
the savings bank at Norwich.
Harney, William S., brigadier-general, was born near Haysboro,
Tenn., Aug. 2^, 1800. He was commissioned 2nd lieutenant, 19th U. S.
infantry, Feb. 13, 1818, and in the interval between the time of his en-
tering the service and the Civil war he was continuously in the service
of the United States, receiving frequent promotions, culminating in pro-
motion to brigadier-general June 14. 1858. He engaged in the Black
Hawk war, the Seminole war, the Mexican war, and in numerous en-
gagements against Indians, commanded the Department of the Oregon,
1858-60, until his recall on account of border difficulties with England,
and was then assigned to command the Department of the West, with
headquarters in St. Louis. In April, 1861, while on his way to Wash-
Biographical Sketches 119
ington, he was arrested by the Virginia troops at Harper's Ferry, but was
soon afterward released, and, on returning to St. Louis, he agreed with
Gen. Price in command of the Missouri mihtia to make no military move-
ment within the borders of the state so long as peace was maintained
by the existing state government. He was relieved of his command May
29, 1861, was placed on the retired list Aug. i, 1863, and on March 13,
1865, was brevetted major-general U. S. A. for long and faithful services.
Gen. Harney died in Orlando, Fla., May 9, 1889.
Harris, Thomas M., brigadier-general, was born in Wood county, Va.,
June 17, 1817. He studied medicine and practised at Harrisville and
Glenville, Va., until the Civil war, and on March 17, 1862, became lieuten-
ant-colonel of the lOth W. Va. infantry, becoming colonel of his regiment
on May 20. He served throughout the war, being promoted brigadier-
general March 29, 1865. He sent out the detachment that silenced the
last Confederate guns at Appomattox, and was mustered out of the serv-
ice April 30, 1866. He was brevetted brigadier-general of volunteers,
Oct. 19, 1864, for gallant and meritorious service at the battle of Mid-
dletown, Va., and major-general of volunteers April 2, 1865, for gallant
conduct in the assault on Petersburg, Va. After the war Gen. Harris
served one term in the West Virginia legislature, was adjutant-general
of the state in 1869-70, and pension agent at Wheeling in 1871-77. He is
the author of medical essays and a tract entitled "Galvanism Vindicated."
Harrow, William, brigadier-general, was born in Kentucky about
1820, but moved later to Indiana and entered the national service as major
of the 14th Ind. infantry, June 7, 1861. He was promoted lieutenant-col-
onel, Feb. 14, 1862, colonel, April 26, 1862, and brigadier-general of volun-
teers Nov. 29. While colonel of the 14th Ind. he participated in the bat-
tle of Antietam, where more than half of his regiment were killed or
wounded. Gen. Hairrow resigned his commission, April 20, 1865, and re-
tired to private life. He died Sept. 27, 1872.
Hartranft, John P., brigadier-general, was born in New Hanover,
Montgomery county. Pa., Dec. 16, 1830. He was educated at Marshall
and Union colleges, graduating at Union in 1853, studied law and was
admitted to the bar in 1859, and practised in Norristown, Pa. In April,
1861, he recruited the 4th Penn. volunteers, was elected its colonel, and
subsequently commanded it until its term of enlistment expired, the day
before the battle of Bull Run. As his regiment had been ordered to Har-
risburg, he volunteered and obtained leave to serve on the staff of Gen.
William B. Franklin in that battle. He then organized the 51st Penn.
regiment, was commissioned its colonel, July 27, 1861, and accompanied
it in Burnside's expedition to North Carolina in the following spring,
when he led the attack on Roanoke island and participated in the battle of
New Berne. Following this he served in the Army of the Potomac in
the battles of second Bull Run and Chantilly, was in the 9th corps at the
battle of South mountain, led the charge at the stone bridge at Antietam
and commanded his regiment at Fredericksburg, and then, being ordered
to Tennessee, was engaged in the battle of Campbell's station and in the
successful defence of Knoxville.. At Vicksburg he commanded a bri-
gade engaged in protecting the besieging troops from an attack in the rear,
and, after the fall of that place, he accompanied Sherman in his advance
to Jackson, Miss. He commanded a brigade in the battles of the Wilder-
ness and Spottsylvania, received his commission as, brigadier-general
May 12, 1864, took part in all the movements before Petersburg, was sub-
sequently given command of a division, and on March 25, 1865, was
brevetted major-general of volunteers for conspicuous gallantry in the
recapture of Fort Stedman. Gen. Hartranft then returned to Pennsyl-
vania, was elected auditor-general of the state, and declined a commission
120 The Union Army
offered him by the president as colonel in the regular establishment,
Aug. 29, 1866. He was reelected auditor-general in 1868, and was from
1873 to 1879 governor of Pennsylvania. During his term of office the
militia of Pennsylvania w^as entirely reorganized on a military basis,
and from 1879 to 1889 he was in command of the national guard as
major-general of militia. Gen. Hartranft was postmaster of Philadel-
phia under appointment by President Hayes 1879-80, and in Aug., 1880,
became collector of the port of Philadelphia. He died in Norristown,
Pa., Oct. 17, 1889, and after his death an equestrian statue was erected
to his memory in front of the capitol building, Harrisburg.
HartsufI, George L., major-general, was born in Tyre, N. Y., May
28, 1830, and was graduated at West Point in 1852. He served in Texas
and in the Florida war, where he was wounded, and was instructor in
artillery and infantry tactics at the military academy from 1856-61, when
he became captain and assistant adjutant-general. He served at Fort
Pickens from April until July 17, 1862; was then under Gen. Rosecrans
in West Virginia, becoming brigadier-general of volunteers, April 15,
1862, and soon after commander of Abercrombie's brigade, being pro-
moted major in the regular army July 17, 1862. He commanded his bri-
gade at Cedar mountain, and at Antietam, where he was severely wound-
ed; was appointed major-general of volunteers Nov. 29, 1862; served as
member of a board to revise the rules and articles of war in 1863; and
on April 27 of that year was ordered to Kentucky, where he commanded
the 23d army corps and opposed the advance of Morgan in Ohio. He
was appointed lieutenant-colonel and assistant adjutant-general U. S. A.
June I, 1864; was in command of works in the siege of Petersburg in
March and April, 1865, and on March 13, 1865, was given the brevet ranks
of brigadier- and major-general U. S. A. for faithful and meritorious
services in the war. He was after the war adjutant-general of the 5th
military district, 1867-68, and of the division of Missouri, 1869-71, and on
June 29, 1871, was retired for disability from wounds received in battle.
Gen. Hartsuff died in New York city, May 16, 1874.
Hascall, Mile S., brigadier-general, was born in the state of New
York, and during childhood removed with his parents to Indiana, from
which state he was appointed to the United States military academy at
West Point. He entered that institution of learning in 1848 and grad-
uated with the class of 1852, being brevetted on July i of that year sec-
ond lieutenant and assigned to the 3d artillery. He was commissioned
second lieutenant in the 2nd artillery on March 31, 1853, serving
in garrison at Fort Adams, R. L, in 1852-3, and he resigned from
the service on Sept. 30, 1853. The following year he became a railroad
contractor in Indiana, and from 1855 to 1861 followed the practice of law
in Goshen. He served as district attorney of Elkhart and La Grange
counties, Ind., 1856-58; was school examiner for Elkhart county, 1859-61,
and during the same years also served as clerk of the county, circuit, and
common pleas courts. In the Civil war he served as aide-de-camp, with
the rank of captain, to Gen. Thomas A. Morris, from April 2"] to June
12, 1861. Upon the latter date he was commissioned colonel and or-
ganized the 17th Ind. volunteers, with which he served in the western
Virginia campaign from August to November, having previously been en-
gaged in the action of Philippi on June 3. He commanded a brigade in
the Army of the Cumberland in the Tennessee campaign from Oct.. 1862,
to March, 1863, having been commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers,
April 25, 1862, and he was engaged in the battle of Stone's river, in which
action he commanded a division. He was engaged in collecting strag-
glers from the army, throughout the states of Ohio, Indiana and Illinois,
from March to June, 1863, was then in command of the district of In-
Brig.-Gen. A. C. Harding Brig.-Gen. C. ('■. IIarker Brig.-Gen. Edward Hari.and
Brig.-Gen. W. S. Harney Brig.-Gen. 'I". M. Harris Brig.-Gen. Wm. Harrow
Brig.-Gen. J. F. Hartranft AFaj.-Gen. G. L. Hartsuff Brig.-Gen. M. S. Hascall
Brig.-Gen. J. .\. Haskin Brig.-Gen. Edward Hatch Brig.-Gen. J. P. Hatch
Biographical Sketches 121
diana until August; in command of a division in the Army of the Ohio,
in operations in East Tennessee. Aug., 1863, to March, 1864, being en-
gaged in the defense of Knoxville, and numerous skirmishes ; was in com-
mand of the 2nd division of the 23d corps. Army of the Ohio, in the in-
vasion of Georgia, May 28 to Oct. 27, 1864, being engaged in numerous
actions and skirmishes on the advance to Atlanta, siege of Atlanta, and
occupation of Decatur and vicinity. He resigned his commission on Oct.
27, 1864, and returned to his home in Goshen, Ind., where, in 1865, he
initiated a successful career as a banker.
Haskin, Joseph A., brigadier-general, was born in New York in 1817.
He w^as graduated at West Point in 1839, being assigned to the ist ar-
tillery, was in Maine on duty incident to the border dispute, 1840-45;
in Florida and Louisiana in 1845-46, and in the Mexican war served
under Gen. Scott from Vera Cruz to the capture of the City of Mexico,
losing an arm at the storming of Chapultepec. He was subsequently
on frontier and garrison duty, becoming captain in 1851, and was in
command of the arsenal at Baton Rouge in 1861, when he was attacked
by a vastly superior force of Confederates and compelled to surrender
the buildings and arms. He subsequently served in Washington, at
Key West, in command of the Northern defenses of Washington,
1862-64, and then as chief of artillery in the war department until
1866. He was promoted major in 1862, and in the same year lieu-
tenant-colonel of staff; was promoted lieutenant-colonel of the ist
artillery in 1866, and on March 13, 1865, was raised by brevet to
the ranks of colonel and brigadier-general U. S. A. He was retired
from active service in 1872, and died in Oswego, N. Y., Aug. 3,
1874.
Hatch, Edward, brigadier-general, was born in Bangor, Me.,
Dec. 22, 1832, and was educated at the Norwich, Vt., military acad-
emy. In April, 1861, he was a member of the District of Columbia
volunteers who were enlisted to defend the national capital, and
then, being ordered to take charge of a camp of instruction at Dav-
enport, la., he became successively captain, major, and on Dec. 11,
1861, lieutenant-colonel of the 2nd Iowa cavalry. He led his regi-
ment at New Madrid, Island No. 10, Corinth, the raid on Booneville
and the battle of luka, and was promoted colonel of "volunteers,
June 13, 1862. He commanded the 2nd Iowa cavalry in Grant's
western campaign, conducting a raid through Mississippi in April,
1863, for the purpose of distracting the attention of the Confeder-
ates from Grant's movement at Vicksburg, and then, being given
a division of cavalry, 3,500 strong, he conducted a series of raids
in Alabama until disabled by wounds, Dec, 1863. He was promot-
ed brigadier-general April 27, 1864, and. as commander of a cav-
alry division under Gen. A. J. Smith, took part in the battles of
Franklin and Nashville, being promoted brevet brigadier-general
U. S. A. for his action at Franklin, and brevet major-general U. S. A.
for his services at Nashville. His services at Nashville sub-
sequently won him further promotion to the brevet rank of
major-general in the regular army. Gen. Hatch was honorably
mustered out of the volunteer service Jan. 15, 1866, and on July 6
following he became colonel of the 9th U. S. cavalry, which regi-
ment he commanded for twenty-three years. Hi? service after the
war was m the west. He died April 11, 1889, at Fort Robinson,
Neb.
Hatch, John P., brigadier-general, was born in Oswego, N. Y.,
Jan. 9. 1822. He was graduated at West Point in 1845, being as-
signed to the 3d U. S. infantry, but was later transferred to the
122 The Union Army
mounted rifles and served in the military occupation of Texas and
the Mexican war, being brevctted ist lieutenant for gallantry at
Contreras and Churubusco, and captain for services at Chapulte-
pec. After the close of the Mexican war he was engaged on fron-
tier duty and in expeditions against Indians until 1861, when he
was acting chief of commissariat in the Department of New Mexico,
having been promoted captain Oct. 13, i860. He was commissioned
brigadier-general of volunteers Sept. 28, 1861, commanded a cavalry
brigade at Annapolis, Md., and distinguished himself by several
daring reconnoissances about Gordonsville, the Rapidan and the
Rappahannock, afterwards commanding the cavalry of the 5th army
corps at Winchester, Groveton and Manassas, where he was wound-
ed and made brevet major for "gallant and meritorious services."
At South mountain. Sept. 14, 1862, he was so severely injured as
to be disabled until the following February, and for his gallantry
there he was promoted brevet lieutenant-colonel and awarded a
medal of honor. Upon returning to duty he was employed on
courts-martial, assigned to command the draft rendezvous at Phil-
adelphia, and was given charge of the cavalry depot at St. Louis
until Oct. 2y, 1863, when he was made major of the 4th cavalry.
He was assigned to the Department of the South, commanded in
the battles of John's island and Honey Hill, S. C, and afterwards
commanded the coast division under Sherman and operated with
him in his march through South Carolina, covering the right flank
of his army until the evacuation of Charleston by the Confederates.
From Feb. 26 to Aug. 26, 1865, he commanded the Charleston dis-
trict. Department of South Carolina; was on duty in the west, 1865-
81. was then promoted colonel of the 2nd U. S. cavalry and com-
manded his regiment until retired by operation of law Jan. 9,
1886. He was brevetted for his services in the war. on March 13,
1865, colonel and brigadier-general U. S. A., and major-general
of volunteers. Gen. Hatch died April 12, 1901.
Haupt, Herman, brigadier-general, was born in Pennsylvania,
and was a cadet at the United States military academy from July
I, 1831, to July I, 1835, when he was graduated and promoted in
the army to brevet second lieutenant, 3d infantry. He resigned on
Sept. 30, 1835, and served as assistant engineer on the Norristown
railroad during the following year. He was principal assistant en-
gineer in the service of the state of Pennsylvania, 1836-39, profes-
sor of civil engineering and architecture in Pennsylvania college
at Gettysburg. 1840, and of mathematics, 1844-47. He then served
as principal assistant engineer of the Pennsylvania railroad, 1847-
49, and as general superintendent, 1849-52. He was chief engineer
of the Southern railroad of Mississippi in 1852, of the Pennsyl-
vania railroad, 1852-54, being elected director by the city council
of Philadelphia, in 1855, and he was chief engineer of the Hoosac
tunnel in Massachusetts, 1856-62. He was also a member and sec-
retary of the board of visitors to the U. S. military academy in
1861. In the Civil war he served as colonel of staflf and additional
aide-de-camp from April 27 to Sept. 5, 1862, as chief of construc-
tion and transportation on the U. S. military railroads, directing
the repairs and construction of roads for facilitating the movements
of the Federal armies in Virginia, and on Sept. 5, 1862, was promoted
brigadier-general of volunteers for meritorious services in opera-
tions against the enemy during the campaign of the Army of Vir-
ginia, but declined to accept the appointment, and devoted his at-
tention to civil pursuits. He was general manager of the Piedmont
Biographical Sketches 123
Air Line railroad, from Richmond, Va., to Atlanta, Ga., 1872-76;
chief engineer of the Pennsylvania Transportation company, and
Seaboard Pipe Line, for carrying petroleum from Parkers City to
Baltimore, 1876-78; consulting engineer, 1878-81; general manager of
the Northern Pacific railroad, 1881-85, and president of the Dakota
& Great Southern railway, 1885-86.
Hawkins, John P., brigadier-general, was born in Indianapolis,
Ind., Sept. 29, 1830. He was graduated at West Point in 1852 and
assigned to the infantry, was promoted ist lieutenant in 1857, and
in 1861 was brigade quartermaster in the defenses of Washington.
He accepted a commission as staff captain and commissary of
subsistence, Aug. 20, 1861; served in southwest Missouri and west
Tennessee, 1861-62; was chief commissary under Grant at the bat-
tle of Shiloh, April 6-7, 1862; and on Nov. i, 1862, he joined the
volunteer army as lieutenant-colonel in the commissary department,
in which capacity he served until April 13, 1863, when he was pro-
moted brigadier-general of volunteers. He commanded a brigade
of colored troops in northeastern Louisiana from Aug. 17 of that
year until Feb. 7, 1864, was then promoted to command a division,
being stationed at Vicksburg from March, 1864, till Feb., 1865,
and after that served in the Mobile campaign, winning the brevet
of major-general in the regular establishment for gallantrj' at the
siege of ^lobile. He was brevetted major-general of volunteers,
June 30, 1865, and honorably mustered out of the volunteer service
Feb. I, 1866. In the regular service he was brevetted, on March
13, 1865, lieutenant-colonel, colonel, and brigadier-general, for his
services during the war. He was promoted major in the commis-
sary department in 1874, lieutenant-colonel and assistant commis-
sary-general in 1889, colonel and assistant commissary-general in
1892, brigadier-general and commissary-general of subsistence Dec.
22, 1892, and was retired by operation of law Sept. 29, 1894.
Hawley, Joseph R., brigadier-general, was born in Stewartsville,
N. C., Oct. 31, 1826. His parents removed to Connecticut while he
was very young. He was graduated at Hamilton college with the
degree of A. B. in 1847. studied law and was admitted to the bar
in 1850, immediately entered political life as a Free Soil Democrat,
and on Feb. 4. 1856, called the first meeting in Connecticut for the
organization of the Republican party, which meeting was held in
his law office. In that same year he spent three months can-
vassing the state for Fremont and Dayton, and in 1857 he gave up
law for journalism and edited the Hartford "Evening Press," hav-
ing previously edited the "Charter Oak," which was merged with
the "Press." At the outbreak of the Civil war he helped recruit
the first company in the ist Conn, volunteers, was commissioned
its 1st lieutenant, and commanded the company at the battle of
Bull Run. After the first three months' service he helped recruit
the 7th Conn, volunteers, of which he became lieutenant-colonel,
and went south with his regiment with the Port Royal expedi-
tion, the regiment engaging in the four months' siege of Fort Pu-
laski and garrisoning the place after its surrender. Having suc-
ceeded Col. Alfred H. Terry to the command of the regiment, Col.
Hawley led it in the battles of James island and Pocotaligo, and in
the Florida expedition, and subsequently commanded the port of
Fernandina, Jan., 1863, and made an unsuccessful attempt to cap-
ture Charleston. He commanded a brigade on Morris island in the
siege of Charleston and at the capture of Fort Wagner, and in Feb.,
1864, commanded his brigade in the division of Gen. Truman Sey-
124 The Union Army
mour in the bloody and disastrous battle of Olustee. In April,
1864, he went to Virginia as commander of a brigade in Terry's
division and participated in the battles of Drewry's blufif, Deep
run, Darbytown road, and various affairs near Bermuda Hundred
and Deep bottom, and subsequently commanded a division in the
battle of New Market road and took part in the siege of Petersburg.
Having been made brigadier-general in Sept., 1864, he command-
ed a picked brigade sent to New York in November to keep peace
during election, and in Jan., 1865, when Gen. Terry was sent to
lead the operations against Fort Fisher, Gen. Hawley succeeded
him to the command of the division, and on Gen. Terry's return
became his chief of stafif. He was military governor of the district
of southeastern North Carolina from February to June, 1865, was
chief of stafif to Gen. Terry in command of the department of Vir-
ginia, with headquarters at Richmond, until Oct., 1865, when he
returned to Connecticut, was brevetted major-general of volunteers,
and on Jan. 15, 1866, was honorably discharged from the service.
Gen. Hawley was elected governor of Connecticut in 1866, was
defeated for re-election the following year, was president of the
Republican national convention in 1868, secretary of the commit-
tee on resolutions in 1872, and chairman of the committee on res-
olutions in 1876. He was elected to Congress to fill a vacancy
and served 1872-75, was then defeated for the two succeeding Con-
gresses, but held his seat again 1879-81. He was elected United
States senator in 1881 by the unanimous vote of his party, and was
re-elected three times, holding that office at the time of his death
in 1905. He was president of the U. S. centennial commission,
1873-77. If 1884 Gen. Hawley was candidate for the Republican
nomination for president of the United States.
Haynie, Isham N., brigadier-general, was born in Dover, Tenn.,
Nov. 18, 1824. He removed to Illinois when a boy, studied law
there and was admitted to the bar in 1846, and served throughout
the Mexican war as ist lieutenant of the 6th 111. volunteers, resum-
ing the practice of his profession in 1849. He was a member of
the legislature in 1850, was graduated at the Kentucky law school
in 1852, was appointed judge of the court of common pleas at
Cairo, 111., in 1856, and in i860 canvassed the state as a Douglas
elector. In 1861 he raised and organized the 48th 111. infantry, of
which he was commissioned colonel, Nov. 10, 1861, and which he
commanded in the battles of Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Shiloh,
where he was severely wounded, and Corinth. He was an unsuc-
cessful war candidate for Congress in 1862, and on Nov. 29 of that
year was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers, his com-
mission expiring March 4, 1863. He resumed the practice of his
profession in 1864 and subsequently became adjutant-general of
Illinois. Gen. Haynie died in Springfield, 111., May 22, 1868.
Hayes, Joseph, brigadier-general, was born in South Berwick,
Me., Sept. 14, 183s, was educated at Harvard college and became
a civil and mining engineer. He was commissioned major of the
i8th Mass. regiment, July 26, 1861; lieutenant-colonel, Aug. 25,
1862, colonel Nov. 30, 1862, and brigadier-general. May 12, 1864.
He was taken prisoner and held for six months by the Confed-
erates in Libby prison, Richmond. Va., and upon rejoining the
army, April 2, 1865, he commanded the advance brigade. Army of
the Potomac, at the Appomattox surrender, April 9, 1865. He was
brevetted major-general of volunteers, March 13, 1865, for gallan-
try in action on the Weldon railroad, Va., and was mustered out of
Biographical Sketches 135
the service, Aug. 24, 1865, at his own request, having declined an
appointment offered him as field officer in the regular army. He
then went to South America, where he introduced the hydraulic
system in the mines of Columbia, and on his return engaged in
business in New York as a broker and as president of a coal com-
pany.
Hayes, Rutherford B., brigadier-general, was born m Delaware,
Ohio, Oct. 4, 1822. He prepared for college at an academy at Nor-
walk, Ohio, and at Isaac Webb's preparatory school in Middle-
town, Conn., and was graduated at Kenyon college, in 1S42. vale-
dictorian of his class, receiving his A.M. degree in 1875. He was
graduated at Harvard LL.B. in 1845, practised law in Lower San-
dusky, and in 1849 removed to Cincinnati, where he was city solici-
tor, 1858-61. At a mass-meeting held at Cincinnati upon receiving
the news that Fort Sumter had been fired upon, he was made chair-
man of a committee on resolutions to give vent to the feelings of
the people, and upon the president's call for volunteers he organ-
ized a company from the literary club of Cincinnati, and was elect-
ed its captain. On June 7, 1861, he was appointed by Gov. Denni-
son major of the 23d Ohio volunteers, and in July he accompanied
the regiment to the seat of war in West Virginia. He was judge-
advocate of the Department of Ohio, Sept. -Oct., 1861; was pro-
moted lieutenant-colonel Oct. 24, receiving promotion to colonel a
year later. Col. Hayes saw active service in the field in 1861-62,
distinguishing himself first in the battle of South mountain, Sept.
14, 1862, when, although severely wounded in the arm, he led a
gallant charge and held his position at the head of his men until
carried from the field. Upon recovering he took command of his
regiment in the field, and in the operations against Morgan at the
time of the latter's raid into Ohio, commanded two regiments and
a section of artillery, and aided in preventing the escape of the
Confederate general across the river, thus compelling Morgan to
surrender. He commanded a brigade in Gen. Crook's expedition to
cut the principal lines of communication between Richmond and
the southwest, in the spring of 1864, and distinguished himself at
Cloyd's mountain, May 9, 1864, by storming at the head of his bri-
gade a strongly fortified Confederate position. He was conspicu-
ous also in the first battle of Winchester and in the battle of Ber-
ryville, and in the second battle of Winchester, Sept. 19, 1864,
showed great and unusual gallantry in leading an assault upon a
battery across a morass over 50 yards wide. His horse becoming
mired in the morass, Col. Hayes dismounted, waded across on foot,
under fire of the enemy, and then, finding himself alone in front
of the battery, signalled to his men to follow. When but about 40
had crossed, the little band charged the battery and, after a hard
hand-to-hand fight, drove away the gunners. He again distinguished
himself at Fisher's hill, routing the enemy by a skillful flank move-
ment, and his action on the battle field at Cedar creek, Oct. 19,
1864, secured his commission as brigadier-general at the request
of Gen. Crook. He was brevetted major-general of volunteers,
March 13. 1865, for "gallant and distinguished services in the cam-
paign of 1864 in West Virginia, and especially at the battles of
Fisher's hill and Cedar creek, Va." Gen. Hayes was elected repre-
sentative of the 2nd district of Ohio in the 39th Congress, took his
seat Dec. 4, 1865, was re-elected to the 40th Congress, and was then
for two terms governor of Ohio. He was nominated for Congress
in 1872, declined at first, but, afterward accepting, was defeated by
126 The Union Army
1,500 votes. In 1873 he declined to permit the use of his name for
United States senator, and announced his intention of retiring to
private life. He was, however, called uptni in 1.S75, much agamst
his will, to take the Republican nomination for governor, and was
elected by over 5,000 votes, and as an advocate of sound currency
and opposed to an unlimited issue of paper money, he became a
prominent figure in national politics. When the Republican nation-
al convention met in Cincinnati, June 14, 1876, his name was pre-
sented as a candidate for president, as were those of James _ G.
Blaine, Oliver P. Morton, Benjamin F. Bristow, Roscoe Conkling
and John F. Hartranft. and on the seventh ballot, owing to cjppo-
sition to Mr. Blaine, Gen. Hayes was nominated. Samuel J. Til-
den of New York was nominated by the Democrats, and the elec-
tion was unusually close. Hayes being, however, finally declared
president after a long and bitter dispute. During his administra-
tion he favored a sound currency policy and advocated extension
of the civil service system. After his term of office had expired
he assisted in the inauguration of James A. Garfield as president,
and then retired to his home in Fremont, Ohio, where he devoted
much of his time to benevolent enterprises. He died in Fremont,
Ohio, Jan. 13. 1893.
Hays, Alexander, brigadier-general, was born in Franklin, Pa.,
July 8, 1819, and was graduated at the United States military acad-
emy in 1844. He served in the Mexican war as 2nd lieutenant in
the 8th infantry, distinguishing himself in the battle near Atlixco,
then resigned his commission, in 1848, and was an iron manufac-
turer in Venango county. Pa., 1848-50, assistant engineer on rail-
roads in 1850-54, and after that until the outbreak of the Civil war
a civil engineer in Pittsburg. When the war began he re-entered
the national service as colonel of the 63d Penn. regiment and
was given the rank of captain in the regular army to date from May
14, 1861. He served in the Peninsula with the ist brigade of
Kearny's division of Heintzelman's corps, and his service at Will-
iamsburg and in the Seven Days' battles won him promotion tn the
brevet rank of lieutenant-colonel U. S. A. He was wounded at
second Bull Run, Aug. 30, 1862, and his services there and in this
campaign won him promotion to brigadier-general of volunteers,
Sept. 29, 1862. He was wounded at Chancellorsville, while at the
head of his brigade, and at Gettysburg he commanded the 3d divi-
sion of Hancock's corps, aided in holding Cemetery ridge, and in
the latter part of the battle, when Hancock was wounded, had
temporary command of the 2nd corps. Upon the reorganization of
the army Gen. Hays was placed in command of the 2nd brigade of
Birney's 3d division of the 2nd army corps. He led his brigade
in the battle of the W^ilderness, and at the junction of the Germanna
plank road with the Brock road, during the terrible struggle which
was the feature of the first day's fighting, he was killed. May 5,
1864. He was brevetted major-general of volunteers for gallantry.
Hays, William, brigadier-general, was born in Richmond, Va.,
in 1819. He was graduated at West Point in 1840, served through-
out the Mexican war as ist lieutenant of artillery, being wounded
at Molino del Rey and brevetted captain and major. He was pro-
moted captain in 1853, served in the Seminole war, 1853-54, was
then on frontier duty, and in the Civil war commanded a brigade
of flying artillery, 1861-62. He was present at Antietam. and at
Fredericksburg, where he commanded the right division of the ar-
tillery reserve, was promoted brigadier-general of volunteers, Nov.
Biographical Sketches 127
29, 1862, and at Chancellorsville, in May. 1863, where he command-
ed the 2nd brigade, 3d division, 2nd army corps, he was wounded
and taken prisoner. On his recovery he was exchanged and pro-
moted major in the regular service, and, rejoining the army at Get-
tysburg, was appointed provost-marshal of the southern district of
New York. His commission expiring in Feb., 1865, he rejoined
his regiment at Petersburg and served with the 2nd corps, being
in command of the reserve artillery until the close of the war. He
was brevetted brigadier-general U. S. A. on March 13, 1865, for
gallant and meritorious service in the field during the war, and
was mustered out of the volunteer service Jan. 15, 1866. He subse-
quently served at various posts, and was in command of Fort In-
dependence, Boston harbor, 1873-75. He died in Boston, Mass.,
Feb. 7, 1875.
Hazen, William B., major-general, was born in West Hartford,
Vt., Sept. 27. 1830. In 1833 his parents removed to Huron, Ohio.
He was graduated at the United States military academy in 1855,
was on duty in California and Oregon until 1857, and was then on
the Texas frontier, where he distinguished himself in numerous
engagements with Indians, and was severely wounded. He served
for a time as assistant professor of infantry tactics at West Point,
was promoted ist lieutenant, April 6, 1861, and captain. May 14,
1861. In the autumn of 1861 he organized the 41st Ohio volunteers,
of which he became colonel, Oct. 29, and commanded in the de-
fenses of the Ohio frontier and in Kentucky. He was given com-
mand of a brigade, Jan. 6, 1862, was engaged at Shiloh, the siege
of Corinth, and the battle of Perryville, and his conduct was such
as to win him promotion on Nov. 29, 1862, to the rank of brigadier-
general. His brigade, by a well executed movement at Brown's
ferry, enabled the army at Chattanooga to receive supplies, and
at Missionary ridge he captured 18 pieces of field artillery. He
commanded the 2nd division of the I5tli army corps in the Atlanta
campaign and in Sherman's march to the sea, and for his action in
attacking and capturing Fort McAllister, Dec. 13, 1864, he was pro-
moted major-general of volunteers the same day. He was present
at Johnston's surrender, and was given command of the 15th army
corps, May 19, 1865, commanding it until it was disbanded, Aug. i
of that year. He was brevetted in the regular army lieutenant-
colonel and colonel, Sept. i, 1864, brigadier- and major-general March
13, 1865. He was mustered out of the volunteer service in 1866,
promoted colonel of the 38th infantry, and was transferred to the
6th infantry in 1869. He was in Paris, France, during the Franco-
Prussian war, was U. S. military attache at Vienna during the
Russo-Turkish war, and in the interval between these European
visits was stationed at Fort Buford, where he made revelations of
the practices of post traders which resulted in implicating Secre-
tary of War Belknap. He succeeded Gen. Meyer as chief signal-
officer in 1880, with the rank of brigadier-general, and during his
service in this capacity introduced the cold wave signal and inau-
gurated many reforms which greatly increased the efficiency of the
service. For his conduct in regard to the Arctic exploring expedi-
tion of Lieut. Greely, and for severely censuring Secretary Lin-
coln for not sending out a relief expedition. Gen. Hazen was tried
by court-martial and reprimanded. He died in Washington, D C
Jan. 16, 1887.
Heckman, Charles A., brigadier-general, was born in Easton,
Pa., Dec. 3, 1822, and was graduated at Minerva seminary in his
138 The Union Army
native town in 1837. He served in the Mexican war as sergeant
in the ist U. S. voltigeurs, and at the beginning of the Civil war,
on April 20, 1861, was commissioned captain in the ist Penn. regi-
ment. He became major of the 9th N. J. volunteers, Oct. 3, 1861.
lieutenant-colonel Dec. 3. colonel Feb. 10, 1862, and on Nov. 29,
1862, was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers. He served
in Burnside's expedition to North Carolina and afterward in the
army of the James, was wounded at New Berne and again at
Young's cross-roads, N. C, and at Port Walthall, Va., and com-
manded the defenses of Norfolk and Portsmouth in the winter of
1863-64. He was captured at Drewry's bluff, Va., May 16, 1864,
after his brigade had five times repelled a superior force of Con-
federates, and was taken first to Libby prison and afterward to
Macon, Ga., and Charleston, S. C, where he was one of the fifty-
one officers that were placed under fire of the national guns. Being
exchanged on Aug. 25, he commanded the i8th army corps at the
capture of Fort Harrison or Chaffin's farm, and was in command
of the 25th corps in Jan. and Feb., 1865. Resigning at the close
of the war. May 25, 1865, he retired to civil life and became mem-
ber of the board of education in Phillipsburg, N. J. Gen. Heck-
man died Jan. 14, 1896.
Heintzelman, Samuel P., major-general, was born in Manheim,
Pa.. Sept. 30, 1805. He was graduated at West Point in 1826,
served as lieutenant of infantry in the west and in Florida until
1847 when he was promoted captain, and also served in the Mexi-
can war, being brevetted major for gallantry at Huamantla. He
was then in California until 1855, engaged against Indians and in
establishing Fort Yuma, operated against Mexican marauders on
the Rio Grande, 1859-60, was brevetted lieutenant-colonel in May,
1861, for meritorious services against Indians in California, and
was ordered to Washington. In the same month he was commis-
sioned colonel of the 17th U. S. infantry and made brigadier-gen-
eral of volunteers and inspector-general of troops at Washington. He
commanded the forces that captured Alexandria, Va., May 24, 1861, and
distinguished himself at Bull Run, where he commanded the 3d divi-
sion of McDowell's army, being wounded in that engagement. He com-
manded the 3d corps in the Army of the Potomac in March, 1862, be-
fore Yorktown, at Malvern hill, Beaver Dam, Oak Grove, Savage Sta-
tion, and Frazer's farm, and also in the Peninsular campaign. He
won promotion to major-general of volunteers for his action in
the battle of Williamsburg, May 5, 1862, and at Fair Oaks or
Seven Pines, Va., he distinguished himself in both the first and
second days' fighting, for which he was brevetted brigadier-gen-
eral in the regular army. He led the 3d corps in the seven days'
fighting about Richmond, subsequently joined Pope in his Vir-
ginia campaign, and at the second battle of Bull Run his corps
formed the right wing of Pope's army. He was in command of
the defenses of Washington during the Marjiand campaign, and
later he was appointed to the command of the department of
Washington and the 23d corps, which appointment he held during
the battles of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. He was relieved
of his command in Oct., 1863, and from Jan. to Oct., 1864, he com-
manded the northern department, including the states of Ohio, In-
diana, Illinois and Michigan, serving after that on court-martial
duty. He was brevetted major-general U. S. A. March 13, 1865,
was mustered out of the volunteer service in August of that year,
and in September resumed command of his regiment, being sta-
Brig.-Gen. Herman Haupt
Brig.-Gen. I. N. Haynie
Brig.-Gen. Alex. FIays
Brig.-Gen. C. A. Heckman
Brig.-Gen. J. P. Hawkins
Brig.-Gen. Joseph Hayes
Brig.-Gen. Wm. Hays
INIaj.-Gcn. S. I'. Heixtzel-
MAX
Ilrig.-Gen. J. R. Hawley
Brig.-Gcn. R. R. Hayes
Waj.-Gen. \V. B. Hazen
i\raj.-Gen. K. J. IIerron
Biographical Sketches 129
tioned first in New York harbor and subsequently in Texas. He
was retired with the rank of colonel, Feb. 22, 1869. and on April
29, 1869, was by special act of Congress placed on the retired list
with the full rank of major-general to date from his retirement.
He died in Washington, D. C., May i, 1880.
Herron, Freincis J., major-general, was born in Pittsburg, Pa.,
Feb. 17, 1837, was educated at the Western University of Pennsyl-
vania and moved west, becoming a merchant in Dubuque, la.,
where he organized and became captain of the "Governor's Greys"
in 1861. He entered the volunteer service in April, 1861, as captain
in the ist Iowa regiment, and commanded his company at Dug
springs, Ozark and Wilson's creek, and in Sept., 1861, was made
lieutenant-colonel of the 9th Iowa regiment, which he command-
ed in the campaign of Gen. S. R. Curtis in 1862, in Missouri, Ar-
kansas and the Indian territory. For gallantry at Pea ridge, wliere
he was wounded and taken prisoner, he was promoted brigadier-
general, July 16, 1862, and he commanded the army of the fron-
tier in its forced march of 114 miles in three days to relieve Gen.
James G. Blunt at Prairie Grove, fighting in the battle of Dec. 7
and winning by this action promotion to major-general of volun-
teers. Subsequently Gen. Herron captured Van Buren, Ark., was
in command of the left wing of the investing forces at Vicks-
burg and of the combined forces of army and navy that invested
and captured Yazoo City, and was with Capt. John G. Walker
on board the U. S. gunboat "De Kalb" when that vessel was blown
up by a torpedo. He was then in command of the 13th army
corps on the Texas coast, where, with headquarters at Brownsville,
he prevented the smuggling of cotton into Mexico across the Rio
Grande, and as confidential agent of the state department aided
President Juarez in preventing French troops establishing posts
on the frontier. Being transferred to Baton Rouge, La., in March,
1865, as commander of the northern division of the state, he co-
operated with Gen. Canby in his operations against Mobile, and
subsequently against Gen. Richard Taylor, and in May, 1865, he
negotiated and received the formal surrender of the Trans-Mis-
sissippi army including all the forces west of the Mississippi river.
He was appointed in July, 1865, a commissioner to negotiate treaties
with the Indian tribes, which commission, as well as that of major-
general of volunteers, he resigned in August. He then practised
law in New Orleans, was United States marshal of the district
of Louisiana from 1867-69, secretary of state of Louisiana in 1872-
"JZ^ and then took up his residence in New York, where he prac-
tised his profession and became a prominent member of the G. A. R.
and the Loyal Legion. Gen. Herron died Jan. 8, 1902.
Hicks, "Thomas H., brigadier-general, was born in Dorchester
county, Md., in 1789, frequently served in the legislature of that
state; was governor from 1858 to 1862: was commissioned briga-
dier-general of volunteers on July 22, 1862, but declined; and was
elected a senator in Congress upon the death of James A. Pearce,
taking his seat during the third session of the 37th Congress, and
was re-elected for the term ending in 1867. serving on the Com-
mittee upon Naval Aflfairs, and that on Claims. His firmness and
adroit management were among the most efficient -means of saving
Maryland to the Union, when the secession mania began to sweep
over the South. He refused to call a special meeting of the legis-
lature to consider an ordinance of secession, and by this most ju-
dicious act saved his state from the headlong measures that in the
Vol. VIII— 9
130 The Union Army
heat of the moment would probably have been taken. This gave
time for second thought and the Union element rallied. When the
attack on the 6th Mass. infantrj^ was made in Baltimore, Gov.
Hicks issued a proclamation declaring that all his authority would
be exercised in favor of the government. Before the legislature
assembled Baltimore was strongly garrisoned and the state saved.
In his public career he ever proved himself strong and steadfast
against political pressure. He died suddenly of paralysis at Wash-
ington on Feb. 13, 1865.
Hinks, Edward W., brigadier-general, was born in Bucksport,
Me., May 30, 1830. He was educated in the schools of his native
village, moved to Bangor in 1845, was printer on the Bangor "Whig
and Courier" until 1849, when he moved to Boston, and in 1855 he
was a member of the Massachusetts legislature. He was among
the first to volunteer his services to help defend Fort Moultrie,
became lieutenant-colonel of the 8th Mass. regiment in April, and
while on the march to Washington commanded a party that as-
sisted in saving the frigate "Constitution" at Annapolis. He was
for this service commissioned 2nd lieutenant in the regular service,
April 26, 1861, and he was subsequently promoted colonel of the
19th Mass. volunteers. May 16, 1861. commanding a brigade in
Sedgwick's division of the Army of the Potomac, Sept., 1861, to
Sept., 1862, and taking part in all the engagements from Ball's bluff
to Antietam, when he was disabled from wounds and forced to re-
tire from active service. He was promoted brigadier-general of
volunteers, Nov. 29, 1862, was on court-martial duty, 1863-64, com-
manded the camp of prisoners of war at Camp Lookout, Md., in
March and April. 1864, and then joined the Army of the James,
commanding a division of colored troops in the field operations
of that year, and distinguishing himself in the preliminary engage-
ments and the assault at Petersburg. He commanded the draft
rendezvous on Hart's island, N. Y., from Oct., 1864, to Jan., 1865,
and was then until the close of the war chief mustering officer for
the United States in New York city. He was brevetted major-gen-
eral of volunteers, March 13, 1865, was made lieutenant-colonel of
the 40th U. S. infantry, July 28. 1866, commanded the National
soldiers' home, and was afterwards deputy-governor of the soldiers'
homes at Hampton, Va., and IMilwaukee, Wis. Gen. Hinks died in
Cambridge, Mass.. Feb. 14, 1894.
Hitchcock, Ethan A., major-general, was born in Vergennes, Vt.,
May 18, 1798. He was graduated at West Point in 1817 and saw
continuous service in the United States army until 1855. when he
resigned on account of personal differences with Jef¥erson Davis,
then secretary of war. He served during this period on frontier
duty, as instructor and later commandant at West Point, in the
Seminole war and in the Mexican war, where he won the brevets
of colonel and brigadier-general for gallantry. At the beginning
of the Civil war he re-entered the army, was made major-general
of volunteers and stationed at Washington, where he served on the
commission for the exchange of prisoners and on that for the re-
vision of the military code. He was a warm personal friend and
the military adviser of President Lincoln. After the war he served
on the Pacific coast, but resigned in 1867 on account of ill health
and died in Sparta, Ga., Aug. 5, 1870.
Hobson, Edward H., brigadier-general, was born in Greensburg,
Ky., July II, 1825. He served in the Mexican war as lieutenant in
the 2nd Ky. volunteers, distinguishing himself at Bucna Vista, and
Biographical Sketches 131
at the outbreak of the Civil war recruited the 13th Ky. volunteers,
drilling them at Camp Hobson and receiving his commission as
colonel Jan. i. 1862. He joined Buell's army in Feb., 1862, and
distinguished himself at Shiloh, where he was wounded. He was
made a brigadier-general, but did not receive his commission until
he had still further distinguished himself at the siege of Corinth
and at Perryville, where he commanded a brigade. The condi-
tion of his troops after this latter battle relieved the regiment from
active service, and he was ordered to Munfordville, Ky., where he
had charge of the drilling of 10,000 recruits. Then, as commander
of the Southern district of Kentucky, he was chief commander of
the force engaged in the pursuit of Morgan, whom he followed
through Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio. He was made commander
of Burnside's cavalry corps but was prevented by ill health from
serving, and established himself at Lexington, Ky., where he en-
gaged in repelling raids. He was mustered out of the army in
Aug., 1865, and having been a banker before the war, resumed tins
business, became interested also in railroads and was elected presi-
dent of the southern division of the Cumberland & Ohio railway.
He was delegate to and vice-president of the Republican national
convention in 1880. supporting President Grant for the third nom-
ination. Gen. Hobson died Sept. 14, 1901.
Holt, Joseph, brigadier-general, was born in Breckenridge county,
Ky., Jan. 6, 1807, was educated at St. Joseph's college, Bardstown
and at Centre college, Danville, and in 1828 began to practice law
in Elizabethtown, Ky. He was then for many years an attorney of
national reputation. He supported the candidacy of Franklin
Pierce for the presidency in 1852. that of James Buchanan in 1856,
and that of Stephen A. Douglas in i860. He was Commissioner of
Patents in Washington, 1857-59, Postmaster-General 1859-60, and
Secretary of War, 1860-61. He supported the administration when
Lincoln succeeded to the presidency, actively co-operated with
Gen. Scott in providing against hostile demonstrations at the in-
auguration, and in a report which was afterwards published de-
scribed the plot which had been formed to seize the capital. In
the latter part of 1861 he was one of a commission appointed to in-
vestigate the military claims against the Department of the West,
and on Sept. 3, 1862, he was appointed by President Lincoln judge-
advocate-general with the rank of colonel. On the establishment
of the bureau of military justice in 1864 he was put at its head with
the same title but with the rank of brigadier-general, and on March
13, 1865, he was brevetted major-general for "faithful, meritorious
and distinguished services in the bureau of military justice during
the war." He conducted the trial of Fitz-John Porter, who was
charged with disobedience of orders, and also of the trials of the
accomplices in the assassination of President Lincoln. He was
retired at his own request m 1875, being over sixty-two years old,
and he died in Washington, D. C, Aug. i, 1894.
Hooker, Joseph, major-general, was born at Hadley, Mass., in
1815, graduated in the military academy at West Point in 1837, and
served in the Mexican war. rising to the rank of captain of artil-
lery, and the brevet of lieutenant-colonel in the staff. From 1859
to 1861 he was a colonel in the California militia. -When the Civil
war broke out in 1861, he was made brigadier-general of volunteers
and put in command of the defenses of Washington, Aug. 12, 1861;
but his commission was dated back to ]\Iay 17. When Gen. Mc-
Clellan moved to the Peninsula Gen. Hooker's brigade was added
133 The Union Army
to the command, and for gallant service at Williamsburg he was
promoted to be major-general of volunteers, May 5, 1862. During
Gen. Pope's operations before Washington Gen. Hooker was very
active, and at Antietam, Sept. 17, was wounded, and was soon after
promoted to the rank of brigadier-general of the regular army. At
the disastrous repulse of Burnside at Fredericksburg in December,
he commanded the center of the army. In Jan., 1863, he was ap-
pointed to the command of the Army of the Potomac, and on May
2-4 fought and lost the battle of Chancellorsville. He resigned
his command on June 28, and remained in Baltimore waiting or-
ders till Sept. 24, when he was put in command of the 20th army
corps and sent to Chattanooga, Tenn. He distinguished himself
at Lookout valley, Lookout mountain. Missionary ridge, and Ring-
gold, Oct 27 to Nov. 27; was actively engaged in the march to
Atlanta; again relieved of command, July 30, 1864; in command
successively of the Northern, Eastern, and Lake departments, and
of the retiring board till Sept. i, 1866. He was brevetted major-
general of the United States army in March, 1865. and in conse-
quence of disability put upon the retired list, with the full rank
of major-general, in 1868. He died at Garden City, L. L, Oct. 31,
1879.
Hovey, Alvin P., brigadier-general, was born in Posey county,
Ind., Sept. 6, 1821. He was educated in the Mount Vernon com-
mon schools, studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1843, prac-
tising subsequently with great success. He was a delegate to the
state constitutional convention in 1850, judge of the third judicial
circuit, 1851-54. judge of the state supreme court, 1854-56; president
of the state Democratic convention, in 1855, U. S. district attorney
for Indiana, 1855-58. and in 1858 an unsuccessful candidate for
Congress. He entered the service of the United States in 1861 as
colonel of the 24th Ind. volunteers and was promoted brigadier-
general of volunteers, April 28, 1862. He commanded the eastern
district of Arkansas in 1863 and the district of Indiana in 1864-65.
Gen. Grant accredited him in his official report with the honor of
the key-battle of the Vicksburg campaign, that of Champion's hill.
Gen. Hovey resigned Oct. 7, 1865. and was, from 1865-70, by ap-
pointment of President Lincoln, U. S. minister to Peru. He was
a Republican representative in the soth Congress, 1887-89 ; governor
of Indiana, 1889-91, and Republican candidate for the United States
senate in Jan., 1891. He died in Indianapolis, Ind.. Nov. 23, 1891.
Hovey, Charles E., brigadier-general, was born in Thetford, Vt.,
April 26, 1827. He was educated at Dartmouth college, where he
was graduated in 1852; was principal of the high school in Farm-
ingham, Mass., 1852-54; of the boys' high school, Peoria, 111., 1854-
56; superintendent of public schools of Peoria, 1856-57; president
of the state teachers' association. 1856; organizer and first president
of the Illinois state normal university, 1857-61. He entered the
national service in Aug.. 1861, as colonel of the 33d 111. regiment,
which was composed principally of young men from the state col-
leges, and on Sept. 5, 1862, he was promoted brigadier-general. He
was forced by ill health to resign from the army in the spring of
1863, and on March 13, 1865, was given the brevet rank of major-
general of volunteers "for gallant and meritorious conduct in bat-
tle, particularly at Arkansas Post, Jan. 11, 1863." After the war
Gen. Hovey practised law in Washington. He died in Washington,
D. C, Nov. 17, 1897.
Howard, Oliver O., major-general, was born at Leeds. Kenne-
Biographical Sketches 133
bee count3^ Me., Nov. 8, 1830. Having finished preparation at
Monmouth and Yarmouth, at the age of sixteen he entered Bow-
doin college, in which he was graduated in 1850, with a fair stand-
ing. An opportunity was then afforded him to enter the United
States military academy, and he became a cadet in that institution,
graduating in 1854. He stood fourth in his class, and by his own
request was assigned to the ordnance department with the brevet
rank of second lieutenant. His first service was at Watervliet, N. Y.,
and Kennebec arsenal, Me., and he next served in Florida, being
chief ordnance officer during Gen. Harney's campaign against the
Indians. The following year he was promoted first lieutenant, and
was assigned to duty as acting professor of mathematics at West
Point, which position he continued to hold until the breaking out
of the Civil war. In 1861 Lieut. Howard volunteered his services
to the governor of his native state, and was finally, by a regimen-
tal election, made colonel of the 3d regiment, Me. volunteers. His
commission bore the date of May 28, and by June i he was on
his way to the national capital with a full regiment. Col. How-
ard commanded the 3d brigade of the 3d division during the bat-
tle of Bull Run, July 21, and for his conduct during this cam-
paign was created brigadier-general of volunteers on Sept. 3. He
bore a prominent part in the movement toward the Rappahannock
in the spring of 1862, and was then transferred to the Peninsula,
where he participated in the advance against Richmond. He was
twice wounded in the right arm at the battle of Fair Oaks on May
31, while leading his brigade in a charge against the enemy, and he
lost that arm by amputation. In two months and twenty days af-
ter Fair Oaks Gen. Howard returned to his corps, and was in the
Pope campaign in Virginia, participating in the second battle of
Bull Run, and during the retreat from Centerville to Washington,
he commanded the rear guard of the army, which was under hre
almost continuously. In the Maryland campaign he commanded
a brigade until Antietam, where Gen. Sedgwick was wounded,
when he took charge of that general's division, which he also com-
manded at Fredericksburg. In November he was promoted to the
rank of major-general of volunteers, and in the following spring
he succeeded Gen. Sigel as commander of the nth army corps,
which he led during the sanguinary battles at Chancellorsville and
Gettysburg. In Oct., 1863, Gen. Howard's corps was engaged in
the fighting in Lookout valley, and he received Gen. Thomas' com-
mendation in further orders the following month, when he fought
under Grant in the battle of Chattanooga, gaining distinction. Dur-
ing Sherman's Atlanta campaign in the spring of 1864, Gen. How-
ard was in command of the new 4th corps, which formed a part of
the army of the Cumberland, seeing severest service for 100 days.
When Gen. McPherson fell before Atlanta, Gen. Howard succeed-
ed him as commander of the Army and Department of the Tennes-
see, and throughout the whole of the grand march through Geor-
gia his corps formed the right of Sherman's army. For his part
in this campaign he was appointed brigadier-general in the regu-
lar army. He commanded the same wing during the movement
through the Carolinas, and assisted in the operations by virtue of
which Johnston's army was forced to surrender in 1865. For this
portion of the campaign Gen. Howard was brevetted major-gen-
eral of the regular army. On May 12, 1865, he was assigned to
duty in the war department in the bureau of refugees, freedmen,
and abandoned lands, in which position he remained until July,
134 The Union Army
1874, when he was assigned to the command of the Department
of the Columbia. In 1877 he commanded a successful expedition
against the Nez Perces Indians, his infantry marching over 1,400
miles, and the following year another, nearly as extended, against
the Bannocks and Piutes. In 1881-82 Gen. Howard was superin-
tendent of the United States military academy, and from 1882-86
he commanded the Department of the Platte at Omaha, Neb. In
1886 he was commissioned major-general and placed in command
of the division of the Pacific; and after the death of Gen. Sheri-
dan, and the assignment of Maj.-Gen. Schofield to command the
U. S. army, Gen. Howard was appointed to the command of the
division of the Atlantic, with headquarters at Governor's island
in the harbor of New York. He was placed upon the retired list,
Nov. 8, 1894.
Howe, Albion P., brigadier-general, was born in Standish, Me.,
March 13, 1818. He was graduated at West Point in 1841 and en-
tered the 4th artillery, was teacher of mathematics at the military
academy from 1843 to 1846, and then served in the Mexican war,
winning the brevet of captain for gallant and meritorious conduct
in the battles of Contreras and Churubusco. He became captain in
1855 and subsequently received promotions to the rank of briga-
dier-general U. S. A., which he received in 1882, the year in which
he was retired. He was chief of artillery in AlcClellan's army in
western Virginia in 1861 and commanded a brigade of light artil-
lery in the Army of the Potomac in the Peninsular campaign of
1862. He became brigadier-general of volunteers, June 11, 1862,
commanding at first a brigade in Couch's division, 4th army corps,
and took part in the battles of Malvern hill, Manassas, South
mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Gettysburg, and from 1864-
66 commanded the artillery depot, Washington, D. C. He was
given the brevet ranks of brigadier-general and major-general U. S. A.,
March 13, 1865, having previously been awarded the intervening
brevets and on July 13, 1865, was brevetted major-general of vol-
unteers. After the war he served in the bureau of refugees, freed-
men and abandoned lands, and subsequently in command of various
posts until retired. He died in Cambridge, Mass., Jan. 25, 1897.
Howell, Joshua B., brigadier-general, was a native of Somerset
county, Pa. He was commissioned colonel of the 85th Penn. regi-
ment, Nov. 12, 1861, and joined McClellan on the Peninsula. He
participated with his regiment in the operations which drove the
enemy in upon their capital, engaged in the battle of Fair Oaks,
where the regiment lost heavily in killed and wounded, and, after
the evacuation of the Peninsula, made a short excursion into the
interior of North Carolina, being transferred then to the Depart-
ment of the South, where Col. Howell was given command of a
brigade, which he continued to command during most of the re-
mainder of his service. He was employed in the operations for
the reduction of Charleston, taking part in the siege of Fort Wagner,
and in April, 1864, was ordered with his command to Virginia.
Here, on May 20, he distinguished himself by leading his brigade
in a daring charge on the enemy's works, and subsequently he
participated in the vigorous operations of the lOth corps on the
north side of the James, leading his brigade until early in Septem-
ber, when he was given command of a division of colored troops.
On the I2th of the month he received injuries from a fall of his
horse which proved fatal, and he was given his commission as
brigadier-general of volunteers to date from that day. He died
Sept. 14, 1864.
Biographical Sketches 135
Humphreys, Andrew A., major-general, was born in Philadel-
phia, Pa., Nov. 2. 1810, and was graduated at the United States
military academy in 1831. From the time of his graduation until
the outbreak of the Civil war, with the exception of two years,
1836-38, when he was employed by the U. S. government as a civil
engineer, he was constantly on duty, most of the time in the engi-
neer department, engaging in topographical and hydrographical
surveys of the delta of the Mississippi river, and on other impor-
tant engineering works, and on Aug. 6, 1861, was promoted major,
corps of topographical engineers. He was chief topographical en-
gineer under Gen. G. B. AlcClellan at Washington, Dec, 1861, to
March, 1862, and in the Army of the Potomac, being engaged in the
defenses of Washington, the siege of Yorktown, the battles of
Williamsburg, and the movements and operations before Richmond.
He was made brigadier-general of volunteers, April 28, 1862, and
in September of that year assumed command of a division of new
troops in the 5th corps of the Army of the Potomac, which divi-
sion he led in the Maryland campaign. He engaged in the battles
of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, at the latter commanding
the extreme left of the armj^; was then transferred to the command
of the 2nd division of the 3d corps, which he commanded at Gettys-
burg under Gen. Daniel E. Sickles, and he was promoted major-
general of volunteers, July 8, 1863. From that time until Nov.,
1864, he served as chief-of-staf¥ to Gen. Meade, and was then giv-
en command of the 2nd corps, which he commanded in the siege
of Petersburg, the actions of Hatcher's run, and the subsequent
operations ending in the surrender of Lee's army. Having previ-
ously been promoted lieutenant-colonel of engineers and brevetted
colonel, U. S. A., for gallantry at Fredericksburg, Gen. Humph-
reys was awarded, on March 13, 1865, the brevet of brigadier-gen-
eral, U. S. A., for gallant and meritorious service at the battle of
Gettysburg, and that of major-general, U. S. A., for similar serv-
ice at Sailor's creek. He was mustered out of the volunteer serv-
ice, Sept. I, 1866, having served after the march to Washington
following Lee's surrender, in command of the District of Penn-
sylvania and subsequently in charge of the Mississippi levees. He
was made brigadier-general and chief of engineers, Aug. 8, 1866,
the highest scientific appointment in the United States army, with
charge of the engineer bureau in Washington. This ofifice he held
until June 30, 1879, when he was retired at his own request, serv-
ing during this period on lighthouse and other important boards.
During his military career he served in seventy engagements, cov-
ering Indian warfare and the Civil war. He was a member of va-
rious scientific societies and author of several works on scientific
and historical subjects. Gen. Humphreys died in Washington,
D. C, Dec. 27. 1883.
Hunt, Henry J., brigadier-general, was born in Detroit, Mich.,
Sept. 14, 1819. He was graduated at the United States military
academy in 1839, served in the Canada border disturbances of
that year, and afterwards until the Mexican war was stationed at
forts and on recruiting duty, being promoted ist lieutenant in 1846.
He was brevetted captain for gallantry at Contreras and Churu-
busco, and major for services at Chapultepec, wa's engaged also at
Vera Cruz, Cerro Gordo, San Antonio, Molino del Rey, where he
was twice wounded, and in the assault and capture of- the City of
Mexico. He was promoted captain in 1852, was placed in com-
mand of Harper's Ferry, Jan. 3, 1861, was promoted major. May
136 The Union Army
14, 1861, and in the battle of Bull Run, July 21, 1861, commanded
the artillery on the extreme left. After being in charge of the de-
fenses of Washington, July to Sept., 1861, he was placed on the
staff of Gen. McClellan, Sept. 28, with the rank of colonel, and he
organized the artillery reserve of the Army of the Potomac, which
he commanded at Gaines' mill. July 2-7, 1861, and rendered conspic-
uous service in covering the retreat of McClellan's army to Malvern
hill, at the battle of that place, July i, 1862, distinguishing himself
and having two horses shot under him. He was promoted briga-
dier-general of volunteers in Sept., 1862, and as chief of artillery
of the Army of the Potomac was present at Fredericksburg, where
he commanded the artillery, posting 147 guns on Stafford heights,
Nov. 21, 1862, and he also commanded the artillery in the Chan-
cellorsville campaign. For his services at Gettysburg, where he
was chief of artillery of the Army of the Potomac, he was brevetted
colonel U. S. A., and he was given the brevet of major-general of
volunteers, July 6, 1864. "for faithful and highly meritorious serv-
ices" in the campaign from the Rapidan to Petersburg. For serv-
ices in the campaign ending with Lee's surrender he was brevetted
brigadier-general U. S. A., and for services in the war, major-
general U. S. A., the last two brevets dating from March 13, 1865.
He was made colonel of the 5th U. S. artillery, April 4, 1869; was
retired from active service, Sept. 14, 1883, and commanded the Sol-
diers' Home, Washington, until 1889. Gen. Hunt died in Washing-
ton, D. C., Feb. II, 1889.
Hunt, Lewis C, brigadier-general, was born in Fort Howard,
Green Bay. Wis., Feb. 23, 1824, and was graduated at the U. S.
military academy at West Point in 1847. He was assigned to the
infantry, served on the Pacific coast and commanded the U. S. de-
tachment in the joint occupation of San Juan island in 1859, hav-
ing been promoted captain in 1855. He was ordered to Washington
on the outbreak of the Civil war, took part in the Peninsular cam-
paign of 1862, was made colonel of the 92nd N. Y. volunteers,
May 21, 1862, and was severely wounded at Fair Oaks. He re-
ceived promotion to the rank of brigadier-general of volunteers,
Nov. 29, 1862, and served during the winter of 1862-63 in North
Carolina, receiving the brevet of colonel for gallantry at Kinston.
He was made major of the 14th infantry, June 8. 1863, was in charge
of the draft rendezvous at New Haven, Conn., 1863-64, was then
on special duty in Missouri and Kansas, and after that commanded
the defenses of New York harbor, 1864-66. He was brevetted
brigadier-general U. S. A. for his services in the war, March 13,
1865, and afterwards served in command of various posts, becom-
ing lieutenant-colonel in 1868 and colonel of the 14th infantry. May
19, 1881. He died at Fort Union, N. M., Sept. 6, 1886.
Hunter, David, major-general, was born in Washington, D. C,
July 21, 1802, was graduated at West Point in 1822, and after be-
coming captain in the ist dragoons in 1833, resigned his commis-
sion in 1836 to go into business in Chicago. He rejoined the
army as paymaster with the rank of major in 1842 and was chief
paymaster of Gen. John E. Wool's command in the Mexican war,
serving after that at New Orleans and at other posts, including
those on the frontier. He was assigned, in Feb., 1861, to accom-
pany President-elect Lincoln from his home in Springfield, III.,
to Washington, but at Buffalo his collar-bone was dislocated by
the pressure of the crowd that gathered to see Lincoln, and he
did not arrive at Washington until May 14. He was then ap-
-^
■j-ikX **'
%1ps.
Brig. -Gen. E. W. HiNKS ?»laj.-r.eii. E. A. Urn u Ki i^;. ('.cn. i;. H. T1.ihs..n
Erig.-Gen. Joseph Holt ccck Jtrig.(,cii. A. 1'. Hovey
Brig.-Gen. C. R. IIovey Maj.-Gen. Joseph Hooker Brig.-Gen. A. P. Howe
Brig.-Gen. J. B. Howell Maj.-Gen. O. O. Howard lirig.-Gen. H. J. Hunt
Maj.-Gen. A. A. Humph-
reys
Biographical Sketches 137
pointed colonel of the 6th U. S. cavalry, and three days later was
given a commission as brigadier-general of volunteers. He com-
manded the main column of McDowell's army in the Manassas
campaign, was severely wounded at Bull Run, July 21, 1861, and
on Aug. I, 1861, was made major-general of volunteers, serving
under Gen. Fremont i-n Missouri, and on Nov. 2 succeeding "him in
the command of the western department. He commanded the De-
partment of Kansas from Nov., 1861, until March, 1862, and by
his prompt reinforcement of Grant at Fort Donclson, at the so-
licitation of Gen. Halleck, made possible the victory of Feb. 16,
1862. In March, 1862, Gen. Hunter was transferred to the Depart-
ment of the South, with headquarters at Port Royal, S. C.. and
his first effective movement was the capture of Fort Pulaski, April
II, 1862. Finding there a large number of able-bodied, idle ne-
groes, willing to enlist in the United States service, Gen. Hunter
on April 12 issued an order declaring that slavery and martial law
were incompatible, further declaring free all slaves in Fort Pu-
laski and on Cockburn island, Ga., and on May 9, he extended the
declaration to slaves in Georgia, Florida and South Carolina. On
May 19, President Lincoln issued a proclamation which declared
Gen. Hunter's order entirely void and given without authority.
On June 16, 1862, an expedition against Charleston by way of
James island resulted in the disastrous battle of Secessionville —
an attack which, according to Gen. Hunter's report, was made
contrary to his orders. Gen. Hunter organized the ist S. C. vol-
unteers, a regiment composed of refugee slaves which was the first
of the kind to be mustered into the U. S. volunteer service. In
September he was ordered to Washington and was made president
of a court of inquiry to investigate the causes for the surrender
of Harper's Ferry and other matters, and he subsequently served
as president of the court-martial instituted by Gen. Pope to try
Gen. Fitz-John Porter for disobedience to orders. He was placed
in command of the Department of West Virginia in May, 1864,
defeated a Confederate force at Piedmont on June 5, moved on
Lynchburg on the 8th by way of Lexington, where he burned the
place, and on the i6th of June invested Lynchburg, falling back
then by way of the Kanawha river, thus bringing his army to the
Ohio river and leaving the valley for several weeks open to the
mercy of Early. Gen. Hunter was then on leave of absence until
Feb. I, 1865, after which he served on courts-martial, being presi-
dent of the commission that tried the persons who were charged
with conspiring for the assassination of President Lincoln. He
was brevetted major-general U. S. A.. March 13, 1865, and was.
mustered out of the volunteer service in Jan., 1866. He was retired
the following July and died in Washington, D. C, Feb. 2. 1886.
Hurlbut, Stephen A., rnajor-general, was born in Charleston, S. C,
Nov. 29, 1815. He studied law and practised in Charleston until
1845, serving as adjutant in a South Carolina regiment during the
Seminole war in Florida, and then moved to Illinois, and prac-
tised law in Belvidere. He was a member of the Illinois consti-
tutional convention of 1847, a Taylor and Fillmore elector in 1848
and a member of the legislature. 1859-61. He ejntered the Fed-
eral army at the beginning of the Civil war, being appointed bri-
gadier-general of volunteers. May 17. 1861. was stationed at various
posts in Missouri. 1861-62, and after the evacuation of Fort Don-
elson by the Confederates, in Feb., 1862. was made commander
of the fort. When Grant's army moved up the Tennessee river
138 The Union Army
he commanded the 4tli division, and arrivii;^ at Pittsburg landing
a week in advance of reinforcements, he held the place alone. He
took part in the battle of Shiloh, April 6-7, 1862, was promoted for
his services major-general of volunteers, Sept. 17. 1862, and after
the battle of Corinth pursued the retreating Confederates and en-
gaged them in battle at Hatchie bridge, Oct. 6. He vi^as engaged in
the Vicksburg campaign from Nov., 1862, and after the reorgan-
ization of the forces under Gen. Grant, Dec. 18, 1862, was com-
mander of the i8th army corps. He commanded Memphis in Sept.,
1863, led a corps under Sherman in the expedition to JNIeridian in Feb.,
1864, and in May, 1864. succeeded Gen. Banks as commander of the
Department of the Gulf, continuing in command until mustered out of
the service at the close of the war. Gen. Hurlbut was a pioneer mover
in the formation of the order of the Grand Army of the Republic arid
was its first commander-in-chief. 1866-68. He was a representative in
the state legislature in 1867, Republican elector-at-large from Illinois
in 1868, and from 1868-73 was U. S. minister to Columbia, S. A., under
appointment by President Grant. He then served in Congress until
1877, and was in 1881 appointed by President Garfield minister to Peru.
He died in Lima, Peru, March 27. 1882.
Ingalls, Rufus, brigadier-general, was born in Denmark, Me.,
Aug. 23, 1818. He was graduated at West Point in 1843, joined the
riflemen but was transferred to the ist dragoons in 1845, and during
the Mexican war fought in the battles of Embudo and Taos. He
was promoted ist lieutenant in 1847 and assistant quartermaster
with the rank of captain in 1848, and then served in California and
Oregon until the outbreak of the Civil war, when he was ordered
east and sent with a detachment to reinforce Fort Pickens, Pen-
sacola harbor. He joined the Army of the Potomac in July. 1861,
and in September of that year was assigned to the staflf of Gen.
McClellan with the rank of lieutenant-colonel. He was appointed
major in the quartermaster's department, Jan. 12, 1862, and was
then chief quartermaster of the Army of the Potomac until 1865.
He was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers. May 2^, 1863,
and colonel and assistant quartermaster-general July 29, 1866. He
was present at the battles of South mountain, Antietam, Freder-
icksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and the subsequent battles
till the surrender of Lee, and at the surrender of the latter at Ap-
pomattox. He was brevetted, on March 13. 1865, lieutenant-colonel,
colonel, brigadier-general and major-general in the regular army,
and major-general of volunteers, for faithful and meritorious serv-
ices. After the war he was on duty in Washington, D. C, as chief
quartermaster in New York, and subsequently at Chicago and
Washington, and on Feb. 23, 1882, was promoted brigadier-general
and quartermaster-general of the army. He was retired at his own
request. July i, 1883, and died in New York city, Jan. 15, 1893.
Jackson, Conrad P., brigadier-general, was born in Pennsylvania,
Sept. II, 1813. He was an employee of the Philadelphia & Reading
railroad from its beginning until 1861, when he resigned to become
colonel of the 9th Penn. reserves. He commanded the regiment in
the protection of the national capital and at the battle of Dranes-
ville, Va., and served under Gen. McCall in the Peninsular cam-
paign, being attached to Sej^mour's brigade and succeeding to the
command of the brigade when Seymour took charge of the division.
In July, 1862, he was promoted to the rank of brigadier-general of
volunteers and fought at second Bull Run, South mountain and An-
tietam. He fell while leading a charge in command of the attack-
Biographical Sketches 139
ing column, at Fredericksburg, Va., and died on the battlefield,
Dec. 13, 1862.
Jackson, James S., brigadier-general, was born in Fayette coun-
ty, Ky., Sept. 27, 1823. He was graduated at Jefferson college. Pa.,
studied law at Transylvania university, and began practice in 1845.
The following year he assisted in organizing a regiment of volun-
teers for the Mexican war, and served for a time as lieutenant.
While in Mexico he became involved in a quarrel with Col. Thomas
F. Marshall, which resulted in a duel, whereupon he resigned from
the army to escape trial by court-martial. He resumed his law
practice at Greenupsburg, and afterward at Hopkinsville, K3'., was
elected a representative to the 37th U. S. Congress, and served in
the first session from July 4, to Aug. 6, 1861. During the recess in
the autumn of 1861, he organized the 3d Ky cavalry, of which he
became colonel. He participated in the battle of Shiloh, where his
regiment was in Rousseau's 4th brigade of the 2nd division, and on
July 16, 1862, he was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers.
He was assigned to the command of a division of McCook's corps
of the Army of the Ohio, and with his division participated in the
battles of luka and Corinth, and while leading his men at the bat-
tle of Perryville, Oct. 8, 1862, received a wound from which he died
almost instantly.
Jackson, Nathaniel J., brigadier-general, was born in Newbury-
port, Mass., July 28, 1818. He became a machinist and at the out-
break of the Civil war was superintendent of the Hill mills at Lew-
iston, Me. He became colonel of the ist Maine regiment. May 3,
1861, and on Sept. 3, following, colonel of the 5th Maine infantry.
He was wounded at the battle of Gaines' mill, June 27, 1862, was
commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers, Sept. 24, and served
as commander of the 2nd brigade, 2nd division, 12th army corps.
He was again wounded at Chancellorsville, and when able to leave
the hospital was given command of Riker's island and later of Hart
island. New York harbor. When able to bear arms he was assigned
to command the ist division, 20th army corps, and took part in
Sherman's march to the sea and the invasion of the Carolinas, his
last engagement bemg at Averasboro, N. C, March 16, 1865. He
was brevetted major-general of volunteers, March 13, 1865, and
was mustered out of the service Aug. 24 of that j^ear. After the
war he became interested in coal mining. He died in Jamestown,
N. Y., April 21, 1892.
Jackson, Richard H., brigadier-general, was born in Ireland, July
14, 1830. He migrated to America in early life and, entering the
United States army as a private in 1851, he served in Florida against
the Seminole Indians and in Nebraska and the western territories,
and in Sept., 1859. passed the examinations before a regimental
board and the academic board at the U. S. military academy, and
was appointed brevet 2nd lieutenant, 4th U. S. artillery. He then
served at Fort Monroe and in Texas, being promoted first lieuten-
ant of the 1st artillery, May 14, 1861; engaged in the defense of
Fort Pickens and in the capture of Pensacola, Fla.; served in the
field with the loth army corps. Department of the South; was on
Folly island, S. C, during the operations against^ Fort Sumter, and
then took part with the Army of the James in the final campaign
terminating in the surrender of Lee. He was made brigadier-gen-
eral of volunteers, May 19, 1865, was brevetted major-general of
volunteers, Nov. 24, 1865, for faithful and meritorious services,
and was mustered out of the volunteer service, Feb. i, 1866. In
140 The Union Army
the regular army he received the brevets including that of brigadier-
general. Gen. Jackson was promoted major of the 5th artillery,
July 5, 1880, and lieutenant-colonel of the 4th artillery, Dec. 4, 1888,
serving at various posts. He died Nov. 28, 1892.
Jameson, Charles D., brigadier-general, was born in Gorham, Me.,
Feb. 24, 1827. He was educated in the public schools, became a
prosperous lumberman, and in i860 was a delegate to the Demo-
cratic national convention in Charleston, S. C. He was a member
of the state militia, and in May, 1861, was placed in command of the
2nd Maine regiment, the first that left that state for the seat of
war. He led his regiment at Bull Run, and for protecting the
Federal retreat to Centerville he was commissioned brigadier-gen-
eral of volunteers, Sept. 3, 1861. He was an unsuccessful Demo-
cratic candidate for governor of Maine in 1861 and again in 1862.
Gen. Jameson participated in the Seven Days' battles about Rich-
mond, commanding the 1st brigade of Kearny's 3d division, Heint-
zelman's 3d army corps, and after the battle of Fair Oaks \vas
stricken with camp fever and forced to return to Maine. He died
in Oldtown, Me., Nov. 6, 1862.
Johnson, Andrew, brigadier-general, was born in Raleigh, N. C.,
Dec. 29, 1808. Moving to Tennessee when a young man, he became
prominent in politics, was for several terms a member of the state
legislature, and represented his district in Congress from 1843-1853.
He was then elected governor of Tennessee, was re-elected in 1855,
and in 1857 was elected to the United States senate. In the senate
he strongly opposed secession and said that he was in favor of having
secessionists arrested and tried for treason. Johnson held his seat in
the United States senate until 1862, when he was appointed by Presi-
dent Lincoln military governor of Tennessee, ranking as brigadier-
general of volunteers. His service in the war was in this capacity,
and it was chiefly due to his courage that Nashville was held against
a Confederate force. He urged the holding of Union meetings
throughout the state, raised twenty-five regiments for service in the
state, and levied a tax on the wealthy southern sympathizers to be
used in behalf of the families of the poorer Confederate soldiers. He
exercised during his term of office absolute and autocratic powers, but
with moderation and discretion, and his course strengthened the
Union cause in Tennessee. Upon the renomination of Mr. Lincoln for
the presidency Mr. Johnson was nominated for vice-president, and when
President Lincoln was assassinated Johnson was immediately sworn
in as president, April 15. 1865. Johnson's course as president does not
concern this volume. After the expiration of his term of office he re-
turned to Tennessee, and in 1875 was elected U. S. senator. He died
at Carter's station. Carter county, Tenn., July 30, 1875.
Johnson, Richard W., brigadier-general, was born near Smithland,
Livingston county, Ky., Feb. 7, 1827, and was graduated at West
Point in 1849. He was promoted ist lieutenant of the 2nd cavalry
in 1855, was promoted captain in 1856 and served on the Texas fron-
tier until 1861. He was then assigned to the 3d Ky., cavalry with the
rank of lieutenant-colonel; was promoted brigadier-general Oct. 11,
and, being assigned a brigade in Gen. Buell's army, engaged at Shi-
loh, Tenn., and served also in Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky. He
engaged in the siege of Corinth, commanded a division in the Army
of the Ohio in the Tennessee campaign, in July, 1862, was taken pris-
oner at Gallatin, Aug. 21, 1862, and after his exchange in December,
was placed in command of the 12th division of the Army of the Cum-
berland. He was at Stone's river, Chickamauga, Missionary ridge,
riiig.-Cen. L. C. Hunt
Brig.-Gen. RuFfs Ingalls
Brig.-Gen. N. J. Jackson
Brig.-Gen. Andrew John-
son
Maj.-Con. Daxid Hintf.r
Brig.-Gen. C. F. Jackson
Brig.-Gen. R. H. Jackson
Brig.-Gen. R. \V. Johnson
^laj.-Gen. S. A. Murlblt
Brig.-Gen. J. S. Jackson
Brig.-G.en. C. I). Jameson
Brig.-Gen. P. }I. Jones
Biographical Sketches 141
and in the Atlanta campaign, engaging in all the battles from Chatta-
nooga to New Hope Church, where he was severely wounded, May
28, 1864. He subsequently commanded a division of cavalry at the
battle of Nashville, was brevetted brigadier-general in the regular
army, March 13, 1865, for gallant and meritorious services, and at
the same time major-general U. S. A. for his services in the field
during the war, and he remained on the stafif of Gen. Thomas as
provost-marshal and judge-advocate of the military district of the
Tennessee until 1866, when he was mustered out of the volunteer
service. He was retired with the rank of major, Oct. 12, 1867, and
with the rank of brigadier-general March 3, 1875. Gen. Johnson was
military professor in the University of Missouri, 1868-69, ^nd in the
University of Minnesota, 1869-70. He was the unsuccessful candi-
date of the Democratic party for governor of Minnesota in 1881. He
died in St. Paul, Minn., April 21, 1897.
Jones, Patrick H., brigadier-general, was born in Ireland. Mi-
grating to America he entered the service of the United States early
in the Civil war, becoming 2nd lieutenant in the 37th N. Y. infantry,
June 7, 1861. He was promoted ist lieutenant and adjutant, Nov. 4,
and major Jan. 21, i8(52. The 37th N. Y. distinguished itself at
Williamsburg and Fair Oaks, and at the battle of Fredericksburg
contributed largely in repulsing the enemy. Maj. Jones became colonel
of the 154th N. Y. regiment, which he had been instrumental in en-
listing, on Oct. 8, 1862, and was promoted brigadier-general of vol-
unteers, Dec. 6, 1864. His regiment fought at Chancellorsville, Get-
tysburg, and Wauhatchie in the Chattanooga and Rossville campaign,
the Atlanta campaign and the march to the sea, and the campaign
of the Carolinas, taking part in all tlie principal battles. Gen. Jones
was mustered out of the service, June 17, 1865. He died July 2^^, 1900.
Judah, Henry M., brigadier-general, was born in Snow Hill, Md.,
June 12, 1821. He was graduated at the United States military acade-
my in 1843, entering the 8th infantry, in the Mexican war led his
company in storming the city of Monterey, and won the brevets of
1st lieutenant and captain for his bravery at Molino del Rey and the
capture of the City of Mexico. He was promoted captain in the 4th
infantrj' in 1853 and served actively against Indians in California,
Washington, and Oregon until the Civil war. when he became colonel
of a volunteer regiment, being promoted subsequently brigadier-gen-
eral of volunteers March 21, 1862. He was acting inspector-gen-
eral of the Army of the Tennessee, and then, resigning his staff ap-
pointment, commanded the ist division of the Army of the Reserve
until the evacuation of Corinth by the Confederate troops, after
which he was reappointed acting inspector-general of the Army of
the Ohio in Oct., 1862, unsuccessfully opposed the advance of Morgan
across the Cumberland river, and was active in the pursuit of the
Confederate general, following him to near Salineville, Ohio, where
Morgan surrendered, July 26, 1863. Gen. Judah commanded the right
wing of the 2nd division of Schofield's Army of the Ohio at Resaca,
Ga., May 14, 1864, losing 600 men in the struggle. He was mus-
tered out of the volunteer service. Aug. 24, 1865. having received,
on March 13. 1865, the brevets of lieutenant-colonel and colonel in
the regular army for gallant and meritorious services in the war,
and he was made commander of the post at Plattsburg, N. Y.,
where he died, Jan. 14, 1866.
Kammerling, Gustave, brigadier-general, was a patriotic Ger-
man citizen of the city of Cincinnati, Ohio, and upon the outbreak
of the Civil war he enrolled himself as a member of the Qth Ohio
142 The Union Army
infantry for the three months' service, being mustered in on May
8, 1861, as captain of Co. F. Before leaving the state he learned
of the president's call for volunteers to serve three years and im-
mediately agreed to enlist for that period, his company being trans-
ferred as a body to the three years' organization, M^hich was also
numbered as the 9th Ohio infantry. Capt. Kammcrling's first ex-
perience in actual vv^arfare was at the battle of Rich mountain, W.
Va., and with his regiment he was also engaged at Carnifix Ferry.
His command also participated in the battle of Mill Springs, Ky.,
where it made a decisive charge, completely routing the Confed-
erates. Capt. Kammerling was promoted to major on Nov. i, 1861,
lieutenant-colonel on March 8, 1862, and he was commissioned colonel
and took chief command of his regiment on Aug. 6, 1862. In the
second day's fighting in the battle of Chickamauga he led his regi-
ment in the famous bayonet charge of Van Derveer's brigade ; and
in the afternoon of the same day, while holding the hill on which
the right of Gen. Thomas' corps rested, his regiment once more
drove the Confederates back at the point of the bayonet. On Jan.
5, 1864, he was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers, but
declined the profifered honor and continued to serve with his regi-
ment. With it he participated in the battle of Resaca, Ga., and on
May 20 entered upon his last march against the enemy, moving
from Kingston to the Etowah river. Up to the last moment his regi-
ment stood within range of the enemy's guns and from the very
outer picket line it was relieved by Gen. Thomas, in person, and
started for Cincinnati. Gen. Kammerling was mustered out with
the regiment on June 7, 1864, and then engaged in peaceful pursuits
in the city of his adoption.
Kane, Thomas L., brigadier-general, was born in Philadelphia,
Pa., Jan. 27, 1822. He was educated in Paris, France, and on his
return to America studied law, was admitted to the bar, and was a
clerk in the United States district court until the passage of the fu-
gitive slave law, when he resigned. He visited the Mormon settle-
ment near Commerce, 111., in 1847, and during the migration to Utah
so won the confidence of the Mormon leaders that, when the terri-
tory was declared in a state of rebellion in 1858, he went there at
his own expense with letters from President Buchanan and arranged
an amicable settlement that was afterwards concluded by the peace
commissioners. He founded and laid out the town of Kane, in the
northwestern part of Pennsylvania, where he raised, in 1861, a regi-
ment called the "Bucktails," which became famous for valor and
endurance. He led the advance at Dranesburg, where he was wound-
ed, and at Harrisonburg was sent to rescue a regiment that had
fallen into an ambuscade, and was again wounded and taken prison-
er. He was paroled, and, on being exchanged was brevetted briga-
dier-general of volunteers, Sept. i, 1862. Although absent on sick
leave at the time the battle of Gettysburg opened, he hastened to
Washington for orders and carried to Gen. Meade the information
that the Confederates were in possession of the national cipher code.
He joined his brigade on the morning of the second day of the battle
and held an important position on the extreme right. He was dis-
charged, Nov. 7, 1863, being disabled by wounds and exposure, and
on March 13. 1865. was brevetted major-general of volunteers for
his services at Gettysburg. He died in Philadelphia, Pa.. Dec. 26,
1883.
Kautz, August V., brigadier-general, was born in Ispringen, Baden,
Germany, Jan. 5, 1828. He immigrated to this country with his parents
Biographical Sketches 143
when a small boy, settling in Ohio, served in the Mexican war as a private
in the ist Ohio volunteer regiment, and, at the close of the war was
appointed cadet at West Point, where he was graduated in 1852. He was
assigned as 2nd lieutenant to the 4th infantry and served in the north-
west, being wounded during the Rogue river hostilities of 1853-55, 'iJid
again on Puget sound in 1856. He was promoted ist lieutenant in 1855,
captain in the 6th U. S. cavalry in 1861, and in 1862 became colonel of the
2nd Ohio volunteer cavalry. Being ordered with his regiment to Camp
Chase, Ohio, to remount and relit, he commanded that place from Dec,
1862, till April, 1863, when he led a cavalry brigade into Kentucky and
participated in the capture of Monticello, May i, and in thwarting Mor-
gan's raid and effecting his capture in July. He served with the Army of
the Ohio as chief of cavalry of the 23d corps, was made brigadier-general
of volunteers. May 7, 1864, was given command of the cavalry division
of the Army of the James, and won the brevet of lieutenant-colonel, hav-
ing previously been brevettcd major for gallantry, by entering Petersburg
with his small force of cavalry on June 9. He then led the advance of
the Wilson raid, which cut the roads leading to Richmond from the
south, for more than forty days, and as commander of the ist division,
25th army corps, he took part in the movement leading to the surrender of
Lee's army at Appomattox, and led his division of colored troops into the
city of Richmond, April 3, 1865. He was brevetted colonel in the regular
arm\', Oct. 7, 1864, for gallantry in action on the Darbytown road ; briga-
dier-general and major-general U. S. A. March 13, 1865, for gallant and
meritorious service in the field during the war, and major-general of vol-
unteers, Oct. 28, 1864, for gallant and meritorious service in the cam-
paign against Richmond. Gen. Kautz was mustered out of the volunteer
service, Jan. 15, 1866, and in July of that year was made lieutenant-col-
onel of the 34th U. S. infantry, being assigned later to the 15th infantry,
which he commanded in the Mescalero Apache campaign, succeeding in
establishing the Indians in their reservations. He was promoted colonel
of the 8th infantry in 1874, was commander of the Department of Arizona,
1875-77; stationed at Angel island, Cal., 1878-86, and then at Niobrara,
Neb., 1886-90. He was appointed brigadier-general in the regular estab-
lishment, April 20, 1891, was retired Jan. 5, 1892, and died in Seattle,
Wash., Sept. 4, 1895.
Kearny, Philip, major-general, was born in New York city, June 2,
1815. He was graduated at Columbia in 1833 and studied law, but in
1837 accepted a commission as 2nd lieutenant in the ist dragoons, com-
manded by his uncle. Gen. Stephen Watts Kearny, and served at Jeffer-
son barracks and on the frontier. In 1839 he went to France with two
other officers to study military tactics at the Royal cavalry school, at
Saumur. After six months of this experience he went to Algiers as hon-
orary aide-de-camp to the Duke of Orleans, and was present in several
notable exploits while attached to the First Chasseurs d'Afrique in the
campaign against Abdel-Kader, the Arab chief. On returning to the
United States in the autumn of 1840 he was made aide-de-camp to Gen.
Alexander Macomb, commander-in-chief of the U. S. army, and to his
successor. Gen. Winfield Scott, 1840-44. He was at Fort Leavenworth
and accompanied the expedition through the South Pass, 1844-46, re-
signed his commission, April 2, 1846, and at the outbreak of the Mexican
war was reinstated. He recruited his company up to the war footing
at Springfield, equipped it magnificently and operated at first along the
Rio Grande, but later joined Gen. Scott on his march to' Mexico, the com-
pany acting as body-guard to the general-in-chief. Kearny was promoted
captain in Dec, 1846. and distinguished himself at Contreras and Churu-
busco, and at the close of the latter battle, as the Mexicans were retreat-
144 The Union Army
ing into the capital, Capt. Kearny, at the head of his dragoons, followed
them into the city itself. While retreating he was shot in the left arm,
which caused that member to be amputated. For this action he was bre-
vetted major, and, on returning to New York, he was presented witli a
splendid sword by the Union club. After being stationed in New York
on recruiting service he was engaged, in 1851, in the campaign against the
Rogue river Indians, but resigned in October of that year and took a
trip around tlie world. In 1859 he was again in France, and, joining his
old comrades in the ist Chasseurs d'Afrique, participated in the war in
Italy, winning by liis gallantry on the held of Solferino the decoration
of the cross of the Legion of Honor. Returning to the United States
shortly after the beginning of the Civil war, he offered his services to the
national government and to his native state, and, no command being con-
ceded him, entered the volunteer service as commander of the ist N. J.
brigade. He was subsequently given by President Lincoln a commission
as brigadier-general of volunteers, to date from May 17, 1861, and was
assigned to command the ist N. J. brigade in Gen. William B. Franklin's
division, Army of the Potomac. Gen. Kearny was present at the battle of
Williamsburg, where, arriving at 2:30 p. m., he reinforced Gen. Hooker's
division, recovered the ground lost and turned defeat into victory. He
served through the engagements of the Peninsula, then, with the Army
of Virginia, from Rapidan to Warrenton. He was given command of a
division in May, 1862, and was given a commission as major-general of
volunteers to bear the date of July 4, which, however, never reached
him. At the second battle of Bull Run he was in command on the right
and forced Jackson's corps back against Gen. Longstreet's men. He was
killed on the battleground of Chantilly, Va., Sept. i, 1862. Gen. Kearny
had, while reconnoitering, inadvertently penetrated the Confederate lines
and was trying to escape when he was shot through the spine and in-
stantly killed. His remains were sent by Lee under flag of truce to Gen.
Hooker, and in City Park, Newark, N. J., the citizens of New Jersey
erected a statue to his memory. Gen. Scott said of Kearny, "He was the
bravest man I ever knew and the most perfect soldier."
Keim, William H., brigadier-general, was born near Reading. Pa.,
June 25, 1813. He was educated at IMt. Airy military academy, Pa., was
mayor of Reading in 1848, was elected to Congress as a Democrat to
fill a vacancy and served in 1858-59, and then became surveyor-general
of the state. In 1861 he was commissioned major-general of the Penn-
sylvania militia, and, as second in command to Gen. Patterson, marched
with that general into Virginia, where they served three months. In the
fall of 1861 he was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers, and,
joining the army under McClellan, commanded a Pennsylvania brigade in
the advance upon Richmond. He contracted camp fever on the Penin-
sula and died in Harrisburg, Pa.. May 18, 1862.
Kelley, Benjamin F., brigadier-general, was born in New Hampton,
N. H., April 10, 1807. He removed to West Virginia in 1826 and settled
in Wheeling, where he engaged in business until 1851, and then became
freight agent on the Baltimore & Ohio railroad. In May, 1861, he raised
the 1st Virginia regiment for the national army, was commissioned its
colonel, and on June 3, 1861, won the battle of Phillippi, being severely
wounded. He was appointed brigadier-general of volunteers, May 17,
1861, fought a successful battle at Romney, Oct. 22, 1861, was again vic-
torious at Blue's gap. and was then appointed to command the Depart-
ment of Harper's Ferry and Cumberland, but was relieved at his own re-
quest, in Jan.. 1862. on account of his wounds. In the following sum-
mer he resumed command of the railroad district under Gen. Fremont,
and in July, 1863, was assigned to the Department of West Virginia. He
Brig.-Gen. H. M. Judah
Brig.-Gen. A. N'. Kautz
Brig. -Gen. B. F. KellEy
Brig.-Gen. W. S. Ketchum
Brig.-Gen. Gustave
Kammerljng
Maj.-Gen. Philu-
Kearny
Brig.-Gen. J. R. Kenly
Maj.-Gen. E. D. Keyes
r.rig.-Gen. 'I'. L. Kane
Brig.-Gen. \V. H. Keim
Brig.-Gen. T. H. Ketcham
Brig.-Gen. J. B. Kiddoo
Biographical Sketches 145
pursued Gen. Lee after his passage of the Potomac and dispersed the
Confederate camp under Gen. Imboden near Moorefield, Va., in Nov.,
1863. In 1864 he won the battles of Cumberland, Md., and New creek
and Mooretield, Va., and on March 13, 1865, he was brcvetted major-gen-
eral for gallant and distinguished services during the war. He was ap-
pointed collector of internal revenue for the ist division of West Virginia
in 1866, was appointed, in 1876, superintendent of the Hot Springs, Ark.,
reservation, and in 1883 received from President Arthur appointment as
examiner of pensions. Gen. Kelley died in Oakland, ]\Id., July 16, 1891.
Kenly, John R., brigadier-general, was born in Baltimore, Md., in
1822, was educated in the public schools of Baltimore and admitted to the
bar there in 1845. He was a member of the Eagle artillery of Baltimore,
in which he rose to the rank of lieutenant, and at the beginning of the
Mexican war raised a company of volunteers of which he was chosen
captain. He participated with his company in the three days' battle which
resulted in the capture of Monterey, and so distinguished himself on this
occasion that, on returning to Maryland, he was given a vote of thanks
by the state legislature. He then resumed the practice of his profession,
and, on June 11, 1861, was commissioned by President Lincoln colonel of
volunteers and given command of the ist Md. regiment. He was actively
engaged in the western part of Maryland and in the Virginia valley,
1861-62, and on May 23, 1862, distinguished himself in checking the Con-
federate advance at Front Royal, being then severely wounded and taken
captive. He was exchanged on Aug. 15, and on Aug. 22 was commis-
sioned brigadier-general of volunteers for his gallantry and assigned to
command all the troops in Baltimore outside the forts. He joined McClel-
lan after the battle of Antietam and rendered conspicuous service at Hag-
erstown and Harper's Ferry, leading the Maryland brigade at the recap-
ture of Maryland heights. He subsequently held various brigade positions
in the ist and 8th army corps, and at the close of the war, March 13,
1865, he was awarded the brevet of major-general of volunteers, while the
state legislature of Maryland extended him a vote of thanks, and the cor-
poration of Baltimore presented him with a sword. After the war Gen.
Kenly devoted a considerable part of his time to literature. He died in
Baltimore, Md., Dec. 20, 1891.
Ketcham, John H., brigadier-general, was born in Dover, N. Y.,
Dec. 21, 1831. Before the Civil war he served as supervisor of his native
town, was a member of the New York assembly, 1856-57, and a state sena-
tor, 1860-61. He became colonel of the 150th N. Y. regiment in Oct.,
1862, and served throughout the Civil war, being brevetted brigadier-
general of volunteers, Dec. 6, 1864, and major-general of volunteers
March 13, 1865, for gallant and meritorious services during the war, re-
ceiving his commission as full brigadier-general of volunteers April I,
1865. He resigned to accept a seat in Congress, where he served until
1873. He was then commissioner for the District of Columbia, 1874-77,
and was then successively re-elected to Congress, where he served until
his death with the exception of two terms, 1893-97, when he declined on
account of ill health. He was a delegate to many state conventions and
to the Republican national conventions of 1876 and 1896. His death oc-
curred in New York city, Nov. 3, 1906.
Ketchum, William S., brigadier-general, was born in Norfolk. Conn.,
July 7, 1813, and was graduated at the LI. S. military academy in 1834.
He served against the Seminole Indians in Florida, became captain in the
6th infantry in 1842, and then until 1861 was engaged in garrison duty
on the western frontier and the Pacific coast, being promoted major of
the 4th infantry in June, i860. At the outbreak of the Civil war he be-
came acting inspector-general of the Department of the Missouri, with
Vol. VIII— 10'
146 The Union Army
headquarters in St. Louis, and in Feb., 1862, he was commissioned brig-
adier-general of volunteers and given charge of the organization of re-
cruits in Harrisburg, Pa., serving later in the war department, and then,
during the latter part of the war was connected with the quartermaster's
department. He was brevetted brigadier-general and major-general
U. S. A., March 13, 1865, for his services during the war, was mustered
out of the volunteer service, April 30, 1866, and served subsequently in
the adjutant-general's department and in the treasury department until
retired in 1869. Gen. Ketchum died in Baltimore, Md., June 28, 1871.
Keyes, Erasmus D., major-general, was born in Brimlield, Mass.,
May 29, 1810. He was graduated at West Point in 1832, served in
Charleston harbor during the nullification troubles, 1832-33; was aide-
de-camp to Gen. Scott, 1837-41 ; served then on garrison duty until 1844,
and after that until 1848 as instructor at the military academy, being then
on frontier and garrison duty until i860. During this time he commanded
a battery in expeditions against Indians in the northwest, took part in a
number of engagements, and was promoted major in 1858. He was mili-
tary secretary to Gen. Scott from Jan. i, i860, to April 19, 1861, was made
colonel of the nth infantry, May 14, and three days later was commis-
sioned brigadier-general of volunteers. He assisted in organizing the
expedition to relieve Fort Pickens, Fla., in April, 1861, served on the staff
of Gov. Morgan of New York from April to June of that year, and as-
sisted in forwarding the state quota of troops to the front. He com-
manded a brigade in McDowell's army at the first battle of Bull Run,
was then in command of the defenses of Washington until March 10,
1862, when he was assigned to McClellan's Army of the Potomac and
placed in command of the 4th corps, with which he engaged at Lee's
mills and in the siege of Yorktown. In May, 1862, he was promoted
major-general of volunteers, and after that was in several engagements,
being brevetted brigadier-general in the regular army, May 31, for his
conduct in the battle of Fair Oaks. Subsequently he organized a raid
to White House, Va., Jan. 7, 1863, commanded the expedition to West
Point, Va., May 7, and engaged in another exploit under Ma j. -Gen. Dix
toward Richmond in June and July, 1863. He was charged by Gen. Dix
with being responsible for the failure of this expedition, and he made
repeated unsuccessful applications for court-martial proceedings to de-
fend himself against the charges made. He served on the board for re-
tiring disabled officers from July 15, 1863, until May 6, 1864, when he re-
signed from the army and removed to San Francisco, Gal. Here he be-
came interested in gold mining and was president of the California Vine
Culture society, 1868-72. Gen. Keyes died at Nice, France, Oct. 15, 1895,
and was buried at West Point, N. Y., in 1897.
Kiddoo, Joseph B., brigadier-general, was born in Pennsylvania about
1840. He entered the national service at the beginning of the Civil war
as a private in the 2nd Penn. volunteers and engaged in the siege of
Yorktown and in the battles of Williamsburg, Fair Oaks and Malvern
hill. He was then promoted major of the loist Penn. volunteers and
engaged in the battles of South mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg and
Chancellorsville, serving as colonel in the last named battle. He was
promoted major of the 6th U. S. colored troops in Oct.. 1863, and colonel
of the 22nd U. S. colored infantry in 1864, was present at the siege of
Petersburg with the Army of the James, and was severely wounded on
Oct. 4. He was brevetted brigadier-general of volunteers for gallant
and meritorious service in the assault on Petersburg, and major-general
of volunteers for gallant and meritorious services during the war. On
July 28, 1866, he was appointed lieutenant-colonel of the 43d U. S. in-
fantry, but was incapacitated from active service by his wounds, and on
Biographical Sketches 147
Dec. 15, 1870, was retired with the full rank of brigadier-general in the
regular army. Gen. Kiddoo died in New York city, Aug. 19, 1880.
Kiernan, James L., brigadier-general, was born in New York city in
1837. He was graduated at the University of New York in the medical
department in 1857, became a teacher in the city public schools and was
editor of the "Medical Press" of that city from 1859 ""til 1861, when he
volunteered as assistant surgeon in the 69th N. Y. regiment. He subse-
quently became surgeon of the 6th Mo. cavalry, March i, 1862, and served
with Fremont in Missouri and in the battle of Pea ridge. He resigned.
May 24, 1863, on account of severe wounds which he received near Port
Gibson, where he was captured but escaped. On Aug. i, 1863, he was
appointed brigadier-general of volunteers, but resigned Feb. i, 1864. He
then served as surgeon in the United States pension bureau, and after the
war was U. S. consul to Chin Kiang, China. He died in New York city,
Nov. 27, 1869.
Kilpatricic, Judson, major-general, was born in Deckertown, N. J.,
Jan. 14, 1836, and was graduated at West Point in 1861. He was ap-
pointed captain of volunteers, May 9, promoted ist lieutenant of artil-
lerj'. May 14, and in the action at Big Bethel on June 10 received a severe
wound which disabled him for several months. Upon his return to the
army he was detailed on recruiting duty, organized a regiment of New
York volunteer cavalry, of which he became lieutenant-colonel in Septem-
ber, and in Jan., 1862, went to Kansas to accompany Gen. Lane in the ex-
pedition to Texas as chief of artillery. Upon the abandonment of this
project, Kilpatrick rejoined his regiment in Virginia, where he partici-
pated in the skirmishes near Falmouth, in April, the movement to Thor-
oughfare gap in May; raids on the Virginia Central railroad in July, and
skirmishes at Carmel Church on July 23. He was also present in various
other skirmishes and at the second battle of Bull Run, and in the expedi-
tion to Leesburg, Sept. 19, commanded a cavalry brigade. After several
months' absence on recruiting service, during which time he became col-
onel of the 2nd N. Y. cavalry, he returned to the field and com-
manded a brigade of cavalry in the Rappahannock campaign, engaging
in Stoneman's raid toward Richmond, April-May, 1863, and in the battle
at Beverly ford on June 9. He was commissioned brigadier-general of
volunteers, June 13, 1863, and commanded a cavalry brigade and division
in the Army of the Potomac, participating in the actions at Aldie, where he
commanded and won the brevet of major, Middlebury, and Upperville,
and in the battles of Hanover, Hunterstown and Gettysburg, and in the
pursuit of the enemy after the last named battle, being engaged in con-
stant fighting at Smithsburg, Hagerstown, Boonsboro and Falling Waters.
He commanded a cavalry division in the operations in central Virginia
from August until Nov., 1863. took part in the expedition to destroy the
Confederate gunboats, "Satellite" and "Reliance," in Rappahannock river,
the action at Culpeper on Sept. 13, and the subsequent skirmish at Somer-
ville ford, the fights at James City and Brandy Station, and in the move-
ment to Centerville and the action at Gainesville, Oct. 19. He participated
in the action at Ashland, Va., May i, 1864, in many skirmishes, and took
part in the invasion of Georgia as commander of a cavalry division of the
Army of the Cumberland, being engaged in the action at Ringgold, April
29, the operations about Dalton, May 7-13, and in the battle of Resaca,
where he was severely wounded. Having previously been brevetted lieu-
tenant-colonel for gallantry at Gettysburg, he was given the brevet rank
of colonel for gallant and meritorious conduct at Resaca, and upon his
return to the service in the latter part of July, 1864, guarded Sherman's
communications, and raided and took part in several heavy skirmishes with
the Confederates. He participated in numerous skirmishes during the
148 The Union Army
march to the sea and commanded a cavalry division during the invasion
of the CaroHnas, where he engaged in many actions and skirmishes.
From April to June, 1865, he commanded a division of the cavalry corps
of the Military Division of the Mississippi. He was brevetted major-
general of volunteers Jan. 15, 1865, and brigadier-general and major-
general U. S. A. on March 13 of that year, resigning his volunteer com-
mission, Jan. I, 1866, and his commission in the regular army in 1867.
Gen. Kilpatrick was envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary to
Chili, 1865-68, an unsuccessful candidate for Congress in 1880, and was
appointed minister to Chili again in 1881. He died in Santiago, Chili,
Dec. 4, 1881, and his remains were afterward brought to the United
States and buried at West Point, N. Y.
Kimball, Nathan, brigadier-general, was born in Fredericksburg, Ind.,
Nov. 22, 1S22. He raised and became captain of a company of volunteers
which served in the Mexican war, and at the beginning of the Civil war
he became colonel of the 14th Ind. infantry. He took part in the battles
of Cheat mountain and Greenbrier in the fall of 1861, commanded a bri-
gade at the battle of Winchester, and was promoted brigadier-general of
volunteers, April 15, 1862, for a victory over Stonewall Jackson at Kerns-
town, Va., on March 23. At Antietam his brigade held its ground with
desperate courage, losing nearly 600 men, and at Fredericksburg
Gen. Kimball was severely wounded. Subsequently he served in the west,
commanding a provisional division at Vicksburg, in June and July, 1863.
He was afterwards present at the battles of Dallas, New Hope Church,
Kennesaw mountain and Peachtree creek, where his gallantry won him
promotion to command of a division, and he served in all the battles
around Atlanta until the capture of that city, Sept. 2, 1864. He was then
detached to aid in quelling the disturbance arising concerning the
"Knights of the Golden Circle" in Indiana and afterward took part in
the battles of Franklin and Nashville in the latter part of 1864. He was
brevetted major-general of volunteers, Feb. i, 1865, and was mustered out
Aug. 24, 1865. He was state treasurer of Indiana, 1870-71, served one
term as representative in the state legislature, and in 1873 was appointed
by President Grant surveyor-general of Utah territory and moved to
Salt Lake city. He died Jan. 21, 1898.
King, John H., brigadier-general, was born in Michigan about 1818
and was appointed 2nd lieutenant of the 1st infantry in the regular army
in 1837. He was promoted ist lieutenant two years later, captain in
1846 and major in May, 1861. He was stationed in Florida and on the
western frontier up to 1846, was in Vera Cruz in 1847 and then in Texas
up to the time of the Civil war. When the war broke out he with Maj.
Larkin Smith prevented the state troops disarming the national forces,
and took six companies of the 2nd U. S. cavalry and three companies of
the 1st U. S. infantry to New York. He commanded Newport barracks,
Ky., in 1861. battalions of the 15th. i6th and 19th regiments, U. S. A.,
in 1862, and was engaged with the 15th and i6th in the battle of Shiloh,
advance on Corinth, the march to the Ohio river, and the battle of Mur-
freesboro. He was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers Nov.
29, 1862, and fought at Stone's river, where he was wounded, and at
Chickamauga in Sept., 1863, where his brigade, with that of Col. B. F.
Scribner. was overpowered by Gen. St. J. R. Liddell's division. He was
also present at the battles of Resaca, New Hope Church, Kennesaw
mountain, Ruff's station, and Peachtree and Utoy creeks, and commanded
a division for thirty days during the Atlanta campaign. He was promoted
lieutenant-colonel in June, 1863 ; colonel of the 9th U. S. infantry in July,
t86s ; was brevetted major-general of volunteers, March 13, 1865; and
in the regular army received the brevets of colonel for gallantry at Chick-
Brig.-Gcn. J. L. KiErnan
Brig.-Gen. J. H. King
Brig.-Gen. E. N. Kirk
Brig.-Gen. Frederick
Lander
Maj.-Gen. Judson Kil-
TATRICK
Brig.-Gen. RuFus King
Brig.-Gen. J. F. Knipe
Brig.-Gen. T. G. Lauman
lililT.-t .LMl. .Natiiax
Kim BALI
r.rig.-Gen. Kdmund Kirbv
Bri?.-Gen. Wlademir
Kbzyzanovvski
Brig.-Gcn. M. K. I.awler
Biographical Sketches 149
amauga ; brigadier-general for conduct at Ruff's station, and major-gen-
eral for gallant and meritorious services during the war. After the war
he commanded the 9th U. S. infantry in the west until retired in 1882.
He died in Washington, D. C, April 7, 1888.
King, Rufus, brigadier-general, was born in New York city, Jan. 26,
1814. He was graduated at the United States military academy in 1833
and appointed to the engineer corps, but resigned in 1836 and became
assistant engineer of the New York & Erie railroad, a position which he
relinquished in 1839 to become adjutant-general of New York. He was
associate editor of the "Albany Evening Journal" and of the Albany
"Advertiser" from 1841 to 1845, when he moved to Wisconsin, where he
was editor of the "Milwaukee Sentinel" until 1861. He served also as
member of the convention that formed the state constitution, as regent of
the state university, member of the board of visitors to the U. S. mili-
tary academy in 1849, and superintendent of public schools in Milwaukee,
1849-61. He was appointed U. S. Minister to the Pontifical States in
1 861 and held the appointment from March 22 to Aug. 5, but did not serve,
having offered his service to the governor of Wisconsin in the Civil war.
He was commissioned brigadier-general of state volunteers, May 7, 1861,
received his commission in the U. S. volunteer service ten days later
and served in the defence of Washington from May, 1861, to March, 1862.
He commanded a division at Fredericksburg, Groveton, and Manassas,
was a member of the commission to try Gen. Fitz-John Porter, was then
on waiting orders until March, 1863, and afterwards was in command of
Yorktown, Va., and subsequently of a division at Fairfax Court House,
Va., until compelled by failing health to resign, Oct. 20, 1863. Gen. King
was then U. S. minister resident at Rome until July i, 1867, and deputy
collector of customs at the port of New York after that until 1869, when
he retired from public life. He died in New York city, Oct. 13, 1876.
Kirby, Edmund, brigadier-general, was born in Brownville, N. Y.,
in 1840. He was graduated at the U. S. military academy in 1861, was
promoted ist lieutenant in the ist artillery. May 17, 1861, and upon the
death of Capt. James B. Ricketts at Bull Run, succeeded to the command
of his battery. He was engaged with the battery throughout the Penin-
sular and Maryland campaigns, on the march to Falmouth and in the bat-
tles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. He was mortally wounded
at Chancellorsville. May 3, 1863, and was taken to Washington, where
he died. May 23, 1863. For his gallantry in the battle in wdiich he received
his death wound he was given on his death-bed a commission as brigadier-
general of volunteers, to date from the day of his death.
Kirk, Edward N., brigadier-general, was born in Jefferson county,
Ohio, Feb. 29, 1828. He was educated at the Friends' academy. Mount
Pleasant, taught school, was admitted to the bar in 1853, and, after a year
in practice at Baltimore, Md., removed to Sterling, 111. In Aug., 1861,
he recruited the 34th 111. volunteers, of which he was commissioned
colonel, and was assigned to the sth brigade, 2nd division. Army of the
Ohio. He served as member of the military board of examiners at Mun-
fordville, Ky., was then in charge of an expedition in the defence of
Lebanon, Ky., and subsequently assvuned command of all the forces at
Louisville, until relieved by Gen. Gilbert, when he was assigned to com-
mand the 1st brigade, 2nd division. Army of Kentucky. He assumed com-
mand of the 5th brigade, 2nd division, Sept. 28, 1861, and on Nov. 29,
1862, was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteer* for heroic action,
gallantry, and ability. Gen. Kirk was wounded at the battle of Shiloh,
covered the retreat of the Federal army at Richmond, Ky.. and com-
manded the 2nd brigade, 2nd division, occupying the right wing of the
Army of the Cumberland, at Murfreesboro, Dec. 31, 1862-Jan. 3, 1863. In
150 The Union Army
that battle his brigade lost about 500 men in killed and wounded, and
he himself received a mortal wound. Gen. Kirk died in Sterling, III.,
July 29, 1863.
Knipe, Joseph F., brigadier-general, was born in Mount Joy, Lan-
caster county. Pa., Nov. 30, 1823. He served in the ranks through the
Mexican war, then engaged in business in Harrisburg, Pa., and in 1861
organized the 46th Penn. regiment, of which he was commissioned colonel.
He was promoted brigadier-general Nov. 29, 1862, and served in the Army
of the Potomac, then in the Army of the Cumberland, commanding first
a brigade and subsequently a division, until the fall of Atlanta, when he
became chief of cavalry of the Army of the Tennessee. Gen. Knipe was
wounded twice at Winchester, twice at Cedar mountain, and once at
Resaca. He was mustered out of the service, Aug. 24, 1865, and became
after the war superintendent of one of the departments of the military
prison at Leavenworth, Kan. He died Aug. 18, 1901.
Krzyzanowski, Wlademir, brigadier-general, was born in Raznova,
Poland, July 8, 1824. He was a revolutionist in Poland and fled to New
York in 1846, becoming a civil engineer. In 1861 he organized the Tur-
ner rifles, was commissioned captain, and on Oct. 22, he became colonel
of the 58th N. Y. volunteers, which he led in the Army of the Potomac.
He distinguished himself particularly during the war at the battle of
Chancellorsville. He was appointed brigadier-general of volunteers, Nov.
29, 1862, and his commission expired March 4, 1863, the senate failing to
ratify the appointment. He was mustered out Oct. i, 1865, and was given
a civil appointment in California, afterwards serving as governor of
Alaska and as inspector of customs at various South American ports.
He was appointed special agent of the treasury department in the New
York custom house in 1883, and held this office until his death, which
occurred in New York city, Jan. 31, 1887.
Lander, Frederick W., brigadier-general, was born in Salem, Mass.,
Dec. 17, 1822. He attended Dummer academy at Byfield and studied
civil engineering at the military academy at Norwich, Vt. ; practiced his
profession for a time in Massachusetts and then entered the service of the
United States government as a civil engineer. He made two expeditions
across the continent to determine a feasible railroad route, making the
second trip at his own expense, and being the only member of the party
who survived its hardships. He afterwards, in 1858, surveyed and con-
structed the great overland wagon route, and while engaged in this work
his party of 70 men was attacked by some Pah Ute Indians, whom
they defeated in a decisive engagement. In all he made five trips across
the continent, and for his efficiency he received official recognition from
the Secretary of the Interior. In 1861 he was employed by the United
States government to visit secretly the southern states in order to ascer-
tain the strength of the insurgents, and when McClellan assumed com-
mand of the army in western Virginia he became volunteer aide on his
staff. He was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers May 17,
1861 ; participated in the capture of Phillippi, June 3, and in the battle of
Rich mountain July 11, and was given command of one of the three bri-
gades composing Gen. C. P. Stone's division on the upper Potomac. Upon
hearing of the disastrous defeat of the Union forces at Ball's bluff, Oct.
21, 1861, Gen. Lander hastened to Edward's ferry, which he held with a
single company of sharp-shooters, but was severely wounded in the leg.
He reported for duty before his wound was healed, reorganized his brigade
into a division, and at Hancock, Md., Jan. 5, 1862, defended the tov/n
against a vastly superior force of Confederates. Although still suffering
keenly from his wound, he led a brilliant charge at Blooming Gap into
a pass held by the Confederates, thereby securing a victory for which
Biographical Sketches 151
he received a special letter of thanks from the secretary of war. He
received orders on March i, 1862, to move his division into the Shenan-
doah valley to cooperate with Gen. Banks, and while preparing an at-
tack on the enemy he died suddenly of congestion of the brain, at Paw
Paw, Va., March 2, 1862. Gen. Lander was a gallant and energetic sol-
dier, and his death was a great loss to the Union army.
Lauman, Jacob G., brigadier-general, was born in Taneytown, Md.,
in Jan., 1813. He removed with his parents to York county. Pa., was
educated in the academy there, and in 1844 he removed to Burlington,
la., where he engaged in business. He was commissioned colonel of the
7th Iowa volunteer regiment, July 11, 1861, served under Grant in Mis-
souri, and was severely wounded at Belmont, Nov. 7, 1861. He distin-
guished himself at Fort Donelson, where, in command of a brigade in
Gen. C. F. Smith's division, he was one of the tirst to storm and enter
the enemy's works, and for his services on this occasion he was made
brigadier-general March 21, 1862. He commanded a brigade in Gen. Hurl-
but's division at the battle of Shiloh, April 6 and 7, 1862, and the 4th
division of the i6th army corps during the Vicksburg campaign. He was
relieved of his command by Gen. Sherman, July 16, 1863, and returned to
Iowa. He was brevetted major-general of volunteers, March 13, 1865,
for gallant and meritorious services during the war. Gen. Lauman died
in Burlington, la., Feb. 9, 1867.
Lawler, Michael K., brigadier-general, was born in Ireland Nov. 16,
1814. He immigrated to America, located in Illinois, and there became
captain of the 3d 111. infantry, June 29, 1846, serving with his regiment
in the Mexican war until honorably mustered out. May 21, 1847. Return-
ing then to Illinois, Capt. Lawler raised an independent company of IIH-
nois mounted volunteers, of which he became captain, July 19, 1847, and
with which he served during the remainder of the war, being mustered
out of the service Oct. 26, 1848. He began his service in the Civil war
as colonel of the i8th 111. infantry, his commission dating from June 30,
1861. The i8th regiment was organized at Camp Anna and was
mustered into the state service first for thirty days by Capt. U. S. Grant,
afterwards being mustered into the United States service for three years.
It took a gallant part in the capture of Fort Donelson. Col. Lawler was
promoted brigadier-general of volunteers, Nov. 29, 1862, and served until
mustered out of the volunteer service, Jan. 15, 1866. For gallant and
meritorious services during the war he was brevetted major-general of
volunteers, March 13, 1865. He died July 26, 1882.
Ledlie, James H., brigadier-general, was born in Utica, N. Y., April
14, 1832. He studied at Union college, became a Civil engineer, and at
the beginning of the Civil war, on May 22, 1861, he was commissioned
major in the 3d N. Y. artillery. He became lieutenant-colonel of this
regiment on Sept. 28, colonel on Dec. 23, and was promoted brigadier-
general of volunteers Dec. 24, 1862. Late in 1862 he was made chief of
artillery on the staff of Gen. John G. Foster. Gen. Ledlie served in North
and South Carolina, subsequently in the Army of the Potomac, and his
division led the assault on the crater after the explosion of the mine
at Petersburg. He resigned from the volunteer service, Jan. 23, 1865,
declined a commission in the regular army, and returned to the practice
of his profession as a civil engineer. He took the contract for the build-
ing of bridges, trestles and snow-sheds for the Union Pacific railroad,
built the breakwaters of Chicago harbor, engaged in railroad construc-
tion in the west and south, and at the time of his death was chief en-
gineer of railways in California and Nevada and president of the Balti-
more, Cincinnati & Western railroad construction company. Gen. Led-
lie died at New Brighton, Staten island, N. Y., Aug. 15, 1882.
152 The Union Army
Lee, Albert L., brigadier-general, was born in Fulton, N. Y., Jan.
i6, 1834. He was graduated at Union college in 1853, studied law, re-
moved to Kansas and became judge of the state supreme court there in
1861. He resigned this office to become major of the 7th Kan. cavalry,
became its colonel. May 17, 1862, and in Jan., 1863, was given a commis-
sion as brigadier-general of volunteers to date from Nov. 29, 1862. He
commanded the 2nd cavalry brigade at the battle of Corinth and after-
wards in Grant's central Mississippi campaign, and acted as chief of staff
to Gen. John A. McClernand in the operations about Vicksburg and in the
battles of Champion's hill and Big Black river, May 16 and 17, 1863. On
May 19 he commanded the ist brigade, 9th division, 13th army corps in
the assault on Vicksburg, and was severely wounded by gunshot in the'
face and head. Rejoining his brigade for duty, July 26, 1863, he was or-
dered to New Orleans and saw service as chief of cavalry. Department of
the Gulf, on the staff of Gen. Banks, in western Louisiana. He com-
manded the cavalry division in the Red river expedition of 1864, com-
manded, an infantry brigade in the expedition up the White river, in July
of that year, and in August was assigned to command the cavalry division,
headquarters at Baton Rouge, La. He was ordered to New Orleans in
Jan., 1865, and was on duty until May 4, when he resigned his commis-
sion and was mustered out of the service. After the war Gen. Lee spent
much of his time for a number of years in Europe, and was engaged in
business in New York.
Leggett, Mortimer D., major-general, was born in Danby, Tompkins
county, N. Y., April 19. 1821. In 1836 he moved to Ohio with his parents,
who were Friends, worked on his father's farm until 1839, and then stud-
ied at Kirtland, Ohio, and at Western Reserve college. He subsequently
taught school, studied law. was graduated in medicine at the Wil-
loughby medical school, and in 1845 established the first system of graded
schools west of the Alleghanies. He became superintendent of public
schools in Zanesville, Ohio, in 1857, and when the Civil war broke out he
was volunteer aide on McClellan's staff and accompanied him to western
Virginia. In the fall of 1861 he raised and organized the 78th Ohio in-
fantry, of which he became lieutenant-colonel, Dec. t8, and colonel a
month later, and he commanded his regiment at Fort Donelson, Shiloh
and Corinth. In June, 1862, he commanded a brigade, and at Bolivar,
Tex., in August, he met and fought for seven hours a brigade of Con-
federate cavalry vmder Gen. Armstrong. He was wounded at Shiloh,
at Champion's hill and at Vicksburg, where his brigade was assigned to
construct the extensive mine which hastened the surrender of the city.
He commanded a division in Sherman's march to the sea, captured Bald
hill on July 21, 1864, held it against repeated assaults by the Confederate
army, and was with Sherman through the Carolinas to Washington. He
was brevetted major-general of volunteers. Sept. i, 1864, for gallantry,
was given the full commission Aug. 21, 1865, and resigned Sept. 28, 1865.
After the war Gen. Leggett was United States commissioner of patents,
1871-75, then engaged in the practice of patent law in Cincinnati, and be-
came an organizer and the president of the Brush Electric company.
He died in Cleveland, Ohio, Jan. 6, 1896.
Lightburn, Joseph A. J., brigadier-general, was born in Westmore-
land county. Pa., Sept. 21, 1824. He received a common school education,
removed to West Virginia, and was delegate in 1861 from Lewis county
in the convention that reorganized the state government. He recruited
the 4th Va. regiment for the national army and was made its colonel,
Aug. 14, 1861, commanded the District of Kanawha in 1862, and in Sep-
tember of that year conducted the retreat from the Kanawha valley. He
was promoted brigadier-general of volunteers, March 16, 1863, partici-
Brig.-Gen. J. H. LedliE
Brig.-Gen. J. A. J. Light-
burn
Brig.-Gen. Eli Long
Brig.-Gen. Nathaniel Lyon
Brig.-Gcn. A. L. LeE
Brig.-Gen. H. D. Lock-
wood
Brig.-Gen. C. E. Lowell
Brig.-Gen. W. H. LytlE
Maj.-Gen. M. D. Leggett
Maj.-Gen. J. A. Logan
Brig.-Gen. T. J. Lucas
Brig.-Gen. R. S. Mac-
kenzie
Biographical Sketches 153
pated in the Vicksburg campaign, the battle of Missionary ridge and the
battle of Chattanooga, and was with Sherman in his march to Atlanta,
where, in Aug. 1864, he received a severe gunshot wound in the head. He
took a conspicuous part in the capture of Resaca heights, May 14, 1864.
Gen. Lightburn was subsequently given command of a brigade in the
Shenandoah valley and was president of the examining board when he
resigned his commission, June 22, 1865. He was a representative in the
state legislature of West Virginia in 1866-67. Gen. Lightburn was or-
dained to the Baptist ministry in 1869 and became minister at Mt. Lebanon
Baptist church, Harrison county, VV. Va. He engaged in the active work
of the ministry until Jan., 1901.
Lockwood, Henry H., brigadier-general, was born in Kent county,
Del., Aug. 17, 1814. He was graduated at the United States military
academy in 1836 and served against the Seminoles in Florida, but resigned
his commission in 1837 and engaged in farming in Delaware until 1841.
He was then appointed professor of mathematics in the United States
navy, and was on the frigate "United States" during the siege and capture
of Monterey. He subsequently served at the United States naval asylum
at Philadelphia, and at the United States naval academy at Annapolis,
Md., as professor of natural philosophy and astronomy, 1847-51, and as
professor of field artillery and infantry tactics and also of astronomy
and gunnery until 1861. He was appointed colonel of the ist Del. regi-
ment in 1861, and was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers on
Aug. 8 of that year. He commanded an expedition to the eastern shore
of Virginia, then had charge of Point Lookout and of the defenses of
the lower Potomac, and at Gettysburg he commanded the 2nd brigade,
1st division, 12th army corps. Gen. Lockwood subsequently commanded
the middle department with headquarters at Baltimore until 1864, the
provisional troops against Gen. Early in July, 1864, and then a brigade in
Baltimore until mustered out, Aug. 25, 1865, when he returned to the
naval school in Annapolis. He was retired Aug. 4, 1876. Gen. Lock-
wood died in Washington, D. C, Dec. 7, 1899.
Logan, John A., major-general, was born in Jackson county. 111., Feb.
9, 1826. In 1840 he attended Shiloh college, and when the war with
Mexico broke out in 1846, being twenty years of age and of a military
turn of mind, he volunteered for service and was appointed a lieutenant
in the ist regiment of 111. volunteers. His record during the war was good,
and he was for some time adjutant, and also acting quartermaster of his
regiment. He returned from Mexico in 1848, and entered upon the study
of law with such enthusiasm that he made more rapid progress than many
young men enjoying greatly superior advantages. He subsequently at-
tended the law school of Louisville, Ky., and in 1849 he was elected clerk
of Jackson county, but, although he accepted the position, he resigned it
to continue the study of law. Meanwhile he had developed a taste for
politics and a talent as a public speaker ; he soon became very popular
with the Democrats of his county, so that he was elected prosecuting at-
torney of the judicial district in which he lived, and the following autumn
was elected to the state legislature. In 1856 Mr. Logan was appointed
presidential elector for his district, and in 1858 he was elected to Congress
on the Democratic ticket. In i860 he again became a candidate and was
returned to Congress ; in the presidential campaign of that year he ear-
nestly advocated the election of Stephen A. Douglas. Logan was in
Washington when the news of the fall of Sumter aroused the people;
he was there also when the capital was cut ofif from the North by the
Baltimore mob, and when McDowell started for the battle-field of Bull
Run Logan followed him, and overtaking Col. Richardson's regiment ob-
tained a musket, marched with it and fought in the ranks, being one of
154 The Union Army
the last to leave the field. The following month he returned home to
Marion, 111., and so awakened the people to a realization of the impend-
ing crisis by his eloquence that in two weeks a regiment was raised, of
which he was made colonel, and in less than two months he led it into
battle at Belmont, where he fought gallantly and raised the character
of his troops to the highest pitch by his conduct, having a horse shot un-
der him during the engagement. He was with Grant through the cam-
paigns of the Cumberland and the Tennessee, and led his regiment in
the attack on Fort Henry. While at Fort Donelson he received a wound
which incapacitated him for active service for some time, and on March
5, 1862, he was made brigadier-general of volunteers. He commanded
a brigade in Halleck's movement against Corinth, and was afterward in
command at Columbus. In Grant's winter campaign in northern Missis-
sippi, Logan, who had been promoted to the rank of major-general, was
assigned to the command of the 3d division of the 17th army corps under
McPherson, and he bore a conspicuous part in the campaign against Vicks-
burg and at Port Hudson. He made the desperate assault which followed
the explosion of the mine under the main fort at Vicksburg, and on the
surrender of the place his division was given the post of honor, leading
the advance of the party of occupation, while he was put in command of
the place. For his distinguished service in this siege, Gen. Logan received
a medal of honor voted him by Congress, and inscribed, "Vicksburg,
July 4, 1863." He succeeded Sherman in the command of the isth army
corps in 1863, and he led the advance in the following spring when Sher-
man moved down to Chattanooga, making his first great flank movement
to Resaca, the initial movement in the celebrated Atlanta campaign. At
the battle of Dallas he was shot through the left arm ; and during the
desperate assaults which Hood made upon McPherson at Atlanta, Logan
fought splendidly, and it was to him that McPherson sent the last message
that he ever dispatched on earth. On the death of this great general,
Logan, by virtue of his rank, assumed command, and he changed the de-
feat into victory without receiving any orders from Sherman, who was
in command of all the forces. After the evacuation of Atlanta, Logan
received a medal from the Army of the Tennessee, upon which were en-
graved the names of the battles in which he had taken part. After a few
weeks spent in Illinois in the political campaign of 1864, he rejoined his
troops at Savannah, and continued in active service until the surrender
of Gen. Joseph E. Johnston, April 26, 1865. Active service being over.
President Johnson appointed Gen. Logan minister to Mexico, but the of-
fice was declined, and in 1866 he was elected to Congress in Illinois as
representative of the state-at-large, as a Republican. He continued in
the lower house of Congress until he was elected by the Illinois legisla-
ture U. S. senator from that state for the term which began March 4,
1871. At the expiration of his term he settled in Chicago, where he prac-
ticed law until he again returned to the senate in 1879. At the Republi-
can national convention held at Chicago in June, 1884, Gen. Logan was
nominated for vice-president on the ticket with Mr. Blaine, but was de-
feated at the ensuing election. Gen. Logan died in Washington, D. C,
Dec. 26, 1886.
Long, Eli, brigadier-general, was born in Woodford county, Ky., June
16, 1837. He was graduated at the Frankfort, Ky., military school in
1855, was appointed from civil life 2nd lieutenant in the ist U. S. cav-
alry, July 27, 1856, and prior to the Civil war saw active service against
Indians. He was promoted ist lieutenant March i, and captain May 24,
1861, assigned to the 4th U. S. cavalry and served in the Army of the
West, participating in the operations leading to and including the battle
of Stone's river, Tenn. Throughout the war he was actively engaged as
Biographical Sketches 155
colonel of the 4th Iowa cavalry in the west, at TuUahoma, Murfreesboro,
Chickamauga, and in the Atlanta campaign until its close, Sept. 18, 1864.
He was promoted brigadier-general, Aug. 18, 1864, and commanded the
2nd division of the cavalry corps in Wilson's raid through Alabama and
Georgia from March 22 to April 20, 1865, and the military district of
New Jersey in 1865-66. He was brevetted major for gallant and merito-
rious services in the battle of Farmington, Tenn., lieutenant-colonel for
gallantry at Knoxville, colonel for services at the battle of Lovejoy's
Station, Ga., brigadier-general, March 13, 1865, for gallantry in the battle
and capture of Selma, Ala., major-general U. S. A. on the same date for
gallant and meritorious services during the war, and major-general of
volunteers for gallant and meritorious services in action. He was mus-
tered out of the volunteer service Jan. 15, 1866, was retired with the rank
of major-general of volunteers Aug. 16, 1867, and brigadier-general March
3, 1875. He died Jan. 5. 1903.
Lowell, Charles R., brigadier-general, was born in Boston, Mass., Jan.
2, 1835. He was graduated A. B. at the head of his class, at Harvard,
in 1854, spent several years in European travel, and at the time of the
outbreak of the Civil war was manager of the Mount Savage iron works,
Maryland. He offered his services to the government in the spring of
1861, and on May 14 was commissioned captain in the 6th cavalry. He
served all through the Peninsular campaign, and at the close of it was
brevetted major for gallantry and assigned to the staff of Gen. McClel-
lan. At Antietam he carried orders from the commanding general under
severe fire, rallied broken regiments and displayed so great gallantry that
he was commissioned to carry the captured standards to Washington.
In the fall of 1862 he organized the 2nd Mass. cavalry, of which he was
made colonel May 10, 1863. During the winter of 1863-64 he commanded
the advanced defenses of Washington, and in July he was engaged against
the attack of Early. He subsequently commanded the provisional cav-
alry brigade under Sheridan in the Shenandoah valley, and finally the
reserve brigade, with which he distinguished himself at the battle of Ope-
quan creek, Sept. 19, 1864, and on Oct. 9 took a leading part in the over-
throw of Gen. Rosser's cavalry. During his three years' service he had
had twelve horses shot under him and had escaped without injury, but
at Cedar creek he was wounded early in the day, and later, having re-
fused to leave the field, he led his brigade in a final successful charge and
received a mortal wound. His commission as brigadier-general of vol-
unteers issued at the request of Gen. Sheridan, was signed in Washington
on the day of the battle, Oct. 19, 1864. He died at Middletown, Va., Oct.
20, 1864.
Lucas, Thomas J., brigadier-general, was born in Lawrenceburg, Ind.,
Sept. 9, 1826. He learned his father's trade, that of a watchmaker, but
joined the 4th Ind. volunteers for the Mexican war as a drummer boy,
was made 2nd lieutenant on the same day, and while in the service in
Mexico was promoted ist lieutenant and adjutant. Returning to Indiana
in 1848, he resumed his former occupation. In 1861 he raised a company
of which he was chosen captain, and which became part of the i6th Ind.
regiment, of which he was commissioned lieutenant-colonel. May 20. He
distinguished himself at Ball's bluff, Va., where he covered the retreat
of the national forces, and on Aug. 19, 1862, he was chosen colonel of
his regiment, which reenlisted for three years or the war. He engaged
in the battle of Richmond, Ky., where his regiment, a-fter the loss of 200
men, was completely routed and afterwards sent to Indianapolis, fur-
loughed and reorganized, and in December joined Grant's army at Vicks-
burg, during the operations around which place Col. Lucas was wounded
three times. He was afterwards ordered to command the post of Vermil-
156 The Union Army
lionville, La., and then was placed at the head of a cavalry brigade, with
which he did good service in the Red River expedition, first in the ad-
vance, then in covering the retreat of Banks' army, and then in the ad-
vance again to the Mississippi. He was promoted brigadier-general of vol-
unteers, Nov. 10, 1864, and commanded a division of cavalry in the oper-
ations about Mobile, defeated the Confederates at Claiborne and led raids
into western Florida, southern Georgia, and Alabama. He was bre-
vetted major-general of volunteers March 26, 1865, and after his command
was mustered out he was ordered to New Orleans, by request of Gen.
Sheridan, where he remained until the affairs of the French in Mexico
were settled, and then returned to his home in Lawrenceburg, Ind., in
Jan., 1866. After the war Gen. Lucas was employed in the United States
revenue service, 1875-81, was postmaster of Lawrenceburg, 1881-85, ^nd
in 1886 was an unsuccessful candidate on the Republican ticket for Con-
gress.
Lyon, Nathaniel, brigadier-general, was born in Ashford, Conn.,
July 14, 1818. He was graduated at the United States military academy in
1841, served in the Seminole war, and afterwards, until the Mexican war,
on garrison duty. He was promoted ist lieutenant, Feb. 16, 1847, and took
part in all the principal engagements of the Mexican war, winning the
brevet of captain for gallantry at Contreras and Churubusco, and being
slightly wounded at the Belen gate. City of ]\Iexico. In the interval be-
tween the close of the Mexican war and the beginning of the Civil war
he served on garrison and frontier duty in the western states, being pro-
moted captain in 1851. He was in Washington while the debates were
going on in Congress over the Kansas-Nebraska bill, and, whereas he
had formerly been a loyal Democrat, his sympathies were now engaged in
behalf of the negro. Capt. Lyon was commissioned brigadier-general of
volunteers on ]\Iay 17, 1861, and succeeded Maj. Hagner in command of the
St. Louis arsenal. On the president's call for troops. Gov. Jackson of
Missouri, who had been active in promoting the organization of state
militia for the Confederate army, prepared to plant batteries on the hills
overlooking the armory. Gen. Lyon then secured three regiments of Illi-
nois troops and subsequently secretly removed from the arsenal all arms
except those needed for the arming of the citizens. The Confederate
militia forces under Gen. Frost, now numbering only 700 men, went into
camp at St. Louis, at Camp Jackson, on May 6, and on May 10 Lyon sur-
rounded the camp and took as prisoners of war the entire force. Later
in the day an encounter between the U. S. troops and the citizens re-
sulted in the death of several unarmed citizens and caused great excite-
ment in St. Louis. Gen. Lyon succeeded Harney as commander of the
Department of the West on May 31, and two weeks later he overtook
Jackson's state troops and scattered them at Boonville. Then followed
the action at Dug springs, Aug. 2, after which he retreated to Springfield,
upon learning that the three Confederate columns had joined. On Aug.
9, considering a retreat more hazardous than a battle, he decided to sur-
prise the enemy at their camp on Wilson's creek at daybreak the next
morning. He turned their position and attacked their rear, while Gen.
Franz Sigel assailed the right flank. Sigel was defeated through mistak-
ing one of the Confederate regiments for Iowa troops, and Lyon, perceiv-
ing new troops coming to the support of the Confederate forces, brought
all his men to the front in a final effort. His horse had been killed and
he had been wounded in the head and leg. but he mounted another horse
and dashed to the front to rally his wavering line, when he was shot
through the breast, dying almost instantly. Soon afterwards Maj. Sam-
uel D. Sturgis, who had succeeded to the command, ordered a retreat.
