Spear was born on October 15, 1834, in Warren, Maine[1] where he grew up on his family's farm and attended a Presbyterian church Sunday School. Spear received his higher education at Bowdoin College, graduating in 1858.[1] Spear taught in local schools for four years while also studying law.
American Civil War
During the second year of the Civil War he became a recruiter and formed Company G of the 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Spear was commissioned as a captain of the regiment, August 29, 1862.[1] At the Battle of Fredericksburg, the 20th Maine took part in the assault at Marye's Heights but were repulsed. Spear recalled the night on the battlefield:
Night came not unwelcome. Exposure and discomfort in a hopeless adventure, defeat and humiliation, the loss we knew not how many of good men, discouragement, and increased distrust in the commanding general, all this was worse than the danger 1,000 times, and covered us with gloom.[2]
He was promoted to major, August 28, 1863.[1] He was appointed brevet lieutenant colonel, to rank from September 30, 1864, for his service at the Battle of Peebles' Farm.[1] Spear was appointed brevet colonel, to rank from May 29, 1865, for his service at the Battle of Lewis's Farm and to the substantive full grade of colonel, to rank from the same date.[1] He took command of Brigade 2, Division 4, V Corps, Army of the Potomac on June 29, 1865.[1] He was mustered out of the volunteers on July 16, 1865.[1]
On February 24, 1866, President Andrew Johnson nominated Spear for appointment to the grade of brevetbrigadier general of volunteers, to rank from April 9, 1865, and the United States Senate confirmed the appointment on April 10, 1866.[3]
Later life
After the war, Spear became a patent attorney and eventually became the United States Commissioner of Patents, 1877–1878.[1] He also wrote about the war. His book, The Civil War Recollections of General Ellis Spear was published posthumously in 1998.[1]
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