John Egbert Farnum

John Egbert Farnum (born in New Jersey, 1 April 1824; died in New York City, 16 May 1870) was a brevet general in the United States Army during the Mexican–American War and the American Civil War, and captain of the illegal slave ship Wanderer.

[1] Farnum entered the army as sergeant-major of the 1st Pennsylvania Infantry in 1846, and served through the Mexican War.

At the beginning of the Civil War, he became major in the 70th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment, which was raised and commanded by General Sickles.

He distinguished himself for gallantry in all the engagements in which Sickles's brigade took part, and was promoted colonel of his regiment.

He was then compelled by his wounds to abandon active service, and accepted the colonelcy of the 11th regiment of the veteran reserve corps, which he retained until the close of the war.