Losing our star of hope: The death of Colonel Minor Millikin at Stones River

For Second Lieutenant Hugh Siverd of the 1st Ohio Cavalry, the death of his regimental commander Colonel Minor Millikin during the Battle of Stones River proved a singularly depressing event in his military experience. 

    "With Colonel Minor Millikin went my nearest hope," he lamented in a letter to a friend in Ohio. "Colonel Minor Millikin is no more and bitterly do his men bear the cup. For certain it is that he won the unlimited confidence of all, and while he may sleep the long calm sleep of death, there ever will linger around his grave that devotion that men only bear for officers departed that have been brave, cautious, and kind, such was Colonel Minor Millikin." 

    Lieutenant Siverd witnessed the death of his beloved commander firsthand on December 31, 1862. The situation was that Colonel Millikin, seeing the the ammunition train of the Right Wing was about to overrun by General John Wharton's cavalry brigade, ordered a daring saber charge to save the train.  "The very acme of Colonel Millikin's ambition had been to have the regiment make a saber charge, and now the supreme opportunity had arrived," remembered Lieutenant William Curry. "We rushed forward for a close fight," recalled Lieutenant Siverd who was in the middle of the charge. "They stood a moment, hurried oaths mingled with the clash of steel and the sharp report of pistols told of a warmer place than man generally wants to get. It was well contested. No eye could have told which party would gain until some villain dashed up to our colonel and shot him through the throat, causing instant death."

    Lieutenant Siverd's account of the Stones River campaign appears courtesy of two long-time friends of the blog, Brad Pruden and Larry Strayer. Brad transcribed the original letter many years ago and Larry provided not only a copy of that transcription but a wartime image of Lieutenant (later Captain) Hugh Siverd from his personal collection. 

The 1st Ohio Cavalry's dramatic charge at Stones River as sketched by Sergeant Nathan Finnegan of Co. D. Lieutenant Siverd was right in the thick of this hell-bent-for-leather cavalry charge, and witnessed the death of Colonel Minor Millikin at close range. "Some villain dashed up to our colonel and shot him through the throat, causing instant death," Siverd recalled. "Such acted like magic, and with mad fury our men dashed at them blowing out the brains of the wretch that did the deed." Later reports from the 8th Texas Cavalry stated that Milliken was gunned down by Private John Bowers of Co. K who survived the battle.
(Image from History of the 1st Ohio Volunteer Cavalry by William Curry)

Camp, 1^st O.V. Cavalry

Near Murfreesboro, Tennessee

January 20, 1863

Mr. Himes, sir,

          Your note enclosed in that of mother’s reached me this evening and, as usual, quite glad to hear from you. While allowing me to offer thanks for those articles kindly sent me by your mother, for doubtless often on a chilly night when a post of duty is mine, I shall feel the effects of their warmth and remember the kindness of the giver. For upon such time, sleep is denied that officer whose duty is to watch the movement of an enemy directly in his front. But the soldier in this department is greatly favored by a genial clime, though since the battle it has rained and snowed almost constantly. When on duty at night as an outpost, constant walking to and for is all that is offered an officer to keep warm.

          Perhaps some details of the late engagement may not be uninteresting to you. Yet you cannot expect me to enter upon a full account of the entire affair, but only that that that occurred directly under my notice and in which I took part commencing on the 26^th of December. I will give a short and hurried account from that date until victory was ours and though it was dearly bought, ‘tis an important point and compels the enemy to evacuate nearly all the productive part of Tennessee.

          Early on the morning of the last-named date, the National cavalry with colors flying moved in one dense column from the capital in the direction of Murfreesboro to take the advance, each brigade taking different roads. It was not very cold that morning yet the air was chilly. Soon we came upon their outpost which we began to drive until the enemy began to mire stubborn, then opened the artillery. Our regiment (1^st Ohio) belongs to the Second Brigade commanded by Colonel Lewis Zahm.

Colonel Lewis Zahm, 3rd O.V.C.

          December 28^th, 29^th, and 30^th were spent in the grandest scenes that ever met my gaze. For three days we maneuvered with the Rebel brigade in an open country, often within speaking distance, and until the last afternoon scarcely a gun was fired. Both parties operated merely to get the advantage of the other. Then as usual, dash ‘em. We were directly in front of the Rebel works and would not dare go further. While the Rebel cavalry would not come from under the shelter of their guns until the last afternoon when our commander noticed they appeared rather bold. He fell back slowly, the bait was taken, and the Rebels followed, thus taking them from the support of General Hardee’s corps of infantry.

