15 Facts About Wager Swayne

Wager Swayne was a Union Army colonel during the American Civil War and was appointed as the last major general of volunteers of the Union Army.

Wager Swayne was effectively the military governor of Alabama from March 2,1867, to July 14,1868, after the passage of the first Reconstruction Act by the US Congress until Alabama was readmitted to the Union.

Robert M Patton remained the nominal governor during this period but as the local army commander, Swayne controlled the State government.

Wager Swayne was the first person born after Alabama statehood, to govern the state.

Wager Swayne served in the Union Army during the Civil War as a field officer in one of Ohio's three-year infantry regiments.

Wager Swayne fought at the battles of Iuka and Corinth, and was promoted to fill the vacancy caused by the death of the regiment's colonel.

Wager Swayne led the 43rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry with distinction during the Atlanta Campaign and in the Carolinas Campaign until February 2,1865, when he suffered a severe wound at the Battle of Rivers' Bridge in South Carolina by the Salkehatchie River, which resulted in the amputation of his right leg.

Wager Swayne was the last major general of volunteers appointed during the American Civil War period.

Wager Swayne was commissioned colonel of the 45th United States Infantry Regiment.

Wager Swayne was mustered out of the volunteer army on September 1,1867, but stayed in the Regular Army.

From March 2,1867, to July 14,1868, as local army commander, Swayne effectively controlled the State government although Robert M Patton remained the nominal governor during this period.

Wager Swayne was unassigned as of March 15,1869, when the army was reorganized and his regiment was consolidated with the 14th US Infantry Regiment.

Wager Swayne then moved to Toledo, Ohio, where he established a law practice.

Wager Swayne moved in 1881 to New York City, where he set up another law practice, specializing in representing telegraph and railroad companies.

Wager Swayne died in New York City on December 18,1902, and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery Arlington County, Virginia, Plot: Section 3, Lot 1406.