Rufus Dawes

Who was Rufus Dawes?

Rufus R. Dawes was a military officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He used the middle initial "R" but had no middle name. He was noted for his service in the famed Iron Brigade, particularly during the Battle of Gettysburg. He was a post-war businessman, Congressman, and author, and the father of four nationally known sons, one of whom, Charles G. Dawes, served as Vice President of the United States, and of two daughters. He was himself a great-grandson of William Dawes.