Today 9 October 1782, Lewis Cass was born. He served in battle and searched for the source of the Mississippi, but I believe his most heroic act was resigning in protest as Secretary of State when President James Buchanan failed to mobilize the military and protect federal interests in the South. Cass believed Buchanan could have prevented secession by a firmer hand. Cass County, across the Missouri State line from here, is named after Lewis Cass. See also this Strategy Page short.
