Biographical Note

Although the writer of this letter is unknown, information within the letter suggests that it may have been written by Chauncey S. Titus. A roster of the 11th New York Artillery Battery seems to indicate that Titus was the only soldier within the battery to have enlisted as a private and to be serving within the battery as a lieutenant on the date that the letter was written. Chauncey S. Titus was born in Nelson (Madison County), New York in 1837. The 1860 federal census lists a Chauncey S. Titus, 25, living in the Nelson home of John S. and Delana Titus. After graduating from the University of Michigan, Titus attended Albany Law School and was admitted to the bar. A resident of Chittenango, New York, he enlisted for three years' service as a private in the 11th New York Battery on December 28, 1861; on March 1, 1862, he was promoted to corporal, and on March 28, 1863, to 2nd lieutenant. In 1865, he married Virginia Winters (1843-1912); the couple would have four children. Following the war, Titus entered a law partnership with Andrew Colvin but later became engaged in banking and business. By 1875, the Tituses were living in Albany, New York. Around 1901, Titus moved from Albany to New York City, where he became a member of the board of education. Chauncey S. Titus died in New York on January 10, 1911, and was buried in Rural Cemetery, Albany.

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