Hezekiah Lyon

Hezekiah Harrison Lyon

Hezekiah Harrison Lyon, "Harry" as he was known to his fellow soldiers, was mustered into Company E of the 33rd Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry on September 16, 1861. He listed his occupation as carpenter, was 23 years old, and stood 5'8" tall. He was initially appointed as a teamster, but also was detailed on extra duty as a hospital cook and nurse. He was returned to the Company as Clerk after reenlisting as a veteran volunteer on February 15, 1864. He was promoted to First Sergeant on May 22, 1865 and received his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant on June 7, 1865. The 33rd Indiana was known as the "Wildcats" from their first taste of battle at Wild Cat, Kentucky. The regiment also saw service at Cumberland Gap, Thompson's Station, Culp's Farm, Peach Tree Creek, and the Battles for Atlanta and Savannah. It was mustered out on July 21, 1865 at Louisville, Kentucky. Following his service, he wrote many stories about his encounters that are published within the Regimental History of the 33rd, and he is also mentioned as one of the "religious members" of the regiment who assisted following the loss of the Regimental Chaplain. He belonged to the William Lytle Post #22 of the Grand Army of the Republic in Fort Scott, Kansas.

Harry also was a Mason. One of his stories that was published in the Regimental History of the 33rd includes one where he was foraging for sweet potatoes with four others when a contraband approached to warn them of nearby bushwackers. Harry tried to get the others to return to camp with him but they refused. Harry left them and was intercepted by the bushwackers. One of the bushwackers had a masonic emblem on his uniform coat, and upon hearing the "grand hailing sign of distress" from Harry allowed him to pass. Hezekiah returned to camp, brought a cavalry detachment back to the area and found the other four bayoneted and dead in the road. Hezekiah Harrison Lyon ("Harry") died on November 26, 1917 and was buried in the National Cemetery at Fort.

Harry had two brothers who also served during the Civil War, Thomas Valentine Lyon and Harvey Rice Lyon. Thomas Lyon served as a musician/bugler with Company E of the 33rd Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, then with the 55th Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry (which was a 3-month regiment), and finally with the Indiana 20th Light Battery. Thomas Lyon's personal possessions from the Civil War are in the archives of DePauw University and included is a diary he wrote during the last year of his service. Harvey Lyon served as a fifer with Company H, 43rd Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry. Harvey also was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant at the end of the war.

Photograph and information submitted by Hezekiah Harrison Lyon's great great nephew Past Department Commander Don Reid, Department of Connecticut, SUVCW.

Hezekiah Harrison Lyon