Lewis Zahm facts for kids

Lewis Zahm, sometimes known as Louis Zahm, was an important leader in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He held the rank of colonel.

Early Life of Lewis Zahm

Lewis Zahm was born on August 7, 1820, in a place called Zweibrücken, which was then part of Bavaria. When he was about 16 years old, in 1836, he moved to the United States. He first lived in New York before settling in Ohio.

Lewis Zahm's Role in the Civil War

When the American Civil War began, Lewis Zahm played a big part. He helped create a group of soldiers known as the 3rd Ohio Cavalry. On September 27, 1861, he was officially made a colonel, which is a high rank in the army.

Leading Soldiers in Battle

Colonel Zahm was a brigade commander, meaning he led a large group of soldiers. He served in this role twice. First, he led a brigade in the Army of the Ohio from September to October 1862. Later, he commanded another brigade in the Army of the Cumberland from November 1862 to January 1863. He left the volunteer army on January 5, 1863.

Becoming a Brigadier General

Even after he left the army, Lewis Zahm was recognized for his service. On March 15, 1867, President Andrew Johnson suggested that Zahm be given the honorary rank of brevet brigadier general. This special honor was approved by the United States Senate on March 26, 1867.

Later Life and Legacy

After the Civil War, Lewis Zahm worked for the government as an assessor for the Internal Revenue Service. In 1874, he moved to Kansas. There, he became a stockman, which means he raised livestock on a ranch. Lewis Zahm passed away on December 10, 1890, in Seneca, Kansas. He was buried in Seneca Cemetery in Seneca, Kansas.