Remembering History: 1861 Memorial portrait of Colonel Elmer Ellsworth. Like many Americans, President Lincoln lost loved ones in the Civil War. The death of Colonel Elmer Ellsworth on May 24, 1861, was particularly painful, as he and his wife, Mary, looked upon the young man as another son. Lincoln ordered Ellsworth’s funeral to be held at the White House; during the service, Mrs. Lincoln placed this commemorative portrait on his casket.

1861 Memorial portrait of Colonel Elmer Ellsworth. Like many Americans, President Lincoln lost loved ones in the Civil War. The death of Colonel Elmer Ellsworth on May 24, 1861, was particularly painful, as he and his wife, Mary, looked upon the young man as another son. Lincoln ordered Ellsworth’s funeral to be held at the White House; during the service, Mrs. Lincoln placed this commemorative portrait on his casket.

1861 Memorial portrait of Colonel Elmer Ellsworth. Like many Americans, President Lincoln lost loved ones in the Civil War. The death of Colonel Elmer Ellsworth on May 24, 1861, was particularly painful, as he and his wife, Mary, looked upon the young man as another son. Lincoln ordered Ellsworth’s funeral to be held at the White House; during the service, Mrs. Lincoln placed this commemorative portrait on his casket.