Edward Wallace facts for kids

Edward Test Wallace was an American soldier who fought in two important wars: the Mexican–American War and the American Civil War. He served in the Union Army during the Civil War, which lasted from 1861 to 1865. Edward Wallace was also the brother of a famous general, Lew Wallace, and the son of a governor.

Early Life and Work

Before the Civil War began, Edward Test Wallace lived in a town called Mattoon, Illinois. There, he worked as a tinner in a hardware store. A tinner is someone who works with tin, often making or repairing metal items.

Military Service

Edward Wallace had a long military career. He first served as a soldier in the Mexican–American War. This war was fought between the United States and Mexico from 1846 to 1848.

When the American Civil War started in 1861, Edward Wallace joined the Union Army. The Union Army was the army of the northern states. He began his service as a captain in the 11th Indiana Infantry Regiment.

During the war, he worked closely with his brother, General Lew Wallace. Edward was an acting aide, or assistant, to General Wallace at the important Battle of Shiloh. This battle took place in April 1862 and was one of the bloodiest battles of the war. Later, he also served as a volunteer aide-de-camp for his brother during the defense of Cincinnati, Ohio. An aide-de-camp is a personal assistant to a high-ranking military officer.

By the end of the Civil War, Edward Wallace was a captain in the Veteran Reserve Corps. This group was made up of soldiers who had been injured or were no longer able to fight on the front lines, but could still perform other duties.

Family Connections

Edward Test Wallace came from a well-known family. His brother was General Lew Wallace, who was not only a military leader but also a famous author. Lew Wallace wrote the classic novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ.

Edward's father was David Wallace, who served as the Governor of Indiana. Governors are leaders of states in the United States.

Later Life and Death

After his military service, Edward Test Wallace lived in Brownwood, Texas for eleven years. He passed away in December 1885 at the age of 58. His death was caused by pneumonia. Edward Wallace was first buried at Round Mountain Cemetery in Brownwood.