Lyman M. Ward facts for kids

Lyman Munson Ward (October 6, 1836 – January 19, 1909) was an American farmer and Republican politician. He was also a brave Union Army colonel during the American Civil War. After the war, he served four years in the Michigan House of Representatives. He also received a special honorary rank of brevet brigadier general for his service.

Lyman Ward's Early Life

Lyman Ward was born in Cattaraugus County, New York, on October 6, 1836. He was the fourth of six children. His parents were Reverend Abel Ward and Esther Dibble. In 1851, his family moved to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.

Lyman went to schools in Genesee County, New York, and later attended high school in Fond du Lac. He started to study law to become a lawyer. However, his studies were stopped when the American Civil War began. Lyman was part of a group called the Wide Awakes. This group strongly supported Abraham Lincoln and the Union cause.

Lyman Ward's Civil War Service

Lyman Ward was one of the first people to volunteer for the Union Army. He joined after President Lincoln asked for 75,000 volunteers.

First Wisconsin Infantry (1861)

In June 1861, Ward joined Company I of the 1st Wisconsin Infantry Regiment. They marched to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. They fought in small battles near Martinsburg, Virginia. They also guarded canals and river crossings near Harpers Ferry. Ward became a first sergeant in this regiment. After three months, their service ended.

From Shiloh to Corinth (1862-1863)

Ward immediately joined the army again for three more years. He became a captain in Company A of the 14th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment. His former law teacher, David E. Wood, was the colonel of this new regiment.

Ward and his regiment went to the western part of the war. They joined the Army of the Tennessee under General Ulysses S. Grant. On April 6, 1862, the Battle of Shiloh began. The 14th Wisconsin arrived late that night to help. They fought bravely all day on April 7. They defended a Union battery and even charged an enemy battery. Their colonel and lieutenant colonel were wounded. For their courage, the regiment was called the "Wisconsin Regulars." This meant they fought like professional soldiers.

After the battle, Ward was promoted to major. Later, he became lieutenant colonel. The regiment stayed at Pittsburg Landing, doing guard duty. They faced constant rain and sickness. On January 23, 1863, Ward was promoted to colonel of the 14th Wisconsin Infantry.

Vicksburg Campaign (1863)

The 14th Wisconsin joined the Vicksburg campaign. This was a major effort to capture Vicksburg, Mississippi. They moved along the Mississippi River, gathering supplies. On May 16, 1863, they were near the Battle of Champion Hill, but too far to join. They then moved to the Big Black River and built bridges.

They advanced to Vicksburg and attacked the city's defenses. On May 22, they made a costly charge, losing many soldiers. The siege lasted 43 days. Vicksburg finally surrendered on July 4, 1863. The 14th Wisconsin was honored for their bravery. General Thomas E. G. Ransom said, "every man and officer of the Fourteenth was a hero." They spent the winter at Vicksburg.

Many soldiers in the regiment chose to re-enlist, making it the first "veteran regiment" in their army. In January 1864, these veterans got a 30-day break to visit Wisconsin.

Expeditions in 1864

Colonel Ward returned to Vicksburg in March 1864. He joined the Red River campaign. Ward was put in charge of a brigade, which is a group of regiments. They marched and fought through northern Louisiana for two months. They faced daily attacks as they retreated back to Vicksburg.

In May, Ward and his brigade went to Memphis, Tennessee. They joined the Tupelo expedition. They fought in the Battle of Tupelo, a Union victory. However, the expedition had to return to Memphis because their food spoiled.

In September, Ward led the 14th Wisconsin on another mission. They went by boat along the White River. They came under heavy fire, and their leader was killed. Colonel Ward took command. They landed and marched to Augusta, Arkansas, but found little resistance.

Later, the 14th Wisconsin marched north into Missouri. They were trying to find Confederate General Sterling Price. They marched 340 miles but did not find him. They learned Price had been defeated elsewhere.

Final Campaigns (1865)

In November 1864, Ward's regiment went to Nashville. They helped defend against a Confederate attack. They arrived after the first day of the Battle of Nashville. Ward's brigade quickly captured 280 enemy soldiers. The remaining Confederates scattered.

Ward and his brigade chased the retreating Confederate forces. In February 1865, they began the campaign to capture Mobile, Alabama. Ward's brigade was involved in the Battle of Spanish Fort. They fought constantly until Mobile surrendered.

After this success, they camped near Montgomery, Alabama. They stayed there until the Confederate government ended. On July 19, Colonel Ward was put in charge of the post in Montgomery. The regiment left on August 27 and officially left the army on October 9, 1865.

After the War

On January 13, 1866, President Andrew Johnson gave Colonel Ward an honorary rank of brevet brigadier general. This rank was made official on March 12, 1866.

After the war, Ward moved to Benton Harbor, Michigan, in 1866. He owned and managed an orchard in Berrien County for the rest of his life.

In 1878, he was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives. He served for four years. From 1888 to 1892, he was the postmaster at Benton Harbor. He remained a strong Republican and was known as a talented public speaker.

Lyman Ward passed away at his home on January 19, 1909, from heart failure.

Family Life

Lyman Ward was the fourth of six children. His father, Reverend Abel Ward, was a Congregationalist minister.

Lyman Ward married Ellen Louisa "Nellie" Childs on July 13, 1882, in Benton Harbor. They did not have any children.

See also

• List of American Civil War brevet generals (Union)