George Eaton Sutherland

George Eaton Sutherland (September 14, 1843 – September 13, 1899) was an American politician, lawyer, and judge. He served in the Wisconsin State Senate for two years, served as a judge of the Milwaukee Superior Court, and held several local offices in Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin. During the American Civil War, he served as an officer in the Union Army.

Early life and education

Born in Burlington, New York, Sutherland's parents died when he was young. From age seven, he was homeless and drifted between various guardians until age 10, when he went to live with his older brother, Andrew, who was a teacher in Norwich, Connecticut. Andrew was able to give his brother an education, and together they traveled to Waukau, Wisconsin, in 1855. After leaving school, George returned to New York. He taught school there for two years while attending West Westfield Academy.

Civil War service

In September 1862, Sutherland enlisted for service with the Union Army in the American Civil War. He was enrolled in Company A, 1st New York Light Artillery Battalion. They were sent to the defense of Washington, D.C., but did not see combat. During 1863, they were dispatched to Philadelphia and Pottsville, Pennsylvania, to restore order in the midst of draft riots. Sutherland was unhappy with this form of service, so that year obtained permission to attend the Philadelphia Military School, where they were training officers to command "colored" regiments. He received a commission as a captain on July 23, 1864, and was sent to Kentucky to raise volunteers for the 13th U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery Regiment.

Sutherland was a member of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States and the Grand Army of the Republic.