Lyon's movement, although resulting in defeat, had enabled the Union
Biographical Sketches 157
men to organize a state government and array the power of the state on
the national side, and in recognition of the services of himself and his
troops Congress passed a resolution of thanks, and each regiment which
took part in the battle was permitted to "bear upon its colors the word
'Springlield' emblazoned in letters of gold." Gen. Lyon bequeathed $30,000,
which constituted almost his entire property, to the government to aid
in preserving the union.
Lytle, William H., brigadier-general, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio,
Nov. 2, 1826. He was graduated at Cincinnati college, studied law, and
served in the Mexican war as 2nd lieutenant and subsequently captain in
the 2nd Ohio infantry. After the war he practiced law in Ohio, was
elected to the Ohio legislature, and in 1857 was the unsuccessful candidate
of the Democratic party for governor of Ohio. At the outbreak of the
Civil war he was major-general of militia, commanding the ist division,
Ohio militia, and he mustered for the three months' service the 5th, 6th,
9th, and loth regiments. He was commissioned colonel of the loth Ohio
infantry, and at Carnitix ferry, Sept. 10, 1861, where he commanded a
brigade, he was severely wounded. On his recovery he commanded a
camp of instruction and rendezvous at Bardstown, Ky., and subse-
quently a brigade in the Army of the Ohio, and served in the Alabama
campaign and during Gen. Buell's march into Kentucky, where he covered
the rear of the army. At Perryville, Oct. 8, 1862, where he distinguished
himself for gallantry in leading a charge, he was severely wounded and
left on the field for dead. He was captured, and while in captivity was
promoted brigadier-general of volunteers, Nov. 29, 1862. He was ex-
changed Feb. 4, 1863, served in the Chickamauga campaign, and at Chick-
amauga. Sept. 20, 1863. he was killed while leading a charge of his bri-
gade. Gen. Lytle was the author of a number of poems, the best-known
of which is the poem beginning: "I am dying, Egypt, I am dying," first
published July 29, 1858.
Mackenzie, Ranald S., brigadier-general, was born in Westchester
county, N. Y., Jul\ i-j, 1840. was graduated at West Point in 1862 and
assigned to the engineers. He served as assistant engineer, 9th army
corps, in the northern Virginia campaign, and was brevetted for gallantry
at the battle of Manassas ist lieutenant. He was attached to the engineer
battalion in the Maryland campaign, participated in the battle of Fred-
ericksburg, Dec. 13, 1862, as engineer of Gen. Sumner's grand division,
on March 3, 1863, was promoted ist lieutenant, two months later was bre-
vetted captain for "gallant and meritorious services at the battle of Chan-
cellorsville, Va." He served in the Pennsylvania campaign as commander
of an engineer company, was brevetted major for gallantry at Gettysburg,
was promoted captain of engineers, Nov. 6, 1863, and commanded the
engineer company in the Richmond campaign. He commanded the 2nd
Conn, artillery at the siege of Petersburg, was brevetted lieutenant-col-
onel for his gallantry there, in the following October was brevetted col-
onel for gallantry at Cedar creek, and was promoted brigadier-general of
volunteers for meritorious services at the battles of Opequan, Fisher's
hill and Middletown, Va. On March 13, 1865, he was brevetted briga-
dier-general U. S. A. and major-general of volunteers "for gallant and
meritorious services in the field during the rebellion," and he engaged in
the battle of Five Forks, the pursuit of Lee's army, and was present at the
surrender at Appomattox. April 9. 1865. He was mustered out of the
volunteer service, Jan. 15. 1866. was promoted colonel, in 1867. brigadier-
general in 1882, and on March 24, 1884. was placed on the retired list,
having been disabled "in the line of duty." Gen. Mackenzie died on
Staten island. N. Y., Jan. 19, 1889.
Maltby, Jasper A., brigadier-general, was born in Kingsville, Ashta-
158 The Union Army
bula county, Ohio, Nov. 3, 1826. He served during the Mexican war as
a private and was severely wounded at Chapultepec. On returning to pri-
vate life he engaged in business at Galena, 111., and was engaged in mer-
cantile pursuits there until the Civil war. He became lieutenant-colonel
of the 45th 111. infantry on Dec. 26, 1861, and was promoted colonel
March 5, 1863. He was wounded at Fort Donelson, and received a severe
wound at Vicksburg while in command of his regiment. He was com-
missioned brigadier-general of volunteers, Aug. 4, 1863, and served with
the Army of the Tennessee during the subsequent campaigns, being mus-
tered out of the service Jan. 15, 1866. Gen. Maltby was appointed by the
military commander of the district mayor of Vicksburg, Miss., on Sept.
3, 1867, and died there Dec. 12, 1867, while in the discharge of the duties
of that ofifice.
Mansfield, Joseph K. F., major-general, was born in New Haven,
Conn., Dec. 22, 1803. He was graduated at the United States military
academy in 1822 and assigned to the engineer corps, being engaged from
then until the Mexican war on various engineering works. In the Mex-
ican war, in which he served as chief engineer under Gen. Taylor, he won
the brevet of major for gallant and distinguished services in the defense
of Fort Brown, which he had built ; that of lieutenant-colonel for conduct
at Monterey, and that of colonol for services at Buena Vista. On May
'^Zi 1853, he was appointed inspector-general of the army, with the rank
of colonel, and on May 14, 1861, he was appointed brigadier-general of
volunteers and placed in command of the Department of Washington. He
fortified the city completely on every side, and on the return of Gen. Wool
to Fortress Monroe he commanded successively Camp Hamilton, New-
port News, and Suffolk, and engaged in the capture of Norfolk. In 1862
he served on the court of inquiry on the battle of Bull Run, in Washington,
and on July 18, 1862, he was made major-general of U. S. volunteers and
assigned to command the corps formerly under Gen. N. P. Banks. At the
battle of Antietam, where he was at the head of his corps, he was mortally
wounded early in the day while cheering on his troops in a charge, and he
died on the battlefield, near Sharpsburg, Md., Sept. 18, 1862.
Manson, Mahlon D., brigadier-general, was born at Piqua, Ohio,
Feb. 20, 1820. He removed to Indiana in early life, served in the Mexi-
can war as captain in the 5th Ind. infantry, and was a representative in
the Indiana state legislature in 1851-52. At the beginning of the Civil
war he became captain in the loth Ind. volunteers, soon afterwards major
and colonel, and he commanded his regiment at Rich mountain, Va., July
II, 1861. He was in command of the 2nd brigade of the army of Gen.
George H. Thomas at the battle of Mill springs, Ky., Jan. 19, 1862, and
on March 24 he was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers. In
April and May, 1862, he engaged in the skirmishes in front of Corinth,
Miss., and at the disastrous battle of Richmond, Ky.. he commanded the
national forces before the arrival of Gen. Nelson, being wounded and taken
prisoner. He was exchanged in Dec, 1862, in the following March com-
manded the national forces in a skirmish with Pegram, and in July, 1863,
was in command during the Morgan raid in Indiana and Ohio. He served
with Burnside in east Tennessee, was placed at the head of the 23d army
corps in Sept., 1863, and took part in the siege of Knoxville, Tenn., and
in various engagements in that state. He was severely wounded at the
battle of Resaca, and resigned on account of his wounds. Dec. 21, 1864.
Gen. Manson was the unsuccessful Democratic candidate for governor of
Indiana in 1864, and subsequently for secretary of state, but he was
elected to the 42nd Congress, and in 1872 was elected auditor of the state
of Indiana. He died in Crawfordsville, Ind., Feb. 4, 1895.
Marcy, Randolph B., brigadier-general, was born in Greenwich, Mass.,
Biographical Sketches 159
April 9, 1812, and was graduated at the United States military academy
in 1832. He served in the Black Hawk war, on frontier duty, took part
in the military occupation of Texas, and was engaged in the war with
Mexico, being present at the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma.
He afterwards was engaged in the explorations of the Red river, in the
Seminole war in Florida, and in the Missouri and Utah expedition of
1857-58. He was promoted paymaster with the rank of major, Aug. 22,
1859, and inspector-general with the rank of colonel Aug. 9, 1861. He was
chief-of-staff to Gen. McClellan, his son-in-law, at the beginning of the
war, was made brigadier-general Sept. 23, 1861, engaged in the campaign
of western Virginia May to July, 1861, and was in Washington from
July, 1861, to August, 1862. He served during the war on inspection
duty in the departments of the Northwest, the Missouri, Arkansas, Mis-
sissippi and the Gulf, until 1865, and was on leave of absence, 1865-66.
He was brevetted brigadier-general and major-general U. S. A., March
13, 1865, for faithful and meritorious services during the war. Gen.
Marcy was promoted inspector-general with the rank of brigadier-gen-
eral U. S. A., Dec. 12, 1878, and was retired from active service Jan. 2,
1881. He contributed to magazines and wrote several books. He was
a famous hunter. Gen. Marcy died in Orange, N. J., Nov. 22, 1887.
Marston, Oilman, brigadier-general, was born in Oxford, N. H., Aug.
20, 181 1. He was brought up on his father's farm, taught school in or-
der to pay his way through college, and was graduated at Dartmouth in
1837. He was then principal of an academy at Indianapolis, Ind., in
1837-38, and was graduated at the Harvard law school in 1840. He was
admitted to the bar in 1841, practiced in Exeter, N. H., and was a repre-
sentative in the state legislature in 1845-46-47 and 1848, subsequently in
1872-73-76-77, and during the biennial terms of 1879-80, 81-82, 83-84, 85-86
and 87-88. He was a delegate to the state constitutional conventions of
1850 and 1876. Early in 1861 he recruited the 2nd N. H. volunteers, of
which he became colonel and which he led in the battle of Bull Run. July
21, 1861. He served under McClellan on the Peninsula, and with Burn-
side at Fredericksburg, where his regiment was in the ist brigade, 2nd
division, 3d corps, and he was promoted brigadier-general of volunteers
Nov. 29, 1862. He served throughout the remainder of the war, being
several times wounded, and resigned April 20, 1865. Gen. Martston served
in Congress from 1859 to 1863 and from 1865 to 1867, but was defeated
for election to the 46th Congress. He declined an appointment as gover-
nor of Idaho territory, 1870. He served as United States senator, under
appointment of Gov. Sawyer, as successor to William E. Chandler, from
Feb. 15 to June 18, 1889. He died in Exeter, N. H., July 3, 1890.
Martindale, John H., brigadier-general, was born at Sandy Hill, N. Y.,
March 20. 1815. He was graduated at the United States military acad-
emy in 1835, but resigned his commission March 10, 1836, was engineer
on the construction of the Saratoga & Washington railroad in 1836, and
in 1838 was admitted to the bar. He practiced law in Batavia, N. Y.,
1838-51, and in Rochester, N. Y., 1851-61, being district attorney for
Genesee county, 1842-45 and 1847-51. He was commissioned brigadier-
general of volunteers, Aug. 9. 1861, and distinguished himself by the
skillful handling of his brigade during the Peninsular campaign. At
Hanover Court House, with about i.ooo men, he sustained the attack of
a force of 4,000 until Gen. Fitz-John Porter came up, thus saving the day,
and his brigade was prominently engaged also at Gaines' rnill and Malvern
hill. In the retreat he exclaimed that he would rather surrender than
desert the wounded, and for this Gen. Porter brought charges against
him, but he was fully exonerated by a court of inquiry. He was military
governor of Oregon, 1862-64, was relieved at his own request in May,
160 The Union Army
1864, joined Gen. Benjamin F. Butler's army and led a division in the
operations south of Richmond and in the siege of Petersburg. He distin-
guished himself particularly at Cold Harbor, where he charged the Con-
federate earthworks four times with his division without the support of
the 1st division, and, although repulsed, the front of his division was, at
the close of the battle, within two hundred yards of the enemy's Hne. Gen.
Martindale was compelled by sickness to resign his commission, Sept.
13, 1864, and on March 13, 1865, he was brevetted major-general of volun-
teers for gallantry at Malvern hill. He was attorney general for New
York, 1866-68, and died in Nice, France, Dec. 13, 1881.
Mason, John S., brigadier-general, was born in Steubenville, Ohio,
Aug. Ji, 18^4. tie was graduated at the United States military academy
in 1847, was assigned to the 3d artillery as 2nd lieutenant and served in
the Mexican war in 1847-48. He was promoted ist lieutenant in 1850,
captain May 14, 1861, and was commissioned colonel of the 4th Ohio vol-
unteers Oct. 3, 1861. His regiment was assigned to the ist brigade, 3d
division, 2nd army corps, and he commanded the brigade in the battle of
Fredericksburg after Gen. Nathan Kimball was wounded. He was bre-
vetted major, Sept. 17, 1862, for gallant and meritorious services in the
battle of Antietam; lieutenant-colonel Dec. 13, 1862, for similar services
at Fredericksburg, and colonel and brigadier-general U. S. A., March
13, 1865, "for gallant and meritorious services during the war" and "in
the field." He served after Jan. 9, 1863, as brigadier-general of volun-
teers, his commission dating from Nov. 29, 1862. He was mustered out
of the volunteer service April 30, 1866. He was promoted major of the
17th infantry Oct. 14, 1864, and after the war served chiefly on the fron-
tier with different regiments, being promoted lieutenant-colonel of the
4th infantry, Dec. 11, 1873, and colonel of the gth infantry April 2, 1883.
He was retired by operation of law, Aug. 21, 1888, and died in Wash-
ington, D. C, Nov. 29, 1897.
Matthies, Charles L., brigadier-general, was born in Bromberg, Prus-
sia, May 31, 1824. He was educated in the university at Halle, then
worked on his father's farm and afterwards served in the Prussian army.
He came to America in the spring of 1849 and located at Burlington, la.,
where he engaged in mercantile pursuits. He was the first man in the
United States to offer a military company to the government, his tender
being made by letter, through Gov. Kirkwood, Jan. 9, 1861. He was mus-
tered into the service as captain in the ist Iowa infantry, May 14, 1861,
and was promoted lieutenant-colonel of the 5th Iowa infantry July 23,
1861, colonel May 23, 1862, and brigadier-general of volunteers Nov. 29,
1862. Gen. Matthies' record throughout the war was most creditable. He
was present with his regiment during the Missouri campaign, at Island
No. 10, and during the siege of Corinth, and especially distinguished him-
self at the battle of luka, where his regiment lost, out of an aggregate
strength of 482, 217 men in killed, wounded and missing. After receiving
his commission as brigadier-general Gen. Matthies commanded the 3d
brigade, 3d division, 15th army corps under Sherman, from Grand Gulf
to Jackson and thence to the rear of Vicksburg, and won commendation
from Gen. Sherman for his efficient service. He afterwards had charge
of the Nashville & Decatur railroad as far north as Lynnville, and the
Memphis & Charleston railroad as far east as Huntsville, and in May, 1864,
he fortified Decatur. He had been wounded at Chattanooga, and failing
health compelled him to resign, Mav 16, 1864. Gen. Matthies died Oct.
16, 1868.
McArthur, John, brigadier-general, was born in Erskine, Scotland,
Nov. 17, 1826. He attended the public schools and worked in his father's
blacksmith shop until 1849, when he immigrated to America and, locating
Hrig.-C.en. .1. A. Maltby Maj.-Gen. J. K. F. Mans- I'.iig.Oen. M. 1) Manson
Brig.-Gen. R. 15. jMarcy field
Brig.-Gen. C. A. McCall Brig.-Gen. T. H. Martin-
Maj.-Gen. J. A. McClf.r- oale
Brig.-Gen. Wm. McCand- Clellan
Brig.-Gen. John Mc-
Arthur
Maj.-Gen. G. B. Mc-
LESS
Maj.-Gen. A. ^[cD. Mc-
COOK
Rrig.-Gen. Daniel McCook
Biographical Sketches 161
in Chicago, III, secured employment as a boiler-maker and afterwards
established a business of his own. He was captain of the "Highland
Guards" attached to the state mihtia, and in 1861 this company volun-
teered and became part of the 12th 111. regiment, of which he became
colonel on May 3, 1861. He commanded a brigade under Grant at the
assault on Fort Donelson in Feb., 1862, and for his gallantry was pro-
moted brigadier-general on March 21 following. At Shiloh he received
a wound in the foot during the first day's tight, but returned to the battle
after the wound had been dressed and succeeded to the command of the
2nd division after Gen. William H. L. Wallace was mortally wounded.
He commanded a brigade at Corinth, Oct. 3-4, 1862, and the 6th division,
17th army corps. Army of the Tennessee, during the Vicksburg campaign.
May I, 1863, to July 4. 1863. At the battle of Nashville, where he com-
manded a division under Gen. A. J. Smith, he took a conspicuous part
and distinguished himself by gallantry, leading his division in the assault
of the salient point in the enemy's line after Gen. Couch had refused the
privilege of charging. For this he was brevetted major-general of volun-
teers, Dec. IS, 1864. He was mustered out of the service, Aug. 24, 1865,
and returned to Chicago, where he was president of the board of com-
missioners of public works during the fire of 1871, and postmaster of the
city from 1873-77.
McCall, George A., brigadier-general, was born in Philadelphia, Pa.,
March 16, 1802. He was graduated at the United States military academy
in 1822, served as aide-de-camp to Gen. E. P. Gaines in the Seminole war
of 1831-36, participated in the second war with the Seminoles, 1841-2,
and was promoted captain in 1836 and major in 1847. He took part in
the military occupation of Texas and the war with Mexico, being present
at the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, and winning the bre-
vets of major and lieutenant-colonel for his gallantry. On his return from
the Mexican war he was given a sword by the citizens of Philadelphia,
and in 1850 he was appointed inspector-general of the army, with the
rank of colonel, which position he resigned in 1853 to engage in farming
in Chester county. Pa. On May 15, 1861, he was commissioned major-
general of Pennsylvania volunteers, and his division formed the extreme
right of the defenses of Washington. He was commissioned brigadier-
general of U. S. volunteers. May 17, 1861, and he commanded the reserves,
which formed a division of three brigades, until June, 1862. He planned
the successful movement against Dranesville, Dec. 20, 1861, and com-
manded all the national forces at the battle of Mechanicsville, June 26,
1862, where he repelled a vastly superior force. He led his brigade in the .
battle of Gaines' mill, June 27, 1862, and at the battle of New Market
cross-roads, June 30, 1862, where he was taken prisoner. He was con-
fined in Libby prison until Aug. 18, was then on sick leave until March
31, 1863, when he resigned and retired to his farm in Pennsylvania. The
citizens of Chester county presented him with a sword in Aug., 1862, and
in 1864 he was the Democratic candidate for Congress. He died at
Belair, Pa., Feb. 26. 1868.
McCandless, William, brigadier-general, was born in the state of
Pennsylvania and was one of the loyal citizens of that state that offered
his services to the Federal government in the early days of the Civil war.
He enlisted in the 31st Pa. infantry, which was also known as the 2nd
Pa. reserves, and on June 21. 1861, was elected major of that organization.
On July 24 with his regiment he left camp at Philadelphia and moved to
Harrisburg, leaving that point at once for Baltimore and then proceeded
to Harper's Ferry. On Sept. 25 the regiment was assigned to the ist bri-
gade of the Pennsylvania reserves, becoming the second regiment of the
brigade, and at the battle of Mechanicsville it received the brunt of the
Vol. viir— 1 1
1G2 The Union Army
attack without flinching and was highly praised by the commanding of-
ficer. On Oct. 22 Maj. McCandless was promoted to heutenant-colonel
of his regiment and witli it was active at Gaines' mill and Glendale, but
was in reserve at Malvern hill. He was commissioned colonel on Aug.
I, 1862, was wounded at the second battle of Bull Run, and also par-
ticipated at Chantilly and the sharp engagement on the old Hagerstown
road, near Frederick, Md. At the licad of his regiment he was with the
1st Pa. reserves at South mountain, Antictam and Fredericksburg, and
at the battle of Gettysburg participated in a brilliant charge in which
many prisoners and the flag of the islh Ga. infantry was captured. He
was active with Lis regiment at Bristoe Station and in the Mine Run cam-
paign, and during the Wilderness movement, on May 8, 1864, he was again
wounded. He remained with his regiment, however, and participated in
the battles of that campaign until June T. his last engagement being at
Shady Grove Church, and on June 16, 1864, he was mustered out of the
service, the term for which the regiment enlisted having expired. On July
21, 1864, he was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers, but de-
clined the proffered honor and gave his attention to peaceful pursuits.
McClellan, George B., major-general, was born in Philadelphia, Pa.,
Dec. 3, 1826. He received his early education in the schools of his na-
tive city and in 1841 entered the University of Pennsylvania, where he
remained nearly two years. In 1842 he entered the U. S. military acad-
emy, being graduated second in the class of 1846, the largest that had
ever left the academy, and he was first in the class in engineering. In
June, 1846, he was commissioned brevet second lieutenant of engineers
and in September of the same year accompanied the army to Mexico, be-
ing assigned to a company of sappers and miners which had just been
organized. He distinguished himself under Gen. Scott in the battles of
Contreras, Churubusco, Molino del Rey, and Chapultepec, and was com-
missioned second lieutenant and brevetted captain for gallantry in action.
The intrepid act which won him the brevet of captain occurred while Gen.
Worth's division was camped on the Puebla road preparatory to the ad-
vance on the City of Mexico. McClellan went out at early dawn on a per-
sonal scouting expedition, accompanied only by an orderly. On mount-
ing a ridge he came suddenly upon a Mexican engineer officer who, it
afterward developed, was engaged in the same work. Taking in the sit-
uation at a glance, McClellan dashed forward and with his large Ameri-
can horse rode down the Mexican, disarmed him, handed him over to
his orderly and then climbed to the summit of the ridge, from which he
discovered a body of 2,500 cavalry forming for attack. He promptly re-
turned with his prisoner to camp, the "long-roll" was beaten, and the next
night found Gen. Worth occupying Puebla. At the close of the Mexican
war Capt. McClellan was assigned to the command of the engineer corps
to which he was attached and returned with it to West Point, where he '
acted as assistant instructor in practical engineering until 1851, when he
was put in charge of the construction of Fort Delaware. In the follow-
ing year he went on the Red River exploring expedition with Capt. R. B.
Marcy. In the meantime he had written and published a "Manual on the
Art of War." In 1853 and 1854 he was on duty in Washington territory
and Oregon and commenced a topographical survey for the Pacific rail-
way. In 1855 he was one of three American officers sent to observe the
campaign in the Crimea, the other two being Maj. Richard Delafield and
Maj. Alfred Mordecai. After their experience in Crimea the members
of this commission traveled through various European countries, examin-
ing military posts and fortresses and acquainting themselves with the
military methods in use, and on returning each of the three made an of-
ficial report, Capt. McClellan's being on the arms, equipment and organiza-
Biographical Sketches 163
tion of the European armies. In Jan., 1857, McClellan, who had been pro-
moted to a full captaincy and transferred to the ist cavalry, resigned his
commission to accept the position of chief engineer and afterward vice-
president of the Illinois Central railroad company, and later he was made
president of the eastern division of the Ohio & Mississippi railroad com-
pany. On May 22, i860, he married Ellen Mary Marcy, daughter of Capt.
(afterward Gen.) Randolph K. Marcy, and settled in Cincinnati, Ohio.
At the outbreak of the Civil war he was in an excellent business position,
as regards both salary and prospects, and had every temptation to refrain
from offering his services in the war, had not his patriotism and his char-
acter as a soldier forced him to do so. He volunteered for the service
and on April 23, 1861, was commissioned major-general of Ohio volunteers,
but by the recommendation of Gen. Scott, who knew his value, on May
3 following he was placed in command of the Department of the Ohio.
He issued a proclamation to the Union men of western Virginia and an
address to his soldiers, and then entered upon the western Virginia cam-
paign, during which he freed that section from secessionists and preserved
it to the Union. He was then summoned to Washington and assigned
to the command of the Division of the Potomac as major-general, U. S. A.,
and on Nov. i, 1861, he was made commander-in-chief of the Federal
forces. He was one of the few who foresaw a long war and he dis-
cerned the necessity of making a most careful preparation for it ; of or-
ganizing what should be a real army, like the armies he had seen in
Europe, and not a mere mass of untrained, undisciplined volunteers or
militia; and of erecting fortifications or some kind of defenses for the
extensive exposed frontier lines of the loyal states. The promptness
with which he collected and organized the military resources of Ohio, In-
diana and Illinois, satisfied the authorities at Washington that he was at
least the right man in the right place, and he may be said to have been
called upon to save the government, after the disastrous retreat of the
Federal army from the field of the first Bull Run. It was he who created
the Army of the Potomac, and even the delays and apparent inertness at
Yorktown, where it seemed that he was fortifying against the air, were
the means by which McClellan was training his men to understand and
apply the rules of war. His Peninsular campaign in the spring of 1862
was based on the distinct understanding that the army which he then con-
trolled should not be diminished ; and had it not been for the withdrawal
of Gen. McDowell's force of 40,000 men from the neighborhood of Fred-
ericksburg, it is highly probable that McClellan's army would have entered
Richmond before the end of June. On June 28 McClellan wrote to the
secretary of war, stating that if he had been sustained by the government
he could have captured Richmond, and in enclosing this despatch to Stan-
ton he exhibited the deep chagrin and unhappiness which he felt in these
words : "If I save this army now, I tell you plainly that I owe no thanks
to you or to any persons in Washington ; you have done your best to
sacrifice this army." He had fought the battle of Gaines' mill and had
begun his movement to the James, the most remark.-ible general re-
treat during the war, and in some respects the most remarkable in the his-
tory of any war, inasmuch as the result was not utter disaster to the
general making the movement. The battles of Mechaniscvillc, Gaines' mill
and White Oak swamp were followed by Savage Station and the fighting
at Frazier's farm, where McClellan had a line eight miles in length at-
tacked at once by "Stonewall" Jackson, Magruder, Lonsjstreet, and Hill.
The army succeeded in reaching Harrison's landing, just before which an-
other attack was made along the whole line at Malvern hill, where the
Confederates, although fighting magnificently, were finally defeated.
Finally, on Aug. 30, 1862, McClellan was relieved of his command and
164 The Union Army
superseded by Gen. Pope, whereupon followed the second disaster at Bull
Run. With a smaller force than was subsequently put at the disposal
of some of his successors, McClellan had encountered the largest Con-
federate army that ever took the held, in the very flower of its vigor, and
commanded by the greatest Confederate captains of the Civil war. He
had shown strategical and tactical ability of a high order, out-maneuver-
ing, out-witting and out-lighting the enemy throughout the entire cam-
paign, and he had displayed personal qualities tliat gained and kept the
love of his soldiers through every trial. On the night of Aug. 30, after
he had been relieved from command, he asked for permission to go to the
front as a volunteer, that he might be with his own men. "If it is not
deemed best," he said, "to intrust nic with the command even of my own
army, I simply ask to be permitted to share their fate on the battle-field."
The request was put aside. The battles of Gainesville, Groveton, Manas-
sas, and Chantilly, ended in disastrous defeat to the P"ederal arms, and
McClellan was then a second time called upon to save the government and
the capital at Washington. On Sept. 2 President Lincoln came to him at
his house in Washington, informed him that he (Lincoln) regarded Wash-
ington as lost, and asked him if he would under the circumstances con-
sent to accept command of all the forces. Without a moment's hesitation
and without making any conditions whatever, McClellan at once said that
he would accept the command and would stake his life that he would save
the city. On the evening of the same day he rode to the front and was
received with enthusiasm by the beaten and weary but undisheartened
soldiers, and before the day broke on the following morn the troops were
all in position prepared to repulse an attack and the capital of the nation
was safe. On Sept. 3 the enemy disappeared from the neighborhood of
Washington, with the design of crossing the upper Potomac into Mary-
land, and the same day McClellan began his counter movement, reporting
the facts to Gen. Halleck, general-in-chief of the army, by whom he was
informed that his command included only the defenses of Washington and
did not extend to any active column that might be moved out beyond the
line of works. This was the condition of affairs on Sept. 7, when, Lee
having crossed into Maryland at Leesburg and was concentrating at
Frederick City, it became absolutely necessary that his army should be
met. As Gen. McClellan was afterward accused of assuming command
without authority, for nefarious purposes, his own statement of the case
is of interest : "As the time had now arrived for the army to advance,
and I had received no orders to take command of it, but had been ex-
pressly told that the assignment of a commander had not been decided,
I determined to solve the question for myself, and when I moved out
from Washington with my staff and personal escort I left my card with
P. P. C. written upon it, at the White House, War Office, and Secretary
Seward's house, and went on my way. * * * j fought the battles of
South mountain and Antietam with a halter around my neck, for if the
Army of the Potomac had been defeated and I had survived I would
* * * probably have been condemned to death. I was fully aware of
the risk I ran, but the path of duty was clear and I tried to follow it."
But the Army of the Potomac was not defeated. McClellan carried Cramp-
ton's gap and Turner's gap on Sept. 14 by one of the most spirited com-
bats of the war in the baLtle of South mountain, and on Sept. 17 attacked
Lee and won the great battle of Antietam, forcing the enemy to retreat
across the Potomac on the evening of the following day. Yet he was
still in disgrace among the Republican party heads at Washington. It was
charged upon him that he did not follow Lee as he should have done,
and soon afterward he was relieved by Gen. Burnside who was presently
defeated at Fredericksburg and was succeeded in turn by Gen. Hooker,
Biographical Sketches 165
who immediately went into winter cantonment. From Antietam to Get-
tysburg the history of the Army of the Potomac was a history of defeat
and disaster, during which time McClellan had virtually been placed in
retirement, and in fact his brilliant and victorious Maryland campaign
closed his military career. In 1864 he was nominated for the presidency
of the United States by the Democratic party, and he resigned his com-
mission in the army on election day of that year ; but when the votes were
counted it was found that he had been defeated, receiving a popular vote
of 1,800,000, while Mr. Lincoln polled 2,200,000. From that time until his
death Gen. McClellan was engaged in various important civil pursuits.
He made a visit to Europe and on his return, in 1868, settled at Orange
Mountain, N. J. In 1870 he was appointed by the mayor of New York
city engineer-in-chief of the department of docks, and in 1871 was oflfered
the nomination for comptroller of the city, which honor he declined. On
Nov. 6, 1877, he was elected governor of New Jersey, serving until 1881,
and later he settled in New York, where a number of friends presented
him with a handsome residence, and where he superintended several im-
portant enterprises. Gen. McClellan died at South Orange, N. J., Oct. 29,
1885. He left two children, a daughter and a son, the latter of whom,
George B. McClellan, Jr., is now (1907) mayor of Greater New York.
McClernand, John A., major-general, was born near Hardinsburg,
Ky., May 30, 1812. He moved with his mother, after the death of his
father in 1816, to Shawneetown, 111., where he was brought up on a farm,
studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1832. In the same year he
volunteered for the Black Hawk war, and on his return engaged in trade
for a time, and then, in 1835, established at Shawneetown a paper called
the "Democrat," which he edited, at the same time practicing law. He
was a representative in the state legislature, 1836-42, and was appointed
by the legislature commissioner and treasurer of the Illinois & Michi-
gan canal. He was a presidential elector on the Van Buren and John-
son ticket in 1840, and was a Democratic representative in Congress in
1843-51, and again in 1859-61. He resigned his seat in the 37th Congress
to enter the United States volunteer army, and with N. B. Buford, John
A. Logan and Philip B. Fouke he raised the McClernand brigade and was
appointed by President Lincoln brigadier-general, May 17, 1861. At the
battle of Belmont he commanded the ist brigade of Grant's army, and at
Fort Donelson he did good service, commanding the right of the national
line. He was made major-general of volunteers March 21, 1862; com-
manded the 1st division, Army of the Tennessee at Shiloh, and in Jan.,
1863, relieved Gen. Sherman in command of the expedition for the cap-
ture of Vicksburg. He afterwards took part in the storming and capture
of Arkansas Post, and was at Port Gibson, Champion's hill, and Big
Black river, and also at the siege of Vicksburg. He was charged by
Grant with failing to support the troops engaged in the battle of Cham-
pion's hill, and he was relieved of his command in July, 1863. He was
reinstated by President Lincoln, Jan. 31, 1864, but resigned from the army
on account of ill health, Nov. 30, 1864, and in 1865 resumed his law prac-
tice in Springfield. He was circuit judge for the Sangamon district
1870-73 ; chairman of the Democratic national convention in St. Louis
in 1876, and was appointed a member of the Utah commission by President
Cleveland in 1888. Gen. McClernand died in Springfield, 111., Sept. 20,
1890.
McCook, Alexander McD., major-general, was born in Columbiana
county, Ohio, April 22. 1831. He was graduated at the United States
military academy in 1852, served for a time on garrison duty, was then
engaged against the Apaches in New Mexico until 1857, and was subse-
quently assistant instructor in infantry tactics at West Point, becoming
166 The Union Army
1st lieutenant in 1858. At the beginning of the Civil war he was com-
missioned colonel of the ist Ohio regiment, with which he engaged m
the defenses of Washington, May-July, 1861. He was promoted captam
in the 3d U. S. infantry, May 14, 1861 ; participated in the skirmish at
Vienna, Va., June 17, and at the battle of Bull Run, where he commanded
his regiment, he won the brevet of major for gallantry. He was appoint-
ed brigadier-general of volunteers Sept. 3, 1861, and commanded a bri-
gate in the operations in Kentucky, from Oct. to Dec, 1861, and the 2nd
division. Army of the Ohio, under Maj.-Gen. Buell in the Tennessee and
Mississippi campaign, Feb.-June, 1862. He was brevetted lieutenant-
colonel at the capture of Nashville, March 3, 1862, and colonel on April
7, for services at Shiloh. In the advance upon the siege of Corinth he
commanded the reserve of the Army of the Ohio, his division engaging,
however, at Bridge creek and at Serratt's hill, and he then served in
northern Alabama and in east Tennessee, being commissioned major-
general of volunteers July 17, 1862. He was then placed in command of
the 20th army corps, with which he served in the campaigns of Perry-
ville, Stone's river, Tullahoma and Chickamauga. He was relieved of his
command, Oct. 6, 1863, shortly after the battle of Chickamauga, and asked
for a court of inquiry which found him free from all blame. He was
engaged in the defense of Washington on July 11 and 12, 1864, was as-
signed to duties in the middle division in Nov., 1864, and in Feb., 1865,
was placed in command of the eastern district of Arkansas. He repre-
sented the war department in the investigation of Indian affairs May
6, 1865. On March 13, 1865, he was brevetted brigadier-general U. S. A.
for gallant and meritorious services at Perryville, and major-general
U. S. A., for services in the field during the war. Gen. McCook was mus-
tered out of the volunteer service, Oct. 21, 1865 ; was appointed lieuten-
ant-colonel of the 26th infantry, March S, 1867; served subsequently on
the staff of Gen. W. T. Sherman, and was promoted colonel of the 6th
infantry, Dec. 16, 1880, commanding the infantry and cavalry school at
Fort Leavenworth, Kan. He was appointed brigadier-general July 11,
1890; major-general Nov. 9, 1894, and retired by operation of law, April
22, 1895. He represented the United States at the coronation of the czar
of Russia, at Moscow, May 24, 1896, and was a member of the commission
appointed by President McKinley to investigate the war department dur-
ing the war with Spain, Sept. 23, 1898, to Feb. 10, 1899.
McCook, Daniel, brigadier-general, was born in Carrollton, Ohio,
July 22, 1834. He was graduated at Alabama university, studied law in
Steubenville and became a partner of William T. Sherman and Thomas
Ewing in Leavenworth, Kan. When the war opened the law office was
closed and soon all three partners became generals. Daniel McCook vol-
unteered as captain of a local company in a Kansas regiment and served
under Gen. Nathaniel Lyon at Wilson's creek. He was subsequently
chief of staff of the ist division of the Army of the Ohio during the Shi-
loh campaign, was commissioned colonel of the 52nd Ohio infantry, July
15, 1862, and was at once assigned to command a brigade under Gen. W.
T. Sherman. He served with distinction at the battles of Perryville and
Chickamauga, and continued to command a brigade in the Army of the
Cumberland during the Atlanta campaign. He was selected by Gen. Sher-
man to lead the assault on the southern slope of Kennesaw mountain,
June 27, 1864, and had reached the top of the enemy's works and was
encouraging his men to follow him, when he fell, mortally wounded. For
his gallantry he was given the full rank of brigadier-general of volun-
teers to date from July 16, 1864. He died from the effect of his wound,
July 17. 1864.
McCook, Edward M., brigadier-general, was born in Steubenville,
Biographical Sketches 167
Ohio, June 15, 1833. He received a common school education, was one
of the early settlers of the Pike's Peak region, where he practiced law
and represented that district in the Kansas legislature. Prior to the war
he was a volunteer secret agent of the United States government, and in
recognition of this service he was appointed 2nd lieutenant in the 4th
U. S. cavalry, May i, 1861. He was promoted ist lieutenant in July,
1862. In the volunteer service he served successively as major, lieutenant-
colonel, and colonel of the 2nd Ind. cavalry, was promoted brigadier-gen-
eral of volunteers, April 27, 1864, brevetted major-general of volunteers
March 13, 1865, for gallant and meritorious services during the war, and
he was mustered out of the volunteer service Jan. 15, 1866. He was bre-
vetted in the regular army ist lieutenant for gallantry at Shiloh; captain
for services at Perryville; major for conduct in the battle of Chickamauga;
lieutenant colonel for gallant and meritorious services during the cav-
alry operations of east Tennessee; colonel, March 13, 1865, for gallant
and meritorious services in the capture of Selma, Ala., and brigadier-
general at the same time in recognition of gallant and meritorious serv-
ices in the field during the war. Gen. McCook resigned his commission in
the regular army in May, 1866, and as minister to Hawaii, 1866-69, he con-
cluded the peace that led to annexation. He was territorial governor of
Colorado under appointment from President Grant, from 1869 to 1875.
McCook, Robert L., brigadier-general, was born in New Lisbon, Ohio,
Dec. 28, 1827. He attended school until he reached the age of twenty,
then entered his father's office as deputy clerk of Carroll county, subse-
quently studied law and practiced in Steubenville, Columbus, and Cin-
cinnati, Ohio, until 1861, when he organized the 9th Ohio volunteers and
became colonel of the regiment on May 8. He participated in the West
Virginia campaign under McClellan, took part in the action at Carnifix
Ferry, W. Va., Aug. 10, 1861, and was commissioned brigadier-general of
volunteers March 21, 1862. At the battle of Mill Springs, Ky., where he
distinguished himself and was wounded, he commanded the 3d brigade
under Gen. George H. Thomas. He accompanied the brigade across
Tennessee from Stevenson to Decherd, and, although ill, he refused to
desert his post, and directed the movements of his troops from an ambu-
lance. On Aug. 4, while his escorts were reconnoitering, he was shot
by Confederate guerrillas as he lay helpless in his ambulance. He died
from the wound, near Decherd, Tenn., Aug. 6, 1862.
McDowell, Irvin, major-general, was born in Ohio, Oct. 18, 1818,
received his early education at the College of Troves in France, and was
graduated at West Point in 1838, becoming second lieutenant in the ist
artillery. He was recalled to the military academy in 1841, and served
four years, first as assistant instructor in infantry tactics, and afterward
as adjutant. On the outbreak of the Mexican trouble he was appointed
aide-de-camp to Gen. John E. Wool, and took a creditable part at the
battle of Buena Vista in 1847, which earned for him the brevet of cap-
tain. He continued with the army of occupation for a while, and was
then made assistant adjutant-general in the war department serving in
Washington, New York, and elsewhere, and attaining the rank of major on
March 31, 1856. After the Civil war was declared he occupied himself
in organizing volunteer companies at the capital until he was made brig-
adier-general. May 14, 1861, and assigned to the command of the De-
partment of northeastern Virginia. On May 29 he was transferred to
the Army of the Potomac, and in such command fought the well-planned
but unsuccessful battle of the first Bull Run. On March 14, 1862, he was
made major-general of volunteers, and took part in the engagements of
Cedar mountain, Rappahannock Station, and the second battle of Manas-
sas, but ill fortune continued to follow him and he was retired from ac-
168 The Union Army
tive duty on the field, Sept. 6, 1862. On July i, 1864, he was assigned to
the command of the Department of the Pacific, and on July 27, 1865,
he was transferred to the Department of California, holding the latter
office until March 31, 1868. Meanwhile he was mustered out of the vol-
unteer service and received the brevet of major-general, U. S. A., Sept.
I, 1866. In July, 1868, he was assigned to the Department of the East,
and on Nov. 25, 1872, he was promoted major-general. After this he had
command of the division of the South until June 30, 1876, and again of
the Department of the Pacific until his retirement, Oct. 15, 1882. Gen.
McDowell died in San Francisco, May 4, 1885.
McGinnis, George F., brigadier-general, was born in Boston, Mass.,
March 19, 1826. He was educated in the common schools of Maine and
Ohio and he served in the Mexican war as ist lieutenant and subsequently
captain in the 2nd Ohio volunteers. Enlisting for the Civil war as a
private in the nth Ind. infantry on April 11, 1861, he was a few days
later made captain and then lieutenant-colonel under Col. Lew Wallace,
and on Sept. 6, 1861, he became colonel of the regiment. He was pro-
moted brigadier-general on Sept. 29, 1862. Gen. McGinnis commanded
his regiment and distinguished himself at the capture of Fort Donelson,
and in the battle of Shiloh he commanded the ist brigade, 3d division.
He took part with a portion of his regiment in the Yazoo pass expedi-
tion in Feb., 1863; commanded the ist brigade, 12th division, 13th army
corps. Army of the Tennessee, in the Vicksburg campaign, May-July 4,
1863, and subsequently served in the west until the close of the war. He
was mustered out of the service Aug. 24, 1865, settled in Indianapolis,
Ind., and from 1867 to 1871 he was auditor of Marion county, Ind. He
was appointed postmaster at Indianapolis in 1897.
Mcintosh, John B., brigadier-general, was born in Tampa, Fla., June
6, 1829. He entered the United States navy as midshipman in 1848, but
resigned in 1850, and in 1861 he entered the United States army, being
appointed 2nd lieutenant, 2nd cavalry, on June 8 of that year. He was
transferred to the 5th cavalry, Aug. 3, 1861 ; promoted ist lieutenant
June 27, 1862, and captain Dec. 7, 1863. He served in the Shenandoah
valley and in the defenses of Washington and subsequently in the opera-
tions of the Army of the Potomac on the Peninsula, and was brevetted
major Aug. 5, 1862, for gallant and meritorious services in the battle of
White Oak swamp. He served under McClellan at South mountain and
Antietam, became colonel of the 3d Penn. cavalry on Nov. 15, 1862, and
commanded a brigade in the Chancellorsville campaign and at Gettysburg,
where he won the brevet of lieutenant-colonel for gallantry. He was se-
verely injured by a fall of his horse in Sept., 1863. He commanded a
brigade in Grant's campaign against Richmond, taking part in Sheridan's
raid at Trevilian station. May and June, 1864, including the battle of Ash-
land on June i, for which he was brevetted colonel and given a commission
as brigadier-general of volunteers. He lost his leg at the battle of Ope-
quan, or Winchester, Sept. 19, 1864, and on his recovery he was placed
on court-martial duty. On March 13, 1865, he was brevetted brigadier-
general for gallant and meritorious services in the battle of Winchester;
major-general U. S. A. for gallant and meritorious services in the field
during the war, and major-general of volunteers for distinguished gal-
lantry and good management at the battle of Opequan. He was mustered
out of the volunteer service April 30. 1866, and was made lieutenant-
colonel of the 42nd infantry on July 28 of that year. He was governor
of the Soldiers' Home. Washington. D. C, 1868-69; served as a member
of the retiring board of New York city, and was retired with the rank of
brigadier-general July 30, 1870. He died in New Brunswick, N. J.. June
29, 1888.
liriK.-Ucn. K. M. AlcCouK
Brig. -Gen. G. F. Mc-
GlNNIS
BriE;.-Gen. Justus Mc-
KlNSTRY
Brig.-Gen. John McNeil
Hi il;. -Cell. R. I,. .\1cCuuk
Brig.-Gen. J. 1!. Mc-
Intosh
Brig.-Gen. N. C. McLe.\n
Maj.-Gen. J. B. McPher-
SON
.Maj.-Gcii. Ir\i.n Mc-
Dowell
Brig.-Gen. T. 1. McKean
Brig.-Gen. J. W. Mc-
IvIlLL.'VN
Maj.-Gen. G. G. Me.^de
Biographical Sketches 169
McKean, Thomas J., brigadier-general, was born in Burlington, Pa.,
Aug. 21, 1810. He was graduated at the United States military academy
in 1831 and assigned to the 4th infantry, but resigned in 1834, and engaged
in civil engineering, lie served during the Florida war, 1837-38, as ad-
jutant of the 1st Pa. volunteers; and in the Mexican war failing to
secure an appointment he served as a private and afterwards as sergeant-
major in the 15th infantry, engaging at Contreras, at Churubusco, where
he was wounded, and at Molino del Rey, the storming of Ciiapultepec,
and the capture of the City of Mexico. He was brevetted 2nd lieutenant
of dragoons in June, 1848, but declined and returned to civil engineering,
in which profession he attained some prominence. He was appointed ad-
ditional paymaster of U. S. volunteers, June i, 1861, and promoted briga-
dier-general of volunteers Nov. 21, i8l5i. He commanded Jefferson City
and the central district of Missouri from Dec, 1861, to March, 1862, and
served in the Mississippi campaign until July, 1862. He subsequently
commanded Benton barracks at St. Louis, Mo., until September, and Cor-
inth, Miss., from September to October, and in the battle of Corinth, Oct.
3-4, 1862, he commanded the 6th division, Army of West Tennessee.
From Jan. to June, 1863, Gen. McKean was in command of the District
of Missouri, and after that he was in command successively of the dis-
tricts of Nebraska and South Kansas. He was chief of cavalry. Depart-
ment of the Gulf, from Sept. to Oct., 1864, was then on court-martial duty
until December, and subsequently commanded successively the districts of
West Florida, Morganza, La., and southwest Missouri. He was brevetted
major-general of volunteers, March 13, 1865, for gallant and meritorious
services during the war, and was honorably mustered out Aug. 24, 1865.
After the war he became a farmer near Marion, Iowa, where he was
mayor of the town in 1865, and in 1869 he was offered the office of pen-
sion agent for the eastern district of Iowa, but declined. He was a dele-
gate to the Republican national convention at Chicago, 111., May 20, 1868.
Gen. McKean died in Marion, la., April 19, 1870.
McKinstry, Justus, brigadier-general, was born in New York about
1818, was graduated at the United States military academy in 1838 and
assigned to the 2nd infantry. He was promoted ist lieutenant in 1841,
and in the Mexican war he led a company of volunteers at Contreras
and Churubusco, and was brevetted major for gallantry. He participated
also in the battle of Chapultepec and was promoted captain Jan. 12,
1848. He subsequently served on quartermaster duty, and on Aug. 3,
1861, he was promoted major and quartermaster, and was stationed at
St. Louis and attached to the staff of Gen. John C. Fremont. He was
commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers Sept. 2, 1861, and com-
manded a division on Gen. Fremont's march to Springfield. He was sub-
sequently accused of dishonesty in his transactions as quartermaster and
was arrested on Nov. 11, 1861, by Gen. Hunter, who succeeded Fremont.
After almost a year of imprisonment and release on parole, he was tried
by court-martial in Oct., 1862, and on Jan. 28, 1863, he was dismissed from
the army for neglect and violation of duty. He afterwards became a
stock-broker in New York and then a land-agent in Rolla, Mo. He
died Dec. 11, 1897.
McLean, Nathaniel C, brigadier-general, was born in Warren county,
Ohio, Feb. 2, 181 5. He was graduated at Augusta college with the de-
gree of Bachelor of Arts in 1834, took a post-graduate course at Har-
vard, 1834-36, and in 1838 was graduated LL.B, from' the Harvard law
school. In that year he married a daughter of Judge Jacob Burnet and
moved to Cincinnati, where he practiced law. He entered the service of the
United States as colonel of the 75th Ohio infantrj^, his commission dating
from Sept. 18, 1861, and, being ordered to western Virginia, he was as-
170 The Union Army
signed to Milroy's brigade, Schenck's army, and at the battle of Mac-
Dowell, May 8, 1862, he led his regiment up the side of the mountain and
dislodged the entrenched army of Gen. T. J. Jackson. In the engage-
ments of Fremont's army, June 1-9, 1862, he served in Schenck's brigade,
and on Nov. 29, 1862, he was commissioned brigadier-general of volun-
teers. He commanded the 2nd brigade, ist division, nth army corps, at
the battle of Chancellorsvillc, and when Gen. Charles Devens was wound-
ed he succeeded to the command of the division. He resigned his com-
mission, April 20, 1865, and resumed the practice of his profession in
Cincinnati. Subsequently he moved to Bellport, N. Y., where he lived
for many years.
McMillan, James W., brigadier-general, was born in Clark county,
Ky., April 28, 1825. He removed to Illinois, and in the Mexican war
served as sergeant in the 4th 111. infantry, and also in a Louisiana regi-
ment. He was commissioned by President Lincoln colonel of the ist
Ind. artillery, July 24, 1861, and he was promoted brigadier-general of
volunteers, Nov. 29, 1862. He was engaged with the army of Gen. B. F.
Butler, which cooperated with the naval force under Farragut in the
opening of the Mississippi, and captured the Confederate blockade-runner
"Fox," one of the richest prizes of the war. Gen. McMillan particularly
distinguished himself in the Red River campaign, where, after Gen. Frank-
lin was wounded and Gen. Emory assumed command of the corps, he
succeeded to the command of the ist division. With this division he held
the ground at Sabine cross-roads and covered the retreat of the Federal
army, saving it from destruction. He was brevetted major-general of
volunteers, March 5, 1865, and resigned from the army May 15 following.
He subsequently received an appointment as a member of the board of re-
view of the United States pension office. Gen. McMillan died March 9,
^903-
McNeil, John, brigadier-general, was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia,
Feb. 14, 1813. He learned the hatter's trade in Boston, Mass., engaged
in the business first in New York city and subsequently for many years
in St. Louis, Mo., and was a member of the Missouri legislature, 1844-45.
He was president of the Pacific insurance legislature, 1855-61. He was
captain of a volunteer company early in 1861, was promoted colonel of
the 3d regiment, U. S. reserve corps, and on July 17, 1861, he defeated,
with about 600 men, the Confederate forces under Gen. David B. Har-
ris at Fulton, Mo. He was then placed in command of the city of St.
Louis by Gen. Fremont, and on Aug. 3, 1861, he was appointed colonel of
the 19th Mo. volunteers. In 1862 he took command of a cavalry regiment,
and of the district of northeast Missouri, which he cleared of guerrillas.
He was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers, Nov. 29, 1862; was
ordered into southeastern Missouri in December of that year, and in the
spring of 1863 he held Cape Girardeau with 1,700 men against Gen. Mar-
maduke's force of 10,000. In 1864 he was appointed to command the
district of Rolla, Mo., and with the assistance of Gen. John B. Sanborn,
Clinton B. Fisk and E. B. Brown he saved the capital from Price's army.
Afterwards he joined his cavalry force with that of Gen. Brown and par-
ticipated in the campaign which led to the defeat of Price's army at New-
tonia, Oct. 28, 1864. He then commanded central Missouri until April
12, 1865, when he resigned. He was given the brevet rank of major-
general of volunteers in recognition of faithful and meritorious services
during the war, to date from the day of his resignation. Gen. McNeil
was clerk of the criminal court in St. Louis county, 1865-67; sheriff of
the county, 1866-70. and clerk of the criminal court again, 1875-76. He
was in 1876 commissioner to the Centennial exhibition in Philadelphia;
was an inspector in the U. S. Indian service in 1878 and 1882, and at the
Biographical Sketches 171
time of his death was superintendent of the United States post-office, St.
Louis branch, lie died in St. Louis, Mo., June 8, 1891.
McPherson, James B., major-general, was born in Sandusky county,
Ohio, Nov. 14, 1828; entered West Point from his native state, in 1849,
and graduated at the head of his class, June 30, 1853, being at once ap-
pointed brevet second lieutenant of engineers and assistant instructor of
practical engineering at the academy, a compliment never before awarded
to so young an officer. He was next appointed assistant engineer on the
defences of New York harbor, and on the improvement of the navigation
of the Hudson river, having previously been made full second lieutenant
of engineers. In Jan., 1857, he was placed in charge of the construction
of Fort Delaware, and subsequently of the erection of fortifications on
Alcatraz island, San Francisco bay, Cal., and was also connected with the
survey of the Pacific coast. In Dec, 1858, he was promoted to first
lieutenant, and in 1861 was ordered from the Pacific coast to take charge
of the fortifications of Boston harbor. The same year he was made cap-
tain, and upon the appointment of Maj.-Gen. Halleck to the command of
the Department of the West in November, he was chosen aide-de-camp
to that general, and at the same time was promoted as lieutenant-colonel.
In the expeditions against Forts Henry and Donelson he was chief en-
gineer of the Army of the Tennessee, and subsequently was at Shiloh
and as colonel on Gen. Halleck's staff held the chief engineering charge
of the approaches to Corinth which ended in its evacuation. On May 15,
1862, he was made brigadier-general of volunteers, and appointed general
superintendent of military railroads in the district of West Tennessee the
following June. In Sept., 1862, Gen. McPherson held a position on the
staff of Gen. Grant and for his gallantry at Corinth was promoted to
be major-general, dating from Oct. 8, rising to that position in the short
space of nine years, and by merit alone. From that time till the close of
the siege of Vicksburg, during which he commanded the center of the
Federal army, his career was one course of triumph. Upon Grant's rec-
ommendation Gen. McPherson was immediately confirmed a brigadier-
general in the regular army, dating from Aug. i, 1863, and soon after
conducted a column into Mississippi and repulsed the enemy at Canton.
In the memorable expedition to Meridian he was second in command to
Gen. Sherman, and during the Atlanta campaign his command was the
Department of the Tennessee, including the entire 15th, i6th, and 17th
corps. He distinguished himself at Resaca, Dallas, Allatoona, Kolb's
farm, and Kennesaw mountain. In superintending the advance of his
skirmish line in the battle before Atlanta, on July 22, 1864, he had ridden
from left to right, and was returning when he was suddenly confronted
by a party of the enemy's skirmishers, and received a shot in the breast,
causing almost instant death.
Meade, George G., major-general, was born at Cadiz, Spain, during
the consulship of his father at that port, in 1815. At an early age he was
sent to the boys' school in Washington, D. C, at that time kept by Salmon
P. Chase, afterward chief-justice of the United States supreme court.
Subsequently he attended the military academy near Philadelphia, and,
in 1831, entered the academy at West Point, whence he graduated in
1835, as brevet second lieutenant of the 3d artillery. The same year he
was made second lieutenant, and served in Florida in the Seminole war.
The state of his health induced him to resign his commission in 1836, and
he became a civil engineer; but, in 1842, he again entered the army, as
second lieutenant in the corps of topographical engineers, and in that ca-
pacity served in the Mexican war. During this campaign he was at-
tached to the staff of Gen. Taylor, and afterward to that of Gen. Scott,
distinguishing himself at Palo Alto and Monterey, and receiving, as an
172 The Union Army
acknowledgment of his gallantry, a brevet of first lieutenant, dated Sept.
23, 1846, and also upon his return to Philadelphia, a splendid sword from
his townsmen. During the interim between the Mexican war and the
Civil war, having been promoted to a full first lieutenancy in Aug., 1851,
and to a captaincy of engineers in May, 1855. he was engaged in the par-
ticular duties of his department, more especially in the survey of the
northern lakes ; but upon the call of the government for men in 1861,
he was ordered to report at Washington, and upon the organization of the
Pennsylvania reserve corps, was made a brigadier-general of volunteers
and assigned the command of the 2nd brigade, his commission dating
Aug. 31, 1861. During the Seven Days' battles Gen. Meade was severely
wounded, but soon recovered and, in Sept., 1862, took command of a
division in Reynolds' ist army corps, which he conducted with great
skill and bravery during the Maryland campaign. At Antietam, when
Gen. Hooker was wounded. Gen. Meade was placed in command of the
corps and fought bravely the remainder of the day, receiving a slight
wound and having two horses killed under him. He received the appoint-
ment of major-general of volunteers on Nov. 29, and took part in the bat-
tle of Fredericksburg, displaying courage and coolness during the engage-
ment. In June, 1863, when Lee was advancing up the Shenandoah val-
ley to invade Maryland and Pennsylvania, Gen. Meade was suddenly and
unexpectedly called to succeed Gen. Hooker in the command of the Army
of the Potomac, and he displayed masterly ability throughout the three
days' battle of Gettysburg. Following this engagement, about July 18,
he moved his army across the Potomac into Virginia, where he had sev-
eral skirmishes with the enemy in October and November, and he was
in command of the Army of the Potomac during the operations against
Richmond in 1864. On June 18, 1862, Gen. Meade was promoted to the
rank of major of engineers in the regular army, and on July 3, 1863, was
advanced by the several grades of lieutenant-colonel and colonel to the
brigadier-generalship in the regular army. During the session of 1863-64
he received the thanks of Congress, and was on Feb. i, 1865, promoted a
major-general in the regular army, his commission dating from Aug. 18,
1864. In the reconstruction of the miHtary divisions after the war, Gen.
Meade was given the command of the division of the Atlantic, with head-
quarters at Philadelphia, where he resided in the house presented to his
wife by his fellow-citizens, in grateful recognition of his eminent services.
He died at this residence in Philadelphia, Nov. 6, 1872.
Meagher, Thomas P., brigadier-general, was born in Waterford, Ire-
land. Aug. 3, 1823. He attended the Jesuit college at Clongowes, Kildare,
1832-36, and then Stonyhurst college, near Preston, England, where he re-
mained until 1843 and became one of the leaders of the revolutionary
Young Ireland party in 1846. In consequence of his actions and incen-
diary speeches he was arrested on charge of sedition, in March, 1848, was
bailed, but after the passage of the treason felony act was rearrested and
sentenced to death. The sentence was subsequently commuted to banish-
ment for life, and he was sent to Van Dieman's island, in 1849. whence he
escaped in 1852, and, coming to the United States, studied law. He was
admitted to the bar in 1856 and practiced in New York city until the
Civil war. In t86i he organized a company of volunteers and joined the
69th N. Y. regiment under Col. Michael Corcoran. He was acting major
of the regiment in the battle of Bull Run and had a horse shot under him;
and he then returned to New York and was mustered out of the service
with his regiment. In the winter of 1861-62 he recruited the Irish bri-
gade, was elected colonel of the ist regiment, and on Feb. 3, 1862, was
commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers and given command of the
brigade. He was present at the battles of Fair Oaks, Gaines' mill, Malvern
Biographical Sketches 173
hill, Frazier's farm, second Bull Run, Antietam, where his horse was shot
under him, and Chancellorsville. At Fredericksburg he was wounded in
the leg. Gen. Meagher gave up his commission after the battle of Cliaii-
cellorsville, but was reappointed brigadier-general early in 18O4 and com-
manded the district of Etowah, Ga. In Jan., 1865, he was ordered to Sa-
vannah, Ga., where he was mustered out, May 15, 1865. After leaving the
service Gen. Meagher was appointed territorial secretary of Montana, and
while acting governor in the absence of Gov. Sidney Edgerton he em-
barked on an expedition to protect the white settlers from the Indians,
and was drowned in the Missouri river, by falling off a steamboat, near
Fort Benton, Mont., July i, 1867.
Meigs, Montgomery C, brigadier-general, was born in Augusta, Ga.,
May 3, 1816. He was graduated at the United Stales military academy
in 1836 and assigned to the artillery; was transferred to the engineer
corps in 1837; promoted ist lieutenant in 1838, and in 1853 captain. He
was employed at first on Mississippi river surveys, and in 1839-41 was a
member of the board of engineers for Atlantic coast line defenses. He was
subsequently superintending engineer successively in the building of Forts
Delaware, Wayne, Porter and Ontario, and at Montgomery. From 1852-
60 he planned and constructed the aqueduct from Great Falls, Md., to
Washington, D. C., and he superintended also the building of the new
wings and iron dome of the capitol extension, the extension of the United
States post-office building and the repairs on Fort Madison, Md. In April,
1861. he was appointed chief engineer to organize and conduct the expedi-
tion for the relief of Fort Pickens, and in Oct. was sent to take charge
of the building of Fort Jefferson. He was promoted colonel of the nth
infantry, Maj' 14, 1865, and the next day was commissioned brigadier-
general of staf? and quartermaster-general of the United States army,
which position he continued to hold until his retirement in 1882. Gen.
Meigs was engaged during the war in directing the equipment and
supplies of the army in the field, generally from headquarters at
Washington, but was present at the battle of Bull Run ; engaged in
the Chattanooga campaign, Nov., 1863; commanded Gen. Grant's
base of supplies at Belle Plain and Fredericksburg, May 16-18, 1864, and
was sent on a special mission to Bermuda Hundred, May 21-26, 1864.
When the national capital was threatened, in July, 1864, he commanded
a brigade of quartermaster's employees. He was brevetted major-gen-
eral U. S. A., on July 5; 1864, for distinguished and meritorious services
during the war. He was stationed at Savannah, Ga., in Jan., 1865, equip-
ping Gen. Sherman's armies, and in INIarch was sent to Goldsboro, di-
recting the opening of communications for again supplying Sherman's
army. After the war Gen. Meigs traveled in Europe, 1867-68, for his
health, and again in 1875-76 to examine the organization of European
armies as a member of the commission for reform and reorganization of
the army. He was a member of the board to prepare plans for the new
war department building in 1866 ; for the National museum in 1868 ; for
the hall of records in 1878, and was architect of the building for the pen-
sion bureau. He was retired from the army Feb. 6, 1882. Gen. Meigs
was a member of the board of regents for the Smithsonian institution,
and a member of the National Academy of Sciences. He died in Wash-
ington, D. C., Jan. 2, 1892.
Meredith, Solomon, brigadier-general, was born in Guilford county,
N. C., May 29. 1810. He removed to Wayne county, Ind., when nineteen
years old, and by means of manual labor secured for himself a fair edu-
cation. He then located at Cambridge city, was sheriff of his county
in 1834 and 1836, and a member of the state legislature, 1846-48 and
1854-56. In 1849 he became U. S. marshal for the district of Indiana,
174 The Union Army
and he was clerk of the courts of Wayne county, 1859-61. He was direc-
tor and financial agent of the Indiana Central railroad, 1854-59, and sub-
sequently president of the Cincinnati & Chicago railroad company. On
July 29, 1861, he became colonel of the 19th Ind. regiment, which saw its
first service in Virginia and lost half its number at Gainesville, where
Col. Meredith was wounded. He commanded his regiment also at Sharps-
burg and Antietam, was promoted brigadier-general of volunteers Oct. 6,
1862, and commanded the "Iron Brigade" at Fredericksburg, Chancellors-
ville, and Gettysburg, where he was so severely wounded as to be dis-
abled for active service until Nov., 1863. He was then assigned to com-
mand the 1st division, ist army corps, but failing health compelled him to
relinquish the charge, and he commanded the military post of Cairo, 111.,
in 1864, and the district of western Kentucky in 1864-65. He was bre-
vetted major-general of volunteers for meritorious service during the war
and was honorably mustered out May 22, 1865. After the war Gen. Mere-
dith was United States assessor of internal revenue for his district, 1866-
67; surveyor-general of Montana territory, 1867-69, and then retired to his
farm, "Oakland," near Cambridge city, Ind. He died in Cambridge city,
Ind., Oct. 2, 1875.
Meredith, Sullivan A., brigadier-general, was born in Philadelphia,
Pa., July 5, 1816. He was educated at William and Mary college, and
when a "young man took two trips to China. In 1848 he visited Califor-
nia. He was engaged in business in Philadelphia when the Civil war
broke out, and he superintended the drilling, equipping and forwarding
of over 30,000 troops. He was commissioned colonel of the loth Penn.
regiment on April 26, 1861, took part in Patterson's campaign in the
Shenandoah valley, and on his return organized the 56th regiment and was
commissioned its colonel, March 6, 1862. In April he was assigned to Mc-
Dowell's corps, with which he served in the second battle of Bull Run,
where he was severely wounded. For gallantry in this engagement he was
promoted brigadier-general of volunteers, to date from Nov. 29, 1862, and
when partially recovered from his wounds he was appointed commissioner
for the exchange of prisoners. He was ordered to St. Louis in 1864 and
served there under Gen. Rosecrans until mustered out of the service,
Aug. 24, 1865. He died in Bufifalo, N. Y., Dec. 26, 1874.
Merritt, Wesley, major-general, was born in New York city, June
16, 1836. He was graduated at the United States military academy and
brevetted 2nd lieutenant of dragoons, July i, i860. He was promoted
2nd lieutenant, Jan. 28, 1861; 1st lieutenant, May 13, 1861, was transferred
to the 2nd cavalry, Aug. 3. 1861, and promoted captain, April 5, 1862.
In 1861-62 he served as adjutant-general of the Utah forces, then adju-
tant of the 2nd cavalry and after that in the defenses of Washington. He
was aide-de-camp to Gen. John Cook, 1862-63, and to Gen. Stoneman in
1863; participated in Stoneman's raid toward Richmond in April and May,
1863, and commanded the reserve cavalry brigade in the Pennsylvania
campaign of i863, receiving his commission as brigadier-general of volun-
teers June 29. He was brevetted major U. S. A. for gallantry at Gettys-
burg, and served in the various engagements in Virginia in 1863-64,
winning the brevets of lieutenant-colonel, colonel and brigadier-general in
the regular army and major-general of volunteers for gallantry at the
battles of Yellow tavern, Haw's shop, Winchester and Five Forks, re-
spectively. On March 13, 1865, he was given the additional brevet of
major-general U. S. A. "for gallant and meritorious services." He was
commissioned major-general of volunteers on April 1, 1865, for "gallant
service," and was present at the surrender of Lee at Appomattox. He was
afterwards successively in command of the military division of the South-
west, the Department of Texas, and the military division of the Gulf,
Biographical Sketches 175
and was mustered out of the volunteer service Feb. i, 1866. In the reg-
ular army he was promoted lieutenant-colonel of the 9th cavalry in 1866,
colonel of the 5th cavalry in 1876, brigadier-general in 1887, and major-
general April 25, 1895. After the war he was employed chiefly on fron-
tier duty until 1882; was superintendent of the U. S. military academy
from 1882 to 1887; commanded the Department of the Missouri, 1887-91;
the Department of Dakota, 1891-95 ; the Department of Missouri again
1895-97, and the Department of the East, with headquarters at Governor's
island, New York harbor, 1897-98. He was appointed to command the
forces in the Philippines in May, 1898, and was retired by operation of
law, June 16, 1900. He was a delegate to the United States peace con-
mission at Paris in Oct., 1898.
Miles, Nelson A., major-general, was born at Westminster, Mass.,
Aug. 8, 1839, was reared on a farm, received an academic education, and
in early manhood engaged in mercantile pursuits in Boston. Inheriting
the spirit of patriotism, he devoted all the means he possessed, early in
1861, to raising a company of volunteers, and offered his services to his
country. He was given the commission of a captain, but, being considered
too young for the responsibilities of that command, he joined the Army
of the Potomac as first lieutenant in the 22nd Mass. volunteers. In 1862
he was commissioned by Gov. Morgan of New York, as lieutenant-colonel
and colonel of the 6ist N. Y. volunteers, and at the earnest request of
Gens. Meade and Grant he was made a brigadier-general of volunteers
by President Lincoln. He was engaged in all the battles of the Army
of the Potomac except one — which his wounds unfitted him to enter —
until the close of the war. He was wounded at the battles of Fair Oaks,
Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, and received four brevets for gal-
lant and distinguished service. At the close of the war he commanded
the district of North Carolina during the work of reconstruction, and on
the reorganization of the army he was appointed colonel of infantry. He
was made a brigadier-general, U. S. A., in 1880, and a major-general in
1890. He successfully conducted Indian campaigns against the Kiowas,
Comanches and Cheyennes in the Indian territory and the Southwest ; the
Sioux, Cheyennes, Nez Perces and Bannocks in the Northwest ; the
Apaches in Arizona and New Mexico, and the Sioux in South Dakota.
He received a vote of thanks from the states of Montana and Kansas and
the territories of Arizona and New Mexico for his services, and on sev-
eral occasions prevented Indian wars by judicious and humane settlement
of difficulties without the use of military power. He commanded at dif-
ferent times the departments of the Columbia, Missouri and Arizona, and
the military divisions of the Pacific and the Missouri ; was given the rank
of lieutenant-general on June 6, 1900, and he was retired, Aug. 8, 1903.
Miller, John F., brigadier-general, was born in Union county Ind.,
Nov. 21, 1831. He removed with his parents to South Bend in 1833, was
prepared for college and was graduated in 1852 at the New York state
law-school. After practicing a short time in South Bend he was forced
to go west for his health and for three years resided in California. On
returning to Indiana he took an active part in the Republican campaign
of 1856 and was a member of the state senate in i860, but resigned to
enter the army. After serving as aide to Gov. Morton he recruited and
became colonel of the 29th Ind. volunteers and joined Gen. Rousseau in
Kentucky, Oct. 10, 1861. He succeeded in Feb., 1862, to the command of
a brigade in Buell's Army of the Ohio, and his regiment served in Kirk's
brigade in the battle of Shiloh. He subsequently commanded first the
military barracks and then the city of Nashville, Tefm., and in Sept.,
1862, was given command at Nashville of the 7th brigade, Negley's 8th
division. He distinguished himself particularly at the battle of Stone's
176 The Union Army
river, where at the head of liis brigade he charged across the river and
drove Breckenridge from his position, and in the charge he received a
bullet wound in the neck. At Liberty gap, June 25, 1863, he made another
gallant charge and received a wound which destroyed the sight of his
right eye. He was promoted brigadier-general of volunteers, Jan. 5, 1864,
and he commanded a division of 8,000 men on the left at the battle of
Nashville in the following December. For gallant and meritorious serv-
ices in this battle he was brevetted major-general of volunteers on March
13, 1865, and during the summer of that year he commanded the district
of Mobile. He resigned Sept. 25, 1865, refused a commission as colonel
in the regular army and moved to San Francisco, where he practised law
and for four years was collector of the port. He was then an organizer
and became president of the Alaska commercial fur company and amassed
a large fortune. He was a Republican presidential elector in 1872, 1876,
1880; a member of the state constitutional convention in 1879, and in
Jan., 1881, was elected to the United States senate, where he served until
his death. He died in Washington, D. C, March 8, 1886.
Miller, Stephen, brigadier-general, was born in Carroll, Pa., Jan.
7, 1816. He received a common school education, became interested in
politics and held the offices of prothonotary of Dauphin county and flour
inspector in Philadelphia. From 1853 to 1855 he edited tlie "Telegraph,"
a Whig newspaper in Harrisburg. Removing to St. Cloud, Minn., in
1858, he engaged in business there and became a delegate to the Repub-
lican national convention in i860 and a presidential elector for Lincoln
in that year. He became lieutenant-colonel of the ist Minn, infantry,
April 29, 1861, and its colonel Aug. 24, 1862. He took part in the battles
of Bull Run and Ball's bluff, the Valley campaign and the Peninsular
campaign of 1862, and on Nov. 17, 1862, he succeeded Gen. Sibley in
command of Majikato, Minn. He assisted with his regiment in quelling
the Indian outbreak of that year and had charge of the execution of
38 of the disloyal Indians on Dec. 26. He commanded the District
of Minnesota during Gen. Sibley's absence in June, 1863, and on Oct.
26, he was promoted brigadier-general of volunteers. He then commanded
Fort Snelling, but resigned from the army, Jan. 18, 1864, having been
elected governor of Minnesota. He was governor of Minnesota in 1864-
65, and from 187 1 to 1881 was field agent for the St. Paul & Sioux City
railroad. Gen. Miller died at Worthington, Minn., Aug. 18, 1881.
Milroy, Robert H., major-general, was born near Salem, Ind., June
Ii, 1816. He was graduated at Norwich university, Vt., in 1843, taking
degrees in both the classical and military departments, and in the war
with Mexico he served as captain in the ist Ind. regiment. He was grad-
uated at the Indiana university with the degree of LL. B. in 1850, and
practiced law until the Civil war, first at Delphi and then at Rensselaer;
was a member of the Indiana constitutional convention, 1850-51, and in
1851 was appointed judge of the 8th judicial circuit of Indiana. At the
beginning of the Civil war he issued a call for volunteers and was com-
missioned colonel of the qth Ind. volunteers on April 26, 1871. In Dec,
1861, he attacked the Confederates in front of Cheat Mountain pass, and
on Feb. 6, 1862, he was given a commission as brigadier-general to date
from Sept. 5, i86r. He assumed command of the Mountain Department
in Jan., 1862, and adopted stringent and effective measures against the
depredations of guerrillas, as the result of which President Davis secured
the passage of a bill through the Confederate congress offering a reward
of $100,000 for the body of Gen. Milroy, dead or alive. In May, 1862,
Gen. Milroy was attacked by Jackson at McDowell, and he fought there
with the aid of Shields, who assumed command, the battle of McDowell.
Gen. Milroy's brigade was then attached to Sigel's corps. Army of the
Brig.-Gen. T. F. Meagher
Brig.-Gen. S. A. Meridith
Brig.-Gen. J. F. Miller
Brig.-Gen. J. G. Mitchell
Rrig.-Gen. M. C. Meios
Maj.-Gen. Wesley Merritt
Brig.-Gen. Stephen Mil-
ler
Maj.-Gen. O. M. Mitchel
I'.iiir.-Gen. Solo.mo.v
.Meredith
Maj.-Gen. N. .\. Miles
Maj.-Gen. R. H. Milroy
r>ng.-Gen. R. K. Mitchell
Biographical Sketches 177
Potomac, and fought in the second battle of Bull Run. He was pro-
moted major-general of volunteers Nov. 29, 1862, and v^rith his division of
8,000 men he occupied Winchester. Here he was attacked by nearly the
whole of Lee's army, which was marching toward Pennsylvania, and held
out for three days "against the superior force, retreating then, by night,
with great loss of men, to Harper's Ferry. Gen. Milroy claimed that by
thus holding Lee in check he enabled Meade to meet him at Gettysburg,
when otherwise the battle would have been fought farther north. How-
ever, his conduct was made the object of official investigation and he was
held in contmement until May 13, 1864, for having evacuated Winchester
without orders from Gen. Schenck, his immediate commander. After his
release he was ordered to Nashville, Tenn., and soon thereafter fought
his last battle against Gens. Forrest and Bates, defeating their combined
forces on the old Murfreesboro battle-ground. He resigned from the
army July 25, 1865. In 1868 he was elected trustee of the Wabash &
Erie canal company. He then held the office of superintendent of Indian
affairs in Washington territory, 1872-75, and that of Indian agent in
Washington territory, 1875-85. Gen. Milroy died in Olympia, Wash.,
March 29, 1890.
Mitchel, Ormsby M., major-general, was born in Morganfield, Ky.,
Aug. 28, 1810. He was graduated at the United States military academy
in 1829, served as assistant professor of mathematics at West Point for
two years, and was then on garrison duty until Sept. 30, 1832, when he
resigned. He was in that year admitted to the bar, practiced two years
in Cincinnati, was chief engineer of the Little Miami railroad, 1836-37,
and professor of mathematics, astronomy and philosophy at Cincinnati
college, 1834-44. He raised almost all the money for the establishment
of an observatory at Cincinnati, which was the first of the larger ob-
servatories to be built in the United States, and in 1843 the corner-stone
of the pier for the great telescope was laid by John Quincy Adams.
Prof. Mitchel lectured extensively throughout the United States from
1842 to 1848; was adjutant-general of the state of Ohio, 1841-48; chief
engineer of the Ohio & Mississippi railroad, 1848-49, and again in 1852-53,
and was director of the Dudley observatory at Albany, N. Y., in 1859-61.
He invented a number of valuable mechanical devices for use in astron-
omy, and gained great distinction in his profession. He was commis-
sioned brigadier-general of volunteers, Aug. 9, 1861, and at first reported
to Gen. McClellan, who assigned him the command of Gen. William B.
Franklin's brigade in the Army of the Potomac; but at the request of
the citizens of Cincinnati he was transferred to that city and commanded
the Department of the Ohio from Sept. 19 to Nov. 13, 1861. He served
with the Army of the Ohio during the campaigns of the winter of 1861-
62 in Tennessee and northern Alabama, took part in the occupation of
Bowling Green, Ky., Nashville, Tenn., the march to Huntsville, Ala., in
the action near Bridgeport, Ala., April 30. 1862, and was promoted major-
general of volunteers to date from April ir, 1862. He took possession
of the railroad from Decatur to Stephenson, by which the control of
northern Alabama was secured to the Federal authorities. He was anx-
ious to advance into the heart of the South, but was restrained by his
superior officer, Gen. Buell, and in consequence of a dispute with Buell
he tendered his resignation to the secretary of war and was transferred
to the command of the Department of the South, with headquarters at
Hilton Head, S. C, Sept. 17, 1862. He died of yellow fever at Hilton
Head. Oct. 30. 1862.
Mitchell, John G., brigadier-general, was born in Piqua, Ohio, Nov.
6, 1838. He was graduated at Kenyon college in 1859 and studied law
in Columbus, Ohio. On June 27, 1861, he enlisted in the first battalion
Vol. VIII— 12
178 The Union Army
of Ohio reserves and on July 30 he was appointed ist lieutenant and
adjutant of the 3d Ohio infantry. On Dec. 21, 1861, he was promoted
captain. His early service was in West Virginia under Rosecrans, and
he subsequently served in Gen. Mitchel's campaign in Tennessee and
Alabama. In the summer of 1862 he was sent into Ohio on recruiting
service, and on Sept. 2 he was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the 113th
Ohio infantry. With his regiment he was engaged, first in guarding rail-
roads in Kentucky, and afterwards was stationed at Franklin, Tenn. He
was promoted colonel of his regiment in the spring of 1863; took part in
the Tullahoma campaign, and distinguished himself particularly at Chat-
tanooga, where a diversion by Whitaker's brigade and his own insured
the safe retreat of Gen. Thomas' army. On the reorganization of the
army Col. Mitchell relinquished the command of the brigade, which be-
came the 2nd brigade, 2nd division, 14th army corps, and which took part
in the battle of Missionary ridge and the pursuit of Bragg, and then went
into winter quarters at Rossville. He resumed command of his brigade
previous to the Atlanta campaign, however, and took part in that cam-
paign, leading the advance at Rocky Face ridge and participating in the
battle of Resaca, the capture of Rome, and the battles of Dallas and New
Hope Church. His brigade, in conjunction with that of Col. Daniel Mc-
Cook, led the assault at Kennesaw mountain and suffered terrible losses.
Col. Mitchell continued to command the brigade throughout the Atlanta
campaign, and was present subsequently at the battle of Nashville and
the pursuit of Hood. He then joined his corps in South Carolina and led
his brigade through the campaign of the Carolinas. He was promoted
brigadier-general Jan. 12, 1865. On March 13, 1865, he was brevetted
major-general of volunteers "for gallant and meritorious services in the
war, especially at the battle of Averasboro and Bentonville, N. C." Gen.
Mitchell resigned from the army July 3, 1865, and returned to Columbus,
Ohio. He died Nov. 7, 1894.
Mitchell, Robert B., brigadier-general, was born in Richland count}',
Ohio, April 4, 1823. He attended Washington college, studied law, prac-
ticed in Mansfield, 1844-46, and served throughout the Mexican war as
1st lieutenant in the 2nd Ohio volunteers. Removing to Kansas in 1856
he became an active member of the Free-State party, was a representa-
tive in the territorial legislature, 1857-58, and treasurer, 1858-61. He was
appointed colonel of the 2nd Kan. infantry, May 23, 1861, and was se-
verely wounded at the battle of Wilson's creek. On his recovery he raised
a regiment of cavalry, and on April 8, 1862, he was commissioned briga-
dier-general of volunteers. At the battle of Perryville, Oct. 8, 1862, Gen.
Mitchell commanded the 9th division, 3d army corps. Army of the Ohio,
and he commanded the cavalry corps of the Army of the Cumberland in
the battle of Chickamauga, Sept. 19-20, 1863. He was honorably mus-
tered out, Jan. 15, 1866. Gen. Mitchell was governor of New Mexico,
1865-67, and then removed to Washington, D. C, where he died, Jan.
26, 1882.
Montgomery, William R., brigadier-general, was born in Monmouth
county, N. J., July 10, 1801. He was graduated at the United States mil-
itary academy in 1825 and served on the Canadian border during the dis-
turbances of 1838-46. in the Florida war of 1840-42, and in the military
occupation of Texas. In the Mexican war, which he entered as captain,
he fought at Resaca de la Palma, where he was wounded and brevetted
major, at Molino del Rev, where he was again wounded, and he com-
manded his regiment at Chapultepec and the capture of the Mexican cap-
ital. For services at Molino del Rey he was brevetted lieutenant-colonel,
and in Dec, 1852, he was promoted major. He was stationed at Fort
Riley, Kan., during the troubles in that territory, and while there incurred
Biographical Sketches 179
the displeasure of the authorities and was dismissed from the service,
Dec. 8, 1855. At the beginning of the Civil war he organized the ist
N. J. volunteers, of wliich he became colonel, May 21, 1861, and he was
commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers, to date May 17, and ap-
pointed military governor of Alexandria, Va. He subsequently held a
similar office in Annapolis, Md., and then in Philadelphia, Pa., until 1863,
after which he served on a military commission in Memphis, Tenn. He
resigned on account of failing health, April 4, 1864, and after a brief
period in Philadelphia retired to his home in Bristol, Pa., where he died
May 31, 1871.
Morell, George W., major-general, was born in Cooperstown, N. Y.,
Jan. 8, 1815. He was graduated at the United States military academy
in 1835 and assigned to the corps of engineers, but resigned in 1837 to
become assistant engineer in the construction of the Charleston &
Cincinnati railroad. He held a similar position with the Michigan Cen-
tral railroad in 1838-39, then removed to New York city, and was ad-
mitted to the bar in 1842. From 1854 to 1861 he was commissioner of
the United States circuit court for the Southern district of New York.
He had been appointed, in 1846, major of a New York regiment of vol-
unteers for the Mexican war, but it was never mustered in, and at the
beginning of the Civil war he was colonel and chief of staf¥ to Gov.
Sanford for organizing regiments and forwarding them to the seat of
war. On Aug. 9, 1861, he was commissioned brigadier-general of volun-
teers, and in 1861-62 he served in the defenses of Washington. He served
subsequently in the Army of the Potomac in the Peninsular campaign,
commanding a brigade in the skirmish at Howard's bridge, April 4, 1862,
and in the siege of Yorktown. April to May, 1862. He commanded the
1st division of Hancock's corps in the capture of Hanover Court House,
and at Beaver Dam creek, Gaines' mill, and Malvern hill. He was pro-
moted major-general of volunteers, July 4, 1862, but the appointment ex-
pired March 4, 1863, the nomination not being made to the senate. Gen.
Morell subsequently took part in the battles of Manassas, or second Bull
Run, and Antietam, where he pursued Lee's fleeing cavalry after the bat-
tle, and on Sept. 20 was driven back from the heights of the river bank
near Shepherdstown ; and he was in command of troops guarding the
upper Potomac from Oct. to Dec, 1862. He was then on waiting orders
at Washington, 1862-63, in command of a draft rendezvous at Indianapo-
lis, Ind., 18(53-64, and was mustered out of the service Dec. 15, 1864. He
then engaged in farming near Scarborough, N. Y., and died there, Feb.
12, 1883.
Morgan, Charles H., brigadier-general, was born in Manlius, N. Y.,
Nov. 6, 1834. He was graduated at the United States military academy
in 1857, and prior to the Civil war saw service in the Utah expedition,
1857-59. He was promoted ist lieutenant, April i, 1861, and served, in
1861-62, in western Virginia and in the defenses of Washington, and in
the Army of the Potomac, March-Aug., 1862. He took part in the Rap-
pahannock campaign, the battles of Gettysburg and Warrenton, the skir-
mishes at Auburn and Bristoe Station, the battles of the Wilderness, the
skirmish at Todd's tavern, the battles of Spottsylvania, North Anna, To-
topotomy, Cold Harbor and vicinity, Petersburg, Deep bottom, Reams*
station, Boydton plank road, and the siege of Petersburg, and in 1864-65
assisted in organizing the ist army corps of veterans at Washington,
D. C. He was chief of artillery, 2nd corps. Army of the Potomac, 1862-
63 ; assistant inspector-general and chief of stafT, 2nd army corps, 1863-64,
and 1st veteran corps, 1865. He was assistant inspector-general and chief
of staff to Gen. Halleck, commanding the middle military division, from
Feb. to June, 1865, and a member of the examining board, June to Aug.,
180 The Union Army
1865. He was appointed brigadier-general of volunteers, May 21, 1865,
and was mustered out of the volunteer service on that day. He was
brevetted major for gallant and meritorious services at Gettysburg; lieu-
tenant-colonel for conduct at Bristoe Station; colonel for gallantry at
Spottsylvania Court House; colonel of volunteers "for distinguished and
valuable services and gallantry throughout the campaign, and especially at
the Wilderness and Spottsylvania;" brigadier-general of volunteers for
gallant and distinguished services as chief of staff of the 2nd army corps
during the campaign before Richmond, and brigadier-general U. S. A.
March 13, 1865, for gallant and meritorious services in the held during the
war. After the war Gen. Morgan was promoted major of the 4th ar-
tillery and was stationed at various posts, and finally at Alcatraz island,
Cal., where he died, Dec. 20, 1875.
Morgan, Edwin D., major-general, was born in Washington, Mass.,
Feb. 8, 181 1. He entered business life as clerk in the wholesale grocery
store of his uncle in Hartford, Conn., in 1828, was admitted to partner-
ship in 1831, and in 1836 moved to New York city, where he established
himself as a merchant and accumulated a large fortune. He held various
offices in New York city; was chairman of the Republican national com-
mittee in 1856 and vice-president of the Republican national convention of
that year; was member of the state senate, 1850-54, commissioner of emi-
gration, 1855-58, and from 1859 to 1862 was governor of the state of New
York. He was appointed major-general of volunteers by President Lin-
coln, Sept. 28, 1861, and held the position until Jan. i. 1863, when he re-
signed, refusing compensation for his services. During this time the state
of New York was a military department under his command, and he
sent 223,000 troops from New York to the army and put New York har-
bor in a state of defense. During his term of office as governor of New
York the state debt was reduced and an increase in canal revenue was
made. Gen. Morgan was United States senator from New York, 1863-
69; declined the portfolio of the treasury, offered him by President Lin-
coln in 1865 ; was temporary chairman of the Republican national conven-
tion in 1864; delegate to the Loyalists' convention in Philadelphia in 1866;
chairman of the Republican national convention of 1872, and manager of
the campaign which resulted in the reelection of President Grant. He was
an unsuccessful candidate for United States senator in 1875 and for gov-
ernor of New York in 1876, and in 1881 declined the secretaryship of the
treasury in President Arthur's cabinet. He died in New York city, Feb.
14, 1883. Gen. Morgan's philanthropic bequests aggregated $795,000.
Morgan, George W., brigadier-general, was born in Washington, Pa.,
Sept. 20, 1820. He entered Washington college, but left when sixteen
years old to enlist in a company organized for the purpose of assisting
Texas to gain her independence, and at the age of eighteen years he was
in command of Galveston. He entered the United States military acad-
emy in 1841, but left in 1843, studied law, and practiced at Mt. Vernon,
Ohio, until the beginning of the Mexican war. In that conflict he served
first as colonel of the 2nd Ohio volunteers and then of the 15th U. S. in-
fantry, and was engaged at Contreras, and at Churubusco, where he was
severely wounded. For his gallantry he was brevetted brigadier-general
and was awarded the thanks of the legislature of Ohio, and was presented
with a gold sword by the citizens of that state. He was United States
consul at Marseilles, France, 1856-58, and minister to Portugal, 1858-61 ;
was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers, Nov. 12. 1861. and as-
signed to duty under Gen. Buell. In March, 1862, he assumed command
of the 7th division. Army of the Ohio, and was ordered to occupy Cum-
berland gap, and, if possible, drive the Confederates out of East Tennessee.
He took possession of Cumberland gap, June 18, 1862, but in September
^3mik
ling. -Gen. W . K. Mont-
gomery
Maj.-Gen. E. D. Morgan
Brig.-Gen. W. H. Morris
Maj.-Gen. J. A. Mower
Maj.-T.en. Tr. W. Morei.i.
Brig.-Gen. G. W. Morgan
Brig.-Gen. J. S. Morton
Brig.-Gen. James Nagle
r.rig.-Geii. C. IF. Morgan
Brig.-Gen. J. D. Morgan
Maj.-Gen. Gershom Mott
Brig.-Gen. H. M. Naclee
Biographical Sketches 181
of that year retreated toward the Ohio, as its importance in a general
campaign was disproportionate to the force required to maintain it. He
commanded a division under Gen. Sherman at the battle of Chickasaw
bluffs, Vicksburg, Miss., under Gen. McClernand at the capture of Fort
Hindman, Ark., Jan. ii, 1863, and on June 8, 1863, he resigned on account
of ill health. He was an unsuccessful candidate on the Democratic ticket
for governor of Ohio in 1865, and was congressman, 1867-69 and 1871-73.
He died at Old Point Comfort, Va., July 26, 1893.
Morgan, James D., brigadier-general, was born in Boston, Mass.,
Aug. I, 1810. In 1826 he went to sea for a three years' cruise, but when
the vessel was thirty days out a mutiny occurred and shortly afterward
the ship was burned. Young Morgan escaped to South America, and
thence, after many hardships, made his way back to Boston. He was a
merchant in Quincy, 111., 1834-61, helped to organize the "Quincy Grays,"
and was captain in the Quincy riflemen during the Mormon difficulties in
Hancock county. 111., 1844-45. He was captain in the ist 111. volunteers
during the Mexican war. He became lieutenant-colonel of the loth 111.
volunteers, April 29, 1861, colonel, July 29, 1861, and for meritorious serv-
ices at New Madrid and Corinth he was promoted brigadier-general of
volunteers July 17, 1862. He commanded the 14th army corps at Chat-
tanooga, in Nov., 1863, served in the Chattanooga campaign, distinguishing
himself at Buzzard Roost gap. May 9, 1864, and in the Atlanta campaign,
where he succeeded to the command of the 2nd division after Gen. Jef-
ferson C. Davis succeeded to the command of the 14th army corps. On
Sept. 28, 1864, he was sent with his division into Tennessee to oppose
Gen. Forrest, and he took part in Gen. Sherman's march to the sea and
the campaign through the Carolinas. For gallant and meritorious serv-
ices at the battle of Bentonville, N. C, he was brevetted major-general
March 13, 1865, and on Aug 24, 1865, he was honorably mustered out and
returned to Quincy, 111., where he became a banker. He was also presi-
dent of the Army of the Cumberland and treasurer of the soldiers' home,
Quincy, 111. Gen. Morgan died in Quincy, 111., Sept. 12, 1896.
Morris, Thomas A., major-general, was born in Nicholas county, Ky.,
Dec. 26, 181 1. He received an appointment to the U. S. military academy
at West Point and was graduated in the class of 1834. He served for
two years, resigning from the army in 1836 to take up the business of a
civil engineer, having been appointed resident engineer of canals and rail-
roads in the state of Indiana. From 1847 to 1852 he was chief engineer
of two railroads, then building, and in 1852 he was made engineer-in-chief
of the Indianapolis & Cincinnati railroad, and in 1854 its president, which
latter position he held for three years. In 1859 he was elected president
of the Indianapolis, Pittsburg & Cleveland railroad. On the breaking out
of the Civil war in 1861 Mr. Morris was appointed by the governor of
Indiana to the rank of brigadier-general and assigned to the command of
Indiana troops in West Virginia, serving throughout that campaign. He
was afterward offered commissions as brigadier-general and major-gen-
eral of U. S. volunteers, but declined and took up railroad interests then
needing his experienced direction. He was again chief engineer of the
Indianapolis & Cincinnati railroad from 1862 until 1867, then accepted the
presidency of the Indianapolis & St. Louis railroad, and in 1870 the re-
ceivership of the Indianapolis. Cincinnati & Lafayette railroad.
Morris, William H., brigadier-general, was born in New York city,
April 22, 1826. He was graduated at the United States military academy
in 1851, served three years in the army but resigned his commission Feb.
28, 1854, and from that time until 1861 was assistant editor of the New
York "Home Journal." On Aug. 20, 1861, he joined the volunteer army
as captain and assistant adjutant-general, served in the defenses of Wash-
182 The Union Army
ington and with the Army of the Potomac during the Peninsular cam-
paign, taking part in the" battles of Yorktown, WiUiamsburg and Fair
Oaks. He resigned his staff position, Sept. i, 1862, and the next day-
became colonel of the 6th N. Y. artillery. He was promoted brigadier-
general of volunteers, Nov. 29, 1862; took part in the defense of Mary-
land heights and Harper's Ferry in that year; and at Gettysburg, July
1-3, 1863, he commanded the 6th artillery held in reserve. He subse-
quently took part in the action at Wapping heights, and tlie Rapidan cam-
paign, where he commanded the ist brigade, 3d division, 6th army corps,
and he also took part in the action at Locust Grove, Nov. 29, 1863. He
participated in the battles of the Wilderness and in the action near Spott-
sylvania, where he commanded the 6th army corps part of the time and
was severely wounded. He was on sick leave in May and June, 1864, then
served on courts-martial, and on Aug. 24, 1865, was mustered out of the
service. He was brevetted major-general of volunteers, March 13, 1865,
for gallant and meritorious services in the battle of the Wilderness. After
the war Gen. Morris retired to his estate in Putnam county, N. Y. He
was a member of the state constitutional convention in 1869. He was the
author of works on military tactics and the inventor of a conical repeat-
ing carbine. Gen. Morris died at Long Branch, N. J.. Aug. 26, 1900.
Morton, James S., brigadier-general, was born in Philadelphia, Pa.,
Sept. 24, 1829. He was graduated at the United States military academy
in 185 1, standing second in his class, and prior to the Civil war was em-
ployed on various engineering works and as assistant professor of engi-
neering at West Point ; and he commanded the Chiriqui expedition to
Central America in i860. He was superintending engineer during the
construction of Fort Jefferson at Tortugas, Fla., 1861-62, and of the re-
pairs of Fort Mifflin, Pa., in 1862; was promoted captain, Aug. 6, 1861,
and in May, 1862, reported to Gen. Don Carlos Buell as chief engineer of
the Army of the Ohio. He became chief engineer in the Army of the
Cumberland in Oct., 1862, commanded the bridge brigade in that armj^
and on Nov. 29, 1862, was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers.
He constructed the intrenchments about Murfreesboro, Tenn., and was
present at the capture of Chattanooga, was wounded at Chickamauga,
and superintended the engineering operations under Gen. William S. Rose-
crans. He was promoted major, July 3, 1863, and was mustered out of
the volunteer service on Nov. 7 of that year ; served as superintending
engineer of the construction of the defenses of Nashville, Murfreesboro,
Clarksville and Fort Donelson from Nov. 14. 1863 to Jan. 30, 1864, and
was from the latter date to May of that year assistant to the chief en-
gineer at Washington. He was chief engineer of the 9th army corps
during the campaign before Richmond in 1864, and was engaged in the
battles of North Anna, Totopotomy, Bethesda Church, and the assault on
Petersburg, where he was killed while leading the attack, June 17, 1864.
He was brevetted lieutenant-colonel, Jan. 2, 1863, for gallant and merito-
rious services at the battle of Stone's river; colonel, Sept. 20, 1863, for
good conduct at Chickamauga. Ga., and after his death he was given the
brevet of brigadier-general U. S. A., to date from June 17. 1864, for
"gallant and meritorious services at the assault on Petersburg, Va."
Mott, Gershom, major-general, was born at Lamberton, N. J., April
7, 1822. He attended the Trenton, N. J., academy, entered business life
in New York city at the age of fourteen, and in the Mexican war served
as 2nd lieutenant in the loth U. S. infantry. He was collector of the port
of Lamberton, 1849-53, teller of the Bordentown banking company, 1855-
61, and he entered the service of the United States for the Civil war, Aug.
17, t86t, as lieutenant-colonel of the 5th N. J. infantry. He was promoted
colonel of the 6th N. J. infantry. May 7, 1862, was wounded at the sec-
Biographical Sketches 183
ond battle of Bull Run, and was commissioned brigadier-general of vol-
unteers Sept. 7, 1862. He was again wounded at Chancellorsville, May 3,
1863 ; commanded the 4th division, Hancock's 2nd corps, in the battle of
the Wilderness, and a brigade at the battle of Cold Harbor. He was
brevetted major-general of volunteers Aug. i, 1864, for distinguished
services during the war, and at Petersburg, Dec. 31, 1864, he commanded
the 3d division, 2nd army corps, and was stationed on the Jerusalem turn-
pike, south of the city. He was again wounded at Amelia Springs, Va.,
April 6, 1865, and after the army was disbanded he commanded a pro-
visional corps for some time and was a member of the Wirz commission
at Washington. He was given a commission as major-general of volun-
teers, Dec. I, 1865, to rank from May 26, 1865, and he resigned, Feb. 20,
1866. After the war Gen. Mott served as paymaster of the Camden &
Amboy railroad company, 1866-73 ! became a member of the firm of
Thompson & Mott, iron founders; was appointed major-general of the
national guard in New Jersey in 1873 ; was treasurer of New Jersey in
1875, keeper of the state prison, 1876-81, and member of the Riparian
commission, 1882-84. He was also interested in railroads and banking.
He died in New York city May 29, 1884.
Mower, Joseph A., major-general, was born in Woodstock, Vt., Aug.
22, 1827. He was educated in the public schools, learned the carpenter's
trade, and served during the Mexican war as a private in a battalion of
engineers. He was commissioned 2nd lieutenant in the ist U. S. in-
fantry in 1855, promoted ist lieutenant in 1857, and captain Sept. 9, 1861.
He was engaged in the early operations of the Union army in Missouri,
was elected colonel of the nth Mo. infantry, May 3, 1862, won the nick-
name of "Fighting Joe" by gallantry at luka and Corinth, and was pro-
moted brigadier-general of volunteers Nov. 29, 1862. He commanded the
2nd brigade, 3d division, 15th army corps in the Vicksburg campaign,
May 19-July 4, 1863, distinguishing himself particularly at the battle of
Milliken's bend on June 6-8. In the Red River campaign under Banks he
led the attacking column into the fort at the capture of Fort De Russy,
March 14, 1864, and on May 15, encountered and defeated Wharton and
Polignac on the Yellow bayou, while in command of the rear-guard of
the army. He subsequently was promoted to the command of a division,
defeated Forrest at Tupelo, Miss., July 13-15, and on Aug. 12, 1864, he
was promoted major-general of volunteers. He served with Sherman
in Georgia and the Carolinas, commanding the 17th corps in South Caro-
lina, and the 20th corps at the battle of Bentonville, March 19-20, 1865.
Hewas brevetted major, lieutenant-colonel, colonel, brigadier-general and
major-general in the regular army for gallantry at the battles of Farm-
ington, luka, and Jackson, Miss., Fort De Russy, La., and Salkehatchie,
S. C, respectively. He was mustered out of the volunteer service, Feb. i,
1866; promoted colonel U. S. A., July 28, 1866, and was transferred to the
25th infantry in 1868 and then to the 39th infantry. He died while in
command of the Department of Louisiana, at New Orleans, Jan. 6, 1870.
Nagle, James, brigadier-general, was born in Reading, Pa., April 5,
1822. In 1842 he organized the Washington artillery company, and when
the war with Mexico began he enlisted with it as captain in the ist Penn.
volunteers. His regiment was stationed at Perote castle to keep open
communications with Vera Cruz during the siege. He subsequently was
present at the battles of Huamantla, Puebla and Atlixco, entered the City
of Mexico, and then was stationed at San Angel until- the close of the war.
On his return to Pennsylvania he was presented with a sword by the citi-
zens of Schuylkill county. He was commissioned colonel of the 6th Penn.
regiment, April 22. 1861, and later in the year organized the 48th Penn.
infantry, of which he became colonel. Oct. i. He commanded the ist
184 The Union Army
brigade, 2nd division, of the 6th army corps, and took part in the battles
Crampton's gap in South mountain and Antietam, and at the last named
battle performed an important part in carrying the stone bridge, which,
according to Gen. McClellan, saved the day. He was commissioned brig-
adier-general of volunteers, Sept. lO, 1862, and his appointment expired
March 4, 1863, but was renewed March 10, and he served with his brigade
in Kentucky until May 9, when he resigned on account of impaired health.
He organized the 39th Penn. regiment in June, 1863, and was commis-
sioned its colonel, July i, commanded a brigade during Lee's invasion of
Pennsylvania, and was honorably mustered out, Aug. 2, 1863. In 1864
he organized the 149th Penn. regiment for 100 days' service, and was its
colonel from July 24 to Nov. 5, guarding the approaches to Baltimore.
He died in Pottsville, Pa., Aug. 22, 1866.
Naglee, Henry M., brigadier-general, was born in Philadelphia, Pa.,
Jan. 15, 1815. He was graduated at the United States military academy
in 1835, but resigned on Dec. 31, of that year, and engaged in civil en-
gineering until 1846. At the beginning of the Mexican war he was com-
missioned captain in the ist N. Y. volunteers, and he served throughout
the war, in California, afterwards engaging in banking in San Francisco
until 1861. He was appointed lieutenant-colonel of the i6th U. S. infan-
try. May 14, 1861, but did not join his regiment; resigned his command,
Jan. 10, 1862, and was appointed brigadier-general of volunteers, Feb. 4.
He served in the defenses of Washington, and in the Virginia campaign
of 1862, commanding a brigade at Williamsburg, at Fair Oaks, where he
was wounded, and in the Seven Days' battles about Richmond, June 26-
July 2, 1862. He then commanded a division in the Department of North
and South Carolina, in 1863 ; was in command of the 7th army corps,
July and Aug., 1863, at Harper's Ferry; and from Aug. to Sept., 1863,
commanded the District of Virginia. He was on waiting orders from
Nov., 1863, to April 4, 1864, when he was mustered out of the service.
He subsequently resumed his banking business in San Francisco, became
interested in grape culture and engaged in distilling brandy. He died in
San Francisco, Cal., March 5, 1886.
Negley, James S., major-general, was born in East Liberty, Alle-
gheny county, Pa., Dec. 22, 1826. He was graduated at the Western Re-
serve university of Pennsylvania, served through the most important bat-
tles of the Mexican war as a private in the ist Penn. volunteers, and on
returning to civil life became a farmer and horticulturalist. At the be-
ginning of the Civil war he raised a brigade for three months' service
and participated with it in the battle of Falling Waters, July 2, 1861.
After his three months' service had expired he was recommissioned
brigadier-general of volunteers, his commission dating from Oct. i, 1861,
and served under Gen. Buell in northern Alabama and Tennessee, where
he commanded one of the columns of Mitchel's force, and in May, 1862,
surprised the Confederate cavalry under Gen. Wirt Adams, at Sweeden's
cove captured a large number of prisoners and put the remainder to
flight. He subsequently commanded at the battle of La Vergne. Oct. 7,
1862, where he defeated the Confederates under Gen. R. H. Anderson
and Gen. N. B. Forrest, and for gallantry at Stone's river he was promoted
major-general, to date from Nov. 29. 1862. He engaged in the Georgia
campaign, and held Owen's gap at the battle of Chickamauga. He was
honorably mustered out Jan. 19, 1865. After the war Gen. Negley was
representative in Congress from the 22nd Penn. district from 1869-73,
"^^'S-yy, 'i"d 1885-87. He was for fifteen years manager of the Volunteer
Soldiers' Home; was president of the National Union League of America;
member of the G. A. R. Veteran Legion; Scott's Legion; Military Order
of Foreign Wars, and other military orders. He died in Plainfield. N. J.,
Aug. 7, 1 90 1.
Maj.-Gen. J. S. Negley IMaj.-Gen. W'u. Nelson
Brig.-Gen. F. S. Nickerson Brig.-Gen. James Oakes
Brig.-Gen. J. M. Oliver Brig.-Gen. "Emerson
Brig.-Gen. W. W. Orme Opdycke
IMaj.-Gen. P. J. Osterhaus
Maj.-Gen. Johx Nevvtox
31aj.-Gen. R. J. OglEsby
Maj.-Gen. E. O. C. Ord
Drig.-Gen. J. T. Owen
Biographical Sketches 185
Neill, Thomas H., brigadier-general, was born in Philadelphia, Pa.,
April 9, 1826. He attended the University of Pennsylvania two years,
was then appointed cadet at the United States military academy, and was
graduated there and appointed brevet 2ntl lieutenant in the 4th infantry,
July 1, 1847. He served in the Mexican war, 1847-48, and served then on
garrison and frontier duty until the Civil war, with the exception of the
years 1853 to 1857, when he taught drawing at West Point, was later pro-
moted 1st lieutenant, and in 1857 captain. He was during the first part
of the war assistant adjutant-general on the staff of Gen. Cadwalader,
was promoted colonel of the 23d Penn. volunteers, Feb. 17, 1862, and brig-
adier-general of volunteers on Nov. 29 of that year. He served first with
the Army of the Potomac, engaging in the siege of Yorktown and the
battles of Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Savage Station and Malvern hill,
was also in the Maryland campaign and at the battle of Fredericksburg
commanded a brigade. He was brevetted major for gallantry at Mal-
vern hill, won the brevet of lieutenant-colonel for his action at Chancel-
lorsville, was engaged at Gettysburg after a forced march of over 35
miles, and took part in the succeeding operations of the Army of the
Potomac until the autumn of 1864, winning the brevet of colonel for gallant
and meritorious services at Spottsylvania. He commanded the 2nd divi-
sion, 6th army corps, at Cold Harbor, June i, 1864, was acting inspector-
general in Sheridan's Shenandoah campaign, taking part in the battle of
Cedar creek and in several skirmishes, and on March 13, 1865, was bre-
vetted brigadier-general in the regular army and major-general of volun-
teers for gallant and meritorious services in the war. He was mustered
out of the volunteer service, Aug.' 24, 1865. He had been promoted major
of the nth infantry, Aug. 26, 1863, and after the war served with his
regiment at various posts, was a member of the examining board and
subsequently commandant of cadets at the military academy, besides
serving as inspector-general, as commandant of the recruiting station at
Governor's island, N. Y., and on the frontier against Indians. He was
promoted lieutenant-colonel and transferred to the ist infantry, Feb. 22,
1869 ; was promoted colonel and transferred to the 8th cavalry, April 2,
1879. and was retired from the active service, April 2, 1883, for "dis-
ability in the line of duty." He died in Philadelphia, Pa., March 10, 1885.
Nelson, William, major-general, was born near Maysville, Ky., in
1825. He entered the United States nav}' as midshipman, Jan. 28, 1840,
corimanded a battery at the siege of Vera Cruz in the Mexican war, and
afterwards served in the Mediterranean. He was promoted master in
1854. lieutenant in 1855. and in 1858 commanded the "Niagara," in which
he carried back to Africa the negroes that had been taken from the
slaver "Echo." Early in 1861 he was serving in Washington, and on July
16 he was promoted lieutenant-commander and had charge of the gunboats
on the Ohio river. He was instrumental in raising recruits for the Union
army in Kentucky and Tennessee, and on Sept. 16, he was appointed brig-
adier-general of volunteers. On Nov. 8, he engaged with two Ohio regi-
ments, reinforced by detachments from several Kentucky regiments, in
checking the advance of Col. John S. Williams on Prestonburg, and was
successful in forcing the Confederate leader back into Virginia. He was
then ordered to join the column in front of Louisville in command of a
division under Gen. Buell, and he took a conspicuous part as commander
of his division at the battle of Shiloh, where Buell's army was the first
to join Gen. Grant. He was defeated at Richmond. ,Ky., and wounded
in the engagement, commanded Louisville when that city was threatened
by Bragg, and on July 17, 1862, was promoted major-general of volun-
teers. In an altercation which arose at the Gait House in Louisville be-
tween Gen. Nelson and Gen. Jefiferson C. Davis, Davis shot Nelson, and
18G The Union Army
the latter died at the Gait House, Louisville, Ky., Sept. 29, 1862. Davis
was arrested but was never brought to trial.
Newton, John, major-general, was born in Norfolk, Va., Aug. 24,
1823. He was graduated at the United States military academy, second
in his class, in 1842, and was engaged as assistant professor of engineering
at that school, and on various engineering works, until i860, except in
1858, when he was chief engineer of the Utah expedition, receiving pro-
motion to captain, July i, 1856. He was appointed chief engineer of the
Department of Pennsylvania at the outbreak of the Civil war, then held
a similar position in the Department of the Shenandoah, was promoted
major in Aug., 1861. and from then until March, 1862, was chief engineer
in charge of the defenses of Washington, being in command also of a
brigade for the defence of the capital, and receiving promotion to the rank
of brigadier-general of volunteers, Sept. 23, 1861. He served during the
Peninsular campaign in the Army of the Potomac as commander of a
brigade, and took part in the action at West Point and the battles of
Gaines' mill and Glendale, and he covered the retreat of Pope's army from
Bull Run to Washington, Sept. 1-2, 1862. He then served in the Mary-
land campaign, engaging in the battle of South mountain, and also at
Antietam, where he won the brevet promotion to lieutenant-colonel for
gallantry ; and he commanded the 3d division, 6th corps. Army of the
Potomac, at Fredericksburg and in the Chancellorsville campaign, the
successful assault on Marye's heights being under his direction. He was
promoted major-general of volunteers, March 30, 1863, and at Gettysburg
on July 2 he succeeded to the command of the ist corps after the death
of Gen. Reynolds, being brevetted colonel for his services in this action.
He engaged then in the pursuit of the Confederate army to Warrenton,
and was in the Rapidan campaign, in October-December. He was placed
in command of the 2nd division of the 4th corps of the Army of the Cum-
berland, under Gen. Oliver O. Howard, in May, 1864, and took part in
all the important engagements of the invasion of Georgia, including the
battle of Peachtree creek and the siege and occupation of Atlanta. On
March 13, 1865, Gen. Newton was brevetted brigadier-general and major-
general in the regular army, and. his commission as major-general in the
volunteer army having been revoked April 18, 1864, was brevetted major-
general of volunteers on the same date for gallant and meritorious serv-
ices during the war. From Oct., 1864, to Jan. 24, 1866, he was in com-
mand of the state and of various districts in the state of Florida, and
was honorably mustered out of the volunteer service, Jan. 31, 1866. He
was promoted lieutenant-colonel of engineers, Dec. 28, 1865, was promoted
colonel in 1879, and on March 6, 1884, became chief of engineers with the
rank of brigadier-general. After the war he was in charge of various
engineering works which won him world-wide fame as an engineer. His
most important achievement was the removing of obstructions from the
channel at Hell Gate, East river, N. Y. These obstructions, known as
Hallett's reef and Flood rock, were duly exploded on Sept. 24, 1876. and
Oct. 10, 1885. Gen. Newton was retired, Aug. 27, 1886, and in 1887-88
was superintendent of public works in New York citv. He died in New
York city. May i. 1895.
Nickerson, Frank S., brigadier-general, was born in Swanville, Me.,
Aug. 27, 1826. He was educated at the East Corinth academy and was
collector of customs at the beginning of the Civil war, but he resigned his
office to become major in the 4th Maine infantry, June 15, 1861. He was
promoted lieutenant-colonel of his regiment, Sept. 9, colonel Nov. 25, and
on Nov. 29, 1862, was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers. He
was specially mentioned by Gen. O. O. Howard for his bravery at Bull
Run. .A^fter becoming colonel of his regiment he was sent to New Or-
Biographical Sketches 187
leans, under Gen. Benjamin F. Butler, and was specially mentioned for
his services at Baton Rouge. After receiving his commission as briga-
dier-general Gen. Nickerson served in the Department of the Gulf during
the remainder of the war. and on May 13, 1865, resigned his commission
and took up his residence in Boston, Mass.
Oakes, James, brigadier-general, was born near Limestoneville, Pa.,
April 4, 1826. He was graduated at the United States military academy
in 1846 and served in the 2nd dragoons during the Mexican war, where
he won the brevet of ist lieutenant "for gallant and meritorious conduct
in the affair at Medelin, Mex.," and that of captain for gallantry at Mo-
lino del Rey. After the Mexican war he served on frontier and garrison
duty, was wounded in an affray with Indians, Aug. 12, 1850, and was pro-
moted captain in the 2nd infantry, March 3, 1855. He was subsequently
a member of frequent scouting parties against Indians, was promoted
major, April 6, 1861, and declined the commission of brigadier-general of
volunteers offered him, May 17, 1861. He commanded a regiment in the
Tennessee and Mississippi campaign of 1862, afterwards served on mus-
tering and recruiting service, and commanded the District of Illinois,
1863-66. He had been promoted lieutenant-colonel of the 4th cavalry,
Nov. 12, 1861, and on July 31, 1866, he was promoted colonel of the 6th
cavalry. He was retired April 20, 1879. On March 30, 1865, he was bre-
-vetted colonel and brigadier-general U. S. A., "for meritorious and faithful
service in the recruitment of the armies of the United States."
Oglesby, Richard J., major-general, was born in Oldham county, Ky.,
July 25, 1824. He was left an orphan when eight years old and moved to
Decatur, 111., where he worked as a farm hand and carpenter. He studied
law under Judge Silas W. Robinson at Springfield, 111., 1844-45, was ad-
mitted to the bar in 1845, and joined the service of the United States for
the Mexican war as ist lieutenant in the 4th 111. volunteers. He saw
service at Vera Cruz and Cerro Gordo, resumed his law practice in De-
catur in 1847, was graduated at the Louisville, Ky., law school with the
degree of LL. B. in 1849, and in that year engaged in gold seeking in
California. He travelled in Europe, Egj^pt and the Holy Land, 1856-57,
was an unsuccessful candidate for Congress in 1858, and in i860 was elect-
ed to the Illinois state senate. He resigned this position, April 25, 1861. to
become colonel of the 8th 111. volunteers, and distinguished himself as
commander of a brigade under Gen. Grant, at the capture of Fort Henry
and Fort Donelson, his brigade being the first to enter Fort Henry. For
gallantry at Fort Donelson he was promoted brigadier-general of volun-
teers, March 21, 1862, and he again distinguished himself at Corinth,
where he was severely wounded and incapacitated for duty until April,
1863, when, having been promoted major-general of volunteers,
Nov. 29, 1862, he commanded the left wing of the i6th army corps.
He resigned. May 26, 1864, and in the following November was elected
governor of Illinois on the Republican ticket by a large majority. He
lield this office continuously until 1869, was again elected in 1872, and in
1873 resigned to accept a seat in the LTnited States senate. He declined
reelection to the senate in 1879, and in Nov., 1884, was elected governor of
the state for a four-year term. In 1889 he retired to private life. He
died in Elkhart, III, April 24, 1899.
Oliver, John M., brigadier-general, was born in Penn Yan, N. Y.,
Sept. 6, 1828. He was educated at St. John's college. College Point, Long
Island. N. Y., and subsequently moved to Monroe, Mich., where he was
a druggist and served as recorder of the court. Oh April 17, 1861, he
enlisted as a private, was promoted ist lieutenant in the 4th Mich, in-
fantry on June 20, and captain in that regiment on Sept. 25. On March
13, 1862, he was commissioned colonel of the T5th Mich, infantry, and at
188 The Union Army
the battle of Shiloh, April 6-7, 1862, he won commendation from Gen.
McCook for conspicuous bravery and efficient service. He commanded
a brigade at the battles of luka, Corinth and Grand Junction, his regi-
ment during the Vicksburg campaign, and a brigade during the first part
of the Atlanta campaign. He commanded a brigade again in the march
to the sea, and at the capture of Fort McAllister, Dec. 13, 1864, his bri-
gade opened and carried the assault. He then led his brigade in the Caro-
linas and until disbanded at Washington after the surrender of Johnston's
army, receiving promotion to the rank of brigadier-general Jan. 12, 1865.
He subsequently commanded the 2nd division, 15th army corps. Army of
the Tennessee, at Louisville, Ky., and then at Little Rock, Ark., where
he was mustered out of the service, Aug. 24, 1865. He was brevetted
major-general of volunteers, March 13, 1865, "for faithful, efficient and
gallant service during the war." After being mustered out Gen. Oliver
practiced law in Little Rock, Ark., and was assessor of internal revenue
there; was subsequently appointed by President Grant superintendent of
the postal service in the southwest, and took up his residence in Wash-
ington. He resigned in 1871 on account of ill health. He declined the
appointment of associate justice of the supreme court of the district of
Columbia in 1869. Gen. Oliver died in Washington, D. C, March 30, 1872.
Opdycke, Emerson, brigadier-general, was born in Hubbard, Ohio,
Jan. 7, 1830. He engaged in business in Ohio and then California, then
returned to Warren, Ohio, and enlisted for service in the Civil war from
that place, becoming ist lieutenant in the 41st Ohio infantry, Aug. 26,
1861, and captain, Jan. 9, 1862. He was acting major at Shiloh, where
he led an important charge. He subsequently was mustered out and re-
cruited the i2Sth Ohio infantry, of which he became lieutenant-colonel,
Oct. I, 1862, and colonel Jan. 14, 1863, and he served in the movements
against Chattanooga, making a charge at Chickamauga and later in the
day maintaining his position at a loss of one-third his men ; while at
Chattanooga, where he commanded a demi-brigade, his force was among
the first commands to reach the crest at the storming of Missionary ridge.
He also rendered good service in the Atlanta campaign, notably at Rocky
Face ridge where he was the first to reach the crest, at Resaca where he
was severely wounded, and at Kennesaw mountain, where with three reg-
iments he made an unsuccessful assault. He commanded a brigade from
Aug., 1864, until the close of the war, and at Franklin, in Nov., 1864, he
led his brigade from reserve into the gap made by Hood's assault, with-
out waiting for orders, and was credited by Gen. Thomas, the commander
of the army, with the success of the day. He subsequently distinguished
himself at Nashville and took a prominent part in repelling Hood's in-
vasion of Tennessee, afterwards commanding a division at New Orleans,
La., until Jan., 1866. when he resigned. He was brevetted brigadier-gen-
eral of volunteers Feb. 7, 1865, and on March 13. 1865, was brevetted
major-general of volunteers to date from Nov. 30, 1864, for important and
valuable services at Franklin. His commission of brigadier-general dates
from July 26, 1865. After the war Gen. Opdycke engaged in the whole-
sale drygoods business in New York city. He died in New York city,
April 25, 1884.
Ord, Edwrard O. C, major-general, was born at Cumberland, Md.,
Oct. 18, t8i8. He was educated at the West Point military academy, and
after being graduated in 1839 was appointed a brevet second lieutenant
in the 3d U. S. artillery. He served with distinction in the Seminole war
in Florida, and also in the Civil war. The battle of Dranesville, in 1861,
was won under his leadership, and he was severely wounded at the battle
of Hatchic bridge and again at the assault on Fort Harrison. Having been
several times promoted for gallant and meritorious conduct, he became
Biographical Sketches 189
commander of the Department of Virginia and North Carohna in 1864,
and led the Army of the James in the victorious engagements that ended
the war. In March, 1865, he received the brevet of major-general in the
regular army, and he subsequently held successive command of the De-
partments of Arkansas, California, Texas, and the Platte. In 1880 he
was placed on the retired list, and soon afterward accepted the position
of engineer in the construction of the Mexican railway. He died at
Havana, Cuba, July 22, 1883.
Orme, William W., brigadier-general, was born in Washington, D. C,
Feb. 17, 1832. He was educated at Mount St. Mary's college, Emmitsburg,
Md., and afterwards moved to Illinois, studied law, and practiced his pro-
fession in Bloomington. He was a member of the constitutional conven-
tion in Illinois in i860, and at the beginning of the Civil war raised the
94th 111. regiment, of which he was commissioned colonel, Aug. 20, 1862.
He was promoted brigadier-general of volunteers, Nov. 29, 1862, and
served until compelled to resign on account of failing health, April 26,
1864. He was subsequently supervising agent in the United States treas-
ury. Gen. Orme died in Bloomington, 111., Sept. 13, 1866.
Osborn, Thomas O., brigadier-general, was born in Jersey, Licking
county, Ohio, Aug. 11, 1832. He attended Delaware college, was grad-
uated at the University of Ohio with the degree of A. B. in 1854 and
A. M. in 1857, studied law with Gen. Lew Wallace and began to practice
in Chicago in 1859. He offered his services to the government at the
beginning of the Civil war, was instrumental in enlisting and organizing
the 39th 111. regiment, became lieutenant-colonel of that organization, Oct.
II, 1861, and its colonel, Jan. i, 1862. Being detailed to guard the Balti-
more & Ohio railroad in West Virginia, he engaged Jackson's forces dur-
ing the raid into Morgan county and held the superior Confederate force
in check for several hours, afterwards making good his escape across the
Potomac with small loss. He was engaged in the battle of Winchester,
March 23, 1862, and commanded a brigade in the operations against the
forts in Charleston harbor in 1863. He accompanied Gen. Butler up the
James river in May, 1864, was severely wounded at Drewry's bluff, where
he lost the use of his right arm, and at the siege of Petersburg he com-
manded the 1st brigade, ist division, 24th army corps. He made a gal-
lant charge and was instrumental with his brigade in the capture of Fort
Gregg, April 2, 1865, and for this service was promoted brigadier-general
on May i, 1865, and he took an important part in the subsequent opera-
tions leading to the surrender of Lee's army. He was given the brevet
rank of brigadier-general of volunteers, March 10, 1865, and that of major-
general on April 2, in recognition of gallant and meritorious services in
front of Richmond and Petersburg. Gen. Osborn resigned his commis-
sion, Sept. 28, 1865, and resumed his law practice in Chicago, becoming
also treasurer of Cook county and a manager of the national soldiers'
home. He was a commissioner to settle the disputed claims between the
United States and Mexico, and from 1874-85 was United States consul-
general and minister-resident to the Argentine Republic. He was subse-
quently engaged in railroad enterprises in Brazil but retained his resi-
dence in Chicago. He died, Dec. 20, 1898.
Osterhaus, Peter J., major-general, was born in Coblentz, Germany,
Jan. 4, 1823. He immigrated to the United States in 1849, settling in Belle-
ville, 111., and at the outbreak of the Civil war was commissioned major
of a battalion in the 2nd Mo. infantry, with which he took part in the
actions at Dug springs and Wilson's creek. He was commissioned col-
onel of the I2th Mo. regiment, Dec. 19, 1861, and commanded a brigade
under Gen. John C. Fremont, a division under Gen. Samuel R. Curtis
at Pea ridge, in March, 1862, and one of the three divisions of the Army
190 The Union Army
of the Southwest in May of that year. He was commissioned brigadier-
general of volunteers, June 9, 1862, and commanded a division in the
capture of Arkansas Post and subsequently in the Vicksburg campaign.
He commanded the ist division of the 15th corps of Grant's army in the
operations at Chattanooga and at the battle of Missionary ridge, where
he particularly distinguished himself, and he subsequently partici-
pated in the Atlanta campaign, the march through Georgia, and
the campaign of the Carolinas. During the absence of Gen. Logan, from
Sept. I, 1^4, to Jan., 1865, he commanded the 15th army corps, Army
of the Tennessee, having been promoted major-general, July 23, 1864.
He acted as chief of staff to Gen. Canby at the surrender of Geti. E.
Kirby Smith, and afterwards commanded the military district of Missis-
sippi until Jan. 15, 1866, when he was honorably mustered out. Gen. Os-
terhaus was United States consul at Lyons, France, 1866-77, then returned
to New York city, where for several years he engaged in manufac-
turing and exporting hardware, and he subsequently removed to Mann-
heim, Germany, where he continued the business.
Ov(ren, Joshua T., brigadier-general, was born in Caermarthen,
Wales, March 29, 1821. He immigrated to the United States with his
parents in 1830, was graduated at Jefferson college, Canonsburg, Pa., in
1845, and engaged in teaching and in the practice of law, being admitted
to the bar in 1852, and he established, with his brother Robert, the Chestnut
Hill academy for boys. He was a member of the state legislature, 1857-
59, was a private in the ist city troop of Philadelphia in 1861, and on May
8 of that year became colonel of the 24th Penn. volunteers. After being
mustered out after his three months' service had expired he organized
the 69th Penn. regiment, of which he became colonel, Aug. 18, 1861, and
with which he served in all the battles of the Army of the Potomac from
Fair Oaks to Cold Harbor, commanding a brigade part of the time and
winning by gallant and meritorious conduct at Glendale promotion to the
rank of brigadier-general of volunteers, Nov. 29, 1862. His commission
expired March 4, 1863, but he was reappointed, March 30, and served un-
til mustered out, July 18, 1864. Gen. Owen then resumed the practice of
his profession in Philadelphia, and was recorder of deeds there in 1866-71.
In 1871 he founded the "New York Daily Register," a law journal which
became the official organ of the New York courts in 1873, and he was a
member of its editorial staff until shortly before his death. Gen. Owen
died at Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, Pa., Nov. 7, 1887.
Paine, Charles J,, brigadier-general, was born in Boston, Mass., Aug.
26, 1833. He was graduated at Harvard with the degree of A. B. in 1853
and A. M. in 1856, and he entered the Union Army ,Oct. 5, 1861, as captain
in the 22nd Mass. infantry. He became major in the 30th Mass. infantry,
Jan. 16, 1862, colonel of the 2nd La., infantry, Oct. 23, of that year, and on
July 4, 1864, he was promoted brigadier-general of volunteers. He led
a brigade at the siege of Port Hudson, May 24-July 8, 1863, then joined
Gen. Butler in the Department of Virginia and North Carolina, partici-
pating in the battle of Drewry's bluff, and he commanded a division of
colored troops in the attack at New Market, Va., in Sept., 1864. He also
participated in the expedition against Fort Fisher, was with Sherman in
North Carolina, subsequently, and for a time commanded the District of
New Berne. He was brevetted major-general of volunteers, Jan. 15,
1865, for "valuable and meritorious services," and was mustered out a
year later. After leaving the army Gen. Paine was connected with the
management of railroad corporations and was for many years a director
of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, the Mexican central and the Atchi-
son, Topeka & Santa Fe railroads. He also became prominent for the
part he took in defending the "America's" cup, and in Feb., 1888, the New
Biographical Sketches 191
York yacht club presented him with a silver cup in recognition of his
services in three times defending the trophy. In 1897 he was appointed
by President McKinley, together with Edward O. Wolcott and Adlai E.
Stevenson, a special envoy to Great Britain, France and Germany, with
a view to secure by international agreement the remonetization of silver
as a coin of final redemption.
Paine, Eleazer A., brigadier-general, was born in Parkman, Geauga
county, Oliio, Sept. 10, 1815. He was graduated at the United States
military academy in 1839, served on Gen. Taylor's staff in the Florida war,
and resigned his commission in 1840 to begin the study of law. He was
admitted to the bar and practiced at Paincsville, Ohio, 1843-48, and then
at Monmouth, 111., 1848-61. He was United States deputy marshal for
Ohio from 1842 to 1845, being at the same time lieutenant-colonel in the
Ohio militia, and he was brigadier-general of Ohio militia from 1845 to
1848. He was appointed colonel of the 9th 111. infantry, July 26, 1861,
and brigadier-general of volunteers on Sept. 3 of that year. He com-
manded a brigade at Paducah, Ky., in the fall of 1861, at Cairo, Jan.-
Feb., 1862, and the 4th division of Pope's army in the operations against
New Madrid, Island No. 10, Fort Pillow and Memphis, in March and
April, 1862, and he took an important part in the advance on Corinth in
May, the evacuation of that place being materially hastened by his oper-
ations, his troops being engaged with the Confederates at Farmington on
May 9. The remainder of his service was in guarding railroads, and as
commander, first of the district of West Tennessee and then of western
Kentucky. He resigned his commission, April 5, 1865, and after the war
engaged in business. Gen. Paine was a personal friend of President Lin-
coln. He died in Jersey City, N. J., Dec. 16, 1882.
Paine, Halbert E., brigadier-general, was born in Chardon, Geauga
county, Ohio, Feb. 4, 1826. He was graduated at Western Reserve col-
lege with the degree of A. B. in 1845 and A. M. in 1848, was admitted
to the bar in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1849 and practiced there until 1857, when
he moved to Milwaukee, where he continued the practice of his profes-
sion until the Civil war broke out. He was major-general of Ohio militia,
1856-57. He entered the service of the United States, July 2, 1861, as
colonel of the 4th Wis. cavalry, and after serving for a time at Baltimore,
Md., left with Gen. Butler in 1862 on the expedition to New Orleans.
His service during the remainder of the war was chiefly in the Depart-
ment of the Gulf. He captured the town of Grand Bluff and burned it
by order of Gen. Butler, was subsequently arrested by Gen. Thomas Will-
iams for refusing to return fugitive slaves to the camps of their masters,
and after the death of Gen. Williams succeeded to the command of Baton
Rouge, where he packed the statue of Washington and the books in the
state capital and sent them to New Orleans. He was promoted brigadier-
general of volunteers, March 13, 1863, and in the last assault on Port
Hudson, where he commanded the 3d division of the 19th corps, he lost a
leg. He afterwards served on Gen. Augur's military commission in Wash-
ington, commanded the forces stationed between Forts Totten and Stev-
ens during Gen. Early's advance on Washington in July, 1864, commanded
for a time the district of Illinois, and then returned to Milwaukee. He
was brevetted major-general of volunteers, March 13, 1865, "for conspic-
uous gallantry on several occasions, particularly for the attack on Port
Hudson, La., May 27, 1863." He resigned from the army. May 15, 1865.
Gen. Paine was a Republican representative from the ist Wis. district in
Congress from 1865-71, and in 1869 secured the passage of a bill organizing
the United States signal service. After leaving Congress he practiced law
m Washington and was United States commissioner of patents from 1878
to 1890.
193 The Union Army
Palmer, Innis N., brigadier-general, was born in Buffalo, N. Y., March
30, 1824. He was graduated at the United States military academy in
1846 and served throughout the Mexican war, where he was wounded at
Chapultepec, won the brevets of ist lieutenant and captain for gallantry
at Contreras, Churubusco and Chapultepec, and took part in the assault on
and capture of the City of Mexico. He was afterwards on frontier and
recruiting duty, and was promoted major, April 5, 1861, having attained
the intervening grades. He served from April to July, 1861, in the de-
fenses of Washington, and in the Manassas campaign he commanded the
battalion of United States cavalry at the battle of Bull Run, winning pro-
motion to brevet lieutenant-colonel by gallantry there. He was trans-
ferred to the 5th cavalry in Aug., 1861, was commissioned brigadier-gen-
eral of volunteers on Sept. 23, and commanded a brigade in the 4th army
corps of the Army of the Potomac during the Virginia Peninsular cam-
paign, being engaged at Yorktown, Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, and in the
Seven Days' battles. He was subsequently engaged in organizing and
forwarding to the field New Jersey and Delaware troops and in superin-
tending camps of drafted men at Philadelphia, Pa., in 1862 ; commanded
then the ist division of the i8th army corps in North Carolina from Jan.
to July, 1863, the Department of North Carolina, February to March, the
District of Pamlico, the i8th army corps and the defenses of New Berne,
N. C, March, 1863, to April, 1864, and then the districts of North Caro-
lina and Beaufort, N. C, successively until June, 1865. He was promoted
lieutenant-colonel and transferred to the 2nd cavalry, Sept. 23, 1863, and
on March 13, 1865, was brevetted brigadier-general in the regular army
and major-general of volunteers. He was promoted colonel in June,
1868, and commanded his regiment at various posts until retired at his
own request in March, 1879. He died in Chevy Chase, Md., Sept. 10, 1900.
Palmer, John M., major-general, was born at Eagle Creek, Scott
county, Ky., Sept. 13, 1817. He removed with his parents to Illinois in
1831, studied law there, supporting himself meanwhile by manual labor,
and in 1839 was admitted to the bar, practicing subsequently at Carlin-
ville. 111., until the Civil war. He supported Martin Van Buren for the
presidency, was judge of the probate court for Macoupin county, 111.,
from 1843 to 1847, member of the state constitutional convention in the
latter year, judge of probate in 1848, county judge from 1849 to 1851,
member of the state senate from 1852 to 1854, and again in 1855, and a
delegate to the Republican national convention in 1856. He was a de-
feated Republican candidate for Congress in 1858, and was a Lincoln
elector in 1861. He was elected colonel of the 14th 111. infantry, May
25, 1861, accompanied Gen. John C. Fremont in his expedition to Spring-
field and was promoted brigadier-general of volunteers on Dec. 20. He
commanded a division under Gen. Pope at the capture of New Madrid
and Island No. 10, and his brigade at the siege of Corinth, and was then
ordered home. May 29, 1862, on account of sickness. He organized the
122nd 111. infantry in August, and on his return to duty in the field com-
manded a division in Rosecrans' army at the battle of Stone's river,
where he was promoted major-general of volunteers, and in the battle of
Chickamauga he commanded the 2nd division of the 21st army corps. He
commanded the 14th army corps in the Chattanooga campaign and the
Atlanta campaign until Aug.. 1864. when he was assigned to the military
division of Kentucky. There he was military governor and had charge of
the Freedmen's bureau, and was mustered out of the service. Sept. i. 1866.
Gen. Palmer was Republican governor of Illinois from 1869-73, actively
supported Tilden and Hendricks in 1876. and was the defeated Demo-
cratic candidate for United States senator in 1877 and again in 1883. He
was defeated for governor of Illinois in 1888, and in 1891 was elected as
Brig.-Gen. C. J. Paine
T.riR.-Cien. I. N. Palmer
Brig.-Gen. L. B. P.\rsons
Brig.-Gen. G. R. Paul
Brig.-Gen. E. A. Paine
Maj.-Gen. J. M. Palmer
Brig.-Gen. F. E. Pattersop
Maj.-Gen. T. T. Peck
Brig.-Gen. li. E. Paine
Maj.-Gen. T. G. Parke
Brig.-Gen. M. R. Patrick
Brig.-Gen. Galusha
Pennypacker
Biographical Sketches 193
a Democrat to the United States senate, serving until 1897. He refused
• to support the free silver policy of the Democratic party in 1896 and be-
came a candidate for president of the United States on the Gold Demo-
crat platform with Simon B. Buckner of Kentucky for vice-president.
He gave his influence to the Republican nominees for the presidency and
vice presidency in 1900. Gen. Palmer died in Springfield, 111., Sept. 25,
1900.
Parke, John G., major-general, was born in Chester county, Pa.
