He was killed in action at the Second Battle of Manassas, one of only a handful of well-known pre-war politicians to perish during the conflict.

He became a planter and his outspoken support of States' rights led him to his election in the General Assembly.

Means signed the Ordinance of Secession in 1860 and enrolled in the Confederate Army, being elected to colonel of the 17th South Carolina Infantry.

As a part of Longstreets corps, the 17th Regiment arrived at 11 a.m. on August 29, 1862, to repulse an attack by Pope on the Confederates' right flank.

After stopping the Union forces, the Confederates counterattacked, and Means died as a result of injuries on September 1.