b. Cattaraugus County, New York, October 15, 1836
d. Benton Harbor, Michigan, January 19, 1909

Lyman Ward of Fond du Lac rose through the ranks of the 14th Wisconsin Infantry, entering as a company captain in 1861, fighting in more than 20 battles, and mustering out as a general in 1865.

Early Life

Ward spent his first 14 years in Genesee County, New York, where he attended grammar school and a private academy. In 1850 his family moved to a farm near Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and he continued his education by taking up law in the office of local attorney and mentor David Wood. When President Lincoln issued the first call for soldiers in April 1861, Ward dropped his books and enlisted.

Civil War Service

Ward joined the 1st Wisconsin Infantry for a 90-day tour. He then re-enlisted for three more years in the 14th Infantry. This regiment was commanded by his mentor, Col. David Wood. Ward was commissioned captain and six months later, in April 1862, was promoted to major. Wood died in June 1862 and his successor resigned in January 1863. Ward was then promoted to colonel. For two years he commanded 14th Infantry and its larger brigades, leading them into more than 20 battles. In March 1865 he was made a brigadier general in recognition of his services.

Ward's regiment was assigned to the Army of Tennessee, where it fought in the battles of Shiloh (April 6-7, 1862) and Iuka (September 19, 1862) as well as many smaller skirmishes. Ward and his men also fought in the Siege of Vicksburg, Mississippi, during the summer of 1863, including the pivotal battles of Jackson (May 14, 1863) and Champion Hill (May 16, 1863).

A year later, the 14th Infantry participated in the Atlanta Campaign. It was then sent to Arkansas in September 1864, marching for nearly 300 miles across Missouri to reach its destination. At the end of the war, Ward was mustered out of service and brevetted a brigadier general for his "gallant and meritorious service."

Later Years

Ward stayed in Wisconsin for a short time, and in 1866 moved to Benton Harbor, Michigan, where he took up fruit farming. From 1878-1880, Ward served two terms in the Michigan state legislature and also served as postmaster in Benton Harbor for four years. After his brief time in politics, he returned to horticulture until his death on January 19, 1909.

Links to Learn More

• History of the 14th Infantry

  by E.B. Quiner in his book, "Military History of Wisconsin" (Chicago, 1866)

• View Original Documents Relating to Col. Ward

[Source: Moore, Charles. History of Michigan (Chicago, 1915); Ward, George K. Andrew Warde and His Descendants, 1597-1910 (New York, 1910); History of Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin (Chicago, 1880); Quiner, E.B. The Military History of Wisconsin (Chicago, 1866). ]