Edward Needles Kirk (1828-1863) - Find a Grave Memorial

Civil War Union Brigadier General. He was successful Chicago, Illinois attorney when he organized the 34th Illinois Volunteer Infantry at the start of the Civil War, being commissioned it's Colonel and commander on August 15, 1861. After leading his men in operations in Kentucky and Tennessee, he was place in command of the Army of the Ohio's 5th Brigade of the 2nd Division. At the April 1862 Battle of Shiloh, Tennessee, where he was wounded in the shoulder, which facilitated a period of recuperation in his home in Chicago. After his return to the field in September 1862 he was again placed in brigade command, which he led in Fall 1862 Kentucky Campaign. Promoted to Brigadier General, US Volunteers on November 29, 1862, he was in command of the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, I Corps, Army of the Cumberland at the December 1862-January 1863 Battle of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. There he was severely wounded, and was carried off the field. Sent back home to Chicago, he lingered until May 1863, when he succumbed to his wounds.

Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith