First Lieutenant Edward Tyrell [Tyrrell]

First Lieutenant Edward Tyrell [Tyrrell] was born on April 20, 1819 in Ireland and died May 22, 1863 in Vicksburg, MS.

Edward Tyrell [Tyrrell] entered the Infantry on July 28, 1861, in Waverly, IA, served during the Civil War era and reached the rank of First Lieutenant before being discharged on May 22, 1863 in Vicksburg, MS.

Edward Tyrell [Tyrrell] is buried at Harlington in Waverly, Iowa and can be located at 42° 42.975' N 92° 28.192' W

• Killed in Action: Yes
• Wounded in Action: Yes
• Died in Service: Yes

The Story of Edward Tyrrell

According to the records, Edward Tyrrell was born in Ireland in 1819. His family moved to Canada when he was about six and later to New York. He married Elizabeth Worthington, who had also been born in Ireland, in August of 1839. Tyrrell and his wife moved to Illinois about a year after that, and in 1854 they found themselves in Bremer County, Iowa. Tyrrell was elected as the first Bremer County Drainage Commissioner that year and, when he moved into Waverly in 1860, he was elected to be a justice of the peace.

Like many men from the area, Edward Tyrrell enlisted to serve his country when the Civil War broke out. He joined Company G of the 9th Iowa Infantry on July 18, 1861, as a private. The first place he saw action was at the Battle of Pea Ridge in Arkansas. At the Battle of Pea Ridge, which took place March 7-8, 1862, around forty percent of the men in the 9th Iowa were killed or wounded. Tyrell did not just survive; he was promoted to first lieutenant of Company G on March 11, 1862.

At the end of December of 1862, the 9th Iowa was positioned near the strategic Confederate stronghold of Vicksburg, Mississippi. The first months of 1863 were not kind to the men. Lieutenant Colonel Abernathy of the 9th Iowa wrote, ‘The history of the regiment for those two months of February and March is a tale of sorrow….it seems that few could withstand the debilitating and enervating influence of this insalubrious climate. The smallpox came now, for the first time, into our ranks. Scores of our number, hitherto stout and rugged, were prostrated past recovery, and now lie buried in shallow graves about the hospitals which once stood in that sickly region…The ordeal of the unpropitious months was the more grevious [sic] because it had all the evils of the battlefield, with none of its honors.’ Thankfully, Tyrrell survived.

On May 2, 1863, the 9th Iowa left their camp on the west side of the Mississippi River and marched toward Vicksburg. After several skirmishes and taking part in the capture of Jackson, Missississippi (the state capital), the regiment returned to Vicksburg on May 18 and prepared for an assault. Abernathy wrote, ‘May 19th, after sever [sic] skirmishing, and a final assault, the regiment succeeded in getting and holding an excellent position, about seventy-five yards from the enemy’s works.’ The attack continued on May 22:

‘In line with the whole Army of the Tennessee, the regiment went first up to the assault. Its flag went down a few feet from the rebel works, after the last one of its guard had fallen, either killed or wounded, and its dripping folds were drawn from under the bleeding body of its prostrate bearer. In the few terrible moments of the assault, the regiment lost 79 killed and wounded, nearly one-third of the number in action. But that was not all. The assault had failed, and we found ourselves lying in the ravines, behind logs, contiguous to and partly under the protection of the rebel earthworks, above which no traitor could raise his head, except at the expense of his life. There we were compelled to stay until darkness gave us a cover under which to escape. Here I pause to pay the slight tribute of recording their name, to Captain Kelsey, and Lieutenants Jones, Wilbur, and Tyrrell, who fell while leading their companies to the assault, and to Captain Washburn, who was mortally wounded at the head of the regiment.’

One of Tyrrell’s men wrote that he died while ‘charging on the defenses.’ His records state that he was the first officer over the fortification while planting the flag. He was shot through the head and bowels and lived only six hours after he was wounded. Two years after he died, his successor, first lieutenant Floyd Foster, returned to Vicksburg and had Tyrrell’s body returned to Waverly for burial.

Edward Tyrrell was only 44 years old when he died. He left behind a wife and seven children. His oldest son, Frank, had also joined the military in 1861. During his time with Company K of the 3rd Iowa Infantry, he was wounded and taken prisoner at the Battle of Shiloh in April of 1862. He spent three years in a Confederate prison, escaped to Little Rock, Arkansas, and returned to a family who thought they had lost both a father and a son.

Sadly, Edward’s brother, John, also died during the Civil War.

Edward Tyrrell has the distinction of having two gravestones at Waverly’s Harlington Cemetery. One stone is next to his wife; the other stone lists his name, his brother’s name, and his father’s name. His name is also listed on the memorial at the Bremer County Courthouse above his brother’s.

Haugan, Miranda. “The Story of Edward Tyrrell.” Student Handout, Waverly-Shell Rock Middle School, 2014.

