Rank: Private
Unit: K Co, 2d Dragoons
Enlisted: November 1, 1854 in Saint Louis, Missouri. He was 22.
Hometown: Aberdeen, Scotland
Occupation prior to enlistment: Blacksmith
Campaign: Plains Indian War (pre Civil War)
Died: 5 September 1855
Age at death: 23 yrs
Cause of death: Killed in action
Location of fatality: Blue Water, Nebraska Territory (Lewellen, Nebraska)
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Note: Private Lyell’s death is cited in the book:
Also killed at in the same combat incident were Privates McDonald, Ryder, and Walsh. An additional seven Soldiers were wounded. They were conducting operations in the Sioux territory.