CLASS OF 1851

Dr. Samuel Henry Melcher died at his home in Chicago, Ill., August 1, 1915.

He was the son of Woodbury and Rebecca (French) Melcher, and was born in Gilmanton, N. H, October 30, 1828. He was educated at Laconia and Gilmanton Academies.

He was for a time in practice in Boston, but was living in St. Louis, Mo., when he was commissioned, May 7, 1861, assistant surgeon of the Fifth Missouri Volunteers, a three months regiment. He served with the regiment at the battles of Carthage, Wilson's Creek and Dug Spring. December 4, 1861, he was appointed brigade surgeon of the First Brigade, Missouri State Militia, and later received temporary leave of absence to organize the 32d Regiment of Enrolled Missouri Militia, of which he was commissioned colonel. In October, 1862, he became medical director of the Army of the Frontier, and served through the following winter. In the spring of 1853 he was surgeon in charge of Ironton General Hospital. In May, 1863,' he was commissioned lieutenant colonel of the Sixth Missouri Cavalry, and later served on the staffs of Generals Schofield, Rosecrans, and Pleasanton. His last military service was as post commander Sat Jefferson Ci,ty, Mo., where he became debilitated from hard service, and resigned December 24, 1864.

In the battle of Springfield, January 8, 1863, he lost the use of his left eye by the concussion of a bursting shell, and the right gradually failed from sympathy. Since 1890 he had been totally blind.

A son and daughter survive him, the daughter having been for many years his faithful companion and amanuensis.