Brigadier General William Haines Lytle, USA

[Buckeye Bill]

William Haines Lytle (November 2, 1826 – September 20, 1863) was a politician in Ohio, renowned poet, and military officer in the United States Army during both the Mexican-American War and American Civil War, where he was killed in action as a brigadier general.

The Lytle Homestead in Cincinnati, Ohio

Modern view of the Lytle Homestead Grounds (Lytle Park)

Brigadier General William H. Lytle's Cannon Shell Pyramid Monument at Chickamauga (Death Site)

Monument Plaque

Lytle's Grave Site at the Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati, Ohio

Plaque Close-Up (Battle of Chickamauga)

Rear of the Monument

 

[donna]

We, Cincinnati Chapter of United Daughters of the Confederacy, had trip to Spring Grove cemetery last summer. Saw this grave and many others. we actually were taking flowers and flags for one of our member's ancestors. We were given tour of cemetery by one of the guides there. It was a very meaningful experience.

More great photos.

 

[East Tennessee Roots]

William Haines Lytle (November 2, 1826 – September 20, 1863) was a politician in Ohio, renowned poet, and military officer in the United States Army during both the Mexican-American War and American Civil War, where he was killed in action as a brigadier general.

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The Lytle Homestead in Cincinnati, Ohio

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Modern view of the Lytle Homestead Grounds (Lytle Park)

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Brigadier General William H. Lytle's Cannon Shell Pyramid Monument at Chickamauga (Death Site)

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Monument Plaque

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Lytle's Grave Site at the Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati, Ohio

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Plaque Close-Up (Battle of Chickamauga)

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Rear of the Monument

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Great photos ! Thanks for sharing.

WILLIAM HAINES LYTLE

Lytle, William H., brigadier-general, was born in
Cincinnati, Ohio, Nov. 2, 1826. He was graduated at
Cincinnati college, studied law, and served in the Mexican war
as 2nd lieutenant and subsequently captain in the 2nd Ohio
infantry. After the war he practiced law in Ohio, was elected
to the Ohio legislature, and in 1857 was the unsuccessful
candidate of the Democratic party for governor of Ohio. At
the outbreak of the Civil war he was major-general of militia,
commanding the 1st division Ohio militia, and he mustered for
the three months, service the 5th, 6th, 9th, and 1Oth
regiments. He was commissioned colonel of the 1Oth Ohio
infantry, and at Carnifix ferry, Sept. 1O, 1861, where he
commanded a brigade, he was severely wounded. On his recovery
he commanded a camp of instruction and rendezvous at
Bardstown, Ky., and subsequently a brigade in the Army of the
Ohio, and served in the Alabama campaign and during Gen.
Buell's march into Kentucky, where he covered the rear of the
army. At Perryville, Oct. 8, 1862, where he distinguished
himself for gallantry in leading a charge, he was severely
wounded and left on the field for dead. He was captured, and
while in captivity was promoted brigadier-general of
volunteers, Nov. 29, 1862. He was exchanged Feb. 4, 1863,
served in the Chickamauga campaign, and at Chickamauga, Sept.
20, 1863, he was killed while leading a charge of his brigade.
Gen. Lytle was the author of a number of poems, the best-known
of which is the poem beginning: "I am dying, Egypt, I am
dying," first published July 29, 1858.

Source: The Union Army, vol. 8

 

[ErnieMac]

Great photos. Lytle's most famous poetic work was titled Antony and Cleopatra whose opening line "I am dying, Egypt, dying." He took from Shakespeare's play of the same name. Despite accounts after his death that he composed the poem the night before his death or while lying mortally wounded on the field at Chickamauga, it was originally published in 1858 and appreciated in both sections of the country. It is said that the Confederates buried him with honor on the battlefield, reciting his poetry as they did so.

 

[Patrick H]

Very nice collection of photos. Man....that was some house!

 

[AMG]

Hello! Does anyone know where the original photograph is located of the "The Lytle Homestead in Cincinnati, Ohio" above? Thanks!

 

[Buckeye Bill]

Hello! Does anyone know where the original photograph is located of the "The Lytle Homestead in Cincinnati, Ohio" above? Thanks!

IIRC, the original photo is located in the archives of the Taft Museum of Art near Lytle Park in Cincinnati, Ohio.

 

[mofederal]

I have always liked Lytle. He was a man admired by both sides. His poetry was popular, but mostly forgotten today. Thanks for posting this @Buckeye Bill.

 

[Buckeye Bill]

Federal Brigadier General William Haines Lytle was mortally wounded on this day in 1863 at the Battle of Chickamauga, Georgia.