Samuel Lyle Glasgow
Born: September 17, 1838
Died: January 16, 1916
Colonel 23rd Iowa Infantry
Bvt BG (1864)
Samuel Glasgow’s bio, like so many other military figures, is typically relegated to a quick summary comprised of assignments and promotions. I visited his grave back in 2019 and his story – particularly his wife’s story – is one that has stuck with me since learning more about him.
Prior to the Civil War, the Ohio-born Glasgow was a successful attorney who ran a law office in Corydon, Iowa. In July 1861 he helped raise a company of volunteers for the 4th Iowa Infantry, was made First Lieutenant, and would finish the war a Brevet Brigadier General, owed largely to his role in the Siege of Vicksburg.
Upon returning home, he served in various local political positions until being named U.S. Consul to Havre, France in 1867. It was in Havre that Glasgow’s first wife, Harriet, died at the age of 28 in 1871.
A year later Samuel married Sylvie Wotton. The couple were wed at the U.S. Legation Office in Paris on 18 July. She accompanied Samuel who was sent to (get this) Glasgow, Scotland to serve there as U.S. Consul. Although married for 35 years, there isn’t a lot of information available on her.
Sylvie would pass away in 1907 at the age of 63. One year later Samuel married his third wife, Winona. The couple settled in D.C. where Samuel was working to enact legislation for Civil War pensions. It was in D.C. #onthisday in 1916 that Samuel passed away at the age of 77.
Three days later, Mrs Glasgow, supported by her brother and sister, accompanied the body of General Glasgow to the local crematorium. Upon returning home she asked her siblings to go to the market while she tried to get rest. While alone, Winona penned the following note:
“I am lonesome, and cannot live without the General. It is my request that my ashes be placed along with his at Arlington tomorrow afternoon at 2 o’clock. Please forgive me for this, but it is my only solace.”
Later when called for dinner, her brother and sister discovered Winona dead from a single gunshot wound to her heart. She was forty-five years old. Winona and Samuel rest together in Section 2 at Arlington National Cemetery.
#atrestoration #anc #civilwargeneral #civilwar #militaryhistory