Francis Laurens Vinton (1835âÂÂ1879) served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. As colonel he commanded the 3rd Brigade of Howe's division at the Battle of Fredericksburg, and was very badly wounded. He never saw active service again, but in 1863 he was appointed brigadier general.
Vinton's likeness is featured on the northern side of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument in Portland, Maine.