Michael Kelly Lawler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michael Kelly Lawler
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Michael Kelly Lawler during the American Civil War
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| Born | November 16, 1814 County Kildare, Ireland |
| Died | July 22, 1882 (aged 67) Shawneetown, Illinois |
| Buried |
Hickory Hill Cemetery, Gallatin County, Illinois
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| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1846–1848 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  Brevet Major General |
| Unit | 18th Illinois Volunteer Infantry |
| Commands held | Lawler's Brigade, XIII Corps, Army of the Tennessee |
| Battles/wars | Mexican–American War American Civil War |
| Other work | Farmer, merchant |
Michael Kelly Lawler (born November 16, 1814 – died July 26, 1882) was an important military leader. He served as a soldier in the Black Hawk War. Later, he became an officer in the United States Army. He fought in both the Mexican–American War and the American Civil War. During the Civil War, he became a brigadier general. He led a group of soldiers called a brigade in the Western part of the war. He was known for his bravery in several big battles.
Early Life and Military Start
Michael Kelly Lawler was born in November 1814 in Monasterevin, Ireland. When he was four years old, his family moved to the United States. They first lived in Maryland, then settled in Gallatin County, Illinois in 1819. On December 20, 1837, he married Elizabeth Crenshaw.
Lawler became a captain in the Mexican War. He led two different companies of soldiers. First, he guarded supply routes from Vera Cruz to General Winfield Scott's army. After that, he helped organize a company of riflemen. He served in the fight to capture Matamoros.
After the war, he went back to his farm in Illinois. He also started a successful business selling hardware and other goods. He even studied law and helped Mexican War veterans with their legal claims.
Service in the Civil War
When the Civil War began in May 1861, Lawler quickly got involved. He helped create the 18th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He was made its first colonel. He was wounded during the Battle of Fort Donelson.
In November 1862, he was promoted to brigadier general. He then led a brigade in the XIII Corps. He fought very well during the important Vicksburg Campaign in 1863. He led his soldiers in several key battles:
During the attack on Vicksburg on May 22, 1863, Lawler's troops were the only Union forces to break into the Confederate defenses. They even managed to plant the U.S. flag there.
After the city of Jackson, Mississippi, surrendered, Lawler's corps was divided. For the rest of the war, he commanded the 1st Division of the XIII Corps in Louisiana. He led his division during the difficult Red River campaign. In June 1864, he led an expedition to secure a river crossing used by Confederate forces.
At the end of the Civil War, many officers were given special promotions for their service. General Lawler was promoted to major general for his distinguished actions. This promotion was dated back to March 13, 1865.
Life After the War
After leaving the army in 1866, Lawler returned home. He continued his legal work and farming near Shawneetown, Illinois.
Michael Kelly Lawler passed away in the summer of 1882. He is buried in the Lawler Family Cemetery near Equality, Illinois.
There is a memorial dedicated to Michael K. Lawler in Equality, Illinois. He is also honored with a marble bust in Vicksburg National Military Park in Vicksburg, Mississippi. A street in Chicago, Lawler Avenue, is named after him to remember his service as a Civil War hero.
