Lew Wallace
- Biography
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Lew Wallace was an American lawyer, politician, diplomat, and author. He is best known for his novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ, which was adapted into a popular film in 1959. Wallace was born in Brookville, Indiana on April 10, 1827. He was the son of David Wallace, a lawyer and politician, and Esther Test Wallace.
Early Life
Wallace was raised in a strict Presbyterian household and was educated at home by his father. He was an avid reader and enjoyed writing stories and plays. At the age of 14, he enrolled in the United States Military Academy at West Point, but he was expelled after two years for poor academic performance. He then returned to Indiana and studied law under his father.
Career
In 1849, Wallace was admitted to the bar and began practicing law in Covington, Indiana. He was elected to the Indiana State Senate in 1852 and served until 1856. During this time, he wrote his first novel, The Fair God, which was published in 1873.
In 1861, Wallace was appointed as a brigadier general in the Union Army during the Civil War. He served in several battles, including the Battle of Shiloh, where he was wounded. He was later promoted to major general and served as the commander of the Army of the Cumberland.
After the war, Wallace was appointed as the governor of the New Mexico Territory in 1878. He served in this position until 1881, when he was appointed as the U.S. Minister to the Ottoman Empire. He served in this position until 1885.
Writing Career
In 1880, Wallace wrote his most famous novel, Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ. The novel was an immediate success and was adapted into a popular film in 1959. Wallace also wrote several other novels, including The Prince of India (1893) and The Boyhood of Christ (1902).
Death
Wallace died on February 15, 1905 in Crawfordsville, Indiana. He was 77 years old. He is buried in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Crawfordsville.
Legacy
Wallace is remembered as one of the most influential authors of the 19th century. His novel Ben-Hur has been adapted into several films and is still popular today. He is also remembered for his service in the Union Army during the Civil War and his diplomatic service in the Ottoman Empire.
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