James enlisted in the 16th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment upon the outbreak of the American Civil War on October 13 , 1861 at the age of 13 . In 1864 he was captured and taken to Andersonville Prison . He survived Andersonville , and when he was mustered out July 18 , 1865 , it was with the brevet rank of Captain , backdated October 3 , 1861 , " for conspicuous bravery manifested by him at the battles of Corinth and Atlanta . " After the War James returned to Richland Center , where he learned the tinner 's trade , and in 1866 became a member of the firm of G. H. & N. L. James with his brother Norman . He became sole proprietor in 1881 . In 1888 he was a delegate to the Republican National Convention . In 1900 he was made Wisconsin Department Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic . He served as a trustee of the Wisconsin Soldiers ' Home for many years
Republican National Convention
1888 Republican National Convention
David James (American politician)