Edward Lyon Buchwalter facts for kids
Edward Lyon Buchwalter (born June 1, 1841 – died October 4, 1933) was an important American. He was a brave Union Captain during the American Civil War. After the war, he became a successful businessman and banker. He led companies like the Superior Drill Company and the American Seeding Machine Company. He also helped start and became the first president of The Citizens National Bank in Springfield, Ohio.
.jpg)
Contents
Early Life and Education
Edward Lyon Buchwalter was born on June 1, 1841, on a farm in Hallsville, Ohio. He was the oldest child of Levi Buchwalter and Margaret Lyon. His family came from Switzerland a long time ago, settling in Pennsylvania in 1710. Edward had two brothers, Morris and Luther, who also served in the military.
School Days
Edward went to public schools in Hallsville. He later enrolled at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. However, when the American Civil War began, he felt a strong desire to serve his country. He left college early to join the army.
Civil War Service
Edward Lyon Buchwalter was 21 years old when he joined the Union Army on August 15, 1862. He started as a sergeant in the 114th Ohio Infantry. Later, he was transferred and became a First Lieutenant in the 53rd U.S. Colored Infantry. He was promoted to Captain on June 22, 1864. After the war ended, he was honorably discharged on March 8, 1866. For about six months, he worked for the Freedmen's Bureau, helping formerly enslaved people in Mississippi.
Early Battles
As a sergeant, Edward Buchwalter fought in the important Vicksburg Campaign. His first major battle was the Battle of Chickasaw Bayou in December 1862. The Union forces lost this battle, and Edward was among the many wounded soldiers. He then fought in the Battle of Arkansas Post in January 1863.
He also helped General Ulysses S. Grant in the efforts to capture Vicksburg. He helped dig a canal and build bridges for the Union army.
The Vicksburg Campaign
Edward Buchwalter took part in several key battles during the Vicksburg Campaign. These included the Battle of Port Gibson, Battle of Raymond, Battle of Champion Hill, and the Battle of Big Black River Bridge. He also participated in the attacks during the Siege of Vicksburg.
Vicksburg was a very important city because it controlled the Mississippi River. The Union army had to lay siege to the city for a long time because it was well-protected. When Vicksburg fell on July 4, 1863, and General Robert E. Lee was defeated at Gettysburg around the same time, it marked a major turning point in the Civil War.
After the Union victory at Vicksburg, Edward was made a First Lieutenant in the 53rd United States Mississippi Colored Infantry Volunteers. His company later moved to Goodrich Landing and Milliken's Bend, where they protected captured plantations and fought against Confederate forces.
Becoming a Captain
Edward was promoted to Captain on June 22, 1864. From Vicksburg, he led Union forces up the White River to St. Charles, Arkansas. They often faced enemy fire during this journey. In the spring of 1865, Captain Buchwalter returned to Vicksburg and was then sent to Jackson, Mississippi.
He received an honorable discharge on March 8, 1866. He always remembered his time in the military fondly. He remained involved with his fellow soldiers by joining groups like the Grand Army of the Republic and the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. He even became the Commander of the Ohio branch of the Loyal Legion.
His Special Sword
When Edward became a Lieutenant, his mother gave him a special sword. It was engraved with "Presented to Lieu.' Edward L. Buchwalter/3rd Miss. Colored Vols./by his Mother." This sword was imported from Solingen, Prussia, and was a type often used by officers who had to buy their own equipment. It had a detailed design, including an eagle, the words "E pluribus unum" (meaning "out of many, one"), and patriotic symbols.
His Family Life
Captain Edward L. Buchwalter married Clementine Cordelia Berry (1843–1912) on September 1, 1868. In 1893, they bought a historic home in Springfield, Ohio. Clementine was very active in women's clubs and helped start the Ohio Federation of Women's Clubs. She was a charter member of the General Federation of Women's Clubs. After her death in 1912, Edward created a fund in her memory to support the Ohio Federation of Women's Clubs.
In March 1914, Edward married his second wife, Marilla Andrews. Marilla was Clementine's cousin. She grew up in Evansville, Wisconsin, and graduated from the University of Wisconsin. Marilla was known for being the first woman editor of a newspaper in Evansville called The Badger. She strongly supported women's rights and advocated for local improvements like a public library and water system. She also worked as a teacher and school principal.
His Business Career
After the Civil War, Captain Edward L. Buchwalter returned to his family farm in Ohio. In 1872, he and his wife moved to Springfield, Ohio. There, he became a leader in the growing industries of the time.
Government Work
Right after the war, he continued to work for the government. He served as a Provost Marshal in Macon, Mississippi, and Meridian, Mississippi. In Meridian, he was also in charge of the Freedmen's Bureau, which helped formerly enslaved people.
Leading Companies
Edward Buchwalter was one of the people who started the Superior Drill Company. He was its president from 1883 to 1903. In 1903, this company joined with others to form the American Seeding Machine Company, and Edward became its president from 1903 to 1911. These companies made important farm equipment.
Banking
He also helped create The Citizens National Bank of Springfield, Ohio, in 1898. He served as its president from 1898 until at least 1917.
Organizations and Interests
Edward Lyon Buchwalter was a member of several important organizations:
- The Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.), a group for Union Civil War veterans.
- The Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States (MOLLUS), another military order.
- The Springfield Country Club.
- The Lagonda Club in Springfield, Ohio.
- He was a member and trustee of the Warder Public Library in Springfield, Ohio, from 1878 until at least 1917.
Death
Captain Edward Lyon Buchwalter passed away on October 4, 1933. He is buried in the historic Ferncliff Cemetery & Arboretum in Springfield, Ohio.