Sept. 22, 1827. He entered the University of Pennsylvania, but left at the
end of his sophomore year and became a cadet at the United States mili-
tary academy, where he was graduated second in his class, in 1849, and
assigned to duty with the topographical engineers. He was employed
previous to the Civil war on various important topographical surveys as
chief astronomer and surveyor, and was commissioned captain of topo-
graphical engineers, Sept. 9, 1861. He was appointed brigadier-general of
volunteers on Nov. 23 and accompanied Gen. Burnside on the expedition
to North Carolina, where he was engaged at Roanoke island. New Berne,
and Fort Macon. For his services at Fort Macon he was brevetted lieuten-
ant-colonel in the regular army and promoted major-general of volunteers,
to date from July 18, 1862. He was engaged in the movement to Newport
News, Fredericksburg, and Washington, D. C, in 1862, and was chief
of staff to Gen. Burnside in the Maryland campaign, where he was en-
gaged at South mountain and Antietam and in the pursuit of the enemy
to Warrenton. When Burnside became commander of the Army of the
Potomac Gen. Parke continued as his chief of staff and engaged in the
battle of Fredericksburg. He participated in the movement of the 9th
army corps into Kentucky, commanded it on the march to Vicksburg,
where he arrived before the surrender ; and in the reoccupation of Jack-
son, Miss., he commanded the left wing of Gen. Sherman's army and v/on
the brevet of colonel for his services there. He subsequently commanded
the 9th army corps in the Department of the Ohio during the East Ten-
nessee campaign, being engaged in the action at Blue springs, Oct. ro,
1863; the defence of Knoxville, Nov. 17-Dec. 4, and in the operations
against Longstreet in Jan. and Feb., 1864. When Gen. Burnside resumed
command of the corps he accompanied him as commander of a division
in the march to Virginia and acted as his chief of staff during the Wilder-
ness and Spottsylvania campaigns. He was on sick leave July-Aug.,
1864. and on his return to duty, the 9th corps having been made a part
of the Army of the Potomac, he resumed command of it and led in dur-
ing the Richmond campaign, engaging in the siege of Petersburg, the com-
bat at Peebles' farm, at Hatcher's run, and the assault on Fort Stedman,
being also present at the surrender of Lee's army at Appomattox. On
March 13, 1865, he was brevetted brigadier-general and major-general in
the regular establishment for gallant and meritorious services at Knox-
ville and Fort Stedman. His last service in the volunteer army was as
commander of the southern district of New York, and on Jan. 15, 1866,
he was honorably mustered out of the volunteer service. He had been
made major of engineers, June 14, 1864, and he was promoted lieutenant-
colonel, March 4, 1879, and colonel, March 17, 1884. Gen. Parke was
commandant at the United States military academy from 1887 to 1889
and was retired at his own request July 2, 1889. He was the author of nu-
merous technical reports. He died in Washington, D. C, Dec. 15, 1900.
Parsons, Lewis B., brigadier-general, was born in Genesee county,
N. Y., April 5, 1818. He was graduated at Yale in 1840, studied law at
Harvard, was admitted to the bar and settled in Alton. 111., where for sev-
eral years he held the office of city attorney. In 1853 he moved to St.
Louis, Mo., where he became president and treasurer of the Ohio & Mis-
Vol. VIII— 13
194 The Union Army
sissippi railroad, and early in the Civil war he was one of a commission
appointed to examine into the administration of Gen. John C. Fremont in
Missouri. He was appointed colonel of volunteers and assigned to the
staff of Gen. H. W. Halleck, Feb. 19, 1862, with the charge of railroad
transportation in his department, which was subsequently extended to
include the entire country west of the Alleghanies, and in 1864 he was
placed in charge of all railway and river army transportation in the United
States. Perhaps his most noteworthy feat in railroad army transportation
was that of transferring the army of Gen. John M. Schofield from Mis-
sissippi to Washington, D. C. This force, consisting of 20,000 men, was
transferred a distance of 1,400 miles, in Jan., 1865, in an average time of
eleven days, and in recognition of the service he was promoted brigadier-
general of volunteers May 11, 1865. He was brevetted major-general of
volunteers, April 30, 1866, and was honorably mustered out at that time.
Patterson, Francis E., brigadier-general, was born in Philadelphia,
Pa., June 24, 1827. He was graduated at the University of Pennsylvania,
served in McCullough's "Texas Rangers" in the Mexican war, and on
June 24, 1847, was appointed 2nd lieutenant in the ist U. S. artillery. He
was promoted ist lieutenant in 1848 and captain in the 9th infantry in
1855, resigned his commission in 1857 and became engaged in mercantile
pursuits. He became colonel of a Pennsylvania regiment at the beginning
of the Civil war, was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers, April
II, 1861, and commanded the 3d brigade. Hooker's division, Heintzel-
man's corps, at Williamsburg and Fair Oaks. He was killed by the acci-
dental discharge of his own pistol and died at Fairfax Court House, Va.,
Nov. 22, 1862.
Patrick, Marsena R., brigadier-general, was born in Houndsfield,
N. Y., March 15, 181 1. He was graduated at the United States military
academy in 1831, took part in the Florida war in 1837-42, was promoted
1st lieutenant in 1839 and served in the war with Mexico, being promoted
captain in the 22nd infantry, Aug. 22, 1847, and brevetted major May 30,
1848, "for meritorious conduct while serving in the enemy's country." He
resigned from the army in 1850 and engaged in farming in New York,
becoming also president of the Sacket's Harbor & Ellisburg railroad, gen-
eral superintendent of the New York state agricultural society, and pres-
ident of the New York state agricultural college. He was brigadier-gen-
eral of staff and inspector-general of New York mihtia in 1861 ; a mem-
ber of the staff of Gen. McClellan in 1862, and on March 17 of that year
was commissioned brigadier-general of United States volunteers. He
commanded a brigade in the defense of Washington from March to May,
then became military commandant of Fredericksburg, and he took part
in McDowell's pursuit of Jackson, May 7-Aug. 9, 1862. He commanded
a brigade in the northern Virginia campaign and was present at the bat-
tles of Bull Run, South mountain and Antietam, and was subsequently
provost-marshal-general of the Army of the Potomac. 1863-65, and of
the armies operating against Richmond, 1864-65. On March 13, 1865, he
was brevetted major-general of volunteers for faithful and meritorious
service, and subsequently was provost-marshal-general of the Department
of the Virginia until June. 1865. when he resigned. After the war Gen.
Patrick was president of the New York state agricultural society, 1867-68;
and commissioner of New York state, 1868-69. and 1879-80. He then re-
moved to Dayton, Ohio, and was governor of the central branch of the
national home for disabled volunteer soldiers from 1880 to 1888. He died
in Dayton. Ohio, July 2"], 1888.
Paul, Gabriel R., brigadier-general, was born in St. Louis, Mo.,
March 22, 1813. He was graduated at the United States militarj' academy
in 1834. served in the Florida war and on the frontier, and was' promoted
Biographical Sketches 195
captain in 1846. In the war with Mexico he engaged in the defense of
Fort Brown, fought in the battle of Monterey, the siege of Vera Cruz,
'the battle of Cerro Gordo where he was wounded, the battles of Con-
treras, Churubusco and Molino del Rey, and the storming of Chapultepec,
receiving the brevet of major for gallant and meritorious conduct at Cha-
pultepec. After the close of the Mexican war he gained distinction by his
services on the frontier against desperadoes and Indians, served in garrison
in Texas and Missouri, 1852-58, and took part in the Utah expeditions, 1858-
60. During the early part of the Civil war he served in New Mexico,
where he was acting inspector-general from July to Dec, 1861, and on
Dec. 9 was appointed colonel of the 4th N. M. volunteers. In 1862 he
commanded Fort Union and the Southern military district of New Mex-
ico, respectively, participating in the skirmish at Peralta, N. M., April
IS, and on April 25 he was promoted lieutenant-colonel U. S. A. He was
appointed brigadier-general of volunteers on Sept. 5, and, his appointment
expiring March 4, 1863, he was reappointed on April 18, of that year.
He served with the Army of the Potomac at Fredericksburg, Chancellors-
ville, and Gettysburg, and in the latter engagement lost the sight of both
eyes by being wounded by a rifle ball. He was retired from active serv-
ice. Feb. 15, 1865, served until June of that year as deputy governor of the
soldiers' home near Washington, D. C, and then conducted the mili-
tary asylum at Harrodsburg, Ky., until Dec, 1866. He was brevetted
brigadier-general U. S. A., March 13, 1865, for gallant and meritorious
services at Gettysburg, and in Dec, 1866, Congress granted him the pay
and allowances attaching to the full rank of brigadier-general. For his
services in Mexico the citizens of St. Louis presented him with a sword,
and in recognition of his services at Gettysburg the 29th N. J. volunteers
gave him a jeweled sword. After his death his comrades in the Grand
Army erected a monument over his grave in the cemetery at Arlington,
Va. Gen. Paul died in Washington, D. C, May 5, 1886.
Peck, John J., major-general, was born in Manlius, N. Y., Jan. 4,
1821, and was graduated at the United States military academy in 1843.
He took part in most of the important engagements of the Mexican war,
was promoted ist lieutenant, Aug. 20, 1847, brevetted captain for gallantry
at Contreras and Churubusco, major for meritorious conduct in the battle
of Molino del Rey, and on his return to New York the citizens presented
him with a sword. He subsequently served on scouting, frontier and re-
cruiting duty, resigned his commission in 1853, and was then treasurer
of the proposed railroad from New York to Syracuse via Newburg, and
cashier of the Burnet bank, Syracuse, N. Y. He was commissioned brig-
adier-general of volunteers, Aug. 9, 1861, and served in the defenses of
Washington and then in the Peninsular campaign. He engaged in the
siege of Yorktown and the battles of Williamsburg and Fair Oaks ; in
the operations of the Seven Days' battles before Richmond, and on the
change of base to the James river, June 26-July 2, 1862, he commanded the
2nd division of the 4th corps. He was promoted major-general of volun-
teers, Jul\' 4, 1862, and commanded a division at first composed of 9,000
men and afterwards augmented to almost 25,000, embracing all the Fed-
eral troops south of the James river. He was engaged in the operations
about Suffolk, Va., and rendered valuable service by his brilliant defense
of Suffolk against a superior force under Longstreet. He was in com-
mand of North Carolina, 1863-64, of the Department of the East with
headquarters in New York, 1864-65, and was mustered out Aug. 24, 1865.
He then returned to Syracuse, N. Y., and organized at that place the
New York State life insurance company, of which he was president until
his death. He died in Syracuse, N. Y., April 28, 1878.
Pennypacker, Galusha, brigadier-general, was born in Valley Forge,
196 The Union Army
Pa., June i, 1844. He entered the volunteer army for service in the Civil
war, April 22, 1861, as quartermaster-sergeant in the 9th Penn. infantry,
and at the close of his three months' service enlisted for the war as cap-
tain in the 97th Penn. infantry on Aug. 22. He was promoted major in
October and served in the Department of the South, being engaged in the
operations in Florida and against Charleston, S. C. He commanded a suc-
cessful expedition against Woodstock mills, Fla., in Feb., 1864, was pro-
moted lieutenant-colonel on April 3, and in that month was placed in
command of the post at Fernandina. He was then transferred to the
Army of the James under Gen. Butler and fought at Swift creek, Drew-
ry's bluff, Chester Station and Green Plains, and in the later engagements
was three times wounded. He was promoted colonel on Aug. 15, and after
recovering from his wounds sufficiently to be able to return to the tield
commanded a brigade at Deep bottom. Strawberry plains and Malvern
hill, in the trenches before Petersburg and in the capture of New Mar-
ket heights. In the unsuccessful attempt to capture Fort Gilmer he was
wounded and had a horse shot under him ; he commanded a brigade be-
fore Petersburg in December, and took part in Gen. Butler's unsuccess-
ful attempt to capture Fort Fisher on Dec. 25, and in the capture of that
fort in Jan., 1865. Gen. Terry claimed that but for his bravery at the
assault on Jan. 15 the place would not have been taken, and called him
"the real hero of Fort Fisher." He was desperately wounded in the as-
sault and lay in the hospital at Fort Monroe for ten months. For his
gallantry there he was brevetted brigadier-general of volunteers, Jan. 15,
1865. He was promoted to the full rank of brigadier-general of volun-
teers, Feb. 15, 1865, and was brevetted major-general U. S. A. March 13,
1865, for his services during the war. For his gallantry at Fort Fisher
Congress awarded him a medal of honor. Gen. Pennypacker was com-
missioned colonel in the 34th U. S. infantry in July, 1866, and soon after-
ward was transferred to the i6th infantry. On March 2, 1867, he was bre-
vetted brigadier-general and major-general in the regular army. He was
retired on account of disability from wounds received in action, July 3,
1883. He was the youngest officer to hold the rank of general in the vol-
unteer army, and the youngest man in the regular army to hold the rank
of colonel and brevet major-general.
Penrose, William H., brigadier-general, was born at Madison bar-
racks, Sacket's Harbor, N. Y., March 10, 1832. Prior to the Civil war he
engaged in civil and mechanical engineering in Michigan, and on April
13, 1861, he was appointed 2nd lieutenant in the 3d U. S. infantry. He
was promoted ist lieutenant on May 14, was appointed colonel of the
iSth N. J. volunteers April 18, 1863, and commanded the ist brigade, ist
division, 6th army corps, from the afternoon of the first day's fight at
Chancellorsville until three days before the battle of Gettysburg, when
Gen. A. T. A. Torbert. absent by reason of wounds, returned. He com-
manded his regiment at Gettysburg and in Grant's campaign against
Richmond early in 1864. and then commanded a brigade again at the bat-
tle of Cold Harbor on June i. and through the Wilderness campaign.
He continued in command through the Shenandoah valley under Sheri-
dan, and was wounded at Cedar creek on Oct. 19. He was brevetted cap-
tain for gallantry at Marye's heights and major for good conduct at
Gettysburg, was promoted captain, Sept. 11, 1863, brevetted lieutenant-
colonel for services in the Wilderness, colonel for gallantry at Cedar
creek, brigadier-general of volunteers for conduct at Middletown, and on
April 9, 1865, was brevetted brigadier-general in the regular army for
gallant and meritorious services in the field during the war. He was
promoted brigadier-general of volunteers, June 27, 1865. and was hon-
orably mustered out of the volunteer service, Jan. 15, 1866. In the reg-
Biographical Sketches 197
ular army he rose to colonel of the 20th infantry, Nov. 28, 1893. He was
transferred to the i6th infantry in 1894 and retired by operation of law,
March 10, 1896.
Phelps, John S., brigadier-general, was born in Simsbury, Conn.,
Dec. 22, 1814. lie was graduated at Trinity college, in 1832, practiced law
in Cincinnati until 1837, and then moved to Springfield, Mo., and was a
member of the Missouri legislature in 1840 and brigade inspector of mili-
tia in 1841. He was a Democratic representative in Congress from 1845
to 1861, being chairman of the ways and means committee in the 35th
Congress and one of the select committee of thirty-three on the seceding
states in the 36th Congress. He declined reelection to the 37th Congress,
and on Oct. 2, 1861, became lieutenant-colonel of Phelps' regiment of
Mo. infantry, becoming colonel of the regiment on Dec. 19. He was
appointed brigadier-general of volunteers, July 19, 1862, and was military
governor of Arkansas, 1862-63. He was a delegate to tlie National Union
convention at Philadelphia in 1866; commissioner to settle the claims of
Indiana, 1867 ; unsuccessful Democratic candidate for governor of Mis-
souri, 1868, and governor of the state, 1876-82. He died in St. Louis,
Mo., Nov. 20, 1886.
Phelps, John W., brigadier-general, was born in Guilford, Vt., Nov.
13, 1813. He was graduated at the United States military academy in
1836 and served in the Florida war, 1836-39, on the Canadian frontier
during the border disturbances, then at various forts, and in the Mexican
war. In the latter conflict he took part in the battles of Vera Cruz, Con-
treras and Churubusco, and was brevetted captain for gallantry but de-
clined, and in 1850 was promoted to the full rank of captain. He resigned
from the service, Nov. 2, 1859, and took up his residence in Brattleboro,
Vt., where he wrote many articles against the aggression of the slave
power. When the Civil war broke out he became colonel of the i?t Vt.
infantry, May 9, 1861, and on May 17 he was commissioned brigadier-
general of volunteers. He took possession of and held Newport News for
the defense of Hampton Roads, from May to November, being engaged
in several skirmishes, and was then transferred to the Department of the
Gulf, where he took possesison of Ship island. Miss., and with Commo-
dore Farragut's fleet forced the opening of the lower Mississippi in April
and May, 1862. While in garrison in Camp Parapet, La., in 1862, he
organized the first negro troops, but was ordered by the government
commander to cease such organization, and on that account he resigned,
Aug. 21, 1862. For his action in organizing the negroes the Confederate
government declared him an outlaw. When the negroes were finally
armed he declined a commission as major-general of colored troops, and
he spent the rest of his life in Brattleboro, Vt. He was the candidate
for the presidency of the United States on the American ticket in 1880.
He devoted his attention principally to literary work, and was vice-presi-
dent of the Vermont Historical society, 1863-85, and of the Vermont
Teachers' association, 1865-85. He died in Guilford, Vt, Feb. 2, 1885.
Piatt, Abram S., brigadier-general, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, May
2, 1821. He was educated at the Athenaeum and at Kinmount academy
in Cincinnati, and then engaged in farming in the Macacheek valley. He
began to study law in 1846, and in that year founded a paper, which he
afterwards edited for several years, called the "Macacheek Press." He
enlisted in the volunteer army in 1861, was commissioned colonel of the
13th Ohio infantry on April 20, and in July raised and equipped at his
own expense the ist Ohio Zouave regiment, which became the 34th Ohio
infantry, and of which he was commissioned colonel on Sept. 2. He
then began to organize another regiment, with the intention of forming
a brigade, but before it was completed he was ordered to the front, and
198 The Union Army
was made brigadier-general of volunteers, April 28, 1862. He commanded
the post at Winchester, Va., for a short time, and subsequently he par-
ticipated in the second battle of Bull Run and the battle of Fredericksburg.
He resigned from the army, Feb. 17, 1863, and resumed farming, became
a member of the National Greenback-Labor party and was its candidate
for governor in 1879. He was a member of the Patrons of Husbandry,
serving as its state lecturer for two years, and he contributed poems to
his own publication and to the Cincinnati "Commercial."
Pierce, Byron R. (see vol. HI, page 369).
. Pile, William A., brigadier-general, was born near Indianapolis, Ind.,
Feb. II, 1829. He received an academic education, studied theology and
became a Methodist minister, joining the Missouri conference. He be-
came chaplain in the ist Mo. light artillery, June 12, 1861 ; lieutenant-
colonel of the 33d Mo. infantry, Sept. 5, 1862; colonel of his regiment on
Dec. 23, and brigadier-general in the volunteer service, Dec. 26, 1863.
During his period of service he was engaged at Corinth, Vicksburg and
Mobile. He was brevetted major-general of volunteers, April 9, 1865, for
gallant and meritorious services at the siege and capture of Fort Blake-
ly, and was honorably mustered out, Aug. 24, 1865. Gen. Pile was a rep-
resentative in Congress from Missouri from 1867-69, but was defeated
for reelection ; was governor of New Mexico under appointment of Gen.
Grant, 1869-70, and United States minister to Venezuela, 1871-74. He
died in Monrovia, Cal., July 7, 1889.
Pitcher, Thomas G., brigadier-general, was born in Rockport, Ind.,
Oct. 23, 1824. He was graduated at the United States military academy
in 1845 and served in the military occupation of Texas, and also in the
war with Mexico, where he was engaged at Vera Cruz, Cerro Gordo and
the other battles leading up to and including the assault and capture of
the City of Mexico, winning the brevet of ist lieutenant for gallantry at
Contreras and Churubusco. He was subsequently on duty at various posts
until the Civil war, being promoted ist lieutenant in 1849 and captain in
1858, and he reported for duty in Washington in 1861. He served in the
defense of Harper's Ferry in June, 1862, was severely wounded at the
battle of Cedar mountain on Aug. 9, and was granted sick leave of absence
until Jan., 1863. He was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers,
Nov. 29, 1862, and after returning to duty served on commissary and pro-
vost duty in Vermont and New York in 1863-64, and was assistant to
the provost-marshal-general in Indiana, 1864-66. For gallantry at Cedar
mountain he was brevetted major, Aug. 9, 1862, and on March 13, 1865,
he was given the brevet ranks in the regular army up to and including
that of brigadier-general. He was mustered out of the volunteer service
April 30, 1866; was promoted colonel and transferred to the 44th infantry,
July 28, 1866, and was transferred to the ist infantry. Dec. 15, 1870. He
was superintendent of the U. S. military academy. 1866-70; was governor
of the soldiers' home, near Washington, D. C, from 1870 to 1877, and was
superintendent of the New York State soldiers' and sailors' home from
1880 to 1887. He was retired from active service by reason of disability
incurred in line of duty, June 28, 1878. Gen. Pitcher died at Fort Bayard,
N. M.. Oct. 21, 1895.
Pleasonton, Alfred, major-general, was born in Washington, D. C,
June 7, 1824. He was graduated at the United States militarv' academy
in 1844 and served in the war with Mexico, where he won the brevet
of 1st lieutenant for gallantry at Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma. He
was promoted captain in 1855, served during the disturbances in Kansas,
and was then from 1858 to i860 assistant adjutant-general of the Depart-
ment of Oregon. He commanded a regiment in the Department of Utah
from June to Aug., 1861, then took the regiment to Washington, and on
Biographical Sketches 199
Aug. 3, he was transferred to the 2nd cavalry, being subsequently engaged
in the defenses of Washington. He served in the siege of Yorktown and
the Seven Days' battles, was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers,
July i6, 1862, and commanded the advance cavalry division of the Army
of the Potomac in the Maryland campaign in the fall of that year. For
his services at Antietam he was brevetted lieutenant-colonel, and he sub-
sequently took part in the Rappahannock campaign in the winter of 1862-
63, and until June, 1863 ; commanded the cavalry corps of the Army of
the Potomac during the Pennsylvania campaign, and was brevetted col-
onel for his services at Gettysburg. He was promoted major-general of
volunteers, June 22, 1863, took part in the battles of Culpeper Court House
and Brandy Station, Va., and in March, 1864, was transferred to the
Department of the Missouri, where he was engaged in the defenses of
Jefferson City, on Oct. 8. He commanded subsequently the cavalry in
pursuit of the Confederate Gen. Price, and routed him near Marais des
Cygnes river on Oct. 25. For his services against Price he was brevetted
brigadier-general in the regular army on March 13, 1865, and his brevet
of major-general U. S. A. for gallant and meritorious services in the field
during the war bore the same date. Gen. Pleasonton was mustered out
of the volunteer service, Jan. 15, 1866, after having engaged in over one
hundred battles and skirmishes, and he resigned his commission in the
regular army in 1868. He was subsequently for several years collector
of internal revenue in New York city, and then became president of the
Terre Haute & Cincinnati railroad. In May, 1888, he was placed on the
retired list with the rank of major. Gen. Pleasonton died in Washington,
D. C, Feb. 17, 1897.
Plummer, Joseph B., brigadier-general, was born in Barre, Mass.,
Aug. 10, 1820, and was graduated at the United States military academy
in 1841. He served in Florida, on the western frontier and during the
Mexican war, and was promoted ist lieutenant in 1848 and captain in 1852.
During the early part of the Civil war he rendered important services
to Gen. Nathaniel Lyon in Missouri in the capture of Camp Jackson, and
he participated with that general in the battle of Wilson's creek, where
he was severely wounded. On Sept. 25, 1861, he became colonel of the
nth Mo. infantry, and, on Oct. 22, he was appointed brigadier-general
of volunteers. He defeated the Confederates at Fredericktown, Mo., on
Oct. 12, and subsequently participated in the battle of New Madrid and
the capture of Island No. 10. On April 25, 1862, he was promoted major
in the regular army, and he served in the Mississippi campaign, being
present at the siege and battle of Corinth, and taking part in the pursuit
of the enemy at Booneville. He died as the result of exposure in camp, his
death occurring near Corinth, Miss., Aug. 9, 1862.
Poe, Orlando M., brigadier-general, was born in Navarre, Ohio,
March 7, 1832. He was graduated at the United States military academy
in 1856, and until the Civil war was engaged on the survey of the northern
lakes, being promoted ist lieutenant in i860. Early in the war he was en-
gaged in organizing volunteers in Ohio, and he was chief topographical
engineer of the Department of the Ohio from May 13, i86r, to July 15 of
that year, taking part in the action at Rich mountain on July 11, on the
staff of Gen. McClellan. He was a member of Gen. McClellan's staff at
Washington from July to September, was appointed colonel of the 2nd
Mich, volunteers on Sept. 16, and he served during the following winter
in the defenses of Washington. He served with the Army of the Poto-
mac at the battles of Williamsburg and Fair Oaks, then commanded a
brigade in the northern Virginia campaign and subsequently in the de-
fenses of Washington, served in the Maryland campaign, was commis-
sioned brigadier-general of volunteers, Nov. 29, 1862, and participated in
SOO The Union Army
the battle of Fredericksburg, afterwards commanding a division in the
9th army corps until April, 1863. He was promoted captain of engineers,
March 3, 1863, and was subsequently successively chief engineer of the
Army of the Ohio, of the Department of the IVlississippi, and of Sher-
man's army. He was brevetted major for gallant services at the siege
of Knoxville, lieutenant-colonel for gallantry at the capture of Atlanta,
colonel for conduct at Savannah, and brigadier-general, March 13, 1865,
for services in the Carolinas. After the war he was promoted major in
1867, lieutenant-colonel in 1882 and colonel in 1888. He was engineer
secretary of the lighthouse board until 1870, constructed the lighthouse on
Spectacle reef. Lake Huron, 1870-73 ; was aide-de-camp to Gen. Sherman
from 1873 to 1884, and at the same time had charge of river and harbor
w'orks from Lake Erie to Lake Superior. He was fatally injured while
inspecting the great lock at Sault Ste. Marie, and died at Detroit, Mich.,
Oct. 2, 1895.
Pope, John, major-general, was born in Louisville, Ky., March 16,
1822; was graduated at the United States military academy and appointed
a brevet second lieutenant of topographical engineers in 1842; was pro-
moted second lieutenant May 9, 1846, first lieutenant March 3, 1853, cap-
tain July I, 1856, brigadier-general July 14, 1862, major-general Oct. ^,
1882, and was retired March 16, 1886. In the volunteer service he was
commissioned brigadier-general May 17, 1861, promoted major-general
March 21, 1862, and was mustered out Sept. i, 1866. During his military
career he was brevetted lirst lieutenant Sept. 23, 1846, for gallant conduct
in the several conflicts at Monterey ; captain, Feb. 2},, 1847, for services
at the battle of Buena Vista; and major-general, Alarch 13, 1865, for
services at the capture of Island No. 10. His early service included duty
in Florida in 1842-44, in the survey of the boundary between the United
States and the British provinces, and in the Mexican war. He was in
charge of an exploring expedition in Minnesota in 1849, and proved that
the Red river of the North could be navigated by steamers ; on engineer-
ing service in New Mexico in 1851-53; and had charge of the survey of
the route for the Pacific railroad near the thirty-second parallel in 1853-
59. In 1861 he was one of the officers detailed by the war department to
escort President-elect Lincoln to Washington. His first service in the
Civil war was as commander of the District of northern Missouri, from
which he was transferred successively to the southwestern and the central
districts, and on Dec. 18, 1861, he gained a victory over Gen. Sterling
Price at Blackwater, and forced the Confederates to retreat below the
Osage river. His next detail was as commander of the land forces that
cooperated with Admiral Foote in the operations against New Madrid
and Island No. 10, on the Mississippi. After the occupation of Corinth
he was transferred from the command of the Army of the Mississippi to
that of the Army of Virginia, and for fifteen days in Aug., 1862, he
fought a greatly superior force of Confederates, under Gen. Lee, at Bris-
toe Station, Groveton, Manassas Junction, Gainesville and Germantown,
and then fell back to Washington. On Sept. 3 he asked to be re-
lieved of his command, and soon afterward was appointed to the com-
mand of the Department of the Northwest. He proved efficient in check-
ing the hostilities of the Indians in Minnesota, and held that command
till 1865, when he was transferred to the military division of the Mis-
souri, subsequently the Department of Missouri. In Jan., 1866, he was
relieved of this command; in 1867-68 commanded the third military dis-
trict, organized under the Reconstruction act of Congress, comprising the
states of Alabama, Florida, and Georgia; in 1868-70 the Department of the
Lakes ; in 1870-84 the Department of the Missouri ; and from 1884 till his
retirement the Department of the Pacific. He died in Sandusk}', Ohio,
Sept. 23, 1892.
Brig.-Gen. W. H. Penrose
Brig.-Gen. A. S. Piatt
Brig.-Gen. T. G. Pitcher
Brig.-Gen. O. INF. PoE
Brig.-Gen. John S. Phelps P.rig.-Gen. J. W. Phei.ps
Brig.-Gen. B. R. Pierce Brig.-Gen. W. A. Pile
Maj.-Gen. Alfred Ple.vson- Brig.-Gen. J. B. Plummer
TON Brig.-Gen. Andrew Porter
Maj.-Gen. John Pope
Biographical Sketches 201
Porter, Andrew, brigadier-general, was born in Lancaster, Pa., July
10, 1820. He entered the United States military academy in 1836, but
left in 1837, and in 1846 he was appointed ist lieutenant in the mounted
rilies. lie served throughout the Mexican war, winning the brevet of
major for gallant and meritorious conduct at Contreras and Churubusco,
and lieutenant-colonel for services at Chapultepec. He was promoted cap-
tain, Alay 15, 1847, served after the close of the Mexican war in Texas
and the southwest, and on May 14, 1861, was promoted colonel of the
i6th infantry. He was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers on
May 17, and commanded a brigade in the 2nd division, McDowell's army,
at ihe battle of Bull Run, and, after Gen. David Hunter was wounded, the
division. He was provost-marshal-general of the Army of the Potomac,
1861-62; organized state troops at Harrisburg, Pa., in 1862, and in No-
vember was given a command in Pennsylvania and charged with the duties
of provost-marshal-general of Washington, where he rendered valuable
service in restoring order in the city and the surrounding district. He
was mustered out of the volunteer service, April 4, 1864, and, owing to
impaired health, resigned his commission in the regular establishment on
April 20, afterwards travelling in Europe. He died in Paris, France, Jan.
3, 1872.
Porter, Fitz-John, major-general, was born in Portsmouth, N. H.,
June 13, 1822, son of Commander John Porter of the United States navy.
He was graduated at the United States military academy in 1845 and as-
signed to the 4th artillery, becoming ist lieutenant. May 29, 1847. He
served creditably at Vera Cruz and Cerro Gordo, was brevetted captain for
gallant and meritorious conduct at Molino del Rey and major for services
at Chapultepec. He was present also at the capture of the City of Mexico
and was wounded at the Belen gate. In the interval between the Mexican
and Civil wars he served on garrison duty and as instructor at West Point,
became assistant adjutant-general with the rank of captain in 1856, and
served during the troubles in Kansas and in the Utah expedition. He was
promoted colonel of the 15th infantry. May 14, 1861, and on May 17, was
appointed brigadier-general of volunteers. After taking part in the action
of Falling Waters on July 2, Gen. Porter commanded a division in the
defenses of Washington, 1861-62, and in the Virginia Peninsular cam-
paign in the spring of 1862, directing the siege of Yorktown, April 5-
May 4. From May to August he commanded the 5th army corps. Army
of the Potomac, and directed its operations in the battles of New bridge,
Hanover Court House, Mechanicsville, Gaines' mill, Turkey tavern, and
Malvern hill. He was promoted major-general of volunteers on July
4, having been brevetted brigadier-general U. S. A. on June 27 for gal-
lantry at Chickahominy, was transferred to northern Virginia in August
and commanded his corps under Pope at the second battle of Bull Run,
subsequently protecting Washington by occupying the right bank of the
Potomac. At Antietam he commanded the Sth army corps under Mc-
Clellan, and on Sept. 19, he fought with his own troops alone the battle
of Shepherdstown and captured four guns. He was relieved of his com-
mand in November, and was ordered to Washington to appear before a
military commission and answer charges preferred against him by Gen.
Pope. A court-martial was subsequently ordered, the first order being
revoked, and on Nov. 25 he was arrested, the charges against him being
made known on Dec. i. He was charged with having failed to join Pope
at Bristoe on the morning of Aug. 28, and with having disobeyed two or-
ders at the second battle of Bull Run on Aug. 30, one to advance and the
other to retreat. The court-martial found him guilty of the charges pre-
ferred, and he was cashiered Jan. 21, 1863, and "forever disqualified from
holding any office of trust or profit under the government of the United
202 The Union Army
States." The justice or injustice of the verdict was the subject of much
controversy, and numerous appeals were subsequently made by Porter
to have the case reopened. The clause providing that he should never
again be permitted to hold office under the United States was remitted
in 1882, and in 1885 President Arthur vetoed a bill which had passed both
houses restoring him to his rank in the army, on the grounds that Con-
gress lacked constitutional authority to pass such a bill. In 1886, however,
President Cleveland signed a similar bill, and he was reappointed colonel,
U. S. A., his commission dating from May 14, 1861. After leaving the
army Gen. Porter was engaged in business in New York for a time; was
superintendent of the construction of the New Jersey insane asylum,
1872-75; commissioner of public works in New York city, 1875-77; assist-
ant receiver of the Central railroad of New Jersey, 1877-82; police com-
missioner of New York city, 1884-88; fire commissioner, 1888-89, and
cashier of the New York post-office, 1893-97. He declined an offer made
him by the Khedive of Egypt in 1869 to command his army with the rank
of major-general. Gen. Porter died in Morristown, N. J., May 21, 1901.
Potter, Edward E., brigadier-general, was born in New York city,
June 21, 1823. He was graduated at Columbia college in 1842, studied law,
then spent some time in California, and after his return to the east de-
voted his attention to farming in New Jersey. He was appointed cap-
tain and commissary of subsistence in the volunteer army, Feb. 3, 1862,
served in North Carolina, and while there recruited the ist N. C. volun-
teers, of which he was commissioned colonel on Oct. i. He served in
North and South Carolina and East Tennessee, being commissioned brig-
adier-general of volunteers, and on March 13, 1865, was brevetted major-
general of volunteers for gallant and meritorious services during the war.
He resigned, July 24, 1865, and after the war resided in Madison, N. J.
He died in New York city, June i, 1889.
Potter, Joseph H., brigadier-general, was born in Concord, N. H.,
Oct. 12, 1822. He was graduated at the United States military academy
in 1843 and served in the military occupation of Texas and the Mexican
war. He was engaged in the defense of Fort Brown, and for gallantry
at Monterey, where he was severely injured while storming the enemy's
works, he was brevetted ist lieutenant. He was promoted ist lieutenant
in 1847 and captain in 1856, serving until the latter year on garrison duty,
and taking part subsequently in the Utah expedition. He was on duty
in Texas at the beginning of the Civil war and was captured by Confed-
erates at San Augustine Springs, July 27, 1861, not being exchanged until
Aug. 27, 1862. He was appointed colonel of the 12th N. H. volunteers on
Sept. 22, and engaged in the Maryland and Rappahannock campaigns,
commanding a brigade at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. He was
severely wounded at Chancellorsville, and captured, and was held as a
prisoner of war until October, 1863. He was promoted major and trans-
ferred to the 19th infantry, July 4, 1863. was brevetted lieutenant-colonel
for gallantry at Fredericksburg and colonel for services at Chancellors-
ville, and after returning to duty was on special duty for five months and
then provost-marshal of Ohio until Sept., 1864. He was then assigned
to a brigade in the i8th corps of the Army of the James, which he com-
manded at the assault on Fort Harrison. From Dec. 1864, to Jan., 1865,
he commanded a brigade in the 24th army corps, and was then chief-of-
staff of that corps, being engaged in the attack on Hatcher's run and the
subsequent operations until the surrender of Lee. He was brevetted brig-
adier-general in the regular army, March 13, 1865, for gallant and meri-
torious services in the final campaign, was commissioned brigadier-gen-
eral in the volunteer army. May i, 1865, and was mustered out of the
volunteer service, Jan. i<i. 1866. He was promoted lieutenant-colonel in
Biographical Sketches 203
the 30th infantry, July 28, 1860, colonel in the 24th infantry, Dec. 11,
1873, and brigadier-general, April i, 1886. After the war he commanded
various posts and districts, was governor of the Soldiers' Home, Wash-
ington, D. C, 1877-81, and commanded the Department of the Missouri
from April to Oct. 12, 1886, when he was retired from active service.
Gen. Potter died in Columbus, Ohio, Dec. i, 1892.
Potter, Robert B., major-general, was born in Schenectady, N. Y.,
July 16, 1829. He entered Union college in the class of 1849 but did not
graduate, studied law, and at the time of the outbreak of the Civil war
enjoyed a lucrative practice in New York city. He was appointed major
of the 51st N. Y. infantry, Oct. 14, 1861, and was promoted lieutenant-
colonel on Nov. I and colonel Sept. 10, 1862. He took part in Burnside's
expedition to North Carolina, led the assault at Roanoke island, was
wounded at New Berne, and he subsequently participated in the battles of
Cedar mountain, Manassas or second Bull Run, Chantilly, Antietam,
where he took part in the assault on the stone bridge and was wounded,
and Fredericksburg. He was promoted brigadier-general of volunteers,
March 13, 1863; commanded a division at Vicksburg and in the siege of
Knoxville; was brevetted major-general of volunteers, Aug. i, 1864, com-
manded his division in the Wilderness campaign, and was severely
wounded during the final assault on Petersburg, April 2, 1865. On his
recovery he was given command of the Rhode Island and Connecticut
district of the Department of the East. He was married, Sept. 20, 1865,
to Abby, daughter of John Austin Stevens, and on his wedding day was
given his commission as full major-general of volunteers. He was hon-
orably mustered out of the volunteer service, Jan. 15, 1866, and was then
for three years receiver of the Atlantic & Great Western railroad. He
died in Newport, R. I., Feb. 19, 1887.
Potts, Benjamin F., brigadier-general, was born in Carroll county,
Ohio, Jan. 29, 1836. He attended Westminster college at New Wilming-
ton, Pa., for a time, but did not graduate, studied law, and was admitted
to the bar in 1859, subsequently practicing his profession in Carroll county.
At the beginning of the Civil war he raised a company, of which he was
elected captain and which became a part of the 32nd Ohio, and he was
present with his regiment at Cheat mountain and Greenbrier, at Mc-
Dowell and Franklin in the spring of 1862, and subsequently was with
Gen. Fremont in his pursuit of Jackson, where he was engaged at Cross
Keys and Port Republic. The regiment was subsequently ordered to
Cleveland for reorganization, Capt. Potts was commissioned its lieutenant-
colonel, and on Dec. 28, was made its colonel. Col. Potts then joined
Grant at Memphis and took part in the Vicksburg campaign, distinguish-
ing himself at Port Gibson, Raymond, Jackson and Champion's hill. He
commanded a brigade in Sherman's expedition to Meridian and subse-
quently in the Georgia campaign, distinguishing himself again in the
movements at Big Shanty, Kennesaw mountain and in the battles near
Atlanta. He was also engaged at Jonesboro and Lovejoy's Station, and
was in the engagements of Sherman's army in the Carolinas. He was pro-
moted brigadier-general. Jan. 15. 1865, and was brevetted major-general
of volunteers, March 13, 1865, for gallant and meritorious services during
the war. Gen. Potts was mustered out, Jan. 15, 1866, and afterwards
engaged in the practice of law at Carrollton, Ohio. He died, June 17,
1887.
Powell, William H., brigadier-general, was born in Monmouthshire,
South Wales. May 10, 1825. He came to the United States with his pa-
rents in 1830, received a common school education in Nashville, Tenn.,
afterwards engaged in the erection of manufacturing works, and was from
1857 to 1861 manager of the Lawrence iron works at fronton, Ohio. He
204 The Union Army
entered the Federal army in Aug., 1861, recruited a company of cavalry
in southern Ohio, and became captain in the 2nd W. Va. cavalry on Nov.
8. He became major and then lieutenant-colonel of this regiment in 1862,
was commissioned its colonel. May 18, 1863, and on July 18 was wounded
while leading his regiment in a charge at Wytheville, Va., being left on
the field and taken prisoner. He was exchanged in Feb., 1864, commanded
a division in Sheridan's cavalry corps in the Shenanodah valley, and was
commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers on Oct. 19, while on March
13, 1865, he was brevetted major-general of volunteers for gallant and
meritorious services in the campaign of 1864 in West Virginia, and "par-
ticularly at the battle of Front Royal, Va." In 1890 he was awarded a
Congressional medal of honor "for distinguished services in a raid where,
with only 20 men he charged and captured the enemy's camp, 500
strong, without the loss of a man or gun at Sinking creek, Va., Nov._ 26,
1862." Gen. Powell resigned, Jan. 5, 1866, declined a Republican nomina-
tion for Congress offered him in 1866 and again in 1868, and was a Grant
and Colfax elector in the latter year. He superintended the building and
was general manager of the Clifton nail works in Mason county, W. Va.,
1867-70, was general manager of the Belleville nail company of Belleville,
111., 1876-80, and in 1882 organized the Western nail company at Belleville,
of which he was made president and general manager. He was depart-
ment commander of the G. A. R. in Illinois, 1895-96, and was appointed
internal revenue collecter for the 13th district of Illinois in 1898.
Pratt, Calvin E., brigadier-general, was born in Princeton, Mass.,
Jan. 22,, 1828. He was educated at Wilbraham and Worcester academies,
taught school and practiced law for several j-ears in Worcester. He re-
moved to Brooklyn in 1859 and at the beginning of the Civil war organ-
ized the 31st N. Y. infantry, which he commanded in the battle of Bull
Run, and of which he was commissioned colonel, Aug. 14, 1861. He was
promoted brigadier-general of volunteers, Sept. 13, 1862, and commanded
a brigade at Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville. He resigned
from the service, April 25, 1863, and practiced law in Brooklyn until
1869. He was then until 1891 judge of the supreme court of New York,
after which he practiced his profession in Brooklyn again until 1895,
when he became associate judge of the appellate division of the supreme
court. He died in Rochester, Mass., Aug. 3, 1896.
Prentiss, Benjamin M., major-general, was born in Belleville, Va.,
Nov. 23, 1819. He removed to Missouri in 1835 and to Quincy, 111., in
1841, and in 1844 was ist lieutenant in the Quincy rifles, organized to
drive the Mormons out of Hancock, 111. He was captain and adjutant
in the ist 111. volunteers during the Mexican war, receiving honorable
mention at Buena Vista, and after returning to Quincy engaged as a com-
mission merchant. He was the unsuccessful candidate for Congress from
his district in i860, and at the beginning of the Civil war reorganized
his old company and became colonel of the loth 111. volunteers, April 29,
1861. He was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers on May 17;
commanded Cairo for three months ; led the expedition that raided
southern Missouri from Pilot Knob, and on Dec. 28, routed the Confed-
erate force at Mt. Zion, Mo. He joined Grant at Pittsburg landing three
days before the battle of Shiloh, and during the first day's fight was cap-
tured with most of his command while valiantly holding his position.
He was released in Oct., 1862, was promoted major-general of volunteers
on Nov. 29, and served on the court-martial of Fitz-John Porter. He
subsequently commanded Helena, Ark., in 1863, and repulsed the attack
of the Confederate forces under Gens. Price and Holmes there on July 4.
Gen. Prentiss resigned his commission, Oct. 28, 1863, and subsequently
practiced law in Bethany, Mo. He died there, Feb. 8, 1901.
Maj.-Cjen. Fitz-John
]'ORTER
Maj.-Gen. R. B. Potter
Brig.-Cien. C. E. Pratt
Brig.-Gen. Henry Prince
P.rig.C.en. K. E. Potter r.iig.-l .on. .1. II. Potter
P.iig.-Oen. B. F. Potts Brig.-Gen. W. H. Powell
Maj.-Gen. B. :M. Prentiss Brig.-Gen. F. E. Prime
Brig.-Gen. I. F. Ouinby Brig.-Gen. G. ]^. Ra.msay
Biographical Sketches 205
Prime, Frederick E., brigadier-general, was born in Florence, Italy,
Sept. 24, 1829. He was graduated at the United States military academy
at the head of his class in 1850 and assigned to the engineer corps, and
prior to the Civil war was employed on fortifications in New York, Cali-
fornia, Alabama and Mississippi. While on his way to Fort Pickens in
1861 he was taken captive by Confederate forces, was commissioned cap-
tain on Aug. 6, and served after his release in the Manassas campaign.
He was then for the next six months successively chief engineer of the
departments of Kentucky, the Cumberland, and the Ohio, and after being
wounded and again taken prisoner he served under Grant in the Mississippi
campaign of 1862-63. He was brevetted major for gallantry at Corinth,
was promoted major, June i, 1863. and took part in the siege of Vicks-
burg, where he won the brevet promotion to lieutenant-colonel. He was
commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers Aug. 4, 1863. On March
13, 1865, he was brevetted colonel and brigadier-general U. S. A., for gallant
and meritorious conduct during the war. He was retired, Sept. 5, 187 1, on
account of disability incurred in line of duty. He died, Aug. 12, 1900.
Prince, Henry, brigadier-general, was born in Eastport, Me., June 19,
181 1. He was graduated at the United States military academy in 1835,
and served in the Seminole war, 1836-37, the Florida war of 184X-42, and
the Mexican war. In the latter conflict he won the brevet of captain for
gallantry at Contreras and Churubusco, was present also at the capture
of San Antonio, and was brevetted major for gallantry in the battle of
Molino del Rey, where he was severely wounded. After the war he was
an invalid from his wound for three years, and subsequently served on
coast survey duty and in the pay department, and took part in the Utah
expedition. In the Civil war he took part in the northern Virginia cam-
paign, was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers, April 28, 1862,
and at the battle of Cedar mountain he commanded first a brigade in
Gen. Augur's division, and, after that officer was wounded, the division ;
was captured there and held prisoner until December. For gallant and
meritorious service at Cedar mountain he was brevetted lieutenant-col-
onel and after his release he participated in the North Carolina operations
early in 1863, was ordered to Maryland in June, was engaged at the action
at Wapping heights in July, and from October to December commanded
a division in the Rapidan campaign, being prominent in the attack on
the Confederates at Antioch Church on Nov. 29. He commanded the dis-
trict of Columbus, Ky., from April to Aug., 1864, was engaged from Octo-
ber to November in the pursuit of Forrest's raiders in Tennessee and
Alabama, and from Jan. to May, 1865, commanded a provisional division
on the coast of South Carolina. On March 13, 1865, he was brevetted
colonel and brigadier-general in the regular army for faithful, gallant and
meritorious services during the war, and he was mustered out of the vol-
unteer service, April 30, 1866. After the war he served in the pay depart-
ment, rising to lieutenant-colonel and department paymaster-general in
1877, and he was retired in 1879. He committed suicide in London, Eng.,
Aug. 19, 1892.
Quinby, Isaac F., brigadier-general, was born near Morristown, Mor-
ris county, N. J., Jan. 29, 1821. He was graduated at the United States
military academy in 1843 and served from 1845 to 1847 as assistant pro-
fessor at West Point, engaging then in the war with Mexico. In 1852
he resigned his commission and was until the Civil war professor of math-
ematics and natural and experimental philosophy at the University of
Rochester, N. Y. He became colonel of the 13th N, Y. infantry. May
14, 1861, led his regiment through Baltimore to Washington, and then
resigned his commission on Aug. 4. He was appointed brigadier-general
of volunteers, March 17, 1862, took part in the northern Mississippi cam-
206 The Union Army
paign of 1862-63, and was detailed to guard the western extremity of
the Memphis & Charleston railroad. He subsequently took an impor-
tant part in the operations about Vicksburg, as commander of the 7th
division of the Army of the Tennessee, planning an attack on Fort
Pemberton which was given up on orders from Gen. Grant. He was
ordered home on sick leave, May i, 1863, but, hearing of Grant's pro-
posed attack on Vicksburg returned to the command of his division
two weeks later, and engaged in the battle of Champion's hill on May
16, and in the assaults on Vicksburg, May 19-22. His health again fail-
ing he was on leave of absence from June to August, then commanded
a draft rendezvous at Elmira, N. Y., until December, and on Dec. 31,
resigned his commission and resumed his chair at the University of
Rochester. He was city surveyor of Rochester, 1886-90, and a trustee
and vice-president of the soldiers' home at Bath, N. Y., 1879-86. He
was the author of mathematical text-books. Gen. Quinby died in
Rochester, N. Y., Sept. 18, 1891.
Ramsay, George D., brigadier-general, was born in the state of
Virginia in 1801, graduated at the United States military academy in
July, 1820, and was assigned to the corps of light artillery as second
lieutenant. In March, 1826, he was promoted to the grade of first
lieutenant, and was made regimental adjutant in Dec, 1833, having
served on topographical and ordnance duty prior to that date. In Feb.,
183s, he was appointed captain of ordnance, and held that rank over
twenty-six years, serving in command of arsenals, in the military occu-
pation of Texas, and in the field in Mexico. During the Mexican war
he was engaged in the battle of Monterey, in Sept., 1846, and received
the brevet of major "for gallant and meritorious conduct in the several
conflicts at Monterey, Sept. 2^, 1846." From June, 1847, to the close of
the war in May, 1848, he served as chief ordnance officer of the army
commanded by Maj.-Gen. Taylor, in command of arsenals, and as a
member of the ordnance board in i860. He was prom.oted to be major
of ordnance in April, 1861, lieutenant-colonel in Aug., 1861, and colonel
in June, 1863. He was appointed chief of ordnance in Sept., 1863, with
the rank of brigadier-general, U. S. army, and served in that position
until Sept., 1864, when he was retired from active service under the act
of July 17, 1862, being over the age of sixty-two years, but continued to
serve by assignment, in command of Washington arsenal until June 8,
1866. On March 13, 1865, he was awarded the brevet of major-general,.
U. S. army, "for long and faithful service in the army." He died at
his residence in the city of Washington, May 23, 1882.
Ransom, Thomas E. G., brigadier-general, was born in Norwich,
Vt., Nov. 29, 1834. He was educated at Newbury seminary and Nor-
wich university, completing the course in civil engineering at Norwich
in 1851. and prior to the Civil war he practiced his profession and en-
gaged in the real estate business in Illinois. Early in 1861 he recruit-
ed a company for the nth 111. regiment, of which he was commissioned
captain on April 24, and he became major of the regiment in June and
lieutenant-colonel on July 30. He was wounded while leading a charge
at Charleston, Mo., on Aug. 20, and distinguished himself in the assault
on Fort Henry and the attack on Fort Donelson, where he was again
wounded. He became colonel of his regiment, Feb. 15, 1862, and at
Shiloh was in the thickest of the fight, and, although wounded in the
head early in the day, persisted in remaining with his command. He
became chief of staff to Gen. McClernand and inspector-general of the
Army of the Tennessee in June, and was promoted brigadier-general
of volunteers in Jan., 1863, his commission dating from Nov. 29, 1862.
He rendered conspicuous service in command of his brigade at Vicks-
Biographical Sketches 307
burg, and in the Red River campaign he commanded a division and
received a wound in the knee at Sabine cross-roads, from which he
never recovered. He commanded a division and subsequently the i6th
army corps in the operations about Atlanta, and on Sept. i, 1864, was
brevetted major-general of volunteers. He subsequently commanded
a division and then the 17th corps in the pursuit of Hood, until forced
to relinquish his command at Gaylesville on account of illness. Gen.
Ransom was pronounced by both Grant and Sherman to be among the
ablest generals on their commands. He died near Rome, Ga., of ill-
ness brought on by overwork and exposure, Oct. 29, 1864.
Raum, Green B., brigadier-general, was born in Golconda, 111., Dec.
3, 1829. He was admitted to the bar in 1853 and practiced in his native
town until 1856, when he removed to Kansas and became identified
with the Free-state party. He returned to Illinois in 1857, practiced
in Harrisburg until the Civil war, and after the firing upon Fort Sum-
ter made the first war speech in southern Illinois, at Metropolis. He
entered the Federal army as major of the 56th 111. infantry, Sept. 28,
1861, was promoted lieutenant-colonel in June, 1862, and colonel on
Aug. 31. He served with Gen. Rosecrans in the Army of the Missis-
sippi, led a successful bayonet charge at Corinth on Oct. 4, and after-
wards commanded a brigade in the Vicksburg campaign and also in the
Chattanooga campaign, being severely wounded at Missionary ridge,
Nov. 25, 1863. During the Atlanta campaign he held the line of com-
munication from Dalton to Acworth and from Kingston to Rome, and
in Oct., 1864, reinforced Resaca and held it against Hood. He was
brevetted brigadier-general of volunteers, Sept. 19. 1864, received pro-
motion to the full rank, Feb. 15, 1865, and was with Sherman on his
march to the sea and in the assembling of his army in South Carolina,
his final service being as commander of a brigade in the veteran corps
under Halleck at Winchester, Va. He resigned his commission in
May, 1865, was builder and first president of the Cairo & Vincennes
railroad in 1866, and from 1867-69 was Republican representative in
Congress from the 13th Illinois district. He was president of the
Illinois Republican convention in 1866, temporary president in 1876,
and in the latter year was delegate to the Republican national conven-
tion. He was commissioner of internal revenue from 1876 to 1883;
practiced law in Washington then until 1889; was commissioner of
pensions, 1889-93, and then engaged in the practice of law in Chicago.
Rawlins, John A., brigadier-general, was born in East Galena, 111.,
Feb. 13, 1831. He passed his early years on a farm, attended school
during the winter months, and also engaged in burning charcoal. He
studied law in Galena, 1854-55, was admitted to the bar and became a
partner of his preceptor, Isaac P. Stevens. He was city attorney for
Galena in 1857, a Democratic candidate for presidential elector in i860,
and during the campaign of that year held a series of debates with his
rival, gaining considerable local reputation as an orator. At a meeting
held in Galena after the fall of Fort Sumter he favored the mainte-
nance of the union by force of arms and was appointed aide-de-camp to
Gen. Grant. Although the youngest member of his staflf. Grant pro-
moted him assistant adjutant-general with the rank of captain, Sept.
15, 1861, his commission dating from Aug. 31, and he served with Grant
throughout the remainder of the war, with the exception of Aug. and
Sept., 1864, when he was absent on sick leave. His valuable services
won his rapid promotion as follows: major, May 14', 1862; lieutenant-
colonel, Nov. I, 1862; brigadier-general of volunteers, Aug. 11, 1863;
brigadier-general U. S. A. and chief of staff, March 3, 1865; brevet
major-general of volunteers, Feb. 24, 1865, and brevet major-general
208 The Union Army
U. S. A., March 13. 1865. Gen. Rawlins was held in high esteem by-
Grant, who characterized him in a letter to Henry Wilson, chairman of
the senate military committee, urging his confirmation as brigadier-
general, as "more nearly indispensable to me than any other officer in
the service." Gen. Rawlins became secretary of war in President
Grant's cabinet, March 9, 1869, and held the office until his death, which
resulted from pulmonary consumption contracted during the war, at
Washington, D. C., Sept. 9, 1869.
Reid, Hugh T., brigadier-general, was born in Union county, Ind.,
Oct. 18. 181 1. He was graduated at Bloomington college, Ind., studied
law, and in 1839 moved to Fort Madison, la., where he practiced for
ten years, moving subsequently to Keokuk. He was in 1840-42 prose-
cuting attorney for Des Moines, Henry, Lee, Jefferson and Van Buren
counties, and he enjoyed a reputation as an able land lawyer. He was
for four years president of the Des Moines Valley railroad. He en-
tered the service of the Federal government on Feb. 22, 1862, as colonel
of the 15th Iowa infantry, and distinguished himself at Shiloh, where,
after receiving a bullet wound in the neck, he refused to leave the field
and rode up and down the lines encouraging his men. He was ap-
pointed brigadier-general of volunteers, March 13, 1863, and was sub-
sequently commander of the posts at Lake Providence, La., and Cairo,
111., until April 4. 1864, when he resigned. He died in Keokuk, la., Aug.
21, 1874.
Reilly, James W., brigadier-general, was born in Akron, Ohio, May
21, 1828. He was graduated at St. Mary's college, Emmitsburg, Md.,
was admitted to the bar, and in 1861 was representative from Colum-
biana county in the state legislature. He became colonel of the 104th
Ohio infantry. Aug. 30, 1862, serving in the Army of the Ohio under
Gen. H. G. Wright and later under Burnside. He was ordered to or-
ganize and command the Eastern Tennessee recruits, and formed them
into a brigade which became the ist brigade, 3d division, 23d army
corps. He was engaged in the battle of Knoxville in Dec, 1863, took
part in the pursuit of Longstreet and remained in Tennessee until
April, 1864, afterwards participating in Sherman's march to Atlanta,
and receiving his commission as brigadier-general on July 30, 1864,
during the operations before that city. Gen. Reilly distinguished
himself at Franklin, Tenn., Nov. 30, 1864, where he captured 1,000
prisoners and 22 stands of colors, and afterwards he commanded a
brigade at Nashville on Dec. 15-16, and a division at Bentonville, March
18. 1865. He resigned his commission, April 20, 1866, and afterwards
practiced law in Wellsville, Ohio.
Reno, Jesse L., major-general, was born in Wheeling, Va., June 20,
1823. He was graduated at the United States military academy in
1846 and served with distinction during the Mexican war, where he
took part in the siege of Vera Cruz, the battles of Cerro Gordo, Con-
treras and Churubusco, and the storming of Chapultepec, where he
was severely wounded. For gallantry at Cerro Gordo he was bre-
vetted 1st lieutenant and for services at Chapultepec, captain. He was
promoted ist lieutenant in 1853 and captain in i860, the interval be-
tween the Mexican and Civil wars being employed as assistant profes-
sor at the military academy, on topographical duty, as a member of
various boards and in comm.and of arsenals. He commanded Mt. Ver-
non arsenal, Ala., from 1859 until its seizure by the Confederates in
Jan., 1861, and the arsenal at Leavenworth, Kan., from February until
December of that year. He was appointed brigadier-general of volun-
teers on Nov. 12, and commanded a brigade in Gen. Burnside's expe-
dition to North Carolina, participating in the capture of Roanoke
^lS»»' 10
Brig.-Gen. T. E. G.
Ransom
Brig.-Gen. H. T. Reid
Brig.-Gen. J. W. Revere
Brig.-Gen. A. V. RicE
Erig.-Gen. G. B. Raum
Brig.-Gen. J. W. Reilly
Maj.-Gen. j. F. Reynolds
Brig.-Gen. E. W. RicE
Brig.-Gtn. J. -V. R.wvlins
Maj.-Gen. j. L. Reno
Maj.-Gen. J. J. Reynolds
Maj.-Gen. 1. B. Richard-
son
Biographical Sketches 209
island, the battle of New Berne, and the action at Camden. From April
to Aug., 1862, he commanded a division in the Department of North
Carolina, was promoted major-general of volunteers, July 18, 1862,
and took part in the movement to Newport News and the Rappahan-
nock in August. He commanded the 9th corps in the northern Vir-
ginia campaign, from August to September, engaging at Manassas
and Chantilly, and also at South mountain in the Maryland campaign.
He was killed at South mountain, Sept. 14, 1862, while gallantly leading
an assault.
Revere, Joseph W., brigadier-general, was born in Boston, Mass.,
May 17, 1812. He entered the service of the United States in 1828 as
midshipman in the navy, was promoted past midshipman in 1834 and
lieutenant in 1841, and served during the Mexican war, where he raised
the first United States flag on the north side of the bay of San Fran-
cisco. Fie left the service of the United States in 1850, entered the
Mexican service as lieutenant-colonel of artillery, and was knighted
by Queen Isabella of Spain for saving the lives of her subjects. When
the Civil war broke out he re-entered the national service, becoming
colonel of the 7th N. J. volunteers. Sept. 19, 1861. He was promoted
brigadier-general of volunteers, Oct. 25, 1862, and commanded a bri-
gade at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. For his action at Chan-
cellorsville he was censured by Gen. Joseph B. Carr, commanding the
division, and a court-martial dismissed him from the service in May,
i863. However, he succeeded in having the proceedings reopened and
President Lincoln subsequently accepted his resignation from the
army. Gen. Revere died in Hoboken, N. J., April 20, 1880.
Reynolds, John P., major-general, was born in Lancaster, Pa., in
1820, graduated at West Point on June 30. 1841, and on Oct. 23 follow-
ing, received his commission as second lieutenant in the 3d artillery.
On June 13, 1846, he was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant, and
served throughout the Mexican war, winning the brevets of captain and
major for his "gallant and meritorious conduct" at Monterey and
Buena Vista. After his return from Mexico he was engaged in mili-
tary service in California, and against the Indians on the Pacific coast.
In 1852 he was appointed aid to Gen. Wool, and on March 3, 1855, was
promoted to a captaincy in the 3d artillery. On May 14, 1861, he
was appointed lieutenant-colonel of the 14th U. S. infantry, and on
Aug. 20 was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers, and ap-
pointed to the command of the ist brigade of the Pennsylvania re-
serve corps. In June, 1862. the reserves joined the Ariny of the Poto-
mac, on the peninsula, and Gen. Reynolds, on June 26, participated in
the battle of Mechanicsville, and the next day took part in the severe
battle of Gaines' mill. He was also engaged at Savage Station, and at
Charles City cross-roads, where he took command of the division
after Gen. McCall was taken prisoner, and at a late hour the same
day was himself captured by the enemy and sent to Richmond. For
his gallantry in these battles he received the brevets of colonel and
brigadier-general in the regular army. After his release from Rich-
mond, and on Sept. 26, he returned to the command of his division,
and soon after assumed command of the ist army corps, by virtue
of seniority of rank. He commanded this corps in the first battle of
Fredericksburg, and in Jan., 1863. he was nominated major-general of
volunteers. He hastened forward in the movement to Gettysburg at
the direction of the commanding general, and arrived there in the van-
guard of the Federal army, and bringing his little corps of 8,000 men
into action against a Confederate force of three times that number, he
rode forward to reconnoiter a grove in which the enemy had placed
Vol.lVIII— 14
210 The Union Army
a laige body of sharp-shooters; and dismounting from his horse, ap-
proached a fence and looked over toward the wood, when he was
struck in the neck by a rifle ball, fell upon his face and died in a
few minutes, July i, 1863.
Reynolds, Joseph J., major-general, was born in Flemingsburg,
Ky., Jan. 4, 1822. He was graduated at the United States military
academy in 1843. took part in the military occupation of Texas,
and was promoted ist lieutenant in 1847. He was assistant pro-
fessor at the military academy from 1846 to 1849, then principal
assistant professor of natural and experimental philosophy until
1855, served on frontier duty at Fort Wichita, Ind. Ter., 1855-56,
and resigned from the army, Feb. 28, 1857. He was then profes-
sor of mechanics and engineering at Washington university, St.
Louis, Mo., until i860, engaged in business for a time in Lafayette,
Ind., and on April 25, 1861, re-entered the national service as colonel
of the loth Ind. infantry. He was commissioned brigadier-general
of volunteers, on May 17. served in western Virginia under Rose-
crans and McClellan. and in September was left in command of
the Cheat mountain district. Here he engaged in several skirmishes
and also in the action at Greenbrier river on Oct. 3, and on Jan.
23, 1862, resigned his commission, subsequently engaging in re-
cruiting troops in Indiana. He became colonel of the 75th Ind.
volunteers in August, and on Sept. 17 was again given a commis-
ion as brigadier-general of volunteers, being promoted major-gen-
eral on Nov. 29. He took part in the engagement at Hoover's
gap, June 24, 1863, was engaged at Chickamauga, Sept. 19-20, and
on Oct. 10, 1863, was made chief of stafif of the Army of the Cum-
berland, in which capacity he took part in the battle of Chatta-
nooga. He commanded the defenses of New Orleans from Jan.
to June, 1864, and was then made commander of the 19th army
corps. He then commanded successively the Mississippi river from
its mouth to Memphis, the military division of west Mississippi
and the Department of Arkansas, commanding also the 7th army
corps from Nov., 1864, to Aug., 1865. He was promoted colonel
in the regular army and given command of the 26th infantry, July
28, 1866, was mustered out of the volunteer service on Sept. i,
and on March 2, 1867, was brevetted brigadier-general and major-
general in the regular army for gallantry at Chickamauga and Mis-
sionary ridge, respectively. He was afterwards in command of
various posts and districts until June 25, 1877. when he was retired
for disability contracted in the line of duty. He died in Washing-
ton, D. C, Feb. 25, 1899.
Rice, Americus V., brigadier-general, was born in the state of Ohio,
and upon the outbreak of the Civil war entered the militarj^ serv-
ice as captain in the 21st Ohio infantry, three months' troops. He
served with this regiment throughout its term of enlistment, par-
ticipating in engagements at Ripley and Scarey creek, W. Va., and
was honorably mustered out on Aug. 12, 1861. He re-entered the
service on Sept. 2, as captain in the 57th Ohio infantry, and with
it left the state in Feb., 1862. With his command he participated
in the battle of Shiloh, having been promoted to lieutenant-colonel
on Feb. 8, 1862, and at Chickasaw Bayou five days of severe fight-
ing were experienced. At Arkansas Post, at the head of his regiment
he led the brigade in a charge on the works which were captured after
a desperate battle of three hours, and on May 24, 1863, he was pro-
moted to colonel. He served through the siege and until the capitula-
tion of Vicksburg, and then his regiment being sent to East Tennessee,.
Biographical Sketches 211
he participated in the battle of Missionary ridge, lie continued with
his regiment, when not absent on account of serious wounds, through
the Atlanta campaign, the march through the Carolinas, and on May
31, 1865, in rccognitit'n of his distinguished services he was given the
rank of brigadier-general of volunteers. He remained in the service
until Jan. 15, 1866, when, all disturbances having ceased he was hon-
orably mustered out and returned to his home in Ohio, where he
became quite prominent in civil life.
Rice, Elliott W., brigadier-general, was born in Pittsburg. Pa.,
Nov. 16, 1835. He moved to Ohio with his parents, was graduated
at the University of Ohio, was admitted to the bar in 1856, and
practiced in Oskaloosa, la. At the beginning of the Civil war he
enlisted as a private in the 7th Iowa volunteers, rose to be major
in Aug.. 1861, colonel, April 7, 1862, and on June 20, 1864, was com-
missioned brigadier-general of volunteers. He first met the Con-
federates at Belmont, Mo., Nov. 7, 1861, and afterwards command-
ed his regiment at Shiloh and Corinth, and in all the important bat-
tles of the southwest. He commanded a brigade and for a time
the 2nd division of the i6th army corps in the Atlanta campaign;
a brigade in Corse's division during Sherman's march through
Georgia and the Carolinas; and on March 13, 1865, was brevetted
major-general of volunteers for gallant and distinguished services
during the war. He was honorablj^ mustered out in Aug., 1865,
and resumed his law practice in Oskaloosa, afterward moving to
Sioux City. He died in Sioux City, la., June 22, 1887.
Rice, James C, brigadier-general, was born in Worthington, Mass.,
Dec. 27, 1829. He attended school, but was mainly self-educated
until he entered Yale, where he was graduated in 1854. He en-
gaged in teaching for a while at Natchez, Miss., became literary
editor of a newspaper, and then commenced the study of law. A
year later he removed to New York city, where he was admitted
to the bar in 1856 and began to practice. At the outbreak of the
Civil war he enlisted as a private, was chosen adjutant and captain,
and on the organization of the 44th N. Y. regiment was appointed
its lieutenant-colonel. Shortly afterward he became colonel of the
regiment, and led it in the battles of Yorktown, Hanover Court
House, Gaines" mill, Malvern hill, Manassas, Fredericksburg, Chan-
cellorsville, and performed distinguished service at Gettysburg while
commanding a brigade during the second day's fight, by holding
the extreme left of the line against repeated attacks, and defend-
ing Round Top from a flank movement. For this he received a
brigadier-general's commission in the volunteer army Aug. 17,
1863. He took part in the advance on Mine run and in the opera-
tions in the Wilderness, and met his death in the battle near Spott-
sylvania Court House, Va., May 11, 1864.
Rice, Samuel A., brigadier-general, was born in Penn Yan, N. Y.,
Jan. 27, 1828. He studied at the Ohio university, then at Union
college, where he was graduated in 1849. He then studied law,
and was admitted to the bar in 1852, removed to Oskaloosa, la.,
where he was elected count}' attorney in 1853, and attorney-general
for the state in 1856, and by re-election serving until 1862. On
Aug. 10. 1862, he was commissioned colonel of the 33d la. volun-
teers and he was promoted brigadier-general of volunteers for brav-
ery in the hotly contested battle of Helena. Ark. He continued serv-
ing with honor during the campaigns of 1863-64 in the Southwest, and
on April 30, 1864. in the attack made at Jenkins" ferry, in middle Ar-
kansas, on Gen. Banks" expedition, he was mortally wounded. He
212 The Union Army
was immediately removed to his home at Oskaloosa, where he died on
July 6, 1864.
Richardson, Israel B., major-general, was born in Fairfax, Vt.,
Dec. 26, 1815. He was graduated at the United States military
academy in 1841 and served in the Florida war of 1841-42, in the
military occupation of Texas, and in the Mexican war, where he
was present at most of the principal engagements and won the
brevet of captain for gallantry at Contreras and Churubusco, and
that of major for services at Chapultepec. He was promoted cap-
tain in 1851 and resigned from the service in 1855, engaging in farming
near Pontiac, Mich. At the beginning of the Civil war he was com-
missioned colonel of the 2nd Mich, infantry, and on May 17, 1861,
he was appointed brigadier-general of volunteers. He took part in
the battle of Bull Run and covered the retreat of the Federal army
with his brigade, and he commanded a division in the Army of the
Potomac during the Virginia Peninsular campaign, engaging in the
battle of Fair Oaks and the Seven Days' battles before Richmond.
His coolness in action had won him the name "fighting Dick" in the
Mexican war, and the name clung to him in the Civil war also. Gen.
Richardson was promoted major-general of volunteers July 4, 1862,
and commanded the ist division in the Maryland campaign where he
fought at South mountain and at Antietam. He was mortally wound-
ed at Antietam, and died in Pry's house, McClellan's headquarters,
near Sharpsburg, Md., Nov. 3, 1862.
Richardson, William A., brigadier-general, was born in Fayette
county, Ky., Oct. 11, 181 1, became a lawyer and settled in Illinois.
Between the years 1836 and 1844 he was three times a member of
the state legislature, and in 1844 was an elector-at-large on the Polk
and Dallas presidential ticket. In 1846 he served as captain in the
Mexican war, and on the battle-field of Beuna Vista was promoted
major by the unanimous vote of his regiment.. In 1847 he was
elected a representative in Congress from Illinois by the Democrats
and continued a member of the house until 1856, when he resigned.
In 1857 he was appointed governor of Nebraska by President Bu-
chanan, but he resigned that position the following year. In i860 he
reluctantly consented to serve as a member of Congress, and on
Sept. 3, 1861, was commissioned a brigadier-general of volunteers.
He declined the military position, however, and before his term as
representative had expired he was elected United States senator to
fill the unexpired term of Stephen A. Douglas. He was a delegate
to the Democratic national convention in New York city in 1868,
then retired from public life, and he died at Quincy, 111., on Dec. 27,
1875.
Ricketts, James B., brigadier-general, was born in New York
city. June 21, 1817. He was graduated at the United States military
academy in 1839, served during the Canadian border disturbances,
and took part in the Mexican war. where he was engaged in the
battle of Monterey and Iield the Riconda pass during the battle
of Buena Vista. He was promoted captain in 1852, served in Florida
against the Seminole Indians, and was then on frontier and garrison
duty until the Civil war. His early service in the Civil war was in
the defenses of Washington and he commanded a battery in the
capture of Alexandria. He distinguished himself in the battle of
Bull Run, where he was wounded and taken prisoner. For his
gallantry on this occasion he was breveted lieutenant-colonel and
commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers, and after being con-
fined as a prisoner of war and being absent on sick leave, he returned
Brig.-Gen. \\ . A. kii_a-
ARDSON
P.rig.-Gen. B. S. Roberts
Brig.-Gen. I. P. Rodman
Maj.-Gen. L. 11. Rousseau
lllig. lien. J. l:. UlCKKTTS
Brig.-Gen. J. S. Robixso.v
Maj.-Gen. W. S. Rosecrans
Brig.-Gen. T. .\. Rowley
Brig.-Gen. J. W. Ripley
1?rig.-Gen. T. C. Robinson
Brig.-Gen. L. F. Ross
Brig.-Gen. D. H. Rvcker
Biographical Sketches 213
to duty ill June, 1862, and commanded a division in the Army of
Virginia during the Northern Virginia campaign, where he par-
ticipated in the battles of second Bull Run and Cedar mountain,
and in the actions at Rapi)ahannock station and Thoroughfare gap.
He also commanded a division in the Maryland campaign, taking
part in the battles of South mountain and Antictam, was promoted
major in the regular army, June i. 1863, and commanded the 3d
division, 6th army corps, under Gen. Grant in the Richmond cam-
paign, where he was engaged in the Wilderness, at Spottsylvania
and Cold Harbor, and in the siege of Petersburg. He vi^as brevetted
colonel for gallantry at Cold Harbor, and in the defense of Mary-
land against Gen. Early's raid commanded the 3d division under
Gen. Wallace at the battle of Monocacy. He commanded the 3d divi-
sion, 6th army corps, Army of the Shenandoah, at Opequan, Fisher's
hill, and Cedar creek, Va., and was severely wounded in the last named
battle. Gen. Ricketts was brevetted major-general of volunteers,
Aug. I, 1864. and on March 13, 1865. he was brevetted brigadier-
general in the regular army for gallant and meritorious services
in the battle of Cedar creek, and major-general U. S. A. for gallant
and meritorious services in the field during the war. After the close
of hostilities he commanded a district in Virginia until April 30, 1866,
when he was mustered out of the volunteer service. He was retired
from active service in the regular army, Jan. 3, 1867, with the rank of
major-general, for disability incurred from wounds received in battle,
and he died in Washington. D. C, Sept. 2^, 1887.
Ripley, James W., brigadier-general, was born in Windham, Conn.,
Dec. 10, 1794. He was graduated at the United States military
academy in 1814, served in the war against Great Britain and in
the Seminole war, and was then until the Civil war engaged in
various duties connected with the ordnance department. He was
brevetted lieutenant-colonel in 1848 for meritorious conduct in the
performance of his duty in the prosecution of the war with Mexico,
and was promoted colonel and chief of ordnance, U. S. A., April 23,
1861. He was brevetted brigadier-general, July 2, 1861, was pro-
moted brigadier-general and chief of ordnance on Aug 3, and on
March 13. 1865, was brevetted major-general U. S. A. for long and
faithful services in the army. He was retired from active service,
Sept. 15, 1863, and afterwards served until his death as inspector of
armament and fortitications on the New England coast. He died
in Hartford, Conn., March 16, 1870.
Roberts, Benjamin S., brigadier-general, was born in Manchester,
Vt., Nov. 18. 1810. He was graduated at West Point in 1835 and
served on frontier and recruiting duty, but resigned from the army
in 1839 and became chief engineer of the construction of the Cham-
plain & Ogdensburg r.iilroad, and later he served as assistant geol-
ogist of the state of New York. In 1842 he was employed with
Lieut. George W. Whistler in constructing the Russian system of
railways, and in 1843 was admitted to the bar and began to practice
in Des Moines, la. He was lieutenant-colonel of Iowa militia, 1844-46,
and on Alay 27, 1846, was reappointed to the United States army
as 1st lieutenant in the mounted rifles. He was promoted captain
in Feb., 1847, and during the war with Mexico served at Vera Cruz,
Cerro Gordo. Contreras. Churubusco, and other engagements up to
the capture of the Mexican capital. He was brevetted major for
gallantry at Chapultepec, lieutenant-colonel for gallantry in the
actio-! at Matamoras and at the pass at Galaxara, and the legislature
of the state of Iowa presented him with a sword of honor in recog-
214 The Union Army
nition of his services during the war. He was promoted major early
in 1861 and served in New Mexico under Gen. Canby, engaging at
Fort Craig, Valverde, Albuquerque and Peralta. He was brevetted
lieutenant-colonel for gallantry at Valverde, and on June 16, 1862,
was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers. He served as in-
spector-general on the staff of Gen. Pope at Cedar mountain, Rappa-
hannock station. Sulphur springs and the second Bull Run, was sub-
sequently inspector-general of the Northwest department, and in No-
vember commanded an expedition against the Chippewa Indians. In
186.3 he commanded first the upper defenses of Washington and then
an independent brigade in West Virginia and Iowa, and in 1864. after
leading a division of the 19th corps in Louisana, he was chief of cav-
alry of the Department of the Gulf until ordered, early in 1865, to
command the district of west Tennessee and the cavalry division of
the District of Tennessee. On March 13, 1865, he was brevetted brig-
adier-general in the regular army and major-general of volunteers for
gallant and meritorious services at second Bull Run and Cedar moun-
tain. He was mustered out of the volunteer service, Jan. 15, 1866, was
promoted lieutenant-colonel in the 3d cavalry, July 28, uS66. and on
Dec. 15, 1870. was retired at his own request. He then practiced law
in Wasliingtiin, until his deatli, which occurred in Washington, D. C,
Jan. jg, 1875.
Robinson, James S., brigadier-general, was born near Mansfield,
Ohio, Oct. 14, 1827. He learned the printer's t.rade. and from 1847
to 1865 edited the "Weekly Republican" at Canton, Ohio. He was
secretary of the first Republican convention held in Ohio, in 1856,
and was clerk in the house of representatives of the Ohio legislature,
1856-58. Enlisting as a private in the 4th Ohio volunteers at the
beginning of the Civil war, he was soon afterward appointed cap-
tain, served under McClellan at Rich mountain, July 11, 1861, and
on re-enlisting after his first three months' service became major
of the 82nd Ohio infantry on Dec. 31, being subsequently promoted
lieutenant-colonel, April 9, 1862, and colonel on Aug. 29 of that 3'ear.
He served with Fremont in the Shenandoah valley, and was after-
wards engaged at the second Bull Run, where he commanded his regi-
ment after Col. Cantwell was wounded, and also at Cedar mountain
and Chancellorsville, and he was severely wounded at Gettysburg.
After recovering from his wound he commanded a brigade in Sher-
man's Atlanta campaign, and on the march to the sea. He was
promoted brigadier-general of volunteers, Jan. 12, 1865, was brevetted
brigadier-general of volunteers. Dec. 9, 1864, and major-general
March 13, 1865, for faithful and meritorious services during the war.
Gen. Robinson was mustered out, Aug. 31, 1865, engaged in railroad
building in Ohio after the war, was chairman of the Republican
state executive committee, 1877-79. and state commissioner of rail-
roads and telegraplis in 1880. He was Republican representative
from the 9th Ohio district in Congress from 1881 to 1885. and was
from 1885 to 1889 secretary of state of Ohio. He died in Toledo,
Ohio, Jan. 14, 1892.
Robinson, John C, brigadier-general, was born in Binghamton,
N. Y., April 10. 1817. He entered West Point academy in 1835, and
resigned in 1838 to commence the study of law. but in 1830 was
appointed by the president second lieutenant of infantry. During
the Mexican war he served as brigade quartermaster and took part
in the battles of Palo Alto, Resaca de la Palma. and Monterey, and
in the capture of the city of ^Mexico. He was promoted to bo captain
in Aug.. 1850, took part in the campaigns against the Indians of
Biographical Sketches 215
Florida and Texas, and accompanied the military expedition to Utah
in 1857. At the opening of the Civil war he was commander at Fort
Mc Henry and skillfully prevented its falling into the hands of the
Confederates. Later he engaged in recruiting service in Ohio and
Michigan, and in Sept., 1861, was commissioned colonel of the ist
Mich., volunteers. In Feb., 1862, he was promoted to be major in
the regular army, and on April 28, was appointed brigadier-general
of volunteers. He participated in all the battles of McClellan's Pen-
insular campaign, and led a division at Fredericksburg, Chancellors-
ville, Gettysburg and the Wilderness. He was brevetted lieutenant-
colonel for services at Gettysburg, and colonel for his gallantry in
the Wilderness. During a charge on the Confederate breastworks at
Spottsylvania Court House he received a wound that necessitated
the amputation of his left leg and disabled him for further active
service. Until the close of the war he commanded districts in New
York, and in 1866 was military commander in North Carolina, and
commissioner for that state of the Freedmen's bureau. He was bre-
vetted major-general of volunteers in June, 1864; brigadier and major-
general in the regular army in March, 1865, and in July, 1866, was
commissioned colonel. He served as commander of the Department
of the South in 1867; of the Department of the Lakes in 1868 and
1869, and on May 9 of the year last named was. at his own request,
placed on the retired list with the full rank of major-general. In
1872 Gen. Robinson was, as a Republican, elected lieutenant-governor
of New York, and held that office until 1876. In 1877 and 1878 he
was commander-in-chief of the G. A. R., and in 1887 and 1888,
president of the Society of the Army of the Potomac. After retiring
from the lieutenant-governorship, in 1876, he engaged in various
business enterprises in Binghamton, N. Y., and died on Feb. 18, 1897.
Rodman, Isaac P., brigadier-general, was born at Soutli Kingston,
R. I., Aug. 28, 1822. He received a common school education, was
trained in business, became a manufacturer of woolen goods in part-
nership with his father, and was for a time colonel of militia. In
1861 he resigned his seat in the state senate, raised a company, and
as a captain in the 2nd R. I. infantry took part at Bull Run. For
gallantry in that action he was advanced to a lieutenant-colonelcy,
and assigned to the 4th R. I. regiment, Oct. 5, 1861, and soon after
to the colonelcy. As colonel of this regiment he was engaged in the
capture of Roanoke island, Feb. 8, 1862, and of New Berne, March
14, where he took tb.e enemy's works by assault; for this ser^•ice,
and others at Beaufort and Fort Macon, he was made brigadier-
general of volunteers, his commission dating from April 28. He
had command of a division at South mountain and Antietam; and in
the latter battle received a mortal wound while leading the charge
by which the stone bridge was carried, and he died near Hagers-
town, Md., Sept. 29, 1862.
Rosecrans, William S., major-general, was born at Kingston,
Ohio, Sept. 6. 1819, and was graduated fifth in the class of 1842,
at the West Point military academy. He entered the U. S. engineer
corps, as second lieutenant by brevet, serving for a year in the con-
struction of fortifications at Hampton Roads, Va. He was assistant
professor of natural and experimental philosophy, and then of
engineering, for four years, at the U. S. military academy. He
was next the superintending engineer at Fort Adams, Newport,
R. I., and of several surveys in eastern New England, and at the
Washington navy yard, until April i, 1854. Having attained the rank
of first lieutenant, he resigned from the army and began business
216 The Union Army
life at Cincinnati, Ohio, as civil engineer and architect. From 1853
to i860 he was in charge of the Cannel coal company in western
Virginia, and in 1856 became the president of the Coal river nav-
igation company. In 1857 he organized the Preston coal oil com-
pany for the manufacture of kerosene. At the beginning of the
Civil war he entered the service as colonel of the 23d regiment
U. S. Ohio volunteer infantry. Within a month he was made
brigadier-general in the U. S. regular army, and ordered to accom-
pany Gen. George B. McClellan to West Virginia, where he com-
manded a provisional brigade of t!iree-m(mths' volunteers until July 23,
1861, when he succeeded Gen. r.IcClellan in command of the Depart-
ment of the Ohio. In September, when the Confederates. Floyd
and Wise, sought to get possession of the Great Kanawha valley,
Gen. Rosecrans marched no miles, defeated Floyd at Carnifix ferry,
and ultimately compelled their retreat through the mountains
to Dublin, on the Southwestern Virginia & Tennessee railway. He
received, shortly after, resolutions unanimously framed by the leg-
islatures of West Virginia and Ohio, thanking him for his successful
military operations and civil administration. In April, 1862, he re-
ceived the command of Paine's and Stanley's divisions of the Missis-
sippi army, and took part in the siege of Corinth. With two divisions
of the Army of the Mississippi, on Sept. 19. he fought and won the
battle of luka. against the forces of Gen. Price, and on Oct. 3 and 4,
with the remnants of those two divisions, and McKean's and Davis's,
he also routed the forces of Price and Van Dorn at the battle of
Corinth, and pursued them until he was recalled by Gen. Grant.
On Oct. 30 he assumed command of the Department of the Cum-
berland, and on Dec. 31, following, the sanguinary battle of Stone's
river began. It was fought on that day and on Jan. i and 2, 1863,
and it ended with the retreat of the Confederates along the line
of Duck river. In view of this victory the U. S. congress unan-
imously passed a joint resolution of thanks, as did the legislatures
of Ohio and Indiana. On June 2^ Gen. Rosecrans began his next
movement, drove the Confederates out of their camps at Shelby-
ville and Tullahoma, and in fifteen days forced them to retreat to
the south side of the Tennessee river, with headquarters at Chat-
tanooga. Demonstrations toward Decatur, Ala., deceived Bragg,
and Rosecrans crossed the Tennessee, threatened Bragg's communi-
cation with Atlanta, and compelled him to withdraw from Chatta-
nooga to Lafayette. Rosecrans then got between Bragg and Chat-
tanooga, concentrated his forces on the roads leading to Chatta-
nooga, and after the sanguinary battle of Chickamauga held possession
of the roads, and on Sept. 21 took and held possession of Chattanooga.
On Jan. 27, 1864, he was placed in command of the Department of
the Missouri, and although previous commanders had encountered
insuperable obstacles in administration, in the face of these difficul-
ties he so managed and concluded a campaign against the Confed-
erate Gen. Price, that his army was defeated and driven out of the
state. On Dec. 10, 1864, he was placed on waiting orders at Cin-
cinnati, Ohio, and was mustered out of the U. S. volunteer service,
Jan. 15, 1866. He resigned from the U, S. regular armj% March 28,
1867, having been brevetted major-general, U. S. A., on Alarch 13,
1865, for gallant and distinguished services at the battle of Stone's
river, Tenn, In the year 1868 Gen. Rosecrans was appointed U. S.
minister to Mexico, and reached that country in November. In
1880 he was elected to the U. S. house of representatives from the
state of California, and served until March 4. 1885. In June, 1885,
r,ri«. r.Lii. T. II. Klgi;k
Bri^.-Gen. Frederick
Salomon
Rrig.-Oen. RuFus Saxton
Brig.-Gen. Alex. Schim-
MELFENNIG
IJr.ig.-Gcii. I). A. KlsSHll
Hrig.-Gen. J. B. Sanborn
Brig.-Gen. E. P. Scammon
Maj.-Gen. T. M. Schofield
IJrii;-'"'. '■• i • ^- l\i thER-
FORD
Brig.-Gen. W. P. Sanders
M.Ti.-Gcn. R. C. S'-HENCK
r.rig.-Gen. Albix SchoEpf
Biographical Sketches 217
he was appointed register of the U. S. treasury, at Washington,
D. C, which oAke he held until 1S93. On Feb. 27, 1889, by act of
Congress he was re-appointed brigadier-general, U. S. arnij', and
was placed on the retired list on March 2, following. Gen. Rose-
crans died on March 11, 1898.
Ross, Leonard F., brigadier-general, was born in the state of
Illinois, and on July 18, 1S46, enlisted as a private in Co. K of the
4th 111. infantry for service in the Mexican war. On Sept. 4 of
the same year he was commissioned first lieutenant of his company,
and he served in that capacity until May 26, 1847. when he was
honorabh^ mustered out of the service. He then followed civil pur-
suits until the breaking out of the Civil war, when, on May 25,
1861, he was mustered in as colonel of the 17th 111. infantry. The first
actual engagement in which Col. Ross led his regiment was on
Oct. 21, when with other regiments it was sent from Cape Girardeau
in pursuit of Gen. Jefif Thompson's forces, meeting and defeating
them at Fredericktown. At the head of his regiment he charged
the enemy's lines early in the engagement, completely routing him.
The following day the regiment pursued the enemy and engaged
him near Greenfield, Ark. Col. Ross participated with his regiment
in the sanguinary battle which was followed by the surrender of
Fort Donelson; and then embarked for Savannah, later arriving
at Pittsburg landing, where his regiment was assigned to the ist
division of the Army of West Tennessee, and upon the memorable
field of Shiloh he took part in the momentous battles of April
6 and 7. On April 25, 1862, Col. Ross was promoted to the rank
of brigadier-general of volunteers and served out the remainder
of his military career in that capacity, resigning his commission
on July 22, 1863. Gen. Ross died Jan. 17, 1901.
Rousseau, Lovell H., major-general, was born in Stanford, Lin-
coln county, Kj-., Aug. 4, 1818. his father having emigrated from
Virginia. He received the ordinary school advantages afiforded the
pioneer settlers of that early period and then devoted his attention
to the study of law. Subsequently he removed to Bloomfield, Ind.,
and was admitted to the bar of that state in 1841. He became an
active political leader at once, and was elected to the state assembly
in 1844 and to the state senate in 1S47. He took part in the Mexican
war as captain of the 2nd Ind. regiment of volunteers, and received
special mention for his gallantry at Buena Vista, Feb. 22-23, 1847.
In 1849 he made Louisville, K}'., his home and there opened a law
office, where he soon attained prominence as a criminal lawyer.
He was elected to the Kentucky state senate in i860, being the
choice of both parties. On the outbreak of the Civil war in 1861,
he used his earnest efforts to restrain Kentucky from joining the
Confederacy, and was especially active in recruiting troops and
providing for their proper drill and equipment. He resigned from
the legislature to serve better the Federal cause, and to this end he
proposed and established Camp Joe Holt, near Louisville, which
became a prominent rendezvous for troops. He raised the 5th regi-
ment, Ky. volunteers, and was made colonel in Sept., 1861, becom-
ing brigadier-general on Oct. 6, following. He led the 4th brigade
of the 2nd division. Army of the Ohio, at the second day's battle of
Shiloh, and greatly distinguished himself by retaking the head-
quarters abandoned by Gen. McClernand the day before and other-
wise contributing to the success of the Federal army on that day.
He again distinguished himself at the battle of Perryville, Ky., on
Oct. 8, and that day gained his promotion to major-general of volun-
218 The Union Army
teers. He was next in the field at Stone's river on Dec. 31, and
from Nov., 1863, to the close of the war, was in command of the
districts of Tennessee. He led an important and successful raid into
the heart of Alabama in 1864 and defended Fort Rosecrans during
the siege of Nashville. He resigned from the army on Nov. 30,
1865, and four days later took his seat in the Thirty-ninth Congress,
to which he had been elected as a Republican representative from
Kentucky. In June, 1866, Gen. Rousseau made a personal assault on
J. B. Grinnell of Iowa, for words spoken in debate, and was, by resolu-
tion of the comrnittee appointed to investigate, recommended to be
expelled. The house, however, adopted the minority report to repri-
mand him, whereupon he resigned his seat. He was re-elected dur-
ing the subsequent recess to the same Congress and served on the
same committees as in the first session. He was appointed on March
28. 1867, by President Johnson, a brigadier-general in the regular
army, being given on the same date the brevet rank of major-general
U. S. A., and he was assigned to duty in the new territory of Alaska to
receive that domain from the Russian government and assume
control of the territory. He succeeded Gen. Sheridan in command
of the Department of the Gulf, and continued in that command with
his headquarters at New Orleans up to the time of his death, which
occurred Jan. 7, 1869.
Rowley, Thomas A., brigadier-general, was born in the state of
Pennsylvania, and on Oct. 8, 1847, entered the United States military
service as captain of a company of volunteers, which was recruited in
the District of Columbia and Maryland for service in the Mexican war.
With this company he served until July 18, 1848, when he was hon-
orably mustered out and returned to peaceful pursuits. Upon the
breaking out of the Civil war he assisted in recruiting and became the
colonel of the 13th Pa. infantry, being mustered into the service on
April 25, 1S61, and he served with it during its three months' term
of enlistment. The regiment was mustered out on Aug. 6. 1861, and a
fortnight later Col. Rowley left for Washington with five compa-
nies, being soon joined by others who were desirous of enlisting for
three years, and the regiment thus organized became the 102nd Pa. in-
fantry, with Col. Rowley as its commanding officer. With this regiment
he participated in the siege of Yorktown and in the battles of Williams-
burg, Fair Oaks, and Malvern hill. He again met the enemy at
Centerville, after the second Bull Run battle, acted as support to a
battery during the engagement at Chantilly, was held in reserve at
Antietam, and the regiment then became attached to the 6th corps
when Gen. Burnside assumed command of the army. On Nov. 29,
1862, Col. Rowley was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers,
and served in that capacity until Dec. 29, 1864. when he resigned from
the army and devoted his attention to peaceful pursuits. He died May
14, 1892.
Rucker, Daniel H., brigadier-general, was born at Belleville, N. J.,
April 28, 1812, and entered the United States army as second lieuten-
ant of 1st dragoons. Oct. 13, 1837. He was acting assistant quarter-
master at Fort Gibson, Ind. Ter., from Feb., 1838, to June. 1839, at
Fort Wayne, Ind. Ter., to April, 1840, at Fort Leavenworth, Kan.,
from Jul}-, 1840, to Oct.. 1842. and again from July, 1843, to Oct., 1844,
at which time he became first lieutenant in the ist U. S. dragoons. He
was stationed at Fort Towson, Ind. Ter., until the spring of 1845. and
was then at Fort Washita and on recruiting duty until March. 1846.
He was then in charge of recruits en route from Newport barracks to
Fort Gibson, Ind. Ter., and then was stationed at Evansville, Ind.,
Biographical Sketches 219
until July. lie became captain in the ist U. S. dragoons in Feb., 1847,
and served in Texa.s and Mexico, participating in the Mexican war,
until July, 1848. He was brevctted major in the U. S. army for gal-
lant and meritorious conduct at the battle of Buena Vista, and after
the close of the war made the trip to California, via Chihuahua, and
was stationed at Los Angeles until Sept.. 1849. He then was engaged
in aiding overland emigrants, and was stationed at Sacramento City
and Benicia, Cal., until December. He was transferred to the quart-
er-master's department of the U. S. army on Nov. 30, and was on
temporary duty until March, 1851. He was stationed at Forts Union,
Conrad, and Albuquerque, N. M., from Oct. 1851, to June, 1853, and
at Fort Union, N. M., from Oct., 1853, to Feb., 1855. He was then in
the field until April, and was depot quartermaster at Albuquerque, N.
M., until Nov. i860. He was depot quartermaster at Washington. D. C,
from April, 1861, to Jan., 1867, having been promoted to major and
quartermaster, U. S. A., in Aug., 1861. colonel and aid-de-camp in
September, brigadier-general U. S. volunteers in May, 1863, brevet
major-general U. S. volunteers for faithful and meritorious services
during the war, colonel and assistant quartermaster-general U. S.
A. in July, 1866, and he was acting quartermaster-general U. S.
A. at Washington, D. C, from Jan., 1867, to June, 1868. He was
brevetted brigadier-general U. S. A. for diligent and faithful serv-
ices during the war, and major-general U. S. A. on March 13, 1865,
for faithful and meritorious services during the war. Gen. Rucker
was commissioned brigadier-general and quartermaster-general on
Feb. 13, 1882, and ten days later was retired from the service, taking
up his residence in Washington, D. C.
Ruger, Thomas H., brigadier-general, was born at Lima, Liv-
ingston county, N. Y.. on April 2, 1833. He was graduated at West
Point in 1854, and placed in the engineer corps, U. S. A. He resigned
on April i, 1855, after service at New Orleans, La., and practiced law
in Janesville, Wis., until June, 1861, when he became lieutenant-colo-
nel of the 3d Wis. regiment. He was made colonel on Au.g. 20, and
brigadier-general on Nov. 29, 1862, serving in the Rappahannock
campaigns, commanding a division at Gettysburg, and helping to
put down the draft riots in New York in 1863. He guarded the Nash-
ville & Chattanooga railroad in Tennessee until April, 1864; then led
his brigade, under Sherman, until November, and on Nov. 30, 1864,
was brevetted major-general of volunteers for services at the brittle of
Franklin and placed in charge of a division of the 23d corps against
Gen. Hoods armj' in Tennessee. Organizing a division at Nash-
ville, he led it, from Feb. to June, 1865, in North Carolina, and
then commanded that department until June, 1866. He was
made a colonel in the regular army on being mustered out, July
28, 1866, and on March 2, 1867, was brevetted brigadier-general for
services at Gettysburg. He was detailed by Gen. Meade on Jan.
13, 1868. as governor of Georgia, which duty he performed until
July of the same year. Gen. Ruger was superintendent of the L^. S.
military academy at West Point. 1871-76; in command of the De-
partment of the South, 1876-78, having in charge tlie U. S. troops in
South Carolina during the state government tronbles, and later was
in command of statiotis in the West and South. He was made a
brigadier-general on March 19. 1886. He had chaVge of the Depart-
ment of Missouri during April and May, 1886, and took charge of
the Department of Dakota in t888. He was commissioned major-
general on Feb. 8, 1895, and was placed upon the retired list, April
2, 1897.
220 The Union Army
Russell, David A., brigadier-general, was born at Salem, Washing-
ton county, N. Y., Dec. lo, 1820. In 1841 he entered the U. S. mil-
itary academy at West Point, in which he graduated in July, 1845,
and was assigned to the 4th regular infantr}- and stationed on the
Pacific coast. He remained there two years, and during the time
was brcvetted captain. At the commencement of the Civil war he
was appointed colonel of the 7th Mass. regiment which he led
under Gen. McClellan through the Peninsular campaign. He was
made brevet major in the regjular army for gallantry at the battle
of Williamsburg, took part in the battle of Fair Oaks, and was
promoted a full major in the 8th infantry; and for meritorious and
gallant services throughout the Peninsular campaign he was made
lieutenant-colonel bj^ brevet in the regular army. In Nov., 1862, he
was made brigadier-general of volunteers, and commanded the bri-
gade on the left of the line at Fredericksburg in December, at Salem
heights in May, 1863, in the expedition to Beverly and Kelly's
fords in June, and at Gettysburg in July of the same year. He pre-
sented the War department with the colors that his brigade captured
on the Rappahannock, and v^as complimented by Secretary Stanton
for his important services and gallant conduct while in command of
his brigade. In Nov., 1863, he was placed in command of a division,
and led the ist division of the 6th army corps through the battles
of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania. Cold Harbor, and before Petersburg.
At the battle of Winchester, Va., Sept. 19, 1864, Gen. Russell, while
at the head of his division, was shot and instantly killed by a can-
non ball. He was given the brevets of major-general of volunteers
and major-general U. S. A. for gallant and meritorious service at
the batlie in which he was killed.
Rutherford, Friend S., brigadier-general, was born in the state
of New York, but in early life took up his residence in the state
of Illinois. On June 30, 1862, he was made captain commissary of
subsistence and served in that capacity until Sept. 2, when he re-
signed and assisted in the organization of the 97th 111. infantry.
This regiment was organized at Camp Butler, 111., in Aug. and Sept.,
1862, and upon Sept. 16, Friend S. Rutherford was commissioned
as its colonel. After some preliminary service it became a part of
the forces operating against Vicksburg, and Col. Rutherford and his
regiment bore their full share in the spirited engagement at Port
Gibson. At the fierce battle of Champion's hill Col. Rutherford had
the not very pleasant duty of holding his regiment as a target for
the Confederate artillery for at least two hours, and at a distance
of not over 800 yards. The next morning he led his regiment on
to the Black river and took part in the fight at that place. On May
19 and 22, he led it in both the charges at Vicksburg, and it never
failed to go as far as any other organization, and as a rule much
farther. He then took part in the contest at Jackson, and under his
leadership his regiment distinguished itself sufficiently to be praised
by Maj.-Gen. W. T. Sherman, commanding the expeditionary army.
Tlie remainder of his service was spent in Louisiana, where his reg-
iment did guard duty, but owing to serious ill health he resigned
his position as colonel on June 15. 1864. On June 27, following his
resignation, he was appointed brigadier-general of volunteers, but
he had died on June 20, 1864. seven days previous to his nomination.
Salomon, Frederick, brigadier-general, was born in Prussia, but
early in life migrated to America. Upon the breaking out of the
Civil v/ar he became a captain in the 5th Mo. infantry, being mus-
tered into the service on May 19, 1861, and he served with that reg-
iment during its three months' term of enlistment, being mustered out
Biographical Sketches 231
on Aug. 14. During this term of service he participated in the bat-
tles of Dry Forks and Wilson's creek, having joined Gen. Lyon's
expedition toward Fayetteville, Ark. After being mustered out of
the three months' service he assisted in raising tlic gth Wis. infantry,
of which he became colonel on Nov. 26, 1861, and with it he first
took part in the "Southwestern expedition" into Kansas, Missouri,
and Indian territory. The regiment under his command routed two
Confederate camps at Covvskin prairie, as well as a large camp of
Confederate Indians en route, and took part in an engagement at
Newtonia. He fought at Cane Hill, Prairie Grove, Terre Noir creek.
Poison springs, and Jenkins' ferry, and on June 16, 1862, was com-
missioned brigadier-general of volunteers. He served in this capacity
during the remainder of the war, and on March 13, 1865, was bre-
' vetted major-general of volunteers for meritorious service. He was
honorably mustered out on Aug. 24, 1865, and he died on March
8. 1897.
Sanborn, John B., brigadier-general, was born at Epsom, N. H.,
on Dec. 5, 1826. His early education was acquired at the village
school, and he fitted for college with a view to devoting himself
to the profession of law. He entered Dartmouth, was graduated,
and then pursued a law course, being admitted to the bar in July,
1854. He at once removed to Minnesota, settling in St. Paul in De-
cember of that year. He founded a law practice, and interested
himself in the politics of his state, being elected in 1858 to the posi-
tion of adjutant-general of the state. At the outbreak of the Civil
war Gen. Sanborn was serving as quartermaster-general, and the
duty of raising and equipping the volunteer soldiers to fill the quota
for Minnesota fell upon him. Early in 1862 he accepted a commis-
sion as colonel of the 4th Minn, volunteers, and with the regiment
went to the front. His first engagement was at the battle of luka
on Sept. 19, when he commanded the ist brigade of Gen. Hamilton's
left wing of the army under Rosecrans. In the ofiicial report Gen.
Sanborn was highly commended, and he was promoted to be a brig-
adier-general of volunteers, but the U. S. senate failed to confirm
the commission. He participated in the battles of Grant which led
to the fall of Vicksburg, and upon the surrender, July 4, 1863, he
was selected to lead the advance guard into the city, and afterward
to superintend the paroling and disbanding of the 31,600 Confed-
erate soldiers captured. This honor was conferred by reason of
his gallant conduct during the Vicksburg campaign, and especially
for bravery and skill displayed at the capture of Jackson, Miss.,
on May 14. In November Gen. Sanborn assumed command of the
district of southwest Missouri, where he opposed Gen. Price, and
either at the head of a brigade or division of cavalry he fought
in the battles of Jeflferson City, Boonville, Independence, Big Blue,
Osage, and Newtonia. After the Civil war ended he conducted a
campaign against the Indians, in the summer and fall of 1865, and
restored quiet on the border by treaties with hostile tribes. He
was brevettcd major-general of volunteers on Feb. 10, 1865, and was
honorably mustered out of the service on April 30, 1866.
Sanders, William P., brigadier-general, was born in Lexington,
Ky., Aug. 12, 1833. He was graduated in the U. S. military academy
in 1856, became ist lieutenant on May i. 1861, and on the 14th of
that month was promoted captain in the 6th U, S. cavalry. He
participated in the battles of Yorktown. Williamsburg, Mechanics-
ville. and Hanover Court House, during the Peninsular campaign,
became colonel of the 5th Ky. cavalry in March, 1863, and engaged
in pursuit of Morgan's raiders in July and August. He acted as
223 The Union Army
chief of cavalry in the Department of the Ohio in October and Novem-
ber, was appointed brigadier-general of volunteers on Oct. i8, and
took part in the actions at Blue springs and Lenoir's station. Gen.
Sanders was mortally wounded at Campbell's station, and died two
days later, Nov. i8, 1863, at Knoxville, Tenn.
Saxton, Rufus, brigadier-general, was born in Greenfield, Mass.,
Oct. 19, 1824. He received an academic education, and was gradu-
ated at the West Point military academy in 1849. He was assigned to
the 3d artillery, took part in an exploring expedition to the Rocky
mountains in 1853 and 1854, and in 1855 was promoted to .be first
lieutenant. Between 1855 and 1861 he was engaged on the coast
survey and as instructor at West Point. At the opening of the
Civil war he served under Gen. McClellan in western Virginia, and
as quartermaster to Gen. T. W. Sherman in the Port Royal expe-
dition, and on April 15, 1862, was raised to the rank of brigadier-
general of volunteers. For a few weeks in 1862 he was commander
at Harper's Ferry, where he repulsed an attack by Gen. Ewell, and
then, until 1865, was military governor of the Department of the
South. On Jan. 12, 1865, he was brevetted major-general of volun-
teers, on April 9 he was given the brevet rank of brigadier-general
in the regular army "for faithful and meritorious services during
the war," and in July, 1866, was appointed quartermaster with the
rank of major. He was made lieutenant-colonel and deputy quarter-
master-general in June, 1872, and colonel and assistant quartermaster-
general in March, 1882. From 1883 until 1888 he was stationed at
Louisville, Ky., and in October of the latter year was placed on the
retired list.
Scammon, Eliakim P., brigadier-general, was born in Whitefield,
Lincoln county, Me., Dec. 2"], 1816. He was graduated at West
Point in 1837. and became second lieutenant in the 4th artillery. For
more than a year he was at the academy as assistant professor of
mathematics. In 1838 he was commissioned a second lieutenant of
engineers, and later in the year he was sent to Florida, where he
served in the Seminole war till its close in 1840. After spending a
year in mapping the territories west of the Mississippi, he returned
to the military academy as assistant professor of history, geography,
and ethics. While he was engaged in superintending the survey
of New Bedford harbor the Mexican war broke out, and he was
ordered to staff duty under Gen. Scott. After the war he was ap-
pointed assistant topographical engineer of the survey of the north-
western lakes, wliich occupied him until 1855, and during this assign-
ment he was promoted captain. He retired from the army in 1856,
and was a professor in Moimt St. Mary's college, Cincinnati, Ohio,
in 1856-58, and president of the Cincinnati Polytechnic college in 1859-
61. He was commissioned colonel of the 23d Ohio volunteers in
June, 1861, and served as commandant of Camp Chase, where vol-
unteers were drilled before going to the front; in the western "Vir-
ginia campaign, where he commanded a brigade under Gens.
Rosecrans and Cox; and in the Maryland campaign, in which he
distinguished himself by leading a brilliant bayonet charge in the
battle of South mountain. He was promoted brigadier-general of
volunteers for gallantry on the field, Oct. 15, 1862; commanded the
District of Kanawha from Nov.. 1862, to Feb. 3, 1864; and was a
prisoner of war in Libby prison from Feb. 3 till Aug. 3. He was
then placed in command of a separate brigade at Morris island
during the operations against Charleston, S. C. ; was again taken
prisoner; commanded the District of Florida from Nov., 1864, till
April, 1865; and was mustered out of the service on Aug. 24, 1865.
Biographical Sketches 223
In 1866-70 he was United States consul at Prince Edward island;
in 1870-75 was engaged in engineer work in New York harbor; and
in 1875-85 was professor of mathematics and history in Seton Hall
college, South Orange, N. J. Gen. Scammon died in New York har-
bor, Dec. 7, 1894.
Schenck, Robert C, major-general, was born in Franklin, War-
ren county, Ohio. Oct. 7, 1809. He was graduated at Miama uni-
versity in 1827, remained there three years as a tutor in French and
Latin, studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1831. Settling in
Da3'ton, Ohio, he soon acquired a large practice, and entered polit-
ical life as a Whig. In 1838 he was defeated as a candidate for the
legislature, in 1840 stumped the state for William Henry Harrison,
in 1841 was elected to the legislature, and in 1842 was re-elected
to the legislature and also elected to Congress. In Congress he
rendered conspicuous service both on the floor and in several com-
mittees to which he was appointed. He w^as re-elected three times,
serving from 1843 to 1851, and during 1847-49 he was chairman of the
committee on roads and canals, and had the opportunity for car-
rying out some of the plans he had formed for the internal improve-
ment of several commercial sections in the western states. In 1850
he declined a renomination for Congress, and in 1851 was appointed
United States minister to Brazil. During his two years residence
in South America he negotiated commercial treaties with the states
bordering the La Plata river, personally visiting Buenos Ayres, Monte-
video, and the Uruguay, Paraguay, and Parana river regions. Re-
turning to the United States in 1853, he resumed professional practice
and was engaged in the management of the Fort Wayne railroad
till the beginning of the Civil war. When the first call for volun-
teers was made, he offered his services to Gov. Dennison, and was
appointed a brigadier-general of state militia. On reaching the field
he was placed in command of all the Ohio troops in eastern Vir-
ginia, and had his first encounter with the Confederates at Vienna,
June 17, 1861. Soon afterward he was transferred to western Vir-
ginia, where he aided Gen. Rosecrans in driving the Confederates
from that department. In the spring of 1862 he succeeded Gen.
Lander in command at Cumberland, Md.; on June 8 he commanded
the right of Gen. Fremont's army in the battle of Cross Keys; and
during the interval between Gen. Fremont's relief and Gen. Sigel's
assumption of the command of the ist corps of the Army of Vir-
ginia Gen. Schenck was its commander. On Aug. 30, he was wounded
in the second battle of Bull Run and had to retire from the field,
and on Sept. 18 he was promoted major-general United States vol-
unteers, his commission dating from Aug. 30. While on disability
leave he was again elected to Congress as a Republican, where he
was appointed chairman of the committee on military aflfairs, and,
resigning his commission in the army, was re-elected to Congress in
1864, 1866, and 1868, and defeated in 1870. In 1870 he was appointed
United States minister to England, but before departing he served
by appointment as a member of the joint high commission, which
resulted in the treaty of Washington, the Geneva arbitration, and
the settlement of the "Alabama" controversy. While he was in Eng-
land a charge was preferred against him of complicity in the cele-
brated Emma mine fraud, and as a result of such charge he resigned
his position and returned home to appear before a committee of in-
vestigation. He was completely exonerated by the" committee, but
never re-entered public life, and he died in the city of Washington
on March 23, 1890.
Schimmelfennig, Alexander, brigadier-general, was born in Ger-
234 The Union Army
tnany in 1824, and was an (jfficer under Kossuth in the Hungarian
revolt. Then immigrating to America, at the breaking out of the
Civil war he was appointed colonel of the 74th Pa. infantry, and
served under Gen. Sigel during the Virginia campaign of Gen. Pope,
lie was nominated a brigadier-general of volunteers for his services
at Bull Run, his commission bearing date of Nov. 29, 1862. At
Chancellorsville he commanded the ist brigade of Gen. Schurz's
division of Gen. Howard's nth corps, and was at Gettysburg with
the same command. Gen. Schimmclfennig's forces were the first
to enter Charleston, on Feb. 18, 1865, when flanked by Gen. Sherman.
For some time he remained in command of the defences of the city,
but was finally relieved on account of ill health, the result of his
exposure during the war, and, retiring to his home in Pennsylvania,
rapidly sank under consumption, and he died at Minersville. near
Pottsville, Pa., on Sept. 7, 1865.
Schofield, John M., major-general, was born in Cliautauqua countj',
N. Y., Sept. 29, 1831. His father, a clergyman, removed to Bristol,
111., when the son was about twelve j'ears of age, and in 1845 to
Freeport, in the same state. In June. 1849, young Schofield entered
the U. S. military academy, being graduated in 1853 seventh in the
same class with Gens. McPherson, Sheridan, Sill, Terrill, R. O. Tyler,
and the Confederate Hood. On July i, 1853, he was made brevet
second lieutenant of artillery, serving at Fort Moultrie, S. C, and on
Aug. 31, second lieutenant of the ist artillery, stationed in Florida,
1854-55. From Nov. 19, 1855, till Aug. 28, i860, he was at the West
Point military academy, as acting assistant, and then as assistant
professor of natural and experimental philosophy. While on leave
of absence for one yeat he held the chair of professor of physics
at Washington university, St. Louis, Mo., but when the Civil war
began he waived the remainder of his leave, and was made muster-
ing officer of Missouri, April 20, 1861, serving one month. By per-
mission of the war department, he accepted the commission of major
of the 1st Mo. volunteers on April 26, and on May 14 he received
the rank of captain in the ist artillery of the regular army, remain-
ing, however, with the Missouri troops. As chief of staff to Gen.
Nathaniel Lyon, he participated in the engagements of Dug springs
and Curran P. O.. Aug. 2, 3, and 4, and the battle of Wilson's creek
on Aug. 10. In the fall of the same year he was charged with the
conversion of the ist Mo. infantry into an artillery regiment, and with
battery A, hastily forwarded from St. Louis, took part in the battle
of Fredericktown, Mo., on Oct. 21. On Nov. 21 he was appointed
by the president brigadier-general of volunteers, and on the 26th
he received the same commission from the governor of Missouri
in the Missouri state militia, with orders to organize and equip a
force of 10,000, to be at the service of the Federal government,
within the limits of the state, while the war should last, and which
should relieve the main armies for service in more important
fields. From Sept. 26, 1862, until April, 1863, he organized and com-
inanded the Army of the Frontier in the southwest part of the state
and in northwest Arkansas, driving the Confederates south of the
Arkansas river, having been made major-general of volunteers on
Nov. 29, 1862. For about one month, April 20 to May 13, 1863, Gen.
Schofield commanded the 3d division of the 14th army corps, but
was assigned to the command of the Department of the Missouri,
and retained it until Jan. 31, 1864, sending troops to assist Gen. Grant
in the capture of Vicksburg, operating successfully to obtain pos-
session of the line of the Arkansas river, and clearing the state of
guerrilla and border war. With the Army of the Ohio, of which he
Brig.-Gen. J. C. Davis
Brig.-Gen. Gilman Mars-
ton
Maj.-Gen. T. A. Morris
Brig.-Gen. S. A. RicE
Crig.-Gen. E. J. Farn'S-
worth
Brig. -Gen. J. S. Mason
Brig.-Gen. T. H. Neill
Brig.-Gen. H. H. Siblev
Brig.-Gen. T. H. IIicks
Brig.-Gen. C. L. Matthies
Brig.-Gen. T. C. RicE
Maj.-Gen. Julius Stahel
Biographical Sketches 225
was in command, he took part in all the battles and operations of
the entire Atlanta campaign, viz., the demonstration at Buzzard
Roost gap, the battles of Resaca and Dallas, the movement against
and engagements near Lost mountain, the action of Kolb's farm,
the battle of Kenncsaw mountain, the passage of the Chattahoochee,
and the battles near and siege of Atlanta, ending in the capture of
that city on Sept. 2, 1864. In October Gen. Schoheld was sent by Gen.
Sherman to the assistance of Gen. George H. Thomas in Tennessee,
commanding the troops in the held opposed to Gen. Hood from Nov.
3 till Dec. I. Falling back from Pulaski to Columbia, skirmishing,
and from the latter place to Spring Hill, he finally gave battle at
Franklin on Nov. 30. He also participated in the battle of Nashville,
which terminated the campaign, on Dec. 15 and 16, and was engaged
in the pursuit of Hood's armj' until Jan. 14, 1865. His commission of
brigadier-general in the U. S. army was dated from the battle of
Franklin, and on March 13. 1865, he also received the rank of brevet
major-general, U. S. A., for "gallant and meritorious services" in
the same battle. Gen. Schofield then operated with Gen. Sherman in
the final campaign against Gen. Johnston, and after the surrender he
remained in command of the Department of North Carolina until
June 21. After the war he visited Europe on a special mission, rela-
tive to the occupation of Mexico by French troops. From Aug. 16,
1866. till June, 1868, he was in command first of the Department
of the Potomac, and then of the ist military district of Virginia, as
confirmed under the reconstruction laws. On June 2, 1868, he was ap-
pointed secretarj' of war by President Johnson, retaining the office
under President Grant until March 14, 1869, and on March 4 of the
same year he was made major-general in the regular army. From
March 20, 1869, till May 3, 1870, he was in command of the Depart-
ment of the Missouri, and from the last date to July, 1876, of the Di-
vision of the Pacific. Then until Jan. 21. 1881, he was superintendent
of the military academy at West Point, and commander of the De-
partment of West Point. For a few months thereafter he command-
ed the Division of the Gulf, but on Oct. 15, 1882. he again command-
ed the Division of the Pacific, and on Nov. 8, 1883, he succeeded Gen.
Sheridan in command of the Division of the Missouri, with head-
quarters at Chicago, 111. From April 2, 1886, he commanded the Di-
vision of the Atlantic, and on Aug. 14. 1888, on the death of Gen.
Sheridan, was assigned by President Cleveland to command the U. S.
army, with headquarters at Washington, D. C. He occupied this po-
sition until Sept. 29, 1895. when he was retired from the service, the
rank of lieutenant-general having been conferred upon him on Feb. 5
of that year. Gen. Schofield died of cerebral hemorrhage at St. Aug-
ustine, Fla., on March 4, 1906.
Schoepf, Albin, brigadier-general, was born in Hungary, and in
early manhood migrated to America, taking up his residence in the
state of Maryland. Upon the outbreak of the Civil war he espoused
the Federal cause, and on Sept. 30, 1861, was commissioned a briga-
dier-general of volunteers. He served in this capacity during his
entire military service, performing in an excellent manner the duties
assigned him, and he was honorably mustered out on Jan. 15. 1866.
Gen. Schoepf died on May to. 1886.
Schurz, Carl, major-general, was born at Liblar, near Cologne,
Prussia, on March 2. 1829. He was educated at the Gymnasium of
Cologne and the University of Bonn, entering the latter in 1846.
Being concerned in the publication of a revolutionary journal dur-
ing the troubles of 1848, he was forced to fly from Bonn in conse-
quence of the failure of an insurrection he had been instrumental in
Vol. VIII— 15
22G The Union Army
fomenting. He entered the revolutionary army in the south of Ger-
many and took part in the defense of Rastadt, escaping to Switzer-
land on the surrender of this fortress and returning secretly to Ger-
many. On the night of Nov. 6, 1850, he succeeded in liberating his
friend and former editorial partner from the fortress of Spandau, and
together they reached Scotland, going thence to Paris, where, dur-
ing the spring of 1851, Schurz acted as correspondent for several
German journals. Later in that year he removed to London, where he
occupied himself as a teacher, married, and came to America, locat-
ing first in Philadelphia, but settling finally in 1855 in Watertown,
Wis. Entering politics and connecting himself with the newly formed
Republican party, as early as 1856 he was known as an effective orator
through the speeches he had made in the German language, being
one of the most potent factors in turning the German element in the
state against the extension of slavery. He was an unsuccessful candi-
date for lieutenant-governor of his adopted state in 1857, and took
part in the senatorial canvas in Illinois between Douglas and Lincoln,
making his first political speech in English, which was widely circu-
lated as a campaign document. He next established himself in the
practice of law at Milwaukee, but made many electioneering tours
throughout the country. He was a member of the national Repub-
lican convention of i860 and had great influence in shaping its plat-
form, particularly that part which related to the citizens of foreign birth.
In the subseciuent campaign he spoke both in English and German,
and when Mr. Lincoln became president Schurz was sent as minister
to Spain, but he resigned his post in Dec, 1861, to enter the army.
He was made brigadier-general of volunteers in April, 1862, and took
command of a division in the corps of Gen. Franz Sigel. He dis-
tinguished himself at the second battle of Bull Run. was commis-
sioned major-general of volunteers on March 14, 1863, was given com-
inand of a division of O. O. Howard's corps and took part in the bat-
tles of Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Fredericksburg and Chattanooga.
After the close of the war President Johnson sent Gen. Schurz
through the southern states to inquire into the workings of the Freed-
men's bureau. In Jan.. 1869, he was chosen U. S. senator from ]\Iis-
souri for the term ending in 1875. With Senator Sumner he vigor-
ously opposed some of President Grant's measures, and in 1872 pre-
sided over the convention wliich nominated Mr. Greeley for the presi-
dency. Many of the members of the "liberal party" affiliated with the
Democrats after the election of 1872, but in 1876 Mr. Schurz sup-
ported Gen. Hayes, who. after becoming president called Mr. Schurz
into his cabinet as secretary of the interior. After the close of the
Hayes administration, Mr. Schurz became editor of the "Evening
Post" in New York and remained in that position until 1884. He con-
tinued to take an active interest in public afifairs and was noted for his
earnestness and independence up to the time of his death, which event
occurred in the city of New York on May 14, 1906.
Scott, Robert K., brigadier-general, was born in the state of Penn-
sylvania, and was reared and educated in his native commonwealth.
Early in the Mexican war he entered the military service of the L^nited
States as a captain in the ist regiment of Pennsylvania volunteers,
the date of his enlistment being Dec. 16, 1846. He served in that ca-
pacity during the two years of warfare and was honorably mustered out
on July 31, 1848. A few years later he removed to Ohio and estab-
lished his home in Napoleon, at which place he was residing at the
outbreak of the Civil war. He offered his services to the Federal
cause, and on Nov. 30, 1861, he was mustered in as lieutenant-colonel
of the 67th Ohio infantry. On July 12, 1862, he was promoted to
Biographical Sketches 227
colonel of his regiment, and with it was actively engaged in guard
duty until the spring of 1863, when he became actively engaged in
the Vicksburg campaign. He moved with his command to Bruins-
burg, there crossed the river, and by a forced march was able to
participate in the battle of Thompson's hill, on May i. He followed
closely after the retreating Confederates, was engaged in the bat-
tles of Raymond, Jackson, and Champion's hill, and he also partici-
pated in an attack on the Confederate works in the rear of Vicks-
burg on May 18, and in the assault on Fort hill on the 22nd. At the
head of his regiment he was actively engaged through tlie entire
siege until the capitulation of the Confederate forces, and in Octo-
ber he moved on a reconnoissance with the 17th corps and was en-
gaged in a skirmish at Bogue Chitto creek, also participating in
the fights at Clinton and Jackson, while moving on the Meridian
raid. He joined Sherman in the Atlanta campaign, and with his
regiment was on the advance line for sixty-five days and nights,
being engaged at Kennesaw mountain, Nickajack, Atlanta July 22
and 28, Jonesboro, and Lovejoy. Then came the march to the sea,
and up through the Carolinas, through the progress of which, on
Jan. 12, 1865, he was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers,
and on Dec. 5. 1865. was given the brevet rank of major-general
of volunteers, for meritorious services. After the close of the war
he served as military governor of South Carolina, and he resigned
from the service on July 6, 1868. Gen. Scott died on Aug. 12. 1900.
Scott, Winfield, major-general, was born in Petersburg. Va., June
13, 1786. After spending two 3'ears in William and Mary college he
studied law. was admitted to the bar in 1806, and the following year
went to Charleston with the intention of settling there, but before
he had fairlj' entered upon the practice of his profession. Congress,
in view of imminent hostilities with England, passed a bill to enlarge
the armj' and he obtained a commission as captain of light artillery
and entered upon his career as a soldier. Recruiting a company
he was stationed at Baton Rouge, La., in the division, commanded
by Gen. Wilkinson. War having been declared against Great
Britain in June, 1812, Capt. Scott was made a lieutenant-colonel
in the 2nd artillery the following month, and was stationed at Black
Rock with two companies of his regiment. Taking part in the
battle of Queenstown heights, the field was at first won under his
direction; but it was finally lost and himself and his command
taken prisoners, from the refusal of the troops at Lewiston to
cross to their assistance. Exchanged in Jan., 1813. immediately after
the capture of York. Upper Canada, Scott rejoined the army on
the frontier as adjutant to Gen. Dearborn, with the rank of colonel.
He took part in the expedition against Fort George; landed his
men in good order and scaled a steep height in the presence of the
enemy, carrying the position at the point of the bayonet. He served
well in Wilkinson's campaign, was made a brigadier-general in
March, 1814. and immediately thereafter established a camp of in-
struction at Bufifalo, where his own and other officers were drilled
into thorough and accurate discipline. Fie now served a vigorous
and brilliant campaign, being present at the taking of Fort Erie,
winning the battle of Chippewa, and doing good service at Lundy's
lane, where he was twice severely wounded. For his gallant con-
duct Scott was brevetted major-general, his commission dating July
25. 1814, the day of the battle of Lundy's lane. He also received
a gold medal from Congress, and was tendered a position in the
cabinet as secretary of war. which he declined. He led the troops
in the Black Hawk war of 1832, and the latter part of the same
228 The Union Army
year went south to command the national troops at Charleston
and elsewhere, during the nullification excitement, where his pru-
dence, tact, and discretion, saved the country from what seemed
the inevitable danger of intestine war. In 1835 he was ordered to
Florida, but recalled and employed in the Creek war, and afterward
sent before a court of inquiry, but dismissed with honor. In the
frontier troubles connected with the Canadian rebellion of 1837,
and subsequently with the disputes two years later on the north-
eastern boundary line, and with the removal of the Cherokees from
Georgia in the 30's, Gen. Scott was efficient, conciliating and useful,
as an officer and negotiator. In 1841, upon the death of Gen. Ma-
comb, Gen. Scott was placed at the head of the army as general-in-
chief, with full rank as major-general, and upon the outbreak of
the war with Mexico he was ordered thither. The battles of Palo
Alto, Resaca de la Palma, and Monterey having been fought he
took the field in time for the projected capture of Vera Cruz, which
he invested on March 12, 1847, commencing the bombardment on
the 22nd. On the 26th overtures of surrender were made, and ten
days later the army moved on to Mexico; defeated the Mexican
army under Gen. Santa Anna, at Cerro Gordo on April 18; entered
Jalapa the day after; occupied the strong castle and town of La
Perote on the 22nd, and the city of Puebla May 15. Contreras,
San Antonio, and Churubusco, strong fortifications, were each taken
in turn at the point of the bayonet. Molino del Rey and Casa de
Mata, dependencies of Chapultepec, were carried by assault on
Sept. 8, and, after a determined siege of several days a breach was
finally effected in the strong walls • of the military college at the
castle of Chapultepec, and the following night Santa Anna marched
out with the small remnant of his army, and the city of Mexico
was at the mercy of Scott. This virtually ended the war, and the
honors bestowed upon the successful commander by his country
were numerous and enthusiastic, and included a vote of thanks by
Congress. In 1848 Gen. Scott was a candidate for the Whig nom-
ination for the presidency, and in 1852 was nominated, but he was
defeated at the election by Gen. Franklin Pierce. In Feb., 1855,
he was brevetted lieutenant-general, to take rank from March 29,
1847, in commemoration of his bravery in Mexico. The Civil war
found him still in command of the army, and every inducement was
offered him by the South to join their cause; but his loyalty was
proof against them, and he threw the weight of his well-earned
reputation upon the side of the government. During the early part
of the war Gen. Scott was much in consultation with the govern-
ment, and did his best to perform his official duties as general-in-
chief, but he was now too infirm for so colossal a charge, and on
Oct. 31, 1861, he retired from office, retaining, by special act of
Congress, his pay and allowances. He died at West Point, N.Y.,
on May 29, 1866.
Sedgwick, John, major-general, was born in Connecticut about
1815. He was graduated at West Point in 1837, twenty-fourth in a
class of fifty members, among whom were Gens. Benham, Hooker, Ar-
nold, French, and others of the Federal service, and the Confederate
Gens. Bragg, Early, and Pemberton. He entered the Mexican war
as first lieutenant of artillery, and was successively brevetted cap-
tain and major for gallant conduct at Contreras, Churubusco, and
Chapultepec. He also distinguished himself at the head of his com-
mand in the attack on the San Cosmo gate of the city of I\Iexico.
At the outbreak of the Civil war he held the position of lieutenant-
colonel of the 2nd U. S. cavalry. On April 25, 1861, he was pro-
Biographical Sketches 229
moted to the colonelcy of the 4th cavalry, and on Aug. 31 was com-
missioned a brigadier-general of volunteers and placed in command
of a brigade of the Army of the Potomac, which in the subsequent
organization of the army was assigned to the 2nd corps, under
Gen. Sumner, Gen. Sedgwick assuming command of the 3d division
of the corps. In this capacity he took part in the siege of York-
town and the subsequent pursuit of the enemy up the Peninsula,
and greatly distinguished himself at the battle of Fair Oaks, where
the timely arrival of Sumner's troops saved the day. In all the
seven days' fighting, and particularly at Savage Station and Glen-
dale, he bore an honorable part, and at the battle of Antietam he
exhibited the most conspicuous gallantry, exposing his person with
a recklessness which greatly imperiled his life. On this occasion he
was twice wounded, but refused for two hours to be taken from the
field. On Dec. 23, 1862, he was nominated by the president a
major-general of volunteers, having previously been made a brevet
brigadier-general of the regular army, and in the succeeding Feb-
ruary he assumed command of the 6th army corps. At the head
of these troops he carried Marye's heights in the rear of Fredericks-
burg during the Chancellorsville campaign in May, 1863, and afler
the retreat of Gen. Hooker across the Rappahannock, succeeded
only by very hard fighting in withdrawing his command in the face
of a superior force, against which he had contended for a whole
day, to the left bank of the river. He commanded the left wing
of the Army of the Potomac during the advance from the Rappa-
hannock into Maryland in June, and also at the succeeding battle
of Gettysburg, where he arrived on the second day of the fighting,
after one of the most extraordinary forced marches on record, and
where his steady courage inspired confidence among his tried troops.
During the passage of the Rapidan on Nov. 7 he succeeded by a
well-executed maneuver in capturing a whole Confederate division
with a number of guns and colors, for which he was thanked by
Gen. Meade in a general order. In command of his corps he took
part in the spring campaign of the Wilderness, under Gen. Grant,
and on May 5 and 6 had position on the Federal right wing, where
the hardest fighting of those sanguinary engagements took place.
On May 9, 1864. while directing the placing of some pieces of ar-
tillery in position in the intrenchments in front of Spottsylvania
Court House, he was struck in the head by a bullet from a sharp-
shooter and instantl}^ killed.
Seward, William H., Jr., brigadier-general, was born in Auburn,
N. Y., June 18, 1839, being the son of the eminent statesman of
the same name. He was carefully educated at home and entered
business in a banking institution at Auburn in 1861, but shortly
afterward enlisted in the volunteer service as lieutenant-colonel of
the 138th N. Y. infantry. He was an energetic officer and was
shortly promoted to the colonelcy of the 9th N. Y. heavy artillery.
Col. Seward's regiment saw considerable service in the battle of the
Wilderness and took part in the battle of Cold Harbor. He was
given command of Fort Foote, Md., and was engaged in the battle
of Monocacy, where he received a slight wound, but not sufficiently
serious to prevent his retaining his command. On "Sept. 13, 1864,
he was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers, and was for
a season in command at Martinsburg, Va., but on June i, 1865, he
resigned his commission and returned to Auburn, where he resumed
his banking business.
Seymour, Truman, brigadier-general, was born in Burlington, Vt.,
Sept. 25, 1824. He was graduated at the United States military
230 The Union Army
academy and appointed brevet 2nd lieutenant ist artillery, July i,
1846; was promoted 2nd lieutenant March 3, and ist lieutenant Aug.
26, 1847; captain Nov. 22, i860; was transferred to the 5th artillery,
May 14, 1861; promoted major, Aug i;i, 1866; and was retired, Nov.
I, 1876. In the volunteer army he was commissioned brigadier-
general on April 26, 1862; bre vetted major-general on March 13,
1865, and was mustered out of the service on Aug. 24, following.
During his military career he was brevetted ist lieutenant on April
18, 1847, for gallantry at Cerro Gordo; captain on Aug. 20 following,
for conduct at Contreras and Churubusco; major on April 13, 1861,
for the defense of Fort Sumter; lieutenant-colonel, Sept. 14, and
colonel Sept. 17, 1862, for gallantry at South mountain and An-
tietam; and brigadier-general and major-general on March 18, 1865,
for services at Petersburg and during the war, and for "ability and
energy in handling his division and for gallantry and valuable services
in action." In his long service he distinguished himself in the Mex-
ican, the Seminole, and the Civil wars. He was a member of Maj.
Anderson's staflf in the defense of Fort Sumter. Among his bril-
liant feats in the Civil war were his leading in the unsuccessful assault
on Fort Wagner, where he was severely wounded, and his three
hours' battle wit'n the Confederates under Gen. Joseph Finegan, near
Olustee, Fla., whence lie was forced to retire to Jacksonville. He
was taken prisoner in the battle of the Wilderness on May 6, 1864,
and, by order of Gen. Samuel Jones, was placed in the line of fire
of the Federal batteries on Morris island. After his release on Aug.
9, he commanded a division in the Shenandoah valley and Richmond
campaigns, and was conspicuous in the siege of and final attack
on Petersburg. After the war he commanded forts in Florida,
Fort Warren, Mass., and Fort Preble, Me., till his retirement. He
then lived in Europe, most of the time in Florence, Italy, at which
place he died on Oct. 30, 1891.
Shackelford, James M., brigadier-general, was born in Lincoln
county Ky., on July 7, 1827, and received an academic education
in the schools of Springfield in his native state. Having barely ar-
rived at manhood when the Mexican war broke out he enlisted in
the United States service and became a lieutenant in Co. I of the
4th Ky. regiment. After the close of that conflict he returned home,
began the stud}- of law, was admitted to the Kentucky bar in 1853,
and practiced his profession until the outbreak of the Civil war.
In the early fall of 1861 he recruited the 25th Ky. infantry, was
commissioned colonel of the same on Jan. i, 1862, and with it was
engaged in the fighting at Donelson. He also bore his part in the
battle of Shiloh, fighting during the entire first day's battle and had
his regiment in the advance on the second day. In the month of
April, after the battle of Shiloh, the 25th regiment was consolidated
with the 17th, and with this consolidated command Col. Shackelford
moved to Corinth and was engaged in severe skirmishing, lasting
nearly all the night before the evacuation, and was with the first
troops to enter the place. On Sept. 13, 1862, Col. Shackleford be-
came colonel of the Stli Ky. cavalrj*. with the first battalion of which
he attacked Adam Johnson's command at Geiger's lake and dispersed
the enemy, but in the fight he was wounded, receiving a shot through
the foot. Col. Shackelford was given the full rank of brigadier-
general of volunteers on March 17, 1863. and his principal service
in that capacity was as leader in the pursuit and capture of Morgan,
in July, although he later commanded a cavalry corps consisting
of sixteen regiments in the Army of the Ohio. He resigned his
commission on Jan. 18, 1864, and returned to peaceful pursuits.
Biographical Sketches 231
making the practice of law his chief occupation. In 1889 he received
the appointment as judge of the United States court for the Indian
Territory, and he tilled that position until 1893, after which he re-
sumed the practice of law at Muscogee, Ind. Ter., becoming attor-
ney for the Choctaw Nation.