Vital Records

Obituary

It is our sad duty to record the death of Edward Tyrrell, 1st Lieut., Co. G, 9th Iowa Infantry. He was shot while bravely leading on his Company in a charge upon the enemy’s works at Vicksburg on the 22d of May, and lived only six hours. Lieut. Tyrrell was one of our most respected and influential citizens; his loss will be deeply felt by the entire community. At a special Communication of Tyrrell Lodge, No. 116, of A. F. & A, M., held on June 10th, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted:

Since it hath pleased him ‘who doeth all things well’ to bring our esteemed brother Edward Tyrrell from the darkness of time to the light of eternity; we, his fellow craftsmen, deeply deploring his loss.

Resolve, 1st, That brother Tyrrell’s integrity as a citizen, and fidelity as a Mason should be cherished in our memory and emulated in our lives.

2ND, That our sympathies are extended to her who has lost so faithful and affectionate a husband, and to those orphaned children who have lost so good and so kind a father.

3D, That as a token of our sorrow, and as a tribute of respect to the memory of the departed, we will wear the Masonic badge of mourning for the period of thirty days.

4TH, That a copy of these Resolutions be engrossed, framed, and presented to the family of the deceased.

Attest,     E. C. MOULTON Sec’y.

“Obituary.” Bremer County Phoenix, June 11, 1863: 2. Image provided by Miranda Haugan, Waverly-Shell Rock Middle School.

Newspaper Articles

Resolution of Co. G, 9th Iowa on the Death of Lieut. Tyrrell.

Camp 9th Iowa Vol. Inft. Walnut Hills,
In rear of Vicksburg, May 31st 1863.

Editor Phoenix:—At a meeting of Co. ‘G’ 9th Iowa Vols the following Preamble and Resolutions were unanimously adopted:

Whereas, It has please God in his infinite mercy to take from us, by the hand of death, our beloved and esteemed friend and 1st Lieut. (Edward Tyrrell,) therefore

Resolved, That by the death of our 1st Lieut. our company has met with an irreparable loss; Society, one of its brightest lights, and our Country, one of its best soldiers and truest patriots.

Resolved, That we offer to the bereaved widow, children, relatives and many friends in Bremer County and elsewhere of this patriot, who has fallen engaged in battling for a Holy Cause; the expression of our sincere sympathy for their heart-rending loss, and hope that ‘He who doeth all things well’ will assuage the sorrow that now overwhelms them.

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be forwarded to the family of the deceased and one to the ‘PHOENIX’ for publication.

Co. ‘G’ AND MANY FRIENDS.

Unknown Publication. Unknown Date. Image provided by Miranda Haugan, Waverly-Shell Rock Middle School.

Armed Forces Grave Registration

Native of Ireland. Enlisted at age of 40 years as 1 Corp Promoted 1st Lt. March 11 1862 Was first officer over breast works killed while planting the flag at Vicksburg. Left a wife Elizabeth Tryrrell and 3 sons Frank M, Will and Charles. Frank M. was a Pvt. ain [sic]Col K. 3 Inf. and captured at Shiloh. Edw. T. Successor 1st Lt. Floyd Foster 2 years later went to Vicksburd [sic] had his body removed to his home in Waverly for burial.
Came to American 1825 to Montreal Quecek [sic] then to Rochester NY and while th[er]e in 1839 married Elizabeth Kennedy Warthington who also was born in Ireland. Fron [sic] NY came to McHenryCCo. Ill. 1841 and to Warreb [sic] Twsp. Bremer Co, Il 1854.
His father Nicholas Tyrrell was founder o Tyrrell lodge of Waverly all of the[m] were masonic members here to them born 7 children.
Frank buried in Waverly also Chas; Will buried in Calif. The widow Clarence M[??] Jane Connor Geo buried in Waverly. Mrs Effie Strickland died Portland Ore and buried there.

[No government-issued headstone 05/22/2014]

Books

Record of the Organizations Engaged in the Campaign, Siege, and Defense of Vicksburg

FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS.

Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman

April 29 Blair’s (Second) division of this corps embarked on steamboats to made a feigned attack on Haynes Bluff, from which it returned May 2 to Millikens Bend. The same day Steele’s (First) and Tuttle’s (Third) divisions moved to Hard Times; arrived there May 6, crossed the Mississippi, and on the 8th marched to Hankinsons Ferry, where they relieved Quinby’s division of McPherson’s corps. May 13 the divisions marched via Raymond to Mississippi Springs, surprised and captured a cavalry picket, and the following day (May 14) entered Jackson with slight opposition, capturing 250 prisoners and 18 pieces of artillery. May 16 the two divisions marched to Bolton, and reached Bridgeport, on the Big Black River, at noon on the 17th, where two brigades of Blair’s division rejoined the coprs. During the afternoon of the 18th the corps came up to the rear of Vicksburg, where it occupied the right of the investment line. Steele’s division secured possession of the enemy’s outer works and rested its right on the Mississippi River. Blair’s division was on the left of Steele’s, its line extending across the graveyard road. Tuttle’s division was placed in support.

First Division—Maj. Gen. Frederick Steele.

First Brigade, Col. Francis H. Manter, Col. Bernard G. Farrar: Thirteenth Illinois, Col. Adam B. Gorgas; Twenty-seventh Missouri, Col. Thomas Curley; Twenty-ninth Missouri, Col. James Peckham; Thirtieth Missouri, Lieut. Col. Otto Schadt; Thirty-first Missouri, Col. Thomas C. Fletcher, Maj. Frederick Jaensch, Lieut. Col. Samuel P. Simpson; Thirty-second Missouri, Maj. Abraham J. Seay.

