Brevet Brigadier General

Judge Advocate during the trial of Andersonville Commandant Henry Wirz

(1836-1924) Born in Union County, Ohio, he attended Washington College, and Cincinnati Law School, graduating in 1859. During his professional career he was a lawyer, judge, and U.S. Congressman, 1871-75. At the outbreak of the Civil War, he enlisted on May 28, 1861, as a 2nd lieutenant, and was commissioned into the 2nd Iowa Infantry. He was promoted to major, September 23, 1861, and wounded in the thigh on February 15, 1862, during the capture of Fort Donelson, Tenn. He was discharged for promotion, on April 16, 1862, and commissioned colonel and appointed aide-de-camp, and chief of staff of General Samuel R. Curtis. He was promoted to brevet brigadier general, March 13, 1865, and was discharged from the service on November 30, 1865. He served as Judge Advocate during the trial of Andersonville Commandant Henry Wirz. After the war he was active in the G.A.R., and served as National Adjutant General in 1869.

Wet plate, albumen carte de visite photograph, mounted to 2 3/8 x 4 card. Bust view in uniform with rank of colonel. No backmark. Bottom left corner of the albumen print is chipped, not affecting the subject. Light age toning. Scarce.