Sumner Paine

1845–1863 (age 18)

Soldier

Photograph of Sumner Paine

Biography

Sumner Paine (1845–1863) was a young soldier who enlisted in the Union Army during the American Civil War, leaving his youth and home to serve his country. At just eighteen years of age, Paine fell at the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863, among the thousands of young men whose lives were cut short by the conflict.

His remains are interred at Gettysburg National Cemetery, where he rests with countless other brave soldiers. Sumner Paine's brief life and sacrifice represent the terrible cost of the Civil War and the courage of the young men who gave everything for their nation.