Appletons' Cyclopædia of American Biography/Davis, Charles Wilder

DAVIS, Charles Wilder, soldier, b. in Concord, Mass., 11 Oct., 1833; d. in Chicago, Ill., 16 Dec. 1898. He attended the common schools, and at eighteen he entered the 5th Massachusetts infantry, in which he received his early military training. In 1861 he was living in Chicago and was commissioned adjutant of the 51st Illinois. He was present at the siege of Island No. 10 and took part in the battle of Corinth. In September, 1862, he became major, and was wounded in the battle of Chickamauga. Later he was promoted to lieutenant-colonel, and was severely wounded in the battle of Missionary Ridge, being in the hospital for many months. He was promoted colonel in May, 1865, and the same day received the surrender of Gen. M. Jeff Thompson and 7,000 Confederates. He was mustered out and returned to Chicago, where he afterward resided. At the time of his death Col. Davis was commander of the Illinois commandery of the Loyal legion.