Second Brigade, Col. Charles R. Woods: Twenty-fifth Iowa, Col. George A. Stone; Thirty-first Iowa, Col. William Smyth, Maj. Theodore Stimming; Third Missouri, Lieut Col. Theodore Meumann; Twelfth Missouri, Col. Hugo Wangelin; Seventeenth Missouri, Col. Francis Hassendeubel, Lieut. Col. John F. Cramer; Seventy-sixth Ohio, Lieut. Col. William B. Woods.

Third Brigade, Brig. Gen. John M. Thayer: Fourth Iowa, Col. James A. Williamson, Lieut. Col. George Burton; Ninth Iowa, Maj. Don a Carpenter, Capt. Frederick S. Washburn, Col. David Carskaddon; Twenty-sixth Iowa, Col. Milo Smith; Thirtienth Iowa, Col. Charles H. Abbott, Col. William M. G. Torrence.

Artillery: Iowa Light, First Battery, Capt. Henry H. Griffiths; Second Missouri Light, Battery F, Capt. Clemens Landgraeber; Ohio Light, Fourth Battery, Capt. Louis Hoffman.

Calvary: Kane County (Illinois) Independent Company, Lieut. Thomas J. Beebe; Third Illinois, Company D, Lieut. Jonathan Kershner.

This division left Millikens Bend May 2, reached Hard Times Landing at 1 o’clock p. m. May 6, and crossed to Grand Gulf, Miss., the same evening. It left Grand Gulf May 8 and skirmished with teh enemy, May 12, at the crossing of Fourteenmile Creek. The division entered Jackson May 14, marched from there the morning of May 16, and camped that evening at Bolton Station. It crossed Big Black River late in the evening, May 17, reached the vicinity of Vicksburg about 4 o’clock p. m. May 18, and during the 19th went into position on the extreme right of the army, with the right of the division resting on the Mississippi River. Wood’s (Second) brigade was on the right, Manter’s (First) brigade in the center, and Thayer’s (Third) brigade on the left of the division line, positions which were substantially maintained throughout the siege. May 20 and 21 were devoted to throwing up rifle pits and strengthening the position. At about 3 o’clock p. m. May 22 the division, Thayer’s brigade in advance, made an assault on the enemy’s line at a point about one-half mile west of the redan on the graveyard road. A few officers and men reached the foot of the parapet, where they remained until dark, when the division retired to the position already indicated, four or five hundred yards from the enemy’s works, which it retained during the siege. Manter’s brigade joined the expedition to Mechanicsburg May 26 but returned to its position in the investment line June 4. An approach was made to within 30 yards of the enemy’s redoubt in front of Thayer’s brigade, and a mine was started but not completed at the time of the surrender.

Vicksburg Casualties, May 19, 1863

Command.	Killed.		Wounded.		Captured or missing.		Aggregate.
	Officers.	Enlisted men.	Officers.	Enlisted men.	Officers	Enlisted men.
Fourth Iowa				13			13
Ninth Iowa		4		12			16
Twenty-sixth Iowa		3		11			14
Thirtieth Iowa				7			7
Twelfth Missouri	1		1	2			4
Thirtieth Missouri	1			6			7
Thirty-first Missouri			1	2			3
Total Third Division	2	7	2	53			64
Officers killed: Capt. Charles Denny, Twelfth Missouri Infantry; Lieut. Celestien M. French, Thirtieth Missouri Infantry.

Vicksburg Casualties, May 22, 1863

Command.		Killed.		Wounded.		Captured or missing.		Aggregate.
		Officers.	Enlisted men.	Officers.	Enlisted men.	Officers	Enlisted men.
First Brigade, Col. Francis H. Manter:
	Thirteenth Illinois		1		1			2
	Thirtieth Missouri				3			3
	Thirty-first Missouri	1			1			2
	Total First Brigade	1	1		5			7
Second Brigade, Col. Charles R. Woods
	Twenty-fifth Iowa		5	1	26		5	37
	Thirty-first Iowa		3	4	15			22
	Third Missouri		3	1	11		2	18
	Twelfth Missouri	4	22	7	75			108
	Seventy-sixth Ohio				5			5
	Total Second Brigade	4	33	13	132		8	190
Third Brigade, Brig. Gen. John M. Thayer:
	Ninth Iowa	2	16	5	55			78
	Twenty-sixth Iowa		4	4	19			27
	Thirtieth Iowa	2	11	2	34		1	50
	Total Third Brigade	4	31	11	108		1	155
Artillery: Second Missouri Light, Battery F					1			1
	Total First Division	9	65	24	246		9	353
Officers killed: Lieut. Edward Tyrrell, Ninth Iowa Infantry; Lieut. Jacob Jones, Ninth Iowa Infantry; Col. Charles H. Abbott, Thirtieth Iowa Infantry; Lieut. James P. Milliken, Thirtieth Iowa Infantry; Maj. Gustavus Lightfoot, Twelfth Missouri Infantry; Capt. Christian Andel, Twelfth Missouri Infantry; Lieut. Charles L. Kasten, Twelfth Missouri Infantry; Lieut. George Eggart, Twelfth Missouri Infantry; Lieut. William Robinson, Thirty-first Missouri Infantry.
Officers died of wounds: Capt. Florillo M. Kelsey, Ninth Iowa Infantry; Capt. Frederick S. Washburn, Ninth Iowa Infantry; Lieut. Leonard L. Martin, Ninth Iowa Infantry; Lieut. David Letner, Thirtieth Iowa Infantry; Lieut. Robert Anderson, Thirty-first Iowa Infantry.

