Remembering Our Heritage: Lt. Col. Barton S. Kyle

Vol. IV, No. 4 - TAking Time This Memorial Day to Remember a Local Soldier

Most elementary schools in our community are named after people who helped build Troy’s early education system. For example, Heywood School is named after teacher Margaret Heywood. Van Cleve School is named after C. L. Van Cleve, an early school superintendent. Cookson and Hook schools are also named after local school leaders.

But one school stands out: Kyle School. The building above is actually the second Kyle School, built in the 1950s, it replaced an older building also named Kyle School. Kyle will always hold a special place in my heart; it was my elementray school from my first day in Kindergarten to my last day of Sixth Grade. And along the way, Mr. Beamish, who also served as our town’s mayor, was principal of the school while I was there.

The school is named after Barton S. Kyle. While Lt. Col. Kyle did serve on the school board, he is most remembered for his military service during the Civil War, which had a big impact on both our town and our country.

This Memorial Day, it’s important to remember Lt. Col. Kyle—a true Civil War hero from our hometown. We should honor not just his service, but also the achievements of his family.

Lt. Col. Barton S. Kyle was born on April 7, 1825, in Elizabeth Township, Miami County, Ohio. His family were early settlers. His father, Samuel Kyle, and uncle, Thomas B. Kyle, moved here from Kentucky in 1803, before Miami County was even formed. They were both preachers and farmers who helped build the community.

Kyle grew up on a farm and worked hard, but he also valued education. He later became a county school examiner, working to improve local schools. He was also well-liked in the community and known for his intelligence and kindness. Later on, Kyle worked as chief clerk in the county auditor’s office and, at just 23, became deputy U.S. marshal for southern Ohio. In 1859, he was elected clerk of the common pleas court. He also served as president of the Troy Board of Education and was involved in national politics.

When the Civil War began in 1861, Kyle helped recruit and organize the 71st Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He became the regiment’s lieutenant colonel. In 1862, his regiment fought in the Battle of Shiloh, one of the war’s bloodiest battles. Lt. Col. Kyle was mortally wounded while bravely leading his men and died soon after. He was remembered as a courageous and respected leader. Journalist Whitelaw Reid said, “Ohio lost no truer, braver man that day than Lieutenant-Colonel Kyle.”

The Kyle family continued to make a difference. Barton’s son, Thomas B. Kyle, was born in 1856. He went to Dartmouth College, then returned to Troy to serve as President of the Board of Education, Mayor, County Prosecutor, and even as a U.S. Congressman from 1901 to 1905.

Barton’s grandson, Lt. Gen. Barton Kyle Yount, was also a leader. He served in the Army Air Force, earned many medals, and later founded the American Institute of Foreign Trade in Arizona. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

The Kyle family helped shape our community long before other well-known families. With the demolition of Kyle School, one of the last reminders of their legacy is gone. How should we remember and honor the Kyle family in Troy? What are your ideas?

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