James Deering Fessenden was born on September 28, 1833, in Portland, Maine, to William and Ellen Fessenden. His father was a Republican politician who served in the United States Senate from 1854 until 1869. He grew up and attended school in Portland, and he graduated from Bowdoin College in 1852. He married Frances C. Greeley on November 3, 1856, and they had at least two children: James, born around 1858; and Henry, born around 1860. He earned a living as a lawyer.

 

In November 1861, he received a commission as captain of Company D of the 2^nd United States Sharpshooters. Soon afterward, he received a promotion to lieutenant colonel, and he served as aide-de-camp to General David Hunter. He was promoted to colonel on July 16, 1862. He became aide-de-camp to General Joseph Hooker in November 1863, and he took part in the Battle of Missionary Ridge and the Atlanta campaign. He was promoted to brigadier general in August 1864, and he served in the Army of the Shenandoah. He mustered out on January 15, 1866.

 

He returned to Portland after the war and resumed his work as a lawyer. By 1870, he owned $50,000 of real estate and $25,000 of personal property. He supported the Republican Party, and he served three terms in the state legislature. He died in Portland on November 18, 1882.

 

Image: James D. Fessenden (courtesy Wikicommons)

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