Notable Lewis Countians
John N. Eckes
1844–1912
A Lewis County-born Union soldier awarded the Medal of Honor for volunteering for the dangerous storming party at Vicksburg. Eckes was born in Lewis County before entering Union service with an Ohio infantry regiment.
Lewis County connection
Eckes was born in Lewis County before entering Union service with an Ohio infantry regiment.
The original 1862 Army Medal of Honor design. No authenticated reusable portrait of John N. Eckes was located.
United States War Department via Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
Lewis County connection
Eckes was born in Lewis County before entering Union service with an Ohio infantry regiment.
Career and public significance
A Lewis County-born Union soldier awarded the Medal of Honor for volunteering for the dangerous storming party at Vicksburg.
His citation preserves the extraordinary risk accepted by soldiers assigned to prepare a crossing and breach under direct fire.
Reading the record carefully
The profile uses the official citation and explains the period term ‘forlorn hope’ rather than adding unverified battlefield drama.
Life and legacy
Timeline
1844
Born in Lewis County.
May 22, 1863
Volunteers for the storming party during the assault on Vicksburg.
1912
Dies in Ohio.
Sources and further reading
How this profile was documented
- John N. Eckes
Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Starting source for biographical dates, offices, achievements, and the Lewis County connection.
- John N. Eckes
National Medal of Honor Museum
Starting source for biographical dates, offices, achievements, and the Lewis County connection.
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