Maj.-Gen. Daniel E. Sickles (1819-1914 ) of New York, studied at the University of New York, became a printer, then studied law.

He soon became active in politics and held a prominent place in the councils of Tammany Hall. In 1857 he was elected to the legislature and about the same time was commissioned major of the 12th regiment of the New York National Guard.

When the Civil war broke out he raised the Excelsior brigade, which distinguished itself at Williamsburg, Fair Oaks and in the Seven Days' battles. Gen. Sickles took a prominent part in the battle of Antietam, soon after which he became commander of a division.