(December 31, 1832 -- December 16, 1905)

(General Ripley stayed at the Franklin House very often during this time.)

-From Wikipedia-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Y._W._Ripley

William Y. W. Ripley was born in Middlebury, Vermont on December 31, 1832.[1] He was educated at the Troy Conference Academy in Poultney (now Green Mountain College) and the Lima Institute, in Lima, New York.[2] He then began a career in Rutland at the Ripley family’s marble business and the Ripley family-owned Rutland County National Bank.[3]

Military service[edit]

Beginning in 1858, Ripley was a Lieutenant in the Rutland Light Guards, a volunteer militia unit commanded by Horace Henry Baxter.[4]

Baxter subsequently became Adjutant General of the Vermont Militia. In May, 1861 Ripley entered the Union Army for the Civil War as Captain and commander of the Rutland Light Guards, which was mustered in as Company K, 1st Vermont Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He served with the regiment in Washington, D.C. and Virginia during the entire three months of its service, including taking part in the Battle of Big Bethel.[5][6]

In the Fall of 1861 Ripley joined the 1st United States Sharpshooters as Lieutenant Colonel and second in command.[7] He took part in several battles, including the Battle of Malvern Hill in July, 1862, at which he was seriously wounded. Ripley’s wounds proved serious enough to prevent him from returning to the field.[8]

In August, 1862 he was appointed commander of the 10th Vermont Infantry with the rank of Colonel, but declined because of the physical disability caused by his wounds.[9]

In 1864 he was appointed to command the 1st Division of the Vermont Militia with the rank of Major General. The Militia had an active role providing patrols and security within the state and along the border with Canada, particularly following the October, 1864 St. Albans Raid. He served until a post-Civil War reorganization of the militia eliminated the division headquarters.[10]

Medal of Honor[edit]

At the Battle of Malvern Hill Ripley was commended for returning to the rear at a critical juncture in the fight to bring up two regiments that had been in reserve, which he then led into battle himself. He continued to fight until a bullet struck his leg and he had to be carried from the field.[11]

In 1893 Ripley was awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism at the Battle of Malvern Hill.

The citation reads:


The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Lieutenant Colonel William Young Warren Ripley, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 1 July 1862, while serving with 1st U.S. Sharpshooters, in action at Malvern Hill, Virginia. At a critical moment Lieutenant Colonel Ripley brought up two regiments, which he led against the enemy himself, being severely wounded.

General Orders:

Date of Issue: March 11, 1893 Action Date: July 1, 1862 Service: Army Rank: Lieutenant Colonel Division: 1st U.S. Sharpshooters[12]