Campaigns · Fort Donelson, Vicksburg, Chattanooga, Missionary Ridge, Brice's Cross Roads, Franklin and Nashville
HistoryCentral · Primary Source & History GENERAL HYLAN BENTON LYON, CSA VITAL STATISTICS BORN: 1836 in Caldwell County, KY. DIED: 1907 in Eddyville, KY. CAMPAIGNS: Fort Donelson, Vicksburg, Chattanooga, Missionary Ridge, Brice's Cross Roads, Franklin and Nashville. HIGHEST RANK ACHIEVED: Brigadier General BIOGRAPHY Hylan Benton Lyon was born in Caldwell County, Kentucky, on February 22, 1836. Orphaned in his childhood, he was educated in local schools, and was appointed to the US Military Academy.
Lyon graduated in 1856, and served in Florida and in Indian campaigns in Washington Territory. Resigning from the US Military, he joined the Confederate service as an artillery captain. Taken prisoner at Fort Donelson in February of 1862, he was confined on Johnson's Island, but was released early that autumn. Lyon took part in campaigning in north Mississippi, at Vicksburg, and at Chattanooga. Praised for his role in the Battle of Brice's Cross Roads in June of 1864, he also participated in the Franklin and Nashville Campaign.
Lyon exiled himself in Mexico, then returned to Kentucky, where he worked as a farmer, and participated in veterans' affairs. He later became state prison commissioner. Lyon died on April 25, 1907, in Eddyville, Kentucky.