Mortimer Dormer Leggett photograph

Carte de visite photograph of General Mortimer Dormer Leggett, from the William T. Sherman Photograph Album, ca. 1865-1880. Mortimer Dormer Leggett was born on April 19, 1821, in Ithaca, New York, but moved with his parents to Geauga County, Ohio, when he was fifteen. He was a teacher, lawyer, and school superintendent as well as a Union soldier. In 1861, Governor William Dennison authorized Leggett to recruit an Ohio regiment for the Union army. Leggett's men formed the basis of the 78th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Leggett served as the regiment's colonel. He led his men into battle at Fort Donelson, at Shiloh, and at Corinth during 1862, and played an active role at the siege of Vicksburg during 1863. Because of his leadership ability, Leggett was promoted to the rank of major general by war’s end. In 1864, Leggett accompanied William T. Sherman's army against Atlanta and on the March to the Sea. He remained with Sherman's army as it invaded South Carolina in 1865. Leggett retired from military service at the war's end. During the Civil War, Leggett was wounded at least six times