Shaler, Alexander, brigadier-general, was born in Haddam, Conn.,
May 19, 1827, and was educated in private schools. When eighteen
years old he joined the New York state militia as a private in the
8th regiment, and was subsequently transferred to the noted 7th
regiment. He was a close student of tactics and won repeated
promotions — having served in turn as corporal, sergeant, lieutenant,
captain, and major, which last-named rank he reached on Dec. 13,
i860. When the 65th regiment. N. Y. volunteers, was recruited for
service in the Civil war in 1861, Maj. Shaler was appointed its
lieutenant-colonel in June, and became its colonel in July, 1862,
serving with distinction in the Army of the Potomac up to the fall
of 1863. He was then given command of the militarj-- prison at
Johnson's island, Ohio, serving through the winter of 1863-64, when
he rejoined the Army of the Potomac, having been commissioned
brigadier-general of volunteers on May 26, 1863. He fought in all
the battles of the Armj- of the Potomac up to that of the Wilderness,
where he was captured and carried a prisoner of war to Macon,
Ga. In Charleston, S. C, he was held during the summer of 1864
a prisoner under the fire of Federal batteries. He was sub-
sequently exchanged and commanded a division in the 7th corps,
serving in the Southwest until the close of the war, and was mus-
tered out of service on Aug. 24, 1865, having received the brevet
of major-general of volunteers on July 2^. On retiring from the
army Gen. Shaler continued his interest in military aflfairs, and was
appointed major-general of the ist division of the National Guard
of New York, serving from 1867-86.
Shepard, Isaac F., brigadier-general, was born in the state of
Massachusetts. In early life he removed to Missouri and was a
resident of that state at the time of the breaking out of the Civil
war. He at once of¥ered his services in defense of the Federal
cause, and on June 18, 1861, was appointed assistant adjutant-gen-
eral of the state of Missouri with the rank of major. On Aug. 30
he was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the 19th Mo. infantry,
and upon the consolidation of that regiment with the 3d Mo.
infantry on Jan. 18, 1862, he was commissioned colonel. With four
companies of the regiment he marched to southwest Missouri and
was in the battle of Pea ridge. He led his entire regiment as a
part of Gen. Curtis' army in the expedition to Helena, Ark., and
on Dec. 12 became a part of the Army of the Mississippi. On May
9, 1863, he became colonel of the 51st U. S. colored infantry and
commanded that organization until Oct. 27, 1863, when he was com-
missioned brigadier-general of volunteers. He served until his com-
mission expired, on July 4, 1864. and he then left the service and
devoted his attention to peaceful pursuits. He died on Aug. 25, 1889.
Shepley, George F., brigadier-general, was born in Saco, Me.,
Jan. I, 1819. He was graduated at Dartmouth college in 1837, and
after studying law at the Harvard law school he began practice in
Bangor, Me., but in 1844 removed to Portland. ' In 1850 he was
elected to the state senate, and from 1853 to June, 1861, he was
United States district attorney for Maine, having been appointed to
that oflice by President Pierce and continued in it by President
Buchanan. In 1860 he was a delegate at large to the national Dem-
ocratic convention at Charleston, and attended its adjourned session
232 The Union Army
at Baltimore. In the autumn of 1861 he became colonel of the
I2th Me. volunteers, with which he arrived at Ship island in Feb.,
1862. He was then placed in command of the 3d brigade, and on
the occupation of New Orleans he was made military commandant
of that city. In June, 1862, he was appointed governor of
Louisiana, and in July was made a brigadier-general of volunteers.
After the inauguration of a civil governor of Louisiana Gen. Shepley
was placed in command of the military district of Eastern Vir-
ginia. He afterward became chief of stafif to Maj.-Gen. Weitzel,
and for a short time during the absence of that ofificer commanded
the 25th army corps. He continued with the Army of the James to
the end of the war, and after the entry into Richmond he was made
the first military governor of that city. He resigned his commis-
sion in the army on July i, 1865, and in 1866 he was elected as a
Republican to the Maine legislature. In 1869 he was appointed
United States circuit judge for the ist circuit, in which position he
continued till the time of his death, that event occurring at Portland,
Me., on July 20, 1878.
Sheridan, Philip H., major-general, was born at Albany, N. Y.,
March 6, 1831, but while he was yet in his infancy his par-
ents removed to Somerset, Ohio, and some of his earlier biographers
have made the error of naming the latter as the place of his birth.
His father was a contractor for the building of roads, and was away
from home a great deal, so that Sheridan was reared by his mother,
and at the village school learned the rudimentary English branches.
The ambition to be a soldier had already evinced itself, but as soon
as he could do so he entered a country store at a salary of $24
per year; thence he went to another store, where his pay was $60
per annum, and finally secured a situation where he earned $120
for twelve months' labor as book-keeper and general manager.
It is said that up to the time he was sixteen years old he had never
been ten miles away from Somerset after his parents located there.
At this period he applied to the member of Congress from his dis-
trict for an appointment as cadet at the United States military
academy. The answer was the enclosure of his warrant as such
cadet, and the direction that he report at the academy on June i,
1848. Passing the preliminary examinations without trouble, he was
aided by Cadet H. W. Slocum of New York, who was his room-
mate, in studies of which he knew nothing upon his entry into the
institution. In 1852, his graduating year, Sheridan was suspended
from the academy for his action in some trouble with another
cadet, but he afterward joined the class of 1853 and was graduated
with it, rating the thirty-fourth in a class of fifty-two. He was
assigned to the ist U. S. infantry, but was soon afterward trans-
ferred to the 4tli. In 1856 he was stationed in Washington ter-
ritory, defending the cascades of the Columbia river against Indians.
In May, 1861, he became a captain, and in December was appointed
chief quartermaster and commissary in southwest Missouri, on the
staff of Maj.-Gen. Curtis. He was quartermaster at Gen. Halleck's
headquarters in April, 1862, but in response to an application from
the governor of Michigan, who wanted an educated soldier to com-
mand the 2nd Mich, cavalry, Sheridan was made its colonel, and so
received his first command. In the advance on Corinth he partici-
pated in several engagements, and on June 2, 1862, he was placed
in command of the 2nd cavalry brigade of the Army of the Missis-
sippi. At the battle of Booneville on July i, where he was at-
tacked by a force of Confederates at least 4.500 strong, he con-
verted his defence into an offensive movement by detaching a part
Maj.-Gen. Carl Schurz
Maj.-Gen. John Sedgwick
Brig.-Gen. J. M. Shackel-
ford
Maj.-Gen. P. H. Sheridan
Brig.-Gen. R. K. ScoTT
Brig.-Gen. W. H. Seward,
Jr.
Brig.-Gen. Alex. Shaler
Brig.-Gen. F. T. Sherman
Maj.-Gen. Winfield Scott
Maj.-Gen. Truman Sey-
mour
Brig.-Cien. G. F. SheplEY
Brig.-Gen. T. W. Sherman
Biographical Sketches 233
of his force to take his foe in the rear and Hank, and the surprised
enemy, utterly routed, fled from the field. For this he received
his star and commission as brigadier-general of volunteers, dating
July l; on Oct. i he found himself in command of the nth division
of the army, and on the 8th of that month he took part in the
sanguinary battle of Perryville, holding the key-point of the posi-
tion and defending it successfully against several attacks of the
enemy. In the battle of Stone's river Sheridan sustained four sep-
arate attacks, and four times repulsed the enemy. On recommenda
tion of Gen. W. S. Rosecrans, the U. S. commander in that engage-
ment, he was now made major-general of volunteers, dating from
the lirst day of the battle of Stone's river. He remained with the
Armj' of the Cumberland in its march toward the Chickamauga
creek, and in the battle of that name, Sept. 19-20, 1863, he did his
best to beat back the furious storm which so nearly destroyed the
Federal army, and he never displayed more stubborn courage or
military skill in a subordinate sphere than on that eventful day.
The battle of Missionary ridge was fought two months later, and it
was Sheridan who, with his division, carried the ridge under a hot
enfilading fire from thirty pieces of Confederate artillery, and a
tempest of musketry from well-filled rifle pits on its summit; worked
his way up to the front till he reached the highest crest, and then
went thundering down the ridge until within 500 yards of the head-
quarters of the Confederate commanding general, Bragg. Com-
petent authority declares that in this battle he really did as much
as in any other to earn what finally came to him. the generalship
of the U. S. army. He took command of the cavalry of the Army
of the Potomac on April 4, 1864, and at once set about making it
a fighting force, rather than a defensive picket-line for the infantry
and artillery. In June he was sent to cut the Virginia Central
railroad and unite with Gen. Hunter, who was then marching up
the valley of Virginia, and it was expected that this movement would
draw oflf the Confederate cavalry and leave the James river free
to the unimpeded passage of Gen. Grant's army. It did so, Sheri-
dan having on his route, however, to fight a smart battle at Tre-
vilian Station, as he also did at Darbytown, Va., in the month of
July. Soon thereafter Sheridan came to the leadership of the Army
of the Shenandoah, by direct appointment of Gen. Grant, after per-
sonally visiting Sheridan, and without consulting the government
at Washington. Sheridan attacked Early on Sept. 19, and after
a severe struggle scattered the enemy in all directions, sending^
them "whirling through Winchester," Va., and on Sept. 22, after
pursuing Early, struck him again in flank and rear at Fisher's hill,
where the Virginia valley is but three miles wide. While he was
in Winchester on Oct. 19, his wily foe. Early, surprised the Federal
forces in their camp at Cedar creek, and drove back large portions
of them for six or seven miles in great disorder. This occasioned
the famous ride, celebrated in song and story, and what appeared
like disastrous defeat was turned into a decided victory. Sheridan
was at once made a major-general in the U. S. regular army, in
President Lincoln's words, "For the personal gallantry, military skill,
and just confidence in the courage and gallantry of your troops,
displayed by you on Oct. 19. at Cedar run, whereby, imder the bles-
sing of Providence, your routed army was reorganized, a great
national disaster averted, and a brilliant victory achieved over the
rebels for the third time in pitched battle within thirty days." Gen.
Sheridan's career from this time until the surrender of Lee is a part
of the history of the final daj^s of the war, and after the surrender
234 The Union Army
he had charge of the Department of the Gulf, and later he was
commander of the Department of Missouri. He was made U. S.
lieutenant-general in 1869, when Gen. Grant was elected president,
the western and southwestern military divisions of the United
States were under his command in 1878, and when Gen. Sherman
was retired in 1883, Sheridan became general-inchief of the regular
army, being the nineteenth officer who had attained that rank.
Gen. Sheridan died at Nonquitt, Mass., Aug. 5, 1888.
Sherman, Francis T., brigadier-general, was born in the state of
Connecticut, and in early life located in Illinois, where he was re-
siding at the time of the outbreak of the Civil war. After serving
for a short period with the 56th 111. infantry he was honorably
mustered out on Feb. 5, 1862, and on March 8, following, he became
major in the 12th 111. cavalry. With his regiment he remained at
Camp Butler, 111., guarding Confederate prisoners until June 25,
when he accompanied his command to Martinsburg, W. Va. He
was again honorably mustered out on Aug. 26, 1862, and on Sept. 4,
following, was promoted to colonel of the 88th 111. infantry, organ-
ized at Chicago and known as the "Second Board of Trade Reg-
iment." He accompanied this regiment to Louisville, Ky., going
into camp below Jefifersonville, and led it in the engagement at
Perryville. His next conflict with the enemy was in the battle of
Stone's river, and he also participated in the battle of Chickamauga.
His regiment with its gallant colonel in the lead formed part of the
assaulting column upon the left center of the enemy's position at
the battle of Missionary ridge, and was among the first to place
its colors upon the enemy's works. He was with the advance, his
regiment forming part of the 4th corps, throughout the whole of the
Atlanta campaign, up to and including the capture of Atlanta —
participating in the following principal battles and skirmishes:
Rocky Face ridge, Resaca, Adairsville, New Hope Church, Pine moun-
tain. Mud creek. Kennesaw mountain, Smyrna Camp Ground, At-
lanta, Jonesboro and Lovejoy's Station. He was also engaged in
skirmishes at Columbia and Spring Flill. Tenn.. and in the battle
of Franklin, in which engagement his regiment was upon the right
center, the main point of attack of the enemy. Col. Sherman was
also engaged in the battle of Nashville, and continued to serve with
his regiment until March 13, 1865, when he was commissioned brig-
adier-general of volunteers. On Jan 15, 1866, he retired from
military service and gave his attention to civil pursufts.
Sherman, Thomas W., brigadier-general, was born in the state
of Rhode Island in 1S13, and was a cadet at the United States mili-
tary academy from July i, 1832 to July i, 1836, when he was grad-
uated and promoted in the army to second lieutenant in the 3d ar-
tillery. He served in the Florida war, 1836-38, and also in the Cher-
okee Nation, and was promoted to first lieutenant in the 3d artillery
on March 14, 1P38. He again served in the Florida war, 1838-42;
in garrison at Fort Moultrie, S. C, 1842-44; on recruiting service,
1844-46; in the war with Mexico, 1846-48. being engaged in command
of a battery in the battle of Buena Vista. He was promoted cap-
tain in the 3d artillery, on May 28, 1846. and was breyetted major
on Feb. 23, 1847 for gallant and meritorious conduct in the battle
of Buena Vista. He was in garrison at Fort Trumbull, Conn., in
1848. at Fort Adams. R. I.. 1849-53; and on frontier duty at Fort
Snelling. Minn.. 1853-57; in command of expedition to Yellow Med-
icine, Minn., 1857; quelling Kansas border disturbances. 1857-58,
and he was at Fort Ridgely, Minn., as instructor in an artillery
school for practice, 1858-61, except while in command of an ex-
Biographical Sketches 235
pedition to Kettle Lake, Dak., in 1859. Upon the outbreak of the
Civil war he was placed in command of a battery of U. S. artillery
and ■ battalion of Pennsylvania voluntcer.s, at Elkton, Md.. from
April 24 to May 10, 1861, guarding the Philadelphia & Baltimore
railroad and the Delaware canal. He was engaged in reopening com-
munications throu.gh Baltimore, May 10-12, was commissioned lieu-
tenant-colonel of the 5th artillery on May 14, and brigadier-general
of volunteers on May 17, and as chief of light artillery was engaged
in the defense of Washington from May 21 to June 28. He was
engaged in recruiting the 5th U. S. artillery in Pennsylvania, June
30 to July 2T, in (Mganizing an expedition for seizing and holding
Bull's Bay, S. C, and Fernandina, Fla., for the use of the block-
ading fleet on the Southern coast, July 2^ to Oct 21, and was in
command of the land forces of the Port Royal expedition, Oct. 21,
1861, to March 31, 1862. He was in command of a division of the
Army of the Tennessee from April 30 to June i, in the advance
upon and siege of Corinth, Miss., and in command of the center
of the Army of Mississippi in pursuit of the enemy upon evacuating
the place. He was in command of a division of the Department
of the Gulf above New Orleans from Sept 18, 1862, to Jan. 9, 1863,
in the defenses of New Orleans from Jan. 9 to May 19, and was
in the expedition to Port Hudson, M^y 19-27, in command of the
left wing of the army besieging the place, being engaged in sev-
eral skirmishes and in the assault upon tlie works, May 2^, when,
in leading a column to the assault, he lost his right leg. He was
commissioned colonel in the 3d artillery on June i, 1863, but was
disabled by his wound until Feb. 15, 1864, when he was placed in
command of the reserve brigade of artillery, Department of the
Gulf, and was stationed at Forts Jackson and St. Philip, La., from
March i to May 4. He was in command of the defenses of New
Orleans from June 16, 1864, to Feb. 11, 1865, of the southern di-
vision of Louisiana from Feb.ii to July 23, and of the eastern dis-
trict of Louisiana from July 23, 1865, to April 20, 1866. He was
brevetted brigadier-general, U. S. army, on March 13, 1865, for
gallant and meritorious services at the capture of Port Hudson,
La., and was given the brevets of major-general of volunteers and
major-general U. S. A., at the same time for gallant and meritorious
services during the rebellion. He was mustered out of the volun-
teer service on April 30, 1866, after which he served in command
of a regiment and the post of Fort Adams, R. L, with but a few
months intermission until Feb., 1869; then was stationed at Key
West, Fla., until Nov. 29, 1870. He retired from active service on
Dec. 31, 1870. as major-general, for disability caused by the loss
of a leg in battle, and he died at Newport, R. L, on March 16, 1879.
Sherman, William T., lieutenant-general, was born at Lancaster,
Fairfield county, Ohio, Feb. 8, 1820. Left an orphan at nine years
of age. he was adopted by Thomas Ewing, later secretary of the
interior, and attended school at Lancaster until 1836, when he was
appointed a cadet at the West Point military academy. Graduating
in 1840, sixth in a class of forty-two, he was made a second lieu-
tenant and assigned to duty in Florida, where he was engaged from
time to time in incursions against the hostile Seminole Indians.
On Nov. 30, 1841, he was promoted to first lieutenant, and until the
outbreak of the Mexican war, was stationed at various posts in
the South, including St. Augustine, and Forts Pierce. Morgan and
Moultrie. At one time he undertook the study of law, with no
thought of making it his profession, but to be prepared "for any
situation that fortune or luck might oflFer." In 1846 he was sta-
236 The Union Army
tioned at Pittsburg, as recruiting officer, but shortly after, in con-
sequence of repeated applications for active service, was sent to
California, where, contrary to expectation, he was uneventfully en-
gaged as acting assistant adjutant-general of the loth military
department under Gen. Stephen W. Kearnj', and later under Col.
R. B. Mason. In 1850 he returned to the Atlantic states as bearer
of despatches, and was stationed at St. Louis, Mo., as commissary
of subsistence with the rank of captain. In March, 1851, he received
the commission of captain by brevet, to date from May 30, 1848.
On Sept. 6, 1853, he resigned from the army and became manager
of the branch banking-house of Lucas, Turner & Co., at San Fran-
cisco, Cal. In 1857 he returned to New York and, his firm having
suspended, opened a law office in Leavenworth, Kan., with Hugh
and Thomas E. Ewing, Jr. In July, 1859, he was elected superin-
tendent of the Louisiana military academy, with a salary of $5,000
per annum, the institution opening Jan. i, i860, but on the seizure
of the arsenal at Baton Rouge in Jan., 1861, in anticipation of the
secession of the state, he tendered his resignation. Going to Wash-
ington, he endeavored in vain to impress upon the administration
the gravity of the situation which he characterized as "sleeping upon
a volcano," and the president's call for volunteers for three months
as "an attempt to put out the flames of a burning house with a
squirtgun." For two months he was president of the 5th street
railway of St. Louis, Mo., and on May 14, 1861, was made colonel
of the 13th regiment of regular infantry, commanding a brigade in
the division of Gen. Tyler in the battle of Bull Run, July 21. On
Aug. 3 he was promoted to brigadier-general of volunteers, to date
from May 17, and on Oct. 7 relieved Maj.-Gen. Anderson in com-
mand of the Department of Kentucky. On Nov. 12, however, he
was in turn relieved by Gen. D. C. Buell, his estimate of the number
of troops required in his department, "sixty thousand men to drive
the enemy out of Kentucky and 200,000 to finish the war in this sec-
tion." being considered so wildly extravagant as to give rise to
doubts of his sanity. It was. however, justified by later events.
During the remainder of the winter he was in command of the
camp of instruction at Benton barracks, near St. Louis, and when
Grant moved upon Donelson. was stationed at Paducah. where he
rendered eflfective service in forwarding supplies and reinforcements.
Here, also, he organized the 5th division of the Army of the Ten-
nessee from raw troops who had never been under fire, and with
these he held the key point of Pittsburg landing and "saved the
fortunes of the day" on April 6, and contributed to the glorious vic-
torj' of the 7th. although severely wounded in the hand on the first
day. On the second, he had three horses shot under him. but mount-
ing a fourth he remained on the field, and it was the testimony of
Gen. Grant, in recommending his promotion, that "to his individ-
ual eflForts I am indebted for the success of that battle." On May
I he was commissioned major-general of volunteers and on July i
was put in charge of the Department of Memphis, which he at once
proceeded to organize, restoring the civil authorities, causing a re-
vival of business, and sternly repressing guerrilla warfare. In Oc-
tober he concerted with Gen. Grant at Columbus, Ky.. the details
of the ensuing campaign, in which Pemberton's force, 40.000 strong,
was dislodged from the line of the Tallahatchie and driven behind
the Yalabusha in consequence of a combined movement by both
generals from Jackson and Memphis, while 5.000 cavalry under Wash-
burne threatened his communications in the rear. Falling back to
Biographical Sketches 237
Millikcn's bend, Sherman resigned his command to Gen. McCler-
nand, but shortly afterward suggested and led the attack on Fort
Hindman with its garrison of 5,000 men by which the control of
Arkansas river was gained, the key to the military possession of the
state, with the loss of but 134 killed and 898 wounded, while of the
enemy, 150 were killed and 4,791 taken prisoners. In the campaign
of 1863 Sherman was in command of the expedition up Steele's
bayou, abandoned on account of insuperable difficulties, though he
dispersed troops sent to oppose the movement; and the demonstra-
tion against Haynes" bluff was also committed to him, tliough
with some hesitation, by Gen. Grant, lest his reputation should suffer
from report of another repulse. In the Vicksburg campaign of 109
days Gen. Sherman entitled himself, in the words of Gen. Grant,
"to more credit than usually falls to the lot of one man to earn."
The drawn battle of Chickamauga and the critical condition of
Rosecrans at Chattanooga called next loudly for the troops resting
at Vicksburg, and on Sept. 22 Sherman received orders to forward
his divisions, with the exception of one which remained to guard
the line of the Big Black. Meanwhile Gen. Grant, having been placed
in command of the Division of the Mississippi, assigned the Depart-
ment of the Tennessee to Sherman, who, on the receipt of telegraphic
summons to "drop all work" and hurrj' eastward, pushed forward
in advance of his men and reached Chattanooga on Nov. 15. It
was proposed that he initiate the offensive, which he proceeded to
do upon the arrival of his troops, Nov. 23. He pitched his tents
along Missionary ridge and his sentinels were clearly visible, not
a thousand yards away. The battle of Missionary ridge being won,
the relief of Burnside on the Hiawassee was next to be contemplated
and with weary troops who two weeks before had left camp with
but two days' provisions and "stripped for the fight," ill supplied
now and amid the privations of winter, Sherman turned to raise the
siege of Knoxville. On Jan. 24, 1864, he returned to Memphis, and in
preparation for the next campaign decided upon the "Meridian Raid."
To the expedition of Gen. Banks up the Red river he next con-
tributed 10,000 men for thirt}' days, but the force did not return
to Vicksburg until more than two months had elapsed, too late to
take part in the Atlanta campaign. On March 14 Gen. Grant was
appointed lieutenant-general to command all the armies of the
United States in the field, and Sherman succeeded to the Division
of the Mississippi. On May 6 the movement toward Atlanta was
started with the capture of the city as the desideratum, and such
progress was made that on Aug. 12 the rank of major-general, U. S. A.,
was bestowed upon Gen. Sherman by the president, in anticipation
of his success. After indefinite skirmishing for a month, following
the fall of Atlanta, and during which the gallant defense of Allatoona
pass was made by Gen. Corse with 1,944 men against a whole
division of the enemy, the famous "march to the sea" was resolved
upon, not alone as a means of supporting the troops, but, in Sher-
man's own words, "as a direct attack upon the rebel army at the
rebel capital at Richmond, though a full thousand miles of hostile
country intervened," and from Nov. 14 until Dec. 10 he was accord-
ingly buried in the enemy's country, severed from all communication
in the rear, and crossed the three rivers of Georgia, passing through
her capital in his triumphal progress of 300 miles, during which his
loss was but 567 men. On Dec. 2, he telegraphed to President Lin-
coln, "I beg to present you, as a Christmas gift, the city of Savannah
with 150 heavy guns and plenty of ammunition, and also about 25.000
238 The Union Army
bales of cotton," in reply to which he received the assurance that to
him alone the honor of his iindertaking was due, as acquiescence
only had been accorded him, and anxiety, if not fear, had been
felt for his success. The surrender of Johnston was made at Dur-
ham station, N. C, on April 26, 1865, after a triumphal march of
Sherman's army through the Carolinas, and on May 24, a year after
it had started on its journey of 2.600 miles, the conquering host
was reviewed at Washington. D. C. On June 2y Gen. Sherman
was placed in command of the military division of the Mississippi,
which included the departments of Ohio, Missouri, and Arkansas, and
on July 25. 1866. he succeeded Gen. Grant as lieutenant-general of
the army. On March 4, 1869, when Grant was inaugurated as presi-
dent, Sherman became general of the army, and in 1871-72, on leave
of absence, made a tour of Europe and the East. On Feb. 8, 1884,
he was retired from active service, and on Feb. 14, 1891, expired at
New York, the day following tlie demise of his friend and comrade
in arms, Adni. David D. Porter.
Shields, James, brigadier-general, was born in Dungannon. County
Tyrone. Ireland, Dec. 12, 1810. He emigrated to the United States
in 1826, studied law and was admitted to the bar at Kaskaskia,
111., when he was but twenty-one years old. He subsequently turned
his attention to politics, in 1836 was elected to the state legislature
and in 1839 was made state auditor. In 1843 he was appointed
judge of the Supreme Court and in 1845 was appointed commissioner
of the U. S. land office. He served during the Mexican war, being
severely wounded both at Cerro Gordo and Chapultepec, and for
meritorious and gallant services on the former occasion was com-
missioned brigadier-general and brevet major-general. He served
under Gen. Tajdor on the Rio Grande and under Gen. Wood at
Chihuahua. After resigning from the army he was appointed gov-
ernor of Oregon in 1848. He served as U. S. senator from Illinois,
1S49-55, and was U. S. senator from Minnesota from 1858-60. and
afterward settled in California. He was in Mexico at the outbreak
of the Civil war, engaged in superintending a mine, but at once went
to Washington and offered his services for the cause of the Union.
He was appointed brigadier-general of volunteers on Aug. 19, 1861,
assigned to the command of Gen. L?nder's brigade after the latter's
death, and was placed at the head of a division of Gen. N. P. Banks'
Army of the Shenandoah, March 29, 1862. He took a leading part in
the battles of Winchester and Port Republic, and resigned from the
service in 1863. Gen. Shields then settled in Wisconsin, whence he
removed to Carrollton, Mo., wliere he practiced law and served as
a railroad commissioner. In 1874 he w^as elected to the Missouri legis-
lature and in 1879 was appointed to the U. S. senate to serve out the
unexpired term of Senator Bogg. He died at Ottumwa. la., June i,
1879.
Sibley, Henry H., brigadier-general, was born in Detroit, Mich.,
Feb. 20, 181 1. He was graduated at Detroit Academy, took a special
course in Greek and Latin and read law, but in 1829 became clerk
to the sutler at Sault Ste. Marie. Soon afterward he took a local
agency of John Jacob Astor's fur company, and, after being in 1832-34
a purchasing a.gent. he was given an interest in the companj' and took
charge of its business in the territory north of Lake Pepin, extend-
ing to the British line and west to the head waters of the tributaries
of the Missouri river. In 1834 he reached the mouth of the Min-
nesota river, on a trip for the company, and, establishing his head-
Biographical Sketches 239
quarters at St. Peters (now Mendota), built the first stone Iksusc
within the present limits of Minnesota. Two years afterward he
was appointed by Gov. Chambers of Iowa, a justice of the peace.
In 1848 he was elected a delegate from Wisconsin territory to Con-
gress,, and there secured the passage of a bill for the creation of
Minnesota territorj'. He was re-elected to Congress for two terms;
in 1857 took part in the constitutional convention and was elected to
the territorial legislature; and on the admission of Minnesota as a
state, in 1858, he was elected its first governor, as a Democrat. In
1862, at the time of the Sioux Indian outbreak, he organized and
commanded the troops raised for the protection of the frontier settlers
and was commissioned a brigadier-general. During this campaign
he took about 2,000 Indian prisoners, tried more than 400 of them
by court-martial, and on Dec. 26 executed thirty-eight at one time,
only President Lincoln's direct orders preventing the execution of
many more. Gen. Sibley was brevetted major-general, Nov. 29, 1865,
was relieved of his command in Minnesota in Aug., 1866, and was de-
tailed as a member of a commission to negotiate treaties with the Sioux
and other hostiles along the upper Missouri river. In 1871 he served
another term in the legislature, and afterward lived quietly in St.
Paul. He was a regent of the state university, president of the
state normal school board, and a member of the United States board
of Indian commissioners. He died in St. Paul on Feb. 18, i8gi.
Sickles, Daniel E., (see Vol. II, page 17).
Sigel, Franz, major-general, was born in Sinsheim, Baden, Ger-
many, Nov. 18, 1824. He received a military education and took an
active and prominent part in the German revolution of 1848 and 1849.
At the close of the revolution he retreated with the rest of his army
to Switzerland and in 1852 came to the United States, becoming a
teacher in a private school in New York city. In 1857 he removed
to St. Louis and taught in a college of that city. In 1861 he became
colonel of the 3d Mo. infantry, aided in the capture of Camp Jackson,
and on July 5 fought and won the battle of Carthage. He was pro-
moted to the rank of brigadier-general, served under Fremont in the
campaign against Price, and commanded two divisions at the battle
of Pea ridge. Owing to a disagreement with Halleck he resigned,
but was soon made a major-general and took command of the forces
stationed at Harper's Ferry, Va. He succeeded to the command of
Fremont's corps, served under Pope in the Virginia campaign, and
fought gallantly at the second battle of Bull Run. On Sept. 14, 1862,
he was assigned to the nth armj^ corps, and in 1863 he commanded
a grand division, consisting of the nth and 12th corps, under Gen.
Burnside. In 1864 he was placed in command of the Department of
West Virginia. He fought an unsuccessful battle with the forces of
Gen. Breckinridge at New Market on May 15, with 3,000 against .S.ooo
men, and in conse.ouence was relieved of his command by Gen. Hunt-
er. During Gen. Early's raid in July he defended Maryland Heights
successfully with 4,000 against 15.000 men. In 1866 he settled in New
York city and in i860 was the Republican candidate for secretary of
state of New York, but was defeated at the polls. In 1871 he was
elected register of New York city and county by the Republicans
and Reform Democracy and served the full term. Upon the nomina-
tion of Gen. Hancock for the presidency in 1880, he allied himself
with the Democracy, and from 1885 to 1889 was pension agent of the
U. S. government in New York city, by appointment of President
Cleveland. He died at his residence at Morrisania, N. Y., on Aug.
21, 1902.
240 The Union Army
Sill, Joshua W., brigadier-general, was born in Chillicothe, Ohio,
Dec. 6, i(S3i. He was graduated from West Point military academy
in 1853, and as second lieutenant was assigned to the ordnance depart-
ment at Watervliet arsenal; was returned to the academy, Sept. 23,
1854, as assistant professor of geography, history, and ethics, and
served in that capacity until Aug. 29, 1857; promoted to first lieuten-
ancy in 1856; was engaged in routine duty at various arsenals and ord-
nance depots until Jan. 25, i86r, when he resigned from the army to
become professor of mathematics and civil engineering in the Brook-
lyn collegiate and polytechnic institute. On the call for troops,
after the firing on Fort Sumter, a few weeks after resigning his
position in the regular army, he offered his services to the governor
of Ohio and was promptly commissioned assistant adjutant-general
of that state. He took part in the battle of Rich mountain, July 11,
with the 33d Ohio infantry, and was commissioned colonel of that
regiment. His operations were principally in Kentucky, Tennessee,
and Alabama. He took command of a brigade Nov. 30, 1861; was
appointed brigadier-general of volunteers July 16, 1862; took part in
the battle of Perryville, the pursuit of Bragg's army and the Ten-
nessee campaign of the Army of the Cumberland. While endeavoring
to rally his men at the battle of Stone's river he was killed, Dec.
31, 1862.
Slack, James R., brigadier-general, was born in the state of Penn-
sylvania, but removed to Indiana early in life and was a resident of
that state at the time of the breaking out of the Civil war. In
Oct., 1861, he joined the 47th Ind. infantry, a regiment that was
organized at Anderson, Ind., and with it he was mustered into the
service on Dec. 13, being commissioned colonel. On the same
day he left the state with his regiment and proceeded to Bards-
town, Ky., where his command was assigned to Gen. Wood's brigade
of Buell's army. It moved to Camp Wickliffe, arriving there Dec.
31, and thence moved for West Point, Feb. 14, 1862, taking trans-
ports there for Commerce, Miss. He thence moved to New Madrid,
where he was engaged with the enemy, his regiment being the first
to enter Fort Thompson. He led his regiment in the engagement
at Riddle's Point between the shore batteries and the enemy's gun-
boats and then moved to Tiptonville, Tenn. He was at Memphis
during July and with his regiment participated in a skirmish at
Brown's plantation on Aug. 11. He then moved to Helena, Ark.,
where he remained with his regiment until March. 1863, then joined
the Yazoo Pass expedition, after which he moved his command to
the rear of Vicksburg, engaging in the battles and skirmishes of that
campaign. He was at Champion's hill, and in the trenches before
Vicksburg his regiment was constantly engaged until the surrender.
He was also engaged in the battle at Jackson, moved to New
Orleans in August and thence to Berwick bay. In the Tecbc expedi-
tion with his regiment he was engaged at Grand Coteau. and he
also took part in the Red River expedition in the spring of 1864,
participating in the marches, battles, skirmishes and retreats of that
campaign. He was engaged at Atchafalaya bayou on July 28, and
was stationed with his regiment at Morganza most of the fall, being
promoted to brigadier-general on Nov. 10, 1864. He continued in
the field, rendering loyal and effective service, until Jan. 15, 1866,
when he was honorably mustered out, having been brevetted major-
general of volunteers on March 13. 1865, for gallant and meritorious
services during the war. Gen. Slack died on July 28, t88i.
Slemmer, Adam J., brigadier-general, was born in Montgomery
county. Pa., in 1828. He was graduated at the West Point military
,«*^
Lieut. -Gen. W. T. Sher- lirig. -Gen. James Suihlus
MAN Brig.-Geii. J. W. Sill
Maj.-Gen. Franz Sigel Maj.-Gen. H. \V. Slocum
Brig.-Gen. A. T. Slemmer Maj.-Gen. C. F. Smith
Maj.-Gen. A. J. Smith
.Maj. ('.L'li, I ). v.. SicKi.r.i
I'.rig.-Gen. J. R. Slack
Erig.-Gen. J. P. Slouch
Maj.-Gen. G. .\. Smith
Biographical Sketches 241
academy in July, 1850, and assigned to the ist artillery. He took
a conspicuous part in the campaign against the Seminole Indians in
Florida, served on the California frontier for four years, and was
assistant professor of mathematics at West Point, 1855-59. He
was afterward assigned to garrison duty at Fort Moultrie, S. C,
and in i860 was transferred to Florida. When the war broke out
he occupied Fort Barrancas in Pensacola harbor with a small body
of soldiers. Later he was instrumental in holding Fort Pickens
until relieved by Col. Harvey Brown, thus preserving the key to
the Gulf of Mexico. He was promoted major of the i6th infantry
in May, 1861; was inspector-general of the Department of the Ohio,
and participated in the siege of Corinth and the movement for the
relief of Nashville, Tenn. He became brigadier-general of volun-
teers, Nov. 29, 1862, and took an active part in the battle of Stone's
river, Dec. 31, where he received wounds so severe that his field
service was practically ended. From July, 1863, to the close of the
war he served on an examining board as its president. On Feb.
8, 1864, he was promoted lieutenant-colonel of the 4th infantry,
and in March, 1865, he won the brevets of colonel and brigadier-
general, U. S. A., for gallant conduct. Gen. Slemmer left the vol-
unteer service in August of the same year and spent the balance
of his life in command at Fort Laramie, Dak., where he died of
heart disease, Oct. 7, 1868.
Slocum, Henry W., major-general, was born in Delphi, Onondaga
county, N. Y., Sept 24, 1827. He was graduated at West Point in
1852 and became second lieutenant in the ist artillery. After serv-
ing in the Seminole war in Florida he was promoted first lieutenant
on March 3, 1855, and was on duty at Fort Moultrie, S. C.,. till Oct.
31, 1856, when he resigned his commisssion. He then settled in
Syracuse; began practicing law, which he had studied while in the
army; entered political life; was elected to the legislature as a Dem-
ocrat in 1859, and from 1859 till 1861 was also instructor of artillery
in the state militia with the rank of colonel. On May 21, 1861, he
became colonel of the 27th N. Y. volunteers. The regiment left
Elmira for the front on July 10, and eleven days afterward it passed
through the first battle of Bull Run, where its commander was
wounded in the thigh. On Aug. 9, while confined to the hospital,
he was promoted brigadier-general of volunteers. On his recovery
he was assigned to the command of a brigade in Franklin's division.
Army of the Potomac. In the Peninsular campaign of 1862 he took
part in the siege of Yorktown and the engagement at West Point;
succeeded Gen. Franklin in command of the division on May 15;
reinforced Gen. Fitz John Porter in the battle of Gaines' mill, June
27; and, with his division, occupied the right of the main line in the
battles of Glendale and Malvern hill. On July 4, 1862, he was promoted
major-general of volunteers; on Aug 30 was engaged in the second
battle of Bull Run; Sept. 14 was in the battle of South mountain;
and Sept. 17 added much to his brilliant record in the battle of
Antietam, in the latter part of which he was assigned to the com-
mand of the I2th corps, succeeding Gen. Mansfield, who had been
killed. He further distinguished himself at Chancellorsville and at
Gettysburg, where his command was on the right of the army, and
repelled a charge made by Ewell's corps at daylight on July 3.
In October, after the drawn battle at Chickamauga, the nth and 12th
corps were detached from the Army of the Potomac and hastened
to reinforce the army in the Department of the Cumberland. In
April, 1864, Gen. Sherman consolidated the two corps into what
Vol. VIII— 16
242 The Union Army
was afterward known as the 20th corps, and assigned Gen. Hooker
to the command. On this consolidation Gen. Slocum was given
command of a division and of the district of Vicksburg. In August
Gen. Hooker was succeeded by Gen. Slocum. When Gen. Sherman
made his movement around Atlanta to the Macon road, he assigned
Gen. Slocum to guard the communications, and wlien the Confed-
erates left their intrenclimcnts about Atlanta to meet the Federal
army, Gen. Slocum threw his corps directly into the city. In the
march to the sea and through the Carolinas, Gen. Slocum commanded
the left wing of the army, comprising the 14th and 20th corps.
From June 29 till Sept. 16 he commanded the Department of the
Mississippi, and on Sept. 28, 1865, he resigned his commission, re-
turning to civil life in Brooklyn. In the election of 1865 he was
defeated as Democratic candidate for secretary of state of New
York; in 1868 was a presidential elector; and in 1868 and 1870 was
elected to Congress. He was defeated by Grover Cleveland in the
Democratic convention of 1882 as a candidate for the nomination
for governor of New York, and in the same year was elected Con-
gressman at Large. Gen Slocum died at Brooklyn. N. Y., April 14,
'894- . ...
Slough, John P., brigadier-general, was a native of Cincinnati,
and in the year 1850 was elected to the legislature of Ohio, from
which body he was expelled for striking one of the members. He
was requested to apologize to the liouse, and upon his refusal to
do so that body expelled him. In 1852 he became the secretary of the
Central Democratic committee of Ohio, which office he filled satis-
factorily. Soon after this he went to Kansas, and in i860 to Denver,
Col. The next year upon the breaking out of the war he raised
a company of volunteers and assumed command of Fort Garland.
He finally rose to the rank of colonel of volunteers, and was sent
into New Mexico and took command of Fort Union. Here he fought
his first battle, causing the retreat of the Texan troops. The battle
was fought in direct opposition to the orders of his superior officer.
Gen. Canby, but terminated successfully, and his praise was in the
mouths of the people far and near. Immediately after this he threw
up his commission as colonel and repaired to Washington, where
he was appointed and confirmed as brigadier-general of volunteers
and assigned to duty at Alexandria. He continued as military
governor at that point up to the close of the war, and throughout
his career there his record is one of the most favorable. At the close
of the war he was appointed chief justice of the territory of New
Alexico. but his imperious temper rendered him very unpopular, and a
series of resolutions were passed in the legislature advocating his
removal from the position. These resolutions so incensed him
against the senator who introduced them that a personal encounter
resulted, in which Gen. Slough was killed, at Santa Fe, N. M., on
Dec. 16, 1867.
Smith, Andrew J., major-general, was born in the state of Penn-
sylvania and was a cadet at the U. S. military academy from July i,
1834 to July I, 1838, when he was graduated and promoted in the
army to second lieutenant in the ist dragoons. He served at Carlisle
barracks, Pa., in the cavalry school for practice, 1838-39; on re-
cruiting service, 1839-40; on frontier duty at Ft. Leavenworth, Kan.,
1840-46, and he was commissioned first lieutenant in the ist dragoons
on May 4, 1845. He served in the war with Mexico, 1847-48, being
commissioned captain in the ist dragoons on Feb. 16, 1847. and was
on frontier duty at San Francisco. Cal.. 1848-49. He was on recruit-
ing service, 1849-53; stationed at Fort Lane, Ore., 1853-55; took part
Biographical Sketches 243
in the Oregon hostilities during tlic latter year, being engaged in
the skirmish at Cow creek on Oct. 31; was in the Rogue River
expedition in 1856, being engaged with hostile Indians in several
skirmishes during March and June, and he was stationed at Fort
Yamhill, Ore., 1856-57. He was on the Oregon war claims commis-
sion, 1857-58 and on frontier duty at Fort Walla Walla. Wash.,
1858-59. He was at Fort Vancouver, Wash., 1859-60. and was en-
gaged against the Snake Indians in skirmishes near Harney lake
on May 24 and near Owyhee river on June 23. He was stationed
at Fort Walla Walla, 1860-61, and was on the march to Nez Perce
Agency in the latter year, being commissioned major in the ist
dragoons on May 13 and transferred to the ist cavalry on Aug. 13.
He served during the Civil war, first as colonel of the 2nd Cal. cavalry,
to which position he was appointed on Oct. 2, 1861; was chief of
cavalry, Department of the Missouri, from Feb. 11 to March 11, 1862,
and of the Department of the Mississippi, March it to July 11, being
engaged in the advance upon and siege of Corinth, April 15 to May
30. including several skirmishes. He was commissioned brigadier-
general of volunteers, March 17, 1862; was in command of the troops
in Covington, Ky.. and vicinity, Sept. 9-Oct. 9; in command of a
division in the movements through Kentucky, October-November;
was stationed at Memphis, Tenn., Nov 28 to Dec. 21, and was on the
expedition to the Yazoo river in December, being engaged in the
assault of Chickasaw bluffs on Dec. 27-29. He was in the expedi-
tion to Arkansas Post, which was carried by assault on Jan. 11,
1863; in the Vicksburg campaign from January to July, command-
ing a division in the 13th army corps, and was engaged in the
advance to Grand Gulf, the battles of Port Gibson, Champion's
hill. Big Black river, assaults on Vicksburg, May 19 and 22, the
siege of the place, and the capture of Jackson, Miss., on July 16.
He was in command of the 6th division, i6th army corps, and
District of Columbus. Ky., from Aug. 5, 1863, to Jan. 21, 1864; in
command of the 3d division, i6th armj^ corps, Jan. 24 to Marcli 6,
in the Department of the Tennessee; was in the Red River
campaign, commanding detachments of the i6th and 17th army corps,
March 6 to May 22, and was engaged in the assault and capture
of Fort De Russy, the battle of Pleasant Hill, the action at Cane
river, and in covering the retreat of Gen. Banks' army, with almost
daily heavy skirmishing. He was commissioned lieutenant-colonel
of the 5th cavalry on May g, major-general of volunteers on May
12, and was in command of the right wing of the i6th army corps
in the operations in Mississippi and Tennessee from June to Sep
tember, being engaged in the actions near Lake Village and Tupelo,
Miss., and on the expedition from Memphis to Holly Springs. He
was engaged in the operations in Missouri, covering St. Louis from
a threatened attack by Gen. Price; in command of a detachment
of the Army of the Tennessee in Maj.-Gen. Thomas' campaign
against the Confederates under Gen. Hood, from Dec, 1864 to Jan.
1865, being engaged in the battle of Nashville and the pursuit of
the enemy to Pulaski. He was in the movement from Eastport.
Miss., via Cairo, to New Orleans. Feb. 6-21, 1865; in command of
the i6th army corps. Feb. i8-July 20. being brevetted brigadier-
general U. S. A., on March 13. 1865, for gallant and meritorious
services at the battle of Tupelo, and the brevet title of major-general,
U. S. A., was conferred upon him at the same time for gallant and
meritorious services in the battle of Nashville. He was engaged
in the Mobile campaign, taking part in the siege of Spanish Fort,
244 The Union Army
but was in reserve during the storming of Blakely. He was in the
movement to and occupation of Montgomery, Ala., making detach-
ments to various points in Alabama; was in command of the District
of Montgomery, and later of the District of Western Louisiana,
Oct. 27, 1865 to Jan. 15, 1866. when he was mustered out of the vol-
unteer service. He was on the board for the recommendation of
officers for brevet promotions from March 10 to June 22, and he
was commissioned colonel of the 7th cavalry on July 28, 1866. He
served in command of the District of Upper Kansas from Nov. 25,
1866 to Sept., 1867, and of the Department of Missouri from Sept.
14, 1867, to March 2, 1868, when he was given a leave of absence,
and he resigned from the service on May 6, 1869. He was appointed
postmaster of St. Louis, Mo., on April 3, 1869, and he pursued
vocations of civil life until Jan. 22, 1889, when he was recommis-
sioned colonel of cavalry and placed upon the retired list. Gen.
Smith died on Jan. 30, 1897.
Smith, Charles F., major-general, was born in Pennsylvania about
1806. He was a son of the late Dr. Samuel B. Smith, U. S. A.,
graduated with honor at West Point in 1825, and was made second
lieutenant of artillery on July t in the same year. In 1820 he was
appointed assistant instructor in infantry tactics at West Point; in
1831 was promoted to the adjutancy, and in 1832 was made a first
lieutenant. In 1838 he was appointed instructor in infantry tactics
and commandant of cadets, and the same year was promoted to
a captaincy. He took an important part in most of the battles
during the Mexican war; in 1847 was brevetted major for gallant
conduct in the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, in
Texas, and at the battles of Monterey, Contreras, and Churubusco,
won the successive brevets of lieutenant-colonel and colonel In the
same year he was appointed acting inspector-general in Mexico. On
Nov. 25, 1854, he was made major of the ist artillery, and the fol-
lowing year lieutenant-colonel of the loth infantry. In Sept.. 1861,
he was promoted to the colonelcy of the 3d infantry, having the
previous month been appointed brigadier-general of volunteers and
taken charge of the troops at Paducah, Ky. At the attack on Fort
Donelson, the most brilliant charge was made by the troops under
his command and had much to do with the surrender. For his
gallantry on that memorable occasion he was promoted to a major-
generalship in the volunteer army, and ordered to take possession
of Savannah, Tenn., where he died of chronic dj^sentery contracted
during the Mexican war, and fatally aggravated by his exposures
in the campaign of the West. His death occurred on April 25, 1862.
Smith, Giles A., major-general, was born in the state of New York
but in early life established his home in the state of Illinois, where
he was residing at the beginning of the Civil war. On June 14,
i86r he became the captain of a company then organizing for ser-
vice as a part of the 8th Mo. infantry. Before the organization of
the regiment was complete it was called on to suppress the guer-
rillas engaged in committing depredations along the line of the
North Missouri railroad, defeating them in the vicinity of St. Charles
and Mexico, in which engagements Capt. Smith got his introduction
to actual warfare. On July 29 he left St. Louis with the regiment
and on Sept. 7 landed at Paducah, Ky., where he remained until
the following February, the regiment then joining the forces moving
against Forts Henry and Donelson. Fort Henry surrendered before
the regiment arrived, but at Donelson it showed the metal of which
it was made, and, under the command of Gen. Lew Wallace, assisted
in the repulse of the attempt of the enemy to cut his way out. Capt.
Biographical Sketches 245
Smith at the head of his company and under the command of Wal-
lace was in some of the heaviest fighting at Shiloh on the second
day of that battle; was in the engagements about Corinth, Miss.,
and the operations in that vicinity until November, when the reg-
iment was ordered to Memphis, Tenn. He was promoted to lieu-
tenant-colonel of his regiment on June 12, 1862, and eighteen days
later was commissioned as its colonel. He joined Gen. Sherman's
forces for the assault on the Confederate works at Chickasaw
bluffs, where his regiment acquitted itself with credit, and a few
days later was on the skirmish line in the assault on Arkansas
Post. His was one of the regiments assigned to Steele's bayou
expedition in the early movements against Vicksburg; took part in
the feint against Haynes' bluff; was then in the battles of Raymond
and Champion's hill, and in the advance on Vicksburg it was the
first regiment to encounter and drive in the enemy's pickets. With
his regiment he took part in the assaults on the Vicksburg works,
and after the fall of that city was in the movement to drive Gen.
Johnston from Jackson. On Aug. 4, 1863, he was commissioned
brigadier-general of volunteers, and on Nov. 24, 1865, was commis-
sioned major-general of volunteers. Previous to the latter date,
on Sept. I, 1864, he was brevetted major-general of volunteers for
long and continued service and for special gallantry and complete-
ness as an officer during the Atlanta and Savannah campaigns.
Gen. Smith was honorably mustered out of the service on Feb. i,
1866 and returned to the pursuits of civil life, in which he continued
until his death, Nov. 5, 1876.
Smith, Green Clay, brigadier-general, was born in Richmond, Ky.,
July 2, 1832. In 1847 he enlisted in a cavalrj' regiment and served
a year in the Mexican war. He was graduated at Transylvania
university in 1850 and at the Lexington law school in 1853; began
practicing with his father; removed to Covington in 1858, and was
elected to the legislature, where he defended the national government
in i860. In the following year he was commissioned major in the
3d Ky. cavalry; was appointed colonel of the 4th Ky. cavalry in Feb.,
1862; was wounded at Lebanon, Tenn.; and was promoted briga-
dier-general of volunteers, June 11. He resigned his commission,
Dec. I, 1863, having been elected to Congress, where he served till
1866, then resigned to accept the office of governor of Montana,
where he remained three years. He was brevetted major-general
of volunteers. March 13. 1865, for gallantry in the field. In 1869 he
was ordained to the ministry of the Baptist church and settled
in Frankfort, Ky. He devoted most of his time to service as an
evangelist, but in 1876 was the candidate of the National Prohibition
party for the presidency, and received a popular vote of 9,522. In
1890 he was called to the pastorate of the Metropolitan Baptist
Church. Washington, D. C, and he died in that city on June 29, 1895.
Smith, Gustavus A., brigadier-general, was born in the state of
Pennsylvania, hut removed to Illinois and was residing in that state
at the outbreak of the Civil war. He assisted in organizing and
became the colonel of the 35th 111. infantry in July. t86i, the regi-
ment being accepted by the secretary of war on July 23, as Col.
G. A. Smith's Independent Regiment of Illinois Volunters. On
Aug. 4 it left Decatur. Til., and arrived at Jefferson barracks. Mo..
the following day. With his regiment Col. Smith- first experienced
the realities of war in Feb., 1862, when he followed Price's retreat-
ing army, skirmishing with the Confederates nearly every day. He
participated in the battle of Pea ridge, and in May moved to
Farmington, Miss., and took part in the siege of Corinth until the
246 The Union Army
evacuation of that place. On Sept. 19, 1862, he was commissioned
brigadier-general of volunteers and served as such until March 4,
1863. vvrhen his commission expired and he was reverted to colonel
of his regiment. In the following August with Hoge's brigade his
command crossed the Tennessee river on pontoons and drove the
Confederate pickets back while the bridge was being laid — being
the first infantry on the south side of the Tennessee river. His
regiment participated in the battle of Chickamauga, following which,
on Sept. 22, 1863, he left the service and returned to his home in
Illinois. In Feb., 1865, he again entered the military service as colonel
of the 155th 111. infantry, the regiment being mustered in on Feb.
28 for one year. On March 2 he moved with his command via
Louisville and Nashville to Tullahoma, Tenn., and was assigned to the
brigade of Gen. Dudley. On March 13, 1865, Gen. Smith was given
the brevet rank of brigadier-general of volunteers for failthful and
meritorious service during the war, and on Dec. 14, 1865, he was hon-
orably mustered out of the service. He then returned to the civil pur-
suits of life in which he remained until his death on Dec. ir, 18S5.
Smith, John E., brigadier-general, was born in the state of Penn-
sylvania, but removed to Illinois and became aide-de-camp to Gov.
Yates, which position he held during the early part of 1861. He
was commissioned colonel of the 45th 111. infantry in July of that
year and was engaged successively at the capture of Forts Henry
and Donelson. Tenn., battle of Shiloh, siege of Corinth, action of
Meadow Station, and the Mississippi campaign. He was commis-
sioned brigadier-general of volunteers in Nov., 1862, and was assigned
to the command of the 8th division, left wing of the i6th army corps
in December. He engaged in the expedition to Yazoo Pass, battles
of Port Gibson, Raymond. Jackson, Champion's hill and Big Black
river. In June, 1863, he took command of the ist division, 17th army
corps, the division being transferred to the 15th army corps in
September, and he was engaged at the siege of Vicksburg, battle
of Missionary ridge, Atlanta campaign. Sherman's Georgia and Caro-
lina campaign, and the battle of Bentonville, N. C. He was relieved
from duty with the Army of the Tennessee in April, 1865, ■/and com-
manded the District of West Tennessee until April. 1866. when
he was honorably mustered out of the volunteer service. On Jan.
12, 1865, he was brevetted major-general of volunteers for faithful
and efficient services and for gallantry in action. In the regular
army he was commissioned colonel of the 27th U. S. infantry in
July. 1866, and on March 2. 1867, was brevetted brigadier-general,
U. S. A., for gallant and meritorious services at the siege of Vicks-
burg, IVliss., and on the same date he was given the brevet title
of major-general, U. S. A., for gallant and meritorious services at
the capture of Savannah, Ga. He was retired from the regular army
service on May 19, 1881, and he died Jan. 28, 1897.
Smith, Morgan L., brigadier-general, was born in the state of
New York, and in early manhood, on Jul}- 19, 1845, he joined the
United States regular armj% in which he served five years. For
some reason or other he enlisted under the name of Martin L. San-
ford, and as such his name appears upon the rolls, as private, cor-
poral and sergeant. After retiring from the regular army service
he located in Missouri where he was living at the time of the out-
break of tb.e Civil war. On July 4, 1861, he was commissioned
colonel of the 8th Mo. infantry, which, before its organization was
complete, was called upon to suppress the guerrillas engaged in com-
mitting depredations along the line of the North Missouri railroad,
Biographical Sketches 247
defeating them in the vicinitj' of St. Cliarles and Mexico. On July
29 he left St. Louis with his regiment and on Sept. 7 landed at
Paducah, Ky., where he remained until the following February and
then joined the forces moving against Forts Henry and Donelson.
Fort Henry had surrendered before the regiment arrived, but at
Donelson the regiment and its colonel behaved in a gallant manner,
assisting in the repulse of the enemy when he attempted to cut his
way out. Col. Smith was in some of the heaviest fighting at Shiloh
on the second day of that battle, then participated in the advance
upon Corinth, and while in that vicinity, on July 16, 1862, he was
conmiissioned brigadier-general of volunteers. He continued to =erve
in that capacity until the close of the war, rendering faithful and
meritorious service, and on July 12, 1865, he resigned his commission
and took up the threads of civil life. He died on Dec. 29, 1874.
Smith, Thomas C. H., brigadier-general, was born in the state of
Massachusetts, but was a resident of Ohio at the time of the out-
break of the Civil war. On Sept. 5, 1861, he was commissioned
lieutenant-colonel of t!ie ist Ohio cavalry, then being organized at
Camp Chase for the three years' service. In December the regiment
broke camp and proceeded by rail and steamboat to Louisville, being
the first regiment of cavalry to enter that department. Col. Smith
writh his regiment participated in the advance upon Corinth, having
frequent skirmishes with the enemy, and after the evacuation joined
in pursuit of Beauregard's army, going as far as Booneville. During
this pursuit four sharp engagements were had with the enemy.
Returning to Kentucky with Buell's army, on Nov. 29. 1862, Col.
Smith was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers, but he
remained with his regiment until April 27. 1863. On the first day of
the battle of Stone's river the regiment made a heroic charge against
a foe flushed with success, and it continued the remaining two days
until the victory was complete. Gen. Smith continued in the service
until some time after Lee's surrender and was mustered out of the
volunteer service on Jan. 15, 1866. He then followed civil pursuits
until April 17, 1878. when he was appointed paymaster in the regular
army service with the rank of major, and he served as such until
March 24, 1883, when he was retired. Gen. Smith died on April
8, 1897.
Smith, Thomas Kilby, brigadier-general, was born in Dorchester,
Mass.. Sept. 23, 1820. In 1825 his parents removed to Cincinnati,
Ohio, where he studied at the military and engineering school of
Prof. O. M. Mitchel, and, after spending some time in civil en-
gineering, read law in the office of the late Chief-Justice Chase and
was admitted to the bar, where he had for associates such men as
George Hoadley. Stanley Matthews. Edward Marshall, and George
Pugh. In 1861 he volunteered to raise a brigade of troops for the
national service at his own expense, and Gov. Dennison appointed
him lieutenant-colonel of the 54th Ohio infantry, and promoted him
to tlie colonelcy before he left the state. His regiment was part
of Gen. Sherman's division in the battle of Shiloh, and when Gen.
Stuart, commanding the brigade, was wounded, the command was
given to Col. Smith, who held it till the siege of Vicksburg. When
Gen. Grant assumed the direction of the siege Col. Smith was pro-
moted to the rank of brigadier-general and acted for some time
as chief of Gen. Grant's staflF. After the capitulation of Vicksburg
Gen. Smith was given command of a division of the Army of the
Tennessee to assist Gen. Banks in the Red River expedition, and
succeeded in protecting Admiral Porter's fleet while withdrawing
down the river after the disaster of Sabine cross-roads. He assisted
248 The Union Army
in the reduction of Mobile and was then placed in command of the
District of Southern Alabama and Florida, which was his last mili-
tary service. He was brevetted major-general of volunteers for
distinguished services in the war, and on being mustered out was
appointed by President Johnson United States consul at Panama,
holding the office till after the inauguration of President Grant.
Gen. Smith died in New York city Dec. 14, 1887.
Smith, William F., major-general, was born in the state of Ver-
mont, and was a cadet at the U. S. military academy from July i,
1841 to July I, 1845, when he was graduated and promoted in the army
to brevet second lieutenant of topographical engineers. He served
as assistant topographical engineer on the survey of the Northern
lakes, 1845-46; at the military academy as assistant professor of math-
ematics, Nov. 6, 1846, to Aug. 21, 1848; as assistant topographical
engineer on explorations in the Department of Texas, 1848-50, being
commissioned second lieutenant of topographical engineers on July
14, 1849. He was on the survey of the boundary between the United
States and Mexico, 1850-52, on the survey of the canal route across
Florida in 1853, and was commissioned first lieutenant of topographical
engineers on March 3, 1853. He was on explorations in Texas, 1853-55;
at the military academy as principal assistant professor of mathe-
matics, Sept. 4. 1855, to Sept. 8, 1856; as engineer of the nth light-house
district, Dec. 11, 1856, to Nov. 3, 1859, and he was commissioned
captain of topographical engineers on July i, 1859, for fourteen years'
continuous service. He then served as engineer secretary of the
light-house board from Nov. 3, 1859, to April 15, 1861. He served
during the Civil war. first on mustering duty at New York city,
April 15 to May 31, 1861; on the staf? of Maj.-Gen. Butler at Fort
Monroe, Va., June i to July 20, and was commissioned colonel of
the 3d Vt. infantry on July 16, 1861. He was on the staff of Brig-
Gen. McDowell, July 20 to Aug. 13; served in the Manassas cam-
paign and was engaged in the battle of Bull Run; in the defenses
of Washington, D. C., July 27. 1861 to March 10, 1862, and he was
commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers on Aug. 13, 1861. He
served in the Virginia Peninsular campaign, in command of a di-
vision of the Army of the Potomac, being engaged in the siege
of Yorktown, including the skirmish of Lee's mill, the battles of
Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, White Oak swamp. Savage Station, Glen-
dale and Malvern hill. On June 28, 1862, he was brevetted lieutenant-
colonel, U. S. A., for gallant and meritorious services in the battle
of White Oak swamp, and in the Maryland campaign he was in
command of a division of the Army of the Potomac, being engaged
in the battles of South mountain and Antietam, and on the march
to Falmouth. On Sept. 17, 1862, he was brevetted colonel, U. S. A.,
for gallant and meritorious services in the battle of Antietam; par-
ticii)ate(l in the Rappahannock campaign, in command of the 6th
corps, Nov. 14, 1862 to Feb. 4, 1863, and of the 9th corps from Feb.
4 to Marcli 17, being engaged in the battle of Fredericksburg. He
was commissioned major of the corps of engineers on March 3, 1863,
and was in command of a division in the Department of the Sus-
quehanna, being engaged in the pursuit of the Confederate army
retreating from Gettysburg, and was then in the Department of
West Virginia from Aug. 3 to Sept. 5. He served as chief engineer
of the Department of the Cumberland, Oct. 10 to November, and
of the Military Division of the Mississippi from Nov., 1863 to March
31. 1864, in operations about Chattanooga, being engaged in sur-
prising a passage and throwing a pontoon bridge across the Ten-
Brie.-r.en. C C. Smith
Brig.-Gen. M. I.. Smith
Maj.-Oen. W. F. Smith
Brig.-Gen. J. G. Spears
Brig.-Gen. G. A. Smith
Brig.-C.oii. .1.
Brig.-Gen. T. C. H. Smith Brig.-Gen I . k.
r.rig.-Gen. W. S. Smith I"'8-5?^"- t Kir-
Brig -Gen. F. B. Spinola r.ng.-(.en. J. W.
^MlTU
Smith
Smyth
Spracue
Biographical Sketches 219
nessee river at Brown's ferry, and he \yas also engaged in the battle
of Missionary ridge. On March 9, 1864, he was commissioned major-
general of volunteers, and was in command of the i8th corps of
the Army of the Potomac from May 2 to July 19, being engaged
in the operations before Richmond and in the battle of Cold Harbor
and siege of Petersburg. He was on special duty, under the orders
of the secretary of war, from Nov. 22, 1864 to Dec. 15, 1865, and was
then on leave of absence until March 7, 1867, when he resigned from
the regular army, having resigned his volunteer commission on Nov.
4, 1865. He was brcvetted brigadier-general, U. S. A., on March
13, 1865, for gallant and meritorious services in the battle of Chat-
tanooga, and on the same date was given the brevet title of major-
general, U. S. A., for gallant and meritorious services in the field
during the Rebellion. He served as president of the International
Telegraph company, 1864-73, and became Commissioner of Police
of New York city on May i, 1875, and then served as president of
the Board of Police Commissioners from Dec. 31, 1875, to March 11,
1881. After this date he followed civil engineering in the service
of the United States. He was reappointed as major, U. S. A., on
March i, 1889, and placed upon the retired list. Gen. Smith died
on Feb. 28, 1903.
Smith, William S., brigadier-general, was born in Tarlton, Ohio,
July 22. 1830. He was graduated at the Ohio university in 1849 and
from the U. S. military academy in 1853. Resigning from the army in
1854 he became assistant to Lieut.-Col. James D. Graham of the
U. S. topographical engineers, then in charge of the government
improvements in the great lakes. In 1855 he moved to Buffalo. N. Y.,
and for a while was principal of a high school. In 1857 he was em-
ployed by tlic city of Buffalo as an expert to examine the various
plans submitted for the international bridge across the Niagara river.
Later he became engineer and secretary of the Trenton (N. J.)
locomotive works, holding that connection until 1861. He visited
Cuba in the interests of this company and also constructed an iron
bridge across the Savannah river, where he introduced improvements
in sinking cylinders pneumatically. At the commencement of the
Civil war in 1861 he promptly offered his services, and was appointed
lieutenant-colonel of Ohio volunteers and assigned to duty as
assistant adjutant-general at Camp Dennison. He was commissioned
colonel of the 13th Ohio infantry on June 26. 1861. took part in the
campaigns of western Virginia, then entered the Army of the Ohio and
was present at Shiloh and Perryville. He became brigadier-general
of volunteers, April 15, 1862, when he joined the forces under Grant
and participated in the Vicksburg campaign as commander of the
ist division of the i6th corps. Later he was made chief of
cavalry of the Department of the Tennessee, and in that capacity
was attached to the staflf of Gen. Grant and Gen. W. T. Sherman
until failing health compelled his resignation in Sept., 1864. Re-
suming his profession after the war, he built the Wangoshanee
lighthouse at the entrance of the Straits of Mackinaw, where he
sank the first pneumatic caisson in 1867. He built the first great
entire steel bridge in the world, across the Missouri river at Glasgow,
Mo., and was concerned in the construction of many others, including
those at Leavenworth, Kan., and Omaha and Plattsmouth, Neb.
He was president of the Civil Engineers' club of the Northwest
in 1880.
Smyth, Thomas A., brigadier-general, was born in Ireland. He
came to America in boyhood and became a coachmaker at Wilming
250 The Union Army
ton, Del. Embracing with ardor the cause of his adopted country,
he raised a company of three-months' men in the spring of 1861,
served with them in Virginia, became major and colonel of the ist
Del. infantry and rendered able and gallant service through the war,
being promoted to the rank of brigadier-general of volunteers in
1864 for his conduct at Cold Harbor. While in command of the
2rid division of the 2nd army corps he was wounded near Farm-
ville, Va., April 6, 1865, and died three days later at Petersburg.
Spears, James G., brigadier-general, was born in the state of
Tennessee and at the breaking out of the Civil war he allied him-
self with the friends of the Federal government in that common-
wealth. He offered his services to the cause of the Union and on
Sept. I, 1861, was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the ist Tenn.
infantry, then being organized at Camp Dick Robinson, Ky. He
was first under fire in the engagement at Wild Cat and was afterward
present at the battle of Mill Springs. With his regiment he also assist-
ed in the capture of Cumberland gap, where he remained until the
evacuation of that post by Gen. Morgan. He then retreated with
the remainder of the command to Ohio and thence went on an ex-
pedition up the Kanawha valley. On March 5, 1862. he was com-
missioned brigadier-general of volunteers and served in that capacity
until Aug. 30, 1864, when he was dismissed from the service. He
died on July 22, 1869.
Spinola, Francis B., brigadier-general, was born in Stony Brook,
Long Island, N. Y., March 19, 1821. He received an academical
education, was admitted to the bar in New York city in 1844, and
served five years as alderman, six years as assemblyman, and four
years as state senator. He was a delegate to the national Demo-
cratic convention in Charleston in i860. In the early part of the
Civil war he recruited and organized the "Empire" brigade of four
regiments, which he accompanied to the front, and on Oct. 2,
1862, he was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers. He
served till the close of the war, and in leading a charge at Wapping
Heights. Va., he was twice wounded. Returning to New York city,
he engaged in the banking and insurance business and resumed
political life. In 1886 and 1888 he was elected to Congress from the
loth N. Y. district as a Democrat, serving as a member of the com-
mittees on military affairs and on war claims. Gen. Spinola died
in Washington, D. C, April 14, 1891.
Sprague, John W., brigadier-general, was born in White Creek,
Washington county, N. Y., April 4, 1817. He was an attendant at
the district school of his neighborhood and entered the Rensselaer
polytechnic institute at Troy, N. Y.. when thirteen years of age.
He left school before graduation to engage in business, and in 1845
removed to Milan, Erie county, Ohio, where he continued the busi-
ness of a merchant. He afterward settled in Sandusky and was
for one term (1851-52) treasurer of Erie county. Upon the out-
break of the Civil war he raised a companj' of militia, was made
its captain and with it joined the 7th Ohio infantry. He was rapidly
promoted and in 1863 was colonel of the 63d Ohio infantr)\ briga-
dier-general of volunteers on July 2\, 1864, and on March 13, 1865,
was brevetted major-general of volunteers. He was mustered out
of the service on Aug. 24, 1865. During his service as a volunteer
officer he declined a lieutenant-colonelcy in the regular army.
After the war he was appointed manager of the Winona & St.
Paul railway. In 1870 he was general manager of the western
division of the Northern Pacific railwaj- and with Capt. Ainsworth
Biographical Sketches 251
established the city of Tacoma, Wash. In 1883 he had the honor of
driving the golden spike on the completion of his division and soon
afterward resigned on account of impaired health. He was active
in hiiilding up the new city of Tacoma and was president of the
board of trade and of various banks and corporations. Gen. Sprague
died at his home in Tacoma, Wash., Dec. 2"] . 1893.
Sprague, William, brigadier-general, was born at Cranston, Prov-
idence county, R. I., Sept. 12, 1830, son of Amasa and Fanny (Morgan)
Sprague. the latter a native of Groton, Conn. He was educated in
the schools of Cranston, East Greenwich and Scituate, and at Irving
institute, Tarrytown, N. Y. At the age of fifteen he entered the
store at Cranston connected with the large cotton manufacturing
and calico printing business of A. & W. Sprague, the firm consist-
ing of his father and his uncle. Gov. William Sprague. At the age
of sixteen he removed to Providence to enter the counting house
of the firm, and two years later became a book-keeper. He took an
interest in military affairs early in life, and in 1848 joined the marine
artillery company of Providence and rose from the ranks to the
position of colonel. He made the company the equal of any mil-
itary force in the United States in efficiency. In 1859 he visited
Europe and made a special study of its military' establishments. In
i860 he was elected governor of Rhode Island and, anticipating the
Civil war, had the infantry and artillery of the state in readiness
for emergencies. He made great exertions to raise troops in response
to President Lincoln's call for three-months' men and ofTered the
national government a regiment and a battery of light-horse ar-
tillery. The "war governor," as he was called, went immediately
to the front and was in the first battle of Bull Run, where his
horse was shot under him. He served during the Peninsular cam-
paign and for his bravery and patriotic services in general was
commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers, but was not mus-
tered into service, being unwilling to give up his position as gov-
ernor. He was reelected governor in 1861 and 1862, but was absent
in the field most of the time and the duties of his office were per-
formed by John R. Bartlett. In the spring of 1863 Gov. Sprague
was elected to the U. S. senate and resigned the governorship,
William C. Cozzens, president of the senate, acting in his place
until the regular election in May. He was a member of the com-
mittees on manufactures and on military affairs, and chairman of
the committee on public lands. He served two term.s in the senate,
from March 4, 1863 until March 3, 1875, when he left Congress to
resume his business as a manufacturer.
Stahel, Julius, major-general, also known as Count Sebastiani,
was born in Csongrad, Hungary, Nov. 4. 1825. He received a clas-
sical education in his native town and at Buda-Pesth, and then
entered the Austrian army as a private. He had reached the rank
of a commissioned officer when the Hungarian revolution opened,
and he at once resigned and threw in his lot with his fellow-country-
men. As an aide on the staffs of Gen. Arthur Gorger and Gen.
Richard D. Guyon he rendered brilliant and effective service, but
the Austrian forces finally triumphed and he was forced to flee
the country. He resided for some years in Berlin and London,
gaining a livelihood as a teacher and journalist, and in 1859 he came
to the United States and settled in New York city, where he was
the editor of an eminent and influential weekly German newspaper
until 1861. In May, 1S61, he entered the Federal armj' as a volun-
teer and was made lieutenant-colonel of the Sth N. Y. infantry.
253 The Union Army
He commanded tliis regiment at the lirst battle of Bull Run and
was soon afterward made its colonel. On Nov. 12, 1861. he was pro-
moted to be brigadier-general of volunteers and took part in all
the earlier battles of the war, especially distinguishing himself at
Cross Keys. He was advanced to be major-general of volunteers
on March 14, 1863, and for some time commanded a division of the
nth army corps under Gen. Franz Sigel. He resigned his com-
mission and retired from the army on Feb. 8, 1865, and early in
1866 was appointed by President Johnson U. S. consul at Yokohama,
Japan, where he remamed until poor health compelled his retirement
in i86g. He then returned to the United States, and from 1870
till 1877 he was a successful mining engineer and mine owner in the
Western states. In 1877 he was again appointed consul at Yoko-
hama, and in March, 1884, was made consul-general at Shanghai,
where he remained until Grover Cleveland became president in
1885. He then returned to Xew York city, where he became inter-
ested in various business enterprises.
Stanley. David S., major-general, was born in Cedar Valley, Ohio,
June I, 1828. He was graduated at West Point in 1852 and as
an ofiicer of cavalry served on the Western plains for several years,
reaching the grade of captain in 1861. At the opening of the Civil
war he was tendered and refused an important commission in the
Confederate service; took part in the early operations of the Federal
forces in Missouri, and on Sept. 28, 1861, was promoted to be brig-
adier-general of volunteers. He participated in the battles of New
Madrid and Island No. 10, and for his special services on these oc-
casions received the thanks of his superior officers. He took part
in the capture of Corinth and the battle of luka, and on Nov. 29,
1862, was raised to the rank of major-general of volunteers. Dur-
ing the Atlanta campaign he rendered conspicuous service, espe-
cially at the battle of Jonesboro, where he commanded the 4th army
corps. On Oct. 6, 1864, in the absence of Gen. Thomas, he was
assigned to the command of the Armj-^ of the Cumberland in the
field, and bj^ his energy, skill and activity contributed largelj' to the
successful defense of Nashville. At Spring Hill he repulsed three
desperate assaults of the Confederate cavalry and infantry, and at
the battle of Franklin, when the Federal line was broken and defeat
threatened, he led a charge of a reserve brigade and in a gallant
struggle at close quarters succeeded in recovering the ground that
had been lost. He was severelj- wounded at Franklin but refused
to leave the field until the battle was won, although his injuries
incapacitated him for active service during the remainder of the
war. For his services he received brevet ranks from lieutenant-
colonel to major-general in the regular army, and in 1866 was
appointed colonel of the 22nd infantry. From 1866 until 1874 he
was stationed mainly in Dakota. In 1873, as commander of the
Yellowstone expedition, he led his troops into western Montana,
and by his reports upon the section visited greatly hastened its
settlement. From 1874 until 1879 he served on the lakes. In the
latter year he was transferred to the Texas frontier, where he
promptly suppressed Indian raids into that state and established
more amicable relations with the Mexicans on the other side of
the border. From 1882 until i8<S4 he commanded the Department
of New Mexico and put down uprisings of the Navajo and Ute
Indians by peaceful means. In March. 1884. he was prom.oted to
be brigadier-general in the regular army and he retired from service
on June t, 1892. Gen. Stanley died March 13, 1902.
Biographical Sketches 253
Stannard, George J., brigadier-general, was born in Georgia, Vt.,
Oct. 20, 1820. Between the ages of tifteen and twenty he worked
on his father's farm in summer and taught in a district school in
winter. In 1845 he became a clerk in the St. Albans Foundry com-
pany and in time was placed in charge of the business. In i860 he
was admitted as a member of the company. Up to this time he had
been active in the state militia and had become colonel of the 4th
Vt. regiment. On President Lincoln's first call for volunteers he
tendered the services of himself and his regiment by telegraph; but
it was decided by the state authorities and the legislature, then in
special session, to organize a regiment of ten companies selected
from the ist, 2nd, and 4th regiments of the militia, under the com-
mand of Col. John W. Phelps, reserving Col. Stannard for the duty
of organizing additional regiments. In May, 1861, he organized the
2nd Vt. infantry, was commissioned as its lieutenant-colonel and
mustered into the U. S. service at Burlington. June 12, 1861, leavmg
for the field twelve days later. He was with the men of the 2nd
in every march and skirmish till the latter part of May, 1862, v.hen
he accepted the commission of colonel of the 9th Vt. infantry and
was soon afterward assigned to Gen. Pope's command. On Alarch
II, 1863, he was appointed brigadier-general of volunteers and placed
in command of the 2nd Vt. brigade. He rendered efficient service
in the Gettysburg battles, his brigade being conspicuous in the re-
pulse of the final Confederate charge, and he was severely wounded
in the cannonade with which Gen. Longstreet strove to cover the
Confederate retreat. As soon as he was sufficiently recovered
for light duty he was assigned to the command of the troops gar-
risoning the forts in New York harbor, remaining at this post till
May, 1864, when on the final advance of Gen. Grant upon Richmond
he again took the field, being assigned to the lOth army corps. He took
part in the battle of Cold Harbor, where he lost two staff-officers
and was again wounded. In the movement of the i8th corps on
Petersburg on June 14 he led the advance with his brigade, occupied
some of the enemy's fortifications within three-quarters of a mile
of the city, and was a third time wounded. On Sept. ig he was
assigned the task of storming Fort Harrison, which he accomplished
in a gallant manner, capturing and holding that important work at the
cost of his right arm. This wound unfitted him for active service for
several montlis. In Dec. 1864. he was as^^igned to the coninianrl of
the Vermont border and remained in service in the Department of
the East till Feb., 1866, when he was ordered to duty at Baltimore
in connection with the Freedmen's bureau. He retired from the
army on June 27, 1866 and was appointed collector of customs
for the District of Vermont, holding the office till 1872. In t88i
he was appointed a door-keeper of the House of Representatives
at Washington, D. C. and he died at this post on May 31, t886.
Starkweather, John C, brigadier-general, was born in Coopers-
town, N. Y., in May, 1830. He was graduated at Union college in
1850. was admitted to the bar in 1857, and removing to Milwaukee
practiced with success till the beginning of the Civil war. He vol-
unteered his services on the first call for troops and was com-
missioned colonel of the ist Wis. infantry in May, 1861. With his
regiment he took part in the battles of Falling Waters and Edward's
ferry. When his regiment was mustered out of the three month's
service he reenlisted and was ordered to Kentucky for duty. He
distinguished himself at the battle of Perry ville and at Stone's river;
was promoted brigadier-general of volunteers; was stationed at
254 The Union Army
Murfreesboro, Tenn., till July, 1863, and in September he partici-
pated in the battle of Chickamauga, in November in the battles
around Chattanooga, and afterward in the capture of Atlanta. Gen.
Starkweather was a member oi the court-martial that tried Sur-
geon-General William A. Hammond. He subsequently served in
Alabama and Tennessee till mustered out of the service in 1865.
He then resumed the practice of law in Milwaukee, but soon removed
to Washington, D. C, where he practiced till his death, Nov. 15, 1890.
Steedman, James B., major-general, was born in Northumberland
county, Pa., July 30, 1818. Migrating to Ohio at nineteen, he did
some contract work on the Wabash & Erie canal and was sent to
the legislature in 1843. ^^ was one of the "Argonauts" of 1849,
crossing the plains to California at the head of a company of gold-
seekers, but came back the next year and in 1851 was a member of
the state board of public works. Under President Buchanan he
was at Washington as printer to Congress and in i860 a member
of the Democratic national convention at Charleston. In 1861 he
entered the war as colonel of the 14th Ohio infantry, was sent to
western Virginia and took part at Philippi in "the first battle of
the rebellion." Joining Gen. Buell in Kentucky, he received a brig-
adier's commission in July, 1862, and at Perryville arrived in time
to save the day. In July, 1863, he took command of a division of the
reserve corps of the Army of the Cumberland. With Gen. Granger
he divided the honors of reinforcing Gen. Thomas, who was thus
enabled to maintain his position at Chickamauga against the entire
Confederate army; heading a furious charge in person, he drove Gen.
Hindman's division from an important position and secured the
ridge at a cost of one-fifth of his troops and a severe wound. He
was advanced to major-general of volunteers in April, 1864; took
part under Gen. Sherman in the movement on Atlanta; relieved the
garrison at Dalton, Ga., and defeated Gen. J. G. Wheeler's cavalry
in June. Returning to the help of Gen. Thomas when Tennessee
was attacked by Gen. Hood, he took command of a provisional
corps made up of a brigade of colored troops and some 5,000 men
who had failed to join their commands in time for the march to
the sea, and with this irregular force did terrible execution on
Hood's right flank in the battle of Nashville. He was military
governor of Georgia after the war, left the army in July, 1866, and
was appointed by his friend. President Johnson, collector of the
port of New Orleans. In his later years he edited a paper in Ohio
and was sent to the state senate in 1879, but failed of reelection.
He became chief of police of Toledo in May, 1883, and died there
Oct. 18, of the same year.
Steele, Frederick, major-general, was born at Delhi, Delaware
county, N. Y., Jan. 14, 1819. He graduated at West Point in 1843,
was assigned to the 2nd infantry, served through the war with Mex-
ico and was twice brevetted for gallantry at Contreras and Chapul-
tepec. In 1849 he was sent to California; from 1853 to i860 his
duty was in the Northwest. He was commissioned captain in Feb.,
1855, major in May, 1861, colonel of the 8th la. infantry in Sept.,
1861, brigadier-general of volunteers in Jan., 1862, and major-gen-
eral of volunteers in Nov., 1862. During the first year of the war
he had command of a brigade in Missouri and took part in the
battles of Dug springs and Wilson's creek. In 1862 he was at the
head of a division in the Army of the Southwest and as stated
above was promoted major-general of volunteers on Nov. 29. He
led the 15th army corps in the Yazoo expedition and the capture of
Biographical Sketches 255
Arkansas post in Jan., 1863; was transferred to the 15th corps,
engaged in the Vicksburg campaign, bore a part at Chickasaw bayou
and in the taking of Fort Hindman, and in the summer was made
lieutenant-colonel and brevet colonel in the regular army. His di-
vision was sent to Helena, Ark., in July and took possession of Little
Rock on Sept. 10. After some months in command of the Department
of Arkansas he was sent to the aid of Gen. Canby in the reduction
of Mobile early in the winter of 1864. In 1865 he was brevetted
brigadier- and major-general, U. S. A., sent to Texas and thence
to the command of the Department of the Columbia. He became
colonel of the 20th infantry in July, 1866, remained in the volunteer
service until March. 1867, and died at San Mateo, Cal., Jan. 12, 1868.
Stevens, Isaac I., major-general, was born in Andover, Mass., in
1817. He graduated at West Point in 1839, ranking first in his class,
and was commissioned second lieutenant of engineers. In 1840 he
became first lieutenant and was employed upon the fortifications
of the New England coast until the Alexican war, at that time being
adjutant of engineers. He was attached to Gen. Scott's staff and
for gallant and meritorious conduct at the battles of Contreras and
Churubusco was brevetted captain, and major for his heroic conduct
at the storming of Chapultepec and the city of Mexico, where he
received a severe wound from which he never fully recovered.
Upon his return to the United States he was selected by Prof. Bache
to perform the duties of chief of the coast survey at Washington.
In 1853 he resigned his commission and accepted the appointment
of governor of Washington territory, where he became known as
an able executive officer, displaying the most unremitting devotion
to the interests of the territory. During the administration of Pres-
ident Buchanan he represented Washington territory as delegate
in Congress for two terms. He was the chairman of the Breck-
inridge executive committee in the presidential campaign of i860;
but when the Southern leaders declared for secession he openly
denounced them and stood by the Federal government, strongly
urging President Buchanan to remove Sees. Floyd and Thompson
from the cabinet and trust to the counsels of Gen. Scott. At the
close of the session of Congress Gov. Stevens proceeded to Wash-
ington territory, but upon hearing of the attack upon Fort Sumter
returned to Washington and offered his services to the government.
He was appointed colonel of the 79th N. Y. Highlanders. He was
commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers on Sept. 28, 1861, and
accompanied Gen. Sherman to South Carolina, where he bore a
prominent part in all the battles near Port Royal. He was then
transferred to North Carolina, whence he came to Virginia in the
corps of Gen. Reno and was promoted to the rank of major-general
of volunteers, his commission bearing date of July 4, 1862. He was
in all the skirmishes along the Rappahannock under Gen. Pope and
fought most gallantly in the battle of Chantilly, where he was
killed Sept. 1, 1862.
Stevenson, John D., brigadier-general, was born in the state of
Virginia, but early in life took up his residence in Missouri, where
he was living at the time of the Mexican war. On June 2"], 1846,
he became captain of the Missouri mounted volunteers and served
in that capacity in the war with Mexico until June 24, 1847. He
then retired from the military service and followed' peaceful pursuits
until June i, 1861, when he was commissioned colonel of the 7th
Mo. infantry and began active service in the Civil war at Boon-
ville, Mo., on July 4. He was on duty at various places in the state
256 The Union Army
until early in May, 1862, when he was ordered with his regiment to
Pittsburg landing, where he arrived on the 14th. From August to
October he was on post duty at Jackson, Tenn.; took part in the
engagements at Medon Station and Britton's lane; was then ordered
to Corinth, Miss., where he arrived in time to attack the Confeder-
ate rear as the enemy was assaulting the Federal forces; was attached
to Gen. McPherson's division and was in the advance in the pur-
suit of the enemy from Corinth to Ripley. On Nov. 29, 1862, he was
commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers and continued to serve
in that capacity until April 22, 1864, when he resigned from the
service; but on Aug. 7, 1864, he was recommissioned as brigadier,
to rank from the date of his first commission, and he continued to
serve until Jan. 15, 1866, when he was honorably mustered out of
the volunteer service. On March 13, I865. he was brevetted major-
general of volunteers for meritorious service during the war, and
on July 28, 1866, he was commissioned colonel in the regular army
and given command of the 30th infantry. On March 2, 1867, he
was brevetted brigadier-general, U. S. A., for gallant and meritorious
service at the battle of Champion's hill. Miss., and on Dec. 15, 1870,
was assigned to the command of the 25th infantry. He was hon-
orably disciiarged from the service at his own request on Dec. 31,
1870. Gen. Stevenson died on Jan. 22, 1897.
Stevenson, Thomas G., brigadier-general, was the son of Hon.
J. Thomas Stevenson of Boston, Mass., born in 1836, and early man-
ifested a predilection for military life, having risen from the ranks
to major of the 4th battalion of Mass. infantry, which position he
held at the commencement of the war. He had an unsurpassed rep-
utation as a drill-master and his command, which was brought to
a high degree of discipline, became the school of many young
officers afterward distinguished in the Federal service. In the fall
of 1861 he recruited the 24th Mass. infantry, which originally formed
part of Foster's brigade in Burnside's expedition to North Carolina,
and as its colonel participated in the capture of Roanoke island and
New Berne. Feb. and March, 1862, and in various minor operations
immediately succeeding those events. After holding for some months
the outpost defences of New Berne, he conducted several expeditions
within the Confederate lines and on Sept. 6 successfully defended
Washington, N. C, against an attack by a superior force. He had
charge of a brigade in the movements on Goldsboro and Kinston
and in Dec, 1862, was appointed a brigadier-general of volunteers
and when Gen. Foster organized the expedition for operations
against Charleston, in Feb.. 1863, received command of a brigade in
Gen. Naglee's division. His appointment as brigadier-general was
confirmed in March, 1863, and during the succeeding summer he
saw much active service in the neighborhood of Charleston, assist-
ing in the reduction of Morris island and the assault on Fort Wagner,
where he commanded the reserves. He returned to the north in the
fall to recruit his health and subsequently was appointed by his
old commander. Gen. Burnside, who had a high appreciation of his
capacity, to command the ist division of the 9th corps. Gen. Steven-
son was killed near Spottsylvania, Va., on May to, 1864.
Stokes, James H., brigadier-general, was born in Baltimore, Md.,
in 1814. He was graduated at the United States military academy in
1835, served in the Seminole war in Florida, and after its close
resigned his commission. From 1845 till 1858 he was engaged in
manufacturing and in railroad business. At the beginning of the
Civil war he offered his services to the governor of Illinois; received
Uiig.-Gcu. \\'.\i. Spragui;
Maj.-Gen. J. B. Steedmax
Brig. -Gen. ]. D. Steven'son
Brie.Gen. C. P. Stone
Maj.l'.cii. I ). S. StanlEV
Maj.-Gen. Frederick
Steele
Brig.-Gen. J. II. Stokes
Maj.-Gen. George Stone-
MA\-
lli-i;4.-Gen. .1. L. Siakk-
vveather
Maj.-Gen. I. I. Stevens
Biig.-Gen. C. J. M. Stol-
BRAND
Brig.-Gen. H. H. Stouch-
TON
Biographical Sketches 257
a captain's commission, served a year in Tennessee, was then ap-
pointed an assistant adjutant-general, and on July 20, 1865, was pro-
moted brigadier-general of volunteers. After the war he was
engaged in business in Chicago till 1880, and then in New York, in
which city he died on Dec. 27, 1890.
Stolbrand, Carlos J. M., brigadier-general, was born in Sweden
May II, 1821. He entered the royal artillery when eighteen years
old; served in the Schleswig-Holstein campaign in 1848-50; and came
to the United States at the close of that war. In July, 1861, he en-
listed in the Federal service as a private, was soon afterward com-
missioned captain in the ist battalion of 111. light artillery, and
subsequently was chief of artillery under Gen. John A. Logan. He
took part in the siege of Corinth, the Atlanta campaign, Sherman's
march to the sea, and in Feb., 1865. was promoted brigadier-general
of volunteers and resigned his commission. After the war he settled
in South Carolina and entered political life. In 1868 he was sec-
retary of the state constitutional convention, a delegate to the Re-
publican national convention and a presidential elector. He was also
for some years superintendent of the state penitentiary, and was
superintendent of the new U. S. government building in Charleston
under President Harrison's administration. Gen. Stolbrand died in
Charleston, S. C, Feb. 3, 1894.
Stone, Charles P., brigadier-general, was born in Greenfield, Frank-
lin county, Mass., in 1826. He entered the United States military
academy in 1841 and graduated in 1845, when he was appointed a
brevet second lieutenant of ordnance. A month later he was appointed
acting assistant professor of ethics in the military academy, an
office he held till Jan., 1846, when he was ordered to duty in Mexico.
He distinguished himself in several battles under Gen. Scott, was
brevetted first lieutenant Sept. 8, 1847, for gallant and meritorious
conduct in the battle of Molino del Rey, captain five days later for
similar conduct at Chapultepec, and commissioned first lieutenant in
the regular army in Feb., 1853. In 1851 he was sent to California,
where he constructed the Benicia arsenal and acted as chief of
ordnance for the Pacific coast. He resigned from the army in 1856,
was engaged in the banking business in San Francisco for a year
and then undertook a survey of Sonora and Lower California under
a commission from the Mexican president. Just before the inaugura-
tion of President Lincoln Mr. Holt, the secretary of war, called
Lieut. Stone to Washington, appointed him a captain in the army and
assigned him to the duty of inspector-general of all the militia in
the District of Columbia then organizing for the protection of the
national capital. On May 14, 1861, he was appointed colonel of the
14th U. S. infantry and three days later was made brigadier-gen-
eral of volunteers. He served in the Shenandoah valley under
Gen. Patterson during July, and when Gen. McClellan assumed
command of the Armj- of the Potomac, after the battle of Bull Run,
Gen. Stone was selected to command a division and directed to
occupy the valley of the Potomac above Washington as a corps of
observation. On Jan. 5, 1862, he appeared before the Congressional
committee on the conduct of the war and was rigidly examined as
to every detail of the battle of Ball's bluff, which he had been
accused of bringing on without due preparation. His responses were
given frankly and seemed to satisfy the committee, but in February
he was arrested and imprisoned in Fort Lafayette. N. ^'. harbor,
where he was kept in confinement for seven months without any
charges having been preferred against him, despite his appeals to
Vol. VIII— 17
258 The Union Army
Sec. Stanton and President Lincoln for such a hearing as the military
code provided for every accused officer. After his release he served
in the siege of Port Hudson, was one of the commissioners to
receive its surrender, and as chief of staff of Gen. Banks was en-
gaged in the skirmish of Bayou Teche and the battles of Sabine cross-
roads and Pleasant Hill in April, 1864. He was mustered out of the
volunteer service the same month and remained unemployed till
August, when he was assigned to the command of a brigade in the
Army of the Potomac, retaining it till after the surrender of Peters-
burg and then resigning from the army. He was engineer and
superintendent of the Dover mining company of Virginia from
1865 to 1869, and in 1870 entered the service of the Khedive of
Egypt, becoming chief of the general stafif or practically commander-
in-chief of the entire army. For his valuable services in command,
organization and administration he was decorated commander of
the Order of Osmanieh Oct. 10, 1870, grand officer of the Order of
Medjii Jan. 24, 1875, and raised to the dignity of a pasha in 1878.
Early in 1883 Gen. Stone resigned his commission in the Egyptian
service, returned to the United States and was appointed engineer-
in-chief of the construction of the pedestal for Bartholdi's statue
of Liberty in the harbor of New York, which proved his last work.
Gen. Stone died in New York city. Jan. 24, 1887.
Stoneman, George, major-general, was born in Busti, Chautauqua
county, N. Y., Aug. 8, 1822. He was graduated at West Point in
1846 and entered the armj' as brevet second lieutenant in the ist
dragoons. In the regular army he was promoted second lieutenant
July 12, 1847, first lieutenant July 25, 1854, captain in the 2nd cav-
alry March 3, 1855, majf)r in the ist cavalry May 9, 1861, lieutenant-
colonel of the 3d cavalry March 30, 1864, colonel of the 21st in-
fantry July 28, 1866, retired Aug. 16, 1871. appointed colonel of
infantry on Feb. 9, i8gi, and again retired on the 24th of the
same month. In the volunteer army he was commissioned a briga-
dier-general Aug. 13. 1861, promoted major-general Nov. 29, 1862,
and was mustered out of the service Sept. t, i86b. Durmg I:is
active career he was brevetted colonel, U. S. army, Dec. 13, 1862,
for services in the battle of Fredericksburg and brigadier-general
and major-general on March 13. 1865, for services in the capture
of Charlotte, N. C., and during the war, respectively. Gen. Stone-
man'i first military service was as quarter-master to the Mormon
batta/ion at Santa Fe in 1847. He accompanied it into Mexico and
after the war served on the Pacific coast till 1857, when he was trans-
ferred to Texas. In Feb.. 1861. while in command of Fort Brown,
Tex., he was ordered by Gen. Twiggs, his superior officer, to sur-
render the fort and all Federal property in his charge to the state
secession authorities, but he refused, evacuated the fort and hastened
to New York city. In August, after serving in western Virginia,
he was appointed chief of cavalry in the Army of the Potomac.
He organized that branch of the army, commanded it during the
Pe'.iin,'--.ular campaign of 1862 and brought on the battle of Williams-
burg by overtaking the Confederate troops with his cavalry and ar-
tillery after they had evacuated Yorktown. After the second battle
of Bull Run he w;is assigned to command Gen. Kearny's division
and on Nov. 15, 1862, was appointed commander of the 3d army
corps, with which he distinguished himself at Fredericksburg. In
April and May, 1863, he commanded a cavalry corps in raids toward
Richmond, and then till April, 1864, was in command of the 23d
army corps. He was then assigned to command a cavalry corps
Biographical Sketches 359
in the Arnij- of the Ohio. In tlie Atlanta campaign he undertook to
capture IVIacon and Andersonville and release the prisoners con
fined in the latter place, but was himself captured at Clinton, Ga.,
and held a prisoner for three months. In Dec, 1864. he led a raid
into southwestern Virginia; in Feb. and March. 1865, commanded
the District of East Teimessee; led an expedition to Asheville, N. C,
in March and April; and was engaged in the capture of Salisbury
and the subsequent operations in North Carolina. After the war he
purchased a ranch in Los Angeles countj% Cal.; in 1882 was elected
railroad commissioner of California as a Democrat; and the follow-
ing 3ear was elected governor of the state, serving till Jan., 1887.
Gen. Stoneman died iii Buffalo, N. Y., Sept. 5, 1894.
Stoughton, Edwin H., brigadier-general, was born in Vermont
in 1837, served as a cadet at the military academy at West Point
from July i, 1854 to July i, 1859. when he was graduated and en-
tered the armj' as brevet second lieutenant of infantry. He served
in garrison at Fort Columbus, N. Y., 1859-60, being promoted to
second lieutenant in the 6th infantry Sept. 5, 1859, and he resigned
from the service on March 4, 1861. He served during the Civil war,
first in scouting in western territories in 1861; in the defenses of
Washington, D. C, from Sept., 1861, to March, 1862, having been
commissioned colonel of the 4th Vt. infantry on Sept 21, 1861. He
served with the Army of the Potomac in the Peninsular campaign,
being engaged in the siege of Yorktown, the action at Lee's mill,
the battles of Williamsburg, Savage Station and the operations be-
fore Richmond. He was on leave of absence from July to Nov.,
1862; was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers on Nov. 5,
and was in command of a brigade covering the defenses of
Washington from that time until March 8, 1863. when he was cap-
tured bj' Mosby's command at Fairfa.x Court House. His com-
mission expired by constitutional limitation March 4, 1863, and after
being released as a prisoner of war he located in New York city
and commenced the practice of law. He died in that city Dec. 25, 1868.
Strong, George C., major-general, was born in Stockbridge, Vt.,
in 1833. His father died when he was but eight years of age and
he was adopted in the family of his uncle, A. S. Strong, of East-
hampton, Mass., under whose care he imbibed his first desire for
military life. He entered West Point academy in the class of 1857
and held the post of first captain of cadets for three years. After
graduating he had charge of the Bridesburg arsenal, was thence
transferred to Fortress Monroe and thence to Mount Vernon, Ala.
He subsequently had charge of the Watervliet arsenal a short time,
but on the breaking out of the war he applied for active service
and was placed on the staff of Gen. McDowell at the battle of Bull
Run. and was highly complimented for his efficiency in that battle.
He was ne.xt appointed on the stafif of Gen. McClellan, but shortly
afterward was detailed as ordnance officer by Gen. Butler to the
Department of the Gulf. He distinguished himself at Biloxi and in
the perilous adventure up the Tangipahoa river. He was a brave
and skillful officer, honored and trusted by the men under his com-
mand. At the assault on Fort Wagner in Charleston harbor, he com-
manded the assaulting column and led it with the judgment and cour-
age of a veteran, but he received a mortal wound, fjrom which he died
in New York city on July 30. TS63. His commission as maior-general
dated from July iS. 1863, the daj' he was wounded at Fort Wagner.
Strong, William K., brigadier-general, was born in the state of
New York and there achieved considerable prominence in civil life
260 The Union Army
prior to the breaking out of the Civil war. When hostilities began
he took an active part in the support of the Federal government
and on Sept. 28, 1861, was commissioned a brigadier-general of vol-
unteers. He accepted the position and served faithfully until Oct.
20, 1863, when he resigned from the service and retired to private
life. Gen. Strong died on March 15, 1868.
Stuart, David, brigadier-general, was born in the state of New
York, but early in life removed to Illinois, in which state he was
residing at the beginning of the Civil war. He assisted in organiz-
ing the 42nd 111. infantry and was mustered into the service as its
lieutenant-colonel on July 22, 1861. With this regiment he moved
to St. Louis on Sept. 21, but he severed his connection with it on
Oct. 31, 1861, to become colonel of the 55th 111. infantry. This
regiment was organized at Camp Douglas, Chicago and was one
of two regiments raised by Col. Stuart under an act of Congress
and called the "Douglas Brigade." Col. Stuart left Camp Douglas
with the 55th for Alton, Nov. 9, 1861, and thence by steamboat for
St. Louis, arriving at IBenton barracks on Nov. 11. He received
his baptism of fire at Shiloh, his regiment with one other holding
an important position for over two hours on the first day of the
battle, and after being nearly surrounded it retreated from point
to point and took its position with its organization still complete
in the last line formed in the evening near the landing. Col. Stuart
led his regiment in the battle the next day. acting on the right,
and during this terrible two-days' conflict, the first in its history,
his regiment lost the heaviest of any Federal regiment in that en-
gagement, with one exception. It was in the advance on Corinth
and on Nov. 29, 1862, Col. Stuart was advanced to the rank of brig-
adier-general of volunteers. He served in this capacity until March
II, 1863, when his appointment was negatived by the U. S. senate
and he retired from the military service. Gen. Stuart died Sept.
II. 1868.
Stumbaugh, Frederick S., brigadier-general, was born in the state
of Pennsylvania, and at the outbreak of the Civil war took a very
active part in support of the Federal government. On April 20, 1861,
he was commissioned colonel of the 2nd Pa. infantry for the three-
months' service, and with it proceeded to Cockeysville, then to
York and Chambersburg, where it became a part of the 2nd brigade,
2nd division. Department of Washington, and moved to Funks-
town, Md. He was mustered out of the three-months' service
July 27, 1861, and on Oct. 26 of the same year was again mustered
into the military service as colonel of the 77th Pa. infantry. He
left the state with this regiment and proceeded to Louisville, Ky.,
thence to the Nolin river, where it was encamped for some time
and assigned to the sth brigade, 2nd division. Army of the Ohio.
On March 2. 1862. the regiment arrived at Nashville, and on April
7 Col. Stumbaugh led it in the second daj^'s struggle of the battle
of Shiloh. On May 28 with his command he was in front of the
works at Corinth. Miss., and after the evacuation by the enemy
slowly returned to Nashville, arriving there early in September.
Later in the month he hastened with Buell's army to the protection
of Louisville, was engaged with the enemy at Floyd's fork. Ky.,
and skirmished at Fern creek and Claysville. His regiment was
not engaged at Perryville, and soon after that battle it returned to
Nashville, where it rested until the opening of the winter campaign.
On Nov. 2"] Col. Stumbaugh led his regiment in a sharp skirmish
near La Vergne, and on Nov. 29. 1862, was commissioned brig-
Biographiccd Sketches 261
adier-general of volunteers, lie served in that capacity until Jan.
22, 1863, when his appointment as brigadier-general was revoked.
He was honorably discharged as colonel May 15, 1863, and returned
to the pursuits of a civil career.
Sturgis, Samuel D., brigadier-general, was born in Shippensburg,
Pa., June 11, 1822. He was graduated at the U. S. military academy
in 1846 and entered the army as brevet second lieutenant of the 2nd
dragoons. In the permanent establishment he was promoted sec-
ond lieutenant Feb. 16, 1847, first lieutenant on July 15, 1853, cap-
tain in the ist U. S. cavalrj^ March 3, 1855, major May 3, 1861,
lieutenant-colonel of the 6th cavalry Oct. 27, 1863, colonel of the
7th cavalry May 6, 1869, was brevetted lieutenant-colonel Aug. 10,
1861, for services at Wilson's creek, Mo., colonel Aug. 29, 1862, for
gallantry at the second Bull Run, brigadier-general and major-gen-
eral on March 13. 1865, for conduct at South mountain and Fred-
ericksburg, and was retired June ii. 1886. In the volunteer service
he was appointed brigadier-general Aug. 10, 1861, and was mustered
out Aug. 24, 1865. He was captured by the Mexicans at Buena
Vista, and was in service against the Indians during a large part
of his military life. Gen. Sturgis died in St. Paul, Minn., Sept. 28, 1889.
Sullivan, Jeremiah C, brigadier-general, was born in Indiana and
was the son of Jeremiah Sullivan, an early pioneer and an eminent
jurist of that state. In early life he served in the U. S. navy for a
time, but leaving that service engaged in civil pursuits, which he
was following at the time of the outbreak of the Civil war. He
assisted in organizing the 6th Ind. infantry for the three-months'
service, and as captain of a company in that organization left the state
May 30, 1861, for West Virginia and reached Philippi on June 2.
He participated in the first battle of the war at that place the follow-
ing day, his regiment being attached to Gen. Thomas A. Morris'
brigade. On June 19 he was commissioned colonel of the 13th Ind.
infantry and again left the state July 4, and joined McClellan's
forces at Rich mountain, W. Va., where he participated in the battle.
He was in numerous skirmishes about Cheat mountain and in the
engagement there on Sept. 12-14. With his regiment he supported
a battery at Greenbrier and was in several skirmishes, after which
he moved to Green Spring run, where he remained until spring.
He was in the battle of Winchester in March and joined in pursuit
of Jackson's army as far as New Market. Col. Sullivan was appointed
brigadier-general of volunteers on April 28, 1862, and continued to
serve in that capacity until May 11, 1865. when he resigned from
the military service and engaged in peaceful pursuits. He died
Oct. 21, 1890.
Sully, Alfred, brigadier-general, was born in the state of Penn-
sylvania in 1821. Graduating at the United States military academy
in 1841, he served with his regiment, the 2nd U. S. infantry, in the
Florida war against the Seminole Indians, the Mexican war, the
Rogue River expedition in Oregon, and in campaigns against the
Sioux and Cheyennes in Minnesota and Nebraska. During the Civil
war, as a colonel and later as brigadier-general of volunteers, he
participated in the siege of Yorktown, the affair at West Point, the
battles of Fair Oaks, Peach Orchard, Savage Station, Glendale,
Malvern hill, Chantilly, South mountain, Antictam, Fredericksburg
and Chancellorsville, and the marches and campaigns incident thereto.
He was ordered to Dakota territory in 1863 a'nd commanded the
expedition against the hostile Indians of the northwest, defeating
the combined tribes at White Stone hill, for which engagement he
362 The Union Army
was brevetted a brigadier-general in the regular service, having
already been made a brevet major-general of volunteers. Gen. Sully
died at Vancouver barracks, Wash. Ter., April 27, 1879.
Sumner, Edwin V., major-general, was born in Boston, Mass., in
1796. Me was educated at the Milton academy in Boston, was ap-
pointed second lieutenant in the 2nd U. S. infantry in March, 1819,
and served in the Black Hawk war. When the 2nd regiment
of dragoons was raised by Gen. Jackson he was commissioned cap-
tain, was for man}' years employed in service on the Indian frontier,
and subsequently commanded the school of cavalry practice at
Carlisle, Pa. He was promoted major in 1846 and in April, 1847,
led the famous cavalry charge at Cerro Gordo, where he was wounded
and obtained the brevet of lieutenant-colonel. At Contreras and
Churubusco he won further honors and at the battle of Molino del
Rey commanded the entire cavalry, holding in check 5,000 Mexican
lancers. For his gallant conduct he received the brevet of colonel,
and in July, 1848, was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the ist
dragoons. At the close of the war he was placed in command of
the Department of New Mexico. In 1855 he was promoted to the
colonelcy of the ist cavalry, and the following year was in command
at Fort Leavenworth, Kan. In July of 1857 he led a successful
expedition against the Cheyenne Indians, and in 1858 was appointed
commander of the Department of the West. In March, 1861, he was
appointed brigadier-general in the regular army in place of Gen.
Twiggs, and in March. 1862. was appointed commander of the ist
ami}' corps, Armj' of the Potomac. At the siege of Yorktown he
commanded the left wing and was engaged in all the battles of
the Chickahominy. during which he was twice wounded. For his
services before Richmond he was made major-general of volunteers
and brevet major-general in the regular army. Upon the reorgan-
ization of the army Gen. Sumner was assigned to the 2nd corps and
in the battle of Antietam was wounded. Subsequently he was placed
in command of the right grand division, Army of the Potomac, but
upon tlie appointment of Gen. Hooker as chief of that army he asked
to be relieved, and after a few weeks was ordered to the command
of the Army of the Frontier. Upon the waj' thither he was taken
sick, and died after a short illness at Si'racuse, N. Y., March 21, 1863.
Swayne, Wager, major-general, was born in Columbus. Ohio, Nov.
10, 1834, son of Noah H. Swayne. late associate justice of the U. S.
supreme court. He was educated at Yale college, graduating in
1856. and then entered the Cincinnati law school, in which he was
graduated in 1859. He formed a law partnership wnth his father and
practiced two years, or until the Civil war broke out, when he
oflfered his services to the government and in July, 1861, was ap-
pointed major of the 4.3d Ohio infantry. He was first stationed
at Camp Chase, near Columbus, then took part in the Missouri
campaign under Pope in 1861-62, assisted in the capture of New
Madrid and Island No. 10, and was engaged in the battles of Corinth
and luka. During the Corinth engagement the colonel of the 43d
Ohio was killed, the command devolving upon Maj. Swayne. who
was subsequentlj' commissioned as colonel. He continued with his
regiment until the fall of 1863, in Tennessee. Mississippi and Ala-
bama, and in 1864 accompanied Sherman to Atlanta and on his
march to the sea. During the campaign of the Carolinas Col. Swayne
lost his right leg by the explosion of a shell in an affair at the cros-
sing of the Salkahatchie river, and "for gallant and distinguished
services" in that action was commissioned brevet brigadier-general.
Biographical Sketches 263
and later was promoted to the full rank of brigadier-general of
volunteers. Gen. Swayne was invalided until June, 1865, when at
the request of Gen. O. O. Howard, chief of the Freedmen's bureau,
he was detailed by the war department to duty in Alabama as
assistant commissioner of the bureau in that state. He instituted
various enterprises for the education of the blacks and to provide
them with sustenance and the opportunity to become self-supporting.
Through Sec. Stanton he secured from President Johnson an order
devoting certain confiscated war materials to the education of the
freedmen and subsequently, through Senator, afterward Vice-Pres-
ident Henry Wilson, an act of Congress devoting to the same cause
such real property as had been purchased from individuals by the
Federal government, becoming by the rules of international law the
property of the United States. But his policy was radically dif-
ferent from that which President Johnson eventually adopted, and
accordingly Gen. Swayne was recalled from Alabama in 1868. The
command of the United States forces in Alabama had meantime,
soon after he came into the state, been added to his duties, and to
facilitate his work he was made a major-general of volunteers. In
1866 Congress increased the regular army of the United States by
the creation of four regiments of infantry composed of disabled
volunteer soldiers, known as "the veteran reserve corps." Gens.
Daniel E. Sickles, John C. Robinson. Thomas G. Pitcher and Wager
Swayne were respectively appointed to the command of these reg-
iments. In Dec, 1868, Gen. Swayne was assigned to duty in the war
department at Washington, but in 1870 was placed on the retired
list of the army at his own request and resumed the practice of law,
locating at Toledo, Ohio. Almost immediately he took rank among
the foremost lawyers of Ohio. He fought through the lower courts
and finally through the supreme court of the United States, the
constitutionality of a state law which was designed to tax national
banks out of existence, and secured a final decision in the negative.
Gen. Swayne soon had among his clients such concerns as the
American Union telegraph company and the Wabash railroad com-
pany, and in 1879 the growth of his railroad and telegraph business
made it necessary for him to remove to New York city, where his cli-
ents were. In May, 1881, he entered into partnership with Judge John
F. Dillon and the firm soon became general counsel for the Western
Union telegraph company, the Missouri Pacific railroad company, and
other great commercial and railway interests. Gen. Swayne was the
second president of the Ohio society of New York. He died Dec. 18,
1902.
Sweeny, Thomas W., brigadier-general, was born in Cork, Ireland,
Dec. 25, 1S20. He came to the United States in 1832, learned the
printer's trade in New York city, and served in the ist N. Y. in-
fantry in the Mexican war, receiving a wound at the battle of
Churubusco which made it necessary to amputate his right arm.
On returning to New York he was brevetted captain and was pre-
sented with a silver medal by the city government. He was com-
missioned second lieutenant in the U. S. infantry March 3, 1848; pro-
moted first lieutenant June 11, 1851; captain Jan. 19, 1861; major
of the i6th infantry Oct. 20. 1863; unassigned March 15, 1869,
and was retired as brigadier-general in the U. S. army May 11,
1870. After entering the regular army he was ordered to California,
where for a time he was commandant at Fort Yuma, and afterward
he distinguished himself in campaigns with the Indians. At the
beginning of the Civil war he was placed in charge of the U. S.
26-1 The Union Army
arsenal at St. Louis, Mo., which he saved by threatening to explode
the 40 tons of gunpowder stored there in case the secessionists
attacked him. He was second in command of the national troops
at the surrender of the Missouri state forces at Camp Jackson,
was commissioned a brigadier-general of volunteers on May 20,
1861, and at the battle of Wilson's creek he was severely wounded.
After this he was given command of the 52nd 111. infantry, was
attached to Gen. Grant's army, took part in the capture of Fort
Donelson, and at the battle of Shiloh successfully defended a gap
in the line, for which Gen. Sherman afterward said: "I attach more
importance to that event than to any of the hundred events that I
have since heard saved the day." In Dec, 1862, he was given com-
mand of a division of the i6th army corps and was engaged in pro-
tecting the Memphis & Charleston railroad. In the Atlanta campaign
he commanded the 2nd division, i6th corps. Army of the Tennessee,
with which he took possession of Snake Creek gap 24 hours before
the arrival of supporting cavalry and held it against several assaults.
Subsequently he took part in the battle of Resaca, forced a passage
across Oostanaula river and fought a successful battle. He also
distinguished himself in the battles of Kennesaw mountain, and in
the battle before Atlanta on July 22, 1864, his division repelled an
assault and captured 4 Confederate flags and 900 prisoners. After
the occupation of Atlanta he held the post of commandant at Nash-
ville till July, 1865, and was mustered out of the volunteer service
on Aug. 24 following. Gen. Sweeny was active in the Fenian in-
vasion of Canada in 1866, during a virtual retirement from the army.
After that event he was reinstated in the army and assigned to duty
in the Southern military district. He was presented by the city of
Brooklyn with a costly sword for his services during the Civil war.
He died in Astoria, L. I., April 10, 1892.
Sykes, George, major-general, was born in Dover. Del., Oct. 9,
1822. He was graduated at the United States military academy in
1842, assigned to the 3d infantry, participated in the latter part of
the war with the Seminoles and afterward served in the West. On
Sept. 21, 1846, he was promoted first lieutenant, engaged in the Mex-
ican war, was present at Monterey, Vera Cruz, Cerro Gordo (where
he earned the brevet of captain), Contreras, Churubusco and the
capture of Mexico city. He served as commissary under Gen. Twiggs,
then on frontier and garrison duty, took part in the Apache war-
fare of 1854 and the Navajo expedition of 1859. and attained the
rank of captain Sept. 30, 1855. He became major of the 14th in-
fantry May 14, 1861, was present at the first battle of Bull Run,
and received the commission of brigadier-general of volunteers
on Sept. 28, 1861. He joined the Peninsular campaign as leader of
the regulars in Gen. Fitz John Porter's corps, was brevetted colonel
after Gaines' mill, was appointed major-general of volunteers Nov.
29, 1862, and given command of the 5th corps after the battle of
Chancellorsville, holding the same until he was sent to Kansas April
20, 1864. At the end of the war he received the brevet of brigadier-
general, U. S. A., for services at Gettysburg, and major-general,
U. S. A., for gallant and meritorious services throughout the war.
He had been promoted lieutenant-colonel in the regular army Oct.
16, 1863, and on Jan. 12, 1868, he became colonel of the
20th infantry. After 1877 he was in command at Fort Brown, Tex.,
where he died on Feb. 9, 1880. Congress afterward appropriated
$1,000, on motion of Gen. Burnside, for the transfer of his remains
to the cemetery at West Point, and to further the erection there
of the fine monument which now stands to his memory.
Maj.-Gen. (',. C. Strong
Brig.-Gen. F. S. Stum-
BAUGH
Maj.-Gen. E. \'. Sumner
Maj.-Gen. George Sykes
Brig.-Gen. \V. K. Str.v
■Rrig.-Gen. S. D. Stirgis
Maj.-Gen. Wager Swayne
I!iif;.-Gen. G. \V. Taylor
l'.rig.-< .eii. I. C. SuLLiVAM
Rrig.-Gen. T. W. Sweeney
Rrig.-Gen. J. P. Taylor
Biographical Sketches 'io'y
Taylor, George W., brigadicr-gcncral, was a native of Clinton,
Hunterdon county, N. J., and was born in 1808. At the age of
nineteen he entered the navy as a midshipman, but after a three
years' cruise settled in New Jersey as a farmer. In the Mexican war
he served first as lieutenant and afterward as captain in the loth
U. S. infantry. After the close of that war he resided for three
years in California and then returned to his native state, where
he engaged in mining and manufacturing. At the commencement
of the Civil war he was commissioned colonel of the 3d N. J. in-
fantry, which, under Brig.-Gen. Runyon, formed a part of the reserve
at Bull Run. When the three months' men were mustered out
of the service he reorganized his regiment, returned to the army
and was attached to the Army of the Potomac when it went to
the Peninsula. After the battle of West Point Gen. Kearny was
made a division commander. Col. Taylor was placed in charge of
the 1st brigade of N. J. volunteers, and on May 9, 1862, received
his commission as brigadier-general of volunteers. In the hard
fighting that followed before Riclimond he performed his part man-
fully, and when the army returned to the Potomac he was prompt
and ready with his brigade in the sharp battles southwest of Wash-
ington. He died in Alexandria. Va., Sept. i, 1862, of wounds re-
ceived at the second battle of Bull Run.
Taylor, Joseph P., brigadier-general, was born in the state of
Kentucky, and from that state entered the regular army service
at the time of the war of 1812. He became third lieutenant in the
28th U. S. infantry in May, 1813. second lieutenant in the same
regiment in August, first lieutenant in July. 1814, and was hon-
orably discharged from the service June 15, 1815. He was reinstated
in the service as a second lieutenant of U. S. artillery in May, 1816,
with brevet of first lieutenant from July 15, 1814, promoted to first
lieutenant on Nov. 24, 1817, transferred to the 3d artillery on June
I, 1821, and was promoted to captain in the same on July 6, 1825.
He was transferred to the 2nd artillery March 18. 1829, and remained
with that regiment until July 7, 1838, acting as commissary of subsist-
ence with the rank of captain, and was promoted to major July 7, 1838.
He became lieutenant-colonel and assistant commissary-general
of subsistence in the U. S. army Nov. 30. 1841, and was brevetted
colonel for meritorious conduct, particularly in the performance of
his duties in the prosecution of the war with Mexico. He was
commissioned colonel and commissary-general of subsistence on
Sept. 29, 1861, and was promoted to brigadier-general and commis-
sarj'-general of subsistence, U. S. A., on Feb. 9, 1863. Gen. Taylor
served in this capacity until his death, which occurred at Washington,
D. C, on June 29, 1864.
Taylor, Nelson, brigadier-general, was born in South Norwalk,
Conn., June 8. 1821. He received a common-school education and
removed to New York city, where, on Aug. i, 1846, he joined the
army as a captain in the ist N. Y. infantry (known as Col. Steven-
son's regiment), which was ordered to California just before the
Mexican war. He served through the war and at its close settled
in Stockton, Cal. In 1849 he was elected a state senator; in 1855,
sherifif of San Joaquin county; and in 1850-56 was president of the
board of trustees of the state insane asylum. He returned to New
York city, where he began studying law in 1857, and was graduated
at the Harvard law school in i860. In 1861 he was commissioned
colonel of the 72nd N. Y. infantry, which was attached to Gen.
Sickles' brigade during the Peninsular campaign, and in Gen. Pope's
266 The Union Army
Virginia campaign he commanded the brigade. He was promoted
brigadier-general of volunteers on Sept. 7, 1862. but resigned on
Jan. 19, 1863, returned to New York city and engaged in law practice.
In 1864 he was elected to Congress as a Democrat and during his
term, which expired March 3, 1867, he served on the committees on
freedmen and invalid pensions. About 1880 he returned to his birth-
place, where he practiced law, was city attorney for several years
and held other municipal offices. Gen. Taylor died at South Nor-
walk, Conn., on Jan. 16, 1894.
Terrill, William R., brigadier-general, was a native of Virginia,
born about 183-' and appointed from that state a cadet at the mili-
tary academy, where he graduated in 1853 and was immediately
appointed brevet second lieutenant of the 3d artillery, from which
he was transferred to the 4th artillery in November following as
second lieutenant. In 1855 he was appointed assistant professor
of mathematics at West Point. In 1856 he was promoted to a first
lieutenancy and in May, 1861, was appointed captain in the 5th
artillery and assigned to duty on the coast survey. He soon after-
ward raised a regiment of volunteers, was sent to Kentucky, where
he commanded a battery in Gen. McCook's diA'ision, was transferred
to the command of a brigade and for his gallant and meritorious
conduct at the battle of Shiloh was appointed brigadier-general of
volunteers, his commission bearing date Sept. 9, 1862. At the battle
of Perryville, Oct. 8, 1862, he was killed while urging forward his
brigade against the enemy.
Terry, Alfred H., major-general, was born at Hartford, Conn.,
Nov. 10, 1827. After a partial course at the Yale law school he began
the practice of law in 1849 and served from 1854 to i860 as clerk
of the superior and supreme courts of his state. When the Civil
war broke out he took the field at once with the 2nd Conn, militia,
of which he had been in command for seven years. On the expira-
tion of the three months for which his regiment had been called out
by President Lincoln he organized the 7th Conn, infantry and led
it to the front as colonel. He assisted in Gen. Thomas W. Sher-
man's expedition against Port Royal in 1862 and was soon afterward
made brigadier-general of volunteers in reward for his services at
Fort Pulaski. From 1862 to 1864 he took part in the operations
against Charleston, Forts Sumter, Wagner and Gregg, on James
island and Stono river, and as an officer in the Army of the James
was engaged at Chester Station, Drewry's bluff, Bermuda Hundred,
Deep Bottom, Fussel's mill, Petersburg, Fort Harrison, New Market
road and Williamsburg road. He was brevetted major-general of
volunteers Aug. 20. 1864. In Jan., 1865, he performed one of the
most brilliant exploits of the whole war in the capture of Fort
Fisher by assault after the failure of the first attempt under Gen.
Butler. He took over 2,000 prisoners, 167 pieces of artillery, and
2,000 stands of small arms. This victory secured him a national
reputation and he was further rewarded with a brigadiership in the
regular army, a major-generalship of volunteers and a vote of thanks
by Congress: "To Brevet Maj.-Gen. A. H. Terry and the officers
and soldiers under his command for the unsurpassed gallantry and
skill exhibited by them in the attack upon Fort Fisher, and the
brilliant and decisive victory by which that important work has
been captured from the rebel forces and placed in the possession
and under the authority of the United States, and for their long
and faithful service and unwavering devotion to the cause of the
country in the midst of the greatest difficulties and dangers." He
Biographical Sketches 267
afterward assisted in the capture of Wilmington and for his ser-
vices there was brevetted a major-general in the regular army.
After the war he commanded the Departments of Virginia, Dakota
(where he fought the Sioux Indians), and the South. On March 3,
1886, he was promoted major-general in the regular army to suc-
ceed Maj.-Gen. Hancock. He retired from the service in April,
1888, being at that time in command of the Division of the Missouri.
He died at New Haven, Conn., Dec. 16, 1890.
Terry, Henry D., brigadier-general, was a native of Connecticut,
but removed early in life to Michigan, where he had entered upon
the legal profession before the commencement of the war. He had
given considerable attention to military matters for some years and
when the call was made for troops in June, 1861, he raised a regiment
(the 5th Mich.), of which he was appointed colonel, and which was
mustered into the service Aug. 28, 1861. It was ordered to the Army
of the Potomac and such were the ability and military skill manifested
by Col. Terry that on July 17, 1862, he was commissioned brigadier-
general of volunteers, having already for some months been in com-
mand of a brigade. He served through the war in the Army of the
Potomac, behaving with great gallantry in the several battles in which
he was engaged, and when mustered out of service in 1865, resumed
the practice of his profession in Washington, D. C, where he contin-
ued to reside till his death, which occurred on June 22, 1869.
Thayer, John M., brigadier-general, was born at Bellingham, Mass.,
Jan. 24, 1820. He received an excellent preparatory education and was
graduated with honor at an early age from Brown university, studied
law and was admitted to the Massachusetts bar. When a young man
he went West, stopping for a while in Ohio, and in 1854 removed to
Nebraska, shortly after the passage of the "Kansas-Nebraska Act."
He settled at Omaha, engaging in the practice of law and taking a
great interest in politics. Being originally an old line Whig he nat-
urally gravitated into the Republican party, with which he afterward
uniformly acted. After a time he was appointed brigadier-general
of the territory and proved to be an excellent Indian fighter. In 1855
he was unanimously elected major-general of the territorial forces by
the legislature, continuing to hold that position until the commence-
ment of the Civil war. In July. 1859, he conducted the Pawnee war,
in which the entire tribe was captured and put upon a reservation.
His fighting experience proved of great value during the Civil war.
He was commissioned colonel by the war department and took com-
mand of the first regiment that left Nebraska for the field. For his
great bravery at Fort Donelson and Shiloh, he was subsequently ap-
pointed brigadier-general of volunteers and was placed in command
of five Iowa regiments and a part of the 3d 111. cavalry, with which he
assisted Gen. Sherman in the operations against Vicksburg. After the
war Gen. Thayer was prominent in organizing the state of Nebraska
and was one of the two U. S. senators first elected from the new com-
monwealth, his term expiring March 3, 187I. He then devoted himself
to his private law business, retaining, however, his interest in politics.
In 1875 he was appointed governor of Wyoming territory and served
four years; in 1886 he was elected governor of Nebraska, taking his
seat Jan. 3, 1887. He was reelected in 1888. Gen. Thayer died at Lin-
coln, Neb., on March 19, 1906.
Thomas, George H., major-general, one of the dblest. purest and
most successful of the military chieftains of the Civil war, was born
in Southampton county. Va., July 31, 1816. His early opportunities of
education were good and at the age of twenty he had just entered
2G8 The Union Army
upon the study of law when his friends secured him an appointment
as cadet at the military academy at West Point. He entered in 1836
and, after a thorough and solid rather than a brilliant course, he grad-
uated in 1840, ranking twelfth in a class of 42 members, among whom
were Sherman, Ewell, Jordan, Getty, Herbert, Van Vliet and others
who afterward attained celebrity. Assigned to duty on the day of
graduation as second lieutenant in the 3d artillery, he served in the
regular army for twenty years, during which time he rendered hon-
orable and faithful service in the Florida war from 1840 to 1842; in
command of various forts and barracks from 1842 to 1845; in the mili-
tary occupation of Texas in 1845-46; in the Mexican war from 1846 to
1848 — participating in nearly all its leading battles; in the Seminole
war in 1849-50; as instructor in artillery and cavalry at West Point
from 1851 to 1854; on frontier duty at various posts in the interior of
California and Texas, leading several expeditions against the Indians,
from 1855 to the autumn of i860. During these twenty years he was
repeatedly brevetted for gallant and meritorious services, rising
through all the grades to a captain of artillery, and in 1855 was made
a major of the 2nd cavalry, which regiment he commanded for three
years. He was wounded in a skirmish with the Indians at the head-
waters of the Brazos river in Aug., i860, and the following November
went east on a leave of absence. During the winter of 1860-61 he
watched with the most painful anxiety the culmination of that conflict
of opinion which preceded the war. Relinquishing his leave of absence,
he reported for duty at Carlisle barracks, Pa., April 14, — the day when
the flag went down at Sumter— and less than 48 hours after the first
shot was fired. On May 2"] he led a brigade from Chambersburg across
Maryland to Williamsport; rode across the Potomac in full uniform at
the head of his brigade on June 16, to invade Virginia and fight his old
commanders; a few days afterward he led the right wing of Gen. Pat-
terson's army in the battle of Falling Waters and defeated the Confed-
erates under Stonewall Jackson. After serving through the brief cam-
paign of the Shenandoah Gen. Thomas entered upon that wider sphere
of action in which he was destined to win an undying reputation. At
Gen. Robert Anderson's request Sherman and Thomas were m.ade
brigadier-generals of volunteers and assigned to his command — the De-
partment of the Cumberland. The first month's work that Thomas
performed in the department was at Camp Dick Robinson, Ky., where
he mustered into service eleven regiments and three batteries of Ohio,
Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee troops, which he organized into the
first brigade, and which formed the nucleus of the division, then of
the corps and finally of the great army which he afterward so long
commanded. He was soon placed in command of the ist division of
the army and on Dec. 31 was ordered to move against Zollicof¥er, who
commanded a large force occupying the road leading from Cumber-
land gap to Lexington, Ky. In pursuance of this order Gen. Thomas
fought and won the battle of Mill Springs, which was by far the most
irnportant military success that had yet been achieved west of Vir-
ginia, and with the exception of the defeat of Marshall near Preston-
burg a few days before, it was the first victory in the department.
In this battle Gen. Thomas laid the foundation of his fame in the Army
of the Center. From Nov. 30, 1861, to Sept. 30, 1862, he commanded
a division of Gen. Buell's army without intermission, except that dur-
ing the months of May and June he commanded the right wing of the
Army of the Tennessee and around Corinth. On Sept. 30, 1862,
he was appointed second in command of the Army of the Ohio,
Brig.-Gen. Nei.S"N Ivni'K I'.ir^. i.rw. \\ . K. 'I'errii.l
Brig.-Gen. H. D. Terry Liig.-CJen. John M.
Rrig.-Gen. H. G. Thomas Thayer
Brig.-Geh. C. M. Thruston niig.-Gen. Lorenzo
Thomas
Rrig.-Gen. VV. B. Tibbits
Maj.t'.cii. A. II. TiiKRY
>faj.-Gcn. G. H. Thomas
I!rig.-Gen. Stephen
Thomas
r>rig.-Gen. J. I?. S. Todd
Biographical Sketches 269
having previously refused the chief command, and served in that
capacity in the battle of Perryville and until Oct. 30, i86j, when
the old name of Department of the Cumberland was restored and
Gen. Rosecrans assumed command. That officer reorganized the
army into three distinct commands — right, left and center — and as-
signed Thomas to the center, which consisted of five divisions.
He held this command in the battle of Stone's river and until
Jan. 9, 1863, when the 14th army corps was created by order of the
war department, and Thomas commanded it during the summer cam-
paign in middle Tennessee and the Chickamauga campaign. On Sept.
27, 1864, after the capture of Atlanta, he was ordered by Gen. Sher-
man to return with a portion of his army into Tennessee and defend
that state against Hood's invasion. Thus Thomas was confronted
by that veteran army which had so ably resisted Sherman on his
march to Atlanta, and had to meet it with an effective force of about
40,000 infantry and 7,000 cavalry, having to remount the latter, pro-
vide transportation, and almost to organize and supply a new army.
Although severely checked by Schofield at Franklin, Tenn., Hood
gathered head and threatened Nashville. Then the government
and country waited impatiently for Thomas to attack, but he would
not move until he was ready. He thought he "ought to be trusted
to decide when the battle should be fought," and to know better
than any one hundreds of miles away. Grant called him "slow,"
Sherman commented on his "provoking, obstinate delay," and Stan-
ton, still actuated by the partisan bitterness that had caused him
to secure the removal of two successful commanders, wrote to Grant:
"This looks like the McClellan and Rosecrans strategy of do nothing
and let the enemy raid the country." Urgent despatches and orders
rained in upon him, but he said they might remove him if they liked,
and complained to one of his generals, "They are treating me like a
boy." An order removing him was actually made on Dec. 9, but
happily revoked. On Dec. 13 Gen. Logan was started for Nashville
with orders to take the command on his arrival if Thomas had not
moved, and two days later Grant himself set out thither. On the
road both received the great news of the battle of Dec. 15. Thomas
had at length attacked, driving the enemy eight miles, and Hood,
"for the first and only time, beheld a Confederate army abandon the
field in confusion." On the next day Thomas completelj-^ redeemed
his promise to "ruin Hood," whose army was broken to pieces and
chased out of Tennessee. But even here the victor was blamed as
dilatory in the pursuit, although the reward of his splendid services
could no longer be kept back. When he received his commission
as major-general in the regular army his friend and medical director,
seeing that he was deeply moved, said: "It is better late than never,
Thomas." "It is too late to be appreciated." he replied; "I earned
this at Chickamauga," and afterward, "I never received a promotion
they dared to withhold." But the nation was by this time ready to
recognize Gen. Thomas' merits and to understand that it was solely
by his remarkable abilities, without the influence of powerful friends,
that he had attained a position second to that of no officer of the
army. Honors and rewards were pressed upon him, but with a sim-
ple dignity of character he declined them all, satisfied with having
done his duty. After the war he was placed in command successively
of the most important and difficult military departments, often under
circumstances of great responsibility and delicacy, but his conduct
gave general satisfaction. Gen. Thomas' death was the result of
apoplexy and occurred in San Francisco, Cal., March 28. 1870.
270 The Union Army
Thomas, Henry G., brigadier-general, was born in the state of
Maine and was one of the sons of that commonwealth that hastened
to ofifer his services to the Federal government at the outbreak of
the Civil war. He was mustered into the service of the United States
on June 24, 1861. as a captain of a company in the 5th Me. infantry,
and witli his command left the state for Washington two days later.
With his regiment he remained in camp at Meridian hill until July
5, when the march was commenced to the battlefield of Bull Run,
where he received his first taste of actual warfare. On Aug. 5, 1861,
he became a captain in the nth U. S. infantry and was on regimen-
tal recruiting service until July, 1862. He joined the regiment in the
field in October of that year and was engaged in the action of Snick-
er's gap. He was commissioned colonel of the 79th U. S. colored
infantry on March 20, 1863, but that regiment was mustered out of
the service on July 11, following, and on Jan. 16, 1864, he was com-
missioned colonel of the 19th U. S. colored infantry, served as com-
mandant of Camp Birney, Md., from February until May, and then
commanded a brigade of the 9th corps, Army of the Potomac, until
November, being engaged at the battles of the Wilderness, Spott-
sylvania, Petersburg, explosion of the mine, Weldon railroad and
Hatcher's run. On Nov. 30, 1864, he was commissioned brigadier-
general of volunteers and transferred to the Army of the James,
where he commanded a brigade and temporarily a corps, in the oper-
ations before Richmond. On March 13, 1865, he was brevetted
major-general of volunteers for gallant and meritorious service dur-
ing the war, and was mustered out of the volunteer service Jan.
15, 1866. In the regular army service he was brevetted major May
12, 1864, for gallant and meritorious service in the battle of Spottsyl-
vania, lieutenant-colonel on July 30, for gallant and meritorious serv-
ice in front of Petersburg, and colonel and brigadier-general on March
13, 1865, for gallant and meritorious service during the war. After
the close of the war he continued in the regular army until July 2,
1891, when he was retired. His death occurred on Jan. 23, 1897.
Thomas, Lorenzo, brigadier-general, was born in the state of Del-
aware in 1805. He was appointed from that state a cadet in the mil-
itary academy at West Point Sept. i, 1819, and on July i, 1823, he
was graduated and assigned to duty in the army as second lieutenant
in the 4th infantry. He served in garrison at Cantonment Clinch,
Fla., in 1824; in constructing a military road to St. Augustine, 1824-25;
in the Creek Nation, Ga., 1825-26; in garrison again at Cantonment
Clinch, 1827-28. and as adjutant of the 4th infantrj' at regimental
headquarters from March i, 1828, to Feb. 15, 1831, being commis-
sioned first lieutenant in the 4th infantry March 17, 1829. He served
on recruiting service, 1831-33, in the adjustant-general's office
at Washington, D. C, from June 5, 1833, to Sept. 3, 1836, and did
quartermaster duty in the Florida war, 1836-37, being commissioned
captain in the 4th infantry Sept. 23. 1836. He served in the quarter-
master-general's office in Washington, D. C. from Oct. 16, 1837. to
July 7, 1838, being commissioned major and assistant adjutant-gen-
eral on the last-named date. In the war with Mexico he was adjutant-
general and chief of staff to Maj.-Gen. Butler, both while commander
of a division of volunteers and commander of the army, and his
experience and systematic administrative powers were conspicuous
in the final movements and the withdrawal of the army in Mexico.
Early in the Civil war he became adjutant-general of the army by
succession, and was afterward especially assigned to the duty of
Biographical Sketches 871
organizing volunteer troops, particularly the colored regiments. He
was commissioned brigadier-general on Aug. 3, 1861, brevetted ma-
jor-general, U. S. A., on March 13, 1865, and having passed the age
of sixty-two years he was placed on the retired list of the army in
Feb.. 1869. Gen. Thomas died at his residence in the city of Wash-
ington on March 2, 1875.
