JAMES DEERING FESSENDEN

Background

James Deering Fessenden was the eldest son of William Pitt and Ellen (Deering) Fessenden.

Education

He graduated from Bowdoin College in 1852, studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1856 and became a member of his father’s law firm.

Career

He was active in the large practise carried on by his father’s firm and showed great professional promise, but on the outbreak of the Civil War promptly entered military service, receiving a captain’s commission.

He recruited a company of sharpshooters and spent the first winter of the war in a Virginia camp, engaged in various administrative and training duties.

In March 1862 he was transferred to the staff of General Hunter and performed important services in South Carolina. He is reported to have organized and disciplined the first regiment of colored soldiers in the national service although General Hunter’s action was afterward disallowed and the regiment disbanded for the time being.

Severely injured by a fall from his horse, he was transferred to mustering and disbursing service during the summer months of 1863, but in September was ordered on active service.

Achievements

• He was promoted to the rank of colonel later in the year and took part in operations against Charleston in the spring of 1863.

Connections

On November 5 of the same year he married Frances C. Greeley.

Father:

William Pitt Fessenden

Mother:

Ellen (Deering) Fessenden

Wife:

Frances C. Greeley