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Birney (DAVID BELL an American)

DAVID BELL, an American military officer, born in Huntsville, Ala., May 29, 1825; son of James Gil lespie Birney; studied law in Cincinnati, and, in 1848, began practice in Philadelphia. At the outbreak of the Civil War he entered the Union army; in the summer of 1861 was commissioned Colonel of the 23d Pennsylvania Volunteers; and was promoted Major-General, May 23, 1863. He distinguished himself in the battles of Yorktown, Williamsburg, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and 'Gettysburg. He died in Philadelphia, Pa., Oct. 18, 1864.