Husband Maj. Lorenzo Lorain 1
Born: 5 Aug 1831 - Philipsburg, Centre Co, PA 1
Christened:
Died: 6 Mar 1882 - Baltimore, MD 1
Buried:
Father: Dr. Henry Tilden Lorain (1799- ) 2
Mother: Maria Taylor ( - ) 2
Marriage: 18 Feb 1862 3
Wife Fannie Moseley McDonald 1
Born: - Washington, D. C.
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: William J. McDonald (1813-1878) 4
Mother: Ann B. Holt (1813-1878) 4
Children
1 M Henry McDonald Lorain 5
Born: 26 Jun 1863 - West Point, NY 4
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Spouse: Maud Holt ( -1897) 6
Marr: 6 Jun 1894 4
2 F Fannie B. Lorain 3
Born:
Christened:
Died: in infancy
Buried:
Spouse: Did Not Marry
3 F Mertie M. Lorain 3
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Spouse: Lt. E. A. Anderson, U.S.N. ( - ) 3
4 M W. J. Lorain 3
Born:
Christened:
Died: in childhood
Buried:
Spouse: Did Not Marry
General Notes: Husband - Maj. Lorenzo Lorain
His early education was rather limited, but was enough to develop the bent of his mind, and to lay the foundation for the mathematical and mechanical ability he evinced in later years. Unexpectedly and unsolicited by him, he was offered the cadetship from his district, and concluded to give up civil engineering, which he was then studying, and accept the same. Accordingly, in June, 1852, he entered the fourth class at West Point, and graduated with honor in 1856. He was then commissioned second lieutenant in the Third Artillery, and was constantly on duty at distant frontier posts until the beginning of the Civil war. In one of the earliest engagements of that terrible struggle, that of Blackburn's Ford, on July 18, 1861, he was severely wounded, and for eight months was unable to do even the lightest duty. He then accepted the position of assistant to Prof. Kendrick in the chemical department at West Point, entering upon his duties March 23, 1862.
In May, 1862, his wounds became worse, but he continued to hold his position at West Point and with tireless energy devoted day and night to his work. He was offered several important volunteer commands, but knew it was unwise to accept until his physical condition was improved. While at West Point he received the brevets of captain and major, the former for gallant and meritorious service at the battle of Blackburn's Ford, Virginia. Although his wounds prevented active service in the fields, for nine years he did faithful service in the chemical department at the military school. He afterward commanded Fort Jefferson, Florida, and subsequently was stationed at Charleston, South Carolina.
For one year he held the professorship of physics and mechanics at the Lehigh University, at Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, but his love for the army forced him to resign. He also refused other important professorships in different colleges. Subsequently he served at Fort Hamilton, New York Harbor, but, owing to ill health in his family, he asked to be relieved, and accepted the detail to the Artillery School at Fort Monroe, Virginia, which post had been repeatedly offered him, but which, owing to the dislike captains of artillery had for such duty, he had always previously declined. Here he was again in his element, and in many ways promoted the interests of the school, making it far more efficient. His advice was often sought and freely given in the various departments, and he was instrumental in enlarging its facilities. When compelled to leave the school his loss was severely felt. During his service there he recognized the fact that improved telescopic sights were necessary for the large guns, and devised a sight which bore the name of "Lorain." He also introduced firing by electricity at the School.
Major Lorain was always an active man, fond of fields sport, and excelled in gunning and fishing. Up to the last two years of his life he took a prominent part in all such sports. He particularly delighted in sailing parties, and was remarkably skillful in his management of sail boats. At last he was compelled to give up these pleasures on account of his health.