Major General John Frederick Hartranft: Citizen Soldier and Pennsylvania Statesman by A.M. Gambone. 332 pp., hc, dj Index, Illus.

John Frederick Hartranft

by A.M. Gambone

John Frederick Hartranft (1830-1889) was a prominent Pennsylvania military and political figure of the nineteenth century. Yet, like so many of his contemporaries, Hartranft has languished in obscurity since his death. Thanks to Albert M. Gambone's research, Hartranft once again has been brought to the prominence he so richly deserves. Drawing on family records, the generalís letters and scrapbooks, contemporary accounts, and secondary studies, Gambone has crafted a readable, accurate biography of this important man. During the Civil War, Hartranft commanded the 51st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, then successively led a brigade and division in the Ninth Army Corps. At war's end, he was in charge of the Old Capitol Prison and the hanging of the Lincoln and conspirators. Hartranft served two terms as governor of Pennsylvania and was instrumental in reorganizing the state militia into the national guard. Students of Pennsylvania history, the Civil War, the Lincoln assassination and Mollie Maguires will find much of interest in Gamboneís fine book.