          Suddenly, a regiment of Yankees galloped into their rear. Our course was immediately changed and when the Rebels saw that they were about to be surrounded, then began the work of death. Carbines, rifles, pistols, and sabers were called into use and many were the gray and blue coats that fell together. It lasted but a moment. Imagine that for a moment that you stood upon the high point that overlooked a valley in which might be seen 2,000 cavalrymen dashing at each other determined to make a desperate effort to conquer or die. Doubtless many who held such opinions were there left uncared for and uncovered for days; the scene was frightful.

          The Rebels were compelled to fly and made their escape by small squads and by file. Night came and brought with it silence but not rest. On that eventful night, I was ordered on picket and from the time I took my post until the approach of morning not a moment of sleep was allowed me to refresh my almost fatigued body and men. Our captain George F. Conn was left sick at Nashville leaving me to command the company. But without fire, rest, or rations, I paced to and fro, eager to catch the first approach of an enemy. It was the severest trial of my life. I could at intervals distinctly hear the Rebel pickets coughing for they, too, were watching as that afternoon we had taught them that the Yankee cavalry could not be trifled with in safety.

We were on the right of the army where the cowardly and black traitor General Richard W. Johnson commanded our forces. Morning came and brough the General Hardee with his entire Rebel corps of three divisions upon Johnson, completely surprising him and capturing nearly all of his artillery. Such was the condition of affairs when we left our bivouac on the morning of December 31, 1862. Men were running in all directions throwing away their arms, horses without riders prancing wild with fear were seen.

Directly on the left of where we stood, the Rebel cavalry soon appeared. Moving directly towards us supported as they were by perhaps 10,000 infantrymen and elated by their success, they appeared to forget yesterday and moved bravely towards us while the troops of the cowardly Johnson flew in all directions. We were without support and thrown upon our own resources. Reese, it was a moment that tries the very souls of men. When defeat stares them in the face and perhaps death or captivity, even cowards can be made of the bravest veterans that ever shouldered a gun.

The men of the 1^st Ohio Cavalry had never run, and theirs was a leader [Colonel Minor Millikin] that could take his men from wherever he would lead them. He had gained the unlimited confidence of both the officers and men and towards him they cast hurried and fearful glances. Still the Rebels came until their polluted colors flitted almost in our faces, and yet our brave colonel moved not one inch from where he had first formed his men until the Rebels, thinking that perhaps we had intended to trap them, ordered a charge. Like so many fiends, they came yelling at full speed. Our colonel coolly rode to the right of the regiment and we opened fire, every man standing close to his work and never did I see so many men get off their saddles as did those Rebel cavalrymen.

Colonel Minor Millikin, 1st O.V.C. 

We repelled them with fearful lose, but still their infantry pushed forward and we were compelled to retire and only when we were pushed too close did our gallant Colonel Milliken face his men about and again repel their cavalry with the same fearful loss. At last, the stream was reached [Overall’s Creek], the boundary of our lines. Cussing that the work became hotter and fiercer, the Rebels opened a battery and instantly killed one of our majors D.A.B. Moore, soon after a lieutenant [Timothy Conditt] fell from his horse. We were in on their guns in close range which soon told we could not stay there. Still, no support came.

We were at this time quite close to the pike which as far as the eye could reach was crammed with trains, and unless support was given, all would soon fall into the hands of the enemy. Just at that moment, a battery opened on the Rebel infantry from our left and mowed them down by numbers. But made desperate by liquor and gunpowder, they moved onward while that artillery, too, was compelled to fly.

Not a star of hope beamed for our right wing at that time. One more effort our regiment was ordered to make against fearful numbers. Drawing the saber, others their revolvers, we rushed forward for a close fight. They stood a moment, hurried oaths mingled with the clash of steel and the sharp report of pistols told of a warmer place than man generally wants to get.

