On This Date In Twin Cities History - June 12, 1905

On this date in 1905, William J. Colvill Jr. dies in his sleep at the Old Soldiers’ Home in Minneapolis.

Colvill was in town for the dedication of the new State Capitol building. He was to carry the battle flag of the First Minnesota Volunteer regiment during the dedication ceremony. Colvill had led the First Minnesota’s famous charge at the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863. Born in Forestville, New York in 1830, Colvill migrated to Minnesota in 1854.

After the war, the Red Wing resident served as the state’s Attorney General from 1866 to 1868 and also served in the Minnesota House of Representatives.