This article is reprinted and adapted in part from Miller, G. L. 1997. Historical Natural History: Insects and the Civil War. American Entomologist 43:227-245.

Portions of this article are copyrighted by the Entomological Society of America and are reprinted with permission. Other reproduction of this material is prohibited.

Section 11: Civil War Era Entomologists

The following list is composed of famous entomologists who lived during the Civil War.

J. H. Comstock

Attempted to enlist in Union army at age of 14 but was turned down.

E. T. Cresson

Escaped the Civil War because employer (Thomas Wilson, patron of the Entomological Society of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Academy of Science) paid for substitute. Seems Wilson had strong Southern sympathies.

C. H. Fernald

Joined the Union navy where he became an ensign. While in navy, took courses required by Bowdoin College and eventually received degree.

S. A. Forbes

Enlisted as private in Co. B. of the 7th Illinois Cavalry. Captured by Confederate forces after Shiloh, was interrogated briefly by Confederate General P.T.G. Beauregard. Contracted scurvy and malaria as prisoner.

W. F. Holland

Left South Carolina in 1863 as boy via the "underground route."

G. H. Horn

Received M.D. in medicine from University of Pennsylvania. Served as surgeon with California Volunteers from 1862- -1866.

J. L. LeConte

Served with Union Army Medical Corps as volunteer surgeon and soon became medical inspector with rank of lieutenant-colonel.

O. Luggar

Served as Army Engineer during war.

H. C. McCook

Assisted in raising 41st Illinois Volunteers and served as lieutenant and chaplin for 2 years.

A. S. Packard, Jr.

Commissioned as assistant surgeon in 1stMaine Veteran Volunteers. Received from General Hyde the commendation that "he was a dare devil and knew no fear."

G. W. Peckham

Joined Union army in 1863. Received field promotion to lieutenant at 19 while in charge of battery.

T. Pergande

Shortly after immigration to United States, enlisted in one of early Union 3-month regiments then re-enlisted for duration of war.

E. Ruffin

Provided early life history account on Angoumois grain moth. Had dubious distinction of firing one of the first shots at Ft. Sumter and last shots at First Bull Run. Committed suicide at end of the war rather than live with "vile" Yankee race.

C. V. Riley

Served for 6-month stint in 134th Illinois Volunteers.

F. H. Snow

Service during Civil War was associated with U.S. Christian Commission. Was at Appomattox when Lee surrendered to Grant.

H. Ulke

Known as the "painter of presidents"; was personal friend of Lincoln and Grant. Painted both presidents and operated studio where he photographed hundreds of soldiers during their stay in Washington, DC.