Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1891-09-18
HISTORY OF A BATTLE.
LYONS DEATH AT THE BATTLE
OF WILSON'S CREEK.
Tho Generals Iifo Ended in Hopeless
struggle Thirty Years Ago-Thc
Result of lis Defeat
to Missouri.

|
the state of Missouri during the sum-
mer of 1861, says the n. Y. Recorder,
and its result had a signal effect on
the condition OF affairs in the west.
Missouri was divided within herself
throughout the whole war, and blood
was shed and powder was burned
within her border long after
the death OF the Confederacy and
the proclamation of emancipa-
ton. Brother fought brother. and
father slew son, and the fertile plains
and rugged mountains were the scenes
of many dark crimes which were eX-
cused in the confusion that prevailed
on the ground Of patriotism.
Wilson's creek is a little stream
flowing through Greene county, Mo-.
nearly 200 miles in southwesterly
direction from ST. Louis. AT Spring
field, on this creek. several battles oc-
Cured during the war, but only the one
which has found IA place in history
is that of August TO- 1861. when Gen
eral Lyon fell.
Lyon was q Connecticut man. born
at Ashford, in that state, July IA, 1919.
He was cadet at West Point with
Grant, and like him served with dis
tinction in the Mexican war. He also
took active part in suppressing the
Seminole Indian outbreak in Florida
! just after his graduation from West
Point At the time of the gold excite
ment he was stationed in California,
later in Oregon, and in 1854 in Kan
sas. In 1861 he took command of the
| United States volunteers in Missouri
and was commissioned a brigadier
general.
The secessionist forces in Missouri
at the time were led by the governor of
the state. Claihorn +. jackson, who,
early in June. 1861. established
camp on the outskirts OF St. Louis,
militia and prepared to seize the
United States arsenal at St Louis.
where Lyon was in charge.
Lyon had but two companies OF vol
unteers to defend the place but the
confederates for some reason delayed
the attack Lyon. however, OWNED
their purpose, and, joined by a regi-
ment OF union adherents from the city.
he sailed out and captured the whole
rebel force, meeting with no opposition
whatever. jackson then got together
small army at Boonville, about forty
miles north of Jefferson City, on the
spot where Daniel Boone had long be-
/ fore planted a settlement Lyon found
him here and completely routed his
forces on June II.
! Word then reached the federal troops
that another band of confederates was
gathered at Dry Spring. near Spring
field, and Lyon FASTENED south TO meet
them. The rebels, under General
Mccullough. were warned of his APP
proach, and prepared to greet him
warmly, but their preparations were
unavailing. and they were ignominious-
ly defeated and forced to fall back
along Wilson's creek toward the town
OF Springfield on the I'd of August.
Rebel achievements, led by
Colonel Price then arrived TO aid
McCulloch and the confedcrates thus
assembled SO greatly out-numbered
the men at Lyons command that it
seemed hopeless for him to attempt TO
hold any part of Southwestern Mis-
souri,.
But the region is one of the richest
OF the state, and Lyon resolved not TO
give it up without "a fight He had
been so successful heretofore every
movement of his had been attended
with such overwhelming victory that
he became more courageous than pru-
dent and attacked the rebels on Will
sons creek August 10.
The day was fair and at the start
the tide seemed to run in his favor
But tickle fortune turned suddenly and
the fight became desperate. Twice
was Lyon wounded as he headed his
men and cheered them on. The
wounds were painful and weakened
him perceptibly, but his indomitable
spirit kept him up and supported him.
A colonel leading his regiment as it
charged by Lyon was shot and fell at
his feet. For an instant the soldiers
faltered. But Lyon sprang into the
place of the dead officer, and with a
word rallied the troops and the adj
vance was resumed. Next moment
however just as fortune seemed about
to smile upon him again. n bullet
crashed into his breast, and he fell.
dying instantly. Disorder followed in
the union ranks and the confeder-
ates, seeing their opportunity, follow
ed up the advantage and easily won
the day, driving the federal troops
from the field in a panic The loss on
both sides was not heavy, but the re-
suit OF the defeat was to deprive the
union OF control in the larger part oil
the state of Missouri during the re-
mainder of the war and 10 provide q
cover under which countless gangs OF
outlaws. guerrillas and desperadoes
ravaged the newly settled country and
terrorized the inoffensive pioneers.
No one ever thinks of Wilson's
creek without recalling Lyon, its hero,
and il is fitting that no true American
should fail 10 honor by remembrance
, the brave soldier and good man who
gave his life for his country AT Wilson's