Alexander Wilkin

When the Civil War began in April 1861, he was elected head of the "Pioneer Guard", the name of a St. Paul–based militia unit.

On July 21, 1861, Wilkin fought in the ill-fated Battle of Bull Run, in which the Union forces were defeated.

This new regiment, based in Lebanon, Kentucky, fought in the Battle of Mill Springs on January 18, 1862.

When Wilkin's regiment was asked to intervene in a siege in Corinth, Mississippi, where he served with General Tecumseh Sherman.

The following May, the regiment marched to Memphis, Tennessee, and raised an army tasked with eliminating the threat that Nathan Bedford Forrest's cavalry was posing to the area.

On June 10, 1864, Wilkin fought at the Battle of Brice's Crossroads which earned him praise for his bravery despite the Confederate victory.

This force, operated by Wilkin, headed to Tupelo, Mississippi, where he was shot to death while speaking to another soldier.