Background
Mann, William D’Alton was born on September 27, 1839 in Sandusky, Ohio, United States. Son of William R. and Eliza (Ford) Mann.
Mann, William D’Alton was born on September 27, 1839 in Sandusky, Ohio, United States. Son of William R. and Eliza (Ford) Mann.
Educated as civil engineer.
Entered Union Army at outbreak of Civil War. Commissioned captain 1st Michigan Cavalry. Organized 1st Mounted Rifles, afterwards 5th Michigan Cavalry, and Daniels’ Horse Battery, 1862.
Organized 7th Michigan Cavalry and Gunther’s Horse Battery (these troops composing Michigan Cavalry Brigade). Commissioned colonel, 1862. Devised improvements in accoutrements of troops, used in the United States Army, and Austrian Army.
Settled in Mobile, Alabama, after the war. Pioneer manufacturer cotton-seed oil. Several years proprietor Mobile Register.
1st Democratic candidate for Congress, under Reconstruction, from Mobile District (elected to 41st Congress but not seated). Invented and patented the boudoir car, 1871, and introduced it throughout Europe. Founded the Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits.
Organized Mann Boudoir Car Company, New York, 1883 (later bought out by Pullman Company). President and editor Town Topics, since 1891. Founder and manager The Smart Set.
Author: The Raiders, 1876. Home: New York, New York.
Married Sophie Hartog, 1902.