Massachusetts played a prominent part in the Civil War. From beginning to end, it furnished soldiers, sailors and financial aid for the federal government. It also provided ideas for the nation, ideas scoffed at in the early years of the conflict, but later accepted as the war was brought to a successful end. William Schouler was born in Scotland in 1814 and emigrated to America with his family as a young child. He was an ardent student and reader, deeply interested in politics and writing. He was named Adjutant General for Massachusetts in 1860 by then Governor Banks. He served for seven years, through the war, and was honored for his services by the state government. William Schouler died in 1872.