Isaac S. Catlin

Who was Isaac S. Catlin?

Isaac Swartwood Catlin was an American lawyer and a decorated officer in the American Civil War. A native of Owego, New York, Catlin studied law in New York City before returning to Owego to begin his career. He joined the Union Army in the first days of the Civil War and rose to become commander of the 109th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Severely wounded during the Battle of the Crater, he remained on the field and led his regiment until being injured a second time, resulting in the loss of his leg. For this action, he was awarded the U.S. military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor. After the war, Catlin moved to Brooklyn and established himself as a criminal defense lawyer and district attorney. He was politically active but lost a race for Mayor of Brooklyn and declined several other opportunities to run for higher offices.