"Col. Minor Millikin of the First Ohio Cavalry was killed. Poor fellow! This morning, being at the Depot [in Gallatin, Tennessee] when the train went north, I saw the coffin containing his lifeless body. I could have wept like an infant. He was a noble specimen of humanity and as brave as a tiger." ~ Assistant Surgeon Abraham H. Landis, 35th Ohio

It was well contested. No eye could have told which party would gain until some villain dashed up to our colonel and shot him through the throat, causing instant death. Such acted like magic; with mad fury our men dashed at them blowing out the brains of the wretch that did the deed, and soon compelled the celebrated Texan Rangers to fly in wild confusion. But a force coming up on our right soon told us we would be surrounded. Our colonel and major killed, the 1^st Ohio for the first time fled. That indeed was a sad day for us. Our train for more than a mile fell into the hands of the enemy, but they held it for a short time only. The gallant General Rosecrans came up and compelled the Rebels to go back where they came from, leaving all their dead in our possession.

Captain Hugh Hicks Siverd, Co. B, 1st Ohio Volunteer Cavalry
(Larry M. Strayer Collection)

Such, dear Reese, is but a graphic account of what I seen. For more, you can go to the press and though I passed through that all without receiving a wound, an important trust was mine and if I filled my dangerous post with official mark or cowardly deserted my men while under fire is not for me to say. Others who promoted me from a private soldier to what I now am may better decide whether they have misplaced that confidence that alone made me a lieutenant. [Siverd had nothing to worry about. Regimental historian Captain William L. Curry described Siverd as “an ideal cavalry soldier, full of dash, with an utter disregard of danger, and at all times full of enthusiasm.”]

Colonel Minor Millikin is no more and bitterly do his men bear the cup. For certain it is that he won the unlimited confidence of all, and while he may sleep the long calm sleep of death, there ever will linger around his grave that devotion that men only bear for officers departed that have been brave, cautious, and kind, such was Colonel Minor Millikin.

Colonel Minor Millikin's grave at Greenwood Cemetery in Hamilton, Ohio. "While he may sleep the long calm sleep of death, there ever will linger around his grave that devotion that men only bear for officers departed that have been brave, cautious, and kind, such was Colonel Minor Millikin," wrote Lieutenant Siverd of his beloved commander.
(Photo courtesy of Darryl Smith)

After the battle, duty called me over the field. Great God, what scenes! Bodies torn and mangled by shells lay thick, many of them with their eyes gaping wide open as if eagerly gazing after the departed spirit that had taken its flight from the mortal clay or longing to join it in another world. Others stretched upon the damp ground, shot in the act of shooting, and still maintaining their position while their clammy hair matted with cold blood hung loosely over what had once been a polished brow. Thus perished a fond mother’s dearest hope or perhaps a sister’s idol.

Such are the horrid scenes, yet true and though none of these are apt to create even a feeling of pity while a battle is raging, yet after the dull sound of artillery is hushed and night veils all, ‘tis then dear Reese that the finer feelings of the rudest hearts are awakened and he shudders lest he might be next. Two men from my company were wounded, two taken prisoners, and some horses killed.

The sight at the different hospitals I need not speak of. Many Rebel wounded were left in the doomed city which now are dying off rapidly. As of old this night, no bright stars bespangle the blue heaven’s o’er, for dense clouds that threaten rain at every moment now veils all, making the darkness so intense and though quietness reigns supreme, I care not to sleep for this is a favorite task. Often, as my pen under the guidance of the mind is tracing this mute sheet my thoughts are communing with other scenes. Yes, scenes of bygone days when I was but a boy.

           Not can I prevent a thought of sadness that they are no more for tonight, boyhood’s sunny years arise anew over the tablet of memory, and things once forgotten now appear afresh to a soldier in his quiet and cheerful tent upon the memorable banks of Stones River where sleep hundreds. Yet I care not to return until my intentions are accomplished and here made comfortable the great chain that binds me so closely to my labors. But with Colonel Minor Millikin went my nearest hope, yet there may arise other channels through which I may accomplish my intentions as that when I first entered the 1^st Ohio Cavalry many months ago in Camp Chase, a private soldier known to none. But ‘tis much to bear, a task in which many fail.

          You are doubtless going to school and ascending the hills of science at a rapid rate, or perhaps at this hour you may be pondering over some problem that threatens for while to stay your youthful mind. Or sleep may be your visitor, that fair goddess that this dreary and dismal night refuses to attend me while I rest. Pardon me for detaining you long, but ‘tis to ease the somewhat gloomy and agitated mind of the soldier. Yet, as the first streaks of gray heralds the approach of morning, all sadness will vanish. I shall take the saddle and the road, little dreaming of what may occur before I return for fear of disturbing your quiet slumbers. I wish you a soft good night while I too shall retire.

