The life of "Dr." John Tempany spanned some of the most exciting and momentous decades of American history. Born in New York City in 1838, he became a "dragoon" (mounted soldier) and pioneer in the newly opened Pacific Northwest, helping build and settle Walla Walla, Washington. He went on to serve as an aide-de-camp to several of the most important Union generals of the Civil War and to participate in some of the greatest battles of that epic conflict. After a brief hiatus in military service, he returned to the U.S. Army as the first veterinarian assigned to full-time care of horses for the...

Samuel Burdett (c. 1846-1905) was a remarkable African-American pioneer, yet today is virtually unknown. Born in Kentucky, he joined the Union Army at a young age, participating in the late campaigns in the Eastern Theater and was present at General Robert. E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox, Virginia on April 9, 1865. His regiment-the 109th U.S. Colored Troops-was sent to Texas at the end of the war and released from service on March 21, 1866. Burdett signed on with the newly created all-black 9th Cavalry of the U.S. Regular Army. By the time he had fulfilled his five-year enlistment, he had...