Thomas, Stephen, brigadier-general, was born in the state of Ver-
mont, and from that state entered the volunteer military service of
the United States in the early days of the Civil war. On Feb. 18,
1862, he was commissioned colonel of the 8th Vt. infantry, a regi-
ment recruited for Gen. Butler's Southern expedition, being mus-
tered in for a three years' term. With his regiment he left for New
York on March 4 and there embarked for Ship island, where from
April 5 until early in May his regiment was encamped. It was then
ordered to New Orleans and quartered in the Mechanics' institute
building, which it occupied until the end of the month, then crossed
to Algiers and Col. Thomas was placed in command of the District
of La Fourche. He opened the Opelousas railroad as far as La
Fourche crossing and his regiment was engaged for some months
in guarding the road. From October to December, as a part of Gen.
Weitzel's brigade, his regiment began the work of opening the Ope-
lousas railroad to Brashear City. It was then encamped at Brashear
City until Jan. 8, 1863, when it moved to Camp Stevens at Thibo-
deaux, but returned after two days and shared in the expedition against
the gunboat "John L. Cotton," located in the Bayou Teche, during
which the regiment performed excellent service. On April 12 Col.
Thomas moved his regiment with the 19th corps in the advance to
Port Hudson, having a brisk engagement with the enemy at Fort
Bisland on the march. In the desperate assault on Port Hudson
Col. Thomas commanded the brigade and distinguished himself for
gallantry, being wounded in the engagement. With his regiment he
now shared in the siege operations and on June 14 led the column
in the second grand assault. After the surrender of Port Hudson
his regiment was ordered to Donaldson and thence to Thibodeaux,
where it encamped until Sept. i. It then moved to Algiers and took
part in the fruitless Sabine Pass expedition. The regiment remained
in active service at Algiers and Thibodeaux until June 6, 1864, and
then after a number of scouting expeditions embarked for Fortress
Monroe. On its arrival it was at once ordered to Washington to
assist in resisting Early's attempt upon the city. Col. Thomas was
ordered to join the 6th corps with his regiment and moved in pur-
suit of the enemy as far as Berryville, in the Shenandoah valley. He
then countermarched his men to the vicinity of Washington, whence
he was ordered back into Maryland during the flurry caused bj' Mc-
Causland's raid into that state. In August his regiment was assigned
to the 2nd brigade, ist division, 19th corps, imder Gen. Emory, and
did gallant service at the battle of Winchester, executing a splendid
bayonet charge. It participated in the charge which routed the ene-
my at Fisher's hill and then followed in pursuit. It then encamped
north of Cedar creek and participated in the fierce fighting at that
place on Oct. 19, being also engaged at Newtown in November. On
Feb. I, 1865. Col. Thomas was commissioned brjgadier-general of
volunteers and served in that capacity until Aug. 24, 1865, when he
was honorably mustered out of the service. On July 25, 1892, he
was awarded a medal of honor for distinguished conduct in a des-
perate hand-to-hand encounter at Cedar creek, in which the advance
of the enemy was checked.
272 The Union Army
Thruston, Charles M., brigadier-general, was born in the state
of Kentucky in 1798, but while he was yet a child his parents took
up their residence in the District of Columbia. He served as a cadet
in the military academy at West Point from June 8, 1813, to July 21,
1814, when he was graduated and entered the army as second lieu-
tenant of artillery. He served in the War of 1812 with Great Brit-
ain, as acting assistant engineer in erecting temporary defenses at
Governor's island, New York harbor, and was in garrison at Fort
McHenry, Md., 1815-18, being promoted to first lieutenant of artil-
lery April 20, 1818. He served as battalion adjutant of artillery from
May 14, 1818, to June i, 1821, when he was commissioned first lieu-
tenant in the 3d artillery in the reorganization of the army, and
served as adjutant of the 3d artillery at regimental headquarters
from that time to Feb. 17, 1827. On the last named date he was
commissioned captam in the 3d artillery and served in garrison at
Fort Severn, Md., Fort Trumbull, Conn., 1827-33, and Fort Monroe,
Va., 1833-35. In the Florida war, 1835-36, he was acting adjutant-
general of the Florida army from Feb. to May, 1836, and was en-
gaged against the Seminole Indians in the combat of Oloklikaha
Marcli 31. He resigned from the army Aug. 31, 1836, and settled at
Cumberland, Md., where he followed the occupation of a farmer until
1861, being president of the Mineral bank of Cumberland, 1838-41, and
in 1861 was elected mayor of the city. On Sept. 7, 1861, he was com-
missioned brigadier-general of volunteers and assigned to the duty of
guarding the Baltimore & Ohio railroad. He resigned his commission
on April 17, 1862, and resumed farming, which occupation he followed
until his death, which occurred at Cumberland, Md.. Feb. 18, 1873.
Tibbits, William B., brigadier-general, was a native of the state of
New York, and was one of the first in that commonwealth to offer
his services to the Federal cause. He was commissioned captain in
the 2nd N. Y. infantry May 14, i86x, being mustered into the U. S.
service at Troj^ for a term of two years. On May 18 he accompanied
the regiment to New York and there embarked for Fortress Monroe,
at the end of the journey encamping at Mill creek and participating
in the battle of Big Bethel. On Aug. 5 the regiment was ordered to
Newport News, where permanent quarters were erected and the ensu-
ing winter was passed. In Jan., 1862, his regiment joined an expedi-
tion up the James river; on March 7 it became a part of the ist brigade,
1st division, Army of Virginia; from April 6 to 17 it was stationed at
Young's mills, and on June 6 was assigned to the 3d brigade, 2nd
division, 3d corps. With his regiment Capt. Tibbits took part in the
campaign on the Peninsula, was engaged near Fair Oaks and in the
Seven Days' battles. During the campaign in Virginia he was active
at Bristoe Station, Groveton, the second Bull Run and Chantillj'. On
Oct. 13, 1862, he was commissioned major of his regiment, which after
various marches and counter-marches in Virginia, took part in the
battle of Fredericksburg and then went into winter quarters near Fal-
mouth, occupying the same until the opening of the Chancellorsville
movement in the spring of 1863. On May 26, 1863, Maj. Tibbits was
mustered out of the service, the term of enlistment for his regiment
having e.xpired. On Feb. 5, 1864, he again entered the service as colonel
of the 2ist N. Y. cavalry. With this regiment he served in the ist
brigade, ist cavalry division. Army of West Virginia. He was at
Remount camp, Md., from Aug. to the close of Oct.. 1864. then joined
the Army of the Shenandoah, being assigned to the ist brigade. 2nd
cavalry division. He saw m.uch tr_ving service throughout the year
BriK. -r.cn. A. T. A. '['•■k-
BERT
r!rig.-Gen. J. W. TURNER
Brig.-Gen. E. B. Tyler
Brig.-Gen. Daniel Ullman
llri.:. l.en. J. C. ToiTKN
Brig.-Gen. T. M. Tltti.E
Brig.-Gen. R. O. TylER
Brig.-Gen. A. B. Under-
wood
i;i 1-. 1 all. /. i;. T.iu i.k
Brig.-Gen. Jjaniel Tyler
Brig.-Gen. Hector Tvn-
dalE
Brig.-Gen. Hmery Upton
Biographical Sketches 273
1864, when his regiment was constantly employed in the arduous
duties devolving on the cavalry arm of the service. During 1865 he
took part in engagements near Paris, at White Post, and near Berry-
ville, and on Oct. 18, 1865, he was commissioned brigadier-general of
volunteers. He was mustered out of the service Jan. 15, 1866, and died
Feb. 10, 1880.
Tillson, Davis, brigadier-general, was born in Rockland. Me., April
14, 1830. He spent two years at West Point, and then resigned because
of an accident that required the amputation of his leg. In 1857 he
was elected to the state legislature, in the following year was appointed
adjutant-general of the state, and early in 1861 was appointed collector
of customs of the Waldoboro (Maine) district. In 1861 he was com-
missioned captain of the 2nd Me. battery. He remained in Maine,
owing to the apprehension of difficulty with England on account of
the "Trent" affair, till April, 1862, when he reported for duty in Wash-
ington, D. C. In the following month he was promoted major and
appointed chief of artillery in Gen. Ord's division, and in August,
after the battle of Cedar mountain, became chief of artillery on Gen.
McDowell's staflf, taking part in the action at Rappahannock station
and the second battle of Bull Run. He was commissioned brigadier-
general of volunteers, to date from Nov. 29. 1862, and after serving
as inspector of artillery till April, 1863, he was ordered to Cincinnati
as chief of artillerj^ for fortifications in the Department of the Ohio,
where he had charge of the defenses of Cincinnati and the works on
the Louisville & Nashville railroad. While here he also raised two
regiments of heavy artillery. In December following he was ordered
to the supervision of defensive works at Knoxville, Tenn., and was
assigned to the command of a brigade in the 23d corps, with which
he served in several engagements during the winter of 1863-64. From
Knoxville, where he constructed what were commended as the best
works in the militar}^ division of the Mississippi, he was transferred
to the command of the District of East Tennessee, serving there till
early in 1865, when he was assigned to the 4th division. Department
of the Cumberland, which he commanded till the close of the war.
He was retained in the service till Dec. i, 1866, having charge of
branches of the Freedmen's bureau in Tennessee and Georgia. He was
engaged as a cotton planter in Georgia for a year, then returned
to his birthplace and became interested in the lime and granite busi-
ness. Gen. Tillson died in Portland. Me., April 30, 1895.
Todd, John B. S., brigadier-general, was born at Lexington, Ky.,
April 4, 1814. The family removed in 1827 to Illinois, whence he was
appointed to the U. S. military academy. He was graduated in 1837.
assigned to the 6th infantry and became first lieutenant on Dec. 25 of
that year. He served with his regiment in the Florida war from 1837
to 1840; was on recruiting service in 1841; again took part in the
Florida war until 1842; was promoted captain in 1843 and performed
frontier duty in the Indian territory and Arkansas, 1843-46. During
the war with Mexico he took part at Vera Cruz, Cerro Gordo and
Amozoque in 1847, and was thereafter at various garrisons and frontier
posts. In 1855 he shared in the fight against the Sioux at Blue Water.
Resigning in Sept., 1856, he became an Indian trader at Fort Randall,
Dak.; was sent as a delegate to Congress in 1861, as a Democrat;
promptly reentered the Federal service when the Civil war commenced;
was appointed a brigadier-general of volunteers and commanded a
division in the Army of the, Tennessee from Sept., 1861, to July, 1862.
and was in command of the North Missouri district from Oct. i to
Vol. VIII— 18
274 The Union Army
Dec. I, 1861. He was again elected a delegate to Congress, 1863-65;
served in the Dakota legislature 1867-69; was speaker of its lower
house; and in 1869-71 was governor of the territory. Gen. Todd was
a founder of the city of Yankton and one of the leading citizens of
Dakota in his time. By marriage he was connected with Abraham
Lincoln and John C. Breckinridge. He died at Yankton, S. D., Jan. 5,
1872.
Torbert, Alfred T. A., brigadier-general, was born in the state of
Delaware in 1833, and was the cadet from that state in the military
.-loadcniv at West Point from Sept. i. 1851, to July i, 1855, when he
was graduated and entered the army as brevet second lieutenant of
infantry. He served on frontier duty in conducting recruits to Texas,
1855-56; was commissioned second lieutenant in the 5th infantry on
July 19, 1855; was engaged in the Florida hostilities against the Semi-
nole Indians, 1856-57; was on frontier duty on the Utah expedition,
1857-60; then in the march to New Mexico, and was stationed at Fort
Stanton, N. M., 1860-61, being commissioned first lieutenant in the
5th infantry, Feb. 25, 1861. He served during the Civil war, first in
mustering New Jersey volunteers into service from April 17 to Sept. I,
1861; was commissioned colonel of the ist N. J. infantry Sept. 16, cap-
tain in the 5th infantry Sept. 25. 1861, and was in command of his
regiment in the defenses of Washington, stationed near Alexandria,
Va., from Sept. 17, 1861, to March 10, 1862. He was in the Peninsular
campaign with the Army of the Potomac, being engaged in the siege
of Yorktown, the action at West Point, and the battles of Gaines'
mill and Charles City cross-roads. He was in command of a brigade
in tiie 6th corps from Aug. 28, 1862, in the northern Virginia campaign,
being engaged in the battle of Manassas; in the Maryland campaign
with the Army of the Potomac, being engaged in the battles of South
mountain and Antietam, and in the march to Falmouth, Va. On Nov.
29, 1862, he was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers and par-
ticipated in the Rappahannock campaign. In command of a brigade
of the 6th corps. Army of the Potomac, he was in the Pennsylvania
campaign, being in the battle of Gettysburg, the skirmish at Fairfield,
Pa., and the pursuit of the enemy to Warrenton, Va. On July 4, 1863,
he was brevetted major, U. S. A., for gallant and meritorious services
at the battle of Gettysburg. He was engaged in the Rapidan campaign,
participating in the action at Rappahannock station and the operations
at Mine run. He was in command of the ist cavalry division. Army
of the Potomac, during April and May, 1864. and participated in the
Richmond campaign, being engaged in the actions at Milford Station,
the North Anna river, Hanovertown, where he was in command, Haw's
shop, Matadequin creek, where he was again in command, battle of
Cold Harbor, Trevilian Station, Mallory's cross-roads, Tunstall's sta-
tion, and at Darbytown. He was brevetted lieutenant-colonel, U. S. A.,
on May 28, 1864, for gallant and meritorious services at the battle of
Haw's shop. He served as chief of cavalry of the middle military divis-
ion in the Shenandoah campaign; was in command at the battles of
Winchester and Kearneysville; was brevetted major-general of volun-
teers Sept. 9, 1864, for distinguished services during the rebellion; and
on Sept. 19, 1864, he was given the brevet rank of colonel, U. S. A.,
for gallant and meritorious services at the battle of Winchester. He
was in command at the actions of Milford, Luray, Waynesboro, Mount
Crawford and Tom's brook; was engaged in the battle of Cedar creek
and the actions near Middletown. and was in command at Liberty
mills and Gordonsville. He was brevetted brigadier-general, U. S. A.,
Biographical Sketches 275
March 13, 1865, for gallant and meritorious services at the battle of
Cedar creek, and on the same date received the brevet rank of major-
general, U. S. A., for gallant and meritorious services in the field
during the rebellion. He was in command of the Army of the Shen-
andoah, with headquarters at Winchester, Va., from April 22 to July 12,
1865, of the District of Winchester from July 12 to Sept. i, and of the
District of Southeastern Virginia from Sept. i to Dec. 31, 1865, and
he was mustered out of the volunteer service Jan. 15, 1866. He resigned
from the regular army Oct. 31, 1866. He served as United States min-
ister resident to the Central American states from April 21, 1869, to
July 10, 1871; was U. S. consul-general at Havana, Cuba, from July 10,
1871, to Nov. 6, 1873, and served in the same capacity at Paris, France,
from Nov. 6, 1873, to May, 1878. Gen. Torbert was drowned, Aug. 29,
1880, by the wrecking of the steamer Vera Cruz, ofT Cape Canaveral,
Fla.
Totten, Joseph G., brigadier-general, was born in New Haven,
Conn., Aug. 23, 1788, graduated at West Point in 1805, as second lieu-
tenant of engineers, and remained in the service until March, 1806,
when he resigned and went into civil life, from which he again entered
the army in 1808. Promoted to be a first lieutenant in 1810 and cap-
tain in 1812, he was chief engineer of the army on the Niagara frontier
in the campaigns of 1812 and 1813, being brevetted major "for meri-
torious services" in June. 1813. He became chief engineer of the army
on Lake Champlain in the campaign of 1814, and was brevetted lieuten-
ant-colonel Sept. II, 1814, "for gallant conduct at the battle of Platts-
burg." Passing through the successive grades of major and lieutenant-
colonel in his own corps, he became colonel and chief engineer on
Dec. 7, 1838. From 1816 to 1838, with but an intermission of two years,
he was a member of the board of engineers for planning the national
defenses. During the Mexican war he served as chief engineer of the
army under Gen. Scott until the capture of Vera Cruz, conducted the
siege operations against that place, and was brevetted a brigadier-
general "for gallant and meritorious conduct" on that occasion. Subse-
quently he resumed his duties as chief engineer, continuing in their
performance with but two short intervals until his death. The fortifi-
cations of Newport, R. I., were built under his immediate supervision,
and with other defenses and fortifications are enduring monuments to
his memory. In the first days of the Civil war Gen. Scott urged upon
Gen. Totten the acceptance of the position of commander-in-chief,
which the latter declined on account of physical inability for field
service. During the period of 26 years in which Gen. Totten stood at
the head of the engineer department, he discharged his varied duties
with untiring devotion, spotless integrity and signal ability, as an
acknowledgment of which the president, upon hearing of his serious
illness, forwarded his commission as brevet major-general, U. S. A.
He had been commissioned brigadier-general in the regular army
March 3. 1863. Gen. Totten died at Washington, D. C., April 22, 1864.
Tower, Zealous B., brigadier-general, was born in Cohasset, Mass.,
Jan. 12. 1819. He was graduated at West Point in 1841 at the head
of the class, was commissioned second lieutenant in the engineer corps
on July I, 1841, was on duty for a year as assistant to the board of
engineers, and in 1842 became assistant professor of engineering at
West Point. From 1843 to 1846 he was employed in" the construction
of the fortifications at Hampton Roads. He was raised to the rank
of first lieutenant in April, 1847, and during the Mexican war rendered
brilliant and eflfective service at Cerro Gordo, Contreras, Chapultepec,
276 The Union Army
and in the operations which ended in the surrender of the City of
Mexico. Between 1848 and 1861 he was engaged in engineering work,
mainly on the Pacific coast. He was promoted captain on July i, 1855,
and major of engineers on Aug. 6, 1861. He skillfully and successfully
conducted the defence of Fort Pickens, Fla., on Nov. 23, 1861, and as
a reward was promoted to brigadier-general of volunteers, his com-
mission to date from that time. He served with honor under Gen.
N. P. Banks and Gen. John Pope in northern Virginia, and at the
second battle of Bull Run received a wound that incapacitated him
for service for the time being. From July to Sept., 1864, he was
superintendent of the West Point academy. He then returned to duty
in the field with the Army of the West, as chief engineer superintended
the construction of the defenses in front of Nashville and participated
in the battle at that place in December. He continued to serve in the
West and South until the close of the war, holding responsible staflE
offices in the military divisions of the Mississippi and Tennessee. In
1865 he was made lieutenant-colonel of engineers and was repeatedly
brevetted "for gallant and meritorious services," reaching the rank of
brevet major-general, U. S. A., on March 13, 1865. On Jan. 15, 1866,
he was mustered out of the volunteer service, and during the following
eight years was engaged in improving the principal harbors of the
country, both for commercial and military purposes. He was promoted
colonel of engineers Jan. 13, 1874, and on the same day was volun-
tarily placed on the retired list of the army. Gen. Tower died on
March 20, 1900.
Turchin, John B., brigadier-general, was born in Russia, but in
early life migrated to America and at the time of the outbreak of the
Civil war was living in the state of Illinois. On June 17, i86r, he was
commissioned colonel of the 19th 111. infantry, and having been a
colonel of staff in the Russian Guards he paid particular attention at
the start to the drill and discipline of his regiment, utilizing the first
two weeks in camp to the utmost to make the regiment as efficient
as possible for the service before it. He pursued his endeavors in
that respect every time the regiment was not on the march, and
finally succeeded in making the 19th 111. infantry one of the best drilled
regiments in the western armies. On the evening of July 13 he arrived
at Quincy with his regiment, and on the 14th received orders from
Gen. Hurlbut to relieve the 21st 111. infantry, on the Hannibal & St.
Joseph railroad from Quincy to Palmyra, and between the latter place
and Hannibal, Mo. During their two weeks' stay in that locality the
men of his command, besides guarding several important bridges on
the railroad, made several expeditions to different points in the neigh-
borhood, chased newly organized Confederate companies out of various
plantations, destroyed their barracks and provisions, obliged the citi-
zens to give pledges not to support any more such companies, encour-
aged formations of home-guard companies at Palmyra and Newark,
suppressed the secessionists and encouraged the Unionists. So well
did Col. Turchin perform the work assigned him that, on July 17, 1862,
he was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers, in which capacity
he served until Oct. 4, 1864, when he resigned from the army and
resumed the peaceful pursuits of civil life. Gen. Turchin died June 19,
1901.
Turner, John W., brigadier-general, was born in the state of New
York, but as a child was taken to Illinois by his parents. He was a
cadet at the United States military academy from July i, 1851, to July
I, 1855, when he was graduated and promoted in the army to brevet
Biographical Sketches 277
second lieutenant of artillery. Me was commissioned second lieutenant
in the ist artillery Nov. i8, 1855; served on frontier duty at Fort Dalles,
Ore., 1855-56; participated in the Florida hostilities against the Semi-
nole Indians in 1857-58; was in garrison at Fort Adams, R. I., 1858-59;
on frontier duty at Fort Leavenworth. Kan., 1859-60; and in garrison
at the artillery school of practice at Fortress Monroe, Va., 1860-61. He
served during the Civil war, as first lieutenant in the ist artillery from
April 21, 1861, to Feb. 20, 1862, bemg commissioned captain of staff
and commissariat of subsistence Aug. 3, 1861, and was in command of
a breaching battery in the reduction of Fort Pulaski, Ga., in April,
1862. He was appointed colonel of staff and additional aide-de-camp
May 3, 1862; served as chief of commissariat of the Department of the
Gulf from May 22 to Dec. 23, 1862; as chief of staff in the Department
of the South from June 13, 1863, to May 4, 1864; was engaged in com-
mand of the artillery during the siege of Fort Wagner and in the
operations against Fort Sumter from July to November. He was
brevetted major Sept. 6, 1863, for gallant and meritorious services at
the siege of Fort Wagner, and brigadier-general of volunteers on the
following day. He was in command of a division of the loth corps,
Army of the James, in the Richmond campaign, being engaged in the
operations before Bermuda Hundred, including the action near
Drewry's bluff, and was in the siege of Petersburg. He was brevetted
lieutenant-colonel July 30, 1864, for gallant and meritorious services
in the action at the explosion of the Petersburg mine, and on Oct. i,
1864, was brevetted major-general of volunteers for gallant and meri-
torious services in the campaign of 1864 on several occasions before
the eneni}'. He was chief of staff, Departments of North Carolina
and Virginia and of the Army of the James, from Nov. 20, 1864, to
Jan. 12, 1865, and of the Department of Virginia from Jan. 12 to
March 20. On March 13, 1865, he was given the brevet of colonel for
gallant and meritorious services at the capture of Fort Gregg; briga-
dier-general, U. S. A., for faithful and meritorious services during the
rebellion; and major-general, U. S. A., for gallant and meritorious serv-
ices in the field during the rebellion. He was in command of an
independent division of the 24th army corps from March 20 to Aug. 5,
participated in the capture of Petersburg and the pursuit of the Con-
federate armj'. terminating in the capitulation at Appomattox Court
House; was in command of the 24th army corps from Aug. 5 to Aug.
10; of the District of Henrico, Va.. from June 9, 1865. to April 6, 1866;
the Department of Virginia from April 7 to May 17, and was mustered
out of the volunteer service on Sept. i, 1866. He served as purchasing
and depot commissary at St. Louis, Mo., from Oct. 31, 1866, to Feb.,
1871, and resigned from the regular army service on Sept. 4, 1871. He
then located in St. Louis and filled several responsible positions. Gen.
Turner died on April 8, 1899.
Tuttle, James M., brigadier-general, was born in Summerfield, Ohio,
Sept. 24, 1823. He received a public-school education, removed to
Farmington, la., where he engaged in agricultural and mercantile busi-
ness in 1846, was elected sheriff in 1855, county treasurer in 1857,
and recorder in 1859. At the outbreak of the Civil war he was com-
missioned lieutenant-colonel of the 2nd la. infantry, and on May 17,
1861, was promoted colonel. In Feb., 1862, he led the charge of his
regiment on Fort Donelson and his troops were the first to enter the
Confederate works. In this charge he was wounded in his sword arm,
but he continued in command of his regiment. At the battle of Shiloh
he commanded a brigade, with which he fought at the sunken road,
278 The Union Army
afterward known as the "Hornet's Nest" because of the resistance
offered the Confederates by his troops. For gallantry in this engage-
ment he was promoted brigadier-general of volunteers, June 9, 1862.
After the surrender of Corinth he commanded for some time a division
in that vicinity. During the siege of Vicksburg he had command of
a division in the 15th army corps under Gen. Sherman, and at the
first capture of Jackson he executed a flank movement, which com-
pelled the Confederates under Gen. Johnston to retreat across the
Pearl river, leaving their artillery, which he captured. In the same
year, while at home on a short furlough, he received the Democratic
nomination for governor of Iowa, but was defeated. He resigned his
commission in the army in June, 1864; was a second time defeated for
governor; served several terms in the legislature; engaged in farming,
real-estate operations and pork packing till 1877; and was subsequently
engaged in mining operations. Gen. Tuttle died at Casa Grande, Ariz.,
Oct. 24, 1892.
Tyler, Daniel, brigadier-general, was born at Brooklyn, Conn., Feb.
22, 1799. Graduating from West Point in 1819, he served as a lieuten-
ant of artillery, was adjutant of the school of practice at Fortress Mon-
roe, and while commanding the arsenal at Pikesville, Md., translated
"Maneuvers of Artillery" from the French. In 1828 he was sent
abroad to observe the French improvements in artillery, which he did
at Metz and elsewhere, making an extensive collection of lithographs
and drawings on the subject. In 1830 he was sent to the Springfield
armory to report upon the manufatture of small arms, and became a
member of the board that met to reorganize the national armories.
In 1832 he was superintendent of the inspectors of arms furnished by
contractors. Resigning in 1834, he became president of an iron and
coal company, introduced improvements in furnaces and rolling-mills,
and was one of the first Americans to produce pig-iron. He was suc-
cessively president of the Norwich & Worcester railroad, of the Morris
canal company, and of the Macon & Western railroad in Georgia
until 1848. For the next twelve years he was engaged in constructing
several railroads in Pennsylvania. He became colonel of the ist Conn,
infantrj' in April, 1861, brigadier-general of volunteers in March, 1862,
and served in the Army of the Mississippi at the siege of Corinth, was
one of the commission to investigate Buell's Kentucky campaign, and
afterward was in command at Harper's Ferry, in Baltimore and in
Delaware. He withdrew from the army in April, 1864, traveled for
some years, and lived for a time at Red Bank, N. J. Resuming active
business pursuits at an advanced age, he founded Anniston, Ala., in
1872, built iron-mills, was interested in cotton, was president of the
Mobile & Montgomery railroad, and invested largely in Texas lands.
Gen. Tyler died in New York Nov. 30, 1882.
Tyler, Erastus B., brigadier-general, was born in the state of New
York, but early in life removed to Ohio, in which state he was residing
at the time of the outbreak of the Civil war. On April 25. 1861, he
was commissioned colonel of the 7th Ohio infantry, which was organ-
ized to serve three years. The privilege of sharing in the opening
campaign in western Virginia was allotted to this regiment and on
June 29 it started for that field. Col. Tyler, at the head of this regi-
ment, was first under fire at Cross-lanes, where the several companies,
acting independently of each other, took position on neighboring hills
and, though pressed against by overwhelming numbers, tenaciously
held their positions until at last they were forced to retreat, leaving
tlie field and the dead and wounded in possession of the enemy. In
Biographical Sketches 279
the following March the spring campaign opened, and Col. Tyler and
his men participated in the first battle of Winchester, where they per-
formed an important part and added to their reputation for efficiency.
On May 14, 1862, Col. Tyler was commissioned brigadier-general of
volunteers and on March 13, 1865, was brevetted major-general of
volunteers for gallant and meritorious service during the war. He was
honorably mustered out Aug. 24, 1865, and returned to the pursuits
of private life, which he followed until the time of his death. Gen.
Tyler died Jan. 9, 1891.
Tyler, Robert O., brigadier-general, was born in Greene county,
N. Y., Dec. 22, 1831. He was taken to Hartford, Conn., in 1839 and
was graduated at West Point in 1853. As a lieutenant of artillery he
was sent to the Pacific coast in 1854; took part in the Yakima and
Spokane expeditions and in several battles with the Indians; saw the
bombardment of Fort Sumter; opened a way for the troops through
Baltimore; was made captain and depot quartermaster at Alexandria;
and on Aug. 29, 1861, was commissioned colonel of the 4th Conn, volun-
teers, which became an artillery regiment in Jan., 1862, after he had
reorganized it. In the Peninsular campaign he served at Yorktown,
Hanover Court House, Gaines' mill and Malvern hill. He was com-
missioned brigadier-general of volunteers on Nov. 29, 1862; had com-
mand of the artillery of Sumner's division at Fredericksburg; of the
artillery reserve, Army of the Potomac, at Chancellorsville and Gettys-
burg, and in the subsequent operations until Jan., 1864, when he was
assigned a division of the 22nd corps, covering Washington and the
lines of communication. In May he went through the battle of the
Wilderness with a division of the 2nd corps, his men acting as in-
fantry, and at Spottsylvania repelled an attack of Ewell on the right,
earning thereby the thanks of Gen. Meade. At Cold Harbor he re-
ceived a wound which incapacitated him for further active duty and left
its effects on his system for life. For gallantry in these battles and
abundant good service he received a sword from his old neighbors at
Hartford. Conn., the thanks of his adopted state, and all the brevets
from major to major-general in the regular army, besides that of
major-general of volunteers. He had command of several departments
from Dec, 1864, to June, 1866, became lieutenant-colonel and deputy
quartermaster general in July 1866, and served in that capacity at
Charleston, Louisville, San Francisco, New York and Boston, until his
death at Boston Dec. i, 1874.
Tyndale, Hector, brigadier-general, was born in Philadelphia, Pa.,
March 24, 1821. He became part owner of his father's well-known
china store in 1845, and in the interests of this business traveled much
in Europe. He early became a Republican and was on the first local
committee of that party. In 1859, though not in sympathy with John
Brown's raid, he, out of pure chivalry, accompanied Mrs. Brown on
her melancholy errand to Virginia, to bring back the body of her
husband after execution, and on this generous mission was threatened,
msulted, and once fired upon. Having heard of the newspaper pro-
posals of further and posthumous vengeance, he declined to receive
the coffin when handed over to him by the authorities until it was
opened and Brown's body identified. At the outbreak of hostilities
he hurried home from Europe, became major of the' 28th Pa. infantry
in June, 1861, lieutenant-colonel in April, 1862, and brigadier-general
of volunteers in Nov., 1862. He served under Banks and Pope, took
part in many battles, commanded a brigade at Antietam, and though
wounded in the hip repelled three attacks, taking 4 guns and 7 flags,
280 The Union Army
and held his post until struck down by another ball. As soon as he
was fit for duty he was again in the field, served with the Army of the
Potomac from May to Sept.. 186,3, and then went with Hooker to
Tennessee. He rendered important service at Wauhatchie, turning the
enemy's flank and carrying an elevation (afterward known as Tyndalc's
hill) by a charge with the bayonet. He took part in the battles about
Chattanooga and the march to Knoxville, but went home on sick-leave
in May, 1864, and resigned three months later, being unfit for further
service. He was brevetted major-general of volunteers in March, 1865.
In 1868 he was narrowly defeated as the Republican nominee in the
election for mayor of Philadelphia. In 1872 he became trustee, with
Prof. Joseph Henry and Dr. E. L. Youmans, of a fund for the help
of Americans studjnng physics abroad, the same having been given
by his famous relative. Prof. John Tyndall of London, from the
7)roceeds of lectures delivered in this country. Gen. Tyndale died in
Philadelphia on March 19, 1880.
Ullman, Daniel, brigadier-general, was born in Wilmington, Del.,
April 28, 1810. He was graduated at Yale, studied law, and was admit-
ted to the bar in New York city, where, besides building up a large
practice, he was for many years a master in the old court of chancery.
In 1851 he was the Whig candidate for attorney-general, and in 1854
the American (or "Know-Nothing") candidate for governor. After
the firing on Fort Sumter he raised and led to the field, as colonel,
the 77th N. Y. infantry, which served at Harper's Ferry and in many
of the early movements in the Shenandoah and Piedmont regions.
After the battle of Cedar mountain, and while the Army of Virginia
was retreating, he was prostrated with typhoid fever, left behind, and
was captured and confined in Libby prison. On his liberation he wrote
a long letter to President Lincoln, recommending the emancipation of
slaves and the arming of the freedmen as soldiers. He was commis-
sioned brigadier-general of volunteers Jan. 13, 1863, ordered to establish
headquarters in New Orleans, and to select and appoint the necessary
white officers for four regiments of colored troops and one regiment
of mounted scouts for duty in Louisiana. He rapidly raised and
equipped i^ve regiments of colored troops, which subsequently grew
into a corps of 17,000 men, and in April following he raised and organ-
ized in New Orleans the Ullman brigade, corps d'Afrique, which in
July was engaged in the siege and capture of Port Hudson. In the
following year he was placed in command of Port Hudson and all the
troops in that district, and he was in chief command at the battle of
Atchafalaya. In March, 1865, he was ordered to Cairo, then to New
York city, where he was brevetted major-general of volunteers and
mustered out of service. After retiring from the army Gen. Ullman
also retired from active life and made his home at Grand View, near
Nyack, where he passed his time in scientific and literary studies, inter-
rupting them by several trips to Europe. He died in Nyack. N. Y.,
Sept. 20, 1892.
Underwood, Adin B., brigadier-general, was born at Milford, Wor-
cester county, Mass., May ig, 1828. He was graduated at Brown univer-
sity in 1849, took the law course at Harvard, practiced at Worcester,
and then in Boston. In April, 1861, he became captain in the 2nd
Mass. infantry; in 1862 major of the 33d Mass. infantry, and in April,
1863, its colonel. He was engaged at Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville
and Gettysburg, and at Lookout mountain received injuries which left
him a cripple for life. He was commissioned brigadier-general of vol-
unteers Nov. 6, 1863; was brevetted majc-'general Sept. i, 1865; was
Brig.-Geh. J. H. \'an- Alen
Brig.-Gen. Stewart Van
Vliet
r.rig.-Gen. E. L. ViELE
Brig.-Gen. Israel Vodcis
I'.n;. iK-n. II. 1'. \an
Cleve
Brig.-Gen. C. H. Vau
WyCK
Brig.-Gen. Strong Vincent
Brig.-Gen. Adolph Von
Si einwehr
r.n:-;. I. nil. W M. \'.j..Mji;\ EK
ling. -Cell. J. C. \ KATCll
Brig.-Gen. F. L. Vinton
Brig.-Gen. M. S. Wade
Biographical Sketches 281
surveyor of customs at Boston, and died of pneumonia in Boston, Jan.
14, ]888.
Upton, Emory, brigadier-general, was born at Batavia, N. Y., Aug.
27, 1839. After a few months at Oberlin college, Ohio, he was ap-
pointed to the U. S. military academy in 1856 and was graduated in
1861. Entering the war as a lieutenant of artillery, he was wounded
at the first battle of Bull Run; served through the Peninsular campaign;
won praise from Gens. Franklin and Slocum, and had command of an
artillery brigade at South mountain and Antietam. He was appointed
colonel of the 121st N. Y. infantry in Oct., 1862, was engaged at
Fredericksburg and Salem heights, and led a brigade at Gettysburg
and Rappahannock Station, receiving a brevet for the latter. He took
part in the Wilderness campaign, was wounded at Spottsylvania while
heading an attack, and was made brigadier-general of volunteers May
12, 1864. He had a share in the defense of Washington, and in Sheri-
dan's campaign in the Shenandoah valley he was again wounded at
the Opequan while commanding a division. Upon recovering he was
assigned to the 4th cavalry division and was engaged in the expedition
which resulted in the taking of Selma, Columbus and other places in
Alabama and Georgia. At the end of the war he had received all the
brevets from major to major-general in the regular army, but he held
merelj' a captain's commission. After this he had commands in Ten-
nessee and Colorado; was mustered out of the volunteer service April
30, 1866, and was made lieutenant-colonel of the 26th infantry three
months later. He now had time to complete his "System of Infantry
Tactics," which was published and adopted in 1867. In 1870-75 he was
commandant of cadets at West Point, and in 1875-77 went on a tour
of inspection abroad, the outcome of which was his "Armies of Asia
and Europe" (1878). In 1877 he was assigned to the artillery school
of practice at Fortress Monroe, and in 1880 became colonel of the
4th artillery and was stationed at the Presidio. San Francisco, Cal.,
until his death. He died by his own hand on March 14, 1881, while
suflfering derangement from chronic catarrh.
Van Alen, James H., brigadier-general, was born in the state of New
York, and early in 1861 offered his services to the Federal government
in the then pending crisis. On Aug. 28, 1861, he was commissioned
colonel of the 3d N. Y. cavalry. He had received authority from the
war department on July 26 to recruit this regiment, and it was com-
monly known as the "Van Alen cavalry" in honor of its organizer and
first colonel. As fast as organized the several companies left the state
and proceeded to Meridian hill, Washington, where the regiment was
organized early in September and Col. Van Alen assumed command
on Sept. 9. With his regiment he served in Bank's and Stone's divi-
sions of the Army of the Potomac until the following spring, and on
April 15, 1862, Col. Van Alen was commissioned brigadier-general of
volunteers. He served in this capacity until July 14, 1863, \yhen he
resigned from the service and returned to the pursuits of civil life.
Gen. Van Alen lost his life by drowning on July 22, 1886.
Van Cleve, Horatio P., brigadier-general, was born in Princeton,
N. J., Nov. 23, 1809. He was educated at Princeton and at the United
States military academy, being graduated at the latter in 1831. He
served on frontier duty in the army from 1831 till 1836; resigned and
engaged in farming near Monroe, Mich., till 1839; taught in Cincinnati,
Ohio, for one year; followed farming near Ann Arbor, Mich., till 1854;
was a civil engineer in the state service in 1855, and in 1856 was ap-
pointed United States surveyor of public lands in Minnesota. He was
283 The Union Army
appointed colonel of the 2nd Minn, infantry early in 1861; took part
in the operations in Kentucky; was promoted brigadier-general of vol-
unteers March 21, 1862, and with the Army of the Ohio was at the
siege and capture of Corinth. At the battle of Stone's river he was
disabled by a wound, but he soon recovered and commanded his bri-
grade at Chickamauga. From Dec, 1863, to Aug. 24, 1865, he was in
command at Murfreesboro. He was brevetted major-general of volun-
teers on March 13, 1865, and after the war he was restored to the
regular army and retired by special act of Congress. In 1866-70 and
1876-82 he was adjutant-general of Minnesota. Gen. Van Cleve died
in Minneapolis, Minn., April 24, 1891.
Van Derveer, Ferdinand, brigadier-general, was born in Butler
county, Ohio, in 1823. He grew to manhood there, studied law, and
had entered upon the practice of his profession when the Mexican war
claimed his attention. On May 31, 1846, he was mustered in as first
sergeant in the ist Ohio infantry and served until mustered out on
June 12, 1847, being promoted to first lieutenant Sept. 2, 1846, and to
captain Oct. 5 of the same year. After the close of that war he re-
turned home and continued to practice his profession until the break-
ing out of the Civil war. On Sept. 24, 1861, he was commissioned col-
onel of the 35th Ohio infantry, which was organized at Hamilton, Ohio,
to serve three years. Two days later the regiment moved to Coving-
ton, Ky.. and on the same night took a train on the Kentucky Central
railroad. Col. Van Derveer then placed parties at all the bridges along
the road and made his headquarters at Cynthiana. With his regiment
he participated in some of the skirmishes during the siege of Corinth
and was among the first to enter the works at that place. In the move-
ment against Bragg, the fight at Perryville and the pursuit to Crab
Orchard, he bore an honorable part. All through the ensuing cam-
paign, which began at Murfreesboro and ended at Chattanooga, with
his regiment he was in the front of the marching and fighting. On
the first day of the fight at Chickamauga, the 35th and the other regi-
ments composing the brigade were stationed on the extreme left of
the Federal line, where tliey engaged and, after several hours of a fair,
stand-up fight, repulsed and beat back three several attacks of the
elite of the Confederate army. On the next day Col. Van Derveer
again brought his regiment early into action, and it fought all day,
firing the last shots that were fired by friend or foe on the battle-field
of Chickamauga. The regiment with its gallant colonel in the lead
was on the front line at Missionarj^ ridge, and was among the first to
reach the enemy's works on the crest, from which it drove the Con-
federate force and captured three pieces of artillery. Col. Van Derveer
was engaged at the first battle at Buzzard's Roost, after which his
regiment was stationed at Ringgold until the beginning of the Atlanta
campaign. He was engaged at Dalton, Resaca, Pine mountain. Ken-
nesaw mountain, Peachtree creek, and several other fights in that
bloody contest for the possession of Atlanta, and was mustered out of
the service with his regiment Aug. 26, 1864. He was coinmissioned
brigadier-general of volunteers Oct. 4, 1864, and served in that capacity
until June 15, 1865, when he resigned. Gen. Van Derveer then returned
to his home at Hamilton, Ohio, and continued to reside there until
his death, Nov. 5, 1892.
Vandever, William, brigadier-general, was born in Baltimore. Md.,
March 31, 1S17. He received an academic education, studied law,
moved to Illinois in 1839, and settled in Iowa in 1851. His industry
and sterling qualities soon began to make an impression among the
Biographical Sketches 283
pioneers of those days, with the result that in 1859-61 he represented
the Dubuque district in Congress as a Republican. After the battle
of Bull Run Congressman Vandever promptly waited on Sec. Cameron
and offered to recruit a regiment and a battery of artillery in Iowa
for the defense of the Union, which offer was promptly accepted. Col.
Vandever being authorized to proceed and have his regiment and
artillery company ready for service as soon as possible. Relinquishing
his seat in the house he returned home, organized his regiment under
the title of the gth la. infantry, and led it to the field with the battery
known as the 3d la. battery. He accompanied Gen. Curtis in his south-
western campaign and commanded a brigade in the battle of Pea ridge.
The day before this battle he and his men accomplished a remarkable
march of 45 miles (having been sent away on reconnoitering duty)
in order to reinforce the main body. When first recommended for a
brigadier-general's commission he declined that honor, modestly inti-
mating that he still lacked experience. However, he finally accepted
the proflfered honor after the battle of Arkansas Post, "for gallant
and meritorious services." He participated in the Vicksburg and
Atlanta campaigns under Gen. Sherman and was stationed at Kenne-
saw mountain previous to the battle of Allatoona. At this time he
succeeded in signaling over the heads of the Confederates to the
officer commanding at Allatoona, the celebrated message, "'Sherman
says. 'Hold on. I am coming.' " On March 19, 1865, he did gallant
work at Bentonville, N. C, in repelling the sudden assault of Gen.
Johnston on Sherman's left wing, for which he was brevctted a major-
general of volunteers. After the war Gen. Vandever resumed the prac-
tice of law for a while and then, from 1873 until 1877, was a govern-
ment Indian inspector. In 1886 he moved to California and settled in
San Buenaventura, but was soon discovered in his retirement by the
Republican party, elected to Congress the same year and reelected in
1888. Gen. Vandever died July 23, 1893.
Van Vliet, Stewart, brigadier-general, was born in the state of New
York, and was a cadet at the U. S. military academy from July i, 1836,
to July I, 1840. when he was graduated and became second lieutenant
in the 3d artillery. He served in garrison at Fort Columbia, N. Y.,
1840; in the Florida war, 1840-42; being engaged against the Seminoles
in several skirmishes; and was in garrison at Savannah, Ga., 1843-46.
He served as first lieutenant in the 3d artillery from Nov. 19, 1843,
to Dec. 24, 1853, in the meantime participating in the Mexican war,
being engaged in the battle of Monterey and the siege of Vera Cruz
and serving as quartermaster of the 3d artillery from March 28 to
June 4, 1847, when he was commissioned captain of staff and assistant
quartermaster. He was on quartermaster duty with the Missouri
mounted volunteers, building posts on the Oregon route, 1847-51; was
stationed at St. Louis, Mo., 1851-52; Fort Brown, Tex.. 1852-53; Brazos
Santiago, Tex., 1853-54; Fort Brown again, 1854-55; was on the Sioux
expedition from April 3, 1855, to July 17, 1856, being engaged in the
action of Blue Water; was on special services in Utah. 1857; at New
York city, 1857-58, and at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., 1858-61. On Aug.
3, 1861, he was commissioned major of staff and quartermaster "for
fourteen years' service as captain." and acted as chief quartermaster
of the Army of the Potomac from Aug. 20, 1861, to "July 10, 1862. He
served as brigadier-general of volunteers from Sept. 23, 1861. to July
17, 1862, and was stationed at New York city from the latter date to
March 31, 1867, furnishing supplies and transportation to the armies
in the field. He was brevetted lieutenant-colonel, colonel and briga-
284 The Union Army
dier-general, U. S. A., Oct. 28, 1864, for faithful and meritorious serv-
ices during the rebellion; was commissioned brigadier-general of volun-
teers March 13, 1865, and on the same date was given the brevets of
major-general of volunteers for faithful and meritorious services during
the rebellion, and major-general. U. S. A., for "faithful and distin-
guished services in the quartermaster's department during the war."
On July 29, 1866, he was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of staff and
deputy quartermaster-general, and on 'Sept. i, of the same year, he
was mustered out of the volunteer service. He then served as depot
quartermaster at Baltimore, Md., from April 18, 1867, to May 13,
1869, and as chief quartermaster of the Division of the Atlantic from
June 15, 1869, to June i, 1872. He was commissioned colonel of staff
and assistant quartermaster-general on June 6, 1872; served as chief
quartermaster of the Department of Missouri from Oct. 28, 1872, to
July 13. 1875; of the Philadelphia depot of quartermasters' stores until
Nov. 8, of the latter year; as inspector of quartermaster's department,
with headquarters at Washington, D. C, from Nov. 12, 1875, to Jan. 22,
1881. when he was retired from active service. Gen. Van Vliet died
March 28, 1901.
Van Wyck, Charles H., brigadier-general, was born in Poughkeepsie,
N. Y., May 10, 1824. graduated at Rutgers college in 1843, studied law,
was district attorney of Sullivan county, N. Y., in 1850-56, and was a
representative in Congress in 1859-63. While in his second term he
was commissioned colonel of the 56th N. Y. infantrj', with which he
served to the close of the war, being promoted brigadier-general of
volunteers in 1865. In 1866 and 1868 he was reelected to Congress.
He removed to Nebraska in 1874, was a delegate to the constitutional
convention in 1S76, state senator in 1876-80, was elected United States
senator as a Republican, and took his seat March 4, 1881. In the senate
he distinguished himself by persistency in the attempt to secure the
removal of secrecy from its executive sessions. In 1892 he was de-
feated as the Populist candidate for governor of the state. Gen. Van
Wyck was conspicuous in organizing the Farmers' Alliance movement
in Nebraska. He died in Washington, D. C, Oct. 24, 1895.
Veatch, James C, brigadier-general, was born near Elizabethtown,
Ind., Dec. 19, 1819. He was admitted to the bar, practiced for many-
years and was elected to the Indiana legislature in 1861. On Aug. g,
1861, he was commissioned colonel of the 25th Ind. infantry; was
promoted brigadier-general of volunteers April 28, 1862, and in Aug.,
1865, was brevetted major-general of volunteers for distinguished serv-
ices during the war. He took part in the actions at Fort Donelson
and Shiloh, the sieges of Corinth, Vicksburg and Mobile, and the At-
lanta campaign. He was appointed adjutant-general of Indiana in
1869, and was collector of internal revenue in 1870-83. Gen. Veatch
died in Rockport, Ind., Dec. 22. 1895.
Viele, Egbert L., brigadier-general, was born at Waterford, N. Y.,
June 17, 1825. He was graduated at the United States military acad-
emy June 17, 1847, when he joined the army under Gen. Winfield Scott
at the seat of war in Mexico, and afterward served under Gen. Zachary
Taylor. At the close of the Mexican war he was assigned to duty
with his regiment on the Rio Grande, constructing a military road 125
miles long from Rio Grande city to Laredo. Tex. He was assigned
by Gen. Worth to the command of a battalion of troops at the latter
place and established Fort Mcintosh, still an important frontier post.
After serving four years in campaigns against the Comanche Indians
he resigned his commission and entered civil life as an engineer. He
Biographical Sketches 285
was appointed state engineer of New Jersey and conducted a geodetic
survey of that state as the basis of the geological survey, which is the
most thoroughly scientific work of the kind now extant, surpassing
the celebrated ordnance survey of England and the topographical
surveys of France and Austria. After having designed the original
plan of the New York Central park he was appointed engineer-in-chief
of that important work and subsequently designed the Prospect park
of Brooklyn. On the breaking out of the Civil war he was captam
of engineers in the well-known 7th N. Y. regiment and commanded a
detachment of 300 men, which, with the steamer Daylight, opened the
passage of the Potomac river to Washington, raised the Confederate
blockade, and were the first troops to reach the national capital by
that route. Upon arriving at Washington his command was met at
the landing by President Lincoln and personally thanked by him for
their courage. Subsequently he aided in the construction of Fort
Runyon, the first fort erected by the Federal troops in the war. Hav-
ing without solicitation been appointed brigadier-general of volunteers
by President Lincoln, he organized a camp of instruction at Scars-
dale for New York troops; was afterward assigned to duty with the
expedition to the South Atlantic; was second in command of the land
forces at the capture of Port Royal and chief in command at the
investment and reduction of Fort Pulaski; following which he pro-
ceeded to Washington and accompanied the president, secretary of war
and secretary of the treasury to Fortress Monroe, Va., where he
planned and led the advance on Norfolk, and on its surrender became
military governor, the arduous and responsible duties of which were
performed with such satisfaction to the government that the secretary
of war would not listen to his repeated application to be relieved to
take the field with his troops. When the issue became certain and
the final surrender of the Confederates a mere question of months,
Gen. Viele resigned his command and returned to civil life, becoming
one of the most active men in his profession, more especially in sani-
tary and municipal improvements. As a member of Congress from
the city of New York he accomplished more in one term than many
others have accomplished in six terms. Among other things the
Harlem river improvement will be forever associated with his name.
Gen. Viele died on April 22, 1902.
Vincent, Strong, brigadier-general, was born in Waterford. Pa.,
June 17, 1837. His early education was obtained in the academy at
Erie, where he spent two years in his father's iron foundry. Recog-
nizing the need of a wider education, he took a course in the scientific
department of Trinity college at Hartford, Conn., and later entered
Harvard, where he was graduated in 1859. He studied law with such
assiduity that the following year he was admitted to the bar and opened
practice in Erie. Upon the breaking out of the Civil war he volun-
teered for three months' service and was elected second lieutenant and
later adjutant. Upon the expiration of this term of service he reenlistd
for three years, was appointed major, and in Sept., 1861, was promoted
to be lieutenant-colonel of the 83d Pa. infantry. He took part in the
siege at Yorktown, but succumbed to an attack of swamp fever soon
after the battle of Hanover Court House. Upon his recovery he was
made colonel and temporarily commanded a brigade during the retreat
at Fredericksburg. In 1863 he was given command of a brigade as
ranking colonel and rendered efficient service to the cavalry under Gen.
Pleasonton at Aldie. At the battle of Gettysburg July 3. when Gen.
Warren sent word from the left to have Little Round Top occupied
286 The Union Army
I)j' a brigade, Gen. Vincent, in the absence of the division commander
assumed the responsibihty of sending his own brigade, and posted
his men on the left hand crest and in the hollow between it and Round
Top, at the point where the first attempt was made by the Confeder-
ates to turn the left flank of the Federal army. As Col. O'Rourke's
regiment met the charge of the enemy it faltered for a moment and
Gen. Vincent sprang out in front and cheered it on, when he was shot,
dying four days later from the wound. He was commissioned briga-
dier-general of volunteers for his gallantry on this occasion.
Vinton, Francis L., brigadier-general, was born at Fort Preble, Me.,
June I, 1835, son of Maj. John B. Vinton, after whose death he was
cared for by his uncle Francis. He was graduated at West Point in
1856, but presently resigned to enter the school of mines at Paris.
Completing the course there in i860, he made some mineralogical re-
searches in Central America and was reappointed in the army as
captain in the i6th infantry in Aug., 1861. Being ofifered a colonelcy
of volunteers by three governors, he accepted that of the 43d N. Y.,
served in the Army of the Potomac under Hancock, was engaged at
Williamsburg, Gaines' mill and elsewhere, and was made brigadier-
general of volunteers Sept. 19. 1862. A severe wound, received while
leading a charge at Fredericksburg, incapacitated him for further serv-
ice and he resigned on May 6, 1863. In Sept., 1864. he took the chair
of mining engineering in the newly organized school of mines in
Columbia college and held it until 1877, having charge also of civil
engineering from 1870. He wrote much for the "Engineering and
Mining Journal," and other technical papers; published a poem, "'The
Guardian, a Diversion" (1869); "Lectures on Machines" (1869); and
"Theory of the Strength of Materials" (1874). His last years were
spent at Denver as consulting engineer of mines. Gen. Vinton died
at Leadville, Col.. Oct. 6, 1879.
Vogdes, Israel, brigadier-general, was born in Willistown, Pa., Aug.
4, 1816. He was graduated at the United States military academy
in 1837, and entered the army as second lieutenant in the ist artillery.
In the permanent establishment he was promoted first lieutenant July
9, 1838; captain Aug. 20, 1847; major May 14, 1861; lieutenant-colonel,
5th U. S. artillery June i, and colonel of the ist U. S. artillery on
Aug. I, 1863; was brevetted brigadier-general April 9, 1865, for gallant
and meritorious services in the field during the Civil war; and was re-
tired at his own request on Jan. 2, 1881. In the volunteer service he
was appointed brigadier-general of volunteers on Nov. 29, 1862, and
was mustered out on Jan. 15, 1866. He was assistant professor of
mathematics in the United States military academy from his gradu-
ation till 1849. served against the Seminole Indians in Florida, was
attached to the artillery school at Fortress Monroe in 1858-60, and was
ordered to reinforce Fort Pickens, Fla., in 1861. He was captured
while repelling a night attack on Santa Rosa island Oct. 9, 1861, and
confined in Libby prison till exchanged in Aug.. 1862. The batteries
on Lighthouse inlet were constructed by him and he commanded them
in the attack on Morris island, July 9, 1863. From Aug.. 1863, till Feb.,
1864, he was engaged in the operations against Charleston. After the
war he was in command of the ist artillery at Fort Hamilton, N. Y.,
till his retirement. Gen. Vogdes died in Isfew York city Dec. 7, 1889.
Von Steinwehr, Adolph, brigadier-general, was born in Germany,
but in early life migrated to America and at the opening of the Civil
war was living in the state of New York. On June 6, 1861, he was
commissioned colonel of the 29th N. Y. infantry, known as the "Astor
Biographical Sketches 287
Rifles," which was recruited in New York city and there mustered
into the U. S. service for a two years' term. On June 21 Col. Von
Steinwehr left the state with his regiment for Washington, where
he occupied Camp Dorsheinicr, and moved to Arlington Heights on
July 9. He was assigned to Blenker's brigade and was present in the
reserve at Bull Run, returning after the battle to Washington. From
July 26 to Oct. 13 he was stationed at Roach's mills. On Oct. 12, 1861,
he was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers and served in
that capacity until July 3, 1865, when he resigned from tlie military serv-
ice and resumed the pursuits of civil life. Gen. Von Steinwehr died
Feb. 25, 1877.
Wade, Melancthon S., brigadier-general, was born in the state of
Ohio in 1802. fie took a deep interest in military affairs from early
youth, rose to a brigadier-generalship in the Ohio militia about 1840,
and continued in command till 1849. He offered his services to the
government in 1861, was commissioned a brigadier-general of volun-
teers by President Lincoln, and was for some time in command of
Camp Dennison until he resigned his commission March 18, 1862.
Gen. Wade died Aug. 11, 1868.
Wadsworth, James S., brigadier-general, was born in Geneseo,
Livingston county, N. Y., Oct. 30, 1807. He was the son of James
Wadsworth. an extensive landowner and philanthropist of Geneseo,
under whose care he received a thorough rudimentary education, after
which he was sent to Harvard college and thence to Yale college, where
he completed his studies. Soon after graduating he entered upon the
study of law in Albany, finishing his course in the office of the great
statesman and lawyer, Daniel Webster, and was admitted to the bar
in 1833, but did not practice his profession, as the charge of his im-
mense estate required his whole attention. A few years later Mr.
Wadsworth turned his attention somewhat to local politics. A Fed-
eralist by education and a Democrat by conviction, he early took part
in the "Free Soil" movement that divided the Democracy of the state,
giving a zealous support to the presidential candidate of that party
in 1848 and to the Republican candidates of 1856 and i860. Like his
father, he manifested a deep and active interest in the cause of edu-
cation. He founded a public library at Geneseo; was a liberal sub-
scriber to the endowment of Geneseo college; aided in the establish-
ment of the school district library system; and in every way did what
lay in his power to relieve suffering and diffuse the benefits of our
free institutions. Acting as a commissioner under an appointment
from the legislature of New York to the Peace Convention held in
Washington in 1861. when it became evident that war was inevitable
he was prompt to offer his services to the government. When com-
munication with the capital was cut off he chartered two ships upon
his own responsibility, loaded them with provisions and proceeded with
them to Annapolis, where they arrived most opportunely to supply
the pressing necessities of the government. Commencing his mili-
tary career as a volunteer aide to Gen. McDowell at the first battle
of Bull Run. upon the recommendation of that general, Wadsworth
was appointed brigadier-general of volunteers in Aug.. 1861, and in
March, 1862, became military governor of the District of Columbia.
In the election of governor of New York in Nov., 1862, Gen. Wads-
worth was the Republican candidate, but was defeated by Mr. Seymour.
In the following December he was assigned to th'e command of a
division in the Army of the Potomac. At Fredericksburg and Chan-
cellorsville he displayed great military skill, and at Gettysburg his
388 The Union Army
division saved the first day. Upon the reorganization of the Army
of the Potomac for the campaign of 1864, Gen. Wadsworth was as-
signed to the command of the 4th division, 5th corps, at the head of
which he bravely met his death, in the battle of the Wilderness on
May 6, 1864.
Wagner, George D., brigadier-general, was born in the state of
Ohio, but removed to Indiana in early life and was residing in that
state at the outbreak of the Civil war. On June 14, 1861, he was
commissioned colonel of the 15th Ind. infantry, a regiment that was
organized at Lafayette, Ind., and mustered in for three years. With
this regiment he moved to Clarksburg, W. Va., then marched to Rich
mountain, whicli was reached during the progress of the battle there,
and joined in the pursuit of the enemy, capturing many prisoners. He
was stationed in Elkwater valley until Nov. 19, being engaged in the
repulse of Lee's forces and at the battle of Greenbrier. He joined
Buell's forces at Louisville and participated in his campaign. He was
engaged at Shiloh, the siege of Corinth, took part in the battle of
Perryville, and moved for Nashville in Nov., 1862. Col. Wagner was
commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers Nov. 29, 1862, and con-
tinued to serve in that capacity until Aug. 24, 1865, when he was
honorably mustered out of the service and resumed the pursuits of
civil life. Gen. Wagner died Feb. 13, 1869.
Walcutt, Charles C, brigadier-general, was born at Columbus, Ohio,
Feb. 12, 1838, son of John Macy and Mariel (Broderick) Walcutt
(originally spelled Wolcott). He was educated in the public schools
of his native city and at the Kentucky military institute, near Frank-
fort, Ky., where he was graduated in 1858. He then entered upon the
avocation of civil engineering and was elected county surveyor of
Franklin county. Ohio, in 1859. On the first call for troops in April,
1861, he raised a company of men, but Ohio's quota being full it was
not accepted. In June, 1861, he was commissioned major and as-
signed to duty as inspector in West Virginia on the staff of Gen. Hill.
In 1862 he was made colonel, and on July 30, 1864, was made briga-
dier-general of volunteers for bravery and especial gallantry at the
battle of Atlanta, receiving the thanks of Gen. Blair for saving the
17th army corps. Gen. Walcutt's service was most of the time with
Gen. Sherman, and he participated in all of the engagements of that
command. He was wounded in the left shoulder at Shiloh and carried
through life the bullet lodged there. He was at Vicksburg. Jackson,
Miss.. Missionary ridge, relief of Knoxville, Kennesaw mountain. Dal-
las, Burnt Hickory and Noonday creek. He was engaged in the bat-
tles of Ezra Church, Jonesboro and Lovejoy's Station, Ga., and was
in comm.and at the battle of Griswoldville, the most important on
Sherman's march to the sea. Early in this action Gen. Walcutt was
severely wounded by the explosion of a shell and from that time
was compelled to be carried in a captured carriage. For special gal-
lantry in this action he was made a major-general of volunteers by
brevet. He was mustered out in Feb., 1866, and took charge of the
Ohio penitentiary, but after remaining there a few months he was
appointed and accepted a commission as lieutenant-colonel of the loth
U. S. cavalry. He remained in this service about six months, when
he resigned and resumed the position of warden of the Ohio peni-
tentiary. In this capacity he served until July i, 1869, his executive
ability being of great service, as the institution, formerly an ex-
pense to the state, was made more than self-supporting. In May, 1869,
he was appointed U. S. collector of internal revenue, serving until
Brig.-t.cn. J. S. Wads-
WORTH
Maj.-Gen. Lewis Wallace
I'.rig.-r.en. W. T. Ward
Maj.Cen. G. K. Warren
r.rig.-Gen. G. D. Wagner
BriR.-Gen. W. H. L.
Wallace
Brig.-Gen. J. M. Warner
Maj.-Gen. C. C. Wash-
burn
r.rig.Geii. C. C. Walcltt
Urig.Gen. J. 11. H. Ward
Brig.-Gen. Fitz Henry
Warren
Brig.-Gen. L. D. W.\tkins
Biographical Sketches 289
July, 1883. In April, 1883, he was elected mayor of the city of Colum-
bus and was reelected in 1885. In 1875 he was elected a member of
the school board of Columbus, was its president for seven years and
remained a member until the term of 1894. During this time he de-
voted himself to the building up and making efficient the public schools
of the city, which owe to him much of their present high standard.
Gen. Walcutt was chairman of the state Republican committee 1872-73,
and contributed to the second election of Gen. Grant to the presidency.
He was one of the Grant electors in 1868; was for a number of years
a member and president of the Franklin county agricultural society;
as a member of the Loyal Legion was senior vice-commander and one
of the charter members of the Ohio commandery; and was a Knight
Templar Mason. Gen. Walcutt died May 2, 1898.
Wallace, Lewis, major-general, was born at Brookville, Franklin
county, Ind., April 10, 1827. He did not take kindly to the restraints
of school and an attempt to put him through college resulted in failure.
He was passionately fond of reading, however, and at an early age
showed a talent for drawing and painting, which might have made
of him an artist had it been cultivated. He wore in those days a
white oil-cloth cap, and when taken to church against his will was apt
to decorate the crown with faithful likenesses of the preacher and vari-
ous members of the congregation. After leaving college he studied
law in his father's office, was admitted to the bar and practiced regu-
larly for a number of years, but never developed any real liking for
the profession. He took part in both the Mexican and Civil wars.
In the former he attained the rank of first lieutenant and in the latter
that of major-general of volunteers. In 1861 he was adjutant-general
of the state, but he resigned this office for a commission as colonel
of the nth Ind. infantry. His services in the field were conspicuous
and valuable. He led a division at the capture of Fort Donelson,
being the first Federal officer of rank who entered the fort. He also
contributed largely to the victory at Shiloh by his gallant fighting on
the second day. After the war he served upon the commission before
which those accused of the assassination of Lincoln were tried, upon
the returning board in Florida in 1876, as governor of New Mexico
from 1878-81 and as U. S. minister to Turkey, 1881-85. After his
return from Turkey he made his home at Crawfordsville, Ind., where
he engaged in literary work, being widely known as the author of
Ben Hur. Gen. Wallace died in 1905.
Wallace, William H. L., brigadier-general, was born in Urbana,
Ohio, July 8, 1821, was educated for the law, served in the Mexican
war. and in 1853 was elected state attorney for the 9th judicial cir-
cuit of Illinois, to which state he had removed with his parents in
his youth. As colonel of the nth 111. infantry, he joined the depot
at Cairo during the early stages of the war; held a command in the
troops sent to attack Fort Henry; distinguished himself in the siege
of Fort Donelson, where he commanded a brigade in Gen. McCler-
nand's division of Gen. Grant's army; and for his gallantry on that
occasion was made a full brigadier-general of volunteers by Congress
on March 21, 1862. With that rank he went with the expedition up
the Tennessee river and died at Savannah, Tenn., on April 10. 1862,
from a wound received at the battle of Shiloh.
Ward, John H. H., brigadier-general, was born in New York city
June 17, 1823. He enlisted in the 7th U. S. infantry in 1841 and passed
through the various grades of promotion until he was appointed ser-
geant-major in Aug., 1845. He was stationed at Corpus Christi, par-
Vol. VIII— 19
290 The Union Army
ticipated in the siege of Fort Brown and the battles about Monterey
under Gen. Worth, and was subsequently under Gen. Scott at Vera
Cruz, Cerro Gordo and Huamantla. At the termination of the Mexi-
can war he returned to New York city, was appointed assistant com-
missary-general of New York and served for five years in that
capacity. In Jan., 1855, he was promoted to commissary-general and
retired in 1859. At the commencement of the Civil war he recruited the
38th N. Y. infantry, and was its first colonel. He took part in the first
battle of Bull Run, in which his regiment lost 126 men, and partici-
pated in all the battles of tlie Peninsula under McClellan, including
Yorktown, Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Glendale and Malvern hill to
the James river. When the army returned from the Peninsula he
was engaged in the battles of the second Bull Run, Groveton and
Chantilly, and on Oct. 4, 1862, was promoted to be brigadier-general
of volunteers. He was assigned to the Army of the Potomac,
commanded the 2nd brigade, ist division, 3d army corps, at Freder-
icksburg. Chancellorsville, Auburn mills, and during the first day at
Gettysburg, and on the second and third days at Gettysburg, Kelly's
ford and Wapping heights he was in command of the ist division. He
also commanded a brigade at Mine run, l^ocust Grove, the Wilderness,
Spottsylvania, and in a number of minor campaigns, and was mus-
tered out of service July 21, 1864. Subsequently he was appointed
clerk of the superior court of New York city.
Ward, William T., brigadier-general, was born in the state of Ken-
tucky, and first saw military service as a member of a Kentucky
regiment during the Mexican war. On Oct. 4, 1847, he was com-
missioned major of the 4th Ky. infantry and served in that capacity
until July 25. 1848, when he was mustered out of the service. Upon
the breaking out of the Civil war he again tendered his services to
the Federal government and on Sept. 18, 1861, was commissioned
brigadier-general of volunteers. So faithful and meritorious was his
service in this capacity that, on Feb. 24, 1865, he was given the brevet
rank of major-general of volunteers, and on Aug. 24, 1865, he was
honorably mustered out of the service. Gen. Ward died Oct. 12, 1878.
Warner, James M., brigadier-general, was born in the state of Ver-
mont, was a cadet at the United States military academy from Jul}' i,
1855, to July I, i860, when he was graduated and promoted in the
army to brevet second lieutenant of infantry. He served on frontier
duty at Fort Wise, Col., 1860-62, being commissioned second lieuten-
ant in the 8th infantry Feb. 28, and first lieutenant in the same regi-
ment on May 30, 1861. On Sept. i, 1862, he was commissioned colonel
of the nth Vt. volunteers and served with heavy artillery in the de-
fenses of Washington from the date of his commission until May 12,
1864. He then started with the Army of the Potomac on the Riclimond
campaign, was engaged in the battles of Spottsylvania, where he was
severely wounded, and was on sick leave of absence as the result of
his wound until July 8. He was then in command of the ist brigade of
Gen. Hardin's division in the defenses of Washington during Gen.
Early's raid upon the capital. On Aug. i, 1864, he was brevetted
brigadier-general of volunteers for gallant and meritorious services
at the battle of Spottsylvania; was in the Shenandoah cainpaign from
August to December, being engaged in the skirmish at Charlestown
and the battle of the Opequan; was in command of the ist brigade,
2nd division, 6th army corps, at the storming of Flint hill, the battles
of Fisher's hill and Cedar creek, and several skirmishes. On Oct. 8,
1864, he was commissioned captain in the 8th infantry; was with the
Biographical Sketches 291
Army of the Potomac in the Richmond campaign from Dec, 1864,
to April, 1865, including tlie siege of Petersburg, the assault of the
enemy's works on Marcli 25, the attack which terminated the siege
on April 2, the pursuit of the Confederate army, the battle of Sailor's
creek, and the capitulation of Gen. Lee at Appomattox. On March 13,
1865, he was brevetted major, lieutenant-colonel and colonel, for gal-
lant and meritorious services during the rebellion, and participated in
the movements of the 6th army corps to Washington and until its
disbandment in July, 1865. On April 9, 1865. he was brevetted
brigadier-general, U. S. A., for gallant and meritorious services in
the field during the rebellion, and on May 8, 1865, he was given the
full rank of brigadier-general of volunteers. He was mustered out
of the volunteer service Jan. 15, 1866, and resigned from the regular
arni}^ Feb. 13, of the same year. He engaged in business as a paper
manufacturer at Albany, N. Y., which was his chief occupation during
a long and successful business career. On Dec. ig, 1889, he was ap-
pointed postmaster at Albany and served in that position during the
administration of President Harrison. Gen. Warner died March 16,
1897.
Warren, Fitz Henry, brigadier-general, was born in Brimfield,
Mass., in 1816. In 1844 he went to Burlington, la., where he became
interested in journalism and politics. He was appointed second assist-
ant postmaster-general in 1849, afterward served as first assistant;
was a member of the Iowa state senate in 1866; minister to Guatemala
in 1867-68; and was a presidential elector on the Iowa Democratic
ticket in 1872. During the war he was in command of the ist la.
cavalry, and in 1862 was promoted to be brigadier-general of volun-
teers, and major-general of volunteers by brevet. In journalism he
was connected with the "Burlington Hawkeye" (Iowa), of which he
was for a time the editor, and with the New York "Tribune" and
"Sun."
Warren, Gouverneur K., major-general, was born at Cold Spring,
Putnam county, N. Y., Jan. 8, 1830. He entered the United States
military academy in 1846; was graduated in 1850; was assigned to
the topographical engineers; was employed in survej'-s on the lower
Mississippi in 1850-54; in the West in 1855-59 as chief topographical
engineer on Gen. William S. Harney's stafT; in the preparation of rail-
road maps in Dakota and Nebraska, and was the first explorer of the
Black hills. In 1859 he became assistant professor of mathematics at
West Point; in May. 1861, lieutenant-colonel of the 5th N. Y. infantry
(Zouaves), and in August its colonel. At Big Bethel he remained on
the field to bring off the body of Lieut. Greble. After serving before
Yorktown he received command of a brigade in Sykes' division. Por-
ter's corps, on the right of the Army of the Potomac. In that cam-
paign he took part in various battles; but was slightly wounded at
Gaines' mill; was engaged under Pope at Manassas; lost half of his
regiment at Antietam; was made brigadier-general of A^olunteers on
Sept. 26, 1862, and served under Burnside at Fredericksburg. On Feb.
2, 1863, he was placed on Hooker's staiif as chief of topographical en-
gineers, and on June 8 was appointed chief engineer of the Potomac.
At Gettysburg on July 2, he occupied and defended Little Round Top,
the key to the Federal position. In August he was commissioned
major-general of volunteers, dating from Chancellorsville, May 3. On
Oct. 14 he repulsed A. P. Hill at Bristoe Station and was praised by
Meade for "skill and promptitude." At Mine run he used his discretion
in not carrying out a movement ordered by Meade and was approved
292 The Union Army
for so doing. P'rom the reorganization of the arm\' in IMarch, 1864,
he had command of the Sth corps and led it in the bloody actions of
the Wilderness, Cold Harbor, etc. He gave up his volunteer commis-
sion on May 27, 1865, having been made captain in the regular army
in Sept.. 1861 and major in June, 1864, and having received in suc-
cession all the brevets up to major-general. A soldier to the core,
he never left the army, conducted various surveys and reached the
grade of lieutenant-colonel in 1879. Gen. Warren died at Newport,
R. I., Aug 8, 1882.
Washburn, Cadwallader C, major-general, was born at Livermore,
Androscoggin county, Me., April 22, 1818. He was brought up on
a farm, went west in 1839, took part in the survey of Iowa, conducted
that of Rock Island county, 111., and in 1842 was admitted to the bar
and settled at Mineral Point, Wis. There, with his partner, C. Wood-
man, he founded a bank in 1852, and dealt largely in real estate. He
was in Congress as a Whig and a Republican from 1855-61. In 1859
he removed to La Crosse, later to Madison, Wis., and went into
the war as colonel of the 2nd Wis. cavalry. He was employed at first
in Arkansas and rendered such good service at Grand Coteau, La., and
elsewhere that he was promoted to brigadier-general of volunteers in
July, and major-general in Nov., 1862. He bore a part in the opera-
tions about Vicksburg, commanded the 13th corps in the Department
of the Gulf and a portion of it in Texas, where he took Fort Esperanza
on Matagorda bay. From April, 1864, he had command of the Dis-
trict of West Tennessee at Memphis. He was again in Congress,
1867-71, and governor of Wisconsin, 1872-73. Defeated in his candi-
dacy for a third term and for the U. S. senate, he turned to the care
of his extensive lumber interests at La Crosse, built a flour mill at
Minneapolis, invested largely in railroads, and was considered one
of the leading business men of the northwest. He was a regent of
the state university, president of the Wisconsin historical society,
founder by gift or bequest of the Washburn observatory at Madison,
of an orphans' home at Minneapolis, and of a library at La Crosse.
He received the degree of LL. D. from the University of Wisconsin
in 1873, and died at Eureka Springs, Ark., May 14. 1882.
Watkins, Louis D., brigadier-general, was born in the state of Flor-
ida, but in early like took up his residence in the District of Columbia,
where he was living at the time of the outbreak of the Civil war.
On April 15, 1861, he enlisted as a private in Co. A.. 3d battalion, D. C.
infantry; was commissioned first lieutenant in the 14th U. S. infantry
May 14; was transferred to the 2nd cavalry June 22. and to the 5th
cavalry Aug. 3. He engaged with that regiment in McClellan's Penin-
sular campaign and was severely wounded at the battle of Gaines' mill.
He was commissioned captain on July 17. 1862. was on mustering
and disbursing duty at Cincinnati. Ohio, and aide-de-camp on the
staff of Gen. A. J. Smith during the invasion of Kentucky by the Con-
federates. He was then appointed chief of cavalry in the Army of
Kentucky and engaged in Gen. Carter's raid to East Tennessee in
Dec, 1862. On Feb. i, 1863. he was commissioned colonel of the 6th
Ky. cavalry, then stationed at Nashville, and on the stafif of Gen. Gran-
ger engaged in skirmishes against the Confederates in Tennessee,
commanding a brigade in the defeat of the Confederate Gen. Wharton.
He commanded the 3d brigade, ist division. Army of the Cumberland,
until Sept., 1863, and was engaged in guarding the railroad in the
Atlanta campaign, defeating the Confederates in the battle of La-
fayette, Ga. He was engaged in holding Resaca against the Confeder-
Biographical Sketches 293
ate Gen. Hood, and with the Army of the Tennessee participated in the
pursuit of Mood's army, commanding the ist cavalry division. Later
he commanded the post of Louisville, Ky. He was commissioned
brigadier-general of volunteers June 24, 1864; was brevetted major,
U. S. A., for gallant and meritorious conduct in the defence of Resaca,
Ga.; lieutenant-colonel, U. S. A., for gallant and meritorious services
at the battles of Lafayette and Thompson's station; and cojonel and
brigadier-general, U. S. A., for gallant and meritorious services in
the expedition to East Tennessee under Gen. Carter. He was com-
missioned lieutenant-colonel of the 20th U. S. infantry in July, 1866,
was stationed at the posts of Baton Rouge and New Orleans, La.,
and died at the latter place March 29, 1868.
Webb, Alexander S., brigadier-general, was born in New York city
Feb. 15, 1835, a son of Gen. James Watson Webb, and was educated
at private schools and at West Point academy, where he was gradu-
ated in 1855. He was then commissioned lieutenant in the 2nd artil-
lery; served in the Florida campaign and on frontier duty in Minne-
sota during the period from 1855-57; was then appointed assistant
professor of mathematics at West Point, and in Feb., 1861, was de-
tailed to form a new battery from among the soldiers there. It was
from this company that young Webb was detailed to guard, with
soldiers in citizens' clothes, the headquarters of Gen. Scott, the old sol-
dier refusing to allow any guard around his house. He was then de-
tailed to light battery A and proceeded to Fort Pickens, Fla., then in a
state of siege. He left Fort Pickens to take part with this battery
in the first Bull Run battle; remained at Centerville to cover the re-
treat the night after McDowell's defeat; was then made assistant chief
of artillery of the Army of the Potomac; was next major of the ist
R. L infantry, but never joined the regiment; served with the Army
of the Potomac during the summer of 1862; was appointed assistant
inspector-general with the rank of lieutenant-colonel, and shortly
afterward chief of staff of the 5th army corps on the special recom-
mendation of Gen. McClellan. In Nov., 1862, he was appointed in-
spector of artillery and assigned to duty at Camp Barry, Washington,
where he remained till Jan.. 1863, when he returned to the field and
served as assistant inspector-general, 5th corps, until June 29, when
he was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers and placed in
command of the 2nd brigade, 2nd division, 2nd corps. He was present
with his brigade at the battle of Gettysburg, and in repulsing Pickett's
famous charge on the third day was conspicuous for his bravery and
military skill, being wounded while leading his men. Subsequently
he was awarded by Gen. Meade a bronze medal for "distinguished
personal gallantry on that ever memorable field." and was brevetted
major, U. S. A., for the part he took in that struggle. He was in
command of the 2nd division, 2nd corps, for one j'ear. and at Bristoe Sta-
tion during the Rapidan campaign, his division, leading the 2nd corps,
received the attack of the whole of Hill's corps. From this Confeder-
ate corps he took 6 guns and more than 2,000 prisoners. For this
he was brevetted lieutenant-colonel. U. S. A. He was in the battles
of the Wilderness and at Spottsylvania. was severely wounded during
the last day's fight and forced to retire from active service for the
rest of the year, being brevetted colonel. U. S. A., for gallant and meri-
torious services at Spottsylvania. While on sickdeave, Aug. i, 1864,
he was brevetted major-general of volunteers for gallant and distin-
guished conduct at Gettysburg. Bristoe Station, the battles in the
Wilderness, and Spottsylvania. On Jan. 11, 1865, he returned to
294 The Union Army
active service as chief-of-stafF to Gen. George G. Meade, commanding
the Army of the Potomac in the operations before Petersburg, and
so served during the campaign which resulted in the surrender of the
Confederates under Gen. Lee. He was brevetted brigadier-general, U.
S. A., for gallant and meritorious services in the campaign which ter-
minated with the surrender of Gen. Lee. and at the same time was
brevetted major-general, U. S. A., for gallant and meritorious services
during the Civil war. In June. 1865. he was assigned to duty bj' the
president with the rank of major-general, U. S. A., to act as inspector-
general of the military division of the Atlantic. Gen. Webb was mus-
tered out of the volunteer service on Jan. 15, 1866, and became prin-
cipal assistant professor of geography, history and ethics, at West
Point. On the reorganization of the army he was appointed lieuten-
ant-colonel of the 44th infantry, which regiment he commanded in the
Department of Wasliington. then as major-general. U. S. A., com-
manded the first military district, and was, at his own request, honor-
ably discharged from the service on Dec. 3. 1870. To finish his military
career it is well to state that the retiring board, before which he ap-
peared in 1870. wanted evidence of Gen. Webb's disability, which he
did not know it was necessary for him to furnish. Through this mls-
imdcrstanding the board failed to recommend his retirement and Gen.
Webb resigned.
Weber, Max, brigadier-general, was born in Germany, but came
to America in early life and at the outbreak of the Civil war was
residing in the state of New York. On May 9, 1861, he was com-
missioned colonel of the 20th N. Y. infantry, known as the "Turner
Rifles," composed of volunteers from the Turner societies of New
York city, and mustered into the U. S. service for a two years' term.
For more than a month the regiment was quartered at the Turtle
Bay brewery, and on June 13 it embarked for Fortress Monroe, where
it encamped at Tyler's point for a month and then moved to Hampton.
On Aug. 20 it embarked for Fort Hatteras and participated in the
capture of the fortifications, being quartered there until Sept. 25, when
it returned to Virginia. The ensuing winter was spent at Camp Ham-
ilton, and on April 28. 1862, Col. Weber was commissioned brigadier-
general of volunteers, in which position he served until May 13. 1865,
when he resigned from the service and returned to the pursuits of
civil life. Gen. Weber died June 15. 1901.
Webster, Joseph D., brigadier-general, was born at Old Hampton,
N. H., Aug. 25, 181 1. He graduated at Dartmouth college in 1832,
was appointed a lieutenant of topographical engineers in 1838, and
after serving in the Mexican war he resigned from the army in 1854
and went into mercantile business in Chicago. He reentered the army
in 1861; had charge of the fortifications at Cairo, 111.; became colonel
of the 1st 111. artillery and took part in the capture of Forts Henry
and Donelson; had charge of all the artillery at Shiloh; was made
chief of staff to Gen. Grant and afterward to Gen. Sherman; was com-
missioned brigadier-general of volunteers Nov. 29, 1862, and later
was brevetted major-general of volunteers. Gen. Webster died in
Chicago, 111.. March 12, 1876.
Weed, Stephen H., brigadier-general, a native of New York, gradu-
ated at West Point in July, 1854, and subsequently was made first
lieutenant in the 4th U. S. artillery. When the 5th U. S. artillery was
organized he was appointed captain. His ability and genius as a
commanding officer, especialh- as an artillerist, had long been appre-
ciated in the corps, and his brigadier-general's commission was the
Biographical Sketches 295
reward of his gallant services at the battle of Chancellorsville. At
the time of his death. July 2, 1863, at the battle of Gettysburg, he was
commanding the 3d brigade of regulars and fighting manfully when
a bullet from the enenn- struck his arm, passed into his lung, and
inflicted a severe wound from which he died in a few hours.
Weitzel, Godfrey, major-general, was born in Cincinnati. Ohio,
Nov. I, 1835. At the West Point military academy he was graduated
on July I, 1851, and attached to the engineer corps. For the next
four years he assisted in the construction and repairs of the fortifi-
cations guarding the approaches to New Orleans, La., and the follow-
ing year was an assistant professor of engineering at the military
academy. In the spring of 1861 he was attached to the engineer com-
pany which was on duty at Washington during the dark days which
immediately preceded and succeeded the inauguration of President
Lincoln. He was then ordered to Fort Pickens, Fla., arriving just
in time to aid in preventing its seizure by the Confederates. In Oct.,
1861, he became chief engineer on the stafif of Brig.-Gen. Mitchel to
fortify Cincinnati, Ohio, and in December took command of a com-
pany of sappers and miners in the defenses of Washington city. Being
familiar with the approaches to New Orleans, he was appomted chief
engineer of Gen. Butler's expedition to capture that city. No little
part of the success of the land attack was due to Weitzel, who planned
it. Butler, recognizing the high merits of his young engineer, made
him military commander and mayor of the place. Soon afterward he
was appointed brigadier-general of volunteers and placed in command
of the forces in the successful La Fourche campaign of 1862, where
he won the brevet of major, U. S. A., for his gallantry in the battle of
Thibodeaux. He then took command of the advance of Gen. Banks'
operations in western Louisiana, and soon afterward of a division in
the siege of Port Hudson, where he was engaged in two assaults on
the place, receiving for his meritorious services the brevet of lieu-
tenant-colonel. In the 19th army corps he took a conspicuous part
in the La Fourche campaign and Sabine Pass expedition of 1863. and
after these repeated successes in Louisiana was ordered to take part
in the operations before Richmond. As chief engineer of the Army of
the James he was engaged in the actions at Swift creek and near
Drewry's bluff, and constructed the defenses of Bermuda Hundred,
James river and Deep Bottom. For his activity and gallantry here
he was rewarded with the brevet of major-general of volunteers and
given command of the i8th army corps, with which he aided in re-
pelling the enemy's assault on Fort Harrison and took part in the
attack on the Confederate intrenchments on the Williamsburg and
Nine-mile roads, for which meritorious service he received the brevet
of colonel, U. S. A., and the promotion to major-general of volunteers.
At the head of the 25th army corps he was second in command of the
first expedition to Fort Fisher, N. C. Upon his return he took charge
of all the troops north of the Appomattox river during the final opera-
tions against Richmond, of which city he took possession on April
3, 1865, and announced the triumph in his brief telegram: "We en-
tered Richmond at 8 o'clock this morning:" the news sending a thrill
of exultation throughout the loyal North. Although Weitzel had re-
ceived four brevets in the Civil war and had risen from a lieutenant
of engineers to major-general of volunteers, he was, on the termina-
tion of hostilities, awarded two more brevets, those of brigadier- and
major-general, U. S. A., and placed in command of the Rio Grande
district, Tex., pending the government's demand that Maximilian and
296 The Union Army
his European allies should promptly evacuate Mexico. The Southern
uprising having been suppressed, Weitzel was mustered out of the
volunteer service and resumed his proper corps duties. He died at
Philadelphia, Pa., March 19, 1884.
Wells, William, brigadier-general, was born in Waterbury, Vt., Dec.
14, 1837. He received an academic education in Vermont and New
Hampshire and engaged in commercial business. In Sept., 1861, he
enlisted in the 1st Vt. cavalry as a private, was chosen first lieutenant
Oct. 14, and captain Nov. 18 of the same year. On Oct. 30 1862, he
was promoted major, took part in the Shenandoah campaign with
Gen. Banks and in the Virginia campaign with Gen. Pope, after which
he served in the cavalry corps of the Army of the Potomac till Aug.,
1864, when he was detailed to duty in the Shenandoah valley under
Gen. Sheridan, but returned to the Army of the Potomac in March,
1865. During his connection with the latter army he commanded the
2nd brigade, 3rd cavalry division, and for some time the division.
From June, 1865, till he was mustered out of the service, on Jan.
15, 1866, he commanded the ist separate brigade, 2nd army corps,
at Fairfax Court House. He was promoted colonel of his regi-
ment June 4, 1864, brevetted brigadier-general of volunteers Feb.
22, 1865, major-general March 30 following, and was promoted full
brigadier-general of volunteers on May 14 of the same year. He
was adjutant-general of Vermont 1866-72, collector of internal revenue,
1872-85, and state senator, 1886-87. Gen. Wells died in New York
city on April 29, 1892.
Welsh, Thomas, brigadier-general, was born in Pennsylvania, but
lived for a number of years in Ohio and then returned to his native
state, residing at Columbia, Pa. He served during the war with
Mexico, and for gallant conduct in the battle of Buena Vista was
promoted to a lieutenancy. At the commencement of the Civil war
he entered the service as lieutenant-colonel of the 45th Pa. infantry,
was subsequently promoted to the colonelcy of the regiment, and
during 1863 was made a brigadier-general of volunteers. Gen. Welsh
died at Cincinnati, Ohio, Aug. 14, 1863, of congestive fever acquired
during the campaign in Mississippi.
Wessells, Henry W., brigadier-general, was born in Litchfield,
Conn., Feb. 20, 1809. After he was graduated at West Point in 1833
he took part in the Seminole war of 1837-40, first as a second lieu-
tenant of infantry and then as first lieutenant, being promoted on
July 7, 1838. In Gen. Scott's Mexican campaign he was promoted
captain and received the brevet of major for gallantry at Contreras
and Churubusco. In the former contest Capt. Wessells, though
wounded, seized the regimental flag on the death of the color-sergeant
and put himself at the head of his men. On his return from the war
the state of Connecticut voted him a jeweled sword, which was pre-
sented to him with military ceremonies. Capt. Wessells was on the
Pacific coast in 1849-54, and was in the Sioux expedition of 1855, after
which he served in the Northwest till the Civil war. On June 6, 1861,
he was promoted major, and on Aug. 22 of that year he received the
colonelcy of the 8th Kan. infantry. .After serving on the Missouri bor-
der he resumed his commission in the regular army Feb. 15, 1862,
and in March was transferred to the Army of the Potomac. He was
made a brigadier-general of volunteers April 25 and served in the
Peninsula, receiving the regular armj'^ brevet of lieutenant-colonel for
gallantry at Fair Oaks, where he was wounded. In McClellan's change
of base he commanded the rear-guard, and then engaged in the de-
Brig.-Gen. A. S. Webb
BriK. r.en. S. H. \Vi:i;i'
Brig.-Gen. Thomas Welsh
Brig.-Gen. Frank Whea-
TON
Diig.-Gen. Max Weber r.rig.-Cen. J. 1). V\ ebster
Maj.-Gen. Godfrey Urig.-Gen. William Wells
Weitzel Rrig.-Gen. J. R. West
Rrig.-Gen. H. W. Wessels Brig.-Gen. W. D. Whipple
Maj.-Gen. A. W. Whipple
Biographical Sketches 297
fense of Suffolk, Va., afterward serving in North Carolina. After
serving at Kinston, Goldsboro. and New Berne, he was placed over
the sub-district of the Albemarle, taking command May 3, 1863. On
April 17, 1864, he was attacked at Plymouth, N. C, where he had a
garrison of about 3,000 men, by Gen. Robert F. Hoke witii about 15,000
Confederate troops and the iron-clad "Albemarle."' After a gallant
defense which lasted three days Gen. Wessells surrendered the town.
He was taken to Libby prison, whence he was transferred succes-
sively to Danville, Macon and Charleston. At the last-named place
he was one of the officers that were placed under the fire of the Union
batteries on Morris island. On Aug. 3, 1864, he was exchanged, and
on Nov. II he became commissary of prisoners, which post he held
until the close of the war. He was promoted lieutenant-colonel Feb.
16, 1865, and brevetted colonel to date from April 20, 1864, "for gallant
and meritorious services during the rebel attack on Plymouth, N. C."
On March 13 he was given the regular army brevet of brigadier-
general. He then served on the northwestern frontier till Jan. i,
1871, when he was retired. After that time he resided in his native
place, but at the time of his death he was on a visit to Delaware.
Gen. Wessells died in Dover, Del., Jan. 12, 1889.
West, Joseph R., brigadier-general, was born in the state of Lou-
isiana, but in early manhood took up his residence in California,
and from there enlisted as a soldier for the Mexican war. He became
a private in the mounted volunteers July 17, 1847; was promoted cap-
tain July 25; was later attached to the Maryland and District of
Columbia volunteers, and was honorably mustered out of the service
on Aug. 10, 1848. He then returned to California, in which state he
was residing at the time of the outbreak of the Civil war. On Aug. 5,
1861, he was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the ist Cal. infantry,
which was organized in pursuance of the president's first call upon
the state of California for troops. On the completion of the organi-
zation the regiment moved to Camp Latham, between Los Angeles
and Santa Monica. On June i, 1862, Lieut. -Col. West was promoted
to the position of colonel and the regiment became a part of the Cali-
fornia column, under command of Gen. Carleton, which marched from
San Pedro to the Rio Grande and assisted in the recapture of New
Mexico. Col. West was warmly commended in Carleton's official
report of the expedition, and was recommended for promotion. Said
Carleton: "I send you a set of colors which have been borne by this
column. They were hoisted by Col. West on B'orts Breckinridge and
Buchanan, and over Tucson, Ariz.," etc. On Oct. 25, 1862, Col. West
was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers and continued to
serve in that capacity until the close of the war, being honorably
mustered out Jan. 4, 1866, when he was given the brevet rank of major-
general of volunteers. Gen. West died Oct. 31, 1898.
Wheaton, Frank, brigadier-general, was born in Providence, R. L,
May 8. 1833. He received his early education at the public schools of
Providence and became a surveyor. He went to California in 1850
and was employed as a civil engineer on the Mexican boundaries.
In 1855 he was commissioned first lieutenant in the ist U. S. cavalry,
serving in Kansas and Missouri, He was in the engagement with the
Cheyenne Indians at Wood's river, near Fort Kearny, Neb., in 1855,
at Solomon's fork in 1857, and in the expedition against the Mormons
in 1858. In March, 1861, he received promotion to the rank of captain.
He was on recruiting service in the East when the 2nd R. I. infantry
was mustered into the U. S. service in July, 1861, and he accepted a
298 The Union Army
commission as lieutenant-colonel of the regiment, being in the same
month made colonel. He fought in the first battle of Bull Run,
served during the Peninsular and Maryland campaigns, and was pro-
moted brigadier-general of volunteers in Nov., 1862. He commanded
a brigade in the Army of the Potomac in 1863-64, and a division of
the 6th corps up to the surrender of Lee at Appomattox. He received
the brevet of major-general of volunteers for gallant and meritorious
service at the battles of Winchester, Fisher's hill, and Middletown,
Va., and brevets in the regular army to the grade of major-general for
the battles of the Wilderness, Cedar creek and Petersburg, respect-
ively. Gen. Whcaton was promoted in the regular army to major
of the 2nd cavalry Nov. 5, 1863; lieutenant-colonel of the 39th infantry
July 28, 1866; transferred to the 2Tst infantry March 15, 1869; colonel
of the 2nd infantry Dec. 15, 1874; brigadier-general in 1892 and as-
signed to the command of the Department of Texas with headquarters
at San Antonio. He was retired ^Iay 8, 1897, ^"id died at Washington,
D. C. June 18, 1903.
Whipple, Amiel W., major-general, was born in the state of Massa-
chusetts in 1817, was a cadet at the U. S. military academy at West
Point from July i, 1837, to July i, 1841. when he was graduated and
entered the army as second lieutenant in the ist artillery. He was
transferred to the topographical engineers Sept. 28. 1841; served as
assistant topographical engineer on the hydrographic survey of Pa-
tapsco river, Md.; on military reconnoissance of the approaches to
New Orleans, La., 1841-42; on the trigonometrical and hydrographic
survey of Portsmouth harbor, N. H., 1842-44; was assistant astronomer
upon the northeastern boundary survey between the United States
and the British provinces, 1844-49, and upon the Mexican boundary
survey, 1849-53. O" April 24, 1851, he was commissioned first lieu-
tenant of topographical engineers, and w^as engineer in charge of the
explorations and surveys of a railroad route near the 3Sth parallel,
from the Mississippi river to the Pacific ocean, 1853-56. On July 1.
1855. he was commissioned captain of topographical engineers for
fourteen years' continuous service, was engineer in charge of the ship
channel over St. Clair flat. 1856-61, and of the ship channel through
Lake George and Neebish Rapids on St. Mary's river. Mich. He
served during the Civil war. first as chief topographical engineer of
the defenses at Washington, D. C, south of the Potomac, from June i,
to July 15, 1861, and in the Army of the Potomac in the Mannassas
campaign, being engaged in the battle of Bull Run. On July 21, 1861,
he was brevetted lieutenant-colonel for gallant and meritorious serv-
ices in the Manassas compaign; was commissioned major of topo-
graphical engineers Sept. 9: was chief topographical engineer of
Gen. McDowell's division in the defenses of Washington until March
13. 1862, and then of the ist army corps until April 2. On April 14,
1862, he was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers and was
in command of a brigade in the defenses of Washington, south of
the Potomac until Sept. 8, then of a division until Oct. 10, and was
then in the Rappahannock campaign in command of the 3d division,
3d corps, Army of the Potomac, until May 4. 1863. being engaged in
the battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. in the latter of
which he was mortally wounded. On Dec. 13. 1862. he was brevetted
colonel. U. S. A., for gallant and meritorious services in the battle of
Fredericksburg; brigadier-general, U. S. A.. May 4. 1863, for gallant
and meritorious services at tlie battle of Chancellorsville; was given
the commission of major-general of volunteers. May 6. 1863. and the
Biographical Sketches 299
next day was given the brevet rank of major-general. U. S. A., for gal-
lant and meritorious services during tlie rebellion. Gen. Whipple died
of his wounds at Wasliington, D. C, on May 7. 1863.
Whipple, William D., brigadier-general, was born in Nelson, Madi-
son county, N. Y., Aug 2. 1826. He was graduated at the U. S. mili-
tary academy in 185 1, and on Sept. 9 of that year l)ecame second lieu-
tenant in the 3d infantry. He took part in the Gila expedition against
the Apaches in 1857, the Navajo expedition of 1858, and the defense of
Fort Defiance, N. M., in i860. He was promoted first lieutenant in
Dec, 1856, and when the Civil war broke out was on quartermaster's
duty at Indianola, Tex. After Gen. Twiggs' ignoble surrender to Gen.
Ben McCulIocli in Feb., 1861, and the consequent cession of all U. S.
military posts, Whipple managed to make his escape through the
enemy's lines, reached Washington shortly afterward, was commis-
sioned captain and assistant adjutant-general, and was present at the
battle of IBull Run. He served at the headciuarters of the Departments
of Pennsylvania and Virginia until June, 1862, when he became lieu-
tenant-colonel and additional aide-de-camp, serving in the Middle
Department with the 8th corps, and was chief-of-staff to Gen. Cad-
wallader. He was appointed brigadier-general of volunteers July 17,
1863, assigned as chief-of-stafT to Gen. George H. Thomas, and took
part in the operations near Chattanooga, the battles of Missionary
ridge, Resaca, Kennesaw mountain, siege of Atlanta, and Nashville.
Subsequently he was at the headquarters of the Department of the
Cumberland. He received the brevets of brigadier- and major-general
in the regular army March 13, 1865, for gallant conduct in the Atlanta
campaign and the battles before Nashville, afterward served as as-
sistant adjutant-general at the headquarters of various military divis-
ions, and in 1873-81 acted as aide-de-camp to the general of the army.
He was promoted colonel in the adjutant-general's department Feb.
28, 1887. Gen. Whipple was retired from the service Aug. 2. 1890,
and died April i, 1902.
Whitaker, Walter C, brigadier-general, was born in the state of
Kentucky, and was one of the sons of the "dark and bloody ground"
that served as a solier in the war with Mexico. On Oct. i, 1847. he
was commissioned second lieutenant in the 3d Ky. infantry and
served as such until July 21, 1848, when he was honorably mustered
out of the service. He then returned to Kentucky and folhnved civil
pursuits until the outbreak of the Civil war. In Sept., t86i, he was
commissioned to raise a regiment at Eminence, Ky., and the men he re-
cruited were brought to Camp Sigel, Louisville, and there the 6th
Ky. infantry was organized, of which Col. Whitaker became colonel
on Dec. 24. The regim.ent was brigaded with the 41st Ohio, 9th Tnd..
and the ist Ohio battery, under Col. William B. Hazen, and in Feb.,
1862, the division to which the regiment belonged was ordered to the
mouth of Salt river, whence it proceeded by transport to Paducah and
up the Cumberland to Nashville. It accompanied Buell's army to
Pittsburg landing and was heavily engaged in the second day's battle
of Shiloh, being employed during the whole day, skirmishing, resisting
and making charges, supporting batteries and making reconnoissances.
From Shiloh Col. Whitaker with his regiment proceeded to Corinth,
thence to Athens, Ala., and in the summer and fall of 1862 accompanied
Buell in the march to Louisville. After the battle o'f Perryville he
marched as far as Columbia, Ky., then to Nashville and Murfreesboro
and in the battle of Stone's river his regiment lost 107 in killed and
wounded. During the spring of 1863 his regiment was with the extreme
300 The Union Army
left of Rosecrans' army in its organization and was twice engaged with
the enemy — at Readyville and Woodbury, Tenn. On June 25, 1863, Col.
Whitaker was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers and served
in that capacity until Aug. 24, 1865, when he was honorably mus-
tered out of the service, being given the brevet rank of major-
general of volunteers March 13, 1865, for gallant and meritorious serv-
ices in the campaign against Atlanta. Gen. Whitaker died July 9, 1887.
White, Julius, brigadier-general, was born in Cazenovia, N. Y.,
Sept. 29, 1813. He removed to Chicago in 1836, engaged in business
and political affairs, and was appointed collector of the port of Chi-
cago by President Lincoln. But he soon resigned this office, raised
an infantry regiment for the Federal service and went to the front.
He served as a colonel of the 37th 111. infantry under Gen. Fremont
in the early Missouri campaign; commanded a brigade and was
wounded in the battle of Pea ridge; was promoted brigadier-general
of volunteers in June, 1862, and was transferred to the Army of Vir-
ginia under Gen. Pope. At the defense of Harper's Ferry, he was
taken prisoner and after being exchanged was ordered to Kentucky
to fight guerrillas. On the reorganization of the 23 1 arm • cori)s in
1863 he was given command of the 2nd division, led the right wing
of Gen. Bumside's Army of the Ohio into Tennessee and took part
in the battles of Loudon and Knoxville. He was conspicuous in several
of the campaigns of 1864 till compelled by failing health to resign,
and was brevetted major-general of volunteers at the close of the
war. In 1872 he was appointed United States minister to the Argen-
tine Republic. Four days before his death he was elected commander
of the Illinois Commandery of the Loyal Legion. Gen. White died
in South Evanston, 111., May 12, 1890.
Wild, Edward A., brigadier-general, was born in Brookline, Mass.,
in 1825. He was graduated at Harvard college in 1844 and at the
Jefferson medical college soon afterward; took a course of medical lec-
tures in Paris; was a medical officer in the Turkish army during the
Crimean war; returned to Brookline and practiced till the beginning
of the Civil war. Early in i86r he was commissioned a captain in the
1st Mass. infantry, with which he served at Bull Run and in the Penin-
sular campaign, being severely wounded at Fair Oaks. He was pro-
moted major while yet disabled, lieutenant-colonel on his recovery,
and colonel of the 35th Mass. infantry on its organization. He re-
turned to the front in time to take part in the battle of South mountain,
where he was again wounded and lost an arm. On April 23, 1863,
he was promoted brigadier-general of volunteers and afterward as-
sisted in raising the regiments of colored troops known as Wild's
African brigade, which he commanded till the close of the war. Sub-
sequently he became superintendent of the Diana mine at Austin,
Nev. At the time of his death he was engaged in mining operations
in South America. Gen. Wild died in Medellin, Colombia, South
America, Aug. 28, 1891.
Willcox, Orlando B., brigadier-general, was born in Detroit, Mich.,
April 16, 1823. After receiving a common-school education he en-
tered West Point academy in 1843, graduated in 1847 and was com-
missioned second lieutenant in the 4th artillery. He took part in the
closing operations of the Mexican war, served on the frontier and
after participating in the last campaign against the Seminoles resigned
from the army Sept. 10, 1857. When the Civil war opened he was en-
gaged in the practice of law in Detroit, but at once ofTered his services
to the governor of his native state and on May i, 1861, was appointed
Brig.-Gcii. W. C W'hitaker l!rig.-Gen. Jui.ius White
Brig.-Gen. O. B. VVillcox Brig.-Gen. A. S. Williams
Briff.-Gen. Seth Williams Brig.-Gen. Thomas
Maj.-Gen. J. H. Wilson Williams
Brig.-Gen. I. J. Wistar
Brig.-('.cii. K. .\. Wild
Brig.-Gen. D. H. Williams
Brig.-Gen. J. A. Willu^m-
SON
Maj.-Gen. T. J. Wood
Biographical Sketches 301
colonel of the ist Mich, infantry. He aided in the capture of Alex-
andria, Va. ; took part in the tir.st battle of Bull Run, where he was
wounded and taken prisoner; was confined at Charleston and Colum-
bia, S. C, until Aug. 17, 1862, when he was exchanged and promoted
to be brigadier-general of volunteers, his commission dating from
July 21, 1861. He took part in the operations of the Army of the
Potomac in the autumn of 1862, and in the spring and early summer of
1863 commanded the District of Central Kentucky. During the draft
riots he was in command of the District of Indiana and Michigan
and then served in eastern Tennessee until March, 1864. He was
promoted major-general of volunteers by brevet Aug. i, 1864; led a di-
vision of the 9th corps in the Richmond campaign, rendering notable
services at Spottsjdvania; was the tirst to enter Petersburg, and from
April 26. 1865, until peace was declared, served in North Carolina.
He was brevetted brigadier- and major-general in the regular army for
his services during the war; was mustered out of the volunteer serv-
ice Jan. 15, 1866, and on July 28, 1866, was appointed colonel of the
29th infantry. On March 15, 1869, he was transferred to the 12th
infantry, was on recruiting service in New York city for two years
and then until 1887 was stationed in the South and West. As com-
mander of the Department of Arizona he effectively suppressed the
raids of the Apache Indians, and for his services in this connection
received a vote of thanks from the Arizona legislature. On Oct. 13,
1886, he was promoted brigadier-general and on April 16, 1887, was
placed on the retired list on account of age.
Williams, Alpheus S., brigadier-general, was born in Saybrook,
Conn., in 1810. He graduated at Yale college in 1831; began tlie
practice of law in Detroit. Mich.; was judge of probate from 1840
to 1844; from 1843 to 1847 was owner and editor of the Detroit
"Daily Advertiser;" also served as recorder of Detroit, and in 1849
was appointed postmaster of that city by President Taylor. He was
a lieutenant-colonel in the Mexican war and on the breaking out of
the Civil war he became a major-general of militia, afterward becom-
ing a brigadier-general of volunteers in the army. He served on
the upper Potomac and had command of a division at Winchester.
He succeeded Gen. Banks as a corps commander and after Gen. Mans-
field was wounded commanded the 12th corps at Antictam. He took
part in the battles of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg and accompanied
Sherman's army in the "march to the sea," during which he was
made brevet major-general of volunteers. He was minister resident
in San Salvador from 1866 to 1869, was elected to Congress from
Michigan in 1874 and was reelected in 1876. Gen. Williams died in
Washington, D. C. Dec. i. 1878.
Williams, David H., brigadier-general, was born in the state of
Pennsylvania. On July 23, 1861. he was commissioned colonel of the
82nd Pa. infantry (known as the 31st until after the battle of Fair
Oaks), which was recruited largely from the city of Philadelphia,
but the regimental organization was effected in Washington. D. C.
It was assigned to the ist brigade, ist division, 4th corps, and occu-
pied the defenses of Washington for about six months, engaged in
drill, guard and fatigue duty. On March 9, 1862. it advanced with
the army to Manassas, returned again after a few days to its old
quarters, and two weeks later proceeded to Fortress Monroe, whence
it moved upon McClellan's Peninsular campaign. After being de-
tained for a month at Yorktown. Col. Williams crossed the Chicka-
hominy with his regiment May 22 and on the 31st engaged the enemy
302 The Union Army
at Fair Oaks, displaying commendable coolness and bravery. During
the retreat to Harrison's landing he was engaged at Charles City
cross-roads and Malvern hill, his regiment suffering severely in the
latter battle. He was in line but not active at Chantilly and was only
slightly engaged at Antietam. On Nov. 29, 1862, he was commis-
sioned brigadier-general of volunteers and served as such until March
4, 1863, when, his commission having expired by limitation, he left
the service and returned to the pursuits of civil life.
Williams, Seth, brigadier-general, was born in Augusta, Me.,
March 22, 1822. He was appointed a cadet to the military academy
at West Point in 1838, graduated in 1842 and received the appoint-
ment of brevet second lieutenant of artillery. During this initiatory
period of his military career he showed those qualities of careful
performance of duty by which he was distinguished and well known
throughout the service, and he gained an honorable position in a class
remarkable for its talent. In the ordinary routine of promotion he
became first lieutenant of artillery in 1847, went with the army into
Mexico, where he received the appointment of aide-de-camp to Maj.-
Gen. Patterson and won the brevet of captain for gallant and meritori-
ous conduct in the battle of Cerro Gordo. In Sept., 1850, Capt.
Williams was appointed adjutant of the military academy and served
in tliat capacity until Sept., 1853, having received in Aug., 1853. the
appointment of assistant adjutant-general with the brevet rank of
captain in the adjutant-general's department. In 1861 he was ap-
pointed major in the same corps, and in Sept., 1861, brigadier-general
of volunteers. In this last capacity he served as adjutant-general
of the Army of the Potomac under its diflferent commanders until the
close of the war, when he was relieved, and after serving upon several
army boards, was appointed adjutant-general of the department under
Gen. Meade's command. In 1864 Gen. Williams was transferred to
the staff of Gen. Grant as acting inspector-general of the armies of
the United States, and the same year he was made major-general of
volunteers bj'^ brevet. He held the full rank of lieutenant-colonel in
the regular army, but was brevetted colonel and brigadier-general
"for gallant and meritorious services during the war." Gen. Williams
died of inflammation of the brain in Boston, Mass., March 23, 1866.
Williams, Thomas, brigadier-general, was born in New York in
1815. He was taken in youth to Michigan, was graduated at W^est
Point in 1837. served for two years in Florida, taught mathematics at
West Point, and was on the staff of Gen. Scott 1844-50. In the
Mexican war he was brevetted captain and major for gallantry at
Contreras and Chapultepec. He was commissioned captain in Sept.,
1850, served in various garrisons, again in Florida, 1856-57, in Utah
in 1858, became major and inspector-general of the Department of
Virginia in May, 1861, and in September brigadier-general of volun-
teers. He had command of Fort Hatteras till the spring of 1862; then
went south witli Gen. Butler; led a brigade in the Ship Island expe-
dition; helped to open the lower Mississippi; led the land forces in
the first attempt on Vicksburg; and cut the canal that was meant to
supply a new channel for the river. After this he was sent to Baton
Rouge, La., which he held against a Confederate attack under Gen.
Breckinridge, and was killed while leading the charge which won the
day, Aug. 5, 1862.
Williamson, James A., brigadier-general, was born in the state of
Kentucky, but in early life removed to Iowa and was residing there
at the outbreak of the Civil war. On Aug. 8. 1861, he ■w^as appointed
Biographical Sketches 303
first lieutenant in the 4th la. infantry, afterward being made adjutant,
and with that regiment proceeded to St. Louis, thence to Rolla, iMc,
where the command remained until Jan., 1862, making an expedition
to Licking, Texas county, where it dispersed a body of the enemy
and captured a number of cattle, horses and mules. In January the
regnnent left Rolla lor the purpose of giving battle to Price, then
at Springiield. at which place a skirmish occurred on the evening of
Feb. 12, but the enemy left during the night without offering battle.
At Pea ridge the regiment won high praise for its valor. On April 4,
1862, Adjt. Williamson was commissioned lieutenant-colonel, and
the following day led his regiment to Batesville, Ark., thence toward
Little Rock, but was compelled to return on account of tlie shortage
of supplies. In June he was at Jacksonport with his men in a half-
starved condition, tlicy having lived on such scanty supplies as they
could pick up in the country, and to escape actual starvation they
marched 100 miles to Clarendon only to find tlie troops and supplies
gone, which compelled them to march to Helena. While at this point,
July 21, 1862, Col. Williamson was commissioned colonel and with
his regiment engaged in several minor expeditions and brought in quan-
tities of cotton, horses and supplies. In December he proceeded to
Vicksburg with Sherman's army to join Grant's advance on that place,
and was in the disastrous attack on Chickasaw bluffs, where his regi-
ment moved without support upon an open point, carried the first
line of works and held them under a murderous lire while waiting for
help that never came, Col. Williamson being wounded several times.
Li Jan., 1863, the regiment went into camp in the swamp below Vicks-
burg and spent two whole months there, then moved to Greenville,
the enemy being met and driven several times and large (luantities
of supplies were picked up. Col. Williamson then returned with his
command to Milliken's bend, took part in the movement on Jackson,
his being one of the first regiments to enter that place, and he then
returned to Vicksburg and was engaged at Haynes' blufif. In the siege
of Vicksburg he was almost constantly under fire, and he took part
in the siege of Jackson and accompanied the pursuit of Johnston as
far as Brandon. With his regiment he then went into camp near the
Big Black river, where he remained until the middle of September,
when he embarked for Memphis, moved thence to Corinth and marched
to luka, from which point he was ordered to Cherokee Station, Ala.,
where he was in repeated engagements with the enemy until October.
He then joined Sherman's army at Eastport and proceeded to Chat-
tanooga, where he arrived on Nov. 23 and took position with Hooker
at Lookout mountain. On the morning of the 25th he moved to Ross-
ville with his own and two other regiments, turned the enem3''s left
and took a strategic position, from which he took part in the battle
that followed. He was engaged at Ringgold, where he held an impor-
tant position against heavy odds and saved two railroad bridges. He
then moved to Bridgeport, Ala., and from there to Woodville, where
his regiment went into camp. In May, 1864, he joined in the Atlanta
campaign and was in nearly every battle and skirmish of that move-
ment. At Atlanta on July 22, the brigade to which he was attached
made a gallant charge with other regiments, retaking De Gress' fa-
mous battery of 20-pounder Parrott guns, the skirmishers of his regi-
ment being the first to reach it. On Jan. 13. 1865, C6l. Williams was
commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers, having been given that
rank by brevet on Dec. 19, 1864. for gallantry and good conduct in
the campaigns against Vicksburg, Chattanooga and Atlanta, and he
304 The Union Army
was brevetted major-general of volunteers on March 13, 1865, for
gallant conduct during the war. On Aug. 24, 1865, he was honorably-
mustered out of the service, and on Jan. 17, 1895, he was awarded a
medal of honor for having led his regiment at Chickasaw bluflFs against
a superior force strongly intrenched and holding his ground when all
support had been withdrawn. Gen. Williamson died Sept. 7, 1902.
Willich, August, brigadier-general, was born near Konigsberg, Prus-
sia, in 1810, and at the age of twelve years entered the military acad-
emy at Potsdam. Three years later, in 1825, he entered the military
academy at Berlin, completed his education in 1828, in 1841 passed
the requisite examination, was commissioned second lieutenant of the
royal artillery and received a commission as captain. In 1846 he
tendered his resignation, but it was not accepted and he was assigned
to duty at a distant point in Pomerania. He refused to act under the
king's order, renewed his application for a discharge every month,
and at the end of a year sent an open letter to the king, for which he
was court-martialed and discharged from the service. He at once
entered into active cooperation with the revolutionists and commanded
the forces at the battle of Candarn, where he was defeated. In 1849
he commanded a corps in the German revolution, but the campaign
of fourteen weeks proving unsuccessful, he fled to Switzerland and
afterward to England. In 1853 he came to the United States and
began work as a carpenter, at which trade he wrought about a year
in eastern New York. He finallj' procured a position on the U. S.
coast survey, and in 1858 became the editor of the "Republikana," a
working-men's paper in Cincinnati. On May 8, 1861, he was commis-
sioned first lieutenant and adjutant of the 9th Ohio infantry and was
commissioned major when the regiment was mustered into the serv-
ice June 13. With this regiment he served in West Virginia, being
in the engagement at Rich mountain. He was then called to Indiana,
where he organized the 32nd Ind. infantry, of which he was appointed
colonel, moved with his regiment to Munfordville, Ky., in December,
as part of R. W. Johnson's brigade, McCook's division, and was en-
gaged in picket duty on the south side of Green river. He was sta-
tioned at Bowling Green and Nashville in Feb., 1862, and participated
in the battle of Shiloh, for gallantry in which engagement he was com-
missioned brigadier-general of volunteers July 17, 1862. He continued
to serve in that capacity until the close of the war, being mustered
out Jan. 15, 1866, and then resumed his residence in Cincinnati, where
he died Jan. 23, 1878.
Wilson, James H., major-general, was born in Illinois in 1S3S and
was graduated at West Point in i860. He took part in the Port Royal
expedition and for his services in the capture of Fort Pulaski was
made major on April 11, 1862. He was on McClellan's stafiF at South
mountain and Antietam. was inspector-general of the Army of the
Tennessee in the Vicksburg campaign of 1863, and after the battle
of Chattanooga was made lieutenant-colonel. From May to Aug.. 1864,
he commanded the 3d cavalry division. Army of the Potomac, and was
promoted to the rank of colonel for his services in the Wilderness.
He was commander of the cavalry division of the Mississippi from
Oct., 1864, to July, 1865, and took part in all the engagements of Gen.
Thomas' campaign, being made a brevet brigadier-general. U. S. A.,
after the battle of Nashville. He led a cavalry expedition into Ala-
bama and Georgia in March. and April, 1865. capturing Selma. Mont-
gomery, Columbus and Macon, and on May to. 1865. captured Jeffer-
son Davis, president of the Confederacy. He was made major-gen-
%
-^
^
Brig. -Gen. G. J. Stann.vrd Brig.-Gen. T. G. Stevenson
Brig.-Gen. Ferdinand Van Brig.-Gen. .\l-gl'st
Derveer Wjllicii
Brig.-Gen. C. R. Woods Brig.-Gen. W. B. Woods
Brig.-Gen. D. P. Wood-
Bl RY
Maj.Gen. T. K. Woot
Maj.-Gen. H. G. Wricht
Brig.-Gcn. S. K. Zook
Biographical Sketches 305
eral of volunteers April jo, 1865, ami lieutenant-colonel of the 35th
infantry July 28, 1866. He retired fruni the army on Dec. 31, I870, and
engaged successfully in railroad management in the United States
and China. Upon llie outbreak of the Spanish-American war he was
commissioned major-general of volunteers, May 4, 1898, and served
through that conllict. On April 12, 1899, he was commissioned briga-
dier-general of volunteers and served in that capacity until Alarch 2,
1901, when he retired from '■he service, having been given the full
rank of l)rigaclier-general. U. S. A.. F"eb. 11, 1901.
Wistar, Isaac J., brigadier-general, was born in the city of Phila-
delphia Nov. 14, 1827, and was educated at Westtown and Haverford,
Pa. On June. 28, 1861, he was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the
71st Pa. infantry, originally known as "the California regiment," which
was recruited in Philadelphia during April and May, 1861, by Edward
D. Baker, U. S. senator from Oregon, under special authority from
President Lincoln. On July i the regiment proceeded to Fortress
Monroe and was immediately assigned to picket and scouting duty.
After Bull Run it moved to Washington, and on Sept. 11 it first came
under an\- considerable fire, when Col. Wistar displayed a spirit which
proved his excellent material. Early in October the regiment moved
to Poolesville. Md., where with other regiments it formed the Phila-
delphia brigade, commanded by Col. Baker, a part of Gen. Stone's
division of Gen. Banks' army. In the first serious engagement at
Ball's blufif Col. Baker fell at the head of his command while cheer-
ing his men, and on Nov. 11, 1861, Lieut. -Col. Wistar was commis-
sioned colonel of the regiment, going into winter quarters with his
men while their decimated ranks were recruited. In the sprmg he
led his regiment in McClellan's Peninsular campaign, assigned to
Sedgwick's division, Sumner's corps. He was engaged at Fair Oaks,
in the actions along the Chickahominy, at Savage Station, and Charles
City cross-roads, and his regiment acted as artillery support at
Malvern hill. He made a forced march with Sumner's corps, reaching
the battle field of the second Bull Run toward the close of the action,
and his regiment served as rear-guard to Pope's retreat, constantly
skirmishing as far as Chain bridge. He w^as in reserve at the battle
of South mountain, but was heavily engaged at Antietam. Avhere he
was severely wounded while leading a charge. On Nov. 19. 1862, Col.
Wistar was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers and served
in that capacity until Sept. 15. 1864, when he resigned his commis-
sion and returned to the pursuits of civil life, in which he won dis-
tinction as a writer and speaker on penology.
Wood, Thomas J., major-general, was born at Munfordville, Ky.,
Sept. 25, 1823. He was graduated at the U. S. military academy in
1845 and was assigned to the topographical engineers, but requested a
transfer to the 2nd dragoons, and on Dec. 2, 1846, was made a second
lieutenant. He served in the Mexican war, was subsequently aide-de-
camp to Gen. Harney in Louisiana and Texas, and was adjutant of the
2nd dragoons until 1854. He was appointed first lieutenant in 1854
and captain in the ist cavalry in 1855. ?Ie served in Kansas during
the border troubles of 1856 and accompanied the Utah expedition
under Albert Sidney Johnston in 1857. On March 16. i86t. he was
promoted maior. on Alay 9 lieutenant-colonel, in October brigadier-
general of volunteers, and as such commanded a division in the Ten-
nessee and Mississippi campaigns, being actively engaged in the bat-
tle of Shiloh and in the siege of Corinth. Later in the year he served
under Gen. Buell in Kentucky: aided in the pursuit of the Confederate
Vol. VIII— 20
30C The Union Army
forces under Gen. Bragg; was promoted colonel of the 2nd cavalry on
Nov. 12 and was one of a number of officers who were wounded in
the battle of Stone's river. He commanded a division of the 21st
corps, Army of the Cumberland, till Nov., 1863, and was engaged in
the battles of Chickamauga and Missionary ridge. He also took part
in the operations for the relief of Knoxville and in the invasion of
Georgia, and received a severe wound in the engagement at Lovejoj''s
Station in Sept., 1864. He commanded the 4th corps during the bat-
tles of Franklin and Nashville and took part in pursuing the Confed-
erate forces to the Tennessee river. In Jan., 1865, he was promoted
major-general of volunteers and had command in Tennessee, Arkansas
and Mississippi until Sept. i, 1866, when he was mustered out of the
volunteer service. He was brcvctted tirst lieutenant, U. S. A., for
gallant and meritorious conduct at the battle of Buena Vista, brigadier-
general for bravery at Chickamauga, and major-general for distin-
guished service at Nashville. Gen. Wood was retired from the service
with the rank of major-general, June 9, 1868 (changed to brigadier-
general by act of March 3, 1875). He died at Dayton, Ohio, on Feb.
6, 1906.
Woodbury, Daniel P., brigadier-general, was born at New London,
Merrimack county, N. H., Dec. 16, 1812. He graduated at West Point
in 1836, was soon transferred from the artillery to the engineers, was
employed until 1840 upon the Cumberland road in Ohio, and for the
next seven years at Boston harbor and elsewhere on the coast. Be-
tween 1847 and 1850 he constructed Forts Kearny and Laramie for the
defense of the route to Oregon, and afterward Forts Jefferson and
Taylor at the Tortugas and Key West. He became a captain in 1853,
a major and lieutenant-colonel in 1861, and a brigadier-general of vol-
unteers in March, 1862. He bore a part in preparing the defenses of
Washington, in organizing the engineer corps of the Army of the
Potomac, and as commander of the brigade of engineers was of great
service at Yorktown and in the operations about Richmond, especiallv
in the Seven Days' battles. At Fredericksburg he won the brevet of
brigadier-general in the regular army by his gallantry in throwing
bridges across the river under a heavy fire. In March, 1863, he was
sent to command at Key West, Fla., and there received the brevet of
major-general, U. S. A. Gen. Woodbury died at Key West, Fla., of
yellow fever, Aug. 15, 1864.
Woods, Charles R., brigadier-general, was born at Newark. Ohio,
in IMarcli, 1829, was graduated at the U. S. military academy on July
I, 1852, and assigned to the infantry, with which he served on frontier
duty till the outbreak of the Civil war. His first duty in this conflict
was in command of the troops sent in the "Star of the West" for the
relief of Fort Sumter. Then, after a short service on quartermaster duty,
he became colonel of the 76th Ohio infantry Oct. 13. 1861. He was
in command of the 44th and subsequently of the loth Ohio infantry
in the western Virginia campaign, being engaged in the pursuit of
Gen. Floyd's Confederate forces from Cotton mountain. He spent the
time from Nov. 20. 1861, to Feb. 9, 1862, in organizing his regiment at
Newark. Ohio, and was in Gen. Grant's Tennessee campaign, being
engaged in the battle of Fort Donelson, the movement to Adamsville
and the battle of Shiloh. He was in command of a brigade in the
advance upon the siege of Corinth and the march to Memphis, Tenn..
and Helena, Ark. ; in command of land forces in the joint naval and
military expedition down the Mississippi river to Milliken's bend,
which resulted in the destruction of much of the enemv's property and
some captures ; in command of a regiment on Gen. Sherman's expedi-
Biographical Sketches 307
tion to Chickasaw bluffs and the capture of Arkansas Post; and in
command of a brigade in the Vicksburg campaign, in which he was
engaged in the advance to Grand Gulf, the skirmish at Fourteen-mile
creek, the capture of Jackson and destruction of much railroad and other
property in its vicinity, the capture of Walnut hills, and assault on
May 22, the siege from that date to July 4, and the pursuit of Gen.
Johnston's army to Canton, including the reoccupation of Jackson and
extensive destruction of railroad property. He was commissioned
brigadier-general of volunteers Aug. 4, 1863, and participated in the
march via Mempliis to Cliattanooga with frequent skirmishes, the bat-
tle of Chattanooga and the action at Ringgold, Ga. He was in
northern Alabama, guarding the Memphis & Charleston railroad, from
Dec, 1863, to May, 1864; in command of a brigade and subsequently
of a division of the 15th army corps in the Atlanta campaign, being
engaged at Resaca, New Hope Church, Kennesaw mountain, the pas-
sage of the . Chattahoochie, battles and siege of Atlanta, and the battle
of Jonesboro. He then took part in the pursuit of the Confederate army
under Gen. Hood, and the march to the sea, taking part in the action
of Griswoldville. On Nov. 22, 1864, he was brevetted major-general
of volunteers for long and continued services and for special gallantry
at Griswoldville. He was in command of a division of the 15th army
corps in the invasion of the Carolinas; was engaged in the capture of
Columbia, the battle of Bentonville, the occupation of Raleigh, and
participated in the march to Richmond and Washington. He then
served in command of the ist division, 15th army corps, at Louisville,
Ky., until July, 1865 ; of the Department of Alabama, with headquar-
ters at Mobile, until April, 1866, of the Department of the South with
headquarters at Macon, Ga., until Aug., 1866, and was mustered out of
the volunteer service on Sept. i, 1866. For his gallant and meritorious
services during the war he received four brevets in the regular army,
besides the appointment of brigadier-general and the brevet of major-
general of volunteers. After the war, till he was retired as colonel Dec.
15, 1874, he was engaged in the ordinary duties of his arm of service.
Gen. Woods died Feb. 26, 1885, in tHe place of his birth, at the early
age of 56. _
Woods, William B., brigadier-general, was born in Newark. Ohio,
Aug. 3, 1824. He was sent to Western Reserve college at Hudson,
Ohio, where he was graduated in 1841, and from there to Yale col-
lege, graduating in 1845 as valedictorian of his class. On leaving
college he returned to Ohio, studied law, and was admitted to the bar in
1847. He demonstrated the possession of great o^'atorical powers;
being also a skilled lawyer he became very popular, and was elected
mayor of Newark in 1855. Two years later he was sent to the Ohio
legislature as a Democrat, was reelected, and was speaker in 1858-59.
As Democratic leader in the house in 1861, Mr. Woods succeeded in
influencing legislative support of the war loan for the purpose of
defending the state. In 1862 he joined the army as lieutenant-colonel of
the 76th Ohio infantry and served until the close of the war, when
he was mustered out with the rank of brigadier-general and brevet
major-general of volunteers. The war record of Gen. Woods was
highly creditable to him. He participated in the battles of Fort Donel-
son, Shiloh, Chickasaw bluffs, Arkansas Post (in which he was slightly
wounded), Resaca, Dallas. Atlanta, Jonesboro, Lovejoy's Station and
Bentonville, the sieges of Vicksburg and Jackson, and iji many minor
affairs and skirmishes. In 1866 he settled in Alabama where he be-
came a leading Republican. Under the reconstruction act of 1868. Gen.
Woods was made state chancellor for six years, but after serving in
308 The Union Army
this position two years he was appointed United States circuit jud^e
for the 5th district, which office he held for a number of years, inaking
his residence in Mobile. In 1880 President Hayes appointed him asso-
ciate justice of the U. S. supreme court. Gen. Woods died in Wash-
ington on IMay 14, 1887.
Wool, John E., major-general, was born at Newburg, N. Y., Feb.
20, 1784, son of a soldier of the War for Independence. He was for a
time a book-seller at Troy and then a law student, but raised a com-
pany of volunteers at the beginning of the war of 1812, and through
the influence of De Witt Clinton was made a captain in the 13th in-
fantry in April, 1812. He was badly wounded in his first battle, that
of Queenstown heights, received a major's commission April 13, 1813,
took part at Plattsburg and was brevetted lieutenant-colonel. After
the reduction of the arm}^ to a peace footing he was made colonel and
inspector-general (1816). He was brevetted brigadier-general in 1826
and attained the rank by commission in 1841. In 1832 he went to
Europe on a tour of inspection and witnessed the siege of Antwerp by
the French. In 1836 he had charge of the removal of the Chero-
kees. In the early days of the war with Mexico he equipped and for-
warded from the West 12.000 volunteers. Following them in person,
he led 3,000 men from San Antonio to Saltillo and was next in com-
mand to Gen. Taylor during the later operations in the interior. At
Buena Vista he chose the ground, disposed the forces for action and
led them in the beginning of the battle. For his services here he
received the brevet of major-general, and at a later date was presented
swords by New York and Congress, with the thanks of the latter. He
had command in the East, with headquarters at Troy, 1847-54 and
1857-60; was in charge of the Department of the Pacific, 1854-57, taking
the field in 1856 against hostile Indians in the northwest. His prompt-
ness in reinforcing Fortress Monroe in the spring of 1861 secured that
important post to the Union, and in August he was placed there as
commander of the Department of Virginia. He occupied Norfolk and
Portsmouth May 10. 1862, was commissioned major-general, U. S. A.,
six days later, and in June was sent to Baltimore to command the
Middle Military Department. From Jan. to June, 1863, he had com-
mand of the Eastern Department and was stationed at New York,
where he called on veterans to volunteer for the suppression of the
draft riots. He was retired on Aug. i, 1863, bemg long past the age
for active service, and died at Troy, N. Y., Nov. 10, 1869.
Wright, George, brigadier-general, was born Oct. 21, 1803, at Nor-
wich, Vt., in the picturesque valley of the Connecticut river. There
he received his early education at Partridge's military school, which
fitted him for West Point, where he was graduated on July i, 1822, and
assigned to the 3d infantry, in which he served on frontier duty and
was its accomplished adjutant for five years. Upon the creation of
the 8th infantry he was transferred to it with advanced rank in con-
sideration of his soldierly qualifications. The success of the army in
Florida, following the failure of the Armistead campaign of 1840, was
in no small degree due to Wright, whose efficiency won for him the
esteem and confidence of the army and the brevet of major from the
government for his "zeal, energy, and perseverence." He accompanied
Scott's ami}'- in the invasion of Mexico, was engaged in ever}' conflict
from the siege of Vera Cruz to the assault of Molino del Rey, where
he intrepidly led the stormers and was severely wounded. For his
"gallant and meritorious services" in this war he received the brevets
of lieutenant-colonel and colonel. Upon the creation of new regi-
Biographical Sketches 309
ments in 1855 he was placed at the head of tlic 9th infantry, and the
following year, upon the breaking out of Indian hostilities in Oregon
and Washington territories, was ordered with his regiment to Fort
Vancouver. There, in command of the northwestern district, he so
severely punished tlie hostile tribes that to this day Wright's name is
a terror in their habitation. At the breaking out of the Civil war, Col.
Wright was appointed a brigadier-general of volunteers and assigned
to the important command of the Department of the Pacific, and it
was the sleepless vigilance, unflagging energy, wise prudence, and un
compromising yet unpretending patriotism of Gen. Wright and his
coadjutors which saved this vast region from the horrors of civil war
In 1865 Gen. Wright was ordered to the command of the newly created
Department of Columbia, and while proceeding to his headf|uartcrs
was drowned, July 30, in the wreck of the steamer Brother Jonathan
ofif the coast of southern Oregon.
Wright, Horatio G., major-general, was born at Clinton, Conn..
March 6, 18:^0. He entered the U. S. military academy at West Point,
in which he was graduated second in the class of 1841 and was ap-
pointed to the engineer corps. In 1842 he was made assistant profes-
sor of French at West Point and later appointed professor of engineer-
ing. In 1848 he was made lirst lieutenant and placed in charge of the
construction of forts and improvements in Florida. After this service
he was promoted captain in 1855 and served as assistant chief engineer
at Washington until the outbreak of the Civil war. He superintended
the construction of the defenses at Washington and was chief engineer
of Heintzelman's division at the battle of Bull Run, also serving in
the same capacity in the Port Royal expedition, which he organized,
and in recognition of his services was appointed a major of the
engineer corps in Aug., 1861. He was promoted brigadier-general of
volunteers Sept. 14, 1861, was at the capture of Hilton Head, S. C,
commanded the land forces in the Florida campaign of 1862, and was
commissioned major-general of volunteers July 18 of that year. In
1863 he was for a time in command of the Department of the Ohio,
and he held the same position in the District of Louisville, Ky.. until
April, 1863, when he was given charge of a division of the Army of the
Potomac in the Pennsylvania and Rapidan campaigns. For meritori-
ous -and gallant services and the capture of Rappahannock Station
while in temporary command of the 6th corps, he was promoted to
lieutenant-colonel and succeeded to the command of that corps upon
the death of Gen. Sedgwick, May 9, 1864. He was promoted colonel
for gallant conduct at Spottsylvania. He was ordered to the defense
of Washington when it was thought Gen. Early was about to attack
the Federal capital; hastily collected his troops and, in connection
with a few regiments of the 19th corps, lately arrived, he succeeded in
forcing the withdrawal of Early. On March 13, 1865. he received the
brevet of brigadier-gener.%1, U. S. A., for gallant and meritorious serv-
ices at Cold Harbor, and for his conduct at Petersburg he was brevet-
ted major-general, U. S. A. On Nov. 2^^, 1865, he was appointed lieu-
tenant-colonel and acted on difTerent engineering boards, being pro-
moted colonel March 4. 1879, and on June 30 ot the same year was
made chief of engineers with the rank of brigadier-general. Gen.
Wright was retired from active service ^l'arch 22. 1884, and died July
2, 1890.
Zook, Samuel K., brigadier-general, was born in Pennsylvania about
the year 1823. When quite young he entered into the telegraph busi ■
ness and made several important discoveries in electrical science, which
310 The Union Army-
gave him a wide reputation. When abuut t\vent3'-five years of age he re-
moved to New York and became connected with the local military organi-
zations of the city. In 1857 he was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the
6th N. Y. state militia, and at the outbreak of the Civil war, though much
out of health, went with his regiment to the seat of hostilities and was ap-
pointed military governor of Annapolis. After his return he recruited the
57th N. Y. infantry, of which he was commissioned colonel, and led it to
the Peninsula. During that long and bloody campaign he generally held
command of a brigade, though without tiie rank or commission properly
belonging to his position. On Nov. 29, 1862, he was commissioned briga-
dier-general of volunteers, the appointment being confirmed in March, 1863.
He was placed in command of his old brigade, which was assigned to
Hancock's division, 2nd army corps, and at Fredericksburg, Dec. 13, 1862,
Zook's and Kimball's brigades achieved the honor of approaching nearest
to the fatal stone wall on Marye's heights. Gen. Zook nobly distinguished
himself in the battles of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, giving up his life
on the latter field July .3, 1863. from a wound received the day previous.
