Adam McWillie facts for kids
Adam McWillie (born November 7, 1821 – died July 21, 1861) was a military captain. He fought in the Mexican–American War and later for the Confederacy during the American Civil War.
Quick facts for kids
Adam McWillie
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| Born | November 7, 1821 Camden, South Carolina |
| Died | July 21, 1861 (aged 39) Rocky Run |
| Buried |
Rocky Run
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| Allegiance | Confederacy |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | Mississippi Rifles |
| Battles/wars | Mexican–American War |
| Alma mater | South Carolina College |
| Spouse(s) | Lucy Ann Anderson McWillie |
| Children |
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| Relations |
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| Other work | Planter |
Contents
Adam McWillie's Life
Early Life and Family
Adam McWillie was born in Camden, South Carolina. His father, William McWillie, later became the Governor of Mississippi. Adam went to college at the University of South Carolina.
In September 1845, Adam moved with his family to Madison County, Mississippi. There, they built their family home, which they called "Kirkwood." Adam became a planter, meaning he managed a large farm.
Fighting in the Mexican-American War
In June 1846, the Mexican–American War began. Adam McWillie quickly gathered a group of volunteers from Madison County to join the army. Many people from Mississippi wanted to fight, but only about 1,000 were chosen. These soldiers formed the First Mississippi Regiment, led by Colonel Jefferson Davis.
To join the fight, Captain McWillie became a regular soldier (a private) in the Mississippi Rifles. He helped capture the city of Monterey in September 1846. Later, when the Second Mississippi Regiment was formed, Adam McWillie became the leader of a group called the Camden Rifles. He continued fighting in the war, including at the Battle of Buena Vista.
The Civil War and His Final Battle
After the Mexican-American War, McWillie went back to his home at Kirkwood. But in 1861, the American Civil War started. Adam McWillie once again gathered the Camden Rifles. This group became part of the 18th Mississippi Regiment.
On June 18, 1861, his regiment arrived near Manassas, Virginia. They joined a larger group of soldiers led by General David R. Jones. On July