Lewis Merrill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lewis Merrill
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|---|---|
| Born | October 28, 1834 New Berlin, Pennsylvania |
| Died | February 27, 1896 (aged 61) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/ |
 United States ArmyUnion Army |
| Years of service | 1855–1886 |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Brigadier General |
| Unit | 1st U.S. Dragoons 2nd U.S. Dragoons 7th U.S. Cavalry |
| Commands held | 2nd Missouri Cavalry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War American Indian Wars |
Lewis Merrill (1834–1896) was an officer in the United States Army. He is best known for his work against the early Ku Klux Klan in several Southern states. During the American Civil War, he also fought against guerrilla fighters in Missouri.
A Life of Service
Lewis Merrill was born in New Berlin, Pennsylvania. His parents were Sarah (Lewis) and James Merrill. He went to college at the University at Lewisburg in Pennsylvania. Then, he graduated from West Point in 1855.
After West Point, he became a second lieutenant. He served with the First Dragoons in Missouri and Kansas Territory. He also took part in the Utah War. In 1861, he was made a first lieutenant with the 2nd Dragoons.
Fighting in the Civil War
In 1861, Merrill became a colonel. He helped organize the Second Missouri Volunteer Cavalry. This group was often called "Merrill's Horse." Their job was to fight against groups that wanted to separate from the Union. They also fought against guerrilla fighters in central Missouri.
Merrill's regiment was known for being very organized. They were also very active in their mission to stop guerrilla groups. Later, Colonel Merrill commanded military districts in St. Louis and Northern Missouri. In 1864, he led the cavalry bureau in St. Louis. He also took part in battles near Franklin, Missouri.
The next year, he was sent to fight guerrillas in northern Georgia and Alabama. In 1866, President Andrew Johnson made Merrill a brevet brigadier general. This was a special honor for his service.
Stopping the Ku Klux Klan
After the Civil War, Merrill had different jobs in the western United States. Then, he was given an important mission. He was sent to York County, South Carolina. His orders were to break up the Ku Klux Klan (KKK). The KKK was a group that used violence to scare and hurt Black citizens.
Before Merrill arrived, the KKK had caused a lot of trouble. They attacked Black leaders and communities. For example, a Black preacher named Elias Hill was attacked. His nephews were also forced to say they would not support the Republican Party. Merrill saw this violence firsthand.
Merrill's troops, including parts of George Armstrong Custer's Seventh U.S. Cavalry, arrived to help. Merrill met with community leaders. He demanded that the violence stop. His hard work slowly helped to break up the KKK in the county. For his success, he received thanks from the War Department.
Later Years
From 1871 to 1873, Merrill did a great job against the KKK. Later, similar problems arose in Louisiana. He was made commander there in 1875. He stayed until the next year.
Because of his actions, some politicians tried to stop his promotion. These were "Southern sympathizers" in the United States Senate. They did not like his work against the KKK. But his promotion to lieutenant colonel was finally approved in 1886.
Merrill retired from the army in 1886. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
See also
- List of American Civil War brevet generals (Union)
