General William Harrow of Mount Vernon, Indiana
Out here on the trail, some of the most interesting stories aren’t tied to large historic sites—but to the people who once lived in the towns we pass through.
One of those stories is that of William Harrow, a Civil War general and lawyer who made his home in Mount Vernon. His life connects small-town Indiana to some of the most important moments of the Civil War.
By Unknown author – https://web.archive.org/web/20071108045713/http://www.generalsandbrevets.com/ngh/harrow.htm, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=45963366
Early Life and Move to Indiana
William Harrow was born in Winchester and received his education through common schools before studying law.
He passed the bar in Lawrenceville, where he began his legal career. During this time, he practiced on the Eighth Judicial Circuit and became a frequent associate of Abraham Lincoln.
Harrow later moved his practice to Vincennes before eventually settling in Mount Vernon in the late 1850s.
He married Juliette James, a member of a well-known local family. Her father, Enoch R. James, was a prominent banker in Posey County. Together, they had one daughter, Esther.
By the time he settled in Mount Vernon, Harrow had built a successful law practice and had become an influential member of the community. He also served as captain of a local militia group known as the “Knox County Invincibles.”
Civil War Service
When the Civil War began, Harrow enlisted in the Union Army despite being nearly 40 years old.
Through his connections, and Abe Lincoln, he was appointed major of the 14th Indiana Infantry under Colonel Nathan Kimball.
Early Service
As a major and later lieutenant colonel, Harrow saw action in:
- The Battle of Cheat Mountain
- The Battle of Greenbrier River
- Campaigns against Stonewall Jackson during the Valley Campaign
At the Battle of Kernstown, his regiment suffered heavy losses.
Rise to Command
Harrow was promoted to colonel and later transferred to the Army of the Potomac, where his regiment fought in major engagements, including:
- The Battle of Antietam
- The Battle of Fredericksburg
At Antietam, his men took part in the assault on the Sunken Road, suffering significant casualties.
In April 1863, Harrow was promoted to brigadier general and took command of a brigade during the Battle of Gettysburg.
His troops played a key role in defending the Union line on Cemetery Ridge and helping repel Pickett’s Charge. The fighting was intense, with heavy casualties on both sides.
Later War Years
After Gettysburg, questions about Harrow’s leadership and relationships with other officers led to his removal from command in the Army of the Potomac.
However, he was later reassigned—thanks in part to his connection with Abraham Lincoln—to serve in the Western Theater.
There, he took part in:
- The Atlanta Campaign
- The Battle of Atlanta
- The Battle of Ezra Church
Despite performing well in combat, Harrow struggled with reputation issues among senior commanders. After a reorganization in 1864, he was left without a command and formally resigned in April 1865.
Life After the War
After the war, Harrow returned to Mount Vernon and resumed his law practice.
He remained active in local politics and community life until his death in 1872.
Harrow died in a train derailment accident near New Albany while traveling to give a political speech in support of Horace Greeley in the 1872 presidential election against incumbent President Ulysses S. Grant.
He is buried in Bellefontaine Cemetery.
Final Thoughts
Stories like William Harrow’s show how deeply connected small towns are to larger moments in history.
From practicing law alongside Abraham Lincoln to commanding troops in some of the Civil War’s most important battles, Harrow’s life bridges local history and national events.
As you travel through places like Mount Vernon, it’s worth remembering that the people who once lived there often played roles far beyond what we might expect at first glance.
For more Local Legends and Stories
- Local Legends and History main page
For more Post about Mount Vernon Indiana and the Local area
- Mount Vernon, Indiana – A Historic Stop on the Ohio River Scenic Byway
- Hovey Lake Fish and Wildlife visit in 2025
- Lyles Station and Gibson County underground railroad.
- Judge John Pitcher the man behind an American President and a Indiana Governor
