Kennon McElroy

(1840 - 1863)
Home State: Mississippi
Command Billet: Commanding Regiment
Branch of Service: Infantry
Unit: 13th Mississippi Infantry

Before the Antietam Campaign:
Before the War he was a farmer in MIssissippi. At the outset of War in 1861 he was Captain of the Lauderdale Zouaves - a local infantry company, Company G ("F" after April 1862) of the 13th Mississippi Regiment, initially commanded by Colonel Barksdale. He was promoted to Major of the Regiment in April 1862, and Lieutenant Colonel in June. At the battle at Malvern Hill (1 July 1862) he assumed command of the Regiment when Colonel J. W. Carter was wounded.

In the Antietam Campaign:
He was wounded in combat on 17 September, but remained on the field with his regiment.

The remainder of the War:
On the second day of the battle of Gettysburg (2 July 1863), Colonel Carter was killed, and Lt Col McElroy was promoted to full Colonel in command of the Regiment. He was killed while leading them in the assault on Fort Sanders, at Knoxville, TN, on 29 November 1863.

More on the Web:
See a very interesting piece online about the Seven McElroy's of the 13th Mississippi.

Place of Birth: Lauderdale County, MS
Death Date: 11/29/1863 Death Place: Knoxville, TN

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