Kountz, John S. Record of the Organizations Engaged in the Campaign, Siege, and Defense of Vicksburg. U. S. Government Printing Office, 1901. https://books.google.com/books/reader?id=iTxAAAAAY AAJ&printsec=frontcover&output=reader.

Roster and Record of Iowa Soldiers in the War of the Rebellion

HISTORICAL SKETCH
NINTH REGIMENT IOWA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY

The ten companies of the Ninth Regiment of Iowa Volunteer Infantry were ordered by the Governor to rendezvous at Dubuque, as part of the quota of the State under the proclamation of the President dated July 23, 1861, and were mustered into the service of the United States on dates ranging from September 2d to September 24, 1861, by Capt. E. C. Washington, United States Army.The Hon. Wm. Vandever, then a member of Congress from Iowa, was given authority by the President to organize this regiment from the counties composing his district, and he was commissioned by Governor Kirkwood as its first Colonel. The names of the field and staff and company officers, at the date of the muster in, will be found in the subjoined roster, in which will also be found notations of the subsequent changes which occurred on account of death, promotion, resignation, or from whatever cause, together with a paragraph opposite the name of each line officer and enlisted man, arranged in alphabetical order, showing his personal record of service in so far as the same could be obtained from the official records in the Adjutant General’s office of the State of Iowa, and the War Department in Washington. That some of these records are very imperfect, and that they may, in some instances, do injustice to the memory of the officers and men of this gallant regiment, is a matter beyond the control of those under whose supervision this great work has been done. Every effort has been made to make this compilation historically correct, in so far as the limitations as to time and space would permit; but, where the records of individual service may have been incorrectly given in the official returns and reports, and no other source of information was available, there was but one course to pursue, and that was to follow the official records, which, in the main, will be found to be correct.

The last company was mustered September 24, 1861, and, two days later, the regiment, with an aggregate strength of 977 officers and enlisted men, was embarked on steamboats at Dubuque and transported to St. Louis, and, upon its arrival there, marched to Benton Barracks, where it received it [sic.] first supply of arms, clothing and camp equipage. Here it remained until October 11th, receiving such instruction in military drill as could be given in so short a period of time. It was then ordered to proceed to Franklin, Mo., at which place regimental headquarters were maintained, while companies were detached to different points for the purpose of guarding the railroad from Franklin toward Rolla, Mo. During the three months in which the regiment remained upon this duty, it suffered greatly from exposure to the inclement winter weather, and, like all new regiments, was subjected to much sickness on account of such exposure. On the last day of the year 1861, the official returns showed a death loss of 17, and 7 discharged on account of disability, total 24; but on the same date it had gained 38 by additional enlistment, and 4 by transfer, making a net gain of 18, and an aggregate of 995. Of this number, however, many were on the sick list, and the hardships which the regiment was called upon to endure, during the active winter campaign which followed, still further reduced its fighting strength, and when it first went into battle it numbered but little more than half the aggregate above stated. January 21, 1862, the regiment was again consolidated, the companies on detached duty having been relieved, and was conveyed by rail to Rolla, Mo., and from there began its first real campaign against the enemy. Marching to Lebanon, Mo., it joined the Army of the Southwest commanded by General Curtis. Colonel Vandever was placed in command of the brigade to which his regiment was attached, leaving Lieut. Col. Frank J. Herron in command of the regiment.

Upon the approach of the Union forces, the rebel General Price evacuated Springfield, which he had occupied during the winter, and began his retreat towards the Ozark Mountains. Then began that remarkable march of General Curtis’ army in pursuit of the enemy. The regiment started from Springfield on the 14th of February and, in less than one month, had marched over difficult roads, and much of the time through storms of alternating rain and snow, a distance of two hundred and fifty miles. Arriving at Cross Hollows, Ark., a detachment of three hundred of the regiment was sent upon an expedition to Huntsville—forty miles distant—with the purpose of surprising and capturing a detachment of the enemy stationed there as a guard for commissary stores; but, upon reaching Huntsville, they found the place abandoned, and learned that the rebel army under General Van Dorn was marching to the attack of General Curtis’ army, which had fallen back from Cross Hollows and taken up a new position at Pea Ridge. Realizing the danger of being cut off and captured by a superior force, the detachment of the Ninth Iowa at once started to rejoin the command and, after a continuous march of sixteen hours, covering a distance of forty-two miles, it reached the regiment at 8 P. M., March 6th. With only a few hours of rest after this exhausting march, these men went into the memorable battle of Pea Ridge at 10 A. M., March 7, 1862.

