Private Walter Farnandis, Defender of Fort McHenry-- Part 2

In those days, , infantry militia service was compulsory for men, but men of means often opted  to serve in self-equipping artillery or cavalry units that were considered a cut above the common infantry.  Walter was one of those men of means who mostly made up the Baltimore Fencibles.

And this unit was even more special as they were the only militia unit who were a part of the Fort McHenry garrison at the time of the attack.  As such, they participated in the famous Battle of Baltimore, defending Fort McHenry (and the famed Star-Spangled Banner) against the British Royal Navy during the 25-hour bombardment. that inspire Francis Scott Key to write our "National Anthem."

He is listed as a private in the Baltimore Fencibles in Monumental City, Baltimore.

After the battle, he made a small fortune in the dry goods business.  Upon his death in 1856, he was able to give each of his eight children $10,000.  That $80,000 would be equivalent to $1.8 million today.

--Brock-Perry