Richard Corwine was born in Mason County, Kentucky, on April 12, 1812. He was admitted to the bar in 1834, and formed a law firm with future president Rutherford B. Hays and Caleb B. Smith, the future Secretary of the Interior under President Lincoln. He was very active in politics and had a personal relationship with Abraham Lincoln.

At the start of the Civil War, Corwine served as a major of cavalry on the staff of General John C. Fremont; he subsequently served on the General Ambrose Burnside’s staff, and as a judge advocate general.

Corwine resigned his commission in 1864 and returned to his law practice.

Carte-de-Vistie by J.A. Scholten, St. Louis, Mo.

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 11500