Additional Biographical Sketches
Andrews, George Lippitt, a gallant veteran of tlu- great Civil war
and retired officer of the regular army, was i)orn at Providence, R. I.,
Apr. 22. i8i8. He began his military career in his native city at the time
of the Dorr rel:)eliion in 1842, being then but
fourteen j-ears of age. Two years later he
joined the Providence marine corps of artil-
lery as a private : was promoted to sergeant
m 1847; served as major from 1848 to 1852:
was then made colonel and held that rank
until 1856, when he resigned and accepted
the appointment of captain and commissary
of the Second ]^)rigade of Rhode Island
militia. Subsequently he was made captain
and quartermaster of the brigade, holding
that position until 1S58, when he removed to
St. Louis, Alo. Shortly after becoming a
resident of St. Louis he entered the militia
service of the state as second lieutenant of
Company B, engineer battalion, with which
he took part in the "Southwest Expedition"
in i8(xx When war between the North and
South became imminent, Capt. Andrevvi
unhesitatingly expressed himself in favor of the Union, which led to his
being censured by Gov. Claiborne F. Jackson and the general commanding
the military district, lioth of whom thought that loyalty to the state was
of more importance than loyalty to the general government. To the gov-
ernor's criticisms Capt. Andrews replied in one of the leading newspapers
of St. Louis under date of February 12. 1861. In this reply he said, in
part : "I do not believe in mental reservations or quibbles of any descrip-
tion, particularly in connection with taking an oath ; and when I swore
to honestly and faithfully serve the State of Missouri against all enemies,
and that I would do my utmost to sustain the constitution and laws of this
state against all violence of whatever kind and description; and to well
and trtily execute and obey the legal orders of all officers properly placed
over me while on duty, I did so in good faith, with a full, realizing sense
of the moral and constitutional obligations I assumed. I still occupy
the same position, and shall ever be found ready and willing to do my
part to sustain the constitution, the Union, and the enforcement of the
laws." On April 24, 1861, Capt. Andrews entered the volunteer service
of the United States as lieutenant-colonel of the ist Missouri infantry,
wdiich regiment he aided in raising and organizing. The regimental
organization was completed on the 27th, and part of the regiment was
employed to transport arms and ammtmition from the St. Louis arsenal
to Alton, 111. The entire organization participated in the capture of
Camp Jackson on May 10. It was next at Boonville, of jvhich place Lieut. -
Col. Andrews was made military governor, then at Dug Springs and
McCullough's store in engagements with the state troops, and at the
battle of Wilson's creek Lieut. -Col. Andrews commanded the Second
311
312 The Union Army
i)rigailf i)f G(.-n. LyoiTs ci)liiiiin. On June ic, i.S()i. heforc the expiration
of the term of three months for which the regiment was mustered in, it
was reorganized as a three years" regiment, and on Sept. i8 it was changed
to the 1st Missouri hght artillery Lieut. -Col. Andrews holding the same
rank in the new organization. A few days later he resigned his commis-
>i()n to enter the regular service as major of the 17th U. S. infantry. He
joined his regiment at l''ort Preljle, Me., where he remained until in March,
i.S6j, when he was ordered to join the Army of the Potomac under Gen.
McClellan for the Peninsular campaign. The regiment was assigned to
the 2nd l)rigade, 2nd division, 5th army corps, with which he took part in
the campaigns of the Army of the Potomac during the years 1862-63. He
was engaged at the siege of Vorktown, the hattles of Gaines' mill, Malvern
hill, the second Bull Run, Antietam, reconnaissances across the Potomac
in the vicinity of Sharpsl)urg and Shephcrdstown, about Leetown and
Snicker's gap. and later was in the engagements at Antietam, Fredericks-
burg and Cliancellorsville. after which he was ordered to Fort Preble on
recruiting service, renviining there until Oct. 14, 1864, when he was pro-
moted to lieutenant-colonel of the 13th U. S. infantry and transferred
to Xewport barracks, Newport, Ky. At the same time he received brevets
of lieutenant-colonel for his conduct at the second Bull Run and colonel
■■for gallant and meritorious services at Antietam." While in command at
Fort Preble he directed the pursuit and capture of the bark Taconey and
the schooner Archer, the former of which had entered Portland harlior
and captured the U. S. revenue cutter Caleb Gushing. At the close of the
war he with his connnand was ordered to camp Dennison near Cincinnati.
Ohio, where he remained until in Sept., 1865. when he was transferred to
Jefferson barracks. Mo. He was in command of Fort Sully. Dakota in
1866-7; "1 Camp Cook, Montana, in 1867-8 and of Fort Shaw. Montana in
i868-(). lie was ordered to Arizona, in 1869 as superindent of Indian
affairs ;il \'unia city, where he remained until 1871. In ]\Iarch of that
year he was relieved and ordered to join his regiment at Fort Clark. Tex.,
where he remained until 1872 when he was ordered to Fort Davis. Tex., and
remained there until 1880. when with his regiment he was ordered to
Dakota, where he remained until the fall of 1882, when with the headquar-
ters of his regiment he was ordered to Fort Snelling, Minn. In 1885-6
he was superintendent of the general recruiting service of the army with
his office in New York city. In 1888 he with his regiment was ordered
to Montana, where his headquarters was at Fort Missoula and he remained
there until he was retired in 1892. On Jan. i. 1871. he was promoted
colonel of tiie 25th U. S. infantry; was retired with that rank on .\pril
22, 1892. and l>ecamc brigadier-general in 1904 l:)y operation of law. Dur-
ing the Civil war Col. .\ndrews was frequently mentioned by his superior
officers for the faithful manner in which he performed his duty. His
name appears in eleven volumes of the official records of the war. and in
several of these volumes it is frequently repeated. Space forbids detailed
mention of all these instances, but it is no more than proper that a few of
them should be included in this brief sketch of his life and military career.
.\t the battle of Wilson's Greek his command was first assigned to sup-
port Totten's liattery and afterward was deployed in line of battle and
drove the Confederates from their position. In this action Col. Andrews
was wounded and had his horse killed under him. For his gallant conduct
on this occasion Gen. John C. Fremont recommended him for ■■special con-
sideration of the government for gallant and meritorious services." Maj.
(afterward Gen.) Samuel D. Sturgis. in his official report speaks of Col.
.\ndrews as one of the officers who '■deserve special mention for zeal
and courage displayed." Brig.-Gen. George Sykes in his report of the
Seven Days' battles, particularly the actions at Gaines' mill, Turkey bridge
Biographical Sketches
;ii;5
and Malvern hill, says: "I add personal testimony tn tlu- niolncss, cour-
age and valor of Maj. Andrews of the 17th infantry. Maj. II. B. Clitz, of
tlie 12th U. S. infantrx, ulis in his report of Gaines' mill how Maj. An-
drews' battalion, "wiuii witiiin easy distance of the enemy, taking the
double-quick step, with a cheer dashed at the enemy, who, not waiting
for us to close, gave way and tied in disorder." In the same action Maj.
Charles L. Lovell, commanding the l)rigade, says that Maj. .Andrews wa>
"conspicuous for hraver\' and used every exertion to l)eat l)ack the enemy."
At Fredericksburg he was for a time in command of the l)rigade and is
mentioned in Gen. Buttertield's report as one of the officers whose com-
mands "held this line within close range of the enemy's position behind
the stone wall for twenty-four hours," and adds "A more severe test of the
discipline and efficiency of these commands could not have been made."
In his report of the same l)attle Gen. Sykes thanks Maj. Andrews for his
"cordial and liearty assistance in all the movements directed." On the
Chancellorsvillc campaign Col. Sidney Ikirbank, then in command of the
brigade, commends Maj. .Andrews "for the skillful manner with which he
covered the advance with his skirniishers." These conunendations are not
inserted in the official records as idle compliments, but the impartial state-
ments of his superior officers, and they bear indisputable evidence that he
was a brave, well disciplined soldier. For more than thirty years Gen.
Andrews served in the army of his countr\-, and, although most of that
time was a time of peace, he was always ready for any service to which
he might be assigned. Now, in the evening of his life, as he looks back-
over bis long and honorable career he can justh' feel proud of his record —
a recortl of duty well i)erformed.
Bain, Capt. Peter C, chief of the miscellaneous division in the C S.
bureau of engraving and printing, Washington, D. C. was a member of
Company B, loth regiment. New York National Guard, when the war broke
out. He entered as a private the Union
army at Albany, X. V., on April 13, 1R61,
two days before President Lincoln's call
for 75,000 volunteers, with parts of his own
company and Company A of the :-ame regi-
ment. These two companies were stationed
at the barracks in Albany on guard, duty
LUitil he was mastered into the C S. ser\iee
in the fall of i86i as first lieutenant in the
6 1 St X. V. infantry. Upon the consolida-
I tion of the two companies he was made
' second lieutenant, but on June 1, ilf^fu, was
commissioned captain and served as such
until Oct. 13, 1863, when he was honorably
discharged for disabilities received in the
line of duty. His early service was in the
Peninsula campaign. He was wounded at
I'air Oaks and later was transferred to tlie
vicinity of Harper's Ferry and the lower
Shenandoah Valley, where he was in a num-
ber of slight engagements. As stated he
of Fair Oaks and Chancellorsvillc, once in the
face and once in the hip, and he also suffered a sunstroke, producing dis-
abilities that finally led to his being discharged as above noted. After
retiring from the army Capt. Bain engaged in the oil business in Pennsyl-
vania, but later returned to Albany, where he was for' fifteen years in the
state library. In i8(S2 he was appointed to a position in the bureau of
engraving and printing, but was removed in President Cleveland's second
iM-om a warlinic plmtograi)]!
was wounded at the l)attles
314
The Union Army
term. He rcluniod tu the bureau in 1898 as a l^ook-liinder and has heen
promoted as a matter of merit to his present responsible position. Capt.
]5ain is a staneh Repul)lican in his political opinions, and is a member of
Burnside Post, Xo. 8, Grand Army of the Republic and of the Union
Veterans' Union.
Barnard, Job, associate justice of the supreme court of the District
of Colun^l)ia, was l)orn in Jackson township. Porter county, Ind., June 8,
1844, of Quaker ancestry. He is the son of William Barnard, whose an-
cestors were residents of Nantucket, Mass.,
for several generations. He was educated
in the public schools and at Valparaiso col-
lege and acquired his legal education at the
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He
entered the military service as a private in
Co. K, 73d Ind. Vol. Inf., and was made first
sergeant at Stone River, and was mustered
out at Indianapolis July 4, 1865. He was in
the Stone River campaign ; at Decatur, Ala. ;
skirmishing with Gen. Hood ; skirmishing
on the line of the ^^lemphis & Charleston
railroad. From Jan. 12, 1864, to May of the
same year he was in Indiana on recruiting
duty, and for about four months in the
spring of 1863, served in the 65th Ohio Vol.
Inf., participating in some skirmishing. He
was detailed with the 65th Ohio on account
of the capture of most of his regiment after
tliree or four days of desperate fighting at Days' Gap, Crooked Creek,
Blount's Farm and Cedar Bluffs, surrendering at the last named place
when utterly exhausted and nearly out of ammunition. The men were
sent north on parole and later exchanged, and were again in the field. Mr.
iUirnard was in command of Co. K, of the 73d Indiana from the summer
of 1864 until the close of the war. After the close of hostilities he returned
to Westville, Ind., and in the fall entered the college of law of the Uni-
versity of Michigan, was graduated in 1867 and located at Crown Point,
Ind., remaining there for six years; in the meantime procuring the incor-
poration of the town, and serving during his residence, in the ofitices of
clerk, treasurer, assessor and marshal : and also held the office of assistant
assessor of internal revenue for Indiana from 1868 to 1872. In 1873 he
went to Washington as assistant clerk of the supreme court of the District
of Columbia, tilling this position for three years when he resigned to resume
the private practice of his profession. His practice of law in the city of
Washington was almost entirely confined to civil cases, and he acquired a
reputation as one of the best eqtiipped members of the local bar. It was
in recognition of these qualities that, from anx)ng a number of candidates,
he was appointed in October, 1899, by President McKinley. an associate
justice of the supreme court of the District of Columl)ia. Justice Barnard
cfimmemorates his part in the great civil conflict by membership in Lincoln
Post, Xo. 3, Grand .Vrniy of the Republic. Justice Barnard was married
Sept. 25, 1867, to Florence A., daughter of Judge Worthy Putnam, at
Berrien Springs, Mich. He has three sons, Ralph Putnam. Clarence and
Charles Arthur, all of whom are in business in \\'ashington.
Belden, Capt. W. Scott, chief of the recording division in the office
of auditor for the post office department, Washington, D. C, enlisted at
Maquoketa, la., June 21, 1861, as a private in a cavalry company known
as the "Union Rangers," which on July 24 was organized as Company L,
2nd Iowa cavalry, and was mustered in with the regiment on Sept 12,
Biographical Sketches 315
1861, at Davenport, at wliicli tiinr C'apt. IScldcn rcccivf<l a coiiiinission as
lirst lieutenant of the company from Ciov. Kirkwood. He served in this
capacity until in Aug.. US63, when he was made captain of the company,
serving as such until in Nov., 1864, when he resigned. In Aug., 1862, he
was detailed as acting assistant adjutant-general for Col. J. K. Mizner,
chief of cavalry on the staff of Gen. Rosecrans, and was so engaged at
the hattles of luka and Corinth, in both of which he participated. When
Gen. Rosecrans was placed in command of the Army of the Cumberland
Capt. Reldcn was assigned to tlie staff of Col. Albert L. Lee, commanding
the cavalry l)rigade. as acting assistant adjutant-general, and served a few
months, when he was transferred in the same capacity to the staff of Col.
Edward Hatch, where he served until in Nov., 1863. At Moscow, Miss.,
Col. Hatch was wounded at the beginning of the cngagenient, and after
conducting him from the lield under a severe fire, Capt. Belden took com-
mand of the brigade (2nd brigade, cavalry division. Army of the Tennes-
see) which was at that time composed of the 2nd la., 6th and 7th 111. cav-
alry, and a section of the 2nd 111. light battery. After the defeat of Gen.
Forrest at Moscow the brigade went into camp at Collierville, Tcnn.,
where it was attacked 1)y Forrest on Dec. 2", 1863. but he was agam de-
feated with considerable loss, the 95th Ohio infantry assisting the cavalry
to repel the attack of the enemy. The brigade was commanded in this
action by Capt. Belden. acting for Col. Hatch, who was then lying at the
point of death in the officers" hospital at Memphis. Capt. Eelden con-
tinued in command of the l)rigade until in Jan.. 1864, when the anny was
reorganized and he was assigned to duty as acting assistant adjutant-gen-
eral on the staff of Gen. S. D. Sturgis and accompanied that officer on the
disastrous raid into Mississippi, starting with 7,200 men and returning
with less than 2.C00. having lost 20 out of 21 pieces of artillery, the entire
ambulance train and 240 wagons loaded with supplies and ammunition.
For "/i hours on the retreat the Union troops were subjected to an inces-
sant fire from the pursuing foe. to which they were unable to reply as they
were almost entirely out of ammunition. On the return from this ill-fated
campaign Capt. Belden was detailed on a court-martial at Memphis, where
he served until he resigned in Nov.. 1864. in the meantime accomijanying
Col. W. P. Hepburn, lieutenant-colonel of the 2nd la., on two expeditions
with a flag of truce to Forrest with dispatches from Gen. (^ (.". W'ash-
])urn, ostensibly for the purpose of arranging for an exchange of prisoners,
but really to observe the conditions. On the second expeditit)n he went
with Col. Hepburn to Hernando with supplies of food and clothing for the
Union prisoners confined there. During his service Capt. Belden was in 64
engagements, and his record as a soldier shows that he was always at his
post when he was needed, fearlessly and intelligently performing the duties
assigned him. After the war he returned to Iowa and in 1865 was elected
sheriff of Jackson county, serving one term. In 1869 he bought the Ma-
quoketa Excelsior, a weekly paper, which he conducted for seven years,
when lie sold out and l)ought the Record, another weekly pul)lication in the
same town. This paper he conducted for four years, when he sold it and
in 1881 went to Marshalltown, where he was for four years connected with
the Times-Republican. In 1887 he removed to Sioux City, la., where he
served three terms (6 years) as clerk of the district court of Woodbury
county, from Jan. i, 1895, to Tan. i. 1901. He was also connected wuh a
job printing house in Sioux City for some time. In March, 1902. Capt.
Belden entered the treasury department at Washington, and in May fol-
lowing was appointed to his present position. He is a member of U. S.
Grant Post. No. 6. Grand Army of the Republic, at ^^'ashington, belongs
to the Union Veterans Union, and also \\'ashint>ton Conunandery, Mili-
tary Order of the Loyal Legion. He has been a Master Mason since 1858,
and in his religious affiliations is a member of the Unitarian church.
u;
The Union Army
Blair, Henry William, atturney, cx-United Stales scnat(>r. and licu-
teiiaiit-colonel of llic 15th X. II. iiiVantry, presents a line example of that
l)atri()tism that tired the hearts of so many young men when the war
cloud lowered over the country in the
spring of 1861. He was horn at Campton,
N. H., Dec. 6. 18,34, a ^o" "f William Henry
and Lois ( Baker ) Blair, both natives of
that town ; his father descended from the
lUairs of Londonderry, X. H., and his
niotlicr from Moses Baker of Candia — Rev-
olutionary stock on both sides. His father
(lied as the result of an accident, Dec. 8,
1836. leaving a widow with three children,
and a fourth was born on May 2"]. 1837.
The children were scattered after awhile,
and the mother died in the summer of
1846. Henry found a home with Richard
llartlctt, a farmer of Campton and a. good
man. and there he lived until he reached
his majority, getting what education he
could from the common schools of the town
and two terms at the Holmes Plymouth
academy in the autunui of 1851 and 1852; the spring term of the Xevv
Hampshire Conference seminary in 1853 and the fall term of 1854; and a
term at a select school in Plymouth in the fall of 1855. In the winter
of 1852-53 he taught school in Campton; the next winter at Plymouth
village, and the next at Randolph. Mass. Failing health compelled him
to abandon the idea of a lil)eral education, and on May i, 1856. he began
reading law in the office of William Leverett at Plymouth. Subsequently
he received the degree of A. M. from Dartmouth college. At the May
term of 1859 he was admitted to the Grafton bar, and the following year
was appointed solicitor of Grafton county, when he formed a partner-
ship with his old preceptor under the iirm name of Leverett & Blair.
When the 5th X. H. infantry was being organized, and again when
the i2tli was in process of formation, he offered his services to his coun-
try, but on both occasions was rejected on account of the state of his
health. In a letter to Henry O. Kent, afterward colonel of the 17th X. H.
infantry, Mr. Blair gives the following account of these early efforts to
enlist, and the manner in which he was finally accepted: "1 rode with
Col. Cross from Concord to Plymouth in 1861, he being on hi.s way to
Lancaster, where he was beginning to raise the Fifth, and decided to
enlist and go with him. I was not very strong, and when 1 told my
friends they objected, and my family physician with the rest. 1 went
to Concord, and was examined by one of the surgeons there, who said
they should reject nie. I lost my mother and a brother by consumption.
had broken down in pursuit of an education, and was still enfeebled by
a relapse of measles some years before; so I gave it up. but in the summer
of the next year 1 volunteered for the Twelfth, again with the same re-
sult, however, when 1 went to the surgeon at Concord. The call for
,3CO,ooo nine-months' men was then immediately out. and I again saw the
surgeon, who said he would accept me for nine months, as I appeared to
be determined to go anyway." Lender authority from Gov. Berry lie went
to raising men. wlio were assigned to Company B, and when the company
was organized he was elected captain. He had not thought of being-
trusted witli a commission, and was still further surprised when he was
ai)pointe<l major of the regiment before receiving his conmiission as cap-
Biographical Sketches ;jl7
tain. He was mustered in as major and on April 8, 1863, was promoted
to lieutenant-colonel. The regiment was assigned to the Department of
the Gulf, and after a tempestuous voyage reached Xew Orleans, hardly
a man escaping illness during the winter. McGregor's history of the regi-
ment says : "l-'rom nearly the time of the landing at Carrollton * *
'^- during the long illness of Col. Kingman, the lieutenant-colonel was
in full command of the regiment, and it was tiirough his indefatigable
labors that it was brought to its high state of discipline, receiving, as has
already been shown, the highest encomiums from the inspecting officers."
About the last of March. i8()3. Lieut. Col. Blair was stricken with the
usual climatic fever and was unable for further duty until the army sailed
for Port Hudson on May 20. and even then he was not fully recovered.
In that siege, which lasted from May 25 to July y, 1863, the 15th X. H.
bore an honorable part, in the charge on the enemy's works on May 27
it was in the advance, and its part in this action is thus described by
McGregor : "As soon as free from the woods double quick was ordered,
and in a moment we are in rifle range, and the enemy's parapet for more
than a mile to right and left bursts forth in one unbroken sheet of flame,
all concentrated on our front. Our center comes directly upon the burned
Schalter house ; the smouldering ruins here lie thick upon the ground ;
they constitute an impassable obstacle. The regiment breaks in the center
to pass the obstacle, the right wing striking into the woods beyond the
Schalter house, and the left wing breaking in much confusion and under
a terrific lire to the left, over the high fences of the Hower garden in
front and across it, meeting and surmounting the opposite fence, then
instantly into a tortuous and tangled ravine, and on to the field, now
directly under the murderous musketry tire that mows down all in. win-
rows and thickly covers the groiuid with the dead and dying. The extreme
left did not strike the ravine, but kept on even ground. The alignment
is now lost, and confusion reigns supreme. Col. Kingman led his regi-
ment in. and is with the right wing, which struck the large ravine after
passing the Schalter house, and reached an advanced position, but from
which all efforts to scale the enemy's works proved futile. All order is
gone, and the men each act individually, each loading and firing and
watching an opportunity. But that portion of the regiment that passed
the Schalter house on the left, with other broken organizations, is a surg-
ing and utterly disorganized mass, in the very vortex of hell. Here Blair
rages up and down, calling and swinging his sword for a rally ; his scab-
bard is torn away; and soon he receives a shot through the right arm near
the shoulder, that fells him to the ground, but for a moment only. He
grasps his sword in his left hand; three different times he rallies a brave
few, but who melt and wither away, and all is hopelessly lost. All now
seek shelter, some few behind logs or stumps on the field, but most slid-
ing off to the right into the big ravine which runs straight up and into
the enemy's works. The enemy send up a great shout of victory, and thus
closes the fight. The men make their way off from the field at dark,
and assemble and pass the night at the edge of the beech woods back of
the Schalter house." Lieut. -Col. Blair was sent to Xew Orleans, where
he could receive better medical attention, but as soon as he was able to
go about, there being great need of men at the front, he determined to
return to Port Hudson and help by advice and encouraging the men until
he should be able for active duty. But on June 3 Col. Kingman was
placed under arrest by order of Gen. Dwight — "no charges made, nor
cause assigned" — and, being the ranking officer, Lieut. -Col. Blair took
command, notwithstanding his physical condition. In'the prejiarations for
the assault of June 14 Col. Clark, then conmianding the l)rigade. asked
318 The Union Army
Licut.-Col. Hiair if he would head the cohinin witli the 15th X. II. "Cer-
tainly, sir," came the reply, and with his right arm in a sling, his left
hand grasping his sword, he led his regiment again to the post of honor,
which was also the post of the greatest danger. With as perfect a line as
was ever seen on the parade ground, he led his men up to the great ravine
that lay in front of the enemy's works and was making efforts to press
on through the ravine, when Col. Clark ordered him to desist, telling him
that he "might as well attempt to storm the gates of hell."' In this action
Lieut.-Col. Blair was again wounded in the right arm, almost in the same
place as the wound received on May 2"/. Col. Clark wanted to send him
to the hospital on a surgeon's report, but he refused, and remained at his
post of duty until the regiment, which had fairly won the name of the
"Fighting 15th," was mustered out on August 13. 1863. Upon returning
home he placed himself under the treatment of Dr. D. B. Nelson, but it
was six years before he fully recovered his health. In 1866 he was elected
to the lower branch of the New Hampshire legislature, and in 1867-68
he was a member of the state senate. From 1875 to 1879 he represented
his district in the United States house of representatives ; was a member
of the United States senate from 1879 to 1891 ; and in 1892 was elected
a member of the 53d Congress, where he served until March 4. 1895.
While in Congress he was prominent in work and speeches on financial,
tariff, commercial and educational subjects, especially in his opposition to
the greenback theories in 1876-78. He was the author of the measure
known as the "Blair bill" to extend national assistance to education in the
states. This bill passed the senate three times, but was defeated in the
house. He was also the author of the bills to establish the United States
lal)or department ; the Sunday rest bill ; the school and temperance con-
stitutional amendments ; the amendments for the giving of instruction of
non-sectarian Christian morality in the schools of the country; to guar-
antee a republican form of government by a guaranty of common school
education to the states when not otherwise maintained ; to confer suf-
frage and representation by voting membership in the U. S. senate and
the electoral college to the District of Columbia ; and he was the originator
of bills under the operation of which about half the soldiers' pensions in
the United States are paid. In 1891 he was a candidate for reelection to
the United States senate, but was defeated, and soon afterward President
Harrison tendered him the mission to China, which position was entirely
luisolicited and was promptly declined. The president urged him to
accept and Senator Blair finally consented to do so. His name was sent
to the senate and he was confirmed within an hour, but owing to the
impression that prevailed with the Chinese officials that he had been active
in excluding Chinese immigration to the United States, that country re-
fused to accept him as minister. Upon retiring from Congress in 1895,
Mr. Blair resumed the practice of his profession with offices at ]\Ian-
chester, N. H., and Washington, D. C. Politically he is an unswerving
Republican and ever since the great conflict in which he bore so conspicu-
ous a part he has taken an active interest in political campaigns, speaking
in the interest of his party in various states. He is a member of the
Masonic fraternity, and although reared a Congregationalist does not
belong to any church. He is a consistent advocate of temperance and is
the author of a work entitled "The Temperance Movement, or the Con-
flict of Man with Alcohol;" a pamphlet bearing the title of "The Future
of the Temperance Reform," as well as essays and addresses upon many
subjects. On Dec. 20. 1859. Mr. Blair was married to Miss Eliza Nelson,
daughter of Rev. William Nelson of Plymouth. N. H.. and to this union
was born one son, Henry P. Blair, now a practicing attorney of Wash-
Biographical Sketches
319
ington. D. C. Throughout his entire career, whether as a soldier, lawyer,
legislator, or private citizen, Col. Blair has been guided by a conscientious
desire to perform liis whole duty, and has never siiirked responsil)ilitics.
Brown, George Hay, superintendent of public l)uildings and grounds
in Washington, D. C. was born in lulinburg. Scotland, Dec. 17, 1838, and
in 1840 went with his parents to hjigland, where he was reared and edu-
cated, being a pupil in private schools. His
father, David l>rown, was a landscape gar-
dener and at the age of I'lftcen years, (jeorgc
became his father's assistant, although he
continued his education for two years more,
by attending night schools. In 1850 the
father sought a wider field for the develop-
ment of his work, coming to Philadelphia,
Pa., where the wealthy residents of that
city were beginning to take an interest in
the art of landscape gardening. Two
years later George and his mother joined
Mr. Brown, the son remaining in Phila-
delphia until 1856, when he removed to
Washington, D. C. and planned, laid out
and took charge of the governmental ex-
periment gardens. The grounds at that
time devoted to the purpose were located
on 4^2 street, northwest, now known as the
Jolni Marshal place. Mr. Brown remained in the government employ
until April, i86r, when he enlisted in the 7th battalion. District of
Columbia militia, and was mustered in as first lieutenant, serving three
months. H-e with his command was mustered out late in July at
Washington. The battalion took part in no battles but was on duty as
guard of railroads, bridges, etc., and saw some hard service. After being
mustered out, Mr. Brown entered the engineers' corps in civil capacity,
in charge of the photographic map department, continuing in this work
until March. 1864. He was in the department of the Gulf, with head-
quarters at New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Port Hudson. In the spring
of 1864, Capt. Brown returned to Washington, and soon after went to
San Francisco, remaining on the Pacific coast about fifteen months, being
a part of the time in British Columbia. Subsequently he again spent a
short time in W^ashington, and then went to Memphis, Tenn., where he
was superintendent of nurseries for four years. In 1870 he was tendered
his present position, and has since been in the government employ. The
beautiful public grounds of the national capital, including those of the
Capitol and White House, have been laid out under his direction. Capt.
Brown is a member of the Washington commandery of the Military Order
of the Loyal Legion, is a Knight Templar and past master of Lebanon
lodge of the Masonic order. He is also a member and an elder of the
New York Avenue Presbyterian church, and is a well known figure and
active factor in the social and church life of the city which has been
his home for the greater part of the past half-century. He was married
on Sept. 3, 1863, to Miss Elizabeth Saccaski, and the union has been
blessed with the following children : Percival M., an attorney, of Wash-
ington, D. C. ; Elizabeth V., the director of primary instruction in the
public schools of Washington City; George H., of I»asin, Mass.; Kathryn
S., a model teacher in the kindergarten schools of Washington City, and
Orville G., assistant surgeon in the United States service with the rank of
captain, located at Fort Robinson, Xeb.
;V<;0 The Union Army
Burt, Brig.-Gen. Andrew Sheridan, retired, was horn at Cincinnati,
( )l)iii. Xdv. Ji, 1H39. Mis ancest(n-. Henry Burt, was one of the fn-sl set-
tlers f)f Springtickl. Mass.. in the colonial epoch, and his great-grand-
father. Maj.-Gen. John Gano, commanded
on the Ohio frontier in 1812. Jn April,
1861, he enlisted as a private in Company
A, 6th Ohio volunteer infantry, hut was
soon afterward made a sergeant. Before
the close of the year he was commissioned
a lirst lieutenant in the i8th U. S. infantry,
with which regiment he took the field as
l)art of Col. R. L. McCook's (3d) brigade.
Gen. George H. Thomas' (ist) division,
.Army of the Ohio. He was detailed to act
as aide-de-camp on the brigade staff; was
wounded at the battle of Mill Springs while
carrying a message from Col. McCook to
Gen. Thomas, and for his gallant service
on this occasion was brevetted captain. In
-^ Jan., 1863, he reported to Gen. Rosecrans,
who appointed him an acting assistant in-
spector-general at Murfreesboro on March
4. and he served in this capacity through the Hoover's Gap and Tullahoma
campaigns, the operations about Chattanooga and the battle of Chickamau-
ga, where he won special mention in the report of Gen. McCook "for valu-
able assistance in rallying troops." Shortly after this battle he asked to
be relieved of his staff position and assumed command of his company —
Co. F, 1st battalion, i8th infantry. He commanded that company in the
assault on Missionary ridge, where he received the thanks of -Gen. Palmer.
In the .\tlanta campaign his company was attached to the 14th corps,
which took part in all the engagements from Buzzard Roost to Jonesboro.
In every action in which his command participated in that campaign.
Capt. Burt was on the held, his record for the entire movement being
that of honorable service faithfully performed. In the battle of Jones-
boro, Sept. I. 1864, he again received special mention for gallantry and was
brevetted major. When Gen. Sherman started on his march to the sea
the brigade to which the i8th was attached w-as sent back to the vicinity
of Chattanooga, and early in 1865 Maj. Burt was sent to Cincinnati on
recruiting service. After the war closed he continued in the regular army
and in 1866 marched with his company from Fort Leavenworth. Kan., to
I'ort Bridger, Utah, through about i.cco miles of hostile Indian territory,
thence back to Fort Sanders, Wyo., and from there in 1867 to Fort C. F.
Smith on the border of Montana, a distance of some 1.500 miles through
a country infested with hostile Indians. From that time until 1878 Maj.
Burt was con.stantly changing stations or on expeditions against the In-
dians. He was in Stanley's Yellowstone expedition of 1873; with Col.
Dodge's connnand as escort to the Jenny expedition to the Black Hills
in 1875; with Gen. Crook's expedition in 1876, commanding a battalion
of two companies in the tight with the Indians on the Powder river. At
the battle of the Rosebud these two infantry companies rescued Col.
Royal's three cavalry companies from a precarious position and later
repulsed a vicious Indian attack at Slim Buttes. In 1877 Maj. Burt's
company formed part of Gen. King's command that was sent to Chicago
during the riots there, and in 1879 he was detailed to protect the court at
Hastings, Xeb., at a time when several cowboys were on trial for murder.
l'"or this service Maj. P>iu-t and his company received the commendation
of Judge Gaslin and the thanks of the puldic. and while he was in com-
Biographical Sketches
321
maiul al I-'ort Bidwell, Cal., in 1SS5, tJu- citizens of tlial section pul)lishccl
a scries of resolutions tlianking the major for his etiliorts in |)rcventing an
Indian outbreak. In the war department orders of the same year his
name appears at the head of the army sliarpsliooters. On Jan. 1.1888, he
was made Heutenant-colonel of tlie /tli infantry. In the Spani>h-American
war Maj. Burt was made a brigadier-general and for a time commanded
the 1st lirigade, ist division, 1st corps, when he was assigned to the
command of the ist brigade, 2nd division, 7th corps, under Gen. Fitz-
hugh Lee. He was mustered out of the volunteer service on Dec. 31,
]i^8. and from Aug.. 1899. to Aug.. 1902. was in command of the 25th
U. S. infantry in the Province of Zambales. Philippine islands, where he
was complimented by Gens. AIcArthur and Wheaton for his success in
conquering a peace, suppressing tiie insurrection and breaking up the
Ladrone bands. On April i. 1902. he was appointed brigadier-general in
the U. S. army, and at his own request was retired on the 15th of the
same month, thus completing a term of 41 years in the service of his
country as a soldier. That service may be brieHy summed up as follows :
Private and sergeant in the 6th Ohio volunteer infantry; captain and
aide-de-camp ; iirst lieutenant, i8th U. S. infantry ; captain in the same
regiment; major in the 8th U. S. infantry; lieutenant-colonel of the' 7th
U. S. infantry ; brigadier-general of volunteers in the Spanish-American
war; colonel of the 25th U. S. infantry; brigadier-general in the regular
army until retired. Gen. Burt is a member of the Society of C<:)lonial
Wars in the State of Illinois; the Montana Society, Sons of the Revo-
lution; Ohio Commandery. Military Order of the Loyal Legion; the
Grand Army of the Republic; the United Spanish War Veterans; the So-
ciety of the War of 1812; the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks;
and is a Knight Templar Mason and a Noble .of the Mystic Shrine. Dur-
ing his service on the western frontier the Crow Indians gave him the
name of "The-liig- white-chief, — little-man-who-hghts-the-Sioux-a-great-
deal."
Bergland, Maj. Eric, a native of Sweden, born in 1844, came to Amer-
ica with liis parents in 1847. He was enrolled in the volunteer service
Sept. 14. iSbi. and was mustered in at Camp Douglas. Chicago, 111., on Dec.
26, 1861, as second lieutenant of Company
D, 57th 111. Vol. Inf., and was promoted to
the rank of first lieutenant on April 15, 1862.
He was in the battles of I'ort Donelson,
Shiloh, Corinth. (Miss.) Resaca, (Ga.) and
after that engagement the 57th Illinois w^as
sent to garrison. Rome, Ga., and while there
Lieut. Bergland received an appointment to
West Point ^Military Academy. In Septem-
ber, 1864, he left the field for West Point.
Init finding that his class had started in
algebra, a study in which he had had no pre-
vious instruction, he secured an extension
of time until June of the following year,
and was then ordered to Johnson's Island as
assistant to the U. S. engineering officer in
charge of the fortifications, where he re-
mained in preparation for his examinations
- ' until June. 1865. He was honorably mus-
tered out of the volunteer service on July 7 of the same year, having
passed through his militar_\- experience without having Ijcen either wounded
or captured. On July i. 1865. he entered the Military Academy and on
June 15, 1869, he graduated at the head of his class and was commissioned
Vol. \-III-21
323
The Union Army
second lieutenant of the 5th U. S. artillery, and nn June 10, 1872, was trans-
ferred to the engineer corps as ist lieutenant. On Jan. 10, 1884, after over
fourteen years" service he was promoted to the rank of captain, and on Oct.
12, 1895, to that of major. On March 31, 1896, he was retired on his own
ai)plication having given over thirty years of service to the regular army,
Iieside three years as a volunteer in active service, on the held. This
part of his military experience he conmiemorates by membership in the
.Maryland cnmmandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion. Since
retiring from the army, Maj. Bergland has resided in Baltimore.
Bliss, Alonzo Ogilvie, proprietor of the Alonzo Bliss Company, of
AVashington, D. C, was born in the State of New York in the year 1845,
a son of Horace and Deborah C. (Samson) Bliss. He was educated in
the common schools and the Cortland acad-
emy, and on Sept. 9, 1862, enlisted as a pri-
vate in Company L, loth New York cav-
alr}'. In the following winter he became
the private orderly of Gen. Judson Kil-
patrick, and continued in that capacity
until after the battle of Gettysburg, when
he rejoined his regiment. When the com-
mand reached Petersburg he was sent to
City Point, Va., and remained there on
detached duty until mustered out at the
close of the war. While in the service he
participated in over thirty engagements, in-
cluding all the movements of the Army of
the Potomac in the campaign from the Rap-
idan to the James and the subsequent op-
erations about Petersburg. He was fortu-
nate enough to escape being wounded or
captured, though at the second battle of
Cold Mar1»(ir lu- was reported killed and the government erected a marble
monument to his memory, a monument that he takes delight in exhibiting
occasionally to his admiring friends. After the war closed he engaged in
the drug Inisiness at Richmond, Va., for a time, and in 188S located in
Washington, where he started the business that has developed into the
Alonzo Bliss Company. This company manufactures a proprietary remedy
known as "Bliss Native Herbs," and maintains offices in practically every
English speaking country on the globe, the principal ones being at Wash-
ington, 1). C, Kansas City, Mo., Chicago, 111., Montreal, Canada, London,
luigland, and Kadina, South Australia. Mr. Bliss is a large property
holder in the District of Columbia, among his possessions there being the
Astoria, Penhurst. Le Grand, Kingman and DriscoU apartment houses, and
the building where his general office is located. Although nearing the
three score milestone on life's highway he has the appearance of a man
not more than forty-tive years of age, and his friends attribute his \-outh-
ful appearance to his jolly disposition and his correct habits of living. He
has traveled extensively, both in this country and Europe and has made
many lasting acquaintances on his visits. His success in life has been
entirely due to his energy, foresight, and the faculty he has for making
friends of all whom be meets. Mr. Bliss is prominent in Grand Army
circles and is a member of the regimental organization of the loth Xew
York cavalry. He is a charter member of the Canby Lodge, Xo. 520,
Free and .Accepted Masons, in the State of Pennsylvania, and belongs to
the Washington board of trade.
Biographical Sketches
323
Bradford, Rev. James H., the well known Grand Army chaplain of
Washington, I). C, was I)orn in Vermont in 1836. The first seventeen
years of his life were spent on a farm and in attending the local schools,
after which he was for three years a dry-
goods clerk in Charleston, S. C. He then
spent six years in preparing for and enter-
ing Yale college and Theological Seminary,
and on Feb. 12, 1862, entered the army as
chaplain of the 12th Conn, infantry, having
the reputation of being the only chaplain
from that state to remain with his, a three-
year, regiment through its entire term of
^ ^^^^m service. His unanimous election as chap-
^^^■>fc. ^ ^^^^H lain of the 12th Conn. Regiment at Hart-
^^^^^^k^mm'^ ijj^^^^m ford, Tuesday, Feb. 1862. was uncx-
^^^^^^H ^^^^^V Yale
^^^^^^B ^^^^^^r 1 beological seminary, and was a^ked by
^^^^^B J^^^^^v Captain Dickinson, Co. C, Saturday
^^^^^B ^^^^^r night to visit Hartford, where the 12th
^^^^H ^^^^W was forming. A journey to Northern Ver-
^^^^ ^H^^^ mont, where his father, Moses F>. l->radford,
^^^^^ was preaching in a Congregational church,
enabled him to be examined and installed as chaplain. Returning to Yale
college, packing books, etc.. raising some funds, purchasing blankets, etc.,
he reported Tuesday, one week from the date of his election, with a com-
mission from Governor Buckingham, and for the second time in his life
slept in a tent. The regiment was soon ordered to a steamer at New
Haven, and started for New York, where they took the steamer "Fulton"
for Ship Island. jNliss.. just off Mobile Harbor. In the sand of that harbor
they sunk flour barrels in order to obtain water. General B. F. Butler
soon came and a review of some twelve thousand troops, on the sand of
that island, was followed by a severe thunder storm, the lightning striking
the center pole of a large tent, where about a dozen men under arrest,
were lying on the ground with their heads toward the guns, stacked in
the center, and several of the men were instantly killed. This island,
about six miles long, was covered with wood at the upper end, which,
cut and hauled down the shore by the men, furnished wood with which
to cook. The ne.xt move was to ship aboard the "E. Wilder Farley" and
be towed to the entrance of the southwest pass of the Mississippi river,
that was so muddy that they could see the stream twenty miles out into
the Gulf of Mexico. The tow boat had been a ferry boat between New
Y'ork City and Staten Island. They anchored in the river below Forts
Jackson and St. Phillips, opposite where Porter's mortar boats were tied
up, their masts trimmed up with trees, and lifting their two hundred
pound mortars into the air, which landed over in the forts. A set of canal
boats in the stream supported a chain stretching from one shore to the
other, prevented Farragut's boats from passing up the river, but it was
soon cut by some sailors, and up went Farragut's boats, firing at both
forts, and sinking several vessels above, on which were hundreds of Con-
federates, many of whom went down with their boats. A partly sunken
canal boat struck the anchor chain in the middle of the river about mid-
night, with such force as to break the iron through which the chain
passed, in the front part of the bo'at. and tipped the boat sideways, so as
to throw many men out of their berths, and scraped along as if a shell
was passing the whole length of the boat. Running to the rear, one
could see the sunken flat boat float away down the swift current. The
forts surrendered, and the 12th was towed up the river one hiuulrod and
'324: The Union Army
ciglity miles to New Orleans. Along the Ijanks in some places ran hnn-
(Ireds of slaves cheering and saluting, but on some plantations with slaves
hoeing the cane, with overseers with large whips in their hands, not a
slave was allowed to look up as the boat passed. The water was very
high, on the levee stood cows fed and milked where they stood, because
they could not step to either side without floating off in the current.
Splendid plantations made of the mud that had floated down the river
hundreds of miles for centuries, stretched away to the swamps on either
side. At length Xew Orleans was reached, when amid the burnt cotton
bales, several regiments landed at the same time.
The 7th and 8th Vermont, /th and Sth Xew Hampshire. I2th and 1.3th
Connecticut. 12th Alaine. 75th and i6oth Xew York and others took pos-
session of the largest city in the south, from the rear, without a iight.
the Confederate troops fleeing up the river and the several car loads of
swords made some years before somewhere in the north, for defense, not
used. Into Lafayette Square not far from the St. Charles Hotel, camped
the 1 2th Connecticut, surrounded by a high iron fence, where a host of
letters to be sent to friends in the north were handed through, as the mail
had long ago stopped. General Butler planted a cannon just off the
corners of the streets, and the people were ordered off the streets. Hopes
of yellow fever to drive soldiers off. were freely uttered. Daily dress
parade was a part of each day's employment, and prayer by the chaplain
just l)efore the troops were dismissed was a part of dress parade. The
Chaplain of the 12th C. V. was the first to offer a loyal prayer in public
in X'ew Orleans. In a few days the 12th was ordered to Camp Parapet,
about six or seven miles above the city, where there was a defense with
a canal constructed from the river to the swamp on the right They had
the location next the river, and remained there several months. Thou-
sands of escaped slaves were located near. The chaplain was the tirst
man from the northern army to ask permission to raise a colored regi-
ment, but it was refused ; it was stated that the colored people must go
back on the plantations to raise cane and cotton, but soon a change came
over the authorities and eighteen regiments of "Corps de Afrique" were
enlisted and fought valiantly, as at Port Hudson. The chaplain could
have mustered a regiment in one day if he had been permitted to do so.
Up the river to drive the Confederates out of all western Louisiana was
a part of two years' service, which ended with the siege of Port Hud-
son, the last place fortified on the Mississippi River, wliich surrendered
on July Hth, after they had heard Vickslnirg had given up on July 4th. A
dinner of the last mule's tongue, corn cakes, made of corn cobs and all.
ground up together, offered by Confederate officers, was the last experi-
ence there. X'orth to Washington, then up the Shenandoah Valley, Bat-
tles of Winchester, Fisher's Hill, and Cedar Creek, wdiere some thirty
men wore killed and many wounded followed. The three years was up in
December, and the regiment was mustered out in 1864, thankful that so
m.'my could come home alive. After the war he went to Hudson, Wis.,
where he was for three years pastor of a church, at the end of which
time he went to Massachusetts to accept the position of assistant superin-
tendent of the state reform school for boys. Three years later he iiecame
superintendent of the industrial school for girls, a state institution at
Middlelown, Conn., and had charge of that school for four years, when he
was elected superintendent of the state primary school at \Ionson. Alass..
wliore he remained for three years. He then opened a private school at
Middlctown. Conn., and conducted it for a year, having as one of his
pujiils S. L'rio. a Japanese, who afterward graduated at the U. S. naval
academy at Annapolis, and upon his return to his own country became a
rear admiral in the Japanese navy, and led the first attack upon Chemulpo
Biographical Sketches
in tlie war with Russia. In 1881 .Mr. llraford disposed of his school at
Middletown and went to Wasliington to take a position in thL^ census
department, l)ut was transferred the following year to the Indian bureau,
where he has ever since been employed. Ever since locating in Wash-
ington he has been chaplain of Garfield Post. Xo. 7. Grand Army of the
Republic, and for 18 years has l)een chaplain of the Washington Com-
mandery, Military Order of the Loyal Legion. .\t the national encamp-
ment of the Grand Army at Boston. Mass.. in Aug. 1904, he was elected
chai)lain of the national organization. In a circular issued by the com-
mander of the Department of the Potomac in April, 1904, urging the
election of Mr. Bradford to the office of chaplain-in-cliief, the foliowing;
is quoted: "His life in the army was with the men. When they were in
tents, he was — when they slept on the ground without tents, he did —
when they went into battle, he did. He Jiad charge of the mail, coming
and going, and the express matter for the men. SL-nding thousands of dol-
lars to their families, and caring for their money when on shipboard, they
being more exposed to possible loss." He has served as chai)lain of the
soldiers' and sailors' temporary home most of the time from its organiza-
tion in 1887 ; was one of the organizers of the chaplains association in
iSg^; has served as secretary, treasurer and president of the Soldiers'
union of the Congregational church ; and has held more services, with-
out compensation, than any other minister in W'ashington. In 1897 he
was elected vice-president of the Pri.soners' aid society and a year later
was elected to the presidency, where he served for two years. He was
for ten years recording secretary of the Manassas, Va., industrial school,
an institution for colored youth ; was recording secretary for the Vermont
association in Washington; and since 1889 has been the recording secre-
tary of the Boys' and Girls' curfew association. As "Aide to promote
patriotism in schools," on the stafif of the commander-in-chief of the
Grand Army, he has had charge of the assignment of speakers from the
Grand Army in all the public schools of the Di.strict of Columbia for
flag day, for 0 years (June 14) thus coming in close touch with nearly
30,000 children. His whole life since reaching his majority has been
passed in the alleviation of human sivffering and the elevation of the race.
Bickford, Nathan B. E., of Washington, D. C, entered the military
service of the United States on Dec. 7, 1861, at Concord, X. H.. as a
.private in Company B, 5th X. H. Vol. Inf., and served in that capacity
and in the same command until Let)., 1863,
when he was honoraldy discharged for dis-
aljility caused by hardships in the Peninsular
campaign. A consideral)le portion of the
time he was on detached duty at I)rigade
headquarters. After his discharge he re-
turned to Xew Hampshire and in the fall
of 1863 received an appointment to a posi-
tion in the L^. S. treasury department, at
\yashington, D. C, Serving until he re-
signed on April i, 1864. to accept a commis-
sion as captain and commissary of subsist-
ence. He was assigned to the Army of the
("umberland, and ordered to report to Gen.
Thomas at Chattanooga. Tenn., and sent by
the latter to (ien. Jos. Hooker to serve on
his staff as assistant to the chief commis-
sary, remaining in that l)osition with Gen.
Williams and Gen. ]\lower at headquarters
of the JOth corps until the close of the war. He was in the Atlanta cam-
336
The Union Army
paign and wc-nt with Gcii. Sherman to the sea. ] le \va> in the grand re-
view at Washington, D. C, and was mustered out in that city June 24,
1865. After the close of hostilities he went to Savannah, Ga., where he
was engaged in husiness for about live years. He returned north, locat-
ing in New York city for a time and was temporarily in Minnesota, re-
maining north until 1876, when he went to Washington, D. C, and in 1882
estal)lishcd his present l)usiness of solicitor of claims, which has grown
to large proporilions. In 1880, Mr. Bickford was employed in the census
bureau, hut resigned in 1881. He is a member of the Burnside Post, No.
8, Grand Army of the Republic, and is a past commander of the Depart-
ment of the Potomac. His church connection is with the Unitarians but
he has never joined any church.
Burch, Sylvester R., chief clerk in the department of agriculture, at
Washington, i). C. enlisted for service in the Civil war at Cedar Rapids,
Iowa, in October, 1861. as a private in Co. D, 12th Iowa infantry. After
serving two years he veteranized and
served successively as eighth corporal, ser-
geant major, adjutant and first lieutenant,
and was mustered out at Memphis, Tenn.,
Jan. 24, 1866. While serving as serg. ma-
jor, he was commended in the report of
his superior officer, Lieut. Col. John H.
Stibbs, of the engagements on Dec. 15 and
t6. 1864, near Nashville, Tenn., for "hav-
ing displayed skill and courage in the per-
formance of his duties.'' He was detailed
a portion of the time to serve as private
aide to Major A. L. Chetlain, and later
was made acting assistant adjutant general
on the staff of Maj. Gen. Chetlain at Talla-
dega, Ala., and when released from duty
went with his regiment from that point to
Memphis, Tenn., as its adjutant and was
mustered out with the regiment. He took
part in the engagement at Pittsburg Landing, where he, with his regi-
ment, was captured and sent to Tuscaloosa, Ala., where the infamous Wirz
was in command of the prison, and there Capt. Burch, with three others,
was hand-cuffed with a short chain to the floor for eight days and nights,
by order of Wirz. for displaying a six-by-nine inch flag from the window
of the room where they were contined. The flag was the property of
Capt. Burch and was concealed and subsequently divided into four pieces
as mementoes of the episode, and the captain still has his portion in his
possession. After remaining in Tuscaloosa two months he was sent to
Montgomery, Ala., and paroled about a month later and after some two
or three months was exchanged. After rejoining his command he partici-
pated in the siege of Vicksburg; was at Tupelo and Jackson, Miss.; in the
Red River expedition, coming up through Arkansas, and was with the
command that drove Price out of Missouri. He was in the two days bat-
tle at Nashville, at Spanish Fort and Fort Blakelv. After the close of
the war, Capt. Burch returned to his home in Cedar Rapids, remaining
for two years and then removing to Olathe, Kan., where he kept a hotel
for seventeen years, and entered actively into the life of the city. He
was twice mayor, a member of the council several times, a member of
the board of education and its presiding officer for six years. In 1890 he
was appointed supervisor of the census for the second district of Kansas,
and in November of the same year he went to Washington to the census
office. In September, 1891, he was appointed auditing clerk in the agri-
Biographical Sketches
327
cultural dfpartnicnt, and subsequently was made chief clerk in the bureau
of animal industry of that dei)nrtment, serving live years, and at the
termination of that period was made chief clerk of the department of agri-
culture, which position he still occupies. He belongs to the l'"ranklin Post,
Grand Army of the Republic, at Olathe, Kan., and has served as its
connnander several times, and is also a member of the Union Veterans'
Legion, Encampment No. 69, Washington, and to the Military Order of
the Loyal Legion of the same city. Other societies also claim his allegi-
ance, the Independent Order of Odd h'ellows among the fraternal and the
Methodist l{|)isci)pal cliurch among the religious organizations.
Buckingham, Hiram, until July 1, 1!I()S, custodian of the interior de-
partment, Washington, D. C, enlisted at Hartford, Conn., Aug. 29, US62,
as a private in Company A, i6th Conn, infantry, with which he served
until the regiment was mustered out at
New Berne, N. C, in May, 1865, receiving
his tinal discharge at Hartford the following
month as quarter master sergeant. His
rirst active service was with Gen. McClel-
lan in the Maryland campaign that cul-
minated in the battle of Antietam. On this
campaign the regiment lost 400 men in 17
days. He was next at the battle of Fred-
ericksburg, where the regiment, commanded
l)y Capt. Upham, formed a part of Har-
land's brigade, Getty's division, 9th corps.
In the spring of 1863 he was at Suffolk,
Va., when the place was besieged for three
weeks by Gen. Longstreet, after which the
regiment was ordered to North Carolina.
When Plymouth, N. C, was attacked by a
large force of Confederates, under Gens.
Hoke, Ransom and Kemper and the ram
i6th Conn, formed part of the little force
i^allantly defended the place for three days,
but were finally compelled to surrender to a force that outnumbered them
nearly ten to one. Sergeant Buckingham was taken to Andersonville and
then to Libby prison, remaining seven months at the former place and
one month at the latter, when he was exchanged under the name of John
Sullivan at City Point, Va. John Sullivan was a sailor who had been
captured wdiile serving on the Underwriter and died in prison. By passing
himself off for the dead sailor Mr. Buckingham was enabled to make his
escape from the horrors of Confederate prisons much sooner than he
might have done under his own name. After his exchange he remained
for some time at the parole camp at Annapolis, Md., and then rejoined
the remnant of his regiment — only 40 or 50 men — at New Berne, where
he served until mustered out as above stated. Upon returning home Mr.
Buckingham w'as engaged in the grocery business at Hartford until 1893,
when he accepted his present position, and since that time has resided in
Washington. He is a member of Rawlins Post, No. i. Grand Army of the
Republic, at Washington, and in 1904 was the senior vice-commander of
the Department of the Potomac. He is also a member of the Masonic
fraternity and belongs to the Congregational church.
Buxton, Charles H., a clerk in the postoffice division of the United
States treasurer's office at Washington, D. C, enlisted at Camp Taylor,
Cleveland, Ohio, on April 30, 1861, as a private in Coihpany C, 7th Ohio
infantry, for the three months service. In June. 1861. he enlisted for three
years; was promoted to corporal and later to sergeant; took part in the
Albemarle, in April, 1864, tlu
under Gen. Wessells that so
}28
The Union Army
cngagtmcnts at Cross Lanes, Port Roijublic, Kcrnstown. and nnmerous
minor skirmislu's in the Shenandoah Valley. On Aug. 9. 1862, he was
severely wounded in the arm and shoulder at the battle of Cedar moun-
tain, and when he heeame convalescent was detailed to the war depart-
ment in Washington, where he served until mustered out on July 6. 1864.
.Soon after receiving his discharge from the army he was appointed to
a position in the treasury, and has ever since been connected with that
department of the l''ederal government. Sergt. Buxton is a member
of Ikirnside Post, Xo. <S, (Irand Army of the Re])ublic, at Washington, and
linds genuine delight in meeting his old comrades in arms. For more
than forty-live years he has been in the service of his country, and
whether upon the field of battle or as a civilian in the departmental busi-
ness of the nation, his record is one of honorable ser\-ice faithfull_\' ])er-
formed.
Campbell, Frank L., formerly assistant attorney-general in the de-
partment of the interior. Washington. D. C. was born in Hancock county.
V^a.. (now West Va. ) in 184,3. After attending the common schools of
his native state and an academy at Paris.
Pa., he entered Washington and Jefferson
college, Washington. Pa., but left that insti-
tution in his junior year to enlist as a pri-
vate in Company B. 58th Pa. infantry, one
of the emergency regiments called out by
Gov. Curtin on June 2"], 1863. to resist Lee's
invasion of the state. Xine-tenths of his
company were students of Washington and
Jefferson college. The regiment patrolled
the Ohio river from Bridgeport to Yellow
creek, near Wellsville. and assisted in the
capture of Gen. John Morgan and his raid-
ers at Salineville. Ohio. Private Campbell
was mustered out near Pittsburg. Pa., about
the close of Aug., 1863, and for the next
tvvehe months was confined to his home by
illness. In the fall of 1864 he opened and
taught the first free school in the State of
W\'st Virginia, and during the next live years taught at intervals in the
public schools of that state and Ohio. In 1866 he married Miss Mary J.
Pollock of Allegheny City, Pa., and took up his residence in Starke
county, Oliio. His appointment to a position in the interior department
in 1870 came without solicitation on his part, but he accepted it and
served for si.\ years as an examiner and member of the board of review
in the pension bureau. At the end of that time he was transferred to
the office of the secretary of the interior as a member of the board of
pension appeals, and two years later was transferred to the office of the
assistant attorney-general for the department. His acquirements during
a long service in this position conmiended him to the secretary, who recom-
mended him to the president for appointment as assistant secretary, and
he succeeded W^ebster Davis in that office on May 2. 1900. For a time
he was acting secretary of the interior, and while iir this position the
Department Lawyer, a Washington publication, said of him: "Judge Camp-
bell is rather tall and stately in stature. He has a distinguished i)earing
and commanding presence. His manner is dignified, but cordial. He is
just, but considerate; decided, but impartial, and honest, but not narrow.
He has always so borne himself, both in and out of office, that he has
the unqualified respect, confidence, esteem and even love of all who know
him intimatelv, cither in his official or his social relations ; and his ad-
Biographical Sketches
3?9
vancement to the second place in tlie .ni'eat departnient over which he
so ably helps to preside lias never clianged in the slightest degree his
hearing towards any one, either in or out of the departnient. Always
gentlemanly and pleasant in his conduct towards others, he remains the
same pleasant, cordial, genial, patient and hard-working official that he
was before his last official distinction and justly merited reward,' Be-
ginning on a $1,200 clerkship. Judge Campbell has l)een advanced by
nierit alone, and for nearly forty years he has been connected with the
interior department under both Republican and Democratic administra-
tions. If, during that long period, any fault was ever found with his work
it was so slight that it did not cause a ripple on the surface of the de-
partmental service. In Feb., 1903, he was appointed assistant attorney-
general and held that position with marked success until March, 1907,
since which time he has served as assistant attorney for the department.
He has also won distinction as a lecturer on Federal administrative law
in the National university law school. Judge Campbell is a member of
Lincoln Post, Xo. 3, Grand Army of the Republic; is prominent in Ala-
sonic circles, being a past high priest of the grand Royal Arch chapter of
the District of Columbia, a Knight Templar and a Noble of the Mystic
Shrine, and is regarded as an authority on Masonic law and lardmarks.
His religious affiliations are with the Presbyterian church. In 1902 his
alma mater, Washington and Jefferson college. Pa., conferred on him the
honorary degree of LL.D.
Butts, Frank A., who served throughout the Civil war as a meml)er
of the Forty-seventh New A'ork Volunteer infantry, subsequently served
the government well and faithfully in different departments, and who of
late years has been a solicitor of claims in
Washington, D. C. was born in New York
city July 29, 1844. He is the eldest son of
Rev. Joshua and Susan (Underbill) Butts,
and both his maternal and paternal ances-
tors won distinction and honor in the Colo-
\ nial wars, the Revolutionary struggle and
\ the War of 1812. His mother was a de-
scendant in a direct line from Lord John
Underbill, who migrated to New England
from the British Isle as early as 1620, and
became the founder of a long line of dis-
linguished New Hampshire citizens. Ma-
jor Butts received his educational training
in the schools of New York city, but at the
age of twelve years he began bis career as
a messenger boy and clerk in a mercantile
establishment. He was thus engaged at the
outbreak of the Civil war, and soon after-
ward, on June 17, ]86r, lie i-nlisted as a private in Company A, Grant's
Sharpshooters, and with the company went into camp near the old Cooper
Glue Factory in Bushwick, near Williamsburg, Long Island. The organ-
ization failed to obtain its full quota and in September of the same year
Major Butts successfully took an examination before a military board of
which Col. W. W. Tompkins was president, and received a commission
as second lieutenant, assigned to the First Washington Greys, a regiment
wdiich afterward was mustered into the service as the Forty-seventh New
York infantry. On June 19, 1862, he was promoted to be first lieutenant
of Company H; on Nov. 10, 1863, to be captain of Company F; and on
Feb. II. 1865, was made major, the commission to date ircm Nov. 10,
1864. The Forty-seventh New YcM'k fcirnud part of the original Port
330 The Union Army
Royal expedition. \vas assigned to Viele"s brigade, and was present at
the capture and bonil)ardnient of Port Royal and Hilton Mead, S. C., on
Nov. 7. 1861. I'ollowing is a list of the engagements and campaigns in
which Alajor Butts participated with his regiment: Port Royal ferry. S. C,
Jan. I, 1862; James Island, June 10. 1862; Secessionville, June 16. 1862;
Ossabaur Island. Ga.. Fel). 22, 1863; siege of Morris Island. S. C, and the
capture of l-'orts Wagner and Gregg, from July to October, 1863; capture
of Jacksonville. Camp Finnegan. Olustee, and Palatka. Fla.. from Feb. 7,
to March 10. 1864; Bermuda Hundred. Port WaUhall Jimction, Chester
Heights. Drury's Bluff, Green Plains, Cold Harbor. Cemetery Hill, near
Petersburg, Petersburg Mine, Deep Bottom, Strawberry Plains, assault
at Newmarket Heights, Chapin's Farm, and F^ort Gilmer, Darijytovvn
Crossroads, and Second Fair Oaks. Va.. from Alay 4. to Oct. 27, 1864;
attack, assault, and capture of Fort Fisher, Sugar Loaf Battery, F'ort An-
derson on Cape F'ear River, assault on the works in front of Wilmington,
N. C, and the capture of Wilmington, from Dec. 25, 1864. to Feb. 22.
1865. On Feb. 20. 1864, at the battle of Olustee, Fla., the Forty-seventh
New York lost 314 men and seven officers, and Major Butts, who was
then a captain and had not yet attained his majority, took command of
the regiment after the colonel and other superior officers were wcnmded,
brought it off the held and remained in command until the following
month. At the battle of Darbytovvn Crossroads Alajor Butts led the
organization, and was in command during the operations against and the
capture of Wilmington. After the cessation of hostilities the regiment
was stationed at Raleigh. N. C, and from April 26 to Aug. 25. 1865, the
colonel being absent on sick leave and the lieutenant-colonel having charge
of the post, Major Butts was the officer in command of the organization.
After he was relieved of that duty he was ordered to New York to confer
with the officials of that city to receive the regiment on its return. On
Sept. II, 1865, with the others of the Forty-seventh, he received an honor-
able discharge from the service. In June of the following year J\Iajor
Butts was appointed military commissioner in charge of the third divi-
sion, third sub-district of Virginia by Maj.-Gen. Alfred H. Terry, com-
manding the Department of Virginia, and was thus engaged until the state
was turned over to the civil authorities in the fall of 1868. His labors
during that eventful reconstruction period won the highest commendation
both from the officials in charge and the people of the district. In 1869 he
became a clerk in the United States Railway Mail Service, in which he
served for more than fourteen years, five years of the time as head clerk
of the W'ashington and New York line, and five j-ears as chief exam-
iner of the second division with headquarters in New York. When he
resigned from the Railway Mail Service it was to accept an appointment
to a clerkship in the United States Pension Bureau. It was Major Butts
who originated and organized the Army and Navy Survivors' Division
of the bureau, and from 1886 until his retirement from the position in
August, 1889. he served as chief of the division. Since that time he has
been engaged in business as an attorney in Washington, practicing before
the several departments of the government at Washington. Fraternally
Major Butts is identified with the Commandery. District of Columbia,
Military Order of the Loyal Legion; Post No. 2. Grand Army of the Re-
public, of Philadelphia. Pa. ; Encampment No. 69. L^iion Veteran Legion,
Washington ; Sedgwick Camp. No. 3. Union Veteran Union. Washington ;
Lincoln Camp. No. 2. Sons of Veterans. Washington ; L^nion Soldiers'
Alliance, the Society of the Army of the Potomac; the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks; the Knights of Pythias, a Knight Templar, a
Thirty-second degree Mason, and the Almas Temple of the Mystic Shrine.
In November, 1874, was celebrated Major Butts' marriage to Miss Lucy A.
Biographical Sketches 331
Crawford, the daughter of James T. Crawford of New York, who was a
direct descendant of Charles Turnhull, a captain in the Fourth Continental
Artillery in the Revolutionary War. Two sons were horn to hless this
union. Frank G. is a clerk in the Citizens' National Bank of Washing-
ton and Joseph W. is a rising young lawyer.
Bukey, Brig.-Gen. Van Hartness, late dislmrsing agent of the U. S.
hureau of engraving and printing, Washington. D. C. enlisted in the
Union army at Parkershurg, W. Va., Oct. i6. icS6i, as a private in what
afterward became Company D. nth West
Virginia infantry. In Feb., 1862, he was
promoted to first lieutenant and to captain
in August following. He served as cap-
tain until in Feb., 1863, when he was made
major of the regiment. In Aug., 1S6.3, he
was promoted to lieutenant-colonel and
served with that rank to Nov., 1864, when
he became colonel. The regiment was deci-
mated and he was mustered out on Dec.
21, 1864. Early the following year he w-as
brevetted brigadier-general, ranking from
March 13, 1865. Gen. Bukey was with his
regiment in the engagements at Cloyd's
mountain. Piedmont, Lynchburg, with Gen.
Hunter in the Valley of Virginia, at Snick-
er's ferry. Kernstown. Berryville, the Ope-
quan. Fisher's hill, and the two tights at
Cedar creek in Oct.. 1864. About Dec. i.
1864, the division to which the nth W. Va. was attached was ordered to
Richmond and Petersburg, where it formed a provisional division of the
24th corps until after the surrender of Gen. Lee's army at Appomattox.
Gen. Bukey was injured at Snicker's ferry by his horse being shot under
him, but otherwise escaped casualty, although he was with his regiment
in a number of hotly contested actions. He was a member of Burnside
Post. No. 8, Grand Army of the Republic, at Washington, and on Oct.
5, 1892, was elected a meml)er of the Ohio Commandery, Military Order
of the Loyal Legion, his number being i,on and his insignia 9,747, and
later w-as transferred to the District of Columbia commandery. He was
also a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. General Bukey
died on March 14, 1909.
Clements, Joseph Crane, chairman of the Indian division of the de-
partment of the interior, w^as born in Dayton, O.. Jan. 2^, 1836, and entered
the service of the United States at that place early in 1861, soon after the
outbreak of the war. He was assigned to the quartermaster's depanmetit
of Gen. Schenck's brigade, and in 1862 was appointed assistant quarter-
master of the U. S. volunteers, by President Lincoln, with the rank of cap-
tain, and assigned to Pratt's brigade, Sickle's division, 3d army corps.
For efficient service he was later brevetted major, resigning from the
military service at Augusta, Ga., 1866, and returning to his home in
Ohio. In 1868 he was appointed to a position in the treasury department
which he held for three years, and in 1871 was appointed secretary of
Washington territory, holding the position for two years. He was re-
called to A\'ashington, D. C, in 1873 and assigned to an important position
in the Indian division in the office of the secretary of the interior, holding
that position until September, 1905. After the death of Joseph C. Bender,
chief of the Indian division of the department, in the summer of 1905.
Major Clements acted as chief of the division until his formal appoint-
ment to the position. Among the number of men who were pushed by
The Union Army
thiir triiiids for tlic posiiioii Major Clinicnts was the only one considered
by Secretary Hitchcock. He had at that time been in the department for
thirty-two years and his appointment to the vacancy was in the nature of
a promotion. He is rated as one of the rigiit-hand men of the department
and is regarded as an encyclopedia of all matters that relate to the gov-
ernment of the Indians. Having. been in close touch with the work for
more than a (piarter of a century, he is one of the men in whose judgment
the head of the department has implicit confidence. Although now past
his seventieth vear Major Clements is hale and hearty, and gives every evi-
dence of being al)le to till his present position for many years to come.
Ahhough not addicted to the hal)it of joining societies and associations,
he is reckoned as one of the select circle who are known as the "Disciples
of Izaak Walton." ...
Carson, John Miller, .ippointed b\ President Roosevelt to the position
of chief of the l-.urean of Manufactures in the Department of Commerce
and Lal)or in Mav. \()0^. to succeed Mr. J. H. Moore, resigned, has been
_ ■ ' an active Washington correspondent for
over thirty years. He was born June i8,
1838, in Philadelphia, is the son of Thomas
Carson, and was married Nov. 28. 1861. to
Miss Annie L. Miller. He entered a print-
ing ofifice when he was seventeen years of
age, and after working as a compositor for
live years took up reportorial assignments
for the morning papers, and, as he was an
expert short-hand writer, his services were
frequently in demand for reporting speeches.
He enlisted in May. 1861, in Company F. 27th
Pa. infantry, a three year regiment, it and
the j6th being the first three year regiments
from the state. He entered with the rank of
second lieutenant and was promoted to the
position of captain of Company F. in 1863,
and as such was mustered out on June i,
1864. After the war he returned to news-
paper work and was associated with several Philadelphia journals and
was one of the founders and a part owner of the Philadelphia Post. After
that paper had run its brief but brilliant career, Capt. Carson was offered
the editorship of the Enquirer at Columbus, Ga.. but as that was in the
reconstruction period, he decided, after looking over the field, that the
prospect was not an inviting one for an ambitious northern man. On his
return from Georgia he stopped in Washington where he secured a posi-
tion as night editor of the old National Republican, and the following
year became assistant correspondent of the Xew York Times, also writing
letters to the Philadelphia Public Ledger, w'ith which paper he was actively
associated for over thirty years. He was at the head of the Times bureau
in 1882 when, upon invitation William D. Kelly of Pennsylvania ("Pig
Iron Kclley"), he became clerk of the \\'ays and Means committee and
assisted in formulating the tarif? act of 1883, and in 1890, on the invita-
tion of William McKinley (President) he again became clerk of the same
committee and assisted in the tariff act of that year. He resigned his posi-
tion with the Times when he first became clerk of the Ways and Means
committee but kept his Public Ledger work, and when the Times and
Ledger passed to one ownership a few years ago. Captain Carson became
the head of the joint bureau, so his services as a Washington correspond-
ent have been continuous since 1874. His journalistic work has been of a
high order, and he has enjoyed the confidence and friendship of the prom-
Biographical Sketches
333
iiunt pu1)lic men in Washington fur the last three decade^. He is one of
llie founders of the Gridiron Llul), and has served twice as president, and
was the tifth mcnil)er of that chil) to he appointed to an important posi-
tion hy President Roosevelt. He has also l)een chairman of the standing
committee of correspondents, which under the direction of the Senate com-
mittee on rules and the Speaker of the House has charge of the press gal-
leries at the Capitol. On assuming his new duties. Captain Carson relin-
quished all his newspaper connections. Other administrations have made
others of positions to Captain Carson. President (iartield wished to ap-
l)oint him an assistant secretary of the treasury, hut he declined and Presi-
dent McKinley would have made him secretary in the position afterward
accepted by John Addison Porter. He came to his new position especially
well equipped for the office, through his journalistic training, and the fa-
miliarity with national conditions which he has acciuired through hotli his
newspaper and legislative work.
Case, William Wallace (whose name appears on the military roster
as "Wallace W. Case"'), entered the service in Wabasha county, Minn., on
.\ug. 13. iiS(i2. as a private in Co. C, lOth Minnesota infantry, but upon the
organization of the regiment, Sept. 3, fol-
lowing, he was promoted to the position of
orderly sergeant, and on Feb. 16. 1864, was
commissioned second lieutenant, scrvmg as
such until Aug. IQ, 1865, v.hen he was hon-
orably discharged at Fort Snelling, Minn.,
with his regiment. The organization was
tirst engaged in the Indian warfare in ]\Iin-
ncsota and Dakota, and Lieut. Case was in
the tights at Big Mound. Dead Butifalo Lake,
Stone Lake (Dakota), and the Missouri
River. The regiment was then assigned to
the 1st brigade, 1st division, i6th army corps
of the Army of the Tennessee, and went
south in October, 1863. It was engaged in
the raid after Price in Missouri and the
pursuit of Forrest. It was in the battle of
Tupelo, Tallahatchie River and Oxford.
Miss., and at Big Blue. Mo., and also at
Xashville, Tenn., and on Dec. 15 in the charge made at that place was the
first to plant its colors on the enemy's works on the top of a high hill,
and the following day participated in the charge at the principal point the
last line of works the enemy being forced out at the point of the bayonet.
In this engagement Lieut. Case was severely wounded in the right arm
and right hip, and after spending two weeks in the hospital at Nash-
ville, he was sent home on a twenty days' furlough, and, at the expiration
of his leave of absence to the general hospital, at Milwaukee. Wis., where
he remained a short time, he was then detailed to Camp Randall. Madi-
son. Wis., collecting, guarding and forwarding drafted UTen and substi-
tutes. In this service he was engaged until ordered to join his regiment
for the muster out at Fort Snelling. Minn.. Aug. 19. 1865. .After the close
of the war. Lieut. Case was. in the fall of 1866, elected auditor of W'aba-
sha county. i\Iinn., and served for four years, and in 1871 went to Wash-
ington, D. C, and was appointed to a position in the pension bureau, under
his former colonel. General J. H. Baker. Since that time he has been
employed in the bureau, being now principal examiner. He is a member of
Lincoln Post, Grand Army of the Republic, the Mifitary Order of the
Loyal Legion, Washington Commandery, and the Union Veteran Legion.
He also stands high in fraternal circles, being a Royal Arch Mason. On
the paternal side Mr. Case is of French extraction, his mother's family
334
The Union Army
are of old colonial stock, his ancestry givin.y him nienibership in the So-
ciety of ^Mayflower Descendants. His maternal great grandfather, Tim-
othy Paige, was a captain in the Revolutionary war, and l)oth of his grand-
fathers, Zebulon Case and P.cnjamin Bachelor, were soldiers in the War of
i8i^. Mr. Case was married l""eb. 22. i(S65, at \\ hitewater, Minn., to Mary
I'., daughter of Klihu Fernald, and to the marriage two daughters were
l)orn as follows: Annie Almira, who married Edgar Hirst in 1889,
and died in 1890 and Hattie S., wife of Clifford Howard, of Chevy Chase,
Md., and Los Angeles, Cal. Mr. and Mrs. Case are communicants of
Trinity Episcopal Church of Washington, D. C.
Cole, Henry Alexander, now U. S. ganger at Baltimore, entered the
military service at I'riderick, Md.. Aug. i, 1861, as captain of Co. A. ist
Maryland cavalry, and was promoted to the rank of major on Aug. I,
i86j, to that of lieutenant colonel. Mar. 20,
1864, and w\as commissioned colonel April i
following and served as such until mustered
out at Maryland Heights with the regiment
on June 28, 1865. There was probably no
organization of the war whose history com-
bines so much of thrilling adventure, and
daring courage, as the ist Maryland cavalry,
known as "Cole's Cavalry," after its intrep-
id leader. It was a three years battalion,
organized at the beginning of the war and
was of men well acquainted with the coun-
try along the upper Potomac and in the
Shenandoah Valley, hence its companies or
squadrons were being constantly detailed for
the purpose of reconnoitering the enemy's
positions. Frequent attempts were made by
the Confederates to cut off or capture the
scouting parties, but by their familiarity
with the numerous by-roads and bridle-
paths through the mountains the Maryland-
ers always made their escape. In 1861-62 the battalion was on duty on
the .Maryland side of the Potomac, and a part of it was with Gen. Lan-
der in his defense of Handcock, I\Id., and the remainder made an all-
night march to the relief of the place, resulting in the repulse of the Con-
federates. In the summer of 1862 it descended into the Shenandoah Val-
ley, and in November of that year was attached to the 12th corps, under
Gen. Slocum. Scouts from the battalion found their way through the
enemy's lines in June, 1863, and notified Gen. Milroy that he was about
to be surrounded, and after his defeat by Gen. Lee, "Cole's Cavalry" cov-
ered the retreat of those who escaped from Winchester. On Feb. 13,
1863, the battalion re-enlisted, and on their veterans' furlough were re-
ceived w^ith great honors at Frederick City. They recruited at re-enlist-
ment so that they had henceforward a full regiment. After the engage-
ment at Lynchburg the regiment was assigned to the cavalry corps under
Gen. Sheridan, in the Shenandoah Valley, and was almost constantly en-
gaged until Gen. Early was driven from the valley. It would take a vol-
ume to follow adequately the movements of "Cole's Cavalry." Either by
company, detachment or as a battalion or regiment it participated in over
eighty battles and skirmishes, including tive actions at Winchester, four
at Charleston, others at Martinsburg, Kernstown, Antietam, Gettysburg,
Catoctin mountain, Romney, Crampton's gap, Berryville, Shepardstown,
etc., and the movements of Col. Cole, and personal references to his cour-
age and military skill may be found in some twelve or Hfteen volumes of
the official records of the Civil war, of which the following arc examples:
"I-'rom a photournph taken
in ise.j."
Biographical Sketches 335
"The horse of Capt. Cole was killed under him." "My staff officers speak
with the highest praise of the cool and daring conduct of Capr. Cole, of
the cavalr_v." Report of Gen. Alpheus S. Williams, at Hunker Hill, Va.,
Alar. 5, 1862. In the court of inquiry regarding the surrender oi liarper's
Ferry, Lieut. 11. M. Binney testified that "Capt. Cole of the ist Maryland
Potomac Home Brigade Cavalry offered to open up communication with
our army if there was any in Maryland." "Maj. Cole went ahead with his
usual gallantry and judgment and the artillery was admirai)ly handled."
Report of Col. Geo. D. Wells, of the attack of Charlesion, \v'. Va., and
skirmishes at Berryville. "Maj. Cole and his command deserve high praise
for their gallantry in repelling the rebel attack." Report of Gen. H. W.
Halleck of an assault by Mosby's guerrillas, Jan. lo, 1864. By the report
of Maj. J. S. Mosln- of this attack one of the principal objects was the
capture of Alajor Cole and his staff, whom he understood to be "encamped
on Loudoun Heights with no support but infantry.' "Cole's battalion and
a squadron of the 15th drove the enemy through the gap (Blue's) against
great odds. After driving the enemy through tlie gap Maj. Cole asked
leave to pursue him further. This I refused." Report of Lieut. Col. Fitz
Simmons, Feb. 7, 1864. Brig-Gen. J. C. Sullivan on Feb. jo, 1864, reports:
"Capture of a part of Alosby's men by Maj. Cole. A severe skirmish."
Referring to the attack by Mosby. mentioned above, on Jan. 10, Brig.-Gen.
B. F. Kelly reports: "Mosby attacked Maj. Cole in Loudoun county, near
Harper's Ferry, and was handsomely repulsed." "Cole's cavalrv drove the
enemy every tim.fe they attacked him, and did not fall liack until they
opened with four pieces of artillery and attempted to Mank him with three
regiments of infantry, and his squadron that had been cut off dashed
through the enemy and joined him.'' Such references to the dash and gal-
lantry of Maj. Cole's command, imbued by the high spirit and courage of
their leader, might be repeated almost indefinitely, but enough have been
given to show that the reputation which they bore for gallant and fearless
conduct was maintained through the wdiole four 3'ears of arduous service.
He was mustered out with his regiment at Alaryland Heights, Md., on
June 28, 1865, and was paid off a few days later at Baltimore. After the
war Col. Cole went to Baltimore and entered the p-overnment service as
inspector of customs and served for two and one-half years, and then
went into the contracting business wdiich he carried on from 1868 to i88o,
at that time receiving an appointment to the revenue service as store-
keeper at Baltimore. After ten years in that department he was promoted
to the position of U. S. ganger, which position he now holds. He belongs
to the Custer Post No. 6, Grand Army of the Republic, at Baltimore, and
to the Maryland Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion.
Coleman, Horace, M. D., surgeon in the pension bureau at Wash-
ington. D. C. entered tlie military service at Logansport, Ind., Oct. 7, 186 1,
as surgeon of the 46th Indiana infantry, and was mustered in on Dec. ir,
following. He served in this regiment until July 30. 1863. and was with it
in the following engagements: As a part of Gen. Pope's army in Missouri
it was in the attack on Xew Madrid, March 3-14, 1862: it put up a battery
at Fort Pillow and sustained the attack of five gunboats for over an hour
without being dislodged, it started for Fort Pillow, and after a delay of
several weeks at Osceola, raised its flag over the Fort on June 5, and the
following day occupied Memphis: it drove the enemy from St. Charles,
capturing the works and marching across the country to Crocketts' Bluff,
driving the enemy Iiack. After the return to tielena it participated in ex-
peditions to Clarendon. .Arkansas Post, the Tallahatchie and Cold Water
rivers. Duval's Bluff and the A'azoo Pass, and taking' part in the action
at F"ort Pemberton, moved on to Milliken's Bend, and was in the principal
part of the engagement at Port Hudson, Aliss.. in Alay, and in the advance
l)rigade at Champion Hills, Alay 16, suffering a loss of about one-fourth
;];JG The Union Army
of its minihers. Jt was in the trenches at \icksl)urti fnrty-four days, and
in tlic siege of Jackson. July y-iO. Dr. Coleman resigned July 30, — before
the transfer of the regiment to the Department of the Gulf, — on account
of illness in his family. On April 30. 1864, Dr. Coleman was commissioned
surgeon of the 147th Ohio volunteer infantry by Gov. John Brough, of
Ohio, and served for one hundred days, being mustered out with the regi-
ment at Camp Denison, O., Aug. 30, 1864. This regiment was on duty at
Fort Ethan Allen, and Fort Marshall, Va., near Washington, D. C, and par-
ticipated in the repulse of Gen. Early at Fort Stevens. After leaving the
army Dr. Coleman returned to his native place in Troy, O., and resumed
the private practice of his profession in which he had been engaged since
his graduation from the Ohio Medical College in Cincinnati, in 1849, until
1861. On June 8, 1865, he was commissioned military surgeon of Miami
county, O., and on May i, 1866, was commissioned surgeon of the 25th
regiment of the Ohio national guards, and so acted for some time. He
was appointed on Feb. C, 1866, as the examining surgeon of the pension
department in Miami county, and occupied this position until Sept. 14,
1889, and then resigned to accept his present position. Dr. Coleman be-
longs to the Military Order of the Loyal Legion, Ohio Commandery, and
is a charter member of the Coleman Post Xo. 169, Grand Army of the
Republic, at Troy, O., and was its first commander, and also belongs to the
Union Veterans' Union, and to the Sons of the Revolution. He is a mem-
ber of several leading fraternal organizations, having been made a Mason
in 1845, and is past master of the following lodges : Franklin Lodge, No.
14, Troy, O., Tipton Lodge, Logansport, Ind., Orient Lodge, Logans-
port, Ind., and also acted as master of a military lodge in the field,
and is a Knight Templar, and a thirty-second degree, Scottish Rite Mason.
He is a member of the Troy Lodge, Xo. 43. Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, of Troy, O., having joined in 1844. Dr. Coleman, Iwrn Dec. 27,
1824, has behind him an ancestral record of military and medical service.
His father. Dr. Asa Coleman, saw no military service, but acted in many
capacities with the militia : his grandfather, Dr. Asaph Coleman, was a
soldier in the Revolution, from Connecticut, and an original member of
the "Society of the Cincinnati" ; his great grandfather, Dr. Xoah Coleman,
was surgeon of the 2nd Connecticut regiment, Continental line, in the
Revolution, and served on the Hudson, under Gen. Putnam. He joined
Gen. \\'ashington's army in Pennsylvania in 1877, and was at Monmouth.
Stony Point, and Morristown, serving from Jan. i, 1777, until Jan. i,
1781. With such ancestry back of him. Dr. Coleman's success as a physi-
cian and surgeon, in both military and civil life, would be presupposed :
in fact, anything different from his record would be a matter of surprise
to any person who has given the most casual study to the influences of
heredity and envir(^nment in the development of character.
Faunce, Solomon E., chief of the paymasters' division in the office
of auditor for the war department in the treasury department, Washing-
ton, D. C, was born at Plymouth, ]\Iass. in 1842, and first entered the army
as a private in Company B, 3d Mass. volunteer militia on April 16, 1861.
for the three months' service. During his term of enlistment his regiment
was stationed at Fortress Monroe and Hampton, Va., and he was mustered
out at Boston harl)or on July 22, 186 1. On July 2~, 1862, he enlisted as a
sergeant in Company D, 38th Mass. infantry and served as such to Jan.
29, 1863, when, on account of injuries received in line of duty, he was hon-
orably discharged. Upon leaving the army he returned to Plymouth,
^lass., and went to work at his trade — that of printer — remaining em-
ployed in this vocation at Plvmouth, Boston, Cambridgeport, Springfield
and other places until Feb., 1865, when he was appointed to a clerkship in
the treasury department, with which he has ever since been connected,
gradually working his way up to his present responsible position. Sergt.
Biographical Sketches
Xir
]'"aunce is i)roniiiK'nt in (jraiul Army circles, licinj; a nunilicr of U. S.
(irant Post, Xo. 6, of whicli Ik- was commaiulor in I.S85-S6, rcsit>iiin}4'
in the latter year to become assistant a(ljutant-<>eneral of the Department
of the Potomac. He was junior vice-coiimiander of this (le])artmeiu in
1889, senior vice-commander in i8go, department commander in 1893 and
in 1904 was judge advocate of the department. He was a prominent
member of the Massachusetts Republican association in the 70s and served
for a time as president of the same; was Grand Master of the Independ-
ent Order of Odd Fellows, of the District of Columl)ia ; and was for two
years secretary and three years deputy governor of the Societ\' of Maj--
riower Descendants, and is at present (1909) a deputy governor general
of the General Society. In 18S0 he was admitted Xo the bar of the supreme
court of the District of Columbia, but has never engaged iti active prac-
tice. In his religious faith he is a Universalist.
Conner, Lendell Allen, for over five years chief of the division of
accounts in the department of internal revenue, Washington. D. C, en-
listed on Aug. 7. t86j, as a i)rivate in COmpany G, 9th New ilampsliire
infantry. He fought with his regiment at
South mountain, Antictam, bVedericksburg,
and several minor engagements, and in June.
1863, w'as assigned to the commissar\- de-
partment at Vicksburg, where he served
until the close of the war. He was slightly
wounded at South mountain, and in June,
iS65,he was mustered out at Concord, X. H.
After the war he returned to his home at
Henniker. X'. H., but in January, 1866, ac-
cepted a clerkship in the division of which
he is now the chief and has been a resident
of Washington for 43 years. Mr. Conner is
m member of Burnside Post. X'o. 8. Grand
.Arm}- of the Republic, and takes a com-
mendable interest in the work of the order.
He also belongs to the ?kIasonic fraternity
and to the Congregational church. In all the
societies to which he belongs he is deser\'-
edly popular liecause of his sterling qualities and general good fellowship.
Gushing, Lyman F. W., accountant of the light-house board at Wash-
ington, D. C, enlisted on May 21, 1861, as a private in the 2nd Mass.
light battery — Capt. Ormand F. Xims commanding — and was mustered
into the U. S. service on July 31 following. He was engaged witii his
battery opposite Vicksburg in July, 1862, was wounded at Baton Rouge on
Aug. 5, and held in the hospital there until he was sufficiently recovered
to rejoin the battery. In the fall of 1862 he participated in the actions at
Bayou Tcchc and Clinton, La. In the spring of 1863 the battery was at-
tached to Grover's di\ision of the 19th corps, with whicii it took part in the
demonstration against Port Hudson in March. It ne.xt moved w-ith the
army on the Teche expedition and was engaged at Fort Bisland, Saliine
cross-roads. Irish bend, Dunbar's plantation, Vermillion bayou. Grand
Gulf, Plains store. Miliken's bend and La Fourche crossing, after which it
actively engaged in the siege of Port Hudson. Private Gushing was
slightly wounded at Vermillion bayou. l)Ut was absent from his command
but a short time. He was mustered out on Aug. 16, 1864, and on Sept.
7, reentered the army as second lieutenant of the 26th unattached company
of heavy artillery at Boston, Mass. The company was organized as
Company K, 4th Mass. heavy artillery, and Lieut. Gushing was made an
aide-de-camp on the staff of the ist l)rigade, DeRussy's division, 22nd
corps, and later acting assistant adjutant-general on the staff of Brig.-
338
The Union Army
Gen. J. X. G. Whistler. commaiKling the l)riga(le, 1)eing assigned to this
position on Oct. 15, 1864. \Vhile serving in the heavy artillery he was in
no engagements and was mustered out on June 17, 1865, at Fort Richard-
son, Va., but was held under regimental orders and drew pay until some
time in August. In 1878 he located at Washington, D. C, where he has
since resided. He has been a member of Washington Commandery, Mili-
tary Order of the Loyal Legion shice 1887.
De Merritt, John Henry, is a descendant of a French Huguenot fam-
ily wliich left 1- ranee .ilter tiie revocation of the edict of Nantes, and fled
to Fnghmd, wIkihi- the ancestors of the American branch of the family
immigrated to this country. The name was
originally spelled de Alerite. Dr. De Merritt
entered the service of the United States
navy in February, 1863, as assistant pay-
master, and served as such until October,
1863. when he was mustered out for physical
disability. He returned home to Manches-
ter, N. H., and in 1864 was appointed clerk
in the navy department, in which he has
been employed most of the time since. He
took a course in the medical departnxent of
Cjeorgctown University, and was graduated
in 1869 and practiced for two or three years
in Washington, D. C, and then returned to
the navy department, where he has been
for many years, now holding the position
of chief clerk in the pay-master"s office. Dr.
De Merritt is a member of the Military Or-
der of the Loyal Legion. Washington
(D. C.) commandery, and also belongs to the Masonic order. While not
a member of that religious organization he affiliates with the Episcopal
church.
Davis, Jefferson William, principal examiner of the pension bureau,
Washington, 1), (".. enlisted July 20, 1861, at Little Valley, N. Y., as a pri-
vate in (11. I''. 04th X. V. infantry. Soon after, he was promoted to cor-
poral and on reaching Washington. Decem-
ber, 1861, he was made duty sergeant, later,
first sergeant and in May, 1864, was com-
mjissioned first lieutenant. In ^^larch, 1862,
the 64th New York became a part of the
second corps. Army of the Potomac, and
proceeded to the peninsula with the general
advance under General McClellan. The
regiment was present during the siege of
Yorktown but received its first real test at
the battle of Fair Oaks, where it liehaved
with great steadiness, losing in killed and
wounded 173 of its men. After this battle
Lieutenant Davis was sick and was left
in a house near Fair Oaks Station, Va.,
when the army was falling back, and was
there captured and sent to Libby prison.
After remaining there a month he was con-
fined for two months at Belle Isle, and on
Sept. 13, iN'j. w.i- released on parole, and the following December was
exchanged. Rejoining his regiment he participated in the battle of Chan-
cellorsvillc, the 64th being on the skirmish line, and receiving the highest
conunendation for the part which it took in the stu1)born defense under
Biographical Sketches
3;] 9
Col. X. A. Miks. At Ckttysl)urg the rcKiiiuiit fought gallantly on July _',
in the celebrated wheat-lieUl, losing out of the 205 men engaged, gS in
killed, wounded and missing. J-'ollowing the hattle of Gettysburg Lieuten-
ant Davis was detailed to the recruiting service and was sent to Gen. I. F.
Quinby, whose headquarters were at Klmira, X. Y., where he was engaged
in clerical duties from July, 1863, until .\pril, 1864. After returning to the
lield he took part in the battles of the \\ ilderness, Po River and Spottsyl-
vania, in all of which, his captain being detailed for field duty, he was in
command of the company, and in the last named lost his left arm, suffer-
ing three amputations. He made application, on convalescence, to be per-
mitted to return to the service, but was refused, owing to a general order
issued forbidding disabled officers to return to the front. Lieutenant
Davis was mustered out at Washington, D. C, May, 1865, some three
months before the general muster out of his regiment. After retiring
from the militar\- service he remained in Washington, 1). C, and was ap-
pointed to a government position, and has been employed by the govern-
ment ever since, holding now the responsible position of principal exam-
iner of Bureau of Pensions. He is a member of the Lincoln Post, Xo. 3,
Grand Army of the Republic, and of the ^Military Order of the Loyal
Legion, Washington Commandery. He is also a member of the Hamline
^lethodist Episcopal church of Washington, in which he is a trustee and
an active, working factor.
Dickson, Charles Henry, Sr., supervisor of Indian Schonl?, is of
Irish descent on the paternal side of the family and of old cnlnnial stock
DU the maternal side, llis paternal grandfather, Francis Dickson, Sr., was
born and died in Belfast, Ireland, and his
father, Francis Dickson, Jr., was born in the
same city and immigrated to the United
States in 1821, locating in Philadelphia, Pa.,
and from there went to Illinois and later
to Kentucky, where he died in 1851. The
maternal great grandfather was Dr. William
r>liss, a native of Massachusetts and was a
surgeon in the Continental army, and at-
tended Gen. Joseph Warren on the field of
Hunker Hill. Charles H. Sr., entered the
military service at Salem, Ind., April 23,
1861, as a private in Company G, 13th Indi-
ana infantry, served for three years and
three months, and was mustered out at In-
dianapolis, Ind., July 4, 1864. He was only
seventeen years of age at the time of enlist-
ment and participated in the following en-
gagements : Rich Mountain, Va., Winches-
ter, Va. (when "Stquewall" Jackson was defeated), Port Republic, Va.,
Fort Wagner, S. C, and a number of small engagements in Florida. His
regiment was then assigned to the Army of the Potomac and he took part
in the second battle at Cold Harbor, and was then stationed in the vicinity
of Petersburg for about two months, and was in a number of skirmishes,
but no heavy engagements. The time limit of his enlistment being reached
he was then sent home and mustered out of the service. He was never
wounded or captured or missed an engagement in which his regiment
took part. On leaving the army he was appointed to a clerkship in the
treasury department, at Washington, D. C, and served there for nine
years, and then went to Greenwood, Ind., where he was in the flour milling
business for a number of j-ears, returning to Washington in 1879 to a
clerkship in the Indian bureau. In 1883 he was appointed Special Indian
agent in the tick! and resigned after serving three years, entering upon
Ill
The Union Army
])riv;it'j husiiK'ss. Duriiiy rrL>i(lcnt .\lcl\inky'< adniinislration Ik- was
appointed to a clerkship in the Indian olfice, and later to his present posi-
tion, which he has since fdled except for one year when he was chief of
accounts of thi- Indian oftice. Mr. Dickson l)elongs to Kit Carson Post,
Xo. 2. Grand Army of the Republic, of Washington, to the Union Veter-
ans' League and is a Royal Arch Mason. His religious associations are
with the Presbyterian church of whicli lie is a member and has served for
fifteen years as a trustee of the b'ourth Presbyterian and Ciunton Temple
Prcsl)yterian Churches. In Washington, in i<S67, Mr. Dickson was married
to ]\Iiss Jane K. Taylor, and they have three sons and a daughter living,
as follows: lleKn R.. wife of Rockwell Lonuiis: Charles II.. Jr.: Ernest
V. and \\alter S.
Dye, P. Edwin, attorney, Washington, 1). C.. entered the United States
army at Ituffalo. X. \'.. Oct. 2g, i(S6i. in Company II, lofjth Xew York
infaiilrs, a- r.ipt.iin lie p.articipated in the Peninsular campaign and was
in engagements at Little and P>ig Ik'tiiel and
several minor engagements preceding the
siege of Yorktown { Warmek and Lee"s
Mills), and at Ft. Magruder, Williamsburg.
I*"air Oaks ( where he was wounded in the
right hand 1)y a piece of shell ) White Oak
Swam]) and the seven days' battles around
Richmond, concluding with Malvern Hill.
On Jan. j8, 1864, he was commissioned cap-
tain of the 26th U. S. colored troops, and
on Feb. 23, 1864, was made additional pay-
master, with the rank of major, his commis-
sion having the autograph of President
Lincoln, and being countersigned by Secre-
tary Stanton of the war department. On
Alarch 24, following, he was made paymas-
ter and ordered to Washington. D. C. and
thence sent on at once to Hilton Head, S. C,
where he remained about a year and was
tlien assigned to .\lbany, X'. ^'., w'here he paid all troops Ijetween Xew
"^'ork and Canada, including those of Vermont, and mustered out and
paid his old regiment (the looth New Y'ork infantry) in Albany, X. Y.,
in ]865. Upon the cessation of hostilities Major Dye returned to Xew
York and resumed his teaching and law practice in Buffalo, and not long
after went to Iowa, where he followed the vocation of farming and also
])racticed law. until he went to Washington, D. C, in 1870. He there
entered the law department of Columbian (now George Washington)
University, from which he was graduated the same year and admitted to
practice in all the courts and since that time followed his profession in the
national capital. Politics had little attraction for him, and his business
was strictly along the legitimate lines of his profession. He belonged to
the Military Order of the Loyal Legion, was a Royal Arch Mason, and a
member of the Congregational church, and was twice married. His civil
life was characterized by the same qualities that marked his military ca-
reer, courage, earnestness and a faithftil tlischarge of the duties of life
as they were presented to him. He died in Washington. D. C. Jan. 23,
Kjo". and is liuried in the Arlington Xational cemetery.
Ebaugh, Theodore Oliver, chief of the bookkeepers' division in the
office of the comi)troller of currency, Washington, D. C, became a meni-
l)er of Company !•", of the famous 7th Xew York infantry on July 7, 1857.
When the call came for three months troops in the spring of 1861 he en-
tered the U. S. service with the regiment, being mustered in on April 16,
the next day after the president had issued the call. Private Ebaugh was
Biographical Sketches
oil
imisteTcd oul with llic r(.-,L;inuiU ai tlie cxpiralion of i1k- term of enlist-
ment, and his next military service was as paymaster of United States
volunteers, in which position he served from l<"eh. 20, 1862, to March 31,
1805, receivin.u, a bronze medal from the State of New York for "faith-
ful service." W iiiU' serving with the igth army corps in the Department
of the <nilf he was under tire at Raton Rouge. La., and after joining the
Army of tlie Potomac was under lire at Petersburg. On Marcli 31. 1865,
he resigned his commission as paymaster to accept a position in the treas-
ury department at Washington, and since 1887 has occupied his present
place. Mr. Ebaugh lielongs to Kit Carson Post, Xo. 2. (irand .\rmy of the
Republic: is a thirty-second degree Mason, and is tlie senior warden of
Trinity Protestant Kpiscopal church, of Washington.
Franklin, Walter Simonds, of Baltimore, for many years an officer
in the regular army, entered the military service as second lieutenant in
tlie I2tli U. S. infantry, .May 14, i8()i, and was soon after promoted to
tlie rank of first lieutenant, and on I-el). 0,
1863, to that of captain and was detailed as
mustering officer on Gen. Sedgwick's staff,
ihe latter being then in command of the Oth
army corps, and was so engaged until (ien.
Sedgwick was killed at Spottsylvania Court
House. Soon after he was detailed as in-
spector general of the 6th army corps, with
the rank of lieutenant colonel of cavalry
and so acted until the close of the war. He
was in the seven days' battles around Rich-
mond, and was then detailed and sent to
Fort Hamilton, New York harbor, and was
there during the draft riots, and from Xew
York went to the field with his conunand,
Co. H, I2th U. S. infantry, and wa- tlun
detailed as stated above, lie u.as with the
-Vrmy of the Potomac until the close of tiie
war, and with the 6tli corps in its relief of
Washington, D. C, and with it in the engagements in the Shenandoah
\'alley and in front of Petersburg and in the Appomattox cani])aign, and
during all of his military experience was never wounded or captured.
.\fter the war he returned to his regiment, the second battalion of which,
— eight companies, — became the 21st U. S. infantry, two companies being
added, and be w.is assigned to the position of captain of the reorganized
regiment. I'^arly in 1867 he was ])laced in command of si.x counties in
the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, as military commander anil there
remained until the spring of j86g, when he was ordered with bis regi-
ment to California. A few months later he was detailed to the University
of Wisconsin at Madison, as instructor in military tactics, where he re-
mained until October, 1870, when he resigned from the army to take
charge of the Ashland Iron Company, of Baltimore, Md., as general man-
ager and held this position until 1887, then becoming connected with the
Maryland Steel Company, of Baltimore, .Md.. a branch of the Penn-
sylvania Steel Company, remaining with them until December, 1894,
when he retired. The same year he was made president of the Bal-
timore City Passenger Rail Company, and was connected with this com-
pany until all the street railways became consolidated in 1899, and known
;is the United Rail and Electric Comi)any. Col. hVankltn was made vice-
l)resident of the reorganized company, filling this position until his final
retirement from active business life in bebruary, 19C3. He is still con-
nected, as director, with the following corporations : The Maryland Steel
C(^mpan_v, the Towson Nation, il l);ink of l')allimore count}'. Md.. ar.d the
342 The Union Army
Providence Savings 1:)ank of Baltimore. He has been a meml)er of the U.
S. light-house board since 1884, and belongs to the Mililarj- Order of the
Lo\al Legion of Washington, D. C, (Insignia No. 6872, Mar. 6th, 1889),
and is a contributing member of the Maryland commandery of the same
organization. In connection with his active service in the army Col.
Franklin was l)revette<l major of the U. S. army for "faithful and meri-
torious services during the campaign before Richmond, and in the Shenan-
doah Valley": on April 2, 1865, was brevctted lieutenant colonel of the
U. S. A., "for meritorious services at the capture of Petersburg, Va." ;
and on April g, 1865, was brevetted colonel "for gallant and meritorious
services during the recent campaign," which terminated with the surren-
der of the insurgent army under Gen. R. E. Lee. Just before the linal
campaign of the war he was offered a commission as colonel of tlie 87th
Pennsylvania volunteer infantry, which he declined. Col. Franklin liad two
brothers who also made distinguislicd records in the army and navy: one,
Gen. W. B. Franklin, was at one time in command of the 6th army corps,
and was in command of the left grand division of the Army of the Poto-
mac in the iiurnside campaign. Another brother, S. R. Franklin, is a
retired admiral of the navy, now residing in Washington, D. C. Col.
Franklin's life has been one of large interests both as a military officer
and as a private citizen, in which important responsibilities have devolved
upon him. It is needless to say that these have been met in a manner
reflecting credit both upon himself and those by whom they have been
imposed or intrusted. He is well and widely known in both military and
civil life, and is a most familiar figure in the city which he has made his
home for so many years.
Gibbs, John Sears, president of the Citizens National bank, entered
the military service at Baltimore, Md., as a private in Company A, 3d Mas-
sachusetts Battalion of Rifles, serving three months at Fort McHenry, Bal-
timore. This battalion was mustered out
July, 1861, at Worcester, Mass., at the expi-
ration of its term of service. Shortly after,
on Aug. 5, 1861, he was commissioned a sec-
ond lieutenant in the First United States ar-
tillery, and was assigned to Battery B, sta-
tioned at Key West, Fla. In October fol-
lowing he was promoted to the rank of first
lieutenant and assigned to Battery D H"
served at Key West until the last of Decem--
ber, 1862, being most of the tim; on staff
duty as depot quartermaster and comnn's-
sary. In November, 1862. he made applica-
tion to l)e returned to his battery, and the
following December was ordered to join
his regiment at Beaufort, S. C, where he
assumed command of Battery D, during the
stay of the Tenth Army Corps in Sou'Ii
Carolina. In the spring of 1864 this corps
was ordered to Virginia, and assigned to the Army of the James, at Old
Point Comfort. Lieutenant Gibbs continued in command of Battery D.
and was in the l)attle of Drevvry's Bluff, and all of the actions of General
Butler's campaign until July, when he resigned. A few months later he
was, on application of Gen. John W. Turner, commissioned Captain United
States Colored Troops, and assigned to General Turner's staff as chief
aid-de-camp. He participated in the engagements of the last campaign,
from the breaking through the lines south of Petersburg until the sur-
render of Lee's army at Appomattox. Captain Gibbs was one of the first
officers sent into the Confederate lines after the surrender, the order com-
Biographical Sketches
343
iiig from Goncral Grant's headquarters to General Turner to detail an
officer of his staff for this duty. In his report of this campaign, under
date of April 25, 1865, Alaj.-Gen. John W. Turner, connnanding an inde-
pendent division, mentioned his staff officers hy name, beginning with Cap-
tain John S. (lil)bs. United States Colored Troops, aid-de-camp, and says
"by their efficient and zealous aid they have rendered me most valuable
service, and they have my warmest thanks for their attention to their duties
and earnest desire to carry out my orders." Captain Gibbs, on recommenda-
tion of Maj.-Gen. John \\'. Turner, was brevetted major for valuable serv-
ices during the last campaign. After Appomattox, Major Gibbs was made
provost marshal of Henrico District. Va., on the staff of General Turner,
and remained such until February, 1866, when he resigned. After his resig-
nation Major Gil)bs went to Chicago, and two years later to Xew Orleans,
remaining at the latter place some three years, when business arrangements
called him to St. Louis, ^lo. In 1883 he removed to Baltimore, and or-
ganized the Gibbs Preserving Company, with which he was connected
until 1901, when he was succeeded in business by his sons. In 1904 he
was elected president of the Citizens' National Bank, which office he now
holds. He is one of the leading citizens of Baltimore, and has a wide
circle of friends both in business and social life.
Xovtmber, 1905.
Graham, George Rose, M. D., was born in Baltimore city, on June
28, 1844. on Constitution St.. near Monument, and entered the army on
Dec. 31, 1S61. as a private in Co. E, 5th Maryland infantry. He was pro-
moted to the position of corporal on June
8, 1863, a few days before the battle of
Winchester ; was advanced to that of ser-
geant major on Oct. 28, 1864, was given the
rank of first lieutenant on Dec. 31, 1864, and
was mustered out at Fredericksburg, Va.,
Sept. 15, 1865. He was in the engagement
between the Federal batteries and Confed-
erate gunboats at Newport News, at Antie-
tam, Winchester, — June 13, 14, 15, 1863. —
and was in that battle wounded and captured
and sent to Libby prison. After being de-
tained there for three days he was sent to
Belle Isle, where he was contnied for four
or five weeks and then sent back to Libby
prison, and two days later was exchanged at
City Point, his being about the last ex-
change made until the following winter.
His next engagement was at Petersburg.
he remained in that vicinity with his regiment until
J when the regiment was attached to the i8th army
corps and sent to the north side of the James river, where he took part in
the battles of Fort Harrison and Fair Oaks, and in the latter engagement
was twice wounded, the most serious wound having been made by a minie
ball in the thigh. He was sent first to McClellan hospital at Fortress
Monroe, and later was furloughed home to Baltimore, and was unable to
rejoin his regiment until Feb. 8, 1865, at Chapin's Farm, near City Point.
The 5th Maryland was one of the tirst regiments to enter Richmond, and
after the surrender it remained in the city until the tirst of May. At that
date Lieutenant Graham was detailed as assistant provost marshal of Han-
over county, with his company ( Co. I ) , with headquarters at Old Church,
Va., and while there paroled over 2.200 Confederate soldiers. He was there
about a month, and among those whom he paroled was Col. W. H. H.
Taylor, chief of Gen. R. E. Lee's staff. Lieutenant Graham rejoined his
June ifi, i,S(i4, and
September following
■su
The Union Army
rcjiimcnt at Xcwport Xcws, carl}- in June. 1X05, and waN soon ordered to
l''rederick.sl)urg to be mustered out. After the war he returned home to
Bahimore, Md.. and traveled abroad for several years and tlien deciding
to practice medicine entered the University of Marxland from which he
was graduated in 1875 with the degree of ^I. D., and followed his profes-
sion ill the city of Baltimore until his death on Xov. 19, 1908. Since 1889
he served on the pension examining board. Dr. Graham belonged to the
Dushane Post. .\o. 3. Grand .-\rmy of the Repul)lic. and was commander
of the department of .Maryland in 1890 and surgeon general on the staff of
National Commander Jack Adams in 1892. He was a gentleman of broad
culture, and occupied a liigh position in Baltimore both socially and pro-
fessionally, to which city his reputation as a gallant soldier and a skillful
l)hvsician was by no means confined. He was one of the charter members
of' the Grand .\rmy club of Maryland, of which he served as president
(jnc year and also as its treasurer. He was a member of the Military
Order, Loyal Legion and of the Union veterans" association of Maryland,
of which he was jircsident in 1896.
Graham, Dr. Neil Ferguson, now of Washington. D. C. entered the
I'nited States service on May 13. 1862, as assistant surgeon of the 12th
Ohio infantry, and in December, 1862. was made surgeon of tiie regiment
and served as such until mustered out at
the expiration of his term of service, in
June. 1864. At once he was appointed act-
ing staff surgeon. U. S. A., and assigned to
the hospital at Harper's Ferry, and served
there until the close of the war. being mus-
tered out in June. 1865. Among the battles
in which Dr. Graham participated were An-
tictam. South .Mountain, and the second
battle of Bull's Run. and also in a number
of minor engagements. He took p.art in
Hunter's raid toward Lynchburg, and w-as
captured at Cloyd's Mountain, and placed
by the Confederates in charge of the field
hospital at that place for several weeks.
Subsequently lie was sent to Richmond and
placed in Libby prison, and after five or si.x
days was released and sent to Washington.
This was in June, 1864. .\fter the close of
ihe war. Dr. Graham located in Xenia, Ohio, and remained there for two
years, following his profession, and then removed to Faribault, Minn.,
where he practiced for five years. In December. 1872, he came to Wash-
ington. D. C. where he has since lived, and was the same year appointed
assistant medical referee of the United States pension office in Washing-
ton, and also examining surgeon for pensions, holding the double position
for twelve years, and being still on the board of examining surgeons for
pensions. I-"rom 1873 until 1904 Dr. Graham occupied the chair of pro-
fessor of surgery in the medical department of Howard University. D. C.
and now holds the chair of physical diagnosis in the same institution. He
belongs to the District of Columl)ia Medical society, the P'airfax County
( Va. ) Medical society and the .Vmerican Medical society, and is also a
member of Lincoln Post. .\o. 3. Grand .\rmy of the Republic, to the
Military Order of the Loyal Legion, and the fraternal order of Free and
.\ccepted .Masons. Dr. Graham has worthily filled all of the responsible
positons lolh civil rind military, to which he has been called, and ranks high
in the professiiin lliat calls tor tlie best from anv man who enters it.
Biographical Sketches
315
Grant. Robert Edward, was horn in (.'hiitL-nanyo. X. ^'., .\|)ril n;.
1843, and was graduated I'mni W'illiston seminary, ICasi Hampton, Mass..
with the chiss of i.Soi. Me entered Yale university witli the class of
1865, l)nt was honorably dissmissed to enter
the Union army. Although his father
promised to keep a substitute in the army
as long as the war should last, he insisted
on enlisting, and did so on Aug. 8. 1862,
as a private in Company I, 157th X. Y.
jS- . ^^1 -^s" b!^^^B volunteer infantry, j^e was promoted to
tile position of lirst sergeant and later to
tliat of first lieutenant, and served in Com-
panies D. 1> and G, his regiment being a
])art of the nth army corps of the Army of
the Potomac, for a year and a half. On
May 2, 1863, tlie regiment took part in its
hrst engagement, the disastrous battle of
Clianceliorsville. in which it lost ninety-
eight in killed, wounded ancl missing.
Lieutenant Grant being among those who
were taken prisoners. He was confined in
Libby prison and was later exchanged and
joined iii- regiment after it bad been detached and ordered to Charleston
Harbor. He participated in the siege of Charleston, l*'t. Wagner, tirst
and second engagements at John's Island and Honey Hill, ( (irahamsville )
S. C. While in command of Company B and advancing on the enemies'
earthworks at Honey Hill, Lieutenant Grant received a gunshot wound,
the ball passing through the sixth rib on the right side, the lower lobes
of both lungs, the outer coating of the heart and through the sixth rib
on the left side, lodging under the skin, whence it was extracted. He
was discharged on general orders from the war department. May 5, 1865,
on account of disability from his wound. During a part of 1865 and 1866
he was employed as salesman for George A. Wicks & Co., a wholesale
dry-goods bouse of Xew York city, and was later a dry-goods merchant
at Faribault, Minn., in 1866-70, and returning to his native town in Xew
York, was U. S. storekeeper in the distillery there until 1873 when he
removed to Syracuse, X. Y. In 1875 he received an appointment as a
t'lrst-class clerk in the V. S. patent office, at Washington, and was pro-
moted through the different grades to the position of assistant chief of
the issue and gazette division. Mr. Grant is a Republican and has been
active in political life, having ser\etl on town and county committees
and as delegate to the conventions of the party. He is past conunander
of Kit Carson Post, No. 2, Grand Army of the Republic, has served on
many committees and as representative at encampments, and is now a
member of the staff of the national commander of the organization. He
is a member of the .Army and Xavy Union, U. S. A., of the Union Sol-
diers Alliance, D. C, and original member Xo. 12493 of the Military
Order of the Loyal Legion, District of Columbia commandery. He was
register, vestryman and warder of St. Paul's {"Episcopal church, of Chit-
tenango, X. Y., and of Christ Church, Washington parish, Washington,
D. C, for a number of years, and has represented the laymen of the
church at several conventions. On May 4, 1871, Mr. (Irant was married
to Miss Kate Bogue Curtiss, daughter of Lucius B. and Charlotte (Com-
stock) Curtiss. Their children are Robert Chapman, Ixirn March 14. 1872.
died July 22, 1873; Lucy Alice, born Aug. 2;^. 1873; Harold Curtiss, born
Aug. 8, 1875; Kate Roberta, born July 14, 1886. Harold C. was gradu-
ated from Cornell university in 1898, with the degree of B. S.. and was
34G The Union Army
drowned in an heroic attempt to save a fellow workman from the same
fate, on June 2, 190,3. R. E. Grant is a lineal descendant of Matthew
Grant who landed at l^orchester, Mass., May 30, 1630, surveyed, laid out
and plotted Windsor, Conn., in 1635, and was recorder for twenty-rive
vears. Jle is a member of the Grant Family association, which meets
every two years at the old homestead and of which Gen. Fred Grant is
the president. The descendants of Matthew Grant have served in every
war from earliest Indian and colonial to the Spanish-American. Edward
Chapman, on the maternal side, landed at .Simsbury, Conn., 1660, and was
killed at Xarragansett Fort in King Phillip's war. He had five brothers
in the Revolutionary war, two of them colonels.
Gilmore, Brig-Gen. John Curtis, U. S. A., retired, was born in Canada,
.\pr. 18, 11X37. When he was a1)out six months old he was taken by his
l)arents to Louisville, St. Lawrence county, N. Y., where he was reared
and acquired his general education, and was later graduated from the Law
School of Albany, X. Y. He enlisted Apr. 16, 1861, in the i6th N. Y.
infantry, and May 15, following, was made captain of Co. F, serving as
such until Sept. 29, 1862, when he was promoted to the position of major,
and was honorably mustered out as such INlay 22, 1863, at the expiration
of his term of enlistment. The regiment was forwarded to Washington
June 26, 1861, was assigned to the 2nd brigade, 5th division, army of
Northeast Virginia, and moved to Alexandria and thence to Manansas,
where it was engaged a short time. It was later attached to the Army of
the Potomac and in the spring of 1862 was in action at West Point, Va.,
and in his official report of this engagement by Brig.-Gen. John Newton,
he says : "Captain Gilmore, who commanded the three companies of the
1 6th New York engaged, has received the commendation of his superior
officer for the skill and gallantry displayed during the action." Then fol-
lowed the battle of Gaines' Mill, where the 16th suffered heavily, and was
present through the remainder of the week of battles but not closely
engaged. In the battle of Crampton's Gap the i6th was in the advance
and lost heavily in a brilliant dash ; at Antietam it was in reserve, and at
Fredericksburg it was on picket duty. It shared in the hardships and dis-
comforts of the "Mud March," under Gen. Burnside, and was in the
Chancellors ville campaign, with a loss at Salem Church of 156 in killed,
wounded and missing. In his official report of this campaign Col. J.
Seaver said: "I desire to mention Lieut. -Col. Palmer and ]\Iajor Gilmore,
who particularly distinguished themselves by their coolness and bravery
and in their efforts to rally the men after falling back." In December,
1864, he began raising the 193d New York infantry, completing the or-
ganization on March 28, 1865, and was mustered in as lieutenant colonel.
The regiment was first assigned to the Army of the Shenandoah and after
July, 1865, it served in the district of West Virginia, and was finally mus-
tered out at Harper's Ferry, Jan. 28, 1866. Col. Gilmore was on duty dur-
ing the whole of this enlistment. During his military experience in the
Civil war he was, at the battle of Gaines" Mill, struck three times by bul-
lets and slightly wounded. He was accorded the following recognition
of his services; brevetted major, U. S. A., March 2, 1867, for gallant and
meritorious services at Antietam ; brevetted lieutenant colonel for similar
conduct at Fredericksburg and was the recipient of a medal of honor from
Congress for distinguished conduct in the battle of Salem Church, Va.
After l)eing mustered out of the volunteer service he entered, May 11.
1866, the U. S. army and was assigned to the position of second lieutenant
of the 12th infantry and was made adjutant of the 30th regiment, 3d bat-
talion of i2th inf. He accepted the appointment Sept. 21, 1866, and fol-
lowing is an outline of his services and promotions in the regular army ;
he was promoted to the captaincy of the 38th U. S. infantry Jan. 22, 1867 :
and accepted the promotion March 29, following: was transferred to the
Biographical Sketches
347
24th infantry Nov. 11, 1S69: was niadi' major of the A. A. G., Aug. 14.
1890, and accepted the position Aug. 30, following; was promoted t(j the
rank of lieutenant colonel, A. A. G., Nov. 15, 1896, and to that of colonel,
Apr. 28, i9(X). lie was made hrigadier general of volunteers during the
Spanish-American war, serving as such from May 12. 1898, until June,
1899, and was adjutant general and chief of staff with Gen. Miles in Cuba
and Porto Rico, and was the first general officer ashore at the landing at
Guanica, Porto Rico, accomplishing his debarkation under lire, lie retired
April 18, 1901, and was made brigadier general, retired, April 23, 1904, by
act of Congress, accepting the same May 21, following. As a member of
the board of of^cers he assisted in preparing the "infantry. Cavalry and
Light Artillery Drill Regulations" and was president of the board that
prepared the "Manual of Guard Duty." During his service in the regular
army he spent twenty-three years west of the Mississippi, and particii)aled
in much of the Indian warfare. He belongs to the Washington (1). C. )
commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion, and lias been
chancellor of the same and also belongs to the Masonic order, being a life
member of the Rio Grande Lodge, No. 81, F. and A. M., at Brownsville,
Texas.
Henderson, George, M. D., of Washington, D. C, entered the military
service of the I'nited States from Lancaster, Grant county. Wis., on June
8, i8t>i. at tht am nf seventeen years. He enlisted as a private in Com-
pany F, /th Wisconsin infantry, which
formed a part of the famous "Iron P)rig-
ade." He was promoted to the position of
corporal in the fall of 1861, and promoted
to sergeant on the field, for gallantry at
the second battle of Bull Run, and was
mustered out as such on Oct. 25, 1862, for
disability caused by wounds in the head,
received' at South Mountain, in September,
1862. pr. Henderson was in the engage-
ments at Cedar Mountain, second Bull Run,
Chantillv and South Mountain, and was
slightly wounded at Bull Run. On leaving
the army he went to college and was grad-
uated from the medical department of Co-
lumbia College in 1869, and in 1880 from the
medical department of Howard I'niversity,
Washington, D. C, and has since practiced
in the national capital, except from 1872 to
1884. when he was surgeon for the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad, and was
located at Albans. W^ Va. Returning to Washington, Dr. Henderson
was clerk in the Medical Museum of that city for two years, since which
time he has devoted himself to private practice. He is of Scotch descent.
The National guard has always found an ardent supporter in Dr. Hen-
derson who was for one vear surgeon of the 2nd regiment of the National
Guard of the District of Columbia, and in 1889 was made surgeon general
of the district. He was one of the five surgeons of the Guard who met
in Chicago and organized what is now the Association of the Military
Surgeons of the U. S. He belongs also to the Kit Carson Post, No. 2,
Grand Armv of the Republic, and is a member of the Presbyterian church.
Garrison, John S., chief of the eastern division of the pension office,
enlisted in the 6th Michigan cavalry. Company G, at Grand Rapids, Mich.,
as a private, on Feb. 24, 1864, and served until ^Larch 6, 1866. After the
ciose of hostilities between the states, the Michigan cavalry brigade (ist,
5th, 6th, and 7th regiments) were ordered to the Black Hills to suppress
MS
The Union Army
the Indian uprisings in the sunnnt-r of i<S()3, and wtru mustered out at
Salt Lake City, in March of the following year. In the Civil war. Mr.
(kirrison participated in the l)attle of Yellow Tavern, and many minor
engagements, and was once in sight of Richmond. After leaving the
army, he returned to Michigan, where he resided until 1875, when he went
to VVashington, D. C. to take a position in the hureau of engraving and
])rinting, and in Decemher of the following year received an appointment
to the pension department, as assistant messenger, and has been in the
department ever since, rising to the position of chief of the eastern divi-
sion. He iK'longs to the Kit Car.son Post, No. 2, Grand Army of the Re-
public, and has served the post in the positions of ])Oth junior and senior
vice-commander and as chaplain, and is also a member of the order of
Free and Accepted Masons, and of the liaptist church. F"ew men have
had a more varied and eventful career in early life, and that, coupled by
a residence of over thirty years in the most cosmopolitan of cities in tiie
United States, has given to Mr. Garrison a wealth of experience wliich
not many ])eople enjoy.
Hancock, Col. John, a gallant veteran of the Civil war. formerly chief
of tlie st;itionery division of tlie U. S. pension bureau at Washington.
I). C. and brother of Maj.-Gcn. Wintiekl S. Hancock, one of the most
distinguished commanders in the Union ar-
my during the War of the Rcl)ellion. was
born at Norristown, Montgomery county.
Pa., March 2.3, 1830. His paternal ances-
try were English people, though his father,
IJenjamin F. Hancock, was a native of
Pbiladeli^hia, an attorney of exceptional
ability, a deacon in the Baptist church, and
for more than thirty years sui)erintendent
of the Sunday school. Richard Hancock,
the grandfather of Col. Hancock, served
with ^distinction in the War of 181 2. His
mother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth
lioxworth, was of English and Welsh ex-
traction, and the sons inherited the sturdy
traits of character so prominent in these
nationalities. Col. Hancock, the youngest
son of the family, entered the militar}' ser-
vice of the United States on Nov. 29, 1861,
.is second lieutenant of Company E, 49th Pennsylvania volunteer infantry,
in the field, and was at once placed on the staff of Gen. W. S. Hancock
as acting assistant adjutant general of the ist brigade. Smith's division.
Cien. W. S. Hancock commanding. The regiment had been recruited in
the central counties of the state and mustered in at Camp Curtin, Harris-
burg, Sept. 14, 1861, for three years. Eight days later it was ordered to
Washington and went into winter quarters near Lewinsville, Va., and it
was here that he joined his command. He was soon promoted to a cap-
taincy and assistant adjutant-general by President Abraham Lincoln, to
rank as such from Feb. 3, 1862; and in the Peninsular campaign he served
on the staff of his brother, who commanded the ist brigade. Smith's
division, 4th corps. (See sketch of Gen. Winhelcl S. Hancock elsewhere
in this volume.) At the battle of Williamsburg, Va., May 5, 1862, he was
active in carrying (M-ders and in trying to secure reinforcements for Gen.
Hancock, who had crossed Cub Dam creek and captured some of the
eneiuy's redoubts. For his gallantry on this occasion he is honorably
mentioned in the reports of Gens. Hancock and Keyes. He again re-
ceived honoral)le mention for his conduct in the Seven Davs' battles.
Biographical Sketches 349
especially in the engagements at (Jarnelt's and (iulding's farms, lie was
with the arni} in the Maryland campaign the following autumn, and at
Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862. by "carrying orders under the lu'e of the enemy,"
he won the rank of major and assistant adjutant-general, receiving his
commission as such shortly after the battle. .\t I'redericksburg in De-
cember, at the request of Brig.-Gen. Andrew .A. Humphreys, he accom-
panied that officer "to look over the ground." preparatory to an assault
on the enemy's works, and in the Chancellorsville campaign in the spring
of 186,^ he was again active in discharging his duties, again receiving the
commendations of his superior officers. At (k-ttyshurg he was tem])orarily
attached to the staff of Brig.-Gen. John C. Caldwell, ccMumanding the ist
division, 2nd corps, and in his report Gen. Caldwell refers to Maj. Han-
cock as one of his stafif "worthy of particular conunendation." In the
Wilderness and Petersburg campaigns his conduct was such as to elicit
frequent words of approval from his commanders. That he was faithful in
the performance of duty during these movements of the army is evidenced
l)y the fact that on Dec. 2, 1864, he was brevetted lieutenant-colonel of
volunteers "for distinguished services in the campaign before Richmond,
Va.," and on March 13, 1865, he was brevetted colonel "for distinguished
services in the same campaign," as shown by the records in the adjutant-
general's office of the war department. By Special Orders, Xo. 347, of
the war department, dated Oct. 14, 1864, Maj. Hancock was assigned to
the command of Camp Discharge, near Philadelphia, which camp was es-
tablished for the accommodation of troops sent to the state for discharge
or reorganization, and he remained in cbarge of this camp about a year.
He was honorably mustered out of the service on Sept. i, 166, under the
provisions of General Orders No. 79. of May i, 1865, having served for
four years and nine months, during which time he was wounded but once,
and then only slightly, and was never absent during his entire term of ser-
vice in the Army of the Potomac in any of its engagements. Upon leav-
ing the army he was appointed internal revenue collector by President
.Andrew Johnson for the Fourth Pennsylvania district (Philadelphia),
and about six months later he was made an inspector in the postoffice de-
l)artment, wdiich position he held for eight years. In t88o, at the age of
fifty years, he began the study of law in the National law university at
Washington, and the vigor with which he pursued his studies would have
caused many a younger man to blush for shame. He completed the course,
receiving the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts, and imme-
diately entered upon the practice of his profession, appearing in a number
of important cases in the district court, the court of appeals, and was ad-
mitted to practice in the supreme court of the United States, the highest
honor that can be conferred upon an attorney in this country, when his
health became impaired and he was forced to retire from active practice.
In 1895 he w^as appointed to a position in the medical division of the
U. S. pension bureau at a salary of $900 a year, but within twelve months
he was made superintendent of the pension building at a salary of ^1,400,
and in 1897 he was promoted to the position of chief of the stationery
division at a salary of $2,000. Here he remained until in July, 1906,
when he retired from the bureau on account of his health. In whatever
station in life Col. Hancock's lot has been cast — whether as soldier, law-
yer, public servant or private citizen — it has been his creed to discharge
religiously every obligation imposed on him, and his promotions, both in
the military and departmental service, were entirely due to his zeal, his
activity, and his fidelity, so that now as the twili^ght of life draws
near he can look back over a life full of fruitful years without the har-
rowing thought that he once failed to do his best. Col. Hancock is now
living a quiet, retired life in Washington, I). C. He connnemorates his
:J50
The Union Army
arduous aud liouoralilo service in the licld by nicml)ership in the Wash-
ington Commandery, Mihtary Order of the Loyal Legion, Lincohi Post,
\o. 3, Grand Army of the Republic, and he was formerly a member of
the Union Veteran Legion. When circumstances will permit of his doing
so, he loves to meet his old comrades in arms, to talk over again the ex-
periences of the toilsome march, the camptire or the fray ; to renew again
the acquaintances formed in the dark days when the nation needed men
of brain and lirawn to rescue from the slimy hand of rebellion the insti-
tutions our forefathers fought so valiantly to establish, and hand them
down, unimpaired, unsullied, to posterity.
At Gettysburg, when Gen. W. S. Hancock was in the ambulance
wagon, seriously wounded on the last day of the battle, Col. Hancock
heard his brother, the general, tell the doctor to tell Gen. Meade, that if
he wanted to reap the fruits of the victory to order in the 6th corps,
which was being held in reserve. The doctor wrote the statement down,
handed it to Col. Hancock, and he delivered it to the adjutant-general,
l)Ut it seems the statement was lost, for years afterward Col. Hancock
made an affidavit which is on file in the war department, that he heard his
brother make the statement. If Gen. Aleade had done what Gen. Hancock
advised, Lee's army would have been destroyed.
Hart, Capt. Abraham, now with Lansburg & Brother, of Washington,
D. C, was born in Hessen Darmstadt, and came to America when he was
eighteen years of age, settling in Philadelphia where he studied law, and
at the age of twenty-three, — Sept. 5. 1855. —
married Miss Bertha Swope. On the break-
ing out of the war, Mr. Hart, in company
with two comrades, one of whom was John
A. Koltes, a Mexican war veteran, at once
organized and began drilling a company of
100 men which was later merged into the
Seventy-third Pennsylvania infantry. Just
before the regiment was organized, Cap-
tain Hart went to Washington, D. C, to
secure from the secretary of war, Simon
Cameron, a commission as colonel for Mr.
Koltes. Secretary Cameron offered the
commission to Captain Hart, but the latter
declined in favor of his friend, who had
been a captain in the Mexican war, and
the commission was granted, as requested,
to Captain Koltes. On the organization of
the regiment Captain Hart was made first
lieutenant of Company A, and in December, 1861, was promoted to the
position of captain and transferred to Company L serving as such mitil
^larch 10, 1862, when Colonel Koltes was ordered to the command of
the Third brigade. General Blanker's division, and Captain Hart was
detailed as the colonel's assistant adjutant general, and so acted through
the engagements at Bremen's Ford, Cross Keys, Port Republic, and at the
second battle of Bull Run. At the last battle Colonel Koltes was killed
and Captain Hart, who had received some slight injuries in the same
engagement, but who was also seriously ill from overwork, was, after the
battle, sent tf) the hospital at Washington, D. C. and on Oct. 22, 1862, was
honorably discharged from further service b\- order of the surgeon general
of the army. Captain Hart remained in Washington and interested him-
self actively in sending medical and other supplies, — such as could not be,
or were not, supplied by the government, — to the army, and was so en-
gaged until the close of the war. The suspension of hostilities did not
Biographical Sketches
351
terminate the interest wliich Captain Hart felt in his comrades, and it has
ever since been his pleasure to do all in his power for the veterans of the
Civil war. It is said that, while asking no favors for himself, he has
been instrumental in securing more government positions for veteran sol-
diers tlian any other person. In one year he olitained positions for seventy-
two of this class, and in 1904 placed forty veterans at one time. He
belongs to the Kit Carson Post, (jrand Army of the Repul)lic. at Wash-
ington, and has been its commander and later was elected department
connnander. Among the many and various tributes presented to him were
a handsome inlaid ormolu clock, a number of loving cups and the De-
l)artment of the Potomac presented him a large silver salver, which was
given to him on Feb. 22, 1905. upon his retirement as commander of the
department. In 1904 he was commander of the Department of the Po-
tomac. G. A. R.. and was also elected a companion (first class) of the
military order of the Loyal Legion in 1899. In 1891 Captain Hart was
president of the LTnion Soldiers' Alliance of the District of Columbia,
which is still in existence and is limited to 100 meml)ers. An important
civil positon held by him was that of member of the board of educaton
of Washington, D. C. which position he tilled for six years. He also
belongs to the Masonic order and is a Royal Arch Mason, and to a
number of other fraternal and social organizations. Of the nine children
born to Captain and Mrs. Hart, seven.— three sons and four daughters. —
are living. The oldest son. Gilbert, is engaged in business in Chicago:
the second son. Samuel, is general manager for Lansburg & Brother, of
Washington. D. C. ; Franklin W. is an assistant engineer on the Panama
canal. Three of the four daughters are married: ]Mrs. A. D. Frank lives
in Baltimore. Mrs. William AI. Bass, whose husband is foreman in the
state department printing office, and Mrs. Frank Major, reside in Washing-
ton, the former and Miss Carrie Hart reside with their father. On Sep-
tember 5, 1905, Captain and Mrs. Hart celebrated their golden wedding, at
which their sons and daughters and six grand children and many friends
were present to congratulate them upon this anniversary.
Hartung, Charles Edwin, formerly postmaster at station F, Wash-
ington, D. C, enlisted for military duty in the service of the United States
on Sept. 3, 1862. His enlistment, from Warren county, N. J., was for
— nine months, and he was mustered in Sept.
17. 1862. as a private in Co. G. 31st regiment
of the New Jersey infantry. The regiment
was assigned to a provisional brigade of
Casey's division, 22nd army corps, of the
Army for the defense of Washington, D.
C. Mr. Hartung was detailed as captain's
clerk at the time of his enlistment and so
served until honorably discharged, Jan. 13,
1863, at Belle Plains. Va.. for disability
caused by partial paralysis. Later he was of-
fered a commission as captain in the ist U.
S. colored troops, but declined. In the
spring of 1864 he was appointed conductor
on the military railroacl running through
Orange. Alexander. Louden and Hampshire,
City Point. — Grant's railroad ■ around
Petersburg. — and was later on the Rich-
mond and Petersburg road, on the south
side, and also on the Richmond and Danville, the' roads operated in
Virginia by the government during the military occupation. IvTrlv in
the autumn of 1865 ]\Ir. Hartung was employed as agent in the U. S.
;{53
The Union Army
ni.'iil siTvicc l)ct\vccii Riclimoml. Va.. and W'cldon. X. C. wliich jiosition
lie iR'ld uiUil i<S(i6. during this i)criod making a numl)cr of trips to New
^'ork City. On July i. 1866. he was transferred to the Washington, D. C,
postoflice. and in 1896 was appointed postmaster of Station F. He was
l)orn in Warren county, N. J., Nov. 2, 1840. and was married Sept. 15.
1870, in Washington. D. C, to Mary B.. daughter of Thomas Xoyes,
Washington. D. C. Mr. Hartung belonged to the James A. Gartield Post.
Xo. 7. Grand Army of the Republic, of Washington, of which be was
(igo5) the junior vice conmiander. and was also a member of the Union
Soldiers' Alliance, a unique and exclusive military organization, limited
to 100 members. The provisions for the admission of members places an
age limit at sixty years, so that at the present time no new members can
be admitted. Mr. llartung ranked high in Masonic circles, being a Knight
Templar, and bis religious faith was that formulated by the Episcopal
cburcli. lie died at liis home in Washington. D. C. on February 16, 1908.
and was buried in the Xational Cemetery at Arlington. Va.
Hensey, Thomas G. (deceased), was prominently identilied with the
real estate and insurance circles of Washington. D. C. entered the ser-
vice of the United States at the Brooklyn navy yard in the fall of 1861.
and was assigned to the volunteer cruiser
"Shepherd Knapp." as ship's yeoman nom-
inally, but realh' as private secretary to the
conunander of the vessel. He continued in
ibat capacity until the spring of 1862. when
he was discharged by reason of injuries
sustained in the action with the Confeder-
ate vessel "Sumter." After recovering
from the effect of his injuries he enlisted
m the Fir.'^t New York Mounted Rides as a
^^^^^^^^^ private, but rose to second and later to
^^p^' ^^^^^^^^^^ lu'st lieutenant, with which rank he was
', ^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^m mustered out at Abingdon. Va.. in October.
