Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
Marshall Cohen—researcher and producer, CNN
Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
HERRON, Francis J.
HERRON, Francis J. (February 17, 1837-New York, Jan. 8, 1902). MEDAL OF HONOR recipient, Lieutenant Colonel, 9th Iowa Infantry. One of Dubuque's two Medal of Honor recipients in the CIVIL WAR, Herron came to Dubuque in 1855 at the age of eighteen and with his brother opened a bank.
Herron joined the Union Army in 1861 and received his commendation for action on May 7, 1862, during the Battle of Pea Ridge, Arkansas. Herron was cited for gallantly leading his men in battle until he was disabled when his horse was killed, and he was captured.
Herron was later exchanged for a Confederate officer and was promoted from lieutenant colonel to brigadier general. He continued his service to the Union for the remainder of the Civil War. His distinguished duty at the battle of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, in 1862 earned him promotion to major general when he was only twenty-five years old.
In the early 1890s Dubuque residents were angered when plans for a proposed soldiers and sailors monument on the Statehouse grounds in Des Moines did not include his likeness. See: George Washington HEALEY