Brigadier General Francis J. Herron

Francis Jay Herron was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania on February 17, 1837. He graduated from Western University of Pennsylvania in 1853. In 1853, he moved to Dubuque, Iowa where he engaged in banking and mercantile pursuits. He was active in the local militia company , the Governor's Grays, that was organized in May 1861. He offered his companys services to President-Elect Lincoln prior to the inaguration. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Herron entered as a captain in the 1st Iowa Infantry. They were engaged in battles at Dug Springs, Ozark and Wilson's Creek. In September of 1861 he was promoted to lieutenant-colonel of the 9th Iowa regiment. He commanded the unit through campaigns in Missouri, Arkansas and the Indian territory.

photo permission of FROHNE"S HISTORIC MILITARY

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During the battle of Pea Ridge he performed with conspicious gallantry. Herron was wounded and captured at Pea Ridge, but was soon exchanged. He was appointed brigadier-general of volunteers in July, 1862 and was given command of the Third Division, Army of the Frontier in October. In December, Herron marched his division 125 miles to assist General Blunt in defeating Hindman at Prairie Grove. He was promoted to major-general in March 1863; becoming at that time the youngest major-general in the United States service. He was twenty-six years old. He briefly headed the Army of the Frontier then his forces were moved to Mississippi. He commanded the left wing forces in the final stages of the Vicksburg campaign. He was transferred to the Department of the Gulf and was in charge of the 13th Army Corps on the coast of Texas. He was assigned to command the northern division of Louisiana during General Bank's operations. In May 1865 he negotiated the surrender of trans-Mississippi army and Confederate forces west of the Mississippi. In July, 1865, he became one of the commissioners to negotiate treaties with the Indian tribes. Herron resigned his commission in August 1865. His post war career included the practice of law in New Orleans, marshall of the district of Louisiana 1867-1869 and secretary of state for Louisiana 1872-1873. He later practiced his profession in New York. In 1893, he was awarded the Medal of Honor for Pea Ridge. Tragically, prosperity eluded him in later life and he died a pauper in New York City on January 8, 1902.