James Deering Fessenden

Background

Fessenden, James Deering was born on September 28, 1833 in Portland, Maine, United States. Son of William P.H. and Ellen (Deering) Fessenden.

Education

Graduate Bowdoin College, 1852.

Career

Admitted to Maine bar, 1856. Recruited company 2d United States Sharpshooters, 1861, served as captain. Member of staff General Hunter, 1862.

Organized, disciplined 1st regiment of Negro soldiers in national service.

Commissioned colonel, 1862. Mustered, disbursed troops, 1863.

Fought under General Hooker at battles of Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge. Participated in Sherman’s campaign against Atlanta (Georgia), 1864.

Commissioned brigadier general, 1864.

Led brigade in Grand Review, Washington, District of Columbia, 1865. Commissioned major general United States Volunteers, 1866. United States register of bankruptcy, 1868-1878.

Member Maine Legislature, 1872-1874.

Achievements

• James Deering Fessenden has been listed as a reputable lawyer, army officer by Marquis Who's Who.

Membership

Member of staff General Hunter, 1862. Member Maine Legislature, 1872-1874.

Connections

Married Frances C. Greeley, November 5, 1856.

Father:

William P.H. Fessenden

Mother:

Ellen (Deering) Fessenden

Spouse:

Frances C. Greeley