ARTHUR MACARTHUR
MACARTHUR, ARTHUR, major-general in the United States army, was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, June 1, 1845. His father, for whom he was named, came with his parents to this country from Scotland, and after taking a preparatory course of study, entered Wesleyan university. Remaining there less than a year, he went to New York and studied law for about four years. He was admitted to the bar, and in 1841 opened a law office in Springfield, Massachusetts. In 1845 he returned to New York city and was in active legal practice for four years. In 1849 he removed to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, resumed the practice of his profession in 1850, and continued it with great success until 1867, when he became United States Commissioner to the Paris exposition. From 1870 to 1887, he was associate justice of the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia.
The removal of the family in 1849 took the younger MacArthur to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and in that city his youth was passed. He was educated in the public schools and in 1862 he entered the army, in which he has found the work of his life. When little more than seventeen he was appointed by the governor, on August 4, 1862, first lieutenant and adjutant of the 24th Wisconsin volunteer infantry. He took part in the battles of Perryville, Kentucky, October 1862, and Stones river, Tennessee, December 30-31, 1862. In the last-named engagement he was second in command of his regiment, and in the official report of the brigade commander he was commended for bravery. He held the same position at Chickamaugua, where he rendered efficient service; and at Chattanooga, where he served as first lieutenant of the regiment with which he entered the army, his bravery in battle was recognized by a medal of honor from congress. On January 25, 1864, he was promoted major. The regiment of which he was in command at the battles of Kenesaw Mountain and Franklin, Tennessee, did valiant service and was highly commended by the division commander, General Stanley, for the "large part" it had taken in saving the Union forces from defeat in the last named
