Rallied his men to acts of daring until he was disabled and taken prisoner

Francis Herron is a young banker from a prominent Eastern family, but is eager to give up everything to serve the Union in Civil War. He demonstrates his leadership by organizing Dubuque’s “Governor’s Grays” and offers it to president-elect Lincoln in 1861. This is the beginning of his trajectory to power. Within a few years he will be appointed the youngest general on either side of the war.

The Battle of Pea Ridge is a turning point for Herron. On May 7, 1862, he is in charge of the 9th Iowa Infantry near Elkhorn Tavern, Ark., when Confederate forces mount a furious attack. All day long the forces move back and forth across the field. Herron leads his men into the thick of the battle until finally his horse is killed and he is wounded in the fall, causing his capture. Union forces prevail the following day after a difficult battle. Of the 560 men of the 9th Iowa who went into battle, 244 are wounded or killed. Union forces suffer 1,349 wounded and killed, while nearly 4,600 Confederates fall in battle. The Battle of Pea Ridge secures Missouri for the Union.

Lt. Col. Herron is taken prisoner and held in the courthouse at Van Buren, Ark., in a cell with a view of the Confederate flag. Shortly after his exchange for a Confederate officer, Herron is promoted to Brigadier General. On Dec. 28, 1862, Herron returns with his forces to Van Buren and collects the Confederate flag he had seen from his prison cell.

Herron serves with distinction for the war’s duration, commanding “Herron’s Division” during the Vicksburg campaign. As the war ends, he commands the District of Northern Louisiana.

Reports
In his report, Col. E. A. Carr of the 3rd Illinois Cavalry comments on Herron’s leadership: He had commanded his regiment during the entire engagement, and his courage and conduct won the admiration of all, and will add to the laurels he gained at the battle of Wilson's Creek. ( “Report of Col. Eugene A. Carr, Third Illinois Cavalry, commanding Fourth Division, March 10, 1862,” The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, the Official, Series 1, Vol. VIII.

Col. William Vandever, who commanded the Second Brigade during the battle, reports: Of Lieutenant-Colonel Herron, commanding the Ninth Iowa, too much cannot be said. He was foremost in leading his men, and with coolness and bravery never excelled rallied them to repeated acts of daring and bravery. Unfortunately at the close of the day on the 7th his horse was killed under him, and he, being disabled by the fall, was captured by the enemy. (“Report of Col. William Vandever, Ninth Iowa Infantry, commanding Second Brigade,” The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, the Official, Series 1, Vol. VIII

Citation
“Was foremost in leading his men, rallying them to repeated acts of daring, until himself disabled and taken prisoner.” Date and place: May 7, 1862, Pea Ridge, Ark. Issued: Sept. 26, 1893.

Biography
Francis J. Herron (1837-1902) and his brothers came west from Pittsburgh in 1856 to open a bank in Dubuque. Although he was not yet 20, he had already attended Western University of Pittsburg and worked as a clerk for Herron and Brothers Bank in Pittsburgh. Following the war, Herron practiced law in New Orleans. He held the position of U.S. Marshal from 1867-69 and served as Secretary of State for Louisiana in 1872-73 before moving to New York City, where he practiced law until his death. He is buried in Calvary Cemetery, Long Island, NY. A bronze bust of Herron has stood at Vicksburg National Military Park since 1914.

Collections
Flag
This flag is in the pattern of the First National flag of the Confederacy and believed manufactured prior to June 1861. It is part of the collection of the State Historical Society of Iowa, Des Moines, Iowa.