Lew Wallace

Lew Wallace, born on April tenth, eighteen twenty-seven, was a multifaceted American who made significant contributions as a military officer, lawyer, diplomat, and author. Hailing from Indiana, he is perhaps best known for his historical adventure novel, Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ, published in eighteen eighty. This bestselling work has been recognized as one of the most influential Christian books of the nineteenth century, showcasing Wallace's literary prowess.

His military career was marked by notable service in both the Mexican–American War and the American Civil War. Wallace rose to prominence as Indiana's adjutant general, commanding the 11th Indiana Infantry Regiment. He achieved the rank of major general and played pivotal roles in significant battles, including Fort Donelson, Shiloh, and Monocacy. Additionally, he was involved in the military commission that oversaw the trials of the conspirators behind President Lincoln's assassination.

After resigning from the U.S. Army in November eighteen sixty-five, Wallace briefly served as a major general in the Mexican Army before returning to the United States. His political career flourished when he was appointed governor of the New Mexico Territory from eighteen seventy-eight to eighteen eighty-one, followed by his role as U.S. minister to the Ottoman Empire from eighteen eighty-one to eighteen eighty-five.

In his later years, Wallace retired to his home in Crawfordsville, Indiana, where he continued to write until his passing in nineteen oh-five. His diverse career as a military leader, politician, and author left an indelible mark on American history.