Images is a vignette bust view of Betts in a dark frock coat.

Contrast and clarity are excellent. Paper and mount are good

Reverse has photographer’s imprint for F. GUTEKUNST…PHILADELPHIA. There is an old pencil ID of “BETTS” at top. Bottom has ID in modern pencil. ID is confirmed by online images.

Charles Malone Betts was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania on August 9, 1838.

He enlisted as a private in Company E, 15^th Pennsylvania Cavalry at Philadelphia on August 22, 1862. He was promoted to corporal on October 30, 1862, 1^st sergeant November 1, 1862 and received a commission to captain of Company F on March 1, 1863, major on May 11, 1864 and lieutenant colonel by brevet on March 13, 1865.

The 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry was organized in October of 1862 and was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland. The regiment saw action at Stones River, Mossy Creek and several smaller skirmishes. During its service the regiment lost 128 officers and men killed, died of wounds and disease plus many others wounded.

Betts was awarded the Medal of Honor while Lieutenant Colonel of the regiment for his bravery at Greensboro, North Carolina on April 19, 1865. His citation reads "With a force of but 75 men, while on a scouting expedition, by a judicious disposition of his men, surprised and captured an entire battalion of the enemy's cavalry". His Medal was awarded to him on October 10, 1892. His feat was the last action of the Civil War to merit a Medal of Honor.

After the war he was involved with various lumber firms in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and New York. He was also a member of the Pennsylvania Commandery, Military Order of the Loyal Legion and president of the Lumbermen's Exchange in 1890.

Charles Betts died in Philadelphia on November 10, 1905. He is buried in West Laurel Hill Cemetery in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania.  [ad]

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