19th century, c. 1860s-70s, vintage ambrotype in tooled leather case, fitted in a velvet lined interior, 3-3/4 x 3-1/4 in. (case overall)Note: The sitter was the famous industrialist, inventor and Civil War commander of "Wilder's Lightening Brigade". He fought at the Battle of Shiloh. As a colonel from Indiana, Wilder became indispensable to the Union cause. Because of his high regard back home in Indiana, he was able to outfit his brigade with the Spencer Repeating Rifle on his own with loans from Hoosier banks. After surrendering at the Battle of Munfordville, he spent two months in a Confederate prison with full military honors. For his part in the Battle of Chickamauga, he was brevetted Brigadier General. After the war, he settled in Chattanooga, where he invested heavily in the area, opening an iron works, manufacturing for the railroad industry, and eventually becoming active in local politics. Because of his leadership in the redevelopment of the south, he was elected an honorary member of the Forrest Camp of the United Confederate veterans. A monument to Wilder's Lightening Brigade stands in Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, and his homes in Knoxville and Roan Mountain are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. ÿwear to leather case at edges, overall wear commensurate with age