William D. Bowen began the Civil War as the lieutenant colonel of Bowen’s Battalion, Missouri Cavalry. The unit participated in the pursuit of General Sterling Price’s army from Springfield into northwest Arkansas in February 1862. On February 17, Bowen engaged Confederate forces on Sugar Creek in Arkansas, and was wounded in the wrist. His unit subsequently participated in the Battle of Pea Ridge. Bowen was transferred to the 10th Missouri Cavalry in December 1862. He served with the 10th in Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama until August 1863, when he murdered his superior officer, Colonel Florence Cornyn. Bowen was dismissed from the army in October 1863 and returned to civilian life; his dismissal was confirmed by President Lincoln in May 1864.

Carte-de-Visite by Howard & Hall, Corinth, Miss.

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 11507