Ephraim C. Dawes | |
|---|---|
 1863 photo of Dawes | |
| Born | May 27, 1840 Marietta, Ohio |
| Died | April 23, 1895 (aged 54) Cincinnati, Ohio |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service | United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861-1864 |
| Rank |  Major |
| Unit | 53rd Ohio Infantry |
| Battles / wars | American Civil War |
Ephraim Cutler Dawes (May 27, 1840 – April 23, 1895) was a major in the 53rd Ohio Infantry and brevet lieutenant-colonel, United States Volunteers, during the American Civil War. Dawes was present at the Battle of Shiloh and Battle of Vicksburg, among others, serving under Ulysses S. Grant and William T. Sherman. One of his notable acts occurred during battle, where Dawes disobeyed and cursed an officer who had become scared and disoriented. While serving with Sherman during his march to Atlanta Dawes was seriously wounded in his lower jaw in what would be his last battle, subsequently being honorably discharged in 1864.
After the war, Dawes began a business career working for various Cincinnati railroad companies and later was engaged in railroad operations in several other states. He also became involved with historical works and writings of the Civil War. Despite the wound to his jaw Dawes became a noted public speaker and was a member of numerous historical societies. During his lifetime Dawes amassed one of the largest collections of books and manuscripts on the Civil War.