Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Schwan, Theodore

SCHWAN, THEODORE, an American soldier, born at Hanover, Germany, in 1841. He was educated in Germany and removed to the United States in 1857. He served during the Civil War, rising to the rank of 1st lieutenant. At the close of the war he enlisted in the Regular Army and was appointed captain. He was promoted to various grades, becoming lieutenant-colonel in 1895, and brigadier-general of volunteers in 1898. In the following year he was honorably discharged from the volunteer service, and in 1901 was appointed brigadier-general in the United States Army. After 40 years of service he retired at his own request in 1909. He was awarded a medal of honor for distinguished service in the Civil War. During the Spanish-American War, he commanded the 1st Division of the 9th Army Corps, and was chief of staff of the Division of Porto Rico. He saw service also in military expeditions in the Philippines. In 1916 he was promoted to be major-general in the United States Army.