Voltaire P. Twombly

Voltaire Paine Twombly
Born	Near Farmington, Van Buren County, Iowa Territory
Died	February 24, 1918(1918-02-24) (aged 76) Des Moines, Iowa
Occupation(s)	Soldier, businessman, politician
Years active	1861–1865 (military), post-1865 (business and politics)
Known for	Medal of Honor recipient for actions at the Battle of Fort Donelson

Voltaire Paine Twombly (February 21, 1842 – February 24, 1918) served as a Union soldier during the American Civil War and was honored with the Medal of Honor. He received this distinction for his courageous conduct at the Battle of Fort Donelson on February 15, 1862, when he assumed responsibility for carrying his regiment’s national flag after three other bearers were killed or incapacitated while securing it. Twombly also participated in significant battles such as the Siege of Corinth and took part in Sherman's March to the Sea.

Following his military career, which concluded in 1865, Twombly pursued business education and engaged in several commercial enterprises. By 1880, he had ventured into politics, serving as treasurer of Van Buren County, Iowa. He held the office of mayor in Keosauqua from 1884 until early 1885 and was elected Iowa state treasurer, a position he held from 1885 to 1891.

Early life

Born on February 21, 1842, near Farmington in Van Buren County within the Iowa Territory, Twombly was the son of Samuel and Dorothy Twombly. His father passed away in September of that same year, leaving his mother as his sole guardian. His education comprised attendance at various common schools and enrollment at Lane Academy located in Keosauqua.

Civil War

Responding to President Lincoln’s call for volunteers, Twombly enlisted in the Union Army on April 24, 1861. He officially joined Company F of the 2nd Iowa Volunteer Infantry Regiment as a private on May 27. Initially assigned to Missouri to guard railroad lines, his regiment encountered minimal combat throughout 1861. In October of that year, Twombly earned a promotion to corporal and was appointed to the color guard. By February 1862, his regiment was integrated into Major General Ulysses S. Grant’s Army of the Tennessee.

During the Battle of Fort Donelson on February 15, 1862, after three members of the color guard were killed or wounded, Twombly took up the regimental colors. Despite being struck down by artillery fire, he maintained possession of the flag throughout the engagement. This act of valor led to his promotion to sergeant and eventually earned him the Medal of Honor in 1897. His official citation states:

Twombly continued bearing his regiment’s colors at the Battle of Shiloh in April 1862 and acted as second lieutenant during the Siege of Corinth. He suffered a knee wound at the Second Battle of Corinth in October 1862, which necessitated a six-week medical leave. In 1863, his unit was stationed at Corinth where they confronted Confederate cavalry commanded by General Nathan Bedford Forrest.

Under Major General William Tecumseh Sherman’s leadership later that year, Twombly’s regiment spent winter quarters in Pulaski, Tennessee. He took part in the Atlanta Campaign followed by Sherman's March to the Sea. His military rank advanced to first lieutenant in July 1864 and captain by November that same year. By January 1865 while in Savannah, Georgia, he had been appointed assistant inspector general for his brigade.

In early 1865, Twombly joined Sherman’s forces during their march through the Carolinas, engaging in battles at Columbia and Bentonville. He was present for Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston’s surrender near Raleigh. Afterwards, the army proceeded to Washington D.C., where Twombly took part in the Grand Review of the Armies. His service concluded with mustering out on July 12 in Louisville, Kentucky, followed by discharge on July 20 in Davenport, Iowa.

Later life

Between August and December 1865, Twombly pursued studies at Bryant & Stratton's Business College located in Burlington, Iowa. Upon completing his education, he embarked on various commercial endeavors, initially operating as a flour merchant in Ottumwa until the end of 1867. In January 1868, he established a milling enterprise in Pittsburg, Van Buren County, which he managed until April 1876. Subsequently, he relocated to Keosauqua where he continued his career as a merchant until 1880.

A steadfast advocate of the Republican Party, Twombly was elected as Van Buren County treasurer in 1880 and held the position until 1884. That year, he assumed the office of Mayor of Keosauqua. In January 1885, he won election as Treasurer of Iowa, a role he fulfilled for three consecutive terms until January 1891.

After concluding his tenure in state government, Twombly played a key role in founding the Home Savings Bank of Des Moines and served as both director and president from June 1891 through January 1901. In October 1891, he purchased a fifty percent stake in Capital Hill Granite & Marble Works. He withdrew from active business pursuits in June 1905.

Twombly spent his remaining years retired and passed away at his residence in Des Moines on February 24, 1918, following an extended illness.

Personal life

On May 1, 1866, Twombly married Chloe Funk. The couple had five children; however, three died during infancy. Their eldest son, William Tuttle Twombly (born 1870), died just prior to his seventeenth birthday in December 1887. Their youngest daughter, Eva Twombly (born November 10, 1878), reached adulthood, married Clyde Jeffries, and had a child in 1910.

Twombly became a member of the Free Masons in 1866 and maintained active participation throughout his lifetime. He was also affiliated with the Grand Army of the Republic, serving as both member and commander of his local post.

Religiously, Twombly identified as a Congregationalist.