The enemy opened the engagement by a fierce attack upon the Union lines, and the Ninth Iowa was in the thickest of the fight. The first attack of the enemy was repulsed, and the Union line advanced, but was in turn compelled to retire under a terrific fire of musketry, grape and canister. Thus the battle raged during the entire day, with alternating temporary advantages for both Union and rebel forces. There were occasional intervals, during which the men on both sides availed themselves of the opportunity to replenish their ammunition and to attend to the removal of their wounded to the rear. The fighting was most persistent and desperate, and in no battle of the war was the valor of the American soldier—upon both sides—more splendidly exhibited. While this was the first time the Ninth Iowa Infantry had met the enemy in battle, its officers and men exhibited the steadiness and bravery of veterans. Had this been the only service rendered by the regiment, it would have been entitled to the lasting gratitude of every patriotic citizen of the Union, which it was there defending against those in armed rebellion against it.

At night the survivors lay upon their arms, ready to renew the conflict at the dawn of day. At daylight the Union artillery again opened upon the enemy, and the fire was promptly returned. In his official report Colonel Vandever says, ‘At this point, finding ourselves exposed to a raking fire from one of the enemy’s batteries on our right, we changed direction to the east. About this time, the First Division coming into position on our left, we joined in the general advance upon the enemy, the whole cavalry force participating, and the artillery co-operating. The enemy here broke into disorder, and the fortune of the day was decided in our favor.’

The entire rebel army was soon in full retreat, and the battle of Pea Ridge ended in a brilliant victory for the Union army. At the close of his official report Major General Curtis especially commended Colonel Vandever and the gallant troops of his brigade, and says, ‘To do justice to all, I would spread before you the most of the rolls of this army, for I can bear testimony to the almost universal good conduct of officers and men, who shared with me the long march, the many conflicts by the way, and the final struggle with the combined forces of Price, McCulloch, McIntosh and Pike, under Major General Van Dorn, at the battle of Pea Ridge.’ At the close of his official report Colonel Vandever says:

‘Of the bravery of Lieutenant Colonel Herron, in immediate command of the Ninth Iowa Infantry, too much can not be said. He was foremost in leading his men, and, with coolness and bravery never excelled, rallied them to repeated attacks of the enemy. Unfortunately near the close of the day on the 7th, he was disabled by a painful wound, his horse was killed under him, and he was captured by the enemy. Major Coyl, also of the Ninth Iowa, acted with distinguished valor until disabled by a severe wound, and compelled, reluctantly, to leave the field. Adjutant William Scott also deserves great praise. Lieutenant Asher Riley of Company A, my Acting Assistant Adjutant General, deserves particular mention. Upon the fall of Captain Drips and Lieutenant Kelsey, of Company A, both distinguished for their bravery, Lieutenant Riley gallantly took command and remained with the company to the end of the battle. Captain Carpenter and Lieutenant Jones of Company B also acted with great bravery, leading their company in the face of the enemy, and bringing off one of our disabled guns and a caisson. Captain Towner and Lieutenant Neff, of Company F, were conspicuous for their bravery. Both of these officers were severely wounded, when the command devolved upon Lieutenant Tisdale, who gallantly led the company through the remainder of the battle. Captain Bull and Lieutenant Rice, of Company C, also deserve particular mention, the latter of whom was killed near the close of the day, while the former was severely wounded. Captain Bevins of Company E was killed upon the field, and the command devolved upon Lieutenant Baker, who acquitted himself with great credit. Captain Washburn, and Lieutenants Beebe and Levrich of Company G, Lieutenants Crane and McGee of Company D, Captain Moore and Lieutenant Mackenzie of Company H, Captain Carskaddon and Lieutenant Claflin of Company K, and Lieutenant Fellows, commanding Company I, also Lieutenant Inman, were all conspicuous for bravery, under the hottest fire of the enemy. I should also mention Sergeant Major Foster and other members of the non-commissioned staff, who did their duty nobly. Many instances of special gallantry occurred among non-commissioned officers and men, during the trying events of the battle, which I cannot here enumerate. Where all did their duty so nobly and well, distinction would be invidious. I can only say that I feel deeply indebted to every officer and man of my command for the heroic manner in which they have acquitted themselves.’

The loss of the regiment was very heavy. Of the 560 who went into the battle, 4 commissioned officers and 34 enlisted men were killed, 5 commissioned officers and 171 enlisted men wounded, and 1 commissioned officer and 3 enlisted men captured, making a total loss of nearly forty per cent of the aggregate number engaged.* (The compiler of this sketch find this loss statement in the return of casualties of the Army of the Southwest in the battle of Pea Ridge, Ark., attached to the report of Major General Curtis, found on page 205, Series 1, Vol. 8, War of the Rebellion Official Records. In the history of the Ninth Iowa Infantry by Lieut. Col. Alonzo Abernethy, found on page 174 of the Adjutant General’s report of the State of Iowa, for the year 1866, the aggregate loss in killed, wounded and captured is given as 240, making nearly 44 per cent of the number engaged. In either event, the loss was far above the average of the battles of the War of the Rebellion.)

