Sigel, Franz [key], 1824–1902, Union general in the American Civil War, b. Sinsheim, Baden, Germany. An officer in the army of Baden, he was a leader (1848–49) of the Baden revolutionary forces. After Prussia suppressed them (1849), he fled to Switzerland and then to England. Emigrating to the United States in 1852, he lived first in New York City and then in St. Louis. There at the beginning of the Civil War he organized the 3d Missouri Volunteers. His command was routed at Wilson's Creek, but Sigel later distinguished himself in the campaign that rid Missouri of Confederate forces. He led a corps at the second battle of Bull Run (Aug., 1862). In 1864 he was given command of the Dept. of West Virginia, but after General Breckinridge defeated him at New Market (May), he was replaced by David Hunter. After the war Sigel moved (1867) to New York City, where he held several political offices and was an editor of German periodicals.
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