Col. George E. Judd, a gallant and disabled soldier of the late Civil war and the present commandant of the Michigan State Soldiers’ home at Grand Rapids, was born in South Hadley, Mass., March 23, 1838, and came to Grand Rapids in October, 1852. He here acquired the greater share of his education, and for two years was engaged with his father in the butcher business as a start in life, but about this time the stern call to war was issued, and April 19, 1861, he enlisted in company A., Third Michigan volunteer infantry, and on the organization of his regiment was elected sergeant of his company. August 1, of the same year, for meritorious conduct, he was commissioned second lieutenant, and in a short time afterward was promoted to be first lieutenant.

The first battle in which Col. Judd took part was that of Blackburn Ford, and three days later participated in the battle of Bull Run. He also fought at Williamsburg, Va., and later at Fair Oaks, where his brother, who was captain of the company , lost his life, and Lieut. Judd succeeded him in command. Subsequently, while gallantly leading his men, our subject was wounded in the left arm. This wound led to amputation, and this misfortune brought his career at the front to a short but glorious termination. In recognition of his valiant service in this battle he was commissioned captain on June 23 following. After convalescence, and after having received an honorable discharge, Capt. Judd, in 1864, was made captain in the veteran reserve corps, was placed in charge of the Indian prison at Davenport, Iowa, and from 1866 to 1870 was employed in the Freedmen’s bureau at the south. In 1868, however, he had been commissioned second lieutenant in the regular army, and in May, 1870, was promoted to the rank of captain and placed on the retired list. May 1, 1898, he assumed the office of commandant at the Soldier’s home.

The marriage of Col. Judd took place September 23, 1859, to Miss Lucinda Leach, of Grand Rapids, and this union has been blessed with one son, George H., who was born April 21, 1861. He has been an active politician since majority and served as a member of the Michigan State Legislature from the Second district, Kent county, from 1889 to 1890, as a member of the republican party, over which he exercises an immense influence in both local and state affairs, and was deputy United States marshal for the western district of Michigan from 1890 to 1894.