After the battle the regiment had only a brief season of rest. Its next experience was a long, devious and trying march with the Army of the Southwest, through Missouri and Arkansas, covering six hundred miles and ending at Helena, July 17, 1862. During this march the weather was very warm and dry, and the troops suffered greatly from the heat, dust and thirst, and, on the latter part of the march, from insufficient rations. For five weeks of this time the army was cut off from all communication, but fortunately no considerable body of the enemy was encountered and it at last arrived safely at Helena.

Here the regiment went into camp, and for the ensuing five months enjoyed comparative immunity from the hardships and dangers of a soldier’s life. It was, however, rendering valuable service in holding an important post, and the time was not spent in idleness. The officers and men utilized the time to the best advantage, in perfecting themselves in military drill and discipline, and, when they again entered upon the duties of active campaigning, they were splendidly equipped for the hard and continuous service which they were called upon to perform during the remainder of their term of service. While the regiment was in camp at Helena, a most pleasing incident occurred, which deserves permanent preservation in this sketch and is thus described by Lieutenant Colonel Abernethy in his ‘History of the Ninth Infantry’:

‘At Helena a stand of beautiful silk colors reached us, sent by the hands of Miss Phoebe Adams, in behalf of a committee of ladies of Boston, Mass., as a testimonial of their appreciation of our conduct in the battle of Pea Ridge. They were guarded and cherished while in the regiment with religious care. After having been borne over many a proud field, they were, by the unanimous voice of the regiment, given back, riddled and torn—one to the original donors, the other to Brevet Major General Vandever, our original Colonel, who, by his bravery and decision at Pea Ridge and Arkansas Post, with the regiment and by his honorable record thereafter in other fields, won the confidence and love of his regiment.’

December 18, 1862, the regiment was again called into active service, this time on the lower Mississippi, and was assigned to General Thayer’s Brigade of General Steele’s Division of the Fifteenth Army Corps, It participated in the battle of Chickasaw Bayou, December 28th and 29th, where it maintained its good record for bravery under the fire of the enemy. Lieutenant Colonel Abernethy, describing the part taken by his regiment in this battle, says, ‘The regiment, though under fire the greater part of the 28th and 29th, was only engaged about half an hour the latter day. While the hardest fighting was in progress, were being transferred from a point above Chickasaw Bayou to where the main army was massed, reaching there only to go into position as others were falling back. We were soon withdrawn beyond the reach of the rebel batteries lining the hills in our front, and next day embarked, the attempt having been given over.’

The regiment next went into camp on the Yazoo River above Vicksburg, where it remained until the close of the year 1862. The official returns show that, during the year, the regiment had gained by additional enlistments 54, and by appointment [sic.] 2; total gain 56. In the same time it had lost in killed in battle 43, died from wounds 41, and from disease 37; total number of deaths 121; 178 were discharged for disability, and 8 had deserted, making a total loss for the year of 307. Its losses up to the 31st day of December, 1861, had been 24, and its gain by additional enlistment 42. It will thus be seen that, in the one year and three months that the regiment had then served, it had lost 331 officers and men, and had gained 98 by additional enlistment. Its losses thus far had aggregated nearly one-third of those originally mustered and gained by additional enlistment, while it had just entered upon the second year of its three years’ term of service.

Early in January, 1863, the regiment was engaged in the movement against Arkansas Post, and on January 11th, when the attack upon the fort was made, it was in the reserve line, waiting for the order to move forward to the assault; but, before the order was given, the enemy raised the white flag in token of surrender, and the regiment had the pleasure of witnessing the fall of that stronghold without loss to itself. January 24th found the regiment again in camp at Young’s Point, near Vicksburg. About this time, Colonel Vandever was promoted to Brigadier General, and the officers and men of the Ninth Iowa, while rejoicing in his well-deserved promotion, felt that they were parting from one of the bravest and most efficient commanders, and that it would be difficult to determine who should succeed him. There was an excellent list of officers from which to make the selection. Captain David Carskaddon of Company K was elected and became the second Colonel of the regiment.

Lieutenant Colonel Abernethy, in his history of the Ninth Iowa Infantry thus graphically describes the experience of the regiment for the remainder of the winter of 1863.

‘The history of the regiment for these two months of February and March is a tale of sorrow. The health of many of its members was already undermined by a six months’ sojourn in the miasmatic regions of the Mississippi valley, and it seemed that but few could withstand the debilitating and enervating influence of this insalubrious climate. The smallpox came now, for the first time, into our ranks. Scores of our number, hitherto stout and rugged, were prostrated past recovery, and now lie buried in shallow graves about the hospitals which once stood in that sickly region; while others only recovered completely, long afterwards, in the mountains of Tennessee and Georgia, or on the sandy plains of the Carolinas. The ordeal of these unpropitious months was the more grievous because it had all the evils of the battlefield, with none of its honors.’

Every true soldier will admit the force and truth of the above statement. The inspiration which comes to men in the midst of battle sustains them in the performance of deeds of valor, but when it comes to the struggle with disease and death, without the tender ministrations of relatives and friends, far from home and all its comforts, the men who endure and die, as well as those who endure and live, must be sustained by a fortitude and courage even greater than that which enables them to perform their whole duty when engaging the enemy in battle.

