November 16th , 1814
Michael Kelly Lawler (November 16, 1814 – July 26, 1882) was a volunteer militia soldier in the Black Hawk War 1831–1832, an officer in the United States Army in both the Mexican–American War and the American Civil War.
Born in Monasterevin, County Kildare, Ireland, in November, 1814, Lawler and his parents, John Lawler and Elizabeth Kelly, moved to the United States four years later and settled initially in Frederick County, Maryland. In 1819, they moved to rural Gallatin County, Illinois.
Black Hawk War: The Black Hawk War was fought between the United States and various Native American tribes, led by Chief Black Hawk, who resisted forced removal from their ancestral lands. The Black Hawk War took place in 1832 in the United States, primarily in the present-day Midwest.
Volunteer Militia Soldier: Michael Kelly Lawler served as a volunteer militia soldier during the conflict. Volunteer militia units were formed to support the regular U.S. Army in suppressing the Native American resistance. He received an appointment as a captain in the Mexican War and commanded two companies in separate deployments to Mexico. He first led a company from Shawneetown Illinois that guarded the supply route from Vera Cruz to General Winfield Scott’s Army.
Later Career: After the Black Hawk War, Lawler went on to have a notable military and political career. He served in various capacities, including as a lawyer, politician, and military officer.
Political Career: Lawler’s political career included serving as a member of the Illinois State Senate and later as the Adjutant General of Illinois. He also became the Governor of Illinois during the Civil War.
Civil War Service: In May 1861 he recruited the 18th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment, and was appointed as its first colonel during the American Civil War. His time in command of the regiment in Kentucky and Tennessee was controversial and an “ordeal.” Lawler served in the Union Army, rising to the rank of brigadier general. He participated in several significant battles, including the Battle of Fort Donelson and the Battle of Shiloh.
