William A. Ketcham

William Alexander Ketcham (January 2, 1846 - December 27, 1921) was an American lawyer, soldier, and politician who served as the sixteenth Indiana Attorney General from November 22, 1894, to November 22, 1898. Ketcham also served as Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic from September 24, 1920, to September 29, 1921. Biography Early life and education Ketcham was born in Indianapolis to John L. and Jane (née Merrill) Ketcham. John L. Ketcham (son of politician and surveyor John Ketcham) was a leading lawyer of the Indianapolis bar association who was born in Kentucky, but came to Indiana with his family at a young age. Jane Ketcham was the daughter of Samuel Merrill, Indiana State Treasurer, a member of the Indiana General Assembly, and President of the Jeffersonville, Madison and Indianapolis Railroad Company. William Ketcham's sister was the painter, Susan Merrill Ketcham. His aunt was the nurse and professor, Catharine Merrill. Ketcham attended public school in Indianapolis until age thirteen when he studied for two years abroad in Germany. In 1861, Ketcham began attending Wabash College in Crawfordsville. He remained a student at the college until February 1864, when he enlisted, joining Company A of the 13th Indiana Infantry Regiment. Ketcham fought in the Battle of Cold Harbor, the Bermuda Hundred Campaign, the Richmond-Petersburg Campaign, and the Second Battle of Fort Fisher. He attained the rank of captain before leaving the regiment in September 1865.