During the month of April, 1863, the regiment participated in an expedition to Greenville, Miss., and farther into the interior, in which it met the enemy in occasional skirmishes, but the object of the expedition was accomplished without severe fighting. Upon its return from this expedition, it entered upon the campaign which ended in the surrender of the rebel strongholds at Vicksburg and Jackson. Its movements and operation are described by Lieutenant Colonel Abernethy, as follows:

‘On the 2d day of May, leaving our tents standing at Milliken’s Bend, La., the regiment started in light marching order for Grand Gulf, crossed the Mississippi, and commenced on the 8th of May the march in rear of Vicksburg. On the 14th reached Jackson, the State capital of Mississippi, and took part in its capture. Four days later, after some skirmishing, in which we lost three wounded, the regiment took position in the outer works which environed Vicksburg. * * *

May 19th, after severe skirmishing, and a final assault, the regiment succeeded in getting and holding an excellent position, about seventy-five yards from the enemy’s works. * * *

On the 22d of May, in line with the whole Army of the Tennessee, the regiment went first up to the assault. Its flag went down a few feet from the rebel works, after the last one of its guard had fallen, either killed or wounded, and its dripping folds were drawn from under the bleeding body of its prostrate bearer. In the few terrible moments of this assault, the regiment lost 79 killed and wounded, nearly one-third of the number in action. But that was not all. The assault had failed, and we found ourselves lying in the ravines, behind logs, contiguous to and partly under the protection of the rebel earthworks, above which no traitor could raise his head, except at the expense of his life. There we were compelled to stay until darkness gave us a cover under which to escape. Here I pause to pay the slight tribute of recording their names, to Captain Kelsey, and Lieutenants Jones, Wilbur, and Tyrrell, who fell while leading their companies to the assault, and to Captain Washburn, who was mortally wounded at the head of the regiment.

Our loss in the previous assault of the 19th of May was 16 men, and when, on the morning of Independence Day, the enemy came out and stacked arms and colors on his works, our total recorded loss in the siege was 121.’

After the surrender of Vicksburg, the regiment participated in the siege of Jackson, and, after the evacuation of that place, took part in the pursuit of the enemy, and lost one man killed in a skirmish at Brandon. The regiment now went into camp on Black River, Miss., where it remained until September 22d, when it was ordered to Vicksburg, thence by river to Memphis, and from there by rail to Corinth, Miss., from which point it took up the line of march to Chattanooga, and entered upon another campaign which resulted in great success for the cause of the Union, and a crushing defeat to that portion of the rebel army against which the operations were directed. After a march of three hundred miles, during which the regiment had some skirmishes with the rebel General Forrest’s troops, it arrived at the foot of Lookout Mountain, Nov. 23, 1863, and, on the 24th, took part in the battle above the clouds, and, later, in the battles of Missionary Ridge and Ringgold. Although not in the heaviest fighting in these three engagements, the regiment accomplished all that was assigned to it. Its losses in killed and wounded during the campaign aggregated 22. It now marched to Woodville, Ala., where it went into winter quarters Dec. 29, 1863. During the year the regiment had marched 870 miles, and had been conveyed 1,300 miles by water and 100 miles by rail. In the same time, it had met with a total loss of 227 and gained by enlistment 11, leaving an aggregate of 510.

January 1, 1864, 287 men of the regiment re-enlisted as Veteran Volunteers for another term of three years, and under the terms of their enlistment were entitled to a thirty days’ furlough, to begin after reaching the State of Iowa. They left Woodville, Ala., February 4, 1864, and reached Dubuque, Iowa, February 14, 1864, at which point they separated for their respective homes. March 15th found the veterans of the regiment re-assembled at Davenport, Iowa, accompanied by 125 recruits. They reached Woodville, Ala., April 10th, having marched from Nashville, a distance of 125 miles. A new supply of arms, clothing and camp equipage was issued to the regiment, and on May 1st, with Colonel Carskaddon in command, it took up the line of march for Chattanooga. In six days it had again reached the scene of military activity, and entered upon another great struggle for the preservation of the Union. The Ninth Iowa Infantry was constantly at the front, on the firing line, and in the trenches, and had its full share in the fighting during the campaign. The compiler of this sketch is compelled, by the limitation of space to which he is restricted, to omit the detailed account of the operations of the regiment given by Lieutenant Colonel Abernethy in his history, from which quotations have heretofore been so freely made. It must here suffice to say that, from the opening to the close of the Atlanta campaign, the Ninth Iowa Infantry displayed the same conspicuous gallantry which had characterized its career in all the battles in which it had been engaged, from Pea Ridge to Jonesboro. Describing the close of the campaign, Lieutenant Colonel Abernethy says:

‘At Jonesboro, on the 31st of August, where we were attacked in vain, and for the last time, by the rebel army of Tennessee, we held our position easily, and with comparatively slight loss. The march thence to Lovejoy’s Station, and back again to East Point, Ga., by the 8th of September, completed the campaign—a campaign which, for hard and continuous fighting, for severe labor and exposure, for long marches in the hottest weather, for duration and persistent obstinacy, is unparalleled in history. We had marched 400 miles, principally in the night, built 40 different lines of works, crossed three large rivers in the face of a powerful enemy, flanked him away from three of the strongest natural positions in the country, and fought the battles of Resaca, Dallas, New Hope Church, Big Shanty, Kenesaw Mountain, Chattahoochie River, Decatur, Atlanta, Jonesboro, and Lovejoy.’

