Ephraim C. Dawes

Ephraim Cutler Dawes (May 27, 1840 – April 23, 1895) was a major in the 53rd Ohio Infantry and brevet lieutenant-colonel, United States Volunteers, during the American Civil War. Dawes was present at the Battle of Shiloh and Battle of Vicksburg, among others, serving under Ulysses S. Grant and William T. Sherman. One of his notable acts occurred during battle, where Dawes disobeyed and cursed an officer who had become scared and disoriented. While serving with Sherman during his march to Atlanta Dawes was seriously wounded in his lower jaw in what would be his last battle, subsequently being honorably discharged in 1864. After the war, Dawes began a business career working for various Cincinnati railroad companies and later was engaged in railroad operations in several other states. He also became involved with historical works and writings of the Civil War. Despite the wound to his jaw Dawes became a noted public speaker and was a member of numerous historical societies. During his lifetime Dawes amassed one of the largest collections of books and manuscripts on the Civil War. Family and early life Ephraim Dawes was born on May 27, 1840, near Malta, Ohio, and was the youngest child among six siblings. His parents were Henry and Sarah Cutler Dawes. His father died in 1860. The most famous member of the Dawes family in its early years was William Dawes Jr., who accompanied Paul Revere on his historic ride April 19, 1775 to warn Lexington and Concord of the advancing British troops. His grandfather was Judge Ephraim Cutler, for whom he was named after, was prominent in Ohio's early history. Ephraim's uncle, William P. Cutler, exerted much influence on the young Dawes, whose example in public and private life, inspired Dawes in his pursuits in public and military life. His elder brother, Rufus, after serving as a lieutenant colonel in the 6th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment and was part of the Iron Brigade which fought during the Civil War at the Battle of Gettysburg. Dawes married Frances Bosworth In 1866, and settled in Cincinnati, Ohio. Their marriage brought no children.