Military officer; born in
Mechanicsville, N. Y., April 23, 1837; was first engaged in mercantile business in
Troy, N. Y., and as a patent solicitor in
Chicago he acquired a good income.
While studying law he joined a Zouave corps at
Chicago, and in July, 1860, visited some of the
Eastern cities of the
Union with them and attracted great attention.
On his return he organized a Zouave regiment in
Chicago; and in April, 1861, he organized another from the New York Fire Department.
These were among the earlier troops that hastened to
Washington.
Leading his Zouaves to
Alexandria,
Ellsworth was shot dead by the proprietor of the
Marshall House, while he was descending the stairs with a Confederate flag which he
had pulled down, May 24, 1861.
His body was taken to
Washington, and lay in state in the East Room of the
White House. It was then taken to New York, where it lay in state in the City Hall, and, after being carried in procession through the streets of the city, it was conveyed to his birthplace for burial.
He was young and handsome, and his death, being the first of note that had occurred in the opening war, produced a profound sensation throughout the country.