Stephen Kearney (Kearny) Parsons (named for Mexican War General Stephen Watts Kearney), born in August 1851, was the son of Confederate General Mosby M. Parsons, commander of the 6th Division, Missouri State Guard and later a brigade and division commander in the Confederate army.

General Parsons fought in numerous battles, including Carthage, Wilson’s Creek, Pea Ridge, Prairie Grove, Helena, Pleasant Hill, and Jenkins’ Ferry. After the war, General Parsons, along with other Missouri Confederates, chose to go to Mexico rather than surrender; he was captured by bandits and executed on August 15, 1865, near Camargo, Chihuahua.

Kearney Parsons died on January 24, 1889, at the age of 38.

Ambrotype by Unknown Photographer

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 32049