Information Sheet
R Fyan, Robert Washington, 1835-1896.
567 Papers, 1862-1864.
One folder, photocopies.
This collection
includes a personal letter and military papers of Robert W. Fyan, an officer in
the 24th Missouri Infantry from Webster County, Missouri. The letter, written from Taney County, Missouri,
describes activities of the regiment following the Battle of Pea Ridge, while
the papers concern clothing issues, camp and garrison equipage, and the
personal effects of a deceased officer.
Robert W. Fyan
was a native of Bedford Springs,
Pennsylvania. After studying law and being admitted to the
bar, he took up practice in Marshfield,
Webster County, Missouri, where he was the city attorney. A the outbreak of the Civil War, Fyan joined
the 24th Missouri Infantry.
He was commissioned captain of Co. B, and later was promoted to
major. In 1865-1866, Major Fyan was
circuit attorney in Springfield. In
July 1866, he unsuccessfully prosecuted James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok
for the killing of Dave Tutt.
Subsequently Fyan became circuit judge, remaining in that position
until his election in 1882 as the representative of the 13th
Congressional District. He served three
terms in Congress before his death at Marshfield
on 28 July 1896. Fyan is buried at Lebanon, Missouri.
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