44th New York Infantry - Twice Wounded & Gettysburg Commander - NEW

Item CDV-11630

Description

Freeman Conner
 
Soon after coming of age he went to Chicago, where he engaged in the grain business. He was a member of the Ellsworth Zouaves [United States Zouaves Cadets], a famous Illinois military organization, which came East in 1860s attracting much attention by the excellence of its drill, and which escorted President Lincoln to Washington in March, 1861. Later Colonel Ellsworth organized a similar organization in New York City from the ranks of the firemen there [11th NY Infantry], which Mr. Conner joined with the rank of [First] lieutenant [of Company D]. After the tragic death of its commander, and the first battle of Bull Run, this regiment was disbanded [June 1862]; but its officers immediately went to Albany, where they organized the Forty-fourth New York, or 'Ellsworth Avengers'.
 
He was commissioned Major on 4 July 1862 and promoted to Lieutenant Colonel on 9 September 1862 (to date from July 14).
 
He commanded the regiment in Maryland.
 
He was wounded at Fredericksburg, VA on 13 December 1862 and discharged for wounds on 3 April 1863. He was reinstated and mustered again as Lieutenant Colonel on 12 May 1863 and was wounded again, on 8 May 1864 at Laurel Hill, VA. He mustered out with his regiment on 11 October 1864 at Albany.
 
He had been commissioned Colonel of the 116th New York Infantry on 5 September 1863, but did not muster or serve at that rank.
 
Born:  03/02/1836; Exeter, NH
 
Died:  03/28/1906; Chicago, IL; burial in Graceland Memorial Park, Valparaiso, IN
 
Source:  Antietam on the Web