Wallace, Lewis, major-general, was born at Brookville, Franklin county, Ind., April 1O, 1827. He did not take kindly to the restraints of school and an attempt to put him through college resulted in failure. He was passionately fond of reading, however, and at an early age showed a talent for drawing and painting, which might have made of him an artist had it been cultivated. He wore in those days a white oil- cloth cap, and when taken to church against his will was apt to decorate the crown with faithful likenesses of the preacher and various members of the congregation. After leaving college he studied law in his father's office, was admitted to the bar and practiced regularly for a number of years, but never developed any real liking for the profession. He took part in both the Mexican and Civil wars. In the former he attained the rank of first lieutenant and in the latter that of major-general of volunteers. In 1861 he was adjutant-general of the state, but he resigned this office for a commission as colonel of the 11th Ind. infantry. His services in the field were conspicuous and valuable. He led a division at the capture of Fort Donelson, being the first Federal officer of rank who entered the fort. He also contributed largely to the victory at Shiloh by his gallant fighting on the second day. After the war he served upon the commission before which those accused of the assassination of Lincoln were tried, upon the returning board in Florida in 1876, as governor of New Mexico from 1878-81 and as U. S. minister to Turkey, 1881-85. After his return from Turkey he made his home at Crawfordsville, Ind., where he engaged in literary work, being widely known as the author of Ben Hur. Gen. Wallace died in 1905.