FAIRCHILD, Cassius, Brig. Gen. [1828-1868] -- American soldier

He was born in Kent. Ohio, Dec. 16, 1828; son of Jairus C. Fairchild, state treasurer of Wisconsin, 1848-52. Cassius migrated with his father's family to Wisconsin Territory in 1846, settling at Madison, and acted as private secretary and assistant to his father in his public and personal business affairs. He was a member of the state assembly in 1860 and in 1861 was commissioned major of the 16th Wisconsin volunteers. He was wounded at Shiloh, April 6, 1862, and was unable to rejoin his command until April 18, 1863. From October, 1863, to March, 1864, he was on court-martial duty at Vicksburg, Miss. He commanded his regiment in the battles of Big Shanty, June 3, and Kenesaw Mountain, June 27, 1864, marching from Clifton, Tenn., to Ackworth, Ga. After the capture of Atlanta, Ga., he was detailed on recruiting service and rejoined his regiment at Beaufort, S.C., in January, 1865. He commanded a brigade of the 3d division, 17th army corps, in the Carolina campaign and was mustered out of the service in July, 1865, his commission as brevet brigadier-general of volunteers dating from March 13, 1865.

He was appointed by President Johnson U.S. marshal for the eastern division of Wisconsin and continued in the office until his death, which was caused by the reopening of the wound received at Shiloh. He died at Milwaukee, Wis., Oct. 26, 1868. BDNA