As usual, I am sir, with much respect, your obedient servant,

Hugh

For further details on the 1st Ohio Cavalry's fight at Stones River, please check out:

The 1st Ohio Cavalry at Stones River

 And now for the rest of the story...

Constable Hugh H. Siverd was murdered on the streets of Winfield, Kansas on October 25, 1893. (Cowley County Historical Society) 

Hugh Siverd ended the war as a captain, mustering out with Co. B on September 13, 1865. After the war, he moved to Winfield, in southeastern Kansas where he became the town constable. Constable Siverd was murdered in cold blood on the streets of Winfield on October 25, 1893. He had arrested one man for bootlegging and was walking him to jail when the bootlegger's friend attacked Siverd, who was shot and killed in the melee. The Cowley County Kansas Historical Society provides a full description of what occurred in their excellent article here. 

    “His death is but another chapter in the irrepressible conflict between the demon of drink and our homes, and the minions of hell that did the dastardly deed deserve nothing short of the rope,” opined the Udall Record upon his death. “Not only did Captain Siverd believe in enforcing our laws to aid men to be sober, but by example and kindly pleadings did he ever strive to help fallen man to a better life.”

The Honorable W.P. Hackney stated that Siverd “died as a soldier dies at his post. He died a Christian, obedient to his official oath. He died a law-abiding citizen, doing his whole duty. He died faithful to his obligations as an officer, his blood today darkening the sidewalks which these dens of iniquity in our midst were tolerated to repair. His blood reddens the very sidewalks which it was claimed could only be constructed with the price of shame. His life has gone out because we as a people though more of gold and infamy than of God and humanity. His life is gone out because we as a people were willing that shame and sin should help pay our taxes. His life went out because we are people in tolerance of crime have been sowing the wind, and in his death, we have reaped the whirlwind of outraged law.” 

Captain Siverd's gravestone in Union-Graham Cemetery in Winfield, Kansas denotes his services in the 1st Ohio Cavalry along with his membership in the Freemasons. (Find-A-Grave)

The 1^st Ohio Cavalry regimental reunion association reached out to Captain Siverd’s wife after his murder to express their great sorrow. “Next to you and your children, we feel this stroke keenest,” stated John W. Chapin. “Four years of hard service through the most active campaigns of the war endeared him to us by the strongest earthly tie that unites man to man. When men face death together on the field of battle, their lives are cemented and they become identified in sympathy, in love, and in feelings more closely than by any other association. Thus, we were joined to Hugh H. Siverd, and the more so because he was ever active, bold, determined, and fearless in the cause for which he fought.”

Note the framed painting of Captain Hugh Siverd in the center of this 1899 image of the members of Siverd Post No. 85 in Winfield, Kansas. (Cowley County Historical Society)

As reported by the Cowley County Historical Society, "A bronze star was implanted in the sidewalk where Constable Hugh H. Siverd fell. It has the Letter “S” cast in it. According to the Western Veteran newspaper of April 1898 and the Burden Eagle of June 2,1894 the metal of this star is made from badges contributed by 26 members of the various orders to which he belonged. There are gold Odd Fellows, Masonic, AOUW badges and Grand Army of the Republic badges. This bronze star is two inches thick and seven and one half in diameter. It was made by the Danks Brothers of Arkansas City. It was embedded in the sidewalk on May 21, 1894, by J. W. Conner. It is still to be found in the sidewalk where Constable Siverd was killed.  The local Grand Army of the Republic post in Winfield, Kansas became known as the Captain Hugh H. Siverd Post No. 85. 

The two men who murdered Siverd (Wilbur Norton and Morgan Wright who actually pulled the trigger) were convicted and sentenced to death, but later had their sentences commuted to 20 years imprisonment. Norton promptly broke parole, was thrown back in prison, where he committed suicide. Wright moved to California after his release in 1913. 

Sources:

Letter from Second Lieutenant Hugh H. Siverd, Co. B, 1^st Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, Brad & Donna Pruden Collection 

"Constable Hugh H. Siverd," Cowley County Historical Society