American general, born at East Galena, IL, on the 13th of February 1831. He was brought up to a frontier farmer’s life, but showed fondness for reading. He studied law at Galena and was admitted to the bar in 1855. He became noted as a speaker in the exciting political campaigns of the time, and in 1860 was a candidate for Presidential elector on the Douglas ticket. On the outbreak of the war he ardently supported the cause of the Union, and in September 1861, U. S. Grant, on receiving his commission as brigadier-general, appointed his fellow-townsman Rawlins assistant-adjutant-general, with the rank of captain. He remained in close relation to Gen. Grant till the close of his life. He was made brigadier-general in 1863, and chief of staff to the lieutenant-general March 5, 1865. Gen. Grant frequently bore testimony to his ability and integrity, and on becoming President he appointed Rawlins Secretary of War, but after six months’ tenure the latter died on the 6th of September 1869. A bronze statue of him has been erected in Washington.