'1^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^V tendered his resignation pre-
T ^^^^^^^^^^^^M viously to muster out. Lieut. Hensey was
frequently in action before Petersburg :
fought at Scott's mills and other places in
Virginia; assisted in the defense of Suf-
folk during the siege and was charged with
tile destruction of the barracks at the time of the evacuation; was in the
raid up the Peninsula with (ien. Kilpatrick. and took part in the engage-
ment at Charles City Court House, where the Confederate i^Iaj. Rogers
was captured. While on detached duty in North Carolina he was cap-
tured, robbed of his boots, sword and side-arms, and held a prisoner for
three days, when he was recaptured. In 1863 he was commissioned by Gov.
Seymour, of New York, to recruit the 54th N. V. infantry to its maximum
strength, his commission giving him the rank of colonel. Owing to the
fact that the regiment as then constituted contained a number of Poles
and other undesirable foreigners, he returned the commission to the gov-
ernor, declining the proffered honor. In the second battle of Cold Harbor
he was slightly wounded, but continued in the field until mustered out as
above stated. Lieut. Hensey had been admitted to the New York bar in
i860. After being mustered out of the service he returned to the city of
New York and for the next four years was engaged in the coal business.
In 1869 he was appointed to a position in the United States treasury de-
partment by President Grant, and continued in that office until 1883, when
he engaged in the practice of law and the real estate business, and for
many years was located at the corner of 13th and F streets, N. W. In
Biographical Sketches
353
tlu' nioaiuinie 1k' was graduated at the Ci)kini))ian uni\i.rsii\ . and in iS/j
was admitted to the liar in the District of Cohinihia. Lieut. Heiisey was
a member of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion, which in itself
is a record of honorable service faitlifuUy performed: a meml)er of the
Grand Army of the Republic, iiurnside Post No. 8, a director of the
Business ^^len's association. Past Regent of the Royal Arcanum, and a
member of the Masonic fraternity. He was prominently connected with
the Metropolitan M. K. church for many years, serving as superintendent
of the Sundax scliool. lie died in November, 1906.
Harrington, Delavan William, chief of the general accounts division,
in tiie I'. S. Treasurer's otitice, entered the United States service on Aug.
JO. 1H61, at Albany, N. Y.. as a private in Company C. of the Ellsworth
Avengers, later known as the "'People's
Ellsworth Regiment." and otificially as the
44th N. Y. infantry. He served in this
comi)any until October, 1862, when it was
consolidated with two other companies and
designated as "Company B," and was a
part of this organization until Oct. 11, 1864,
when he was mustered out with the regi-
ment at Alban}', N. Y. Mr. Harrington
took part in the engagement at Yorktown,
and was then detailed as clerk in the pro-
vost marshal's office at Yorktown. and was
there until the second battle of Bull Run.
taking part in that engagement and also in
the battle of Antietam, following which he
was in the hospital in West Philadelphia,
Pa., until Januarw 1864. He then joined
his regiment and participated in all the bat-
tles of the Wilderness, his last light being
at Yellow Tavern. Altliough he had three
narrow escapes from being wounded, he
passed through the war without that experience, and was never taken
])risoner. After leaving the army Mr. Harrington went to Washington,
1). C. and on Dec. 5, 1864, was appointed clerk in the ordnance bureau
of tile war department and remained there until Sept. 5, 1866, when he
was appointed to the treasury department, where he has since been, except
the interval between Oct. i, 1894, and April 3, 1897. He is a member of
the Union Veterans' Legion, and of the John A. Rawlins Post, No. i.
Grand Army of the Republic, of Washington, D. C. since 1867, and also
l)elongs to the Union Soldiers' Alliance. The Episcopalian church claims
his allegiance as a religious organization, and among the fraternal orders,
the )iiasons, he having taken the degree of Royal Arch Mason.
Hine, Lemon Galpin, of Washington, D. C, entered the military serv-
ice at Coldwaler. Mich., Aug. i, ]86r, in the "Northwestern Rille Regi-
ment." whicii later became the 44tli 111. infantry, and was promoted to the
position of first lieutenant of Co. r>, serving as such until April, 1862.
when on account of the loss of his voice he was obliged to resign. The
regiment under Col. Chas. Koblesdorff, was mustered into service Sept.
13, 1861. ;ind on the following day embarked for St. Louis, Mo., arriving
on the 15th. It received its baptism of fire in the terrible battle of Pea
Ridge, taking a prominent part in the engagement which resulted so
disastrouslv for the Confederates. After the enemy +iad been driven
from the field the 44th Illinois was one of the regiments selected to fol-
low up the retreat, which was done for three da\-, iluring which time
several pieces of artillery, one stand of colors antl many hundred priso-
Vol. VIII-2.'?
)ni photoairnph tnkeii
in 1863.
354
The Union Army
ners were captured. Following this engagcnieiU Lieut. Hine's military
career was terminated for the reason stated ahove. Subsequently to
leaving the service he studied law and later established himself in the
national capital, where he practiced until 1887. and was the following
year appointed to the position of commissioner of the District of Co-
lumbia, retaining that office during 1889 and 1890. While a lawyer of
ability, and a man recognized among the many persons of note who are
congregated at Washington, Mr. Hine is one of the few who, having been
in public life, seriously object to the prominence naturally attendant upon
the position, and prefers to do his part quietly and unostentatiously,
prizing rather the satisfaction of the conscientious worker over tasks
well and faithfully accomplished, than in any public heralding of the facts.
His association \vith the strenuous life of the early sixties is maintained
by membership in the Washington commandery of the Military Order of
the Loyal Legion. Mr. Hine retired from the cares of active business
life several vcars ago.
Hull, Charles W., a prominent real-estate dealer of Baltimore, Md.,
entered the military service from Ohio, enlisting on Dec. 25, 1863. as a
private in Co. L, 1st Ohio heavy artillery and served in this command until
mustered out with it on July 25, 1865. at
Knoxville, Tenn., and received honorable
discharge at Camp Chase, O., a few days
later. He participated in no large engage-
ments, the command being chiefl\' engaged
in garrison duty in Tennessee and Georgia,
and in that capacit}^ took part in a number
of skirmishes. Mr. Hull was never
wounded or captured during his military
experience. After the war he went to Han-
cock, O., where he remained for two years,
attending school part of the time, and part
of the time teaching, later attending the
Ithaca academy at Ithaca, X. Y., where he
was a student for two and one-half years,
paying his own way through by doing any
kind of work that he could find. After
leaving school he went west for a trip, but
returned to Hancock, O., subsequently go-
ing to Baltimore in 1873, where he has since resided, and has been engaged
in real-estate business. He is very loyal to the memory of the men who
gave their lives for the preservation of the Union, and was one of the
state commissioners of Alaryland who had charge of the purchase and
erection of the superb monument erected to the Maryland soldiers on
Orchard Knob, Tenn., which was unveiled on Oct. 8, 1903. He also gave
the ground and erected the church thereon at Lansdowne, Md., which is
known as the Hull Alemorial Christian Church, of which the corner-stone
was laid on Nov. t6, 1903, and which was dedicated June 12, 1904. One
of the conditions by which the church was given to the directors of the
Lansdowne Christian Church is as follows : "That the second Lord's day
in May of each year is to be set apart and observed as Memorial Day
of the Grand Army of the Republic of the United States of America, and
suitable services are to be held in commemoration of the brave men who
remained loyal to the government and sustained the Union." The depart-
ment of Maryland, of the Grand Army, the Woman's Relief Corps and
the Sons of Veterans, took a prominent part in the dedicatory services.
This Iniilding is interesting as being the only church building in the United
States in which the Grand Armv has a vested interest and over which the
Biographical Sketches
355
national tla^. [jrc^cnted l)y Daniel Taluni, assistant ^(.ncral inspector na-
tional staff. Iloats. The generous donor of this handsome church is a
member of the Dushane Post, No. 3. of Baltimore, of whom ei,tjln of the
charter members are living. Mrs. Charles W. (Mary A.) llull. is a mem-
ber of the Lansdowne Christian Church, organized March i. 1903, and
joined her husband in this most generous gift to the community, which
fills the double purpose of furnishing a comfortable and appropriate place
for worship, and is a peri)etual reminder to the new generation of the
fact that patriotism is somethin.y more than a mere word.
Jacobs, Horace Greeley, of Washington, D. C, was born Mch. 10.
1845. .At the age of sixteen he entered the United States' service, April
29, i85i, at Cherrylield, Me., in Company G. 6th Maine infantry, as a pri-
vate, being subsequently promoted to the
positions of fifth sergeant, and second lieu-
tenant, receiving the latter assignment on
July 8. 1863, and was brevetted lirst lieuten-
ant for meritorious conduct on the field.
Following are the engagements in w'hich
Mr. Jacobs participated: Warwick's Creek,
Williamsburg, (iolding's Farm, (where he
was one of ten volunteers to make a haz-
ardous reconnoissance in front of the lines
in the evening, before beginning the retreat
down the Peninsula), Savage Station and
White Oak Swamp, Va., and Antietam.
South Mountain (Crampton's Gap), Md.
He was also in the first Fredericksburg,
the Burnside and second Fredericlrsburg
campaigns, where his regiment distinguished
itself in the charge of "Marye's fieights."
In the retreat from Salem Church, follow-
ing the attack on Marye's Heights, the 3d brigade, ist division of the 6th
arm\- corps, — to which Mr. Jacobs belonged, — acted as rear guard, and par-
ticipated in the fight at Banks' Ford, and it was in this engagement that
>\Ir. Jacobs won his commission as second lieutenant, where he and the
first sergeant rallied the company after a night attack and brought it to
its place in the regiment — the captain having been killed and second lieu-
tenant wounded. His next engagement was at Gettysburg, the 6th corps
making a forced march of forty-six miles in twenty-four hours from New
Windsor, and reaching Gettysburg in the afternoon on the second day.
After Gettysburg, Lieut. Jacobs was in the battles at Bristoe and Rappa-
hannock stations, and at the latter was struck in the arm, but continued
fighting until shot in the left shoulder, shattering the shoulder and arm
bone for several inches and permanently disabling the left arm. He was
sent to the hospital at Washington, D. C, and after two months, given
leave to go home. After his convalescence he tried to return to the army
but was refused on account of condition of wound and was mustered out
on May 24, 1864. He was within ten feet of the enetny's works at Rap-
l)ahannock station when wounded. In this charge the 6th Maine lost, in
killed and wounded, sixteen out of twenty-one officers. On leaving the
army Lieut. Jacobs returned home and resumed his studies for six months
and then returned to Washington, D. C. where he received an appoint-
ment as clerk in the office of commissary-general of subsistence and while
so employed was a student in the Spencerian Business Cc^llege and the
Columbian (now Geo. Washington) university. Completing the b'lsiness
course in the former, he resigned from the office of tlie conmu's^ary gen-
eral of subsistence (w'here he had been three years) in ]\lay, 1869, to ac-
356
The Union Army
ct'pt a position in the office of the supervising architect of the treasury^
This position he held from i86y until 1884, the last ten years l)eing chief
clerk and assistant supervising architect. Resigning in 1884 he accepted a
])osition as general manager in Woodward & Lathrop's "Boston Store," the
largest retail drygoods house in Washington, D. C"., l)eing obliged, however,
to resign it in 1886. on account of having contracted pneumonia, which
jieccssitated a change of climate. He went to Los Angeles, Cal., and in
1889 was given the position of superintendent of construction and iii-
.spector of buildings, a government position under the supervising archi-
tect of the treasury. This position he held until 1894, being in Los An-
geles, San Diego and San P'rancisco. On returning to Washington Nov.
], 1894. he resumed his position with Woodward & Lathrop, tilling the
same tmtil July, 1907. when he resigned to again enter the service of the
Ciovernment, as superintendent of public buildings under the supervising-
architect of the treasury department, being at present assigned as super-
intendent of construction of the post office at Des Moines, Iowa. l\e is a
member of Hiram Burnham Post, Grand Army of the Republic, at Cher-
ry held, yic. and of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion, of Wash-
ington, D. C, and also belongs to the order of Free and Accepted Ma-
sons. The Republican party commands his loyal support and his religious
faith is expressed by membership in the Baptist church, having been for
many years a deacon in Calvary church in Washington, D. C. and now
occupying a like position in the ist Baptist church of Des Moines. His
service in pul)lic life, and his private relations are both marked by those
qualities which distinguish a man as a patriot and an honorable and high-
minded citizen. Mr. Jacobs married in Washington, D. C. Sept. 3, 1868,
Miss Hannah R. Slater, a daughter of Capt. Wm. H. Slater of the 15th
X. j. infantry and two children were born to them, Wm. F. Jacobs, who
died in Los Angele-^, Cal, seven years ago, and Frances M.. who married
in b\-li.. igco, h^rank C. Xickels and resides in Minneapolis, Minn.
Janney, Bernard Taylor, supervising principal of the first division
public schools, Washington. D. C. for thirty-five years, entered the mill
tary service at Baltimore, on June 24. 1863. as a private in Co. A. loth
jMaryland infantry, and three daj^s later
was made first sergeant of Company G.
Immediately after its organization the regi-
ment was ordered ot Harper's Ferry, where
it was assigned to the duty of guarding the
lines of communication on the upper Po-
tomac. On Oct. 18. 1863. after the capture
of the 9th Maryland infantry at Charles-
town, W. Va., the loth, with some other
troops, hurried to that place and drove
the Confederates out of the town, pursuing
them until orders were received to return
to Harper's l-'erry. Serg. Janney was
slightly wounded by a spent ball during his
term of service, which terminated Jan. 29.
1864. three months of which he was acting-
second lieutenant. The following July
Serg. Janney re-enlisted in the 197th Penn-
sylvania infantry, and was mustered in as
the Captain of Co. i;. ;il Camp Cadwalader. Philadelphia. Most of the
officers and niany of the men were veterans. Shortly after its organiza-
tion the regiment proceeded to Camp Bradford. Baltimore, and two weeks
later was ordered to Rock Island, 111., where it was employed until the
expiration of its loo days" term of enlistment in guarding Confederate
Biographical Sketches
'651
prisoners al tliat ixiiiit. Ca])!. Janncy was nnistcrcd (Hit witli tlic rcgi-
incnt at Pliiladclphia, Pa., Nov. ii. i<S64. After the close of the war he
hecaiiie secretary of the Morgan Oil Company of Philadelphia, remaining
with this organization about two years, and then, on account-. of failing
health, returning to his father's farm in Loudoun county, Va. Soon after
he opened a private Jxiarding school in Springdale. Loudoun county. Jiiain-
taining it until I.S69, when he went to the S;intee Indian agency in Ne-
braska,— near Xoel)rara, — as instructor in agriculture, remaining until the
following year under "President drant's peace policy with the Iiulians."
\n 1871 he came to Washingtc^i, 1). C, and began his long and successful
career as a teacher in that city, having been appointed "supervising prin-
cipal" in April, 1874. Capt. Janney preserves his military associations by
membership in several soldiers' organizations. He is a member and past
connnander of the George ]\l. Morris Post, Xo. 19, (irand .Army of the
Republic, and also past junior vice department commander of the Depart-
ment of the Potomac, and is a. member, also, of the Washington Com-
mandery of the Alilitary Order of the Loyal Legion. Although he dem-
onstrated his ability to fight wdien it was necessary Capt. Janney wa^ reared
a Quaker and belongs to that peace-loving sect.
Janney, Joseph Jacob, for many years a prominent figure in mercan-
tile circles of I'.altimore. entered the service of the L'nited States as a
l)rivate in the Purnell Legion of cavalry in Sept., 1862, was promoted to
duty sergeant in November following, in
December to (jrderly sergeant, and (ju ALar.
25. 1864, was raised to the rank of second
lieutenant, maintaining this position until
he was mustered out of service. He was in
engagements at Harper's Ferry and Mary-
land Heights under Gen. King in 1862-63.
and was in the summer of 1863 on provost
duty on the eastern shore of Virginia, in-
tercepting blockade-runners. In April.
1864, Co.'s B and C of the Legion were
^ent to the Army of the Potomac and hav-
ing been dismounted were attached to the
8th Maryland infantry, and as a part of the
Marvland brigade. 2nd division, 5th army
corps, was in the second engagement at
Cold Harbor, in all the fighting in front of,
Petersburg from April, 1864, until the close,
of the cam])aign, and in several raids into
North Carolina. Lieut. Janney w^as slightly wounded at Weldon railroad.
In November, 1864, Co. C not having the number of men requisite for a
separate organization, it was consolidated with another company, and
Lieut. Janney was honorably discharged on Dec. 10, 1864. After leaving
the army he went to Washington, D. C, remaining until the. fall of 1865,
w-hen he went to Harford county, Md., and there engaged in agriculture
until the fall of 1870, when he came to Baltimore and was appointed
by President Grant as deputy collector for the internal revenue depart-
ment. In 1872 he went into mercantile business in that city, which has
since been his residence; he is also interested in a large coal company,
and is treasurer of the same. His associations with the life of the early
sixties is maintained by membership in several patriotic societies, among
them being the Wilson Post, No. i. Grand Army of the Republic. L'nion
Veterans' Association of Maryland, and the Maryland Commandery of
the Military Order of the Loyal Legion, being recorder of the last-named
association ; he is also secretary of the board of managers of the house
of reformation.
35S
The Union Army
Jarrett, James Henry, M. D., of Tovvsnn, Md., entered the niiliiary
service lirst as assistant surgeon of the Purnell (Maryland) Legion, in
October. 1861. and so served until September, 1862, when he was promoted
to tlic rank of surgeon and transferred to
tlic /th Maryland infantry. He was in no
engagements while with the Purnell Legion,
as that organization was stationed on the
eastern coast, in Virginia, to intercept the
l)lockadc runners. Dr. Jarrett served as
f /^^ ^l^^^A surgeon of the 7th Maryland until April,
1S64, wlien he was discharged for physical
disability. He was under fire a number
of times, once at Haymarket. Va., and in
several skirmishes, but was never wounded
or captured. In the winter of 1864 he was
detaiU'd to the headquarters of Gen. Kenly,
at Culpepper, Va., as brigade surgeon, serv-
ing as such for two months. On leaving
the army Dr. Jarrett returned to his home
in Harford county, Md., where he prac-
ticed a year and then removed to Towson,
in the same state, where he has since fol-
lowed his profession. He served on the United States pension board for
four years, and commemorates his service in the Civil war by membership
in tlic Wilson Post, Xo. i, of the Grand Army of the Republic. He is a
member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and one of the most highly
esteemed citizens of the town which has been his residence for so many
years, in both social and professional circles.
Johnson, Albert Eugene, M. D., who has practiced medicine in the
city of Washington, D. C, for nearly forty years, enlisted in the Union
army on June i, 1861, at Lewisburg, Pa., as a private in Company D, 5th
Pa. reserves, and was mustered in with his
regiment a few days later. He was first in
action at Dranesville, Va., Dec. 20, 1861,
after which his regiment was assigned to
Gen. McClellan's army and moved on the
Peninsular campaign of 1862. In this cam-
paign Dr. Johnson was in the engagements
of Mechanicsville, Gaines' mill, and the Sev-
en Days' battles up to Charles City cross-
roads, June 30, 1862, where he was severely
wounded in the left leg and lay on the field
until July 4, when he was captured by the
enemy and taken to Libby prison at Rich-
mond. There he was confined until July
28, when he was paroled and sent to the
Camden street hospital at Baltimore, Md.,
where he lay for six months, being hon-
orably discharged on Nov. 13, 1862. His
wound was of such a serious nature that it
incap;icitatcd liim for further service in the field, and in fact he was com-
l)elled to use crutches for si.x years after receiving his discharge. Upon
leaving the army he located in Washington, where on March 4, i86g, he
received the degree of ]M. D. from Columbian university and immediately
established himself in practice in the national capital. From 1870 to 1873,
and again in 1875-77 he was city physician of Washington. He is a mem-
ber of the American medical association and medical association and so-
Biographical Sketches
359
cicty of Washington. 1). C. Dr. Johnson is a prominent rigurc in Grand
Army circles, Ix'ing a mcnil)cr of Lincohi Post, No. 3; was medical di-
rector of the Department of the Potomac of that order in 1895-96; and
the latter year was elected surgeon-general of the national Grand Army
organization. He is also prominent in the Masonic fraternity, being a life
member of the Knights i emplar commandery and the Royal Arch chap-
ter, and a Xohle of the Mystic Shrine. He was one of the first men in
the United States to liecome a member of the Knights of Pythias when
that order was organized, and he still takes a keen interest in its work
and development. Although nearly forty years have elapsed since Dr.
Johnson tirst began the practice of his profession, he has not permitted
himself to fall Ijeiiiixl in the march of medical progress, but keeps in
close touch with all the new discoveries and improved methods in the
healing art. Consequently he enjoys a high reputation as a physician,
commaufling alike tlie confidence of his patrons and the respect of his
l)r()tlKT ])ractitii)ncr>.
Johnston, William John, land and mining attorney at Washington,
D. C, entered the military service as a private of Co. C, 44th New York
infantry. This regiment, known originally as the "Ellsworth's Avengers''
and later as "The People's Ellsworth's Reg-
iment of the State of New York," was
unique in the manner of its organization,
and was planned as a memorial regiment
from the state to be composed of one man
from each ward or town, unmarried, not
over thirty years of age or under five feet
eight inches in height, of military experi-
ence and good character. This plan was
adhered to as far as possible, although the
number from each town was laier in-
creased to four. They were selected by
vote at a town meeting and were com-
posed of the flower of the state. Mr.
Johnston was the one man selected to rep-
resent his home town, Columbia, in Herki-
mer county. The men in the regiment en-
listed for three years' service, and were
mustered in at Albany, leaving for Wash-
ington. Oct. 21, i86r. The regiment was assigned to the 3d (Butter-
tield's) l^rigade, ist (Griffin's) division, Sth army corps, commanded by
Gen. Fitz John Porter. Mr. Johnston, originally a member of Co. C,
later, after the ranks had been depleted by hard fighting and filled with
new recruits, asked for and received a transfer to Co. H, with which he
served until the expiration of his term of enlistment. The 44th New
York was named among the "300 lighting regiments." The total strength
of the regiment was 1,585, of whom 186 died from wounds received in
action, 147 from accident, disease or imprisonment. The total loss of
killed, wounded and missing was 730, of whom ten died in Confederate
prisons. Mr. Johnston participated in the following engagements : York-
town, Hanover Court House, Gaines' Mill, Malvern Hill, Manansas, Fred-
ericksburg, Va., — where the regiment charged the stone wall, and where
Mr. Johnston received nine bullet holes through his clothes and was
slightly scratched on the leg, — Chancellorsville. Middleburg, Va., Gettys-
burg,— marching all night and reaching the field in the' early morning of
the second day of the battle, — Rappahannock Station, The Wilderness,
Spottsylvania, Jones Cross Roads, North Anna River, Bethesda Church,
Cold Harbor, second battle of Petersburg, second battle of Bull Run. An-
360
The Union Army
tictam, SlKplK-rdsloun l-'ord, .Mine Run, the Seven Days" bailie. Aldie,
WillianisiJort. Laurel Hill. The regiment was then moved to the west
and caplureil ihe W'cldon railroad and remained there until Sept. 29,
when it went to Cit\- Point and thence was sent home, its term of enlist-
ment having e.xpired. The service was most severe, especially during the
luonth of almost constant fighting in the Wilderness and at Gettysburg.
.\fler leaving the military service. Mr. Johnston returned home, and ii>
ih!65 received an appointment in the V. S. patent office where he remained
two years, studyinj^ law in the meantime, and in i86g was graduated from
Columbian University (now George Washington University). In 1867. he
was transferred from the patent to the general land office, remaining there
in the govenunenl employ until US74 when he resigned to enter upon the
practice of the legal profession as a land and mining attorney, — his ex-
perience in the land office having given him exceptional advantages as a
specialist in this line, — and he has since maintained his private practice
as a lawyer. He is a member of the Kit Carson Post, Xo. 2. Grand .\riny
of the Republic, of the Union Veteran Legion, and the L'nion Soldiers'
Alliance. The last named is an exclusive social military organization,
limited to 100 members; the election is by ballot, one adverse rejecting an
applicant. The age limit is 60, and further elections are now rendered
impossible. Mr. Johnston was president of the Soldiers' Alliance during
the year 1908 and was on the staff of Gen. O. O. Howard on Inauguration
Day. March 4, 1905, acting as commanding general of the ist division,
(civic grand division) with the rank of brigadier general. He is also a
member of the Masonic order.
Kapp, Hosea Woodman, formerly Supl. of the Baltimore division of
the Northern (.'entrrd railroad, was born in Mariette, Pa.. July 23. 1844.
He attended school at .Vorthumberland. Pa., to which place his parents
had removed. — until he was si.xteen years of
age and entered the arnn- as musician of
the 5th Pennsylvania Reserves, in August,
1861, at Harrisburg, Pa., and served as a
nwuiber of the regimental band for eleven
months, being mustered out at Harrison's
Landing, in July, 1862. He was under fire
at Mechanicsville and Fair Oaks, the musi-
cians assisting, during those engagements, in
carrying the wounded from the field : and
was under lire also, at Malvern Hill. He
was never wounded or captured, or missed
an engagement in which his command par-
ticipated. After he left the army he entered
the service of the Lackaw^anna & Bloomfield
Railroad Company ( now the Delaware.
Lackawanna & W estern), as a laborer and
later as a brakeman for a short time and in
ihe fall of 1862 entered the service of the
I'hiladelphia 6v: I'Lrie Railroad Company as brakeman, and rose through
the positions of fiagman, freight and passenger conductor, yard master,
assistant paymaster and paymaster, reaching the last-named position in
1870. and was soon after transferred to Pittsburg as assistant paymaster of
the Pittsburg division, remaining in that city from 1870 until 1874. At the
last date he was transferred to the Baltimore division of the Northern
Central road as paymaster, and in 1875 he was also given the duties of
traimnaster of the Baltimore & Potomac and the Fredericksburg divisions.
On Jan. i. 1883. he was made superintendent and in 1905, in addition
to his other duties he was appointed general agent of the Philadelphia,
Biographical Sketches
3G1
Baltimore and Washington division. Mr. Ka])]) i> a notal)lc c.\ani])lc- of
the opportunities which tliis country affords to the man who is intelligent
and faithful, beginning life upon the low plane of a common laborer,
he has risen constantly and to a position of great res])onsil)ility, and ever\
pronxotion was the simple outcome of meritorious work, lie never asked
for a promotion, being chietly concerned about the faithful execution of
the tasks on hand, but the promotions came with great regularity, each
one intrusting to his care greater responsibilities, until he became the
trusted superintendent of a most important division of a great railway
system, to whose care large commercial and othei interests were confided,
liis lieadquarters have lieen for many years at Baltimore, in which de-
liglitfid city he has a wide circle of warm friends. The association of tiie
troul)led days wdien his gift of music gave cheer to the host of the Ijattle-
lield are still cherished l)y membership in the Grand Army of the Repub-
lic: he I)elongs also to the Masonic order, being a Knight Templar.
Kelley, Capt. Leverett M., deputy commissioner of pensions, Wash-
ington, 1). C, was born at Schenectady, X. Y., Sept. 28, 1841, his ancestry
l)eing a nii.xture of Scotch-Irish, Dutch and American. In 1845 his fathe'r
removed to Kane county, 111., where Capt.
Kelley grew to maturity. At the breaking-
out of the war he was a student in college at
Beloit, Wis., and with a number of other
students he tried to enlist under the first
call for volunteers, but all were rejected on
account of their youth. At the close of the
school year in June he returned home and
went to work on the farm, but one evening
in July, after a day's work in the harvest
field, he rode 8 miles to Elgin and enlisted
us a private in Company A, 36th 111. infan-
try. The regiment was mustered in at Camp
Hammond, near Aurora. 111., Sept. Z},. 186 1.
proceeded to St. Louis, Mo., where the men
received their arms and equipments, after
which it was ordered to Rolla, Mo. It took
part in the battles of Pea ridge, Perryville.
Stone's river, Chickamauga, Missionary
ridge, Dalton, Resaca. Adairsville, Dallas, Kennesaw mountain. Peach-
tree creek, Jovejoy's Station, Jonesboro, Columbia, Spring Hill, Frank-
lin and Xashville. Young Kelley was successively promoted to corporal,
sergeant, first lieutenant and captain of his company, being mustered out
with the last named rank in Oct., 1865. He was awarded a medal of
honor for distinguished and meritorious services, especially for gallan-
try at Missionary ridge. After the war Capt. Kelley w-as elected sheriff'
of Kane county. 111., in 1868, and reelected in 1874. In 1878 he was ap-
pointed Indian agent at the Standing Rock and Los Pinos agencies, and
while serving in this capacity he negotiated an imijortant treaty with the
Indians. He has always taken an ardent interest in political matters and
in 1884 was a delegate to the Republican national convention that nomi-
nated Blaine and Logan. In 1889 he was appointed chief of a division
in the pension bureau at \\ ashington where he served for four years,
and in 1897 was appointed deputy commissioner by President McKinley,
which position he still holds. Capt. Kelley is a member of Washington
Commandery, Military Order of the Loyal Legion, aijd belongs to Elgin
Post, Xo. 49, Grand Army of the Republic, at Elgin, 111. In June, 1900.
this post passed the following resolution without a dissenting vote:
"Whereas, The members of this post are anxious as knal citizens and
362
The Union Army
veterans of the War of tlic Rihellion, tlial tlie business of the pension
office at Washington, he carefully and justly administered and the inter-
ests of our government and of our ex-soldiers best conserved, and the
members of this post being nearly all personally acquainted with Comrade
Leverett M. Kelley, late captain, Co. A., 36th 111., now deputy commis-
sioner of pensions, and knowing him to he extremely qualified to dis-
charge the important duties devolving upon the pension commissioner.
Therefore, be it unanimously Resolved, That this post and the individual
meml)ers thereof unanimously and respectfully request President AlcKin-
ley to appoint our comrade, Leverett M. Kelley. commissioner of pensions,
whenever a vacancy in that office occurs. Be it further Resolved, That a
copy of these resolutions properly attested be at once forwarded to the
President." The resolutions, signed by the post commander and adjutant,
and bearing the seal of the post, were forwarded to the President. This
endorsement, from those who know him best, is evidence of the esteem
hi which Capt. Kelley is held by his old comrades in arms.
Kemp, Joseph Ritner, manager for Douglas, Lacey & Company,
1)ankers and fiscal agents, of Baltimore, entered the military service at
New Wilmington, Pa., on Aug. 8, 1862, as first sergeant of Company H,
I34tli Pennsylvania volunteer infantry, and
was promoted to the rank of second lieuten-
ant Dec. 7, following and to that of first
lieutenant Jan. 9, 1863, serving with the last
named rank until mustered out at the expi-
ration of the term of nine months' service.
While with this regiment he participated in
the l)attles of Antietam, Fredericksburg and
the Wilderness, and a number of minor en-
gagements in the vicinity of Fredericksburg.
In May, 1863, he was commissioned first
lieutenant and recruiting officer by Gov. An-
drew G. Curtin, of Pennsylvania to recruit
for the department of the IMonongahela,
with headquarters at Pittsburg, and was
later commissioned captain and placed in
command of the department, and was so
employed for ten months, when he was
mustered out. In July, 1864, he was again
made recruiting officer, and stationed at New Wilmington, Pa., and
recruited Company M (over 200 men), for the 6th Pennsylvania
heavy artillery (212th Pennsylvania regiment) and was on Sept.
8, 1864, made captain of this company, and four days later was pro-
moted to the rank of major, and placed in command of the 2nd battalion,
remaining in command until June, 1865, when he participated in the grand
review at Washington, D. C, and was mustered out in that city. While
in command of the artillery Major Kemp was mostly on guard duty, serv-
ing also as President of Court Marshall in the city of Washington, and
was in command of several forts on Arlington Heights. At Fredericks-
burg he was slightly wounded in the right hand, and had a number of nar-
row escapes. After the close of the war. Major Kemp returned to his
home in New Wilmington, Pa., and remained there until late in the year,
when he removed to Youngstown, Ohio, where he lived about twenty years,
engaged in the manufacture of brick. He was then in New York for
two or three years, with the Lorillard Tobacco Company, establishing
works on Raritan Bay, and in 1889 went to Washington, D. C, and later
to Toledo, Ohio, remaining until 1896 when he came to Baltimore, Md.,
and has been connected with Douglas, Lacey & Company since 1899. He
Biographical Sketches
363
belongs to the Military Order ..1" the Loval Lc'sinii .,f the United States
Maryland comniandery and was made vice-connnander, and to the Wilson
Post, No. I, Grand Army of the Republic, serving as adjutant and senior
vice, and is past president of the Grand Army club of Maryland, and re-
cordmg secretary of the same organization : he is also a member of tiie
Methodist Episcopal church. His wide experience in military and ciyil
life and his residence in many important centers of life, as well as his
natural endowments make the major a favorite in both business and social
circles, and he has a large number of warm and devoted friends. While
the bitterness of tlie strenuous years of civil strife has passed, like the
most of his comrades in arms, he cherishes the memories of those years
that tested the (|uahty of both a man's courage and loyalty.
Kerr, Robert Washington, chief of the distriI)ution' division of the
war department, Washington. D. C, enhsted April i6, 1861. as a private
in Company A, 4th Ohio volunteers, for three months' service, and on
June 5, following, with the regiment re-
enlisted, serving until May 6. 1863, when on
account of physical disability he was hon-
orably discharged. On Feb.'S, 1864, he re-
ceived a commission as second lieutenant
from Gov. David Tod. of Ohio, and was
sent to the 121st Ohio infantry, then serving
with the 14th corps of the 'Army of the
Cumberland, at that time on the Atlanta
campaign, under Gen. Sherman. Lieut.
Kerr joined the regiment about May 8, 1864.
and was assigned to Company G, and served
with this company until Aug. 26. At the
battle of Kennesaw Mountain, at the first
lire. Capt. Linus A. Patrick of this company
was killed. In the official report of this
engagement. Col. H. B. Banning savs : "In
the engagement I lost three officers killed
and three wounded, fifteen non-commis-
sioned officers and privates killed and 123
^vounded. . . \\'e fought the flower of
the Southern army, being Cheatham's division, of Hardee's corps. We
succeeded in making a lodgement so close up to their works as to com-
pel them to evacuate four days afterward. . . The instances among
officers and men deserving of special notice are too numerous to men-
tion. The gallant conduct of themselves and their fallen comrades has
made for tliem and the regiment names that will live forever." After
Capt. Patrick fell, there Ijeing no first lieutenant. Second Lieut. Kerr took
command of the company, and remained in command from that date, June
2-j, until Aug. 26. As he had never been mustered and had no commission
except that of a second lieutenant, and the depletion of the ranks from the
hard service in this campaign did not leave a sufficient quota of men to
authorize his muster with the rank of his commission, he was compelled
to leave the service and return home. Later Gov. Tod issued a commis-
sion of first lieutenant, dated July 13, 1864, and on April 20. 1865, he was
commissioned captain by the governor, but he never mustered on either
of the later commissions, so that he saw no more service after Aug. 26,
1864. In 1904, the war department recognized the fact that Lieut. Kerr
served as first lieutenant of Company G from June 2~ to Aug. 26. 1864,
and he now appears on the rolls as such. .After leavnig the army, Lieut.
Kerr returned home and was soon after given a position in the office of
the provost marshal at Newark. Ohio, serving until May, 1865, when he
wartime daguerreo-
type."
;iG4
The Union Army
returned lo work ;it tlic printer's trade in L'olumhus, (). In 1867, he ob-
tained a position in the government printing office at Washington. D. C.
and in 1870 was made assistant foreman of printing, holding the position
tdr tliree years. Resigning in 1873 lie went into mercantile btisiness in
.Ml. X'ernon, Ohio, and after following this line for three years, returned to
the government printing office in Washington and was there until 1S82,
when he was given the position in the war dei)artment which he lias occu-
pied until the present time. While his work was in Washington, ]\lr. Kerr's
residence was for twenty years at Laurel, Prince George's county, Md.,
aiiout lifteen miles from the city, and there he took an active part in local
politics, serving as councilman, president of the council, school commis-
sioner, etc. His present residence is at College Park, about live miles from
the capital. He belongs to the G. K. Warren Post of the Grand Army of
the Repui)lic, at Hyattsville, Md., which he was prominent in organizing,
and also to the Military Order of the Loyal Legion, Washington command-
ery. Other fraternal, religious and i)o!itical relations are shown l)y his
connection with the Masonic order, the Episcopal church and the Repul)-
lican party. It is worthy of note, that his father, Robert Kerr, was also a
soldier and served in the War of 1812.
Kimball, Ivory George, judge of the police court of Washington,
1). G.. enlisted at l*"t. Wavne. Ind., June g, 1862, as a private in Company E.
55th Ind. infantry, for three months, and on Sept. 6, 1862, was mustered
out with the regiment at Indianapolis. He
was first emi)loyed in guarding the Fort
Donaldson ])risoners at Camp Morton, near
that city, and in July the regiment was or-
dered to Louisville, and then to Frankfort,
Ky., to head off Gen. John Morgan. At
Louisville Judge Kimball was attacked with
a severe illness, and by the time the regi-
ment reached Frankfort he had become so
much worse that he was unable to proceed,
and was left in that city in the care of a
Union family, there being no hospital there
at that time. Later a hospital was estab-
lished to which he was removed and in the
latter part of August he was able to be
taken to his home in Ft. W'ayne, and, al-
though very weak, joined his regiment at
Indianapolis for the muster out on Sept. b.
following. The regiment was in the Rich-
mond. Ky., engagement, where Company E lost twelve men killed and
wounded, including Second Lieut. Thom])son, Init Judge Kimball was too
ill to be with his regiment at that time. After being mustered out he went
back to Ft. Wayne and in August, 1863, went to Washington, D. C, where
he was given a position in the internal revenue office, which he tilled for
live years, — for the last two years of which he was head of the claims
division. On July ist, 1868 he resigned to follow his profession, as a
lawyer, having been admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of the
District of Columbia in June, 1867. He received his degree from Colum-
bian (now George Washington) University, at Washington, and among his
schoolmates in the law school of the university were a number who have
risen to distinction, including Hon. W. L. Wilson, late postmaster general.
Judge O'Connor, solicitor of the U. S. treasury and several others who
have held high positions in the government. Judge Kimball is a member
of the bar of the Supreme Court of the United States and the Court of
Claims. In ?ilarch, 1891, he was appointed judge of the police court of
Biographical Sketches
the District of Coluniliia liy President Harrison and has l)etn rcaijpointed
)n- Presidents ]\lcKinley and Roosevelt, the last appointnunt liaviiiK l)een
made in January, 1904, for a period of six years. Jud.i^e Kinil)all is a
mem;ber of Kurnside Post, Xo. 8, Grand Army of the Rei)ul)lie, and was
elected senior vice commander in 1899 and commander in igoo. In 1901
he was elected junior vice commander of the Department of the Potomac,
in 1902 senior vice department commander and in 1903 department com-
mander, all three elections lieing unanimous. I'Or several years he has
lieen chairman of the committee appointed l)y the commander in chief of
the Grand Army of the Repul)lic, to look after legislation for veterans in
the public service. He has always l)een active in defending the rights of
the veterans, and successfully fought all liills introduced intf) Congress
which provided for the reduction or dismissal of all clerks in the govern-
ment employ when they reached the age of seventy years. These bills
did not exempt his comrades of the civil war. For the past iive
years he has worked to secure an appropriation for the erection of an
amphitheater at Arlington, Va., for use on Memorial Day and other such
occasions, and to be a fitting memorial to the soldiers who are dead, and in
the session of Congress for the winter of 1907-8 secured tlie jiassage of a
law providing for a conmiission consisting of the Secretary of War. the
Secretary of the Treasury, the Superintendent of the Ca])ital I'.uildings
and Grounds, a Grand Army Comrade and a member of the Spanish War
\'eterans to prepare plans and sulimit them to Congress. Judge Kimball
was designated by the Commander in Chief to represent the Grand Army
of the Republic on this commission. The report of the commission and
the plans adopted were sent to Congress Feb. 15, 1909, for an appropria-
tion for the erection of the amphitheater. Judge Kimball has been for
more than tifty years a memlier of the Prcsb\'terian church and was an
elder in the Assembly Presbyterian church. In no way has lie more highly
deserved the esteem in wbicli he is held, not only by his personal friends,
l)Ut also by the veterans of the Civil war, their wives, widows and children
all over the country, than in the constant and watchful care which he has
maintained at the national capital, over the interests of the old soldiers.
Kellogg, William Pitt, son of Rev. Sherman Kellogg, was born at
Orwell, Vt., Dec. 8, 1830. He was educated at the military institute at
Norwich, ^\■^ln(lnt. and later removed to Illinois and was admitted to the
bar of that state in 1852. He practiced at
^' Canton, in that state, from 1852 to 1861, and
took an active part in the political move-
ments of the time, being chosen one of the
electors for President Lincf)ln in i860. In
1861 he was appointed chief justice of Ne-
braska territory, and in the summer of that
year, — being granted leave of absence from
judicial duties by President Lincoln, — he
returned to Illinois and raised the Jth Illi-
nois cavalry, being appointed colonel of the
regiment by Gov. Vates of Illinois, entered
the military service on Sept. 8, 1861, at
Camp Butler, the regiment l)eing mustered
in on Oct. I.^. following. It was ordered to
Cape Girardeau, Mo., where Col. Kellogg
was in conunand lor four months, and later
re])orte(I at I-'ort Madrid to Gen. Pope, help-
ing to capture that point. After the battle
of Shiloh he reported at Pittsl)urg Landing, where he had a severe attack
of typhoid fever, and on account of failing health he resigned on June i-.
366 The Union Army
1862, returning to Nebraska al tlie l)cginning of the following year, when
he was nuistered out of the serviee on account of physical disability,
louring his military service he participated in the battles of Island Xo. 10,
Fort -Madrid, Fort Thompson, Farmington (Miss.) and Corinth. In the
last engagement the regiment lost 40 ofiicers and men, killed, wounded and
missing. During the time that Col. Kellogg was stationed in Missouri
occurred an incident which was the occasion of much comment at the
time, having in some way found its way into the papers. Under the date
of Feb. 9, 1862, Col. Kellogg reported to Gen. E. A. Paine, commanding at
Cairo, as follows: "Yesterday, (February 8) several companies of our
cavalry, with one company of Ross' infantry, scoured the country west,
brhigiiig in 50 prisoners. Our cavalry also encountered a large force of
rebel cavalry 15 miles beyond Bloomtield. They succeeded in routing
them, killing 7, wounding many, and taking 20 prisoners. We had two
missing and one wounded. They found 5 bodies, known to be Union
men murdered. W. P. Kellogg, (Zolonel, commanding." Brig. -Gen. E. A.
Paine responded as follows : "Col. Kellogg, Commanding, Cape Girar-
deau: Hang one of the rebel cavalry for each Union man murdered, and
after this two for each. Continue to scout, capture and kill." Gen. Paine,
in explanation, said that at the time he received the dispatch of Col. Kel-
logg, he supposed the latter caught the rebel cavalry in the act, but Maj.-
Gen. Halleck published his disapproval of this order. He said : "It is
contrary to the rules of civiHzed war, and if its spirit should be adopted
the whole country would be covered with blood. Retaliation has its limits,
and the innocent should not be made to suffer for the acts of others over
whom they have no control." After returning to Xel)raska, Col. Kellogg
served as chief justice for some time, later resigning, and was appointed
by President Lincoln on April 13, 1865, to the position of collector of
the port of New Orleans, Mr. Lincoln signing his commission as collector
the day he was shot, serving from 1865 to 1868, and from that time iden-
tified himself with the interests of Louisiana, becoming a prominent figure
in the state politics during the stormy period of the late sixties and early
seventies. He was United States senator from the state from 1868 to 1872,
and was elected governor in 1873, when there were two factions claiming
the rightful sovereignty of the state. These troubles were carried over
into Gov. Kellogg's administration, and culminated in an attempt by the
Democratic House of Representatives to impeach the governor. The
Senate acquitted the latter on the following grounds : "Because the com-
mittee appointed to investigate Governor Kellogg refused to give him the
right of appearing at their deliberations ; that they furnished no list of
witnesses ; that the impeachment was prompted by revolutionary and par-
tisan purposes ; that it was in violation of the Wheeler con^promise ; that
it was known to the Senate that the Governor's acts were not unlawful;
that the House had adjourned before a notification could be given
that the Senate was ready to proceed with trial, and that such ad-
journment was for the purpose of obstructing the trial, and preventing
the Senate from proceeding with it : and finally, that the impeachment
articles contained no specific charges." Gov. Kellogg himself sent a mes-
sage to the House replying to the frivolous accusations which were all
that they had been able to concoct after the utmost scrutiny of the state
records, and in regard to the diversion of public funds said : "In a time
of revolution, of great public exigency, I sanctioned a temporary diver-
sion of the state funds, which could not, and did not, result in the loss of
a dollar to the state, and took this course solely in the public interest, and
to protect the property of the state." Gov. Kellogg is a man of courage
and resolution and maintained his authority during that stormy and try-
ing period, and has since identified himself with the interests of the state
Biographical Sketches
3Gr
m many ways, reprcsnitinK it a sec.nid tinu- in tlu- Unitc.l States Senate
trom 1.S77 to 18H3. and ni the House of Representatives ( U. S.) from
1883 to 1885. lie lias large linancial interests both in Louisiana and Wash-
nigton, D. C, and divides his time between the two places. He maintains
his interest in the political movements of the countrv, having been a dele-
gate to every Rcpu])]ican convention between 18O0 and 1896. He is a mem-
ber of the Washington commandery of the Militarv Order of the Loyal
Legion, and his Washington residence is at "The Shoreham."
Kniffin, CoL Gilbert Crawford, chief of records in the United States
P.ureau of Pensions. Washington. D. C. was living at the outbreak of the
Civil war in Paris, Ky. Soon after the commencement of the \Var Presi-
dent Lincoln sent Gen. William Xelson to
Kentucky to recruit four regiments of in-
fantry, one of cavalry and a light battery,
whose function was to be the conveyance
of arms and munitions of war over the
Cumberland mountains to the loyal citizens
of East Tennessee. Maj. Kniffin accompa-
nied Gen. Nelson into Garrard county,
where Camp Dick Robinson was established
as a rendezvous for Union troops. Subse-
quently he established his headquarters at
his home in Paris and issued handl)ills call-
ing for volunteers. At first he worked as a
civilian, the state of unrest in Kentucky at
that time making it hazardous to wear a
P'ederal uniform. While he was engaged in
recruiting his company a company of Con-
federate troops was also being raised in
Paris and frequent clashes resulted. Many
of the slave-holding families were di-
vided in sentiment and nearly all of them
contributed sons to both armies. The key note was struck by Hon.
Garrett Davis in Paris, when he announced that the "American Union is
worth more than all the slaves on the American continent." From that
time on the recruiting went forward with greater vigor, a majority of the
mountaineers rallying to support the national government. On Aug. 20,
1861, ]\laj. Knifitin was regularly mustered into the Federal service aiul
assigned to duty on the staff of Gen. George H. Thomas as captain and
commissary of subsistence. He served on Gen. Thomas' staff until in
May, 1862. when he was transferred in the same capacity to the staff of
Gen. Thomas L. Crittenden, serving there until Jan. 20, 1863, when he was
promoted to lieutenant-colonel and commissary of subsistence of the 21st
army corps, commanded by Gen. Crittenden. On Oct. i, 1863, when the
reorganization of the Army of the Cumberland took place, he was assigned
to the staff of Gen. Rosccrans, commanding the Department, and when
Gen. Thomas succeeded Rosccrans in command. Col. Kniffin continued on
the staff under Thomas until Jan., 1864, when he was relieved by Col. Por-
ter. He was then assigned to the 4th army corps, on the staff of Gen.
D. S. Stanley, where he served for the remainder of the war. He was
brevetted major in the volunteer service, "for gallant and meritorious
conduct," and was mustered out with that rank on July 19, 1865. While
in the army Col. Kniffin was in the engagements at Shiloh, the siege of
Corinth, Perry ville, Ky., Stone's river, Chickamauga, Missionary ridge,
Resaca, Rocky Face ridge, where a bullet from a rebel sharpshooter passed
through his hat and the coat of Maj. -Gen. O. O. Howard : Burnt Hickory,
Pumpkin Vine creek. New Hope Church, Kennesaw mountain, the opera-
From a war time photograph.
•MS
The Union Army
tidiis a1)nul Atlanta and J()neslK)ro, Ga., and then moved hack to Tennessee
with Gen. Thomas and was engaged at Franklin and Nashville. Col Knif-
lin was honorably mustered out of the service July 19, 1865. After the
war was over he returned to Paris, Ky., where he was engaged in mercan-
tile pursuits until 1872, when he became connected with the Louisville
Daily Commercial. In Jan.. 1881, at the instance of Associate Justice John
.M. Harlan, he came to Washington to write the history of the State of
Kentucky in the war, and in order to obtain access to the records he had
to accept a clerkship in the war department, to which he was appointed by
President Hayes. On the completion of the history of Kentucky he became
editor of the National Tribune and continued with it until Sept., 1885,
wiun he was transferred to the pension bureau, where in June, 1897, he
was made chief of records. Col. Kniffin is the historian of the Army of
the Cuml)crland and is a memi)er of the .Massachusetts Historical Society.
He lielongs to the Sons of the American Revolution and was a delegate
to the convention of that society in Philadcl])]iia in 1905. He is a member
of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion, and has contributed a number
of papers to the meetings of the Washington Commandery of that ordei; :
is also a member of Kit Carson Post, No. 2, Grand Army of the Repul)lic
and greatly enjoys meeting with his old comrades in arms.
Koerper, Egon Anthony, secretary and treasurer of the Army Mu-
tual Aid Association, from May, 1902, to Oct., 1907, at Washington, D. C.
entered the military service Sept. it, 1861, as assistant surgeon of the 75th
._^ Pennsylvania infantry. The 75th (original-
ly known as the 40th) was composed prin-
cipally of German citizens of Philadelphia,
and the movements of the regiment during
Surg. Koerper's connection with it were
as follows : It left for Washington, Sept.
26. 1861, and went into winter quarters at
Hunter's Chapel. In the spring it moved
with the army during the general advance
and was ordered to report to Gen. Fre-
mont, commanding the Mountain depart-
ment, and lost lifty-three men in attempt-
ing to cross the Shenandoah river. It suf-
fered from severe marches and exposure
and in the latter part of April went by
forced marches in pursuit of Stonewall
Jackson. Later assigned to Gen. Schurz's
division of the Army of Virginia, it ar-
rived too late to share in the battle of Ce-
dar Mountain but had a lirisk engagement at Freeman's F"ord : was also in
tin- action at Groveton and the second battle of Bull Run, suffering se-
verely in the two days of lighting. On Sept. 11, 1862, Surg. Koeroer was
honorably mustered out on account of physical disability. After the regi-
ment had re-enlisted in 1864, as a veteran organization, he w'as again,
at tlie request of the officers of the regiment, appointed assistant surgeon
and on Oct. 8. t86j, was made surgeon, with the rank of major, and was
iionorably nuistcred out as such with the regiment at Murfree.sboro, Tenn..
Sept. I. 1865. On May i-|. 1867. Maj. Koerper entered the regular service
as assistant surgeon and was accepted May 24. following; was made as-
sistant surgeon with the rank of captain on Apr. 6, 1868, promoted to sur-
geon with the rank of major, Jan. 9, 1885, and to the position of deputy
surgeon general with the rank of lieutenant-colonel, on Dec. 10, 1898. On
l""eb. 21. 1900, he was retired, for age. and bv act of Congress was pro-
moted to the rank of colonel on the retired list. .\pr. 23. 1904. Col.
Biographical Sketches
309
Kot-rix.!- is a iiH-iiil)(.r of the Military Or(l(.r of tlic l.uyal Legion, Wasii-
ington conimaiuKry, and scrvod at one tinir as nuilical director of tlio
(irand Army of the i\i,])ul)lio. deiiartnu'iit of Montana, wliilc stationed al
l""ort Kfogli.
Larrabee, Charles Frederick, late assistant commissioner of Indian
atfairs, sirsed in the di\ision of lands, of the office of Indian affairs, —
one of the nio^t important and resi)onsii)le divisions of the office, — for over
twenty years, and as its chief officer for near-
ly fonrtecn years, liis ai)pointment hearing
the date of April 30. iXji. Maj. Larrahee
was horn in Phijipshnrg, Me.. Dec. 10. iH42.
and renioxed with his i)arents to Portland
in the same state, in 1850. where he was
reared and received his education. When
a vonng man he went to sea with hi> uncle,
Capt. Chas. X. Ddano. of Bath, Me..— who
was in command of the well-known mer-
chantman. "Old England." — remaining for
two years, and was later in the employ of
the Grand Trunk Railway Comprmy as
shipping clerk in Portland. ( )n |;in. 13,
1S63, he enlisted as a private in the 30th
Maine veteran volunteers; was made ser-
geant major on Jan. 14, 1864; first lieuten-
ant and adjutant, Oct. 4, 1864, and was
nnistered out of service with the held and
>talf. .\ug. 20. 1865. On March 13. 1865. he was hrevetted captain and
major, "for gallant and distinguished services at the hattles of Sahinc
Cross Roads. Pleasant Hill and Monett Blufif. La.. Apr. 8. 9. and 23,
1864.'' This was in the famous Red River campaign, under Gen. Banks.
He was also in the engagement of Cedar Creek (Virginia). On Feh. 23,
1866, he was appointed a second lieutenant in the 7th I". S. infantry, was
promoted to he hrst lieutenant and served until 1871 ; was acting assistant
adjutant-general in Florida pending the reconstruction of that state and
was complimented in general orders on retiring from that ])osition. While
commanding a military post at the Shoshone agency in Wyoming terri-
tory in 1869. he was in charge of the Shoshone and Bannock Indians. He
removed the hostile Apaches to, and estahlished the San Carlos agency in
Arizona, and was their agent in 1873. He was a connnissioner on the
part of the U. S. to negotiate with certain trihes in Indian Territory in
1873, and was .special agent to remove 3,000 captive Cheyennes. .\rapahoes,
Kiowas and Comanches from Fort Sill to the Quapaw agency for the
experiment of civilization w'ith them in 1875 and 1876. The governmeut
suhse(|uently made other plans for the di.sposition of the captives and they
remained in their old homes. He was the dishursing officer of the Hot
.Springs. .Arkansas, commission, engaged in settling land titles in 1877 and
hecame a clerk in the Indian office in 1880, serving in that capacity for
nine years ; was commissioner on the part of the government to investi-
gate and determine the claims of licensed traders growing out of the
Sioux massacre of 1862 at New Ulm, Minn., and was also a commissioner
to negotiate with several trihes of Indians in Minnesota, Northern Mon-
tana and Dakota, in association with the late Bishop Henry B. Whipple
of Minnesota and Judge John V. Wright of Tennessee. As a result of
these negotiations upward of 17.oco.ooo acres of land were ojiened to white
settlement. The allotment of lands in se\eralty to the Indians, under
the act of Feh. 8. 1887, was also largely done under Maj. Larrahee's super-
vision as agent. The a|)pointment of Maj, Larrahee as .assistant com-
Vol. VIII-24
370 The Union Army
missioncr was especiallv gratifying to the field workers in the service, and
was evidence of the nicrit policy of promotions, his long service among
the Indians, having given him exceptional preparation for the duties of
his position. The associations of his early military life are preserved by
membership in the Washington Commandery of the Military Order of the
Loval Legion.
'Lower, Cyrus Benson, chief of the supply division m the department ot
agriculture. Washington. D. C. entered the military service at Camp
Chase, Ohio, June 8,' 1861, as a private in Company E, 23d Ohio volunteer
infantry, and served as such until April
26. 1863. He participated in the engage-
ments at Carnifex Ferry. Harrisburg. South
Mountain and Antietam, and at the last
named battle was shot through the left
wrist and the wound did not heal for thir-
teen months. He was sent to a hospital in
Xcw York, but without waiting for his dis-
charge, left the hospital and returned to
the front, when his wound proving trouble-
some, he was honorably discharged and
mustered out at Charleston, Kanawha
county, W. Va., Apr. 26, 1863, the dis-
charge coming without any request on the
part of Mr. Lower. In spite of the fact
that the wound was still unhealed he went
to Newcastle, Pa., and there re-enlisted
Oct. 28, 1863. in Co. K, 1st Pennsylvania
Rifles, otherwise known as the "Pennsyl-
vania Bucktails," and also as the 13th Pennsylvania Reserves, and upon
the expiration of its term of service with the veterans of several of the
regiments of the reserve corps, to form the 190th Pennsylvania veteran
volunteer infantry, the "Bucktails," officially known as the 42nd Penn-
sylvania infantry, was recruited from the "Wildcat" district and was orig-
inally composed of hunters and woodsmen and received their nickname
on account of the bucktails worn in their hats. It was mustered into
service in June, 1861, and Mr. Lower joined it as a recruit in the fall of
1863, and the regiment soon after went into winter quarters. In the
spring campaign of 1864 the regiment was in constant service in connec-
tion with the forces operating against Richmond, Va. ; and participated
in the battles of the Wilderness. Spottsylvania Court House, Xorth Anna,
Pamunkey, Totopotomoy, and Bethesda Church. In the battle of the
Wilderness, May 7, 1864. Mr. Lower was wounded, and received a medal
of honor for "gallant services and for soldierly qualities in voluntarily
rejoining his command after having been wounded." At the battle of
Bethesda Church. May 30, 1864. he was captured and sent to Libby prison.
In this battle Major Hartshorn, his commander, was ordered to move his
line forward to a position on the Alechanicsville road. The}- had ad-
vanced half a mile, having crossed a swamp on the movement when they
unexpectedly came upon the Confederates in a thick pine forest. Having
bfen halted for rest they were feasting upon peanuts with which they had
tilled their haversacks at a house on the line of advance when without
warning three shots were fired in quick succession a short distance to the
right. Their lieutenant yelled "Look out, boys, they're coming," when
the rebels fired a volley that splintered the trees all about them but as
all of them had got behind a tree no one was injured. Mr. Lower had
fired fourteen shots in return when he discovered that, with the excep-
tion of Private Rish and himself, the force had retreated. He could see
Biographical Sketches 371
the rolicls advancing and callul tn Ri>h to "get out of tliat" and began
to fall back. In rccrossing the ^^\vanll). which was several rods in width
and to the knees, witii the l)ullets splattering the nnul alxuit him his retreat
had become a roiit when he was called to "halt" and his rout Incame a
panic. During the engagement on the afternoon of this day which was
the last day of his term of service. Private Rish fell mortally wounded.
Beyond the hill up which he had retreated Mr. Lower met Major Harts-
horn who asked where the boys were and why he was coming back, to
which he answered that tht-y had left him and he did not know where
they were. At the connnand of the major who had observed the reljels
advancing he tired several shots ])ut being attracted by tiring on his left
he deployed and found a number of his company making a stand. They,
in falling back from the first point of attack had gone around the swamp
on the left while those on the right had been captured. Major Hartshorn
ordered them to fall back on their line of battle. After seme lighting
Captain Wolfe ordered an advance of about 400 yards to a frame house
and directed Lower and two others to remain there. The rebels pushed
back the advance but Lower, being protected by the house, did not ob-
serve the retreat and was compelled to hide in the tire place in order to
prevent capture. He remained there until IxHh sides began shelling the
place wdien it became to hot for him and he took refuge in a potato cave
where he was later discovered and taken prisoner. As a prisoner he
followed the movements of his captors for several days and as the prison-
ers were not strictly guarded he determined to make his escape. His
comrades, however, would not join him in the attempt and he was com-
pelled to abandon his plan. They were finally put aboard train, carried
to Richmond and confined in Lib1)y priscm. During his continement there
his daily ration consisted of half a pound of corn bread, made of unbolted
meal or a quarter of a pound of boiled pork instead, and two ounces of
boiled rice or bean soup. After eight days of suffering in this prison he
was transferred to Andersonville on June 9th. During the transfer of
prisoners from Libby to Andersonville, twenty-five "Bucktails," among
whom were Mr. Lower and Sergeant Thompson, formed a plan for over-
powering their guard and escaping. For some reason the plan was aban-
doned, and then Mr. Lower resolved to escape alone. He jumped from
the train, and escaped with no other injuries than bruises and the reopen-
ing of his old wound. Guided by the stars he struck out for the north,
traveling for \\ye days, and obtaining food at isolated houses where he
represented himself as in command of a small Confederate posse and by
other well-acted parts. On the sixth day he learned that the "Yankees"
were at Buckhannon, twenty-tive miles across the Blue Ridge, later find-
ing that this was Gen. Hunter on his raid to Lynchburg. Before crossing
the mountains he stopped at a cabin to obtain food for his difficult jour-
ney and was there surprised and captured by a Confederate guerrilla,
but seizing his opportunity he disarmed his captor and again escaped, and
the next morning joined Hunter's pickets. An interesting account of this
experience is found in Bates' "Martial Deeds of Pennsylvania." Mr.
Lower passed through many exciting experiences and numerous narrow
escapes in his bold strike for freedom, and for this episode received a
furlough, "For meritorious conduct in making his escape from the enemy."
The 13th Reserves were mustered out at the expiration of their term of
service, June 11, 1864, but a new regiment, the TQOth Pennsylvania Li-
fantry, was organized from the veterans in a number of the Reserve regi-
ments, and this organization ]\Ir. Lower joined and was made corporal in
March, 1865. In this, the third regiment in which Mr. Lower enlisted, he
was in the engagements of the Richmond campaign in the early summer
of 1864, at Deep Bottom; The Crater; the engagements along the line
;;|-j The Union Army
i)t" tile \\\-l(li)ii railroad in Au>>usl and i>ii tin- iXtli wliik- liolding an ad-
vanced |)()silit>n without snpporis, the conimancHng otiticcT and thrcc-
toiirths of the men were captured; at Pophir Spring Church in September:
at P)oynton"s Plank Road in October: at the three da\s' light at Hatcher's
Run in lH'l)ruary, 1865. and in the Appomattox campaign under Gen.
(irant; was engaged at Gravelly Run and Five Forks and engaged in the
])ursuit of Fee and was storming a battery of the enemy at the tiiue of
the surrender. The regiment was mustered out at Arlington Heights,
June 28, 1865. Although acting most of the time as a i)rivate Mr. Lower
was repeatedly brought i>rominently into notice for his gallantry in action,
and few of the thousands of ihriJling personal histories of the war can
present more of romantic interest than would attach to Mr. Lower's biog-
raphy if given in detail. After leaving the army he went to his home in
Newcastle. Pa., and remained until 1884, studying law. and was admitted
to the bar, but never practiced. He received an appointment in the reve-
nue department first as store-keeper and later as ganger, serving about
three years. He came to Washington in 1884, in the employ of the Wash-
ington Safe Deposit Company, and was engaged with that company until
i8y7 when he accepted the position in the department of agriculture which
he now holds, lie belongs to the John A. Rawdins Post. Xo. 1. Grand
Army of tiie Republic, at Washington, and to the Xo. 69 l-^ncampment,
I'nion W'terans' Legion. One of the interesting facts in connection with
.Mr. Lower's war experiences is that during his connection with the 23d
( )liio infantry he was in the same company (bL). as President McKinley.
Knapp. Capt. William A., clerk in charge of the claims of postmasters
for losses by lire, etc., Washington, D. C, enlisted at Canton, Ohio. Sept.
4. 1861, and on the 26th of the same mouth was mustered in at Alliance.
( )hio. as second lieutenant of his company. The following spring he was
promoted to first lieutenant, his commission dating from April 7. and on
.\ug. 19. 1863, he was commissioned captain. During his service he com-
manded Campanies A, I, G and F of his regiment and was honorably dis-
charged on Oct. 24, 1864. on account of disabilities received in the line of
duty, lie participated in the siege of Corinth, the battle of Stone's river
and some minor actions, and in Aug.. 1863, was sent home on recruiting
service, continuing in this line of duty until Xovember. He then rejoined
his regiment and took part in numerous engagements of the Atlanta cani-
liaign. including the fight at Pickett's mill and the battle of Atlanta. After
the last engagement he was for some time in the hospital at Atlanta, and
was finally discharged as above noted. Upon leaving the army he returned
to his home at Massillon, Ohio, and in the spring of 1865 was clerk of the
military agent of that state, subsequently being employed in the bureau
of soldiers" claims at Columbus. When Gen. Hayes was elected governor
of Ohio. Capt. Knapp was appointed assistant adjut.'mt-general of the
state, and a year later succeeded to the office of adjutant-general, serving
as such under Hayes and Xoyes, but, as he expresses it, when "Rise up
William .Mien came in. I went out." On Aug. 27, 1876, he was appointed
chief clerk of the postofficc department at Washington, D. C, and served
in that cajiacity until 1881. when he was taken sick and went home. His
illness continued for some time and he finally resigned, but in Oct.. 1881,
he was placed in charge of the files and records in the postmaster general's
office — a position he held until he was appointed to his present position.
Capt. Knapp is a member of the \\ ashington Conuuandery, Military Order
of the Loyal Legion, and of llurnside Post, Xo. 8. Grand .\rmy of the Re-
iniblic. also at Washington. He also belongs to the fraternal society known
as the Sons of Jouadab, is an unswerving Republican in his political views,
but l)elongs to no church.
Biographical Sketches
.)lO
Lyman, Charles, cliirf
States trt-asury dcpar
and his cliildluxtd am
iif tlu' dixisimi of ajip
of liis commission.
pany A, hut never mustered.
iintnunis (jI' ilic I'niti-d
tnient. was horn at liolton. Conn., .\pril lo, i<S4.^,
I yiiutli were si)ent in attendinj^ tlie district school,
\vorkint>- on the farm, and for several win-
ters as teaciier of tlie country schools in the
neif>hhorhood. lie entered the service of
tile United States in July, 1862, at the age
of nineteen, enlisting as a jirivate in Com-
pany 1), Fourteenth Connecticut infantry,
and was upon the organization of tiie com-
jiany made cor))oral. On a competitive ex-
amination he was jiromoted. in i'\'l)ruary.
|S()3. to tile position of second lieutenant
and assigned to Company K. and witiiin a
\veei\' was ])laced in command of Compan\-
I'., and served in tiiat position until his
resignation in May, i>%,^ The assignment.
— as lie afterward learned. — vvliich ])assed
liim over the heads of many senior^, both
in rank and date of commission, was made
on account of his strictly temperate hab-
its, and his refusal to "treat" on the receipt
lie was commissioned as first lieutenant of Corn-
Lieutenant Lyman took part in the battle
of Antictam, Sept. 17, 1862, and Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862, being
in both cases in the very thickest of the tight, — in the lirst eng.igement
seven of his comrades being killed or seriously wounded within a few
feet of iiim, Ijy the i)ursting of a shell, and in the second having his
clothing three times pierced iiy bullets. In May, 1863, he was in the liat-
tle of Cbancellorsville, and was in command of Comjjany 1'^. After leaving
the arm\- Lieutenant Lyman returned home, taught school for one win-
ter, pursued a cdurse of study in a commercial college in I lartford, and
for a short time taught military tactics and drill at a school in Kilington,
Conn. In December, 1864. he was appointed to a clerkship in the treasury
department at Washington, D. C, remaining for live years and receiving
in that time two promotions. In August, 1869. he was transferred to the
office of the secretary of the treasury, and made an assistant cin'ef of the
division, which position he occupied for nine years, and during that time
serving on a number of important boards and commissions. In 1878 he
became chief clerk of the United States treasurer's office, and the same
year, at the request of John Sherman, then secretary of the treasury,
made a digest of the laws relating to loans, currency and coinage, which
was published l)y the department, and at once became the standard au-
thority on the subject. After serving in this position live years he was
appointed chief examiner of the United States civil service conmiission by
President Arthur, under tiie civil service act of 188.3 <'"i*l ^<' acted until
May, 1886, when upon tiie resignation of Hon. 1). I>. l^aton of his office
as civil service commissioner. President Cleveland apijointed Mr. Lyman
as his successor, as a Republican. From February until May, ]R9.g. Mr.
Lyman was the only civil service commissioner in office and liecame presi-
dent of the board upon the appointment, by President Harrison, of Hon.
Theodore Roosevelt, of New York, and e.\-Gov. Hugh S. Thompson, of
South Carolina, to the vacancies. .Mr. l,yman served in tliis position until
May, 1895, when he resigned to i)ecome ))resident ^of the International
lUiilding and Loan Association. In June. 18)7. he was appointed by Sec-
retary Lyman J. Gage, to tiie ])osition of the chief of the printing and
stationery division in the Treasury Department, ;md in .\ugust, 1898. was
374 The Union Army
promoted to liis ])rcsont position. For twenty-seven years he has heen an
elder in the Presbyterian Church and has been many times a delegate to
the presbytery and" synod and four times a commissioner from the presby-
tery to the general assembly of the Presbyterian church, and has been
active in many lines of Christian and evangelical work. He is also a
member of the military order of the Loyal Legion, the Sons of the
American Revolution, the American Institute of Archaeology, and the
National (ieogra])iiic Society, and is a trustee of the National University.
]n 1H65 Mr. Lyman was married to Miss Amelia B. Campbell, of Hart-
ford, Conn., and they are the parents of two daughters. Comment upon
a life such as Mr. Lyman's is unnecessary. A simple enumeration of the
responsible positions which he has held in church and state tell their own
story and show that in both public and private life he has always been
governed l)y high principles and a lofty sense of duty.
Lewis, Morgan D., retired, of Washington, D. C., is a veteran of the
Civil war, and enlisted from Cherry Valley, Otsego county, N. Y., on Sept.
26, 1.S61, as a private in the 6th New York cavalry, and was successively ad-
vanced to the positions of corporal and duty sergeant and on Dec. 20.
1864, was commissioned first lieutenant and adjutant of the regiment.
The immediate cause of this last promotion was his action at Cedar
Creek in promptly shooting a Confederate private, who separated from
his command and called upon to surrender. — as according to the laws of
war he should have done, being without support, — by Adj. Main and
Serg. Lewis, instead of complying with the command, raised his pistol
and shot .Adj. Main dead, only to be killed an instant later by Sergt.
Lewis. The latter served with the rank of lieutenant and adjutant until
he was mustered out on Aug. 9, 1865, at Louisville. Ky. He participated
in the engagements at Antietam. Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Get-
tysburg, the Wilderness, W^inchester, Cedar Creek, Five Forks, and in
numerous cavalry tights and minor engagements. During his military
service he w'as never in the hospital or awa\- from his command or missed
an engagement in which his regiment participated, and passed through
the entire service without being either wounded or captured. After the
war j\lr. Lewis returned to his old home and remained about a year and
then began buying livestock, being thus occupied for a short time. The
following year he was engaged as a clerk in a dry-goods house at Fort
Plains, N. Y., and after a short experience in that line, entered the busi-
ness of hotel keeping, which occupied his attention through the rest of
his active business life. He was successively the proprietor of the hotel
at Cobleskill, remaining there until 1883, — at Amsterdam, until 1891, and
then at West Point, in Cranston's Hotel. Leaving New York state he
went to Virginia and was engaged 'in the same line for a year, and then
going to Washington, D. C. had charge of the famous old hostelry, the
Willard Hotel, for two or three years, leaving it to assume charge of
the Hotel Logan, of which he was proprietor until 1905, when he retired
from active life, and his son succeeded him. Mr. Lewis' grandfather.
Moses Lewis, was a native of New York state, born in the latter part of
the eighteenth century, and his father, Theodore Lewis, was born and
died in Cherry Valley, N. Y. Morgan D. Lewis was married on ]May 18,
1869, at Cobleskill, N. Y., to Flora Agnes, daughter of Augustus C. Smith,
and to this marriage three sons were born. Harold Augustus, the eldest,
resides in Washington, D. C. ; Louis Hoffman, born in Cobleskill, N. Y.,
Jan. 28. 1S72, was graduated from the Amsterdam (N. Y.) Academy, in
1889. and in June, 1890, entered the West Point Military Academy, from
which he was graduated and assigned to the 9th LI. S. infantry as second
lieutenant, and went with the regiment to Cuba, where he was killed at
San Juan, July i, 1898; the youngest son, Clifford Morgan, is also a resi-
Biographical Sketches
375
dent of Washington, D. C. Mr. AT. D. Lewis retains liis interest in his
comrades of the strenuons years of the Civil war. and comnuniorates his
service by membership in the Mihtary Order of the Loyal Lej^ion, Wash-
ington ( D. C. ) connnandcry. and also in the Union Veteran Legion.
McCalmont, John Swayne, late colonel of the 3!>th Pennsylvania in-
fantry reserve corijs ( lotii reserves) was born in Franklin, Pa., on April
28, 1822, and was of Scotch-Irish descent. He was graduated from West
Point in the class of 1842, but the ne.vt
year resigned and took up the study of law,
l)eing admitted to practice at the bar of
Pennsylvania in 1844. He was a prom-
inent attorney of his state, and judge of
tlie connnon pleas, on the breaking out of
tlic war. hi 1849 and 1850 he was a mem-
l)er of the Pennsylvania house of repre-
sentatives ; the last year serving as .speak-
er. In 1852 he was a presidential elector
and as such with others cast the vote of
Pennsylvania for Franklin Pierce. He was
appointed by the Governor colonel of the
loth Pennsylvania ' infantry (Reserve
Corps) and in June, 1861, lie resigned his
judicial office to accept the command of his
regiment. This regiment was composed of
men from the western part of the state.
It rendezvoused at Camp Wilkins, Pitts-
burg, and left camp July 18, i86r, proceeding to Harrisburg, where it was
mustered into service for three years and reaching Washington Aug. i,
was sent to Tcnnallytow.n, and a short time after posted at Great Falls
and assigned to the third brigade. It participated in the !)altle of Dranes-
ville, Va., Dec. 20, 1861, in which Col. McCalmont distinguished himself
for gallantry, calling forth the commendations of his superior officers.
In the report of Brig. Gen. Geo. A. McCall, commanding the division, in
speaking of the direction of Gen. Meade and Reynolds to certain positions,
says : "The fine disposition of the regiments of Cols. Jackson, McCal-
mont, and some others left nothing for them to do," and in general order
Xo. 63 says "The commanding general . . acknowledges the dis-
tinguished services of Col. McCalmont, of the loth infantry volunteer
reserve corps." Gen. Ord, commanding the brigade, says : "McCalniont's
regiment was kept in excellent order by its colonel, — than whom a better
officer is not found in my brigade." The regiment soon after went into
winter quarters, and Col. McCalmont resigned his commission the follow-
ing May, because of ill health, shortly before the series of battles begin-
ning with Mechanicsville, in wdiich the regiment rendered conspicuous
service. After leaving the army. Col. McCalmont returned to his prac-
tice at Franklin, Pa., remaining until 1870. In 1884 he went to Washing-
ton, D. C, and the following year was appointed commissioner of cus-
toms, holding the position for four years, after which time he retired
from active business and professional life. In politics Col. McCalmont
was a Democrat, and his religious faith was expressed by membership
in the Methodist Episcopal church. He was a member, also of the Kit
Carson Post, No. 2, Grand Army of the Republic, and retained his inter-
est in his comrades of the war. Probably the best account given of the
battle of Dranesville is from his pen, and is published, in Stine's "History
of the Army of the Potomac." .Although eighty-live years of age, at the
time of his death, time had set its seal lightly upon him, being erect and
soldierly in his bearing and as keenly alive intellecturdiy as in the days of
his prime. He died on Dec. 2, 1906, at his home in Washington, D. C.
:',U',
The Union Army
Merriam, Lewis, Jr., was h-ini at tlu' nld Meniani honiotcad al lliuil-
Icm. Ar.Histook couiitv. Maine, .\pril 4, 1843. He lived on the farm until
iS^V and at the .Merriam saw-mill until 1X62. He enlisted as private in
ilie Maine volunteers Aug. 5. 1862. and was
mustered into the United States service as
sergeant in company H. 20th regiment, at
Portland. He served in all the campaign-,
battles and skirmishes of that regiment,
from the battle of .A.ntietam, September.
1862, to the battle of the Wilderness, !May
3. 1864. except the battle of Frederickslnirg.
when he was sick in Harwood hosi)ital in
Washington. D. C. In the first charge of
the fifth corps at the battle of the Wilder-
ness on May 5. 1864, he was captured by
the enemy and taken to Andersonville
prison. Georgia.
■'Washington, U. C,
April 28th, 1876.
i Ion. 1 1. B. Hannins'.
Chairman Committee on .Military .\ti'airs.
House of Representatives.
Sir:—
Lieutui.ini .Merriam was a sergeant in the 20th Me. Vols., which [
commanded in the campaigns of 1864. He was a most gallant and worthy
soldier. 1 know ])ersonally the circumstances of his capture, it was in
the charge of the lifth army corps on the 5th day of Alay. He was in
advance of his regiment doing most valuable service in a very critical
emergency, and was cut oti' with some others (^f the command In- a flank-
>f the enemv.
I ha\c- the honor to lie.
\ er_\' respect fidlw
Vonr obedient servant.
(Sgd.) KLLIS SPEAR.
Late Bvt. P.rig. Geii'l. Vols."
On arriving at .Vndersonville. he was placed in charge of one hundred
follow prisoners for whom he drew rations in bulk, and issued to them
individually. He organized a company of the ten thousand prisoners who
were organized to undermine the stockade and capture the prison guard
and make their escape, but they were betrayed b}' some of their own men
for :ni extra ration of corn meal. He was a member of the police, organ-
ized inside the stockade, to break up a band of robbers and murderers
among the i)risoners, which resulted in the arrest of about twenty of the
hardest cases in the prison. They were turned over to the prison authori-
ties and tried for murder. Si.K were convicted, and sentenced to be
hanged. They were turned ov.r to the police in the stockade, who erected
a gallows and duly executed the sentence. In October, i86|, he was one
of the prisoners transferred to Florence prison, S. C. and while en route
atlenipied an escape with several others, by jumping off the cars a night,
but the ever-watchful guards fired upon them, and also jumped from the
cars and recaptured them before they could get away. At J'lorence prison
he was again placed in charge of one hundred prisoners tor whom he
received and issued rations. In November he escaped from Florence by
liassing out as one of the paroled sergeants wdio were handling the rations
outside the stockade, his meal sack, which he threw carelessly over his
shoulder, being a successful means of passing the gtiard at the main gate
l)arty
Biographical Sketches 377
(liirin.y tlu- hour (it i>suiii,L; ralii)ns. Tlu' I'lix lli,^ln lu- traveled in creeks
and swamps in water, and sometimes in niud to his waist, to l)reak his
trail to prevent heing followed hy the hounds, hut after nearly three weeks
of terrihle sufferinjif from lutiif^er and cold, hiding in swamjis hy day, and
traveling at night, he was recaptured on Willow Creek hridge near the
Pedce river. S. C, while tr\ing to make his way to the coast, lie was
taken hack to Florence and was very sick with scurvy, and swamp fever,
during nearly the entire luonths of December and Jaiuiary, whui man>-
hundreds of the prisoners died from the saiue disease, his own l)uid;-niate.
Corporal Calvin E. Bates of Co. K, 20th Maine, losing hotli feet, winch
decayed so that they were cut oiT at the ankles with a pair of scissors;
(sec statement and illustration in Harper's Weekly, of ahout April. 1865.)
In Feljruary while heing transferred to Saulshury prison. X. C. he es-
caped again, and, with his coiupaiiion. Sergeant 11. A. Willis of the ist
Maine cavalry, succeeded in reaching the union lines at Wihuington. X. C.
on Feh. 22, 18C5. in a starving condition. They had been hiding in the
swamps, near the Confederate army, in mid-winter, with verj' little
clothing, and ahsolutely without food, for five days. They could hear the
big gun^ down the river at l'"ort l'"isher, .md l)elieved their friends were
coming nearer each day. The night before Wilmington was captured they
crept through the Confederate lines to the city, but encountered a s(|uad
of the enemy in the sulnirbs, who lired upon them when they ran away,
but they escaped in the darkness, and after a k)ng detour, entered the
city again on the north side. Here they cjuestioned an old colored woiuan.
and told her they were Yankee prisoners, and w.'uited a ])lace to hide.
She would not believe them and said they were only rebs, trying to get
her into trouble, but that they might hide under the old buildings if they
wanted to. In about two hours she came out again v'ery gently and whis-
pered, "You dar yit? Well I guess you's yanks sho mift. De yanks am
comin ober de river, and de rebs all goin away, takin all de men. white
and black, with them, but luy olc man is hid in de swamp and dcy cain't
git hiiu. ^'ou's be mighty still aud I take you's to a better place." She
led them into an old store house with gable right up to the street that was
full of the retreating Confeder.ite army. She put a ladder up to a trap
door to the attic, and they cliiubed up. and she took away the ladder.
They foimd themselves iu the attic of an old building with the roof half
gone. ;ind plenty of stars shining through, and cracks at the gable so they
could plainly see, and hear, the Confederate troops as they were leaving
the city. They were both sufferiug from cokl and had, very often, to stuff
their mouths with a piece of an old quilt, to keep from coughing loud
enough to be heard. Early the next luorning there was a comiuotion in
the street below them, a few shots were hred, and in ten luiiuites they
saw a squadron of cavalry coming up the street with the Stars and Stripes.
Just how they got down from that old attic and out into the street, where
they were furnished with hard tack and bacon by the cavalry boys, they
have never been able to tell, but they have a confused recolkctioti of the
old colored woman -inging, "Glory! Glory! bress-de-Lord ! l)e\s come!
etc., etc.," and a Itroken ladder, and a slight fall. They were soon com-
fortably located in a tobacco store house with a mimber of other escaped
])risoners who had been hidden away in Wilmington for months by
friends. There were a great luany loyal people in Wilmington, and the
escaped ])risoners were soon furnished with good warm clothing and
blankets, and the best to eat the city afforded, .\fter about ten days
recuperating, they were placed on board a transport anil sent to Annapo-
lis. Md.. where they received furlough for thirty days to visit their homes
in Maine. At home both found commissions awaiting them; Willis as
lirst lieutenant, ist Maine cavalry, and Merriam as second lieutLiiant.
378 The Union Army
67th U. S. C. T. IVIerriani reported from furlough, at the War depart-
ment, in Washington, the day after the assassination of President Lin-
cohi, and viewed his remains in the east room at the White House. He
received orders to join his regiment, then serving in the Department of
the Gulf, via New York City, and transport to Xew Orleans. While
waiting in New York for a steamer, he was selected as one of the veterans
to carry the banners and flags of the Union League Club, at the funeral
of President Lincoln in that city. He joined the 67th U. S. C. T. at Port
Hudson. La., May 29, 1865, but the regiment having depleted in numbers
since the date of his appointment, no company was of sufficient strength
to allow the third officer to muster. He then applied to the War Depart-
ment for authority to muster back to date of appointment, but instead of
granting this request, he was commissioned as of the same grade, in the
61 St U. S. C. T., and was thereby deprived of the benefits of his tirst com-
mission because he was a prisoner, and unable to report for muster as re-
quired by regulations. He joined the 61 st U. S. C. T.. at Minden, La.,
and was mustered to date May 29, 1865. and subsequently by authority
of the War Department to date March 21. 1865. He was honorably mus-
tered out at Baton Rouge, La., Dec. 30, 1865, and appointed second lieu-
tenant 65th U. S. C. T., Feb. 20, 1866, and promoted to first lieutenant
June I. 1866. Although the youngest officer of his regiment he was se-
lected by General Edgcrton, who commanded at Baton Rouge, to com-
mand an expedition composed of a detachment of his regiment, to pro-
ceed by land to Bayou Sara. La., and break up a band of outlaws and
murderers who had murdered Agent Leak, of the Freedmen's Bureau at
that place, and were terrorizing all that part of the state. The expedi-
tion of about ten days was very successful, and on returning to Baton
Rouge. Lieutenant Merriam was highly complimented by General Edger-
ton. and congratulated by his brother officers. He was honorably mus-
tered out of the volunteer service with his regiment at St. Louis. Mo..
Jan. 8, 1867. He then returned to his home in Maine, where he engaged
in the lumber and saw-mill business, with his brother Leonard, until 1871.
He was employed as quartermaster's clerk at Forts McKavitt and Duncan,
Texas, from 1871 to August, 1872. He was appointed second Lieut. 4th
U. S. Infantry July 27. 1872 and joined that regiment at Frankfort. Ky.,
and assigned to company "K." He was with his company at Frankfort,
Ky.. and at Little Rock, Ark., till March 1873; was on leave of absence
in Maine till July, 1873; with his company at Fort Omaha, Nebraska,
and Fort Bridger, Wyoming, till January, 1875. Was on grasshopper duty
in Nebraska, distributing clothing and food to the people of Seward.
York, and Hamilton counties, till May. 1875 ; with company at F"ort
Bridger till March 20. 1876 ; on eight months' leave of absence. He
married Annie Burnham, daughter of Lieut. Col. and Mrs. Horace Blois
Burnham. Judge Advocate United States Army. Aug. 7. 1876, at Omaha.
Nebraska ; was on G. C. M. duty at Fort Laramie. Wyoming, and with
his company at Camp Red Canon. Wyoming, till May, 1877 ; with his
company at Fort Bridger, Wyoming, till May 20, 1879, wilA company.
A. A. Q. M. and A. C. S.. at Fort Laramie. Wyoming, till June. 1880:
promoted first Lieut, and assigned to company "A," 4th infantry; with
company, A. A. Q. M.. and A. C. S.. at Fort Fetterman. Wyoming, till
April. 1881 ; on leave of absence till October, 1881 ; commanding com-
pany. Instructor of musketry and range officer, at the Infantry and Cav-
alry school, at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, till August, 1883 ; on being
relieved from dutv at Fort Leavenworth, the Commandant of the school
forwarded the following letter to the Adjutant General of the Army:
Biographical Sketches
3T9
"Post of Fori Leavenworth, Kansas.
Adjutant General. U. S. Army. July i6. i.SHj.
First Lieut. Lewis Alerriani. 4tli Inl'antrw during almost his entire
tour of duty at the post, extending from .Xovember, 1881, to July 10,
1883. has been acting as Instructor of Musketry. This duty, owing to the
number of Com])any organizations present, has occupied nearly all his
time, although during a good share of tliat period he has been obliged to
exercise command of "A" Company, 4th Infantry, the interests of which
he has faithfully attended to. As Target Oflicer he showed in the per-
formance of his duty, practical intelligence, matured experience, the power
to im])art instruction and in hue, the essential qualities which a competent
Instructor of Musketry should possess; and he labored faithfidly, assidu-
ously and efficiently with officers and men of the Command, to improve
them in rifle practice.
The zeal w-ith which he prosecuted his labors, attending to all ihe de-
tails connected with the target range, deserves especial mention and
praise.
(Signed) E. S. OTIS,
Colonel 20th Infantry, Commanding."
He was with Co. "F," 4th Infantry, A. A. Q. ]M.. A. C. S. Range
oflficer and instructor of rifle practice at Fort Niobrara. Neb., till 1886,
Champion Rifle Shot of the United States Army for the years 1883. 1884
and 1885. and has more first-class Government Medals, won in competi-
tion, than anv other officer or enlisted man in the Army. With comi)any.
instructor rifle practice and range officer, at Fort Spokane. Washington.
1886 to 1887 ; six months' sick leave, and ordered before retiring board
1888 ; on sick leave until retired from active service for disability con-
tracted in line of duty, with rank of Captain June 23, 1893. Captain Mer-
riam resides in W^ashington, D. C, and is the father of first Lieut. Henry
Clay Merriam, Artillery Corps. U. S. Army, and a brother of Major
General Henry Clay Merriam. U. S. Army, retired, a sketch of whom
will be found on another page of this volume.
McMillan, Alexander Foster, now clerk in the ofifice of the .Auditor
for the Treasury department, is of Scotch-Irish ancestry. He was born
in Northeastern Ohio in 1837, and is among those who went to the front
in the early days of the war. He enlisted
April 16, t86i, as a private in Co. G. ist
Ohio infantry, serving in that capacity until
July, 1861. This regiment was one of the
"three months" regiments, and Company
G was recruited in Portsmouth, Scioto
county, and was mustered into service in
the city of Lancaster. Pa., and was mus-
tered out at Portsmouth. O.. from Aug. i,
to Aug. 16. i86r. It was ordered immedi-
ately to the front and was actively engaged
in the battle of Vienna. Va., and in the
first battle of Bull Run. On Aug. if), 1862.
Capt. McMillan re-enlisted in Co. D. 117th
Ohio infantry, and was mustered in as first
lieutenant, serving as such until May, 18(13,
when under orders from the war depart-
ment the organization was changed into
the first regiment of heavy artillery, and
was so reorganized with twelve full companies. In the reorganized regi-
ment Lieutenant ^McMillan held the same rank as in the 117th infantry
;5.so
The Union Army
until A])!'!! nj. iiS;)^. when he v\a.s nui>tcrL'tl out (j1 tliis regiment and llie
same date mustered into Co. F, ist U. S. colored heavy artillery as cap-
tain, serving with this rank until discharged for physical disability, April
j6. 1865. VVhile in the ii7tli Ohio infantry Lieutenant McMillan was on
detached duty a good ixiriion of the time; as provost marshal at New-
port, K\'. ; acljutant of the post at Covington. Ky. ; adjutant and in com-
mand of tlie post at Knoxville, Tenn. ; later he was on court marshal
duty at the same place, his physical condition forbidding active service.
He receixed a slight wound in the head at his I'lrst engagement at Vienna,
being struck by a piece of shell. Upon the close of hostilities Captain
McMillan went to Washington. 1). C, and has been in the employ of the
government almost ever since. He belongs to the Union Soldiers' Alli-
ance, an exclusive social military organization, limited to ICO members,
to Kit Carson Post, No. 2. (irand Army of the Republic, to the Military
Order of the Loyal Legion. Washington Commandery. In other fraternal
organizations he also ranks high, being a past master of Columbia Lodge.
\'o. 3, F. and .\. M., a Knight Tem])lar. and a member of .\lmas Temple.
Mystic Shrine, lie was (lei)uty auditor. Treasury department, during the
administration of President Harrison, and assistant superintendent. Treas-
ury department, from May 10. 1901. to May 25. iqo.t. His church affilia-
tions are with the Presliyterian organization. Since lirst entering the
go\'ernment service. Captain McMillan has been continuou'-ly employed
except during President Cleveland's second term of office, when on ac-
count of the change in the politics of the administration he was removed.
During a part of that period he was disbursing clerk of the Columbian
I'^xposition at Chicago, and in May. 1895. was returned to the office of
the auditor for the Treasury department and was subsequently advanced
without solicitation to assistant superintendent of the Treasury. He is
familiar with every phase of work in his department, having passed stic-
cessively through all the grades as high as held by him. and few. if any,
of the force in the big treasury department are better known or more
thoroughly liked than Capt. Alexander F". McMillan, who has slioun him-
self to be e(|uall\- loyal and capable in both war and peace.
McCurley, Isaac, a distinguished and successful attorney of Baltimore.
was biirn in that city. Vch. 21. 1839, and is the son of the late William
.ind Mary ( Curley ) McCurley, of the same place, and a descendant of
early Scotch-Irish settlers of Pennsylvania.
Both of the grandfathers, Felix McCurley
and James Curley, located in Baltimore,
the 'former in 1799 and the latter in 1802.
James Curley occupied a prominenl posi-
tion in the city and rendered much valuable
public service; was a member of the state
legislatm-e, of the city council, and was city
commissioner for twelve years. In 1849
William McCurlej- joined the ranks of the
Argonauts and sought the gold fields of
California, but survived the hardships of
the journex- and the conditions of life there
l)'it a year, d\ ing on the Pacific coast in
1S50. His son, Isaac, of this sketch, com-
l)leted his general education at Dickinson
College. Carlisle. Pa., where he was grad-
uated with the class of 1862. and during
the last year of his college life had pur-
sued the study of law. L'nable. however, to resist the call of the govern-
nunt for recruits in the held, he enlisted on June 20. 1863. as a private
Biographical Sketches
381
in Co. B. lotli Maryland vohniteer infantry. Ik- was promoted to tin-
rank of corporal and was nnistcred out in January, 1864 at I'ort Federal
Mill. ISaltimorc, having taken part in the battle at Charlestown, \V. Va.,
and a number of minor engagements, through which he passed without
being either wounded or captured. After leaving the army he resumed
his .study of the law under the preceptorshi]) of tlie late George M. Gill,
and was admitted to practice in December. 1864. In i88j he was appointed
auditor of the circuit court of lialtiuiore. a ])osition which he still holds.
Hi.s record in this otilice is one which has won for him a high standing
among his professional l)rethren and is one of which any man may be
])roud. He belongs to the Custer Post, Grand Army of the Repul^lic, of
which he has been conmiander. Mr. ]\lcCurley is a gentknian of culture
and refinement, of wimiing manners, ;nid is devoted to his charming-
family. He coml)ines in his own ])ersonality tlie characteristic traits of
strength, facility and geniality for which the peo])lL'S from whom he is
descended are noted, to which are added the refinements of a professional
life, making him the center of a large circle of admiring friends.
Martin, Nathan C, formerly chief of the cpiartermaster's division in
the oftice of the auditor of the war department, Washington, D. C, was a
native of Pierpont, St. Lawrence county, N. V., where he was educated,,
and where on .\ug. 12. 1862, he enlisted as
a private in Compan_\- E. iof)th .\'ew York
infantry. On Dec. 27. 1864, he was trans-
^^^ f erred to the 2nd l:)attalion of the Veteran
^^g^j^MK ^^^ Reserve Corps on account of disability
^HH^^H|^^^ ^^^^k caused by a gunshot wound he received in
^^^^^^^HRIbC^^^^ on picket near Culpep-
^^^^^^^r^ ^L ^^^ ^<'< Va., on Oct. 186.3. He
P^H^HPIs' ^^ ^^^1 tered out and honorably discharged on July
^^ "*' ^^™ 6, 1865, having served his entire term as a
private soldier and participating in a num-
ber of engagements. Upon leaving the ar-
in\- he became a clerk in the treasury de-
))artment, and concerning his subsequent
career the Washington Post recentlv said :
"Air. X. C. Martin, the chief of tlie divi-
sion, was a private soldier during the Civil
war, having enlisted in an inland Xew York
village. He was woundid in battle and
lay in a Washington ho.spital at tlie jjoint of convalescence when Lincoln
was killed and Seward was wounded by as.sassins. He was at once de-
tailed as nurse to the latter and was in attendence at his bedside for
several months. When the secretary recovered Mr. Martin was appointed
a low grade clerk in the treasury, and has won his promotion step by stej)
to his present responsibilities. During the past year he has had the
assistance of sixty-three clerks, the majorit}- being expert accountants."
Mr. Martin's division audited about one-fifth of the total expenditures of
the L'nited States government. It examined, recomputed and tabulated
all the accounts of all quartermasters, conmiissary and engineer officers
in the army, the grand total of their expenditures amounting to over
$T20,CGO,coo annually. Mr. Martin's long experience in this line of work,
and the discipline maintained in his division through his executive ablity,
enabled him to handle this vast volume of accounts with an ease and dex-
terity that few offices equal and none excel. Air. Martin was a member
of I'. S. Grant Post, No. 6. Grand Army of the Repnblic, at W.ishing-
lon ; was a past master of Harmony Lodge, Xo. 17, I-'ree and Accepted
Masons; had been for twenty-three years the treasurer of the Xational
382
The Union Army
Council. Xo. 527, Royal Arcanum; for over twenty years the treasurer of
Treasury Council, No. 200, National Union; and for a long time the
J'mancial reporter of Federal Lodge, No. 1803, Knights of Honor. In
the.se three orders he handled over .?50o,ooo witliont Ijond. and his books
were always in e.xcellent shape. In his political affiliations Mr. Martin
was a loyal Rei)ul)lican, and in his religious faith belonged to the Metho-
dist Episcopal church, in wiiich lie served on the official board. He died
July 2T,. 1Q08.
Merriam, Henry Clay, major-general, U. S. A., was born at Houlton,
Aroostock county. Me., on Nov. 13, 1837, the son of Lewis and Mary
(FossJ Merriam. lie is a descendant in the eighth generation of Joseph
Alerriam, of Kent, England, who came to
Concord, Mass., in 1635. In 1864 General
Merriam was graduated at Colby Univer-
sity with the degree of master of arts, not-
withstanding that he was away in the
service of the Union army. In 1862 he en-
tered the Civil war as captain of a com-
pany in the Twentieth Maine infantry and
at the battle of Antietam won the brevet
of lieutenant-colonel. In the following
year General Merriam joined General Ul-
man's expedition to Louisiana to organize
colored troops, and upon his arrival there
was placed in command of the First Louisi-
ana Native Guard, already organized, which
was the oldest black regiment in the Union
army. This organization distinguished it-
self at Fort Hudson on May 27, 1863, and
led the assault on Fort Blakely, Mobile,
on April 9, 1865, General Merriam himself leading the regiment ahead of
the colors. The last named assault was the last battle of the war and for
his gallantry in that hght General Merriam was brevetted colonel in the
regular and volunteer armies of the United States and was awarded a
Congressional medal of honor. He was mustered out of the service on
Oct. 24, 1865, and resumed the study of law, which he had j'bandoned at
the outbreak of the war. On July 28, 1866, he was commissioned major
of the Thirty-eighth infantry and from April to June, 1867, commanded
the reserve battalion in Custer's Indian campaign in Kansas. He was the
commander of Fort Mcintosh in 1876 during the last Mexican revolution ;
bombarded the Mexican federal forces under Col. Pablo Quintana on
April 10 to redress outrages perpetrated upon Americans, and on Aug. 22
crossed the Rio Grande river and rescued the commercial agent Haines,
who had been captured bj' the Revolutionists. On June 10, 1876, he was made
lieutenant-colonel of the Second United States infantry, and was assigned
to the Department of the Columbia during the Nez Perce war of 1877.
For his services in Idaho and Washington, which resulted in placing the
Indians upon reservations and opening large tracts of land for settle-
ment, he was highly commended by his superior officers. Generals How-
ard and Miles, as well as by the state authorities. On July 10, 1885,
General Merriam was made colonel of the Seventh United States infantry,
and assigned to Fort Laramie, Wyo., where he served until Oct. 15, 1889,
when he was ordered to Fort Logan, Colo., near Denver. During the
Sioux uprising of 1890-1891, he was in command of all the troops along
the Cheyenne river in South Dakota and disarmed 300 of Sitting Bull's
warriors after their chief had been slain. On June 30, 1897, he was com-
missioned brigadier-general and was assigned to the Department of the
Biographical Sketches 383
Colunil)ia. which includod Alaska. One of his lirst official acts in iliat
capacity was the organization of the relief expedition sent to relieve the
starving miners in the Yukon region. At the outbreak of the Spanish-
American war General Merriam received a commission as major-general
of volunteers and his command was made to include all of the Pacific
coast and Hawaii. All of the troops sent to the Philippines to .serve under
Generals Otis and Merritt were organized, equipped and instructed under
his direction. In January. i.Sgg, he was relievid Ijy General Shaftcr, and
assigned to the Departments of Colorado and Missouri, and two years
later, having reached the age limit, lie was retired by operation of law
as brigadier-general of the United States, fly special act of Congress,
approved Feb. 5, 190.^, he was made major-general in the army. General
Merriam is the inventor of the Merriam infantry pack, for which he was
awarded a gold medal by the French Academy of Inventors. In 1874 he
was married at Fort Brown, Tex., to Miss Una McPhcrson, the daughter
of Judge John AlcPherson, of Jamaica. W. I. To this union have been
born three sons and two daughters. General Merriam now makes his
home at Prout's Neck, Scarboro, Ale.
Maxwell, Charles Andrew, now an attorney of Washington, D. C,
entered tiie U. S. service at Springfield, O., April, 1861, as a private in
Co. D, 3d Ohio infantry, and on June 11, 1861, was made corporal, later
being promoted to the position of sergeant and first sergeant, and on
Dec. 16. 1862, receiving a commission from Gov. Tod, of Ohio, as second
lieutenant of the company, serving as such until captured during Streight's
raid, near Rome, Ga., May 3, 1863. Previous to his capture, Lieut. Max-
well was in the following engagements: Rich Mountain, Huntsville, Ala.,
then in a number of skirmishes and minor engagements, Perrysville, Ky.,
and Stone River. Then followed the Streight raid in which, with other
commands, the Third Ohio was detached and sent into northern Georgia.
They were overtaken and attacked by a large cavalry force, and the Third
alone captured the Confederate battery of twelve-pounders, but a few days
later the small brigade was compelled to surrender to Gen. Forrest.
After his capture Lieut. Maxwell was sent first to Atlanta, and soon after
to Libby prison where he remained a year and then was transferred to
Macon, Ga., and later to Charlestown, S. C. At the la'st named place
he was placed under fire for three months and was then sent to Columbia,
S. C. to "Camp Sorghum," and there, he relates, that after having, with
great labor, constructed a palatial log cabin, he was removed to Raleigh,
N. C. and soon after to Charlotte, and Wilmington, in the same state,
and finally to Annapolis, Md., to the parole camp, and was mustered out
at Washington, D. C, March 11, 1865. After leaving the army Lieut.
Maxwell returned to his home in Springfield, O., and in 1867, w\ts ap-
pointed to the position of U. S. gauger and occupied that position for three
or four years. In 1870 he was appointed to a clerkship in the office of the
quartermaster-general in Washington and a year later resigned and went
to Burlington, Kan.; where he was engaged in mercantile business for
about two years. Returning to Springfield, O., he was in the employ of
the Turbine water-wheel works for a time and in 1874 removed to Wash-
ington, D. C, wdiere he was appointed to a clerkship in the general land
office, and was transferred from that position to the Indian office in the
same department where he was appointed the chief of the land and law-
division. The last position he filled until 1890, when, having resigned, he
engaged in the practice of law. His preparation for his professional life
he received in the National L^niversity, — having lieen graduated from the
law department with the class of 1879, — and has followf'd that profession
in the national capital since 1890. He belongs to the Lincoln Post, No. 3,
Grand Army of the Repu1)lic, of Washington, D. C, and is also a member
38i
The Union Army
\\ ;i>liin"t<>ii I'liminandorv of the .Military- ()r(lcr of tlic Loval
Marysxillc, L'nioii <.-oiimy,
jjari'iit^ to Iowa wiu-n lu-
of tlu
Lc-ion.
Michael, William Henry, consul general to Calcutta, was horn in
Ohio, July 14, 1845. and removed with his
was five years of age. He was educated in
the cotnmon schools. l)acon"s College, Cin-
cinnati, O.. and tlic University of Iowa, his
university life succeeding his military ser-
vice, lie enlisted in Company Ij. nth
Iowa infantry, and participated in tlic hat-
llc of Shiloh, where he was wounded in the
left hip hy a piece of shell, and was suh-
se((uently honoral)ly discharged for disabil-
ity owing to ])hysical conditions resulting
from this wound. When sufficiently recov-
irL(l to re-enter tlie service he was com-
inissiom-d in tlie na\\- and served in the
front in tliat liranch of the service for
diree years. He was in tlic White River
(Ark.) expedition and at the attack on
Clarenden in the same state, receiving for
gallant conduct in the latter engagement a
recommendation for promotion from the
commander of his vessel and .Admiral Da-
vid Porter, the commander of the Mississippi squadron. He resigned
from the navy in 1866, and was honorably discharged with thanks and
was honored by a statue of his figure being placed on the soldiers' and
sailors' monument of Iowa, to represent the navy. After an absence of
five years on account of the war. Colonel Michael, at that time only
twenty-one years of age. re-entered school, matriculating in the Uni-
versity of Iowa, Init was obliged to give up his studies before linishing his
course, his severe service in the war having undermined his health. He
first sought recuperation in the open air by engaging in land surveying,
and from th.it drifted into journalism, first as a correspondent and later
as an editor; tvas city editor of the Daily Sioux City (Iowa) Journal
and subsequently was editor and proprietor, at different times, of six
jjromincnt Republican newspapers in Nebraska. Later he abandoned
journalism, took up the study of the law and was admitted to the bar in
i88c. He is a Republican and was an active force in the politics of Ne-
braska during his residence there. He declined, in 1876, the nomination
for secretary of state of the state, was alternate presidential elector for
that year and made a thorough canvass of the state; was a member of
the state central connnittee. of the congressional central committee, many
times secretary of the Repulilican state and chairman of congressional
conventions, and in 1884 declined the position of United States marshal
for his state. In 1887 he accepted the position as clerk of printing records
in the United States Senate, as the successor of Ben. Perlev Poore, and
"held that position until the Democrats gained control in 1893. He was
editor and compiler of the Congressional directory; editor of the abridg-
ment of messages and documents, and clerk of the joint committee on
printing of the two houses of Congress. Resuming his practice of the
law in 1894 he was engaged in one of the most celebrated cases involving
the rights of adoptive parents and children ever tried in the United States,
and during this trial wrote a treatise on "The Rights of .Adoptive Parents
and .\doptive Children," the onlv work of the kind ever prepared. In
i8:)5 he again discharged the duties of editor of thi- Congressional direc-
lorv, the abridgment of messages and documents and the general work of
Biographical Sketches 385
tin- priming conimittec of tlic ^ciuilc. Wliilr ilni^ ciMiiurinl with ih.a
liiuly. lie compiled and editi-d. under conlract with the- Senate, the customs
laws of the United States from ijyS to i.Sy; and the "Laws of the United
States Navy and Marine Corps, with annotations and references to the
decisions of the Federal courts and opinions of Attorneys-General, to-
gether with a digest of the decisions of the i-'ederal courts and opinions
of Attorneys-General construing United States statutes relating to the
.\a\y and .Marine Corps." In addition to his official work. Colonel
Michael was a correspondent of and contributor to numerous periodicals,
and a voluminous writer on political issues, one l)ook on tlu- tariff ques-
tion, written in the guise of a story, having been circulated ti' the extent
of nearly a million copies l)y the Republican National connnittee in the
cami)aign of uSH.S. In 1900 he wrote a similar book called "The Home-
steaders Daughter." He also wrote a serial history of the Mississippi
Squadron for the Xatioiial Tril)une. In 1897. Col. Michael was appointed
chief clerk of the department of state, and beginning with President
McKinley's first administration served in that office until his promotion
to his present position in October. J 905. The chief clerk is the executive
officer mider the secretary of state, and his superiors in office have been
the late John Siierman. Judge Day. the late John Hay. and Secretary
Root. During his incumbency of the office he was intrusted with many
imi)ortant duties, and had the confidence not only of his immediate su-
periors, but of presidents, cabinet officers and members of both houses
of Congress. His wide experience in the state department eminently fitted
him for the performance of his new duties in the consular service. The
salary of his ])resent oflice is $6,000. without fees, the position being a more
lucrative one than the one which he resigned. He is a member of the
Military Order of the Loyal Legion, has been a department conmiander
in the Union Veterans' Union, belongs to the (irand Army of the Re-
public and is an honorary member of other soldier organizations. He is
interested in the American National Red Cross work, and was a niemi)er
of the National board of control of the international organization ; was
rdsf) the representative of the department of state on the government
Ijoard of management in the Trans-Mississippi and International Exposi-
tion at Omaha, Xeb., and at the P'an-.\merican E.xposition at Buffalo,
X. ^'. Col. Michael's father, Munson Hoy Michael, was also a soldier
in the Civil war. He enlisted in the /th Jowa infantry, in .April. 1861.
])ut on account of an accident was unable to go to the frc>nt with hi^s
regiment, and later joined Co. G. 2nd Ohio heavy artillery, being subse-
quently transferred to the veteran reserve corps, and was honoralily dis-
charged on June iS, 1865.
Morrison, Thomas, chief of the l)ureau of accounts, and disbursing
clerk of the department of state. Washington, D. C. was horn in Quebec.
Canada, in 1843, and removed with his parents to Milan. Ohio, at the
age of ten years, there receiving a public school and academic education.
Arriving at young manhood he served as clerk and telegraph operator in
the office of the train dispatcher of the Sandusky. Dayton & Cincinnati
railroad company, for four ye.irs, with his office at Sandusky. O. On
the breaking out of the Civil war he joined the company known as the
"Douglas Light Infantry" recruited at Urbana, ( ). This company under
Capt. Chas. Miller afterward formed a part of the jud Ohio infantry in
the l)rigade under Gen. Schenck. and Mr. Morrison served his term of
enlistment under this command, after which he entered the Army of the
Potomac, was detailed by order of Gen. Wintield Scott as telegraph
operator in the military telegrai)h cor])s. and served in fhat capacity dur-
ing the war. being on detached duty under Generals McClellan, h'itz John
Porter. Rufus King. I'r;uiklin. Ingalls and Grant, .\fter the battle of
\-..1. \III-2.-.
38G
The Union Army
Malvern Mill ho was ordcTcd from Harrison's Landing, Va., to James-
town Island, James River, in command of a company of detailed men
with material to construct a telegraph line between the island and Will-
iamsburg, Va., and open a communication by wire with Washington, via
I'^ortress Monroe, and by dispatch Iioat from the island to the command-
ing officer at Harrison's Landing. He returned to the island after com-
munication was established with Fortress Monroe and remained there
until the evacuation of the Peninsula, when he was ordered to Wash-
ington for special duty at the War department and the Washington ar-
senal and served at both places until assigned to duty at Gen. Grant's
headquarters at City Point, serving under the last-named general until
the close of the war, being mustered out at Washington. D. C., in 1865.
Immediately after the war Mr. Morrison located at Miller's Place, Suf-
folk county. X. Y., remaining there until he entered the service of the
government, at Washington, where he had charge of and examination
for approval of all the diplomatic and consular accounts, bills of exchange
of ministers and consuls, and the preparation of the same for payment,
and was also in charge of the telegraph bureau of the department. Dur-
ing his incumbency of this position his salary was raised from s;i,200 to
$1,800 per annum, and in April, 1900, he was promoted to his present
position as chief of the bureau of accounts, and disbursing clerk. In
this position he has the supervision and the records of all moneys and
appropriations, and accounts therefor, received and disbursed by direction
of the secretary of state or subject to his control: such accounts being
classified under the following heads : Internal indemnities or trust funds ;
diplomatic and consular accounts ; accounts of the department proper :
passports. Mr. Morrison is a member of the }tIasonic order and also of
the St. Andrew's (Episcopal) church.
Moulton, Judge Hosea Ballon, of W'ashington, D. C, is a son of
Capt. David Moulton, who served in the War of 1812 and a grandson of
Xoah Moultiin, Jr., who served three enlistments in the \\'ar of the Revo-
lution, two as a private and one as a ser-
geant and was with Col. Prescott at Bun-
ker Hill. On his mother's side he is the
grandson of Thomas Hale, Jr., who served
as a lieutenant in the Revolutionary army.
He is now one of the leading members of
the bar of the District of Columbia. He
left college in Xew Hampshire on Aug. 15,
1862. at the age of seventeen and enlisted
for three years as a private in Company B,
Second regiment of Xew Hampshire vol-
unteer infantry. His regiment belonged to
the 1st brigade. 2nd division and 3d corps
commanded by Generals Burnside, Hooker,
Sickles and others. Army of the Potomac,
and during his service was engaged in the
operations in Xorthern Virginia, ]\Iary-
land, and the Gettysburg campaign in Penn-
sylvania. The charge of this regiment at
"Kettle Run" General Heintzelman de-
clares in his report to have been "one of
the most gallant and determined bayonet charges of the war." In this
charge the 2nd Xew Hampshire suffered the heaviest losses of any regi-
ment in the engagement. Young ]\loulton's first engagement was the
Second Battle of Bull Run; then followed a series of skirmishes and
engagements along the Orange and Alexandria railroad. At the battle of
From a pliotoi;ra|ih tnken at
the age of 25 years.
Biographical Sketches 387
Fredericksburg, Va., he was twice wounded. Iiut did not leave the line
of battle until the action was over; and he and Adjutant Cooper of the
jud Xew Hampshire were sent out in the darkness after the armv had
withdrawn across the river to lind and notify the skirmish line to 'with-
draw, wliicli work they did so skillfully and successfully that the ene-
my did not discover the withdrawal until the next morning. For
this service both Lieut. Cooper and young Moulton received the commen-
dation of the commanding general. The wdnter of 1862 and 1863 was
mainly spent at Falmouth. Va.. and was enlivened by General Burnside's
attempt to capture Fredericksl)urg, resulting in his famous "Stuck in the
Mud" campaign. Jn May of 1863 the army again Ix-came active and many
skirmishes and movements took place during tlie month of June. Finally
it was discovered that General Lee had crossed the Potomac, and was
headed for Pennsylvania, the forced march of this command Ijcgan, and
one day it marched more than forty miles, not stopping until Frederick,
Md., was reached. Resting only a few hours the march w-as resumed
and on the morning of July 2, 1863, the second day of the battle, this regi-
ment marched on the field of Gettysburg. The 'old Third corps swung
into line, and from that time until the close of the liattle was under fire.
Young Moulton and his company were engaged in the hottest of the
fray. This regiment charged through and held the Peach Orchard and
in the charge lost three-fifths of the entire command. On the third day
of the battle the regiment was in support of the left of the line and re-
ceived the shock of Pickett's wonderful charge. During the enemy's
retreat down the valley it engaged in several skirmishes, and particularly
at Manassas on July 23, 1863, losing a number in killed and wounded.
After the close of this campaign the regiment was sent to Point Lookout,
Md., under command of General Gilman Alarston, formally colonel of
the 2nd Xew Hampshire and placed in charge of the prison camp estab-
lished at that place. Here young Moulton w^as mustered out of service
on Dec. 10, 1863 by request of his mother, who w-as then a widow in the
decline of life. Upon leaving the army he located in Washington. D. C.,
again entering the United States service at the arsenal and remained
there until the close of the war. While here he was foreman of the
laboratory and when not twenty years of age had charge of more than
h\e hundred employees all engaged in the manufacture of ammunition
for the army. In June, 1864, a terrible explosion occurred in this depart-
ment in which twenty-three young women were burned to death. ]\Ir.
Moulton was in the room, where they were, wdien the explosion occurred,
and the only young woman that escaped was rescued l)y him. In that
explosion, Mr. Moulton was terribly Inirned and was confined in the hos-
pital at the Arsenal for three months. Thereafter IMr. Moulton obtained
an appointment in the Treasury Department and while thus employed,
took up his studies in Columbian college, and later began the study of
law, and graduated from the National university in 1872 receiving the
degree of L. L. B. and thereafter the degree of blaster of Laws from the
Grant Memorial university of Knoxville, Tenn.. and the following year,
the same University conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Laws.
Judge Moulton, upon his graduation in law resigned his position in the
Treasury department, and commenced the active practice of his profession.
He was appointed on the bench under the Territorial Form of Government
of the District of Columbia in 1874 and after serving nearly five years,
resigned and resumed the practice of. law, in which he has been eminently
successful and has attained a high standing in his profession. He has
compiled the laws of the District of Colum1)ia for several legal digests.
He is a memlier of Burnside Post Xo. 8, Grand Army of the Republic of
Washington, D. C, and is a thirty-third degree Mason, and has been an
:\Sii
The Union Army
(ifticial iiunilifr of ihc Methodist I-'.piscopal rluircli for more lliati a (|uar-
icr of a crnlur\ . Politically, In- is a Republican, hut at one time joined the
Prohibition party and ,ser\ed on the Xational Executive committee there-
of, for three years, and while thus associated was nominated and ran for
Congress in the Sixth Maryland district, but was defeated by his Demo-
cratic opponent, and the succeeding year, was nominated for Attorney
General of the State of Maryland, judge Moulton has spoken for the
temi)erance cause, church and Sunday school movements, in nearly all of
the states of the Union and is considered one of their ablest si)eakers and
strongest defenders. To whatever station in life. Judge IMoulton has been
calleci, iiis duties have lieen conscientiously atid fearlessl^v performed. As
a soldier, he conunanded the respect of his superior officers and asso-
ciates, as a clerk in the Treasury department, he won the conlidcnce and
esteem ot" the Department, as an attorney, his work is distinguished by
care, skill and intelligence. As a church man, he consistently practices
the precepts of his faith and as a citizen, his actions are guided by his
high ideals of duty to God, to his Neighbor and to the .Nation, for which
he suffered and gave the best years of bis life.
On, Charles Alvin, of lUiffalo, N. Y., was born in Ihilland. Erie
conntv. .N. ^'., June 28, US48. His father, a native of X'erniont. and :i
farnn'r. miller and millwright, moved with bis parents to the town of
Holland when he was twelve years
old. His paternal great-grandfather
came to this country from Scotland.
His mother was Tirzah Morey and
her ancestors were Massachusetts
])eople and connected with the Adams
family. Mr. Orr was educated in
the: public and select schools of Hol-
land, and worked in his father's mill.
\\ hen the Civil war broke out in 1861,
be was less than thirteen, yet he made
three attempts to enlist during the
two years following, being rejected
on account of his extreme youth. In
September, 1864, however, when six-
teen, he succeeded, enlisting as a pri-
vate in Co. G 187th New York volun-
teers. He left Buffalo early in Octo-
ber, went to City Point, Va., and par-
ticipated in the battle of Hatcher's
Run, October 27. He also took part
in the second Hatcher's Run tight,
from P\'b. T to 7, i86t. and in the
Weldon Railroad r;iid. "On March 27
he was in the battle of l)al)ne\'s
Mills, on the jgth in the battle of Boydton Plank Road, and on the 30th,
ill the battle of Gravelly Run, where his division made a splendid charge
after two divisions had been beaten, regaining the lost ground and driv-
ing the enemy two miles and capturing his outer works. The next day he
was in the battle of Eive P'orks. Erom there his regiment fought all
the way to Appomattox Court House, April 9, 1865, when Lee surrendered.
His two brothers, George and Robert, served in the Civil war in the 44th
New York, known as the People's Ellsworth Regiment. They were each
selected by a committee as representatives from the towns of Sardinia
and Holland, Erie county: George was discharged for disabilities and died
a few vears later. Robert was killed at the battle of Eredericksliurg, Va.
Biographical Sketches -iSD
I^rluniiiiL; fnuii tlu' war dnnradf ( )rr was for sexc-ral years nianajicr ut
his fathcM-'s mill and later engaged in Uie lumber l)usiness, from which
he retired in ib'iSo. Meantime he had become active in politics as a Re-
publican. In 1870 he was elected to the Xew ^'ork assembly. He de-
clined a unanimou.s renomination l)ut accepted an appointment as Scr-
geant-at-arms of the Assembly at Albany and served two years, when he
was appointed Special Deputy County Clerk of Erie county, serving si.x
years. Then in i<S85 he became the Republican candidate for County
Clerk and was elected. At the end of the three years' term, in iSSS. he
was reelected, this being the lirst instance of a County Clerk succeeding
him.self in the iiistory of the otifice in l--rie county. Ry President Harrison
he was appointetl United States Pension Agent at P>ufFalo, Jan. 3, 1893.
In the fall of 1895 he was appointed State Examiner of court and trust
funds by Comptroller James A. Roberts. In 1898 he was again appointed
United States Pension .Vgent at Buffalo l)y President McKinley and still
holds that office (March, 1909). March 22, 1898, General Alger, Secre-
tary of War, notified Mr. Orr that by direction of the President, a Con-
gressional Medal of Honor liad that day been presented to him for "most
distinguisiied gallantry in action." the following being the official state-
ment of the particular service ;
"At Hatcher's Run, Va., October 2~, 1864, this soldier, then a private
Co. G, 187th Xew York Volunteers, was one of a detachment of thirty
men to volunteer in response to a call of the regimental commander to
go between the lines under fire and rescue wounded men. Upon receiving
a volley from the enemy nearly all of the detachment found shelter liehind
the breastworks but Orr and two others went forward between the lines
under tire and rescued several wounded and helpless soldiers." Comrade
Orr was elected Junior Vice-Commander of the Medal of Honor Legion
at its meeting in Buffalo in 1891. Mr. Orr was ai)pointed by Governor
Roosevelt as one of the new Board of Trustees of the State Soldier's and
Sailor's Home at Bath — a wise selection as he understands the feelings
of the Civil War veterans and appreciates and sympathizes with their
wants — and he is still a trustee (March, 1909), For many years ]\lr. Orr
has been a member of the Republican Committee of Erie county, repre-
senting his native town. He has served as a delegate to many State, Ju-
dicial. County, Assembly and Congressional Conventions. In 1886-87 he
was Senior Vice Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic of the
State of Xew York and in 1901 was Department Conunander of the State
of Xew York. He has been three times elected Chairman of the Memorial
and Executive Committee of Buffalo, has served as member from X'ew
York on the Xational Council of Administration G. A. R., and has for
sixteen terms been Commander of his post. numl)ering over 760 members,
the largest in the United States. He has been a delegate to various
Xational Encampments, and is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the
Odd Fellows, the Royal Arcanum, the Independent Order of l-'orcstcrs.
.\s United States Pension Agent he disburses annually about S7,ooo,ooo
among the 43,000 pensioners residing in the thirt\-seven coimlii's of
western Xew York. December 1, 1870, he married Sarah .\. Ward of
Saratoga county.
Oakes, James (retired colonel U. S. .\.), a veteran of two wars, was
born near Limestoneville. Pa., .\pril 4, i8_'(). entered the military academy
at West Point, in 1842, was graduated in i84() and assigned as brevet
second lieutenant to the 2nd regiment of U. S. dragoons, joining the
command at San .\ntonio, Tex., in Oct.. 1846. and served through the
Mexican war. to the capture of the city of Mexico. ' He was brevetted
first lieutenant, March 2•^. 1847. for "gallant and meritorious conduct" at
the affair of Medellin. near Vera Cruz, and in the years imniediatelv fol-
•A\)0 The Union Army
lowing was successively acting adjvitant of the 2m\ regiment of U. S.
dragoons; second lieutenant, and captain by brevet for "gallant and meri-
torious conduct" in the l)attle of Molino del Rey : on the staff of Gen.
W. H. Harney at the battle of Cerro Gordo: and regimental quarter-
master in 1847-49. After the war with Mexico was concluded he was
ordered to .'\ustin and Forts Graham, Lincoln, and Mason, Tc.x., partici-
])ating in comiiats with the Comanche Indians. He was twice severely
wounded in 1850; and was the same year in the cavalry recruiting serv-
ice; was promoted to rank of first lieutenant in 1851, and on the coast and
geodetic survey in 1853-54; was made captain of the 2nd U. S. cavalry,
on March 3, 1855, and marched with the regiment to Fort Mason, Tex.
He was commended on Aug. 30, 1856, for success and gallantry in the
Indian troubles and was stationed at Fort Clark in 1856-58, and then at
Fort Inge, Tex., from February, i860, until the surrender In' Gen. Twigg,
in ]86i, to the state secession authorities. He marched his company to
Green Lake, en route to the coast, and returned to San Antonio on sick
leave. While there he was entrusted with dispatches and made his w^ay
out of the state by way of Austin, Brenham and Galveston, and escaping
capture, reached Washington, D. C. He was there promoted to the rank
of major of the 5th U. S. cavalry, on April 6, 1861, and stationed at
Wheeling, West Virginia, and was there and at Washington through the
years 1861-62, being promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel on Xov.
12, 1861, serving with the Army of the Ohio in 1862, and with it through
the Tennessee and Mississippi campaign. P^rom 1863 to 1866 he was as-
sistant provost marshal general of Illinois, and also chief mustering and
disbursing officer and superintendent of the volunteer recruiting service
for that state. On March 30, 1865, he was brevetted colonel and briga-
dier general, and on July of the following year was promoted to the rank
of colonel of the 6th U. S. cavalry, commanding the district of Austin,
Tex., and was also in charge of the Freedman's bureau. Later he w^as
stationed in the northern part of Texas, and also in Kansas and Arizona.
Gen. Oakes was in the following engagements in the Mexican war : siege
of Vera Cruz, the affair at Medellin (about eight miles from Vera Cruz),
Cerro Gordo, San Antonio, Cherubusco, Molino del Rey, and Chapulte-
pec. During the Civil war he did not participate actively in the various
campaigns owing to the wounds he received in Texas in 1850 and which
prevented him from taking as active a part in the field as in the earlier
conflict. In the report of Maj.-Gen. D. C. Buell, of the battle of Shiloh,
he says : "Lieut. -Col. James Oakes, who has rendered zealous and valuable
assistance, was detained at Savannah, Tenn., and unable to be present in
the action," and again the same otificer reports of the action at Corinth,
Miss, in which Col. Oakes took part, "Lieut. -Col. Oakes, inspector of cav-
alry and commander of regular cavalry, was capable and zealous, though
suffering greatly from shattered health." Of the riot at Charlestown,
Coles county. 111., the report of Maj. and Acting Judge-Advocate A. A.
Hosmer to President Lincoln, says : "That the insurrection was not more
widely extended and did not assume more threatening proportions is
doubtless owing to the vigorous means taken by Lieut-Col. Oakes and
Col. Mitchell to crush it at its inception." On April 29, 1879, having been
in service for over thirty-three years. Col. Oakes was placed on the re-
tired list on his own application. He belongs to the Military Order of
Foreign Wars, to the Aztec Club of 1847, the Military Order of the Loyal
Legion, the Grand Army of the Republic, — George Meade Post No. i of
Philadelphia, Pa., the Order of the Indian Wars of the United States,
the United States Cavalry Association, the Military Service Institution
and the National Geographic Society. Among his classmates at West
Point were the following who attained distinction on one or the other
Biographical Sketches
31)1
side of the great national conflict : Gen. Geo. B. McClellan, Gen. "Stone-
wall" Jackson. Gen. l)al>ncy H. Maury, Gen. Geo. E. Pickett and Gen.
Geo. Stiiiicnian.
Odell, William S., a well known attorney of Washington, D. C, was
born in the year 1844. On Aug. 7. 1861, he enlisted in Hendricks county,
Ind., as a private in Company B, 7th Indiana infantry. On Dec. 13, i86'2,
he was promoted to corporal on the tield at
Fredericksburg, and again on the tield at
Spottsylvania, May 9, 1864, he was promoted
to sergeant, l)oth promotions liaving l)een
made for gallant and soldierly conduct. The
7th Indiana was with the Army of the Po-
tomac throughout its term of service, and
among the engagements in which Sergt.
Odell participated were Greenbrier, Win-
chester. Kernstown, Port Republic, Cedar
mountain, Rappahannock Station, Thor-
oughfare gap, the second Bull Run, South
mountain, Antietam, Upperville, l-Vcdericks-
l)urg, Chancellorsville, Gettyslnirg, Brandy
Station, Kelly's ford, the actions of the
Mine Run campaign, Wilderness, Laurel
hill, Spottsylvania, where the regiment was
for four hours in front of the "bloody-
angle," Jericho ford on the North Anna
river, Bethesda Church, Cold Harbor and Petersburg. On June 18, 1864,
in the assault on the Petersburg works, Sergt. Odell was severely wound-
ed, which incapacitated him for further service (in fact he has never
fully recovered from the etfects of this wound), and he was mustered
out at Indianapolis, Ind., Sept. 22, 1864. The 7th Indiana arrived on the
Jield at Gettysburg via of the Emmitsburg road late on the afternoon of
July I, 1863, just as the ist and nth corps were being forced back through
the town, and went into position on Gulp's hill, where they threw up
the tirst defensive works on that historic field. That night Company B
was assigned to picket duty on the east front. Gen. Lee had ordered
Gen. Ewell to occupy Gulp's hill and pursuant to this order Ewell sent
Gen. Edward T. Johnson "to make a demonstration" against that point.
Johnson's men had made a long march that day and rested until about
II p. m. before making an advance. A reconnoitering party sent forward
by Johnson encountered Sergt. Odell and two men on the picket line, who
gave the enemy such a warm reception that the reconnoitering party re-
turned and reported to Johnson that the hill was "held in force," when
as a simple truth the only "force" there was the three pickets. Gen.
Doubleday and Gen. Hunt both gave the 7th Indiana credit for thus avert-
ing a flank attack, though the full credit belongs to Sergt. Odell and his
two comrades. After the war Sergt. Odell went to Knoxville, Tenn., and
later to Texas, where he remained for two years. In 1874, while living
at Dallas, Tex., he was commissioned captain of the Lamar Rifles, of
that city, by Gov. Coke. In May, 1875, Jefferson Davis, late president
of the "Southern Confederacy, visited Dallas and was given a great re-
ception at the fair grounds. While he was speaking Capt. Odell took the
company flag from the color-bearer and pushed through the crowd to a
position directly in front of the speaker. Davis saluted the flag, declared
his love for it, as he had fought under it in Mexico, and urged all to
stand shoulder to shoulder in its defense, adding' "We never went
against that flag; it came against us. That flag should have been folded
and laid away, and the contest waged under the flags of the states." As
;i!tv!
The Union Army
t'apt. ()<k-ll wriil llinmtili the cmwil witli tlie llati lii> action created ^omc-
ihinK of a suisation, and lie admits, after a lapse of thirty years, that it
was a hold thing to do. In 1S75 he returned to Indiana and remained
in Indianapolis until 18S1. when he located in Washington, where he he-
;^an the practice of law in iSHv Me is a memhcr of P>urnside Post. Xo.
S, Grand Army of the Repnhlic, of which he is a past commander, re-
signing that place in 1886 to hecome senior vice-commander of the De-
partment of the Potomac. In 1887 he was representative at large to the
national encampment, G. A. R., at St. Louis, and in 1889 was commander
of the Department of the Potomac. He is also a Knight Templar Mason
and takes a ci)ninKndal)le interest in the work of that time-honored
fraternity. lii-- >on. Alhert .S. Odell, is a lirst lieutenant in the nth
U. S. cavalry, lie is a Repuhlican in politics and voted for ,\l)raham
Lincoln in r864; was the first President of the McKinley and I lohart
Interstate Campaign Gluh, 1896: secretary of the McKinley and Roose-
velt Interstate Campaign Club, igco; organizer and national secretary
of the "Old P>oys" (the men who voted for Fremont or Lincoln) 1904:
nieniUer of the executive committee of the League of Repuhlican State
Cluhs. District of Columbia : member of the Local .Assembly 1620. Knights
of Labor, in the campaign of 1908, president of the Taft and Sherman
club of the District of Columbia.
Owens, Benjamin Buck, of Baltimore, was born ni that city. Sej)!.
I ^, 1841. and is the son of the late Edward T. ;uid Susan (Green) Owens,
natives of Maryland, the former of \\'elsli and the latter of luiglish
descent. The first members of the family
on American soil came in the colonial days,
Joseph Owens, grandfather of Benjamin R..
of this sketch, was one of the "Old Defend-
ers," of Baltimore, and was wounded in the
battle of Xorth Point. His son. Edward T.,
L'utered the mercantile business, and was for
many years a prominent merchant of Balti-
more, but in his later years and up to the
time of his death, Sept. 20, 1872, was the
treasurer of the Eutaw Springs Savings
hank. The death of his wife preceded his
own by many years, she passing away in
Decemb.er, 1845. Benjamin P>. was educated
in the private schools of ISaltimore. Ik-
entered the military ser\ice at Baltimore, on
June 15, 1864, as second lieutenant of Co. G,
iith Maryland infantry, — a ico days regi-
ment,— and was mustered out with the or-
ganization at the terminus of its service, lie reentered the army in Octo-
ber, 1864, as hrst lieutenant of Co. A, of the nth — consolidated — infan-
try and was in command of the company during the remainder oi the
war and until mustered out in June, 1865. at Baltimore. During the first
enlistment he was in the battle of Monocac}-. but was in no large engage-
ments during the latter perior of service, the regiment being lirst placed
on guard of the Baltimore & Ohio railroad, and then sent, — in February,
1865, — to Fort Delaware, X. J., where it remained until the muster out.
.\fter the war Lieut. Owens served for several months as clerk in the
commissary department of the U. S. army and during this period took up
the study of architecture, which he subsequently pursued under the direc-
tion of the leading architects of the city. In 1875 he entered into business
life for himself and was the architect of numerous large and important
structures of the cilw lie was .also for a nnniber of vears the architect
Biographical Sketches
393
for the l\nns\ 1\ aiiia Strtl C()ni|)an_\ at Sparrdw"^ I'nint. In Janiiarv.
iS(X'. he vvas ai)i)oint(.(l insijcctor of huildiiiii^ of thr cit> of llallimorc l)\
-Mayor Hooper, and after lilliny tlic halaiiec of the unexpired term of his
predecessor was elected to the full term. In .March, 1900, as an expert-
school architect, he was appointed sui)ervisor of pul)lic scliool buildings
in the city. Mr. Owens i> a nieinl)er of the Military Order of the Loyal
Legion, and of the Custer i'ost, Xo. 6. Grand .\rni\ of the Republic, and
also to the Improved ( )rder of ileptasophs. lie wa> united in marriage
on Xov. iS. iSdy. to Miss .\nna L'., daughter of the late Samuel Harris,
architect, of lialtimore. l'"rom his life-long residence, and his coimection
with public .affairs and buildings Mr. Owens is one of the well-known
men of the city, and his personal characteristics have made the number
of his acf|uaintances and that of iiis friends s_\-nonymous terms.
Peelle, Stanton Judkins, Cluef Justice of the C'ourt of Claims of the
U. S., Washington, I). C., and a veter.m of the Civil war, was born in
\\';i\ne eoimty. Ind.. b'eb. 11. iS4_^. ;i son of John Cox and Ruth (Smith)
I'eelle. He w.is educated in the jjublic
schools and the seminary at W inchester,
Ind., though before he had completed his
education the war broke out, when he, like
thousands of other patriotic young men,
laid aside his studies to take up arms in de-
fense of his country, lie eidisted in Com-
])any (i. Stli Indiana \()luntecr infantry,
which was mustered in at Indianai)olis on
-Sept. 5, i<S6r. and was made corporal of his
company. He served with this regiment in
Its ()i)erations in .Arkansas, taking jiart in
the battle of Pea Ridge, the action at War-
rensburg, Mo., the movements on the White
river and about Helena until in Dec. 1862.
when he was promoted to second lieutenant
and transferred to the 57th Indiana volun-
teer infantry, which had been organized a
short time before, becoming second lieu-
tenant of Company K in that regiment. His promotion to the lieutenancy
came as a reward "for meritorious conduct at the battle of Pea Ridge."
Lieut. Peelle served with the 37th until his compan\- was mustered out.
participating in the battle of Stone's river, Teim., where he was slightly
wounded, and in several engagements incident to the TuUahoma cami)aign.
Upon receiving his honorable disvharge from the .irni}-, he returned to
Indiana, began the study of law with liis uncle, W illiam A. Peele, of
Centerville, and in March, 1867. was admitted to the bar. at Winchester.
Ind., where he had resumed his studies in the seminary. He began prac-
tice at Winchester, but in 1869 removed to fndianapf)lis, where he con-
tinued in practice until his appointment to the court of claims, .\fter re-
moving to Indianapolis. Mr. Peelle took an active part in political affairs.
