Medal of Honor Recipient • Civil War Veteran • Community Leader

Milton Hanna was born July 16, 1842, in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, and came to Mankato with his parents, James and Mrs. Hanna, in 1853. His father was among the earliest settlers of the community and a prominent figure in its early development. Growing up in this frontier environment, Hanna became part of Mankato’s formative generation.

On July 15, 1861—the day before his nineteenth birthday—Hanna enlisted in Company H, 2nd Minnesota Infantry, under Captain J. R. Beatty. He served throughout the Civil War and was mustered out in July 1865. He saw active service in the Chattanooga and Atlanta campaigns and was seriously wounded at the Battle of Chattanooga.

Hanna’s most distinguished act of service occurred on February 15, 1863, at Nolensville, Tennessee. Then serving as a corporal, he was one of a detachment of sixteen Union soldiers who defended a wagon train against an attacking force of approximately 125 Confederate cavalry. Despite overwhelming odds, the small force successfully repulsed the attack and saved the train. For this gallantry, Hanna was awarded the Medal of Honor. His citation reads:

“Was one of a detachment of 16 men who heroically defended a wagon train against the attack of 125 cavalry, repulsed the attack, and saved the train.”

Following the war, Hanna returned to Mankato, where he remained an active and engaged citizen. For many years he conducted a grocery store on South Front Street and later operated a restaurant. His store became a popular gathering place, particularly for chess and checker players, as Hanna himself was known as a skilled chess enthusiast.

He was a devoted member of the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.), serving for many years as quartermaster of Wilkin Post. He also served as a member of the Mankato Fire Department and remained interested in civic affairs throughout his life.

After a prolonged illness, Hanna died at the Soldiers’ Home in Minnehaha on January 21, 1913. (His headstone lists the year 1912.) Funeral services were held at the Presbyterian Church in Mankato under the auspices of the G.A.R., and he was laid to rest in Glenwood Cemetery.

Milton Hanna’s life reflects both courage in battle and steady devotion to community in peace—a soldier whose heroism became part of Mankato’s enduring story.