Lew Wallace

Lewis "Lew" Wallace was a multifaceted figure, excelling as a lawyer, a Union general during the Civil War, governor of New Mexico Territory, and a diplomat. Born in Indiana, Wallace's early life showed a preference for reading and drawing over formal schooling, though he later pursued law. His military career began in the Mexican-American War and continued through the Civil War, where he achieved the rank of major general and participated in significant battles like Fort Donelson and Shiloh. He also served on the military commission for the trials of Lincoln assassination conspirators and presided over Henry Wirz's trial. After the war, Wallace held diplomatic posts and governed New Mexico before retiring to write.

Wallace's literary legacy is dominated by his 1880 novel, Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ. This historical adventure story achieved immense popularity, becoming a bestseller and earning recognition as "the most influential Christian book of the nineteenth century." While Wallace himself stated he was not a member of any organized religion, he expressed belief in "the Christian conception of God." His other writings include the novel The Fair God, published in 1873. Wallace continued his writing career until his death in 1905 in Crawfordsville, Indiana.

Born in Brookville, Indiana, Lewis Wallace's father was a lawyer and politician who served in the Indiana General Assembly, as lieutenant governor, governor, and Congressman. Young Lew showed an early aptitude for drawing and reading, though he struggled with discipline in school. He briefly attended preparatory school at Wabash College before continuing his education at various academies. After his father refused further financial support for schooling, Wallace began earning his own way at sixteen, working in a county clerk's office and joining a local militia. He also started writing his first novel, The Fair God, during this period. By 1846, he was studying law but left to join the military for the Mexican-American War. Though he served as a second lieutenant and regimental adjutant, he did not personally engage in combat. After the war, he intended to practice law and co-published a newspaper.

A staunch Union supporter, Wallace transitioned to a full-time military career at the outset of the Civil War. Appointed Indiana's adjutant general, he also secured command of the 11th Indiana Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He rose to the rank of brigadier general and later major general. Wallace's brigade played a role in securing Fort Heiman prior to the Union victory at Fort Henry. At the Battle of Fort Donelson, he took initiative to reinforce a beleaguered Union division, a decision credited with stabilizing the defensive line and enabling a counterattack. His promotion to major general made him the youngest in the Union army at the time. Wallace's command at the Battle of Shiloh became a subject of controversy regarding his division's movements and late arrival on the field.

Following his resignation from the U.S. Army in 1865, Wallace briefly served in the Mexican Army before returning to the United States. He was appointed governor of New Mexico Territory from 1878 to 1881 and later served as the U.S. minister to the Ottoman Empire from 1881 to 1885. Upon retiring to his home in Crawfordsville, Indiana, Wallace dedicated himself to writing. His most significant literary achievement, Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ, published in 1880, became a monumental success. This novel, exploring themes of faith and redemption within a historical adventure narrative, was widely acclaimed and profoundly impacted Christian literature in the 19th century. Wallace continued writing until his death in 1905.