Born in 1818 in Maine, Rufus Ingalls graduated in 1843, served in the Mexican War and on the western frontier. He became a quartermaster in 1848 and served in that role the rest of his career. After First Manassas he was made chief of Eastern supply and would remain so the rest of the war.

In June 1864 Grant placed him in charge of supply with responsibility for all armies operating against Petersburg and Richmond. In this capacity he built up the huge supply depot at City Point, Virginia.

Ingalls left City Point May 1865, retired in 1883 as quartermaster general and brigadier general, and died in 1893.