Samuel Keene of Rockland, a lawyer, was 29 when he enlisted as 1st lieutenant in Co. I of the 20th Maine Infantry on Aug. 29, 1862. He was later promoted to captain of Co. F.

Keene was killed on June 22, 1864, at Petersburg while ensuring that an injured soldier was cared for. Keene's promotion to major did not reach him before his death.

On the back of his photograph, Capt. Holman S. Melcher, who served as his lieutenant in Co. F, wrote Keene's dying words, "Write my wife," "All is well," and "I die for my Country."

Melcher also wrote, "He was a true Christian -- a noble man -- a brave soldier a kind officer, and a firm Patriot."