The regiment lost in the campaign since the 1st of May 14 killed, 70 wounded, and 6 captured.

The non-veterans of the regiment were mustered out of the service on the 23d day of September, 1864, the original three years’ term for which they had enlisted having expired. For the re-enlisted veterans and recruits there yet remained the experience of the closing campaigns of the war, which, in some respects, were more remarkable than any which had preceded them. On the 4th of October the regiment was again on the march with the army which followed the rebel forces under General Hood through Marietta, Rome, Resaca, and across into Alabama, returning to the vicinity of Atlanta on the 5th of November, having marched 354 miles. November 15th, the regiment, then under the command of its senior captain, Paul McSweeney, began the famous march with General Sherman’s army to Savannah and the sea. This remarkable military exploit was accomplished in 35 days, the distance covered being 400 miles. During the year, the regiment had marched 1,400 miles, and traveled by steamboat and railroad 1,900 miles. It had gained by additional enlistment 160, had lost in killed 14 and from other causes 214, leaving an aggregate of 442 on December 31, 1864.

The closing campaign—the trip by sea to Beaufort, S. C., and the march through the states of South and North Carolina—was full of interest and most worthy of being recorded in detail, did space permit. Colonel Carskaddon, who had been wounded at Atlanta, returned to the regiment, and was honorably mustered out by reason of expiration of term of service on February 14, 1865. While the regiment was marching through Georgia, Major George Granger had died in hospital at Nashville, Tenn., and Captain Alonzo Abernethy of Company F had been promoted to Major, January 1, 1865, and was now in command of the regiment, which he led successfully during the remainder of its service. After giving a detailed description of the events which transpired during the long and toilsome march, the Major thus describes the closing scenes in the history of his regiment:

‘Our severe labors, hardships, and exposures were forgotten in the pleasure of having taken part in this most magnificent of all campaigns. The remaining history is briefly told. On the 10th of April started with the army to Raleigh, N. C., where we found the rebel leader suing for terms. When these had been given, the regiment started for Washington, D. C., via Petersburg, Richmond, and Alexandria, Va. Reached the latter place on the 19th of May, after a march of 293 miles in the last nineteen days, and 360 miles from Goldsboro, N. C. Took part in the military pageant of May 24th, which consisted of the review of Sherman’s army in the streets of Washington. The regiment came thence by rail and steamboat to Louisville, Ky., on the 1st of June. Went into camp and awaited further orders, which came July 10th to the effect that the remaining regiments of the army of the Tennessee would be at once mustered out of service.’

Lieutenant Colonel Coyl had resigned June 17th on account of his having received the appointment of Judge Advocate of the Department of Kentucky. Major Abernethy was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, and Captain Inman of Company I to Major. On the 18th of July, the muster out was completed.’

The regiment was then sent to Clinton, Iowa, where it was disbanded, and the officers and men returned to their homes.

From the time it started from Dubuque, three years and ten months from the date of its final muster out, the Ninth Iowa Infantry had marched over 4,000 miles, and traveled by rail and steamboat 6,000 miles. During the year 1865, there had been added by transfer from the Twenty-fifth Iowa 53, by enlistment 15, from the draft rendezvous of the State 129, a total gain of 197. The total losses had been 45, leaving an aggregate of 594 at muster out.

In closing this brief sketch, the compiler again refers to the subjoined roster for the record of personal service of each officer and man of the regiment, in so far as it has been possible to obtain such record. As an organization the Ninth Iowa Infantry has a record of service unsurpassed by that of any regiment which the State sent to the field during the great War of the Rebellion.

SUMMARY OF CASUALTIES.

Total enrollment: 1440
Killed: 84
Wounded: 385
Died of wounds: 64
Died of disease: 210
Discharged for disease, wounds and other causes: 299
Buried in National Cemeteries: 139
Captured: 32
Transferred: 30

Company ‘G’

Tyrell, Edward. Age 40. Residence Waverly, nativity Ireland. Enlisted July 28, 1861. Mustered Sept. 24, 1861. Promoted First Corporal; First Lieutenant March 11, 1862. Killed in battle May 22, 1863, Vicksburg, Miss.

State of Iowa. General Assembly. Iowa Soldiers in the War of the Rebellion Together with Historical Sketches of Volunteer Organizations 1861-1866. Vol. 2. Des Moines, IA: Emory H. English Printing Office, 1908.

Personal Letters

Camp. 9th Iowa Vol Infantry

I, John R. Bowman do hereby certify that Edward Tyrrell was a First Lieutenant in Company ‘G’ Commanded by Captain Washburn of the 9th Regiment of Iowa Infantry Volunteers. That at Vicksburg Miss on the 22 day of May in 1863 he was wounded as follows, through the head and also through the bowels of which said wounds he died on the 22 day of May 1863 at Vicksburg aforesaid: That said wounds were received by him while he was in the line of his duty in the Military service of the United States and while charging on the defences of Vicksbury.

Given under my hand this 7th day of Jany AD 1854 at Woodville Alabama

J R Bowman Capt.
Commanding Co ‘G’ 9th Iowa Infantry
Volunteers