In 1876 he was elected to the lower house of the general assembly as a
Republican and served for two years. In 1880 he was nominated by the
Repul)Hcan district convention for Congress, and was elected over Cassius
Ryt'ield. Democrat, by a vote of 17,610 to 16,805. He took his seat in Dec.
1881. and was appointed on the committees on claims and i)ostof]fices and
post roads. Here began that varied experience which developed the apti-
tude for discriminating and patient investigation that led to his appoint-
ment on the court of claims. He ])articipated in the debate on the How-
man act, which materially changed the scope of that court, favoring ])ropo-
sitions that gave elasticity to the law aufl relieved Congress from the bur-
39.t The Union Army
den of considering private claims. During liis lirst term in Congress he
made twenty-seven reports from the committee on claims, and several
from the committee on postoffices and post roads — one especially attract-
ing attention, that of making extra payment to the Chicago, Burlington
& Quincy railroad company on an expired but not abrogated contract for
carrying the mails on Sunday between Chicago and Omaha. In the first
session of the 47th Congress he delivered an address on the Chinese ex-
clusion bill, in which he held that the United States, affecting a superior
civilization and higher moral code, must at all hazards live up to the stip-
ulations of its treaty obligations. In the debate on the tariff he vainly
sought to have the duty on steel blooms reduced from 45 to 30 per cent,
ad valorem. In formulating the law to control the investigations of the
national board of health he succeeded in having the scope of its jurisdic-
tion and efficiency expanded, thus enabling that body to do practical and
beneficial work in the preservation and promotion of the public health.
In pension and military legislation he was active and useful, his experi-
ence as a soldier naturally drawing him into that class of work. In the
campaign of 1882 he was renominated for Congress by his party, and, on
the face of the returns, was elected over William E. English by a ma-
jority of 87 in a total vote of 34,815. Mr. Peelle received the certificate
of election, but his seat was contested by Air. English, and on May 14,
1884, the house, having a large Democratic majority, declared vacant the
seats of Mr. Peelle, Mr. McKinley, afterward president, and Mr. Wilson,
the present secretary of agriculture. An unusual feature of the contest
for Mr. Peelle's seat, and one which attracted wide attention, was the
fact that Mr. English's father, who had formerly been a member of Con-
gress, and who was the Democratic candidate for vice-president on the
ticket with Gen. Hancock in 1880, was active on the floor of the house in
his son's interest. Notwithstanding this Mr. Peelle received a number
of Democratic votes and on the final vote was unseated by a majority of
three only. His speech in his own behalf was commented on as a magnifi-
cent example of conservative statement and judicial fairness. In the
course of this speech he urged the establishment of a special tribunal,
before which all such cases might be tried solely on their merits and ac-
cording to the rules of evidence adopted by courts of law. In the session,
prior to his being unseated, he made one of the most noted speeches on the
subject of tariff legislation, covering every phase of that complex subject
and receiving many congratulations. Upon retiring from Congress he
resumed the practice of law at Indianapolis, though he continued to take
a commendable interest in political matters. In 1888 he was an alternate
delegate to the Republican national convention that nominated Gen. Ben-
jamin Harrison for president. During the years 1891-92 he was a member
of the board of control for the Indiana reform school for boys, and in
1892 was elected a delegate from the state at large to the Repul)lican na-
tional convention. On March 28, 1892, he was appointed by President
Harrison to a place on the bench of the United States Court of Claims,
to succeed G. W. Scofield, and did not take an active part in the work of
the convention. His appointment was promptly confirmed by the senate,
and on Jan. i. 1906, on the retirement of Chief Justice Charles C. Xott,
he became chief justice, by appointment of President Roosevelt. The court
of which he is chief justice was established in 1855 for the purpose of
relieving Congress of judicial functions extending to all parts of the
country, and to afford relief from the widespread injustice to persons
who for lack of facilities were unable to reach the government with their
claims. It is the tribunal that considers money claims against the United
States, and is the channel through which states, counties, municipalities,
corporations or individuals may bring their suits, "individuals" including
Biographical Sketches
395
citizens of such foreign countries as permit citizens of the United States
to liring similar suits in their courts. 1 he court consists of a cliief justice
and four associate justices, witli power to appoint tlieir own officials and
make their own rules. Chief Justice Peelle has l)een twice married, first
to Miss Lou R. Perkins of South Bend, Ind., whose death occurred in
Nov.. 1873, and on Oct. 16, 1878, he married Miss Arabella Canlield,
daughter of Judge Milton C. Canfield of Painesville, Ohio. Chief Justice
Peelle is professor of the law of partnership, bailment and carrier in the
George Washington university: trustee of Howard university: a member
of the board of managers of the Young Men's Christian Association, and
a member of the Cosmos clul), all of Washington. Since he came to the
court of claims, the Northern Indiana college (now university) at Val-
paraiso, Ind., conferred on him the degree of LL.U. His distinguishing
characteristics are perseverance and a conscientious discharge of his
duties. Before reaching his majority he held a commission as lieutenant
in the greatest volunteer army known to history ; as an attorney he was
always mindful of the interests of his clients ; as a legislator, both in the
state and nation, he was active and energetic in his efforts to promote the
welfare of his constituents; as trustee of the reform school he sought to
introduce improved methods in caring for and educating the wards of the
state; as an associate justice and chief justice of the court of claims his
decisions have lieen marked by an absolute impartiality and a sound knowl-
edge of the law.
Parker, Myron Melvin, of Washington, D. C, now engaged in real
estate business in that city, was born in Fairfax, Vt., Nov. 7, 1843. He
belongs to old colonial families whose military record explains, according
to the now accepted theories of hereditary
influences, his own gallant conduct during
the Civil war. His four great grandfathers,
Robert Parker, Joseph Cross, Elijah Story
and John Cressey were all soldiers in the
Revolution. Joseph Cross died in 1850 at
the great age of one hundred and three
years, and served in the Patriot army at
Lexington and Bunker Hill. John Cressey,
a native of Connecticut, was with the con-
tinental army at Brooklyn, White Plains,
Brandywine, Germantown and Yorktown.
Both of his grandfathers, Rol)ert Parker,
Jr., and Elijah Story, Jr., of Fairfax, Vt.,
were in the War of 1812. One of his cous-
ins. Col. and brevet Brig.-Gen. Edward E.
Cross, was a colonel of the "Fighting Fifth"
New Hampshire infantry, commanded a
brigade, and was killed at Gettysburg. My-
ron M. was a student at Fort Edward, N. Y.. when the Civil war broke
out. and enlisted in November, 1862, as a private in the first \'ermont cav-
alry, was mustered into service Nov. 19, 1861. and left for Washington.
p. C, on Dec. 14. This regiment is known as one of the "Three hundred
lighting regiments," and is listed tifth in an enumeration of nine regiments
which lost each over 119 men. When a private in such a regiment is
marked for special commendation, it means that his record is a remarka-
ble one. In a private letter from Gen. Jacob L. Green, — adjutant general
to Gen. Custer. — to Gen. Theodore S. Peck, the foriner says of Myron
M. Parker that he was "industrious, painstaking, accurate and faithful.
In his personal relations and bearing he was modest, truthful, and loyal. .
As a soldier in the field he was always in his place with the headquarters
394 The Union Army
den of considering private claims. During liis first term in Congress he
made twenty-seven reports from the committee on claims, and several
from the committee on postoflfices and post roads — one especially attract-
ing attention, that of making extra payment to the Chicago, Burlington
& Quincy railroad company on an expired l)ut not abrogated contract for
carrying the mails on Sunday between Chicago and Omaha. In the first
session of the 47th Congress he delivered an address on the Chinese ex-
clusion bill, in which he held that the United States, affecting a superior
civilization and higher moral code, must at all hazards live up to the stip-
ulations of its treaty obligations. In the debate on the tariff he vainly
sought to have the duty on steel blooms reduced from 45 to 30 per cent,
ad valorem. In formulating the law to control the investigations of the
national board of health he succeeded in having the scope of its jurisdic-
tion and efficiency expanded, thus enaliling that body to do practical and
beneficial work in the preservation and promotion of the public health.
In pension and military legislation he was active and useful, his experi-
ence as a soldier naturally drawing him into that class of work. In the
campaign of 1882 he was renominated for Congress by his party, and, on
the face of the returns, was elected over William E. English by a ma-
jority of 87 in a total vote of 34,815. Mr. Peelle received the certificate
of election, but his seat was contested by Mr. English, and on May 14,
1884, the house, having a large Democratic majority, declared vacant the
seats of Mr. Peelle, Mr. McKinley, afterward president, and Mr. Wilson,
the present secretary of agriculture. An unusual feature of the contest
for ]\Ir. Peelle's seat, and one which attracted wide attention, was the
fact that Mr. English's father, who had formerly been a member of Con-
gress, and who was the Democratic candidate for vice-president on the
ticket with Gen. Hancock in 1880, was active on the floor of the house in
his son's interest. Notwithstanding this Mr. Peelle received a number
of Democratic votes and on the final vote was unseated by a majority of
three only. His speech in his own behalf was commented on as a magnifi-
cent example of conservative statement and judicial fairness. In the
course of this speech he urged the establishment of a special tribunal,
before which all such cases might l)e tried solely on their merits and ac-
cording to the rules of evidence adopted by courts of law. In the session,
prior to his lieing unseated, he made one of the most noted speeches on the
subject of tariff legislation, covering every phase of that complex subject
and receiving many congratulations. Upon retiring from Congress he
resumed the practice of law at Indianapolis, though he continued to take
a commendable interest in political matters. In 1888 he was an alternate
delegate to the Republican national convention that nominated Gen. Ben-
jamin Harrison for president. During the years 1891-92 he was a member
of the board of control for the Indiana reform school for l)oys, and in
1892 was elected a delegate from the state at large to the Republican na-
tional convention. On March 28, 1892, he was appointed by President
Harrison to a place on the bench of the United States Court of Claims,
to succeed G. W. Scofield, and did not take an active part in the work of
the convention. His appointment was promptly confirmed by the senate,
and on Jan. i. 1906, on the retirement of Chief Justice Charles C. Nott,
he became chief justice, by appointment of President Roosevelt. The court
of which he is chief justice was established in 1855 for the purpose of
relieving Congress of judicial functions extending to all parts of the
country, and to afford relief from the widespread injustice to persons
who for lack of facilities were unal)le to reach the government with their
claims. It is the trilnmal that considers money claims against the United
States, and is the channel through which states, counties, municipalities,
corporations or individuals may bring their suits, "individuals" including
Biographical Sketches
395
citizens of such fortigii countries as permit citizens of llic United States
to l)ring similar suits in their courts. 1 he court consists of a cliief justice
and four associate justices, witli power to appoint tiieir own officials and
make their own rules. Chief Justice Peelle has been twice married, tirst
to Miss Lou R. Perkins of South Bend, liul., whose death occurred in
Nov., 1873, and on Oct. 16, 1878, he married Miss Araljella Canlield,
daughter of Judge Milton C. Cantield of Painesviile, Ohio. Chief Justice
Peelle is professor of the law of partnership, bailment and carrier in the
George Washington university; trustee of Howard university; a member
of the i)oard of managers of the Young Men's Christian Association, and
a member of the Cosmos club, all of Washington. Since he came to the
court of claims, the Northern Indiana college (now university) at Val-
paraiso, Ind., conferred on him the degree of LL.U. His distinguishing
characteristics are perseverance and a conscientious discharge of his
duties. Before reaching his majority he held a commission as lieutenant
in the greatest volunteer army known to history; as an attorney he was
always mindful of the interests of his clients; as a legislator, both in the
state and nation, he was active and energetic in his efforts to promote the
welfare of his constituents; as trustee of the reform school he sought to
introduce improved methods in caring for and educating the wards of the
state; as an associate justice and chief justice of the court of claims his
decisions have been marked by an a1)solute impartiality and a sound knowl-
edge of the law.
Parker, Myron Melvin, of Washington, D. C, now engaged in real
estate business in that city, was born in Fairfax, Vt., Nov. 7, 1843. lie
belongs to old colonial families whose military record explains, according
to the now accepted theories of hereditary
influences, his own gallant conduct during
the Civil war. His four great grandfathers,
Robert Parker, Joseph Cross, Elijah Story
and John Cressey were all soldiers in the
^^■mp"**^ »^ Revolution. Joseph Cross died in 1850 at
t ^^^^^fc. *'^^ great age of one hundred and three
ft ^^Hk-^SL years, and served in the Patriot army at
B' ^^BhBI*^*^ Lexington and Bunker Hill. John Cressey,
p ^^^E_, '^ native of Connecticut, was with the con-
» ^HBP^ ^. tinental army at Brooklyn, White Plains,
B^-. . - ^ ^^Br ^Mjjj^ ' Brandywine, Germantown and Yorktown.
WJ/JHtm^^^ ^^^^KjjM Both of his grandfathers, Rol)ert Parker,
^^^B^Rj^^^^H^^V Jr., and Elijah Story, Jr., Fairfax, Vt.,
^^^^^^^^^^^^^Kw ^'^^ W3.r of 1812. One of his
^^^^^^^^^^^^^W ins. Col. and brevet Brig.-Gen. Edward E.
^^^^^^^^^^^^ Cross, was a colonel of the "F'ighting Fifth"
^^^^^^^P^^ New Hampshire infantry, commanded a
brigade, and was killed at Gettysburg. My-
ron M. was a student at Fort Edward, N. Y., when the Civil war broke
out, and enlisted in November, 1862, as a private in the tirst \'ermont cav-
alry, w-as mustered into service Nov. 19, 1861, and left for Washington.
p. C, on Dec. 14. This regiment is known as one of the "Three hundred
lighting regiments," and is Hsted fifth in an enumeration of nine regiments
which lost each over 119 men. When a private in such a regiment is
marked for special commendation, it means that his record is a remarka-
ble one. In a private letter from Gen. Jacob L. Green, — adjutant general
to Gen. Custer, — to Gen. Theodore S. Peck, the forn,ier says of Myron
]\L Parker that he was "industrious, painstaking, accurate and faithful.
In his personal relations and bearing he was modest, truthful, and loyal. .
As a soldier in the field he was always in his place with the headquarters
#sr
398
The Union Army
Pa. Ill 1872 he located in W'asliiiigtoii, where l)v civil service examination
he was appointed to a position in the treasury department until 1875, when
by another examination he was appointed an assistant Examiner in the
Patent Office. In 1881 he was transferred as an Examiner to the Pension
P>ureau, wliere he has ever since remained. In 1877 he commenced the
study of medicine, and in 1880 received the degree of M. D. from Howard
university. Dr. Purman is a member of Kit Carson Post, Xo. 2, Grand
Army of the Republic, and is active in promoting the interests of that order
He served as post surgeon for several years; was medical director of the
Department of the Potomac in 1891 ; was an aide-de-camp in 1892 on the
staff of the national commander, Gen. John Palmer ; also served on the
staff of the national commander in 1896 and again in 1903. Dr. Purman is a
charter member of United States Medal of Honor Club, and also of Hal-
cyon Commandery, United Order of the Golden Cross and a member of
the Xew ^'ork Avenue Presliyterian Church, and takes an active interest in
all these ()rgani>'ati<ins.
Prince, Howard Lyman, librarian of the Scientific Lilirary of the
patent office, Washington, D. C, was born in Cumberland. Maine, "Slay 17,
1840, and enlisted for service in the Civil war, at Cumberland, Me., June
24, 1862, and went into Company K, 20th
Maine infantry, as a private : he was at the
time a student in Bowdoin College. When
the regiment was organized he was appoint-
ed quartermaster sergeant and on Aug. 29,
the regiment was mustered in. On Feb. 18,
1864, he was promoted to the position of
first lieutenant in Company A. and was
brevetted captain. Sept. 30, 1864, for gallan-
try in action at the engagement at Peebles'
Farm, Va., where he was the first man in-
side the works and received the surrender
of the commanding officer. He was com-
missioned captain on Dec. 4, following, and
continued to act in that capacity until he was
mustered out on July 16, 1865. Capt. Prince
participated in the engagements in the Wil-
derness, and at Laurel Hill, where he was
twice wounded, once in the right leg and
again in the right band, having the thumb shot off, and was in the hospital
from May 8, until Aug. 21, 1864. His next fight was at Peebles' Farm,
Va., Sept. 30, 1864, in which the 20th Maine made a gallant charge on
the enemy's works, suffering a loss of fifty-seven men killed and wounded,
out of 167 taken into action, but capturing six commissioned officers, sev-
enty prisoners and one piece of artillery ; Capt. Prince's part in this action
is referred to above. He was also in the engagements at Hatcher's Run,
Boydton Plank Road, and Gravelly Run. In August, 1864, he went on
duty as a member of the staff of Gen. J. J. Bartlett, of the 3d brigade, ist
division, 5th army corps, filling that position until late in December of the
same year, and from February. 1865, until the muster out, that of judge
advocate of the ist division, 5th army corps. After the war Capt. Prince
became the assistant principal of the Portland (Me.) high school, remain-
ing there three years, and in 1870 came to Washington as the private sec-
retary of Hon. John Lynch, a congressman from Maine. The following
year he received an appointment as a clerk in the postoffice department,
and in 1872 a similar position in the treasury department, the latter by
examination in which he stood ninety out of a possible hundred. He
entered the law college of Columbian (now George Washington) Uni-
Biographical Sketches
399
versity, and was graduated in 1876, and was admitted to practice the same
year. The previous year he had been appointed clerk of the police court
of the District of Columbia, and tilled this position until 1888, and then
after following his profession in private practice a year was, in 1889,
appointed to the position which he now holds, and which he has occupied
since that time. Capt. Prince belongs to District of Columl)ia Commandery,
^Military Order of the Loyal Legion, insignia number 3811, to James A.
Garfield Post. Xo. 7, District of the Potomac. Grand Army of the Repub-
lic and is a member of the Episcopal church, having served for some time
as vestryman in the Church of the Advent, of that religious body, in
\\'ashington, D. C.
Redway, Capt. George, a clerk in the general land office, Washington,
D. C, enlisted on Aug. 5. 1862. at Medina. Ohio, as a private in Company
I. 103d Ohio infantry, and on the organization of the regiment was made
first lieutenant of his company. In May,
]8()4, he was promoted to a captaincy and
continued in that capacity until mustered out
at Raleigh, X. C. June 12, 1865, and dis-
charged at Cleveland, Ohio, on the 24th.
Capt. Redway was in the engagements at
Blue Springs, Tenn., the crossing of the
Chattahoochee river, the actions at Atlanta
on July 22 and 28, 1864, some minor actions
during the siege of that city, and the battle
at Jonesboro. On Xov. 10. 1864, his com-
pany was detached and assigned to duty
with Gen. Boyd, chief quartermaster of
the Army of the Ohio, continuing in this
service until the close of the war. Early
in Jan., 1865, the company was ordered
to Washington, D. C, where it remained
with Gen. Boyd about two and a half
months, and then went to Xorth Carolina,
where it was mustered out as already mentioned. At the time Capt.
Redway enlisted he w^-is the proprietor of the Medina County Gazette,
which he had bought in i860. Upon receiving his discharge from the
army he returned home and conducted the paper for a time and then
sold it and went to Eremont. Ohio, bought the Journal, a weekly paper
published there, and conducted it for about a year. He then sold this
publication and went to Sparta, Wis., where for two years he conducted
the Sparta Eagle. He then formed a partnership which l)ought the Dis-
patch, a daily and weekly paper pulilished at Erie, Pa., which he conducted
for about five years, publishing also a German paper and running a book-
l^ndery in connection with the business. On account of ill health he sold
out his newspaper interests at Erie in 1873 and engaged in the manufac-
ture of wagon woodwork at Marion. Ind. Some four or 'iwc years later
he disposed of this business and accepted a position in the U. S. treasury
department, where he remained for about ten years, when he voluntarily
resigned and went to Redlands, Cal., where for the next three years he
was engaged in orange culture. Then, at the request of his old friend,
Hon. Lewis A. Grofi^, of Xebraska, he was appointed chief clerk of the
general land oftice, and returned to Washington. When President Cleve-
land was inaugurated in 1893 Capt. Redway was removed from his posi-
tion. He went to Lislion, Ohio, where he purchased the Republican Leader
and published it until the accession of Mr. McKinlev'to the presidency.
In April. 1897, he was reinstated and since then has been connected with
the general land office. Capt. Redway is a numlier of Burnside Post. Xo.
.R»0
The Union Army
S. (iraiul Arms of llic J^^epuhlic, and of Washington Cc-ntennial Lodge.
1*". and A. M.. at Washington, 1). C: and is an elder in tlie- Preshyteriaii
tdnirch at Chevy Chase. District of Columbia.
Phillips, Duncan Clinch, comt-s from a family that for many genera-
tions has hei-n idiMitirkd with the military affairs of this country. His
father, ('ai)t. I'.lias Phillips, and his uncle, Capt. Augustus Phillips, were
hoth graduated from West Point Military
Academy, in the class of J823. His grand-
father, Maj. John Phillips of New Jersey,
served throughout the Revolutionary war.
as did also his great grandfather. Col.
Jose])h Phillips. His great great grand-
father, Phili]) Phillips in 17^7. was Major in
Governor Reading's regiment of New Jer-
sey militia; and his great grandfather on the
maternal side, John Ormsby, was Captain
•ind Commissary of Subsistence for General
horbes" Army when he captured Fort Du-
(|uesne from the French, in 1758. Maj.
Duncan Clinch Phillips, the subject of this
sketch, was born on March i. 1838. at Pitts-
burg, Pa. He attended the Western Uni-
versity of Pittsburg ; then St. James' Col-
lege. Maryland, and in the autumn of 1857,
entered Brown university from which he'
graduated in i8()i. In 1X62 he joined the army, and on Sept. 9, 1862.
was commissioned hirst Lieutenant of Company M. 4th Pennsylvania
cavalry. Army of the Potomac. On Nov. 21, 1H63. he was promoted
Captain of "F" company in the same regiment, and on Jan. i. 1865,
was matle major of the same regiment. His regiment was continu-
ously in active service in the field from November. 1861, until the close
of the war. having been mustered out in July, 1865. With the excep-
tion of about two months in 1863 (while ill with intermittent fever),
he was continuously with his regiment until July 1864. During this time
his regiment was in a number of battles, and innumerable smaller engage-
ments. The records of the War Department show that, with the excep-
tion of the 1st Maine, the 4th Penn. cavalry was in more engagements in
which it suffered loss, than any of the volunteer cavalry regiments en-
gaged during the war. In July or August, 1864, Major Phillips was sent
on detached service to Elmira, N. Y., as Alilitary Inspector of Cavalry
and Artillery horses. During the four months he was at this post, he pur-
chased (5ver fourteen thousand horses for the government. On account
of ill health he resigned from the Army in February, 1865, and returned
to Pittsburg, where, in August of the same year, he became managing
])artner in the firm of Beck, Phillips & Co., manufacturers of window
glass. He continued in this business for twenty-one years, retiring from
active business in 1886. In 1897 he moved with his family to Washington.
1). C where he has since resided.
Petteys, Charles Volney, M. D., of \\ ashington. I). C, is a veteran
not only of the Civil war but of the long and dangerous campaigns against
the Indians of Colorado and Arizona in the seventies. He was hut lifteen
years of age when he first entered the U. S. service, on Dec. 21. 1863, in
Wayne county, N. Y.. and became a member of Company H. gth N. Y. hea\-y-
artillery, which was assigned to the artillery brigade of the 6th corps of
the Army of the Potomac. That his youth did not exempt him from any
of the duties of his position is shown ly the fact that he participated in
the following engagements: Cold llarlior. Reams' Station, siege of Pe-
Biographical Sketches
401
tersburg, Monocacj' (Md.), Washington, D. C. dnring Gen. Early's dem-
onstration, Charleston ( W. Va. ) F.errysville ( Sinuniit Point). (Va.),
Winchester (Opoquan), Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek ("Sheridan's Ride")
Bunker Hill (W. Va. ), fall of Petersburg, Sailor's Creek, Appomattox,
(Lee's surrender), and many minor engagements. He was wounded at
the Winchester engagement. Sept. 19. 1864, by a piece of shell, Ijut refused
to go to the hospital. On June 2"], 1865, he was transferred to Company
1, 2nd regiment \. Y. heavy artillery, and was honorably discharged on
Sept. 29. 1865. at Hart's Island, X. Y. In 1873. Dr. Pctteys again entered
the United States service, this time as a medical officer and served until
1884. taking part in all of Gen. Crook's campaigns against the Sioux,
Cheyenne's Bannocks and Utes in Colorado, and was present at the massa-
cre of the Sleeker family. He was also in Arizona for two years, with
Gen. Wilcox in his campaign against the Apaches, and was with Gen.
Crook in his expedition against the Cheyennes at the head of Powder
river, Wyo., in the tight at that place under Gen. ]\IcKinzie, and at Alkali
Springs, Wyo., in 1876. In the suppression of the outbreak of the Chey-
ennes at Ft. Robinson, Neb., in 1879, and at Bluff station, Wyo., in Jan. of
the same year he also took part. Dr. Petteys is a mem1)er of the Burn-
side Post, Xo. 8, and post medical director of the Department of the
Potomac, Grand Army of the Republic, and of Sedgwick Regiment, Xo.
3. Union Veteran Union of Washington, D. C, and has been conunander
of the department of the Potomac, in the former organization, commander
of David D. Porter Garrison Xo. 6, Army and Xavy Union, colonel and
aide-de-camp on the staff of the Xational Commander, Army and Xavy
Union. He also ranks high in the Masonic order having taken the thirty-
second degree, Scottish rite, and is a member of the order of the Eastern
Star. While not belonging to any religious organization lie affiliates with
the Methodist Episcopal church, and gives his political allegiance to the
Republican party. Dr. Petteys received his degree as doctor of medicine
from the Georgetown University in 1873, and belongs to the Medical
Association and Medical Society of the District of Columbia, and to the
American Medical Association, and holds a high rank in his profession.
Reeve, Col. Felix Alexander, was born in Cocke county, Eastern
Tenn.. on Sept. 4. 1836. and acquired the primary elements of an English
education in the imperfect common schools of that section of the coun-
try. Until nearly grown he worked on his
father's farm, and was afterwards employed
as a clerk and bookkeeper in a country
store until the autumn of i860, when he
went to Knoxville to read law unckr the
direction of the Hon. O. P. Temple. In the
following year he was licensed to practice
his profession. While prosecuting his stud-
ies at Knoxville. it was his privilege and
good fortune to live in the kindly and
liospitable family of that fearless patriot.
Parson Brownlow. It was while there
that the storm-cloud of civil war broke into
pitiless fury, and tried the hearts of the
i)rave and loyal people whose "faith stood
firm as rocky mountains." Colonel Reeve
was brought up in the old Whig school of
politics, and believed in the indissohiliility
f)f the federal union. Me regarded the se-
cession movement as unjustilialjle and impractica1)le. .Accordingly, on the
iirst Thursday in August, 1861, after casting his vote for the Hon. Horace
Vol. VIII— 26
402 The Union Army
Maynard, the L'nion candidate for Congress, he left his home and native
mountains for Washington Cit}-, in order to escape from what he con-
ceived would he the inevitahle condition of the loyalists who remained in
the State. Arriving in Washington a stranger and with but little money,
he was constrained to solicit employment at the hands of the government.
Fortunately his application was made to the Hon. Salmon P. Chase, Sec-
retary of the Treasury, who did not delay to appoint him to a clerkship
in his department. 1 his place he held for one year when the war daily
growing in magnitude and uncertainty, he as an able-bodied young man
felt it to be his duty to leave the civil service, which was in no apparent
danger of sutifering on account of vacancies, and enlist in the Union
Army. Having the conhdence and encouragement of Parson Brownlow,
Andrew Johnson and other prominent East Tennessee loyalists, then in
Washington, he applied for authority to raise and recruit a regiment of
Union men at that time escaping from their homes to tind protection from
the Confederate conscript law then rigidly enforced in the state. Al-
though Colonel Reeve was, in effect, an exile from home, yet the Secre-
tary of War, Mr. Stanton, made it a condition precedent that he should
resign the clerkship before his apolication would be considered. It was
not unusual then as well as now to tind men in high official station who
conceive that our free institutions guarantee the right to be brusque,
insolent and insulting to those who are subordinate and helpless. De-
termined to succeed, if possible. Col. Reeve did resign the clerkship and
renewed his application. He was then told by the overbearing and arbi-
trary Secretary that authority to recruit and command the proposed regi-
ment must be obtained from Mr. Johnson, then Military Governor of the
State. As other Tennessee officers had been appointed by the Secretary
of War, appeal was made to the just, considerate, and all-powerful Lin-
coln, who very promptly gave the requisite and proper direction to his
stubborn Secretarj-. Thus ended unseeml}' opposition where Colonel
Reeve had a right to expect courtesy and encouragement. Subsequent
observation, however, has modified his views as to what was supposed to
be exceptional arrogance on the part of Mr. Stanton toward himself and
others. By order of the President, he was appointed to the rank of
Colonel on Sept. 6, 1862, and "authorized to recruit, raise, and command
the Eighth Tennessee infantry volunteers" from refugees who had escaped
from East Tennessee to find protection under the flag at the various Fed-
eral posts in Kentucky. Accordingly he proceeded at once, and in less
than a year he had a thousand men in line, armed, equipped and well
officered. The regiment was assigned to the Second brigade. Second
division. Twenty-third army corps. Department of the Ohio, and on Aug.
12, 1863, the corps, under command of General Burnside, left Danville,
Ky., for the relief of the patient and long-suffering Union people of East
Tennessee. In this connection it is but just to Gen. McClellan, then in
supreme military command, to say that early as the winter of 1861, he
saw the importance of occupying that section of the country and the duty
of going to the relief of the people. In a letter to Gen. Buell, dated Nov.
29, 1861, he said, among other things: "I think we owe it to our Union
friends in Eastern Tennessee to protect them at all hazards. First secure
that ; then, if you possess the means, carry Nashville." On Dec. 3. 1861,
Gen. McClellan again wrote to Gen. Buell and said ; * * * "I
must still urge the occupation of Eastern Tennessee as a duty we owe to
our gallant friends there who have not hesitated to espouse our cause.
Please send, then, with the least possible delay, troops, enough to protect
these men. I still feel sure that the best strategical move in this case will
be that dictated by the simple feelings of humanity. We must pi^eserve
these noble fellow.s from harm ; everything urges us to do that — faith, in-
Biographical Sketches 403
tcrcst, and li)\alt\. l-'or llic sake of those luistcrn TfiUK-ssccaiis who have
taken part witli us 1 would t^ladly sacrifice mere military advantage; they
deserve our protection, and at all hazards they must have it. * *
Vou may fully rely on my support in the movement I have so much at
heart — the liberation of Eastern Tennessee. Write me often, fully and
contidentially. If you gain and retain possession of Eastern Tennessee
you will have won brighter laurels than any 1 hope to gain." This senti-
ment was worthy of that splendid soldier whose fame will yet be more
justly recognized and recorded. About the same time he w'rote several
other letters of like tenor. And the great heart of Lincoln prompted the
following- dispatch to Gen. Buell in January, 1862: "My distress is that
our friends in East Tennessee are being hanged and driven to despair." It
was reserved, however, for Gen. Uurnside, and not for Gen. Huell, to
emancipate the loyal people of Eastern Tennessee from Confederate dom-
ination. Relief reached that section in August, 1863. Then ensued the
campaign of upper Eastern Tennessee, which consisted of alternate ad-
vances and retreats and frequent skirmishes until Nov. 16, when the
Eighth Tennessee volunteer infantry was ordered to fall back on Knox-
ville, with the other Union forces. On the following day the town was
invested by the Confederate army under Gen. Longstreet. and was be-
sieged until Dec. 5, when the siege was raised by the retreat of the enemy
after suffering a signal defeat from a desperate assault on Eort Saunders.
The Confederate army then withdrew from Upper Eastern Tennessee
after some skirmishing with the pursuing victors, whom they greatly out-
numbered. As long as history records the brave deeds of soldiers, and
the gratitude of the delivered, the loyal people of Eastern Tennessee will
venerate the memory of General Burnside. On Apr. 26, the Eighth Tennes-
see was ordered to strike tents at Bull's Gap, where it was then encamped,
and proceed to Charleston. Tenn., preparatory to the proposed Georgia
campaign, upon which it entered on May 4. The lirst engagement of this
memorable campaign so skillfully and successfully conducted by the gifted
Sherman was at Buzzard's Roost, Georgia, on May 9. The battle of
Resaca was fought on the 14th. The Twenty-third corps under the com-
mand of that distinguished soldier, Gen. J. D. Cox, being in front, brought
on the engagement. Several Union Tennessee regiments besides the
Eighth took a gallant and meritorious part. The battle of Burnt Hickory
was fought on May 26, and daily skirmishing followed until June 17. when
the battle of Kenesaw Mountain was fought. In this engagement Colonel
Reeve's brother, Lieut. Jesse S. Reeve, the .\djutant of his regiment, fell
mortally wounded. He died the day after. Owing to exposure, sickness,
and the hardships of this campaign. Colonel Reeve was advised by his
surgeon to resign his commission. This necessity was regretted by both
his regiment and himself. On Aug. 6, the Eighth Tennessee was ordered
to charge the Confederate lines near Atlanta, but the regiment being
unsupported, and the enemy strongly entrenched, was repulsed with a loss
of 93 men. On Oct. 4, the brave, judicious and irreproachable .Gen.
Thomas assumed conunand of the Fourteenth, Sixteenth and Twenty-third
Corps and moved northward, while Gen. Sherman proceeded south with
the remainder of the Federal forces. The Eighth took part in severa?
unimportant engagements, shortly before the battle of Franklin on Nov.
30, and the battle of Xashvillc, on the ist of December, in both of which
it bore a brave and conspicuous part. With the Army of the Ohio to
which it belonged, the Eighth Tennes.see proceeded to North Carolina in
January. 1865. and participated in the actions of Fort Anderson, Town
Creek, and Wilmington. Returning to Nashville in the spring, the regi-
ment was mustered out. This regiment made an honorable record
throughout its entire service, and its Colonel, who on more than one
404 The Union Army
occasi')!! coniniandcd a lirigaclc. received tlie coninier.dation of General
Sherman. General Burnside. General Schotield, and especially his more
immediate snperior. General Cox. Since the close of the war. Colonel
Reeve has devoted his time to the practice of his profession, and to the
dnties of professional place, and has never songht political preferment.
From the l)eginning of the disunion movement he not only espoused the
Federal cause, but when the war was ended and the Union cause tri-
umphant, he favored peace and harmon\- between the people of the North
and the i)eople of the South, and lent his influence to the accomplishment
of this beneticent end. In the spring of 1865, he happily intermarried
with Wilhelmina Donelson, daughter of the Hon. Horace ]\Iaynard, at
Knoxville, and soon after removed to Greeneville, Tennessee, and opened
a law office. Prior to his retirement from the executive chair in 1869,
President Johnson nominated Colonel Reeve to the Senate for the office
of United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Tennessee. Having
a lucrative practice he declined the unsolicited honor and requested the
withdrawal of his name. In politics Colonel Reeve is an independent
sound money Democrat ; and while he feels that he has some claims upon
the countrv as a patriot and soldier, he recognizes that he has no claims
whatever as a political partisan and spoilsman. In 1870 he received the
unanimous nomination of the Democratic convention, for Circuit Judge
of the First Judicial district of Tennessee, but the Republicans being
largely in the majority his opponent was elected. He continued to reside
at Greeneville till 1873, when he went to Knoxville, and practiced his pro-
fession until 1879, when he removed to Washington City, where he now
resides, and has for several years been employed in the Department of
Justice. He is classed as a lawyer of fine acquirements, and by his ur-
banity of manner and conscientious discharge of duty has won an envia-
ble standing in official and social life. Colonel and Mrs. Reeve have
brought up a family of eight chudren, three sons and five daughters. Two
of their sons are officers in the U. S. Army, and have served the nation
with recognized credit in Cuba and the Philippines, and one of them in
China, Captain Horace Al. Reeve, is a member of the general staff. Colonel
Reeve w-as appointed Assistant solicitor of the Treasury, by President
Cleveland, in 1886. He was retained under the administration of Presi-
dent Harrison ; that brave, upright, and patriotic gentleman refusing in
positive terms to remove for mere political reasons one who had, as he
declared, made an honorable record in both the military and civil service
of the country. The office of Solicitor of the Treasury becoming vacant
by the election of the incumbent. Col. William P. Hepburn, to Congress,
Colonel Reeve was appointed his successor by President Cleveland in
1893, and served through his brave, honest, and distinguished administra-
tion. Though strongly endorsed for retention under the administration
of President McKinley, that Companion and Comrade yielding to the
demand of a "ward politician" whom he had appointed Attorney-General,
Colonel Reeve, though supported by every bureau officer, of both parties,
who had had official relations with him, was removed from the office he
had reached on Civil Service lines and which he had administered ac-
cording to Civil Service principles. For instance, when Solicitor every
clerk in his bureau was a Republican except one, and instead of recom-
mending any of them for removal, or reduction in grade, all were protected
and four of them were promoted on his recommendation. After his re-
moval the office of Assistant Solicitor was tendered to him. and adverse
circumstances and a large and dependent family compelled him to accept
it. This position he still holds. The iniustice and humiliation he experi-
enced at the instance of President AIcKinley's Attorney General, he still
feels. It may not be without interest to add in this connection a letter
Biographical Sketches 405
from that brave and (.•a])aMc i.-imiinaniKr. 1 Jrut(.-nant-( u'licral Scliulkid,
U. S. A., and one from tlie late Major deneral Cox, written to President
McKinley in support of Colonel Reeve's retention as Solicitor. The lirst
letter dated Jan. 25. 1897, is as follows:
'T am writing at this early date a letter to l)e i)laced in your hands at
the proper time in favor of my old friend and companif)n. Colonel Felix
A. Reeve, who commanded the lughth Tennessee Infantry, in the 23d Army
Corps during- the Atlanta Campaign, in whicii he was conspicuous for
gallantry and eft'icient service. Col. Reeve has also rendered for many
years faithful and efficient non-partisan services in the Executive Depart-
ment of the Government. Such a record of long and faithful service,
both military and civil, will, I doubt not, be esteemed by you as the surest
evidence of that fitness which you will demand in all who are to be ap-
pointed to office under your own administration. Hence I take great
pleasure in submitting to you my own personal knowledge of Col. Reeve's
character and public service.
"I have the honor to be, with great respect,
"Your obedient servant.
"J. Al. SCHOFIELD,
"Lieut. Gen'l U. S. A."
On March 5, 1897. Gen. Cox wrote the President as follows :
"The present Solicitor of the Treasury is Col. Felix A. Reeve, who
was appointed to a subordinate place in the Department of Justice in 1880,
by Attorney-General Devens. He has risen to his present position by de-
served promotions on account of his faithful work, his acknowledged
ability and high character, gaining experience and becoming a more valua-
ble officer at every step.
He was also a gallant and loyal soldier during the Civil War, raising
and leading a regiment of loyal Tennesseeans (8th Tenn. Infantry),
which served in my Command in the Campaign of Atlanta and onward to
the close of the war. As one of the loyal mountaineers, he has large
claims on the recognition of the American people.
P^or good reasons of both sorts mentioned, it would seem right that he
should be retained in office, and I beg leave most respectfully to join his
other friends in recommending that this be done.
"Your obd't serv't,
"J. D. COX."
It is liut just to Colonel Reeve to add as illustrative of his patriotism
and political independence, that he favored the reelection of President
McKinley. and the election of Mr. Roosevelt to the Vice-Presidency, not-
withstanding a keen sense of injustice at the hands of the former. Dur-
ing the campaign he wrote President McKinley the following letter :
"While you will permit me to feel that my removal from the office of
Solicitor of the Treasury was undeserved, I beg you to accept my assur-
ance that above any personal sense of wrong, it is distinctly my convic-
tion that the best interests of the country would be promoted by your re-
election to the Presidency, and the repeated defeat of Mr. Bryan and the
anomalous aggregation of discontent for which he stands.
"I trust, therefore, that on the first Tuesday of Xoveml)er next, your
administration will have the clear and overwhelming endorsement of the
American people ; and that Divine Providence will sustain you, and crown
your next term with peace in all our borders, as well as with continued
prosperity throughout the country. ,
"I am, very respectfully,
"Your ol)'t serv't,
"FELIX ALEXAXDER REEVE."
40G
The Unio : Army
Colonel Reeve is a nieniher of the Military Order of the L(j.val Legion,
a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, a member of the Sons of
the American Revolution, etc., etc. May the patriotism and example of
the men whose names and deeds are recorded in these volumes stir up
the present and future generations with high resolve to live to be brave and
worth_\' citizens, dear to (iod and famous forever!
Reeve, James Kenry, chief of the division of postmasters' accounts
and ])<)sta] supplies, Washington, D. C, from June 24, 1897, to Oct. 14,
lOoS. when be resigned, enlisted for service in the Civil war on April 19,
1861, at Newburg-on-the-Hudson, as a pri-
vate in Company B, 3d X. Y. infantry. He
was promoted to the rank of second lieuten-
ant, April 25, 1862, to that of first lieutenant
on July 8, 1864, and to that of captain on
Sept. 30. of the same year. He was in com-
mand of the regiment from Oct. 27, 1864,
until the capture of Fort Fisher Jan. 15,
1865, and on that occasion was brevetted
major for meritorious conduct. The iirst
engagement of the 3d New York infantry
and the first general engagement of the war
June 10, ]86i, was at Big Bethel, Va., and
those that were not reenlisted were mus-
tered out in May, 1863, but the regiment,
composed of 200 veterans and 162 recruits,
with recruits, subsequent!}-, from other regi-
ments, remained in the tield. It was present
at the siege of Suffolk, at Folly Island
where it took part in the operations against Fort Wagner, at the bom-
bardment of Fort Sumter and the attacks of Charleston in the summer
and autumn of 1863. Transferred to the loth corps it returned to Vir-
ginia, and was in the advance under Gen. Butler in May, 1864, losing
sixty-two killed, wounded and missing. It fought in the battle of Drew-
ry's Bluff, and May 31, was transferred to the i8th corps at Cold Harbor,
where it was active until June 12. June 15, in the first attack on Peters-
burgh, later at Bermuda Hundred, was engaged at Petersburg, Mine Ex-
plosion July .30, Chaffin's Farm Sept. 29, and on the Darbytown road
Oct. 27, and later was sent to North Carolina where it was engaged at
Fort Fisher from Dec. 25 to Jan. 15, 1865, and later at Sugar Loaf Bat-
tery, Fort Anderson and Wilmington, and on picket and garrison duty
until the close of the war. At Fort Fisher, Capt. Reeve, then in the com-
mand of the regiment, was badly wounded, his right leg being taken off
at the knee, by the explosion of a shell, and this ended his military
service. The regimental muster out occurred at Raleigh. N. C. Aug. 28,
1865. Capt. Reeve lived at Newburg, N. Y., following the war, until
1873, and served as collector of the city for one year, being nominated
by the Republican party and endorsed by the Democrats, and not having
a single vote cast against him. He was appointed postmaster at Newburg
at the request of the Democrats, and served a year. In 1870 he moved to
Ossining, N. Y., where he lived for a time, and in 1875, received an ap-
pointment as clerk in the postoffice department at Washington, D. C.
On Jan. 30, 1890, he voluntarily resigned his position, and went into the
claims business in the same city. On June 24, 1897, he was appointed
chief of the stamp division, of the postoffice department, and on July i,
1905, was appointed to his present position, with the somewhat cumber-
some title of Superintendent of the division of postmasters" accounts and
postage stamp supplies. Capt. Reeve's active military service, in which he
Biographical Sketches
407
lost his leg, and the personal courage and enthusiasm, through which he
inspired his command, makes most appropriate this recognition of his
merit by the civil government, and in addition to that l)y his long service
at the capital in the lower divisions of the department he brought to his
present position a thorough knowledge of the work of his division. He
still retains his interest in the bonds of comradeship which were formed
through those four years of warfare, and is a meml)er of the Lincoln
Post, No. 3, of the Grand Army of the Republic and the Military Order
of the Loyal Legion, both at \\ ashington, D. C.
Rizer, Henry Clay, Chief Clerk of the U. S. Geological Survey, Wash-
ington. I). C, enlisted in Company C, 3d Maryland, P. H. B., Sept. 16.
1M61, at Cumberland. Maryland, at seventeen years of age. By reason of
his membership in a militia company he had
acquired some knowledge of military tactics.
Owing to this fact he was made First Ser-
geant of the Company and instructed his
comrades as they were enrolled, in the posi-
tion of a soldier, the manual of arms and,
later, in company formation. In l*\'l)ruar}-,
iS()2, he was promoted to the position of
b'irst Lieutenant; IMarch i, following, to
that of Captain and April 14, 1864, he was
advanced to the rank of Major. The pre-
ceding colonel of the regiment was mus-
tered out in January, 1865, leaving Major
Rizer in command, the position of Lieut.
Colonel being vacant at the time. This lat-
ter rank was promptly conferred upon him
by Governor Bradford, who, a few months
later, raised him to the full rank of Colonel.
He was among the youngest officers who
attained that rank, being but twenty-one
years of age at the close of the Civil war.
In May, 1862, the Regiment was assigned to duty in the Mduntain depart-
ment and first came under tire at Franklin, West Va., where one man was
killed. In August it was transferred to the Middle department and
engaged in railroad guard duty until September, when it was included
in the disgraceful surrender at Harper's Ferry after engaging the enemy
on Maryland Heights until needlessly withdrawn and the following day
being on the skirmish line south of Bolivar Heights, where one officer
and several men were killed and a number of others were wounded.
From Harper's Ferry the regiment was sent to Camp Parole, Annapolis,
where it remained until exchanged the following summer. It was again
assigned to guard duty at railroad bridges and fords on the Potomac
till 1864, when on July 7, it being a part of Kcnly's l)rigade, engaged
the advance of Early's army west of Frederick. Md., and two days
later at the battle of Monocacy. Following this occurred engagements at
Snicker's Gap, Halltown. Charlestown, Berryville and the battle of
Winchester Sept. 19, 1864. Early in October the regiment was de-
spatched to Buckhannon, West Va., to check a raid by the enemy in
that region. Here it remained as an outpost until the close of the war.
During the period of his service Colonel Rizer was with his command in
every engagement in which it had a chance to take part. He was at no
time absent on account of sickness and was absent on leave on but two
occasions, each for a period of ten days. One peculiaV incident that oc-
curred to Colonel Rizer during his service was while in conunand of a
battalion supporting a l)attery. A shell from one of the enemy's guns
From a war time photograpli.
408 The Union Army
exploded within a few feet of him and directly in his front, the concus-
sion of which knocked him down. He was enveloped in dust and smoke
caused liy the explosion, hut was uninjured by any fragment of the
shell. Another was when a rifle hall struck the joint of the upper and
lower sole of his right boot, penetrating the same, but causing no damage
other than a nervous shock to the foot and temporary lameness. Re-
turning to civil life Colonel Rizer took up the study of the law. He was
admitted to the bar in 1867. He located in Hagerstown, Md., wdiere he
engaged in the practice of his profession. In 1870 he removed to Eureka,
Kas., and later to Topeka. He became special disbursing agent of the
(Geological Survey in 1883, but resigned in 1886 to accept the position of
Secretary to the Kansas Board of R. R. Commissioners. In 1889 he again
liccame a special disl)ursing agent of the Geological Survey and two years
later its chief clerk, which place he still holds.
Reinohl, David Christopher (appearing on the army muster roll as
David C. Reinoehl). a patent attorney of Washington, D. C, entered the
Federal service at llarrisburg. Pa., Aug. 8, 1862, as a private in Company
E, 127th Pa. infantry, — being at that time
nineteen years of age,— and served until the
muster out of the regiment (nine months)
in ]\Iay 29, 1863. Mr. Reinohl participated
in the battle of Fredericksburg, Dec. 13,
1862, and the 127th Pa. was the first to
charge Marye's Heights, being on the ex-
irenie right. In the engagement on May
3, 1863, known as the battle of Chancellors-
ville, his regiment again participated. He
passed through this experience without hav-
ing been either wounded or captured and
was never, from any reason, absent from
his command. After the muster out he went
to Washington, D. C, and entered the em-
ploy of the government in the quartermas-
ter's department, and as such became a
member of the regiment that was raised iii
that department and equipped for the de-
fense of Washington. He was detailed as a wheelwright and sent to the
front at City Point, to make patterns of guns for the army, and was thus
employed from June to August, 1864, when he was transferred back to
the quartermaster's department at Washington, where he remained until
the following December. He was then transferred to the navy yard de-
partment at Washington, w'here he was employed until Jan. 17, 1873, when
he resigned, having secured a position in the patent otiice which he filled
until ]\Iay i, 1885. At that date he entered into a partnership with James
J. Johnson, then the oldest practitioner before the U. S. patent office, and
took a course in law, being graduated from the legal department of
Columbian (now George Washington) University, in 1887. The partner-
ship continued until the death of the senior partner. May 29, 1891, since
which time Mr. Reinohl has continued the business alone. He is a mem-
ber of Kit Carson Post, Xo. 2, Grand Army of the Republic at Washing-
ton, and also of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of the Meth-
odist Episcopal church, while his political allegiance is given to the Re-
pulilican party. His long professional and official career in the national
capital has given him a familiar knowledge of leading men and events,
and his personal characteristics have won for him a wide circle of
friends in whose esteem and confidence he holds a iiigh place. •
Biographical Sketches
409
Reyburn, Robert, M. D., of Washington. D. C, one of the best known
physicians in tlx' L^iitid States, was born at Cihisgow, Scotland, August
I, 1833. llis tatbLT (li(.(l in Scotland and in iS'43 the doctor came to this
country witli his widowed mother, locating
r''^^^ at Philadelphia, Pa., where he was educated.
He read medicine with Dr. Lewis D. Har-
lan and in 1856 received the degree of
M. I), from tile Philadelphia College of
Medicine, lie jiracticed in that city until
May 7. 1862. when he entered the Union
army as an acting assistant surgeon and was
assigned to the Alansion House hospital at
•Alexandria, Va., where he assisted in re-
ceiving and caring for the wounded from
^ ^i^^^^EK / '•^^" ''^ttlertelds of the second Bull Run,
\ ^^^^^^^^^Hkt ' Cedar mountain, Chantilly, Fredericksburg
^^^^^^^^^^^n and Chanccllorsville. On June 4, 1863, he
^^^^^^^ll^ ^K passed the examination for assistant sur-
^^^^^^B^ ^kI— • geons, standing first in the class, and was
^^^^^HK ^B^^ recommended for immediate promotion to
^^^HRj^^P^ the position of surgeon. On June 13 he was
^^^^ commissioned surgeon and assigned as sur-
geon-in-chief lo the defenses of Washington north of the Potomac. In
August following he was ordered to Fairfax, Va., as medical director of
Gen. King's division, where he remained until March 11, 1864, when he
was relieved aii<l ordered to Washington as a member of the army medical
examining board to examine candidates for assistant surgeons. He had
charge of the medical department of the Department of Washington at
the time Gen. Early made his demonstration against the national capital
in the summer of 1864, and remained on duty in Washington until the
close of the war, except a few months in the last year of the conflict,
when he was made chief surgeon of the District of the Patuxent. On
Oct. 29, 1866, he was brevetted lieutenant-colonel and on May 22, 1867,
was commissioned assistant surgeon in the army of the United States.
Init he resigned the same year and has since been engaged in the practice
of his profession in the city of Washington. On Nov. 14, 1866. he was
appointed surgeon-in-chief for the Freedmen's Bureau and shortly after-
ward was made chief medical officer of the bureau, retaining that position
until the institution ceased to exist in 1872. From 1866 to 1868 Dr. Rey-
burn was professor of surgery in the medical department of Howard uni-
versity, which institution conferred upon him the degree of Master of
Arts in 1871. In 1878 he was made professor of anatomy in the medical
department of Georgetown university, and in 1880 was appointed professor
of physiology and clinical medicine in Howard university. In 1902 he was
made professor of preventive medicine and hygiene in the same institution
and in the same year was elected dean of the medical faculty. Dr. Rey-
burn was one of the physicians in attendance upon President Gartield
after he was shot by Guiteau and wrote a "Clinical History of the Case
of President Gartield." He has also been a frequent contril)utor to medi-
cal journals and his articles have been widely read by members of the
profession throughout the country. Dr. Reyburn is a member of the
American Medical association; Medical association and society of the
District of Columbia ; the National Microscopic society, of which he was
vice-president in 1891-92: member of the Microscopic Society of the Dis-
trict of Columbia : belongs to the anthropological and 'liiological societies ;
the American society of anatomists; the Electro-therapeutic society; vice-
president of the National therapeutic society; president of the medico-legal
no
The Union Army
society of the District of Columbia; nicnil)cr and |)rcsi(lent of the board
of health of the District of Coliiml)ia in 1870-71 ; member of the Congress
of American physicians and surgeons; member of the Washington school
board in J<S77-79; served as one of the councilmen of Georgetown; con-
sulting surgeon to tiie Providence and Freedmen's hospitals ; visiting physi-
cian to St. John's church orphanage ; and an honorary member of the
Societe Francaise d' Flectrotherapie, of Paris, France. He is a Royal
Arch Mason, and for over thirty years he has been one of the vestrymen
of St. John's Episcopal church of Washington. In his political affiliations
he is an unswerving Republican and is the member of the Republican
national committee for the District of Columbia. In 1904 he was a dele-
gate to the Republican national convention at Chicago, that nominated
Theodore Roosevelt for the presidency and also a delegate to the National
Republican convention of 1908 which nominated W. H. Taft. Notwith-
standing his arduous professional labors and the demands upon his time
from the numerous societies to which he belongs, Dr. Reyburn has found
time to write a number of short poems that have appeared in the Wash-
ington papers, as well as a number of articles bearing upon the local
needs of the District of Columbia. Throughout his long and active life,
more than fifty years of which have been passed in the practice of medi-
cine. Dr. Reyburn has been an eager and enthusiastic student of every-
thing pertaining to his chosen calling, and the eminence he has attained
has been the natural and direct result of his well applied energy. Although
past the age of three score and ten years, he is still a student, undertak-
ing the solution of new problems or making scientific investigations with
as much avidity as in his younger years.
Sanders, Capt. Henry Pethebridge, deceased, who was a principal
examiner in the United States patent office at Washington, D. C, was
born in Devonshire, England, Jan. 26, 1838. and came with his parents to
this country in 1841, settling in Stafford,
Genesee county, N. Y. He was commis-
sioned Sept. 8, 1862, as second lieutenant of
Company C, 151st N. Y. infantry. On Nov.
i-j, 1863, he was promoted to first lieutenant
of the same company, and on June 3, 1864,
was made captain of Company H, in which
capacity he served until mustered out the
following December. During his term of
service he served as acting adjutant of his
regiment from July, 1863, to May, 1864. His
first engagement with the enemy was at
Locust mountain, Va., after which the regi-
ment joined the Army of the Potomac and
took part in the operations of that army
during the rest of the war. Capt. Sanders
look part in the battles of Berryville. Bran-
dy Station, Snicker's Gap, Reams Station,
Kelly's Ford, Mine Run, the Wilderness,
Cold Harbor, the Opequan, Spottsylvania, Monocacy, Charleston and at
Winchester, Sept. 19, 1864. He was severely wounded at Opequan creek,
Va., which rendered him unfit for further active service, and he was mus-
tered out in Dec, 1864, as already stated. Upon leaving the army he
returned to his home at Stafford, N. Y., but later went to Buffalo, where
he remained for about six months, and in April, 1867, entered the U. S.
patent office, with which he was connected, rising to the position of prin-
cipal examiner by a careful attention to the details of the business en-
trusted to his care and a faithful discharge of his duties. Capt. Sanders
Biographical Sketches
411
was a member of the Washington Connnandery, Military Order of the
Loyal Legion, and belonged to Burnside Post, \o. 8, Grand Army of the
Republic. He died Dec. 30, 1907, at his home in VVasliington, D. C. He
was a trustee of the Calvary Baptist church for a numl)er of years. He
is survived by his wife, who was Aliss .Vlice W'urdemann of Washington,
D. C, whom lie married Jan. 2, 1899. .Appropriate resolutions on the
death of Mr. Sanders were passed l)y the Patent Law .Association and by
the commissioner and brother officials of tlie patent office, also l)y the
Calvary Baptist Church and Congregation.
Sarids, Francis Preston Blair, an attorney at Washington. 1). C, was
just graduated from the Cieorgctown University. L). C, when the Civil
war l)roke out. Willi his father. Commander Benj. F. Sands, he was sent
as Hydrographic aid on the U. S. Coast
Survey to duty in the harbor of San Fran-
cisco, Cal. The latter was in command of
the coast survey steamer ".Active," then
lying at San P'rancisco, where it had been
ordered under the lielief that the war would
be a matter of a few nuniths only. Mr.
Sands accompanied his father, and while
there it was discovered that an attempt
would t)e made to seize the Mare Island
navy yard and magazine, and the ".Active"
was ordered to protect tlie same. The son
accompanied his father on this expedition,
and later went with the "Active" to the port
of Los Angeles, landing troops under the
command of Major Ketchum at San Pedro.
The steamer then returned to San Francisco
and was employed in surveying work until
in the early autumn of 1862, when Com-
mander Sands and his son both returned to the east, the former being so
anxious to get into the active service on the blockade, that he left without
orders. Three days after his arrival in Washington, D. C, Capt. Sands
was ordered to the command of the sloop of war, "Dacotah," and
the son accompanied him as clerk. The vessel sailed to the Cape Fear
river, where Capt. Sands was made Commander of the division block-
ading the two entrances of Cape Fear river. Here Mr. Sands re-
mained about two months, when he received an appointment as Acting
Ensign, and remained on board for several months. It was during this
time that he was tirst under tire, the occasion being an^ attempt to cut
out a blockade runner from under the guns of Fort Caswell. Subse-
quently he was transferred to the flagship "Minnesota" as contidential
aide to Admiral S. P. Lee, remaining with him ten months. Tlien he was
ordered to the U. S. S. "P^ort Jackson" on blockading duty off Cape Fear
River for several months. He was then detached and ordered to the
gunboat "Gettysburg," — commanded by Lieut. Roswell H. Lamson, then
with the North Atlantic squadron, — as senior watch officer and partici-
pated in the first and second bombardments of F"ort F^isher, being the
only officer who volunteered to go from his ship with the landing party
from the ditYerent vessels, to make the final assault on the fori on Jan.
15, 1865. With his captain he was with the second division of the assault-
ing party, reaching the palisades by running at right angles from the
boat to the fort. He was with the last who retreated,— the marine assault
being repelled,— and assisted in carrying off the wounded. Mr. Sands
rallied 100 men to rescue a part of the force left huddled under the pal-
isades, but was not allowed to go to the relief. This attack of the marine
■n-i
The Union Army
force, under Capt. K. R. lireese, on the northeastern hastion was a most
gallant etTort and made under a murderous lire, and soon after Mr. Sands
was promoted to acting master for gallant conduct on this occasion, on
rec(Mnmendation of Lieut. Lamson and Lieut. W'm. B. Cushing. who were
eye-witnesses of his intrepid and soldierly conduct. Jn July, 18(35, he was
ordered to the U. S. steamer "Frolic," which was sent to join the Medit-
terranean squadron as tender to the Hagship under Admiral Lewis M.
Goldhorough, and was with the squadron hfteen months, resigning on
hearing of the critical illness of his father, Capt. Benj. F. Sands, then on
duty at the Boston navy yard. The resignation was revoked by the de-
partment and Mr. Sands given a three months' leave of absence, and the
sincere desire expressed by friends in the department that he should
remain in the navy; he, however, declined and entered upon the study of
law, and was admitted to the bar in Washington, D. C, in 1869, and has
since followed his profession in that city. Mr. Sands belongs to the Mili-
tary Order of the Loyal Legion, Washington, D. C, and has served two
years on the Council of the Legion. He is a member of Burnside Post
No. 8, G. A. R. He is also a member of the Sons of the Revolution, and
in 1902 and 1903 was vice-president of the chapter, and in 1904 president of
the same.
Simmons, George, son of Richard and Susanna (Bassett) Simmons,
Chief of the Division of Printing and Stationery in the office of the Sec-
retary of the United States Treasury, Washington, D. C, born Dec. 24,
1840, served in the Union army from April,
1 86 1, to December, 1864, in the famous
Eleventh Indiana infantry. Colonel Lew
Wallace. Two years before the breaking
out of the war he enlisted in a militia com-
pany in his native city of Indianapolis
known as the "City Grays," and when the
iith Indiana infantry was organized this
company was mustered into it as Co. A, in
which Mr. Simmons was appointed corporal.
I Upon the organization and equipment of the
I regiment for the three months' service, in
April, 1861, it was ordered to Evansville,
Ind., on the north bank of the Ohio river,
^^ where it remained a short time and was then
transferred to Cuml)erland, Md. While sta-
tioned at Cumberland. Md., the regiment
and details from it made many incursions
across the Potomac into Virginia, often
routing and scattering marauding detachments of the enemy. Notable
among those affrays were the important engagements at Romney and
Kelly's Ford, Va., in June, 1861. During the tirst battle of Bull Run the
regiment was stationed on the vicinity of Harper's Ferry, Va. About
this time the term of service of the regiment having expired it proceeded
to Indianapolis for muster out. W'hen the regiment was recruited and
reorganized for the three years' service, in August, 1861, Mr. Simmons
was appointed a Sergeant in his old Company (A), and accompanied his
command to St. Louis, Mo., where it reported for duty to General Fre-
mont. Upon arrival in St. Louis the regiment was ordered to Paducah,
Ky., where it remained under Gen. C. F. Smith, until February, 1862,
when it was assigned to the 5th brigade, 2d division. Army of the Ten-
nessee, preparatory to the movement directed against Forts Henry and
Donelson. Helping to drive the rebels within their works, the regiment
lav on its guns outside Fort Donelson the night before the surrender.
^
Biographical Sketches ' 413
and was among the first to enter the fort on the morning of the capitula-
tion. After the fall of Fort Donelson, the regiment was marched to
Fort Heiman. opposite Fort Henry, Tenn., from whence it moved to
Crump's Landing, near Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., as a part of Gen. Lew
Wallace's ,^d Division, and helped to rout tlie enemy on the second (lay of
the l^attle of Shiloh. The regiment then marclied across the count rv to
Memphis, Tenn., and from there went by steamer to Melena, Ark., where
it remained until the spring of 1863, when it formed pari of Alvin V.
Hovey's 12th Division of the Army of the Tennessee in the movements
which resulted in the fall of Vicksburg. During this campaign Sergeant
Simmons was promoted successively to First Sergeant and Second Lieu-
tenant of his Company. He participated in the engagements of Port
Gibson and Champion's Hill and a number of minor actions in the vicinity
of Vicksburg. At Port Gibson, he was selected by the Colonel of his
regiment to carry important verbal messages to officers commanding
field artillery in action. In charging a battery of held artillery in the
opening of the engagement at Champion's Hill his command being tempo-
rarily repulsed, in close combat among the guns he was stunned by a
blow on the temple and taken prisoner, being conlined in the Vicksburg
jail for a few days, when he was paroled and sent to Camp Chase, Coluni-
bus, Ohio, from whence he joined his regiment then in Louisiana actively
engaged in the Red River campaign (1864). At the conclusion of this
campaign his command was ordered to New Orleans, La., from whence
it was transferred to the Army of the Potomac, as a part of the 2nd
brigade, 2nd division, 19th army corps. While in camp at New Orleans
Lieut. Simmons was promoted to first lieutenant and transferred to Com-
pany C of his regiment. Arriving at City Point, Va., his division was or-
dered, before landing, to proceed to Washington, D. C, which was about
to be attacked by the enemy under General Early. After the repulse of
the Confederates, Lieutenant Simmons accompanied his command in the
pursuit, under General Sheridan, of the retreating enemy into the Shenan-
doah Valley of Virginia, taking part in the engagements at Halltown,
Strawburg, Fisher's Hill, Opequan (Winchester) and Cedar Creek. Dur-
ing a portion of this time he was acting quartermaster of his regiment.
After the Shenandoah Valley campaign the regiment was ordered to
Fort ]McHenry, near Baltimore, Md., when Lieut. Simmons resigned, in
December, 1864, upon expiration of his term of service under a general
order of the War Department. With the exception of the short time that
he was a prisoner of war, Lieutenant Simmons was never absent from
his command, but participated in all of its movements. Upon leaving the
army he remained for a year at his home in Indianapolis, then went to
Nashville, Tenn., for a short time, then to Knoxville. Tenn., and in No-
vember, 1867, entered the government printing office at Washington. On
Apr. I, 1868, he was appointed to a position in the Treasury department,
with which he has ever since been connected, working his way up step bv
step to his present responsible position. Lieutenant Simmons is a charter
member of Burnside Post, No. 8, Grand Army of the Republic, at Wash-
ington, is a Knight Templar Mason, and is a member and trustee of
Calvary Methodist Episcopal Church of that city, which he helped to
organize. His record as a soldier show^s that he was always at his post
of duty, and his long connection with one of the most im])ortant de-
partments of the national government is evidence that he is faithful and
conscientious in executing the Ijusiness that comes into his hands. In
1891 he was married in Lincoln. Neb., to Miss Julia D. Lybrook, of the
prominent Virginia family of that name, and has onu child — a promis-
ing boy, (Lybrook Simmons) now in his 19th year.
414 The Union Army
Shertzer, A. Trego, M. D., a distinguished physician and surgeon of
BaUimore, who lias won an international reputation and is one of the
two native Americans to wear the Iron Cross presented by King William
of German}', entered the military service on
March 3, 1862, as an apothecary at the Xaval
Asylum at Philadelphia, and after remain-
ing there a year was sent, on March 3, 1863,
to the blockading squadron off Charleston,
S. C, and was there assigned to the U. S. S.
"Mary Sanford," as surgeon steward in
rliarge and was in charge until after the
close of the war and was then assigned to
the U. S. S. "Wasp," oft' Annapolis for two
months, to the U. S. S. "Santee" as surgeon
steward in charge for six months and was
then transferred to the Naval Asylum at
Annapolis, as apothecary, where he re-
mained until his resignation, Nov. 25, 1868.
In Deccmljer following he was appointed
surgeon in charge of the hospital for dis-
abled soldiers in Baltimore, and so remained
until 1870. At that time he responded to
Bismarck's call upon the German Patriot Aid Society for surgeons, and
passed a most creditable examination before the board not only in sur-
gery, the great essential for battle-field work, but in general medicine
and in German, a perfect knowledge of the latter being indispensable.
He was immediately sent to Germany, to Coblentz on the Rhine, where
he reported for duty, and remained in the garrison hospital at this place,
performing in the most skillful manner all the important capital opera-
tions of an army surgeon, until Oct. 10, 1870, when he was sent to take
charge of the Reitbahn hospital, at Saarbrucken, on the frontier between
France and Prussia. While there he was sent to Meaux Mctz and other
places to apply the anterior splint of the late Prof. N. R. Smith, his pre-
ceptor at the Maryland University, being the only surgeon in the Prus-
sian service who was thoroughly conversant with the proper method of
applying that valuable surgical apparatus. While engaged at the Reit-
bahn hospital Dr. Shertzer first attracted the attention of Emperor Will-
iam. The latter was making a tour of the hospitals, inquiring after the
sick and wounded, and entered the Reitbahn institution when Dr. Shert-
zer was amputating a soldier's leg. On every hand were evidences of the
physician's ingenuity in the way of appliances which he invented for the
health and comfort of the inmates, and these things together with his skill
as a surgeon attracted the attention of the Emperor. Turning to an
aide he asked who the surgeon was and from what place he came, and
instructed his secretary to make a note of the facts, as he intended to
reward the young surgeon at the proper time. For his efficient services
and his gallant efforts in behalf of the sick and wounded Dr. Shertzer
received a gold medal from the hospital commission of Prussia, and
also the Iron Cross and a silver medal from the Prussian government.
His position during the FrancO-Prussian war was on the staff of Sur-
geon General Cooper, and he served until May, 1871. During the summer
he made an extensive tour through Europe, returning in the fall of 1871
and established himself in his profession in Baltimore, where he has since
successfully practiced. Dr. Shertzer commemorates his service in the
Civil war by membership in the Dushane Post, No. 3. Grand Army of the
Republic, and was post inspector of the ]\Iaryland department of that or-
ganization, for a year; he also served as national surgeon of the Naval
Biographical Sketches ilo
Veterans' Organization for two years, lie hrlung^ {>> ihc .Mrdical and
Surgical Association of Baltimore and to the Medical and Ciiirurgical
faculty of Maryland University. His religious faith is that of the
Society of Friends. Himself of Pcnnsyhanian nativity, he is descended
on the maternal side from an ancient English family with a coat of arms
recorded in British heraldry in 1430 and in the doctor's second edition of
his history of the Trego family, he has traced his ancestry back to 1440,
when the Tregos were located in Bristol, England, who fled from France
after the revocation of the Edict of Xantcs, seckino a refuge in England.
On Oct. 28, 1682, the .\merican ancestor of Dr. Shertzcr, Peter Trego,
came to America and settled in Honey Brook, Pa., and there numbers of
the family have resided, and from that place spread out to other localities.
The doctor is the author of a genealogical work entitled "A Historical
Account of the Trego l'"amily." published in Baltimore in 1884.
Sloat, Frank Dardanelle, linancial clerk in the U. S. patent office,
enlisted for service in the Civil war, in September, 1862, at New Haven,
Conn., as a private in Co. A, 27th Connecticut infantry and was mustered
in on the 8th of that month, as second lieutenant of the company. He
was promoted to the position of iirst lieutenant on Oct. 2, 1862, and to
that of captain on May 28, 1863. He was mustered out with the last
named title on July 3, 1863, at New Haven, Conn. He participated in the
battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, and at the latter place
was, with eight companies of his regiment, captured and sent to Libby
prison. On the last of May the prisoners of the 27th were paroled and
sent to the camp at Annapolis, remaining there a week, and were later
exhcanged and rejoined the remnant of the regiment at Baltimore, and
then proceeded to New Haven and were mustered out, the term of en-
listment (nine months) having expired. Col. John R. Brooke, command-
ing the 4th brigade, to which the 27th Connecticut was attached, said on
parting with this regiment : "Side by side with the veterans of the Army
of the Potomac it has fought, and by the gallantry of its conduct won for
itself an enviable name and reputation, which may well, in future years,
cause all who belong to it to feel a pardonable pride in having to say
that the}- served with the 27th Connecticut." After being mustered out,
Capt. Sloat served on the staffs of Govs. C. B. Andrews and H. B.
Bigelow, both chief executives of Connecticut, having the rank of briga-
dier general. Upon the close of hostilities between the north and the
south, Capt. Sloat settled down in New Haven, as the confidential clerk
of C. S. Bushnell, remaining with him for four years. Mr. Bushnell will
be remembered as the man who secured the appropriation from the gov-
ernment which enabled Erickson to build the "Monitor." After leaving
this position Capt. Sloat went to Wisconsin, where he was for three
years employed by the Swedes Iron Company. Returning to New Haven
he became interested in the Victor Sewing Machine Company, with head-
quarters at Middletown in the same state, and was president of the com-
pany for ten years. During this time he was nominated as comptroller
of Connecticut on the Republican ticket, was the only representative of
his party elected on the state ticket that year, and served one term of two
years. Leaving New Haven, Capt. Sloat removed to New York city,
where he became general manager of the Citizens' Mutual Life Insurance
Company and was so engaged for two years, and then resigning his posi-
tion returned to New Haven. In September, 1891, he went to Washington
and assumed his present position in response to a telegram from the then
commissioner of patents. Capt. Sloat belongs to the Admiral l<"oote
Post, No. 17. Grand Army of the Republic, at New Haven, of which he is
past commander and was also department commander of Connecticut.
He also belongs to the Military Order of the Loyal Legion, and stands
•116
The Union Army
CN^
high in other fraternal circles, being a Knight Templar and a menihor of
the Mystic Shrine in the -Masonic order at Xew Haven and Washington.
He was for twelve years a meml)er of the Gettysburg battletield commis-
sion for the state of Pennsylvania. His religious faith is expressed by
membership in the Congregational church.
Smith, Francis Marion, superintendent of mails at Pjaltimorc, I\Id.,
was born in that city, Nov. 29. 1842, and moved to Frederick in the same
state at an early age. He was serving an apprenticeship at the marl)le-
cutting establishment of Capt. John -\IcF.
Lyeth when the Civil war began and was
among the earliest to respond to the call of
the government, and the second man en-
rolled in his vicinity. On May 17, 1861, he
enlisted as a private and was assigned to
Co. H, 1st Maryland volunteer infantry.
Col. John R. Kenly, commanding, and was
sworn into service May 27 following, as a
corporal of Co. H. He was promoted to the
position of first sergeant on Nov. 25, 1862,
and reenlisted as a veteran volunteer on
l'\>b. 19. 1864. On March 12, 1864, he was
commissioned as second lieutenant of Co.
E, and promoted to the rank of first lieu-
tenant and adjutant while in line of battle
at Weldon railroad, Aug. 21, 1864, by Col.
Nathan T. Dushane, then commanding the
regiment. He was awarded a medal of
honor for gallantry at the battle of Dabney's Mills. Feb. 6, 1865, under the
following congressional provision : "Medals of Honor awarded for dis-
tinguished services under Resolution of Congress, Xo. 43, approved July
12, 1862, and section 6, of Act of Congress approved March 3, 1863:" and
was also brevetted captain for gallant and meritorious conduct at the
battle of Five Forks, April i. 1865. The recommendation was made
April 24, 1865, by Col. David L. Stanton, commanding the ist Maryland
infantry as follows : "I have the honor to present the following names of
officers of this brigade, whom I believe Ijy their meritorious conduct in
the recent campaign to be deserving of promotion by brevet :
First Lieut. F. M. Smith, adjutant First Maryland Veteran Volunteers,
for dashing prowess, inspiring by it the advancing line on April i.
Wounded." This recommendation was endorsed Brevet Maj. Gen. R. B.
Ayres. Brevet Maj. Gen. Chas. Griffin and ]\lajor Gen. G. Meade, com-
manding. Capt. Smith was slightly wounded in the groin at Cold Har-
bor, Va., June 3, 1864; in the left hand and left thigh at Petersburg, Va.,
June 18, 1864, and in the left leg below the knee on April i, 1865, at Five
Forks. He participated in the following engagements : Fort Frederick,
Md., in December of 1861 ; Front Royal, Harris Farm, North Anna, Shady
Grove, Va., in the spring of 1862; Cold Harbor, assault on Petersburg,
Weldon railroad, in the summer; Poplar Grove, Chapel House, Peeble's
Farm, Hatcher's Run, Va., in the autumn ; and in the late winter and
spring of 1865 was at Dabney's j\lill. White Oak Road, and Five Forks,
and was mustered out of service with the regiment on July 2, 1865. at
Arlington. Va. After leaving the army, Capt. Smith entered the quarter-
master's office in Washington, D. C, for three months and then went to
Baltimore and entered the postoffice and was there until President Cleve-
land's administration, when he went out and was in the employ of the
Pennsylvania Company for a year. In 1889 he was returned to the Balti-
more postoffice and installed in his present position. He belongs to the
Biographical Sketches
41^
Maryland comniaiidcry of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion, and
was a charter member of the Xathan T. Dushane Post, Xo. 3, Grand
Army of the Republic, and has been its commander live or six terms, and
has also served as the commander of the department of Maryland. The
years have passed lightly over the head of the gallant captain, and although
nearly half a century has passed since he responded to the call for the
preservation of the Union he still exhilMts the same traits of character
which made him conspicucnis among hundreds of other brave men and
gallant soldiers of the h'irst Maryland infantry, 267 of whom died on the
field (ir of \vinni(l> and hardship incident to their military life.
Spear, Ellis, of Washington, D. C, entered the service at Portland,
Me., on Aug. 29, 1862, as captain of Company G, 20th Maine Volunteer
infantrv. which company he recruited. During the fall of 1862 he partici-
pated with his regiment in the 1)attles of
.•\ntietam and Shepherdstown ford, and in
December the battle of Fredericksburg. At
Chancellorsville, in the spring of 1863, he
was employed in guarding the telegraph
line from the field to headquarters and
was not actively engaged. For good con-
duct at the battle of Fredericksburg he
was recommended for promotion to major.
His next engagement was on Goose creek,
near Middleburg, Va., in June, 1863, and at
Gettysburg he served as acting major, hav-
ing not yet received his conunission. In
August he took connnand of the regiment
as major and with but few brief interrup-
tions continued in command until Feb.,
1865. The regiment took part in the action
at Bristoe Station, and at Rappahannock
Station, Nov. 7, 1863, Colonel Chamberlain
commandmg the brigade. Then followed the Mine Run campaign, after
which he guarded the railroad at Rappahannock Station until the opening
of the campaign of 1864. He was commissioned lieutenant-colonel in
July, 1863. but never mustered on this commission for the reason tliat the
regiment had been reduced by casualties, below the minimum. In the
spring of .1864 the regiment, with Maj. Spear in command, in Bartlett's
brigade; Griffin's' division, 5th corps, started on. the Wilderness campaign.
In the first day's fighting in the Wilderness the 20th Me. lost twenty-five
per cent, of the men who went into action. Then followed in rapid suc-
cessioii the engagements at Laurel hill, Spottsylvania, an attack on Lee's
rear-.guard. the North Anna river, where Maj. Spear was wounded in
the groin by a piece of spherical case-shot while engaged near Jericho
ford, but remained on the field. At Bethesda Church he was for four
days in charge of the division picket line, and held that line during the
movement to the left. Then came the skirmishing along the Chicka-
hominy river, after which the regiment moved upon Petersburg, where it
remained until Aug. 12, 1864, on the front line, which had been estal)lished
by Maj. Spear and a brother officer on the night of June 16. On August
18. it moved against the Weklon railroad and was in the three days' fight
at Reams" Station. At Peebles' farm Sept. 30 he, with his regiment, led the
charge of the 3d brigade. After the capture of the works of the enemy,
he was placed in command of the brigade and repulsed an attack of the
enemy endeavoring to regain the works. On this occ;Ision he was bre-
vetttd "for gallant and distinguished services." In the winter he was sent
back to Portland. Me., to obtain recruits for his regiment, and while so
Vol. VIII— 27
418 The Union Army
engaged was oiminissidiied Cdloiicl by the g(Jveriior uf Maine, but did not
muster on this eonnnission until after the recruits were received in the
spring of 1865. I,e participated in the raid on the Weldon railroad in
Dec, 1864, and in llie operations on the Quaker road. Gravelly run and
Five Forks in the spring of 1865 he served temporarily on the staff of
Gen. Bartlett and Gen. C. Chamberlain. At Five Forks he had charge of
the right of the line and did some hard lighting. In Gen. Bartlett's report
of the liattle special mention is made of Alaj. Spear "for his efficiency and
bravery in directing my lines when direction was necessary, and in urging
others to greater efforts when they had become fainthearted or timid."
After Five Forks he participated in the pursuit of Lee's army and was
last engaged at xAppomattox Court House just before the final surrender.
For his gallant conduct during the closing operations of the Army of
the Potomac he was brevetted brigadier-general after hostilities closed.
Soon after he was mustered out he located in Washington, where for
twelve years he was connected with the United States patent office, rising
through all the grades from a humble clerkship to commissioner of pat-
ents, to which position he was appointed by President Grant in Dec, 1876.
After serving as commissioner for two years he resigned to take up prac-
tice as attorney at law, making a specialty of patent or trademark cases,
in which profession he has since continued. Gen. Spear was for three
years trustee of the public schools in the District of Columbia ; is vice-
president of the Washington Loan and Trust Company ; vice-president of
the Equitable Cooperative Building and Loan Association ; and a director
in the Sanitary Improvement Company. Politically he is a Republican,
and his religious affiiliations are with the Congregational church. For
many years he was president of the Mount Pleasant Congregational so-
ciety— the business end of the church. In 1901 he was commander of the
Loyal Legion, and he is a member of A. E. Burnside Post, Grand Army
of the Republic, of Washington.
Strieby, George F. W., deceased, was a native of Germany, born Sept.
27. 1841, and was a descendant of a martial family, his paternal grand-
father having been a soldier under Xapoleon I., was in the Russian cam-
paign and a survivor of the terrible retreat from Moscow. George F. W.
Strieby came to the United States in 1853, locating in Washington, and
has ever since made liis home in that city. He entered the military service
Apr. 17, 1861, at Washington, D. C, as a private in Co. E, 6th battalion
D. C. volunteer infantry, to serve three months. This command performed
valuable service in protecting the capital bridges, etc., and Mr. Strieby was
honorably discharged with his company at Washington, D. C, July 16,
1861. He re-enlisted. Dec. 16, 1861, in New York city, as a private in Co.
B, nth New York cavalry, to serve three years or during the war. He
was honorably discharged, Feb. 26, 1864, near Harper's Ferry, by reason
of re-enlistment as a veteran in the same company and regiment, and
was successively promoted to the positions of corporal, sergeant, com-
missarv sergeant and regimental quarter-master sergeant. He was mus-
tered out July 22. 1865, at Collierville, Tenn., by reason of the consolida-
tion of the regiment into a batallion of four companies, causing the mus-
tering out of the non-commissioned, regimental staff and other super-
numerary officers. Mr. Strieby participated in the following engagements :
Alexandria, La.; Aldie, Va. ; Blue Ridge Mountains; Poolesville. Md.;
Fairfax Court House, Va. ; Bolivar Heights, Harper's Ferry, Halltown,
Edwards Ferry, Md. ; Lecsburg, Va. ; Rockville, ]\Id. ; New River. Man-
ning's Plantation, Doyall's Plantation, Bayou Sara, La. ; Brookhaven,
Miss.; Clinton, La.; Liberty, Franklinville, ]Miss. ; Ocean Springs, near
Memphis, Tenn. ; Germantown, Miss, and many minor skirmishes. He
was slightly wounded three times, and from the injury to his shoulder he
Biographical Sketches
419
suffered uiiiil ilu time of liis (kath, wliicli fKCurred al liis home, 1916
Ninth street, X. \V., on Jan. 20. 1909, al llie age of sixty-seven. Mr.
Streiby was a member and past senior vice commander of Lincoln Post,
No. 3, Grand Army of the RepubHc of the department of the Potomac.
He followed the business of a decorator all his life and did much artistic
work in his line, and was employed in the decoration of the Capitol from
1855 to 1861, when he went into the army. He was married in February,
1864, in the city of Washington, to Miss Mary Geery, who died in 1870,
leaving one child, Elizabeth, now Mrs. Benj. F. Williams, of Washington.
D. C. A second marriage was contracted in January, 1874, with Miss
Emma Michot, and of this marriage the following children survive:
George M.. Philip K.. Ninette .M.,— wife of Carl Wells,— hVcd W.. and
Blaine and Logan, twins.
Swiggett, William Yardley, now chief of the mail division in the
pension ottice at Washington, 1). C. entered the service of the United
States in April, iS()i, at Georgetown, Del., as a private in Co. G, 1st
Delaware infantry, one of the three months
regiments. On ^Lly 28 the regiment was
moved to the front and performed guard
duty during its term of service, being mus-
tered out in the latter part of July and the
early part of August following. ^Ir. Swig-
gett's enlistment terminated in July, he
having been promoted during this brief
service to the position of second lieuten-
ant of Co. G. He re-enlisted as first Lieut.
in Co. E, 1st Delaware (three years') in-
fantry and was promoted to the rank of
Captain of Coiupany F. Later he was
transferred to the Veteran Reserve corps,
but later resigned and was active in the
organization of the 9th Delaware infantry,
a regiment of one hundred-days men. He
was commissioned major of this organiza-
tion on Sept. 13, 1864, and later promoted
to the position of lieutenant colonel, and
was mustered out as such at Wilmington, Del., Jan. 2^, 1865. The regi-
ment was stationed at Fort Delaware to guard Confederate pri.soners,
and served a month longer than its term of enlistment. Of the action
of the 1st Delaware infantry in its tirst engagement the official records
speak as follows in the report of Col. John W. Andrews, commanding:
"The tirst Delaware infantry . marched in column for a
mile, then, facing to the left, advanced in line of battle. The enemy's
batteries now opened a severe fire. . . Our right was exposed to a
sudden and terrible tire. . We were at this time about twenty paces
off the enemy and i-eturned their fire for some time with much coolness
and efifect. . . We had now lost one-third of our nun. and eight
officers commanding companies were either killed or wounded. . . Thi-
was our first battle and I cannot speak in too high praise of the conduct
of the officers and men. The command exhibited a degree of gallantry,
efficiency and personal bravery seldom e(|ualed." .\mong the officers
mentioned as wounded was Lieut. Swiggett. This was at the battle of
Antietam, and out of the 708 men engaged the ist Delaware lost 230 in
killed and wounded. Col. Swiggett was sul)se(iuently ^transferred to the
Veteran Reserve corps for disability on account of the wounds received at
Antietam, but re-enlisted as stated al)Ove. .After the close of the war, — in
1866. — he entered the ser\ ice i>f tbe government. I'rom 18S2 until 1886 he
420
The Union Army
was the postmaster at Wilmington, Del., and from i(S88 to 1851 he was chief
of police in the same city, serving three years. Subsequently he removed to
Virginia and in 1898 was appointed to a position in the pension office, and
in 1902 was advanced to his present position. He belongs to the Dupont
Post, No. 2, Grand Army of the Republic, in Wilmington, Del., and
to the District of Columbia Commandery of the Military Order of the
Loyal Legion. He was born at Seaford, Delaware, March 15, 1841.
Swift, Harlan J., a leading memlier of the l)ar of the city of Buffalo,
\, v., made a gallant record as a soldier of the republic, and rose to the
rank and grade of captain. Sept. 5. 1863, at Cuba, Alleghany county,
N. Y., he enlisted in Company H, 2d New
York mounted rifles. He was promoted
from private to commissary-sergeant Jan.
6, 1864; second lieutenant, Feb. 4. 1864;
lirst lieutenant, Sept. 7, 1864; captain, June
5. 1865, and was mustered out with his
command at Petersburg, Va., Aug. 10, 1865.
Capt. Swift was a participant in the follow-
ing named important engagements : North
Anna river, Totopotomy. Hanover Court
House, Cold Harbor, Bethesda Church, ac-
tion before Petersburg June 17, 1865, and
Weldon railroad June 18, mine explosion
and siege of Petersburg, Pegram's farm.
Hatcher's run, Hicksford raid, second
Hatcher's run, Dunwiddie Court House,
Five Forks, Namozine Church, Amelia
Springs, Garrett Station, Deatonsville road,
Farmville, Appomattox Station and Appo-
mattox. As a memlier of the Grand Army of the Republic he served as
judge-advocate of the department of New York in 1883, as chief muster-
ing officer, under Gen. Charles A. Orr, in 1901. and was department com-
mander of the G. A. R., department of New York, in 1907-8. Congress
granted Capt. Swift a medal of honor for gallant conduct at the mine
explosion before Petersburg, Va., July 30, 1864. He was elected to the
Loyal Legion, Commandery of the State of New York, Dec. 2, 1891, with
insignia number 9131. After the close of the war Judge Swift returned
to Cuba. N. Y.. where he read law under effective preceptorship, and was
admitted to the bar in 1866, since which time he has been engaged in the
practice of his profession. He has resided in the city of Buffalo since
1883 and controls a large and representative practice. He served one year
as county judge of Alleghany county.
Thomas, Ammi Amery, attorney, financier and capitalist of Wash-
ington, D. C, was born at Alexander, Genesee county, N. Y., Aug. 29, 1844.
and enjoys the proud distinction of having been one of the youngest soldiers
in the Union army in the Civil war. In June, 1862, he enlisted in Company
A, 28th Wisconsin infantry as a private, but soon rose to corporal on ac-
count of his ready obedience and tractability. In April, 1864, his parents
secured his discharge because of his tender age, but the very next month
be again entered the army as a corporal in Company A, 39th Wisconsin
infantry, with which he served until mustered out. He was engaged in
none of the big battles, and. notwithstanding his youth, his record as a sol-
dier is that of honorable service faithfully discharged. On Aug. 21, 1864.
he was captured while on picket duty near Memphis, Tenn., and held as a
prisoner at Cahaba, Ala., until Feb. 22. 1865. He rejoined his regi-
ment and the following month was mustered out and honorably dis-
charged at Madison, Wis. Corporal Thomas is descended from
Biographical Sketches 4'21
fighting stock. His paternal grcat-grandfatlicr. Jcl) Thomas, was a
soldier in the American army in the Revolutionary war, and his grand-
father, Abie! Thomas, was an officer in the War of 1H12, who was
wounded at Quecnstown Heights, captured at Lmidy's lane and held a
prisoner by the British for eleven months. After receiving his discharge
at Madison. Corporal Thom;is returned to his home near Milwaukee,
where he spent about a year on the farm and then entered the academy
at Middleburg, X. V.. where he received the degree of Master of Arts.
Returning to Alihvaukee, he studied law and in 1871 was admitted
to the bar. He located at Cawker City, Kan., where he practiced his pro-
fession for about two years, after which he was register of the U. S.
land office at Cawker City and later at Kirwin, Kan., under l'n.'~ident
Grant's administration until 1877, when he located in W'asliingtnn. 1). C,
where he has since lieen engaged in the practice of law. His legal busi-
ness in the national capital has been principally connected with the general
land office and the interior department, having prosecuted and won some
of the most important land contest cases ever tried before that depart-
ment,— cases involving large tracts of the public domain and town sites
worth millions of dollars. As he accumulated capital he turned his atten-
tion to corporate investments and became a stockholder and director
and president of the United States Electric Lighting Company and the
Second National bank; founder and president of the Brightwood Railway
Company; a director of the Metropolitan Railway Company; a stock-
holder in the Atlantic Building Company, and president of the Inter-
Ocean Building Company of Washington. He was one of the three pro-
jectors and owners of the magnificent building afterward occupied by the
Washington postoffice. -Corporal Thomas is a member of Kit Carson
Post, No. 2, Grand Army of the Republic, and takes pleasure in meeting
his old comrades in arms. In his religious affiliations he belongs to the
Episcopal church.
Tappan, Myron A., of Washington, D. C, is descended from the Tap-
pans of Revolutionary fame, one of his ancestors having been among the
captors of Benedict Arnold. Mr. Tappan was born in Kingston-on-Hud-
son, near Esopus, N. Y., Aug. 8. 1832, and was educated in Kingston Acad-
emy, and later in Mechanic's institute. New York city, and while a student
was particularly active in athletic games and sports. After leaving
school he went into the wholesale drygoods business, being engaged in
that line until the breaking out of the Civil war when he helped to organ-
ize the 47th N. Y. regiment, after the Union Square meeting in New
York in the spring of 1861, and was made first lieutenant and, a few
days later, captain of Company B. After three months' service at Ft.
JMcHenry, near Baltimore, the regiment returned to New York and in the
spring of 1862 re-enlisted in Company K. i68th N. Y. infantry, going in as
captain. This was a nine-months regiment and Capt. Tapi^an with his regi-
ment was ordered to Yorktown after the battles of the Wilderness, Gaine's
Mill, Yorktown and Williamsburg, and then being prostrated with typhoid
fever, was compelled to resign. In the autumn of 1863 he came to
Washington, D. C, and entered the secret service branch of the war de-
partment, and served under Col. L. C. Baker, chief of the department and
Secretary Stanton's "right-hand man," his work being the looking after
smugglers, blockade runners and conspirators. In 1864 he resigned this
position and was appointed to a position in the treasury department which
he held for twenty-three years, until the Democratic party canie into
power in President Cleveland's second administration. This w.-'s in 1887,
but eleven years earlier Mr. Tappan had become associated with .\lbert
Stevens, as' silent partner, in conducting an agency for the Remington
arms and ammunition and upon leaving the treasury department, clevotcd
422
The Union Army
his attention entirely to this business, having in 1885 bought out his part-
ner's interest, and his increased trade having required several removals,
before linally locating at 1339 F street, where he remained until the fall
of 1906, when he retired temporarily from business. When he first went
into business the principal things that a store of that sort was re-
quired to keep were guns and fishing lines, but w-ith the growth of athletic
sports he has been obliged to add a complete line of goods demanded by
the games of baseball, golf, football, tennis, field, track and other games.
Mr. Tappan is, himself, greatly interested in baseball, and has been closely
identified with the growth of the national game. He was one that helped
to organize the old National baseball team of Washington, in 1864. a
team which won a national reputation and played through one season,
winning every game except one. Mr. Tappan belongs to the Kit Carson
Post of the Grand Army of the Republic, in Washington. D. C, and in
the Masonic order is a member of the Columbia Lodge, LaFayette Chap-
ter, and a thirty-second degree Mason of the Scottish Rites. He is also
a member of the St. Stephens Episcopal church of Washington, and dur-
ing his long residence in the national capital has become a familiar figure
in both official and civil life.
Thorp, Martin Roberts, chief of the supply division — or purchasing
office — of the war department, Washington, D. C, began his military
service in the 1st Ohio militia regiment. Company A, organized at Belpre,
O. He went in as a private, in August.
1861. and was mustered out in November
of the same j'ear, and on Dec. 13. follow-
ing, re-enlisted in Company D, 75th Ohio
volunteer infantry, and was made corporal
and in 1863 was made sergeant and later
in the same year was made first sergeant,
and on Dec. 21. 1864, was commissioned
second lieutenant of the 2nd regiment of
U. S. veteran volunteers and was bre-
vetted captain ''for gallant and meritorious
conduct" on April 13, 1865. Capt. Thorp
was in the following engagements : Monte-
rey, McDowell, Franklin. Strasburg, Cedar
Mountain, Freemans Ford, Waterloo
Bridge, Bull Run (2nd), and Chancellors-
ville. He also participated in the battles of
Darby Station, Shenandoah Mountain,
Woodstock. Brand}' Creek, Thoroughfare
Gap and Berryville, Va. At Chancellors-
ville he was twice severely wounded, —
being for nine subsequent months confined to a hospital, first the
field hospital and later in Washington, D. C, and then in Philadelphia,
Pa. On his convalescence in 1864 he was transferred to the 66th company,
2nd battalion of the veteran reserve corps as first sergeant and located at
Gallipolis, O., and served until Dec. 15. 1864, when he received his com-
mission as second lieutenant of the 2nd U. S. veteran volunteer infantry
and joined the regiment at Mt. Jackson, Va. His next and last fight was
at Berryville, Va. A few days after joining the veteran volunteers his
company was delegated as a body-guard to Gen. W. S. Hancock and Lieut.
Thorp was appointed on Gen. Hancock's staff as assistant provost marshal
and served as such for several w-eeks and was then relieved at the request
of the colonel of the 2Pd veteran volunteers, who wished him to serve as
regimental adjutant, and this position he held until May, 1866. As at this
time all the regiment except Company B (three-year men), had been
From a pi.OiOj.raph taken
in IStJS.
Biographical Sketches 423
mustered out. lie was assigned to tliis company- as first lieutenant, and in
September, 1865, on being relieved from staff duty was appointed perma-
nent regimental adjutant of the 2nd U. S. volunteer infantry, retaining
that position until he was mustered out Aug. 15. 1866, at Sandv Hook,
New Jersey. Lieut. Thorp was present at the grand review at Wash-
ington, D. C, as temporary adjutant on the staff of Cvu. l-'rancis I-'essen-
den, of Maine, and then accompanied his regiment Xo Mlmira, N. Y.,
where it constituted the guard of the Confederate prisoners from July,
1865, until May, 1866, and he was there on the staff of Gen. Jas. A. Hall,
•of Maine, who commanded the garrison. On the day of the execution
of the assassins of President Lincoln, Lieut. Thorp was one of the
officers detailed to examine the passes of all who attended the execution.
After being mustered out of service he returned to his home in Athens,
O.. residing there until April, 1867, when he went to Washington, an(l
accepted a position in the war department, as assistant superintendent of
the war department building, and was appointed engineer on July i, 1874.
In this capacity he served until 1883 when he was made chief of the miscel-
laneous division of the department. In 1885 that division was consolidated
with the stationery division and Capt. Thorp was made chief clerk and con-
tinued in that work until Jan. 19, 1889, when Secretarv Endicott promoted
him to the position of chief of the supply department, and he remained
there until his resignation on July 2, 1895, and for the one and a half years
following was out of the government service. On April 10, 1897, Presi-
dent McKinley restored him to his old place in the supply division, where
he now is, and in August, 1898 was also made superintendent of the out-
side buildings of the war department and of the Mills Building (annex,
occupied by the Isthmian Canal commission), on May 4, 1905. Captain
Thorp belongs to the Gartield Post. No. 7, Grand Army of the Repub-
lic, and to the Washington commandery of the Military Order of the
Loyal Legion, and is also a prominent member of the Masonic order, is
past master of Lodge No. lo. Free and Accepted Masons, and past high
priest of Hiram Chapter, No. 10, Royal Arch Masons, and past eminent
commander of the Moray Mounted Commandery, and for twenty-nine
years has been grand treasurer of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch
Masons, of the District of Columbia. He has been a member of the Presby-
terian church for thirty years and was treasurer of the Western Presby-
terian church of Washington for eighteen years. The simple enumeration
of the responsible positions held by Captain Thorp in the governmental,
fraternal, social and religious life of the city which has been his home
for four decades, is sufficient to show what he has achieved in all these
lines without furtlicr demonstration.
Townsend, Eddy Baldwin, of Washington, D. C, was born at Sack-
etts Harbor (Madison Barracks). May 21. 1844. and is the son of Major
Ebenezer G. Townsend. of the 149th New York volunteer infantry. The
latter entered the army as captain in the 3d New York cavalry ("Van
Allen's Cavalry"),, under Col. James H. Van Allen, and particpiated in
the battles of Ball's Bluff, Falmouth, Fredericksburg (Dec. 13), Chan-
cellorsville, Gettsyburg and Lookout Mountain. He was desperately
wounded at Chancellorsville and Lookout Mountain, at the latter place
being left for dead on the battle-field. His death occurred in Virginia,
in 1887. E. B. Townsend was graduated from Monroe Collegiate Insti-
tute, of Elbridge. N. Y.. and entered the militarv service of the LTnited
States in April, 1862, as a private in Company G, of the 149th infantry,
in which his father was an officer. He served one year and was honorably
discharged early in 1863. He had been in the hospital at Harper's Ferry
for some time previous to his discharge, and that circumstance.together
with the death of his onlv brother at West Point, were tlie occasions
■124
The Union Army
of his discharge, ahhough made contrary to his wishes. At the time of
leaving the service he was orderly sergeant, and had participated in en-
gagements at Harper's Ferry, Charlestown, Winchester, l>erryville. and
other points in the Shenandoah Valley Me was ap-
pointed superintendent of public property of the District of Columbia
under Gov. A. R. Shepherd, the latter being his only superior. He was
colonel and quartermaster on the governor's staff during the latter's ad-
ministration as governor of the District of Columbia. In 1880, Col.
Townsend was appointed by the secretary of the interior to the position
of inspector in the Indian service, in the field, and participated in the
removal of the Ute Indians from the Los Pinos reservation, in Colorado,
to the Uintah reservation in Utah, and the removal of the Jicarilla
Apaches from Ojo Caliente, in northern New IVIexico, to the Mescalero
reservation south of Fort Stanton. After serving in this capacity for
four years. Col. Townsend resigned the position and retired to private
life, owning for some time a cow-ranch in the Indian Territory. In 1892,
he returned to Washington, D. C, where he has since resided, and is en-
gaged in the real estate business. He belongs to the Military Order of
the Loyal Legion, to the Lodge of the Masonic Order and is a member
of the Presliyterian church.
Vale, Josiah Mode, an attorney of Washington, D. C, enlisted at
Des Moines, la.. May 12, 1864, as a private in Company F, 47th Iowa
infantry. He was soon afterward made an orderly sergeant, and upon
the completion of the regimental organiza-
tion was commissioned second lieutenant of
Company F, on June 4, 1864. The regiment
was one of the Hundred Days' regiments
and soon after being mustered in was or-
dered to Cairo, III, where it embarked on
transports for Helena. Ark., and engaged in
post duty there until the expiration of its
term of service. Lieutenant Vale was
mustered out with his regiment, the records
of which show that he was a faithful and
efficient officer during his short service. He
had just been admitted to the bar at the
time he enlisted at the age of twenty-two
years. Upon leaving the army he located
m Washington, where he occupied posi-
tions in the war and treasury depart-
ments up to t886. In 1869 he graduated
at the Columbian (now the George Wash-
ington) university, being president of his class. Soon after receiving his
degree from that institution he resigned his position in the treasury de-
partment and went to Burlington, la., where he practiced law for about a
year, at the end of which time he returned to Washington to accept a
place as chief of a division in the office of the third auditor of the treasury
department. This position he resigned in 1886 and resumed the practice
of his profession, which has ever since engaged his attention. In 1898 he
raised a regiment for service in the Spanish-American war, but it was not
accepted. The following year he went to the Philippines from Japan,
and was the first American citizen to be admitted to the bar in the islands.
Leaving the Philippines he completed his tour of the world, but returned
there in Jan.. 1900, and for the next fifteen months was successfully en-
gaged in the practice of law. While there he organized the Philippine
Bar Association, of which he was the first president. He brought the
first habeas corpus proceeding upon the soil of the Philippine Islands.
Biographical Sketches
425
Returning to Washington ho formed a partnership for the practice of law
with Ex-United States Senator Marion Butler, of North Carolina, and this
partnership still exists. The firm has a representative clientage and en-
joys a high standing at the bar and in all the courts in which it appears in
cases Lieutenant Vale is a member of the Washington Conunandery
oV tile Military Order of the Loyal Legion, is a Knight Templar Mason,
and a past master of Columbia Lodge. Xo. 3, Free and Accepted Masons.
Webster, Daniel, principal examiner of contests, etc., in the U. S.
general huuf office at Washington. D. C. enlisted in the city of Chicago,
Til on Ma\ 10, 1^04. as a private in Company C, 134th 111., infantry, and
was mustered into the service a day or two
after his enlistment. The regiment; was
known as the "Board of Trade regiment,"
and was first stationed at Fort Halleck,
Columbus, Ky., on garrison duty until Au-
gust, when it was ordered to Maylield, Ky.
There the men built a fort, which was oc-
cupied until the regiment was ordered back
to Chicago in September for muster out.
When it reached Chicago the order was
changed and it was sent to St. Louis, where
a portion of it was assigned to duty at Jef-
ferson barracks and the remainder ordered
elsewhere. Private Webster did not ac-
company the regiment to St. Louis, being
stricken with typhoid fever and left in the
marine hospital at Chicago. A few days
before the regiment returned he was dis-
charged from the hospital and was mus-
tered out with the command on Oct. 26. 1864. After the war Mr. \\'ebster
returned to his home at Harper's Ferry, la., where he remained until
1873. He then went to Arkansas, first locating at Little Rock but later
removing to Conway, where he made a crop of cotton and in 1874 re-
turned to Iowa. He then took up the study of law, teaching school in
the meantime, and in 1876 located at Prairie du Chien, Wis., \vhere he
practiced his profession until 1895. when he accepted the position in the
land office that he holds at the present time. While living at Prairie du
Chien Mr. Webster served two terms as mayor of the city and was for
six years the city attorney. He also served one term of two years as
district attorney, and was for six years police judge. He is a member
of Burnside Post. Xo. 8. Grand Army of the Republic, of Washington,
and while living at Prairie du Chien belonged to P. W. Plummer Post.
Xo. S7' Department of Wisconsin. He was the second commander of this
post and in 1886 was a delegate to the national Grand Army encampment
at San Francisco. Cal. He was an aide-de-camp to national commanders
Fairchild and Warner; was an aide-de-camp to commanders b'airchild and
Cheek in the Department of Wisconsin ; and was department inspector
there under Commander B. F. Bryant in 1893. Mr. Webster is prominent
in fraternal societies, having held all the offices in both lodge and en-
campment of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows ; is a member of the
Orient Commandery, Knights Templars, at Washington, having filled all
the offices of his Masonic lodge at Prairie du Chien except that of wor-
shipful master, and in the Royal Arch chapter passed through the chairs,
serving for six years as high priest. He also belongs to the Knights of
Pythias. In 1871 Mr. Webster married, at Prairie du Chien. Miss Mar-
guerite A., daughter of William Dunlap. and to this marriage have been
born three children: Gertrude Clara, wife of .Mien R. Kidd ; Marguerite
Maud, and Daniel, Jr.
426
The Union Army
White, Albert Benton, of the general land office, Washington, D. C,
entered the military service at Pittsburg, Pa., on Aug. i6, i86i, as a pri-
vate in Company E, under Capt. James A. Herron, of the 4th Pa. cavalry,
and \va.s promoted to the position of ser-
geant major on Jan. i, 1862. On Sept. 23
of the same year he was promoted to the
rank of tirst lieutenant of Company F, and
in February, 1865, was appointed captain
of Company H. but never mustered, being
at that time a prisoner of war. Capt.
White took part in the engagements at
(iaines Mill, June 26, White Oak Swamp,
June 28, Charles City Cross-roads, June
29, Malvern Hill, July i, Antietam, Sept. 17,
and in November was in the three skir-
mishes at Aldie, Middleburg and Upper-
villc, in the mountains of Virginia. These
L-ngagements were all in 1862. The follow-
ing years he was at Brandv Station, and
again at Aldie, Middleburg and Upperville,
"v "J ' at Gettysburg, — picketing the line between
Little Round Top, and the "high water
mark," on the night of July 2. He was in the engagement at Shepherds-
town ( W. Va.) in July. 1863, and on Oct. 12. 1863, at Warrenton Sulphur
Springs, where he was captured by Gen. J. E. B. Stuart's men. He was
sent to Libby prison, arriving there on Oct. 15, 1863, and held until Feb.
9. I864, when he escaped through the tunnel which was originated and
planned entirely by Col. Thos. E. Rose, of the 77th Pa. volunteers, and
Maj. A. G. Hamilton, of the 12th Ky. cavalry. Capt. White w^as recap-
tured on the Chickahominy river, seventeen miles below Richmond, on
Feb. II or 12, and returned to Libby, where he was confined in a cell for
fourteen days on bread and water. On May 14, 1864. he was sent to
Macou. Ga., and confined in the stockade, and on Aug. 3, was transferred
to Savannah, Ga., and in September to Charleston, S. C, and placed
under fire for six weeks. He was again removed to Columbia, S. C,
and sent across the Catawba river, and confined in an open field, known
as "Camp Sorghum." Here Capt. Wliite escaped on the night of Nov.
18, 1864, and was recaptured Nov. 30, following, at Edgefield court-house,
eighty-five miles away, and returned to Columbia where he was placed in
jail. In the meantime the prisoners at Camp Sorghum had been trans-
ferred to a stockade within the city limits and there Capt. White was sent
later and held until Feb. 20, 1865, when he was sent to Charlotte, N. C,
and thence to Raleigh and Wilmington in the same state, and at the last
place was paroled for three months. At Wilmington he left on the steam-
ship "Euterpe" for Annapolis, Md., and was there under medical treat-
ment until Alarch 14, when he was granted a leave of absence for thirty
days and went home, and, by the surrender of Gen. Lee. the war was
practically over before his leave expired. Although he passed through
some severe experiences, Capt. White escaped without wounds, and after
the war was over began the reading of law. preparatory to following that
profession, but on account of failing health was obliged to give up his
studies and going to New Jersey, occupied himself with farming for two
years. In 1867 he went to Washington. D. C. and was in the treasury
dcpartraent for five years. For the eight years following he was in the
oil regions of Pennsylvania, dealing in oil-well supplies. In 1880 he re-
turned to W^ashington and was again in the treasury department until
1887, and in 1889, was appointed to his present position in the general
Biographical Sketches
437
land office. Capt. White is a mcinljcr of tlic lUirnside Post, No. 8, Grand
Army of the Republic, Washington, I). C, and belongs to the Lutheran
church. This brief outline of a long and honorable career in both niili-
tarv and civil life, indicates the character of the man and the (|ualit\
of his public services.
White, James E., General Superintendent of the Railway Mail Service,
of the I'nited Slate.-^, was born Apr. ii, 1843, in Now Scotland, Albany
countv, N. v., and entered the military service as a private of Company 1,
.3d Iowa infantry, U. S. vols., on May 20,
I861, at Waterloo, Iowa. On Jan. 21. 1862,
he was transferred to Company G, 13th
Iowa infantry, and served with that com-
mand as an acting sergeant, until April 10,
following, when he was promoted to 4th
sergeant, and promoted to hrst sergeant,
later. Subsequent promotions were made.
On Apr. 29, 1863, he was commissioned
second lieutenant and inustered same day ;
as first lieutenant, Oct. 5, 1864, mustered
>ame day; commissioned Captain, Jan. i,
J 865, and mustered same day. His com-
mission as second lieutenant, was handed
to him personally, by (]ov. Samuel J. Kirk-
wood, of Iowa, on the heights above Vicks-
burg, at the time when that city was under
siege. He was wounded at Atlanta, Ga.,
July 21, 1864, in the left wrist, which per-
manently disabled him. He started home, but was twice obliged to stop
at hospitals, first at Nashville. Tenn.. and then at Louisville, Ky. Ar-
riving finally at his home in Vinton, Iowa, he remained until November,
cast his first vote for President Lincoln, second term, and then went via
Louisville, Ky., and New York City, to join the army at Savannah, re-
maining there with the army until it arrived at Pocotaligo, S. C, where he
served on a court martial. He was sent back to Beaufort, South Caro-
lina, at the head of a hundred men, in case of the division baggage, and
with his men, joined the forces at Newbern, N. C, remaining there until
Sherman's Army reached Raleigh. He then received orders to join the
army there and did so, remaining with it until it arrived at Alexandria,
Va., and participated in the Grand Review, down Pennsylvania Avenue,
Washington, D. C, May 24, 1865, in command of his Company, and went
with the regiment to Louisville. Ky.. to be mustered out. July 21, 1865,
and was honorably discharged July 28, 1865, at Davenport, Iowa. While at
Louisville, Captain White was detailed as Judge Advocate, at the head-
quarters of General Belknap, afterwards Secretary of War. Before re-
ceiving his wound at Atlanta, wdiich prevented him from participating in
field service. Captain White took part in the folloning engagements : Blue
Mills, Mo., Pittsburgh Landing or Shiloh. Tenn.. Corinth, siege and battle.
Vicksburg and Messengers Ferry, Miss., Kenesaw Mountain, and Peach
Tree Creek. Ga. At Blue Mills, he was specially distinguished for gal-
lant action on the field, being twice wounded, although it may seem in-
vidious to so mention but one engagement in the record of a soldier wdio
bore himself through every battle in which he took part, with conspicuous
courage. After the close of the war. Captain White returned to Vinton,
Iowa, and resumed the life of a student for nine months, and then entered
the Postal Service, and in 1869 was promoted to the i)Osition of Chief Clerk
of the Railway Mail Service, with headquarters at Omaha, Neb. In No-
vember, 1871, he was made Superintendent of the Railway Mail Service.
428
The Union Army
with headquarters at Chicago, III., which position lie held for nineteen
years, when he was promoted to General Superintendent ol the whole
service, with headquarters at Washington, D. C, holding that othce about
seventeen years, having served in both positions with great efficiency.
Captain White belongs to U. S. Grant Post, No. 28. Grand Army of the
Republic, at Chicago, and to the Military Order of the Loyal Legion,
Washington, D. C, Commandery, and to the Army of the Tennessee. He
was elected to the Military Order of the Loyal Legion, commandery of
Illinois, May 8, 1890, first class; insignia No. 7921 — afterwards transferred
to the conmiandery of the District of Columbia, on Dec. 9. 1897. Captain
White also ranks high in Masonic circles, being a Knight Templar of the
Columbia Commandery, Washington. D. C, and belongs also to Almas
Temple of the Order of the Mystic Shrine.
Whittleton, Capt. Robert J., who holds a responsible position in the
U. S. department of agriculture at Washington, D. C, enlisted on April
20, 1861, as a private in Conqjany L ist Wisconsin infantry, for the three
months' service, and was mustered out at
Milwaukee, Wis., at the expiration of his
term. The only engagement of conse-
quence in which he took part during his
three months' service was that of Falling
Waters, W. Va. In Aug., 1861, he again
enlisted, this time in Rock county. Wis., as
a private in Company K. 13th Wisconsin
infantry, but upon the organization of the
company was elected first sergeant. The
regiment was ordered to Leavenworth,
Kan., and did considerable marching in
that state, but was not in an\' fights. On
July 28, 1862, Sergt. Whittleton was mus-
tered out of the 13th to accept a commis-
sion as second lieutenavit m Company G,
25th Wisconsin infantry, where he served
imtil he left the army entirely. On July 28,
1863, he was promoted to captain of his com-
pany. When Gen. Sherman organized his army for the Atlanta campaign
the 25tli Wis. was assigned to Sprague's brigade, Veatch's division, i6th
corps, commanded by Maj.-Gen. Grenville M. Dodge. Capt. Whittleton was
with his command in the battle of Resaca and numerous other engage-
ments of that campaign, including the battle of Atlanta, July 22. 1864,
which was commenced by Dodge's corps. Altogether, Capt. Whittleton
was in seven prominent engagements, and escaped being wounded or
captured'. In Sept., 1864. he tendered his resignation, to take effect on the
15th of that month, and retired from active service. From that time until
1875 he was engaged in farming in Rock county. Wis. In 1876 he re-
moved to Harvard. 111., where he still claims his residence. There he was
employed as a bookkeeper for about three years, and at the end of which
time he accepted a position as traveling salesman and was "on the road"
for several years. He was then engaged in the grocery business at Har-
vard for two years, wdien he again went on the road for a stock firm in
Chicago. In 1889 he received an appointment to a position in the agri-
cultural department, but upon the eve of President Cleveland's inaugura-
tion he placed his resignation in the hands of his friend and superior, Hon.
Jeremiah Rusk, to take effect on March 31. 1893. In accepting the resigna-
tion Sec. Rusk paid Capt. Whittleton a high compliment as to his integ-
rity and al)ility. On leaving the department Capt. Whittleton engaged in
newspaper work in Illinois for about two years, and at the opening of the
Biographical Sketches
4?y
son i)f l"Lrastiis and tlie latt
54th Congress he received an appointment to a clerkship in the enrolling
office of the house of representatives, which place he held until May,
1897, and in the following July was reinstated in the agricultural depart-
ment. In 1901 he was transferred to his present position. Cap!. Whittle-
ton is a member of J. P>. Mauzer Post. Grand .\rmy of the Republic, at
Harvard. 111., and belongs to the Washington Conunandery. Military Or-
der of the Loyal Legion. He is alst) a member of the Masonic fr.aternity.
having at onr time been a Knight Templar.
Wright, Riley E., formerly chief judge of the orphans' court of the
city of Baltimore, was born at Westminster. Vt.. July 24. 1839. and is a
r^lary ( Fairl)rother ) Wright, both natives of
Westminster, Vt.. and descendants, respect-
ively, of early Welsh- Knglish and English
settlers of Xew England. Capt. Azariah
Wright, great grandfather of Judge Wright,
was prominent in colonial affairs, and was
a compatriot of Col. Ethan Allen. Capt.r
Wright was one of the first settlers of
Westminster, and a few months prior to
ihe battle of Lexington distinguished him-
self as the captain of a militia company by
j)reventing the holding of court by English
officers in the court-house of Westminster.
Several of the colonists were killed and
theirs was the first blood shed in the events
which culminated in the Revolutionary war.
The maternal great grandfather of the
judge was also an officer in the Continental
army. Judge R. E. Wright acquired his
elementary education in the public schools
of Coventry, Vt., and later attended Derby Academy and Green Moun-
tain Academy, and Powers' Institute, Bernardstown, Mass., and entered
Dartmouth College. X. H.. but left that intitution to enter Middleburg'
College. Vt. While in his sophomore year (1862) he yielded to the
wave of enthusiastic patriotism that was then sweeping over the north,
and left his studies to enlist in the Union army. In four days he raised
a company of 109 men which became Co. H. of the 15th Vermont infan-
try, and was elected its captain. He served until the expiration of the
term of enlistment, and was mu.stered out in July, 1863, having partici-
pated in the battle of Gettysburg, although his term had really expired
before that memorable conflict took place. Returning to Vermont, he
entered the law office of Hon. Benj. H. Steele, later judge of the supreme
court of Vermont, and on Dec. 31, 1864. was admitted to the bar. In
the spring of 1865 he removed to Baltimore, where he has ever since
been engaged in the practice of his profession. In politics Judge Wright
is a Republican and active in the support of his party, fie was nomi-
nated on the Reform ticket in 1876 for the Legislature of Maryland and
for associate justice of the supreme bench of Baltimore city in 1894, and
in 1897 was appointed by Gov. Lowndes to fill the unexpired term of the
late Sylvester L. Stockbridge. chief justice of the orphans' court of
Baltimore city. He was one of the organizers of the Custer Post. Grand
Army of the Republic, in Baltimore, and served for two terms as its
commander, and also for two terms as judge advocate general of the
Maryland department of that organization. He is one of the board of
managers and chairman of the executive committee qf the Society for
the Protection of Children, and a member of the Society for the Pre-
vention of Crueltv to .\nimais. These associations indicate in some dc-
430
The Union Army
fJTCL' the characUTistics of the hirge. generous and kindly nature of this
distinguished niemlier of the bar. and suggest also the place which he
holds in the esteem of his fellow townsmen, and show that even under
the mellowing influences of southern life, the New England conscience
holds its own.
Williams, Col. Robert Jr., deputy connnissioner of internal revenue,
Washington, D. C . entered the service of the United States on April 19.
i86y. as a private in Company B, Twentieth Ohio infantry. This was a
three-months regiment, but served a month
longer than the term of enlistment, being
mustered out on Aug. 18, of the same year.
Robert Williams was appointed drill ser-
geant soon after his muster in and served
as such during the four months. With his
regiment he was on duty in West Virginia,
guarding the Baltimore and Ohio railroad,
between Benwood and Fairmount, and saw
some hard service. On September it, 1861,
together with eleven comrades from Com-
pany B, — known as the Miami Rities, and
recruited largely from the students of Mi-
ami University, — he re-enlisted at Carnp
Denison. Ohio. While in camp there, in
October, 1861, he asked and obtained per-
mission of General Wade, commander at
the camp, to take sixty recruits and march
back witli them to his home in Preble
county. Ohio. They were there cared for by the people of that community
and twenty days later triumphantly marched back to Camp Denison with
125 men, recruited without expense to the state or general government.
This is believed to be the only case on record where a private soldier,
not yet twenty-one years of age, accomplished such a feat under similar
circumstances. This company became Company B, of the Fifty-fourth
Ohio infantry, and Robert Williams was unanimously chosen captain.
Late in 1862 he was promoted to the position of major and about a year
later to that of lieutenant colonel and was mustered out with that rank
on Sept. 14, 1864, having resigned on account of disability caused by a
wound received at Chickasaw Bayou, Miss. Colonel Williams partici-
pated in the following engagements : Shiloh and a running tight from that
place to Corinth, and at the latter place had charge of the provost guard.
Then followed the Vicksburg campaign, and in the engagement at Chicka-
saw Bayou, although only a captain at the time he was in command of
the regiment, his colonel having command of the brigade, and the lieuten-
ant colonel and major being absent. The regiment being out of ammuni-
tion, instead of withdrawing it, the captain, with one comrade, went to
the rear, obtained it and while distributing it to the regiment was struck
in the left breast and badly wounded. His ne.xt service was in an expedi-
tion under Generals Sherman and Porter which attempted to move froin
the Mississippi river over to the Yazoo river above Haines BlulT, and got
through Steele's Bayou and into Black's Bayou where they were attacked
by the enemy, which felled trees both in front and in the rear of the Fed-
eral boats. Captain Williams and his regiment were in the rear of the
barricade, but came up and aided in driving the Confederates out, and then
in company with the other troops returned to the Mississippi river, and
thence to Fort Hendman, Ark. At the latter point there was an
engagement and then followed the capture of Arkansas Post. From
that point the reginunt moved to Milliken's Bend, and thence to
Biographical Sketches 431
Young's Point, opposite Vicksburg, where Captain Williams con-
tracted small-pox and was sent to Paw-paw Island in tlie Mississippi river,
where he was in (luaraiuine from April i to July i, 1863, and was an
experience which one would not care to repeat. Recovering, he was given
a tliirty days' leave of al)sence and went to his home in Camden, Ohio,
and rejoined his regiment at P>lack River bridge, in the rear of Vicks-
burg, and his next engagement was at Chattanooga, Tenn., where he com-
manded the Fifty-fourtii Ohio, and remained in connnand until his resig-
nation. Me went with General Logan's division to Knoxville, Tenn., and
Larkinsville, Alabama, where the regiment was mustered out and veter-
anized, being given a thirty days' furlough, as a regiment. During this
time Colonel \\'illiams recruiteel over 400 men for the Fifty-fourth Ohio,
and took the men back with him to Larkinsville, Ala., and then joined the
Atlanta campaign, the rtrst tight being at Dalton, followed by Resaca,
Nickajack Creek, Kenesaw Mountain, and on July 22, a light at Atlanta
where General McPherson was killed and the Fifty-fourth Ohio lost
ninety-eight men, and on the 28th where the regiment was stationed on
the extreme right. In both of these last mentioned engagements Colonel
Williams got up from a sick bed to go into battle and a few weeks later
was compelled to resign, mainly on account of trouble from the old
wound received at Chickasaw Bayou. Returning home he was soon after
elected treasurer of his county, and was re-elected but resigned to accept
the position of collector of internal revenue for the third district of Ohio,
with headquarters at Dayton. O. Here he remained for fourteen years,
and until the election of President Cleveland, when he returned to Faton,
O., and engaged in the sale of agricultural implements for a time. In
1889 he was elected to the Ohio legislature, but resigned to accept the
office of internal revenue agent and served successively in the St. Louis,
Chicago, Cincinnati, Philadlphia and New Orleans divisions, and while at
the last named place was directed to supervise the operation of the sugar-
bounty law enacted on Oct. i, 1890. When the Democratic party came
ijito power the second time he resigned the position, but his resignation
was not accepted until nearly a year later. In 1895, Colonel Williams was
employed by the planters of Louisiana to supervise the weighing of their
sugar crop, on which they were entitled to a bounty, and following that
remained in New Orleans as an attorney and internal revenue expert. In
November, 1896, he was appointed by President McKinley as a special
emploj-e of the internal revenue department and continued at New Or-
leans until May, 1897, when he was reinstated as internal revenue agent
and assigned to the New York division, remaining until the spring of
1899, when he was promoted to his present position. He is a member of
the LInion Veteran Legion. Colonel Williams is an ardent lover of the
sport of archery, attributing his excellent health to his devotion to this
sport, and has won the first place in a number of tournaments, although in
the more recent years his duties have not allowed him much leisure to
indulge in his favorite sport.
Yellott, John I., attorney of Towson, Md., enlisted for service in the
Civil war at Frederick, Md., in October, 1861, as first lieutenant of Co. G,
1st Maryland regiment, P. H. B., and was promoted to the rank of cap-
tain in the following Decem1)er, and to that of major in 1863, following
the battle of Gettysburg, and held that rank until he was honorably dis-
charged from the service. He participated in the battle of Kernstown in
1862, and at Harper's Ferry, where he was taken prisoner on Sept. 12,
1862. Later he was paroled and sent to the parole camp at Annapolis.
Md., and six months later was exchanged. He was- then sent to the
Lower Potomac and later to the Upper Potomac, where he remained until
July, 1863, when he took part in the battle of Gettysburg, lieing engaged
432
The Union Army
all three days, and received his promotion for gallant conduct in that
memorable contlict. lie was severely wounded at Gettysburg, and upon
recovery was ke])t on provost and court marshal duty until the l)attle of
Monocacy, in which he took part. After Monocacy he was appointed to
the command of the post at Frederick, Aid., and remained there until he
left the service. Shortly after leaving the army, Maj. Vellott opened a
law office at Frederick, Md., and appeared liefore many court martials in
West Virginia. He took an active part in the formation of the new^ gov-
ernment of West Virginia, remaining at Martinslnirg in that state, —
where he had subsequently located, — about two years In i<S67 he re-
moved to Towson, Md.. which has since been his residence, and where he
has followed the practice of his profession. In August, 1866, he was a
delegate from West Virginia to the great Peace Convention held in Phila-
delphia. He has also served one term in the legislature and was elected
to the position of attorney for the state of Maryland, and has in many other
ways been prominent both as a citizen and in his professional life. He
maintains his associations with his comrades of the Civil war by mem-
bership in the Wilson Post, Grand Army of the Republic, and is actively
interested in all that pertains to their welfare.
Yarrow, Harry Crecy, M. D., one of the most eminent physicians of
Wasliington, D. C, was born in the city of Philadelphia. Pa., Nov. 19,
1840. He was educated in the schools of his native city and at Geneva, Switz-
erland, and in 1861 was graduated in the
INledica! Department of the University of
Pennsylvania. His first service in connec-
tion with the Union Army was as examining
surgeon for the Pennsylvania reserve corps,
.serving as assistant surgeon for a few
weeks. On July 18, 1861, he was regularly
mustered in as assistant surgeon of the 5th
Pennsylvania cavalry, known as the "Cam-
eron Dragoons." He was in action at
Dranesville, Va., in Dec, 1861, and several'
minor engagements, and the following
month resigned to accept the position of
acting assistant surgeon and executive offi-
cer in the United States army general hos-
pital at the corner of Broad and Cherry
streets, in Philadelphia, which he assisted
in organizing and where he remained until
late in the year 1864, when he was detailed,
with other surgeons, for service at Hilton Head, S. C, in anticipation
of the fall of Fort Sumter. Dr. Yarrow remained there for several
weeks, and was then successively On duty at Atlanta, Ga., Fort Wood, in
New York Harbor, Fort McHenry, near Baltimore, Md.. Fort Alacon.
N. C. Charlotte, X. C, and in luly. 1872 was ordered to report to Lieut.
Geo. M. Wheeler of the United States Army, for service with the Engi-
neer corps as surgeon and naturalist with the expedition for explorations
west of the looth meridian. In 1876 Dr. Yarrow was ordered to the Cen-
tennial army hospital at Philadelphia, and in 1878 was assigned to duty
in the Army medical museum at Washington, where he remained until
1887. He was then attached to the Army dispensary in Washington and
was connected with that institution until i8g8, when he resigned. In the
meantime he was for fifteen years honorary curator of the Department
of Herpetology in the National museum at Washington. He has been a
member of the medical faculty of the George Washington university for
over twent\- vears. and is a trustee of that organization. Dr. Yarrow is
Biographical Sketches
4;i3
a num1)(.'r of the Anu'rican nudical association; the Medical Association
and Society of the District of Cohinihia ; the Frcncli association for the
advancement of science ; the Zoi)logical societies of Phihulelphia, Pa., and
London, England; the Lyceum of Natural History of New York; the Acad-
emy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia; the Philosophical Society of
Washington. He is consulting surgeon to the George Washington, Gar-
field and Children's hospitals and the Woman's clinic. Dr. Yarrow was
one of the founders of the Cosmos club, of which he is still a member.
He also belongs to the Metropolitan, University, Chevy Chase and Mount
Vernon clulis of Washington, and the Houston clul) of Philadelphia. In
his church affiliations he belongs to St. John's Episcopal congregation of
Washington. He is a thirty-second degree Mason and a Knight Templar;
he belongs to the Military Order of the Loyal Legion, and to the Burn-
side post, Grand Army of the Republic. For some time he was assistant
in the United States Fish Commission under Professor S. V. Baird. Dr.
Y'arrow is the author of a work entitled "Study of Mortuary Customs
among the North American Indians," and has wTitten a numlier of valu-
ble papers on biological, medical and ethnological subjects. On July 4.
1908, he was commissioned a Surgeon. Medical Reserve Corps United
States Army.
Yoder, Charles Theodore, was horn of Revolutionary ancestry, in
.Allegheny City, Pa., July 15, 1S44. He is the eldest son of Charles A^oder
and -Ann Eliza Yoder, the latter being of old Scotch Presbyterian stock
and a descendant of Bishop Kennedy of
England. His ancestors on his father's side,
some five generations back, early in the
eighteenth century, emigrated from Switz-
erland and settled in Pennsylvania. Sub-
se^qucntly portions of later generations emi-
grated from Pennsylvania to Canada, Ohio,
Kentucky, and other states. More than one
hundred members of the family took part in
I he War of the Rebellion, twenty-seven tak-
ing sides with the Southern Confederacy.
At the l)reaking out of the rebellion he was
engaged in teaching a country school. He
at once enlisted as a private in Company C,
4tii Pennsylvania cavalry, and proved him-
self an efficient, brave soldier, taking part
with his regiment in the following l)attles
and skirmishes : Mechanicsville, Gaine's
Mill. Glendale, Malvern Hill, South Moun-
Union, Haymarket. Upperville, Manassas
Gap, Snicker's Gap, Gaine's Cross Roads, Waterloo, Fredericksburg No. i
and No. 2, Kelly's Ford, Beverly Ford, Rapidan Station, Stevensburg,
Middlelnirg, Shepherdstown, Culpepper, Brandy Station, Chancellorsville,
Bristoe Station and Gettysburg. He was wounded severely in the knee
at Beverly Ford, Va., and was captured by the enemy three times l)ut
made his escape, 1:)eing locked up once in a toliacco warehouse in Rich-
mond, Va., with fifteen of his comrades, all making their escajie I^y tun-
nelling, but were run down by bloodhounds and all but the Major recap-
tured. On another occasion he was captured and given in charge of a
cavalryman, who in the kindness of his heart permitted his prisoner to
ride behind him part of the way, with the result that the cavalryman was
left in the woods, Alajor Yoder getting back into the hederal lines with
the Confederate's horse, bridle and saddle. A third time he was surprised
and captured by a squad of the enemy while eating dinner at a farm
Vol. VIII— 28
tain, Antietara, -Hedgesville,
iU
The Union Army
house, Ijui while his captors were llnisliing iiis dinner the_v were in turn
surprised by a company of Union soldiers who released their comrade.
At the close of the war he was mustered out of service with the rank of
Major and entered into mercantile business in Washington, D. C, in
which he was successful. He retired therefrom several years thereafter
and took a regular course in law in the National University of Washing-
ton, D. C, receiving the degrees of Bachelor and Master of Laws re-
spectively, graduating at the head of his class. He accepted a clerkship
in the General Land Office, and was ])romoted on his merit, step by step,
until he reached the position of Principal Examiner, which he tilled with
signal ability until May i, 1893. when he resigned to engage in the prac-
tice of his profession. In June, 1898, he was sought by the head of the
General Land Office and tendered his old position, which he accepted and
fills with his usual ability to the entire satisfaction of his superiors.
Major Yoder is secretary of the American Home Life Insurance Com-
pany of Washington. D. C., is a member of the Washington Commandery
Military Order of the Loyal Legion, past commander of Burnside Post
No. 8, G. A. R., of Washington, D. C, a member of Columbia Lodge Xo.
3, F. and A. M., and of Lafayette Chapter. The Major's wife was for-
merly Miss Emma L. Berry, well known in musical circles in Washington,
D. C, her native city, as a brilliant pianist. She is a daughter of Wash-
ington O. Berry and the late Amy Hart Berrj', honored and life-long
residents of the District of Columbia. They were married Aug. 21, 1877,
and have by this union three very interesting children : Mrs. Edith Y.
Johnson, Mr. William P>. Yoder of Pittslnirg, Pa., and Mr. Frank W.
Yoder.
Zimmerman, Lewis Mayer, deputy surveyor in the U. S. custom house
at BaltiuKire. entered service on Aug. 10, 1861, at Frederick, Md., as a pri-
vate in Co. .\, Cole's ^laryland cavalry. He enlisted as a private, but was
promoted in 1864 to the position of second
lieutenant, and on March 2;^, of the same
year was commissioned captain of Co. K. of
the same regiment and served in that ca-
pacity until June 28, 1865, when he was mus-
tered out with the regiment at Maryland
^^^^^^ Heights, Md. The organization was official-
^ fl^HHK ly known as the ist Potomac Home Bri-
gade, and was mustered in as a battalion
under Maj. (afterward Colonel) Henry A.
Cole, from whom it took its name. During
the winter of 1861-62 the battalion was on
duty on the Maryland side of the Potomac.
In the spring Mr. Zinnnerman was in the
l)attle at Bunker Hill, ALarch 5, and in that
at Winchester or Kernstown under Gen.
Shields, on March 25, and on Sept. 2, 1862.
he was captured at Leesburg, Va., and pa-
roled soon after and exchanged Dec. 2, fol-
lowing. The battalion was at that time attached to the 12th corps, under
Gen. Slocum, and remained with that command until it was sent into
eastern Virginia, the Maryland troops remaining in the Shenandoah
Valley. In June, 1863. Cole's Cavalry covered the retreat of Gen. Mil-
roy's soldiers after the battle at Winchester with Lee's army, and the
February following the battalion reenlisted and was recruited to a full
regiment. It was with Gen. Hunter in his advance upon Lynchburg and
almost constantly engaged until Gen. Early was driven from the Shen-
andoah Valley. In the regimental history of "Cole's Cavalry," the fol-
Biographical Sketches 4:5o
lowing statements are made : "To follow the movements of Cole's cav-
alry in detail wonld require a whole volume. The liattalion was composed
of men well actiuainted with the country along the upper Potomac and
in tile Siienandoaii Valley, hence companies or squadrons were being
constantly detached for the purpose of reconnoitering the enemy's posi-
tions, hreciucnt attempts were made l)y the Confederates to cut off and
capture these scouting parties, l)nt l)y their familiarity with the numerous
bj'-roads and bridle-paths thrt)ugh the mountains they always escaped. .
. . Either l)y company, detachments, as a battalion or a regiment, it
participated, according to official reports, in eighty battles, or skirmishes,
including live actions at Winchester, four at Charlestown, two at Martins-
burg, two at Kernstown, Antietam, Gettysburg, Catoctin Mountain, Rom-
ney, Crampton's Gap, etc., . . in fact, almost all the engagements in
the Shenandoah Valley and al)Out Harper's Ferry," The regiment was
frequently complimented b}- commanding officers for service and gallantry.
Capt. Zimmerman was wounded in the left ankle at Loudoun Heights, Va.,
Jan. lo, 1864, and was in the hospital for three months. He participated
in all the cavalry engagements in the Shenandoah Valley, and was never
absent from his command except when wounded. Shortly after the close
of the war he was made deputy postmaster at Frederick, Aid., (in 1866),
and served three years. For the two years following he was engaged in
the stone and marble liusiness at F"rederick, and in various other enter-
prises until 1879, when he was appointed to a position in the U. S. custom
house at Baltimore, where he remained for four years. Returning to
Frederick he served two years as deputy sheriff, and then went into a
general contracting business and carried it on until 1891. when he was
re-appointed to the custom house — has been employed there ever since,
and is now acting deputy surveyor of customs of the port of Baltimore.
He belongs to the Maryland commandery of the Military Order of the
Loyal Legion and to the Gen. J. F. Reynolds Post, Xo. 2, Grand Army
of the Republic at F"rederick, and was commander of the department of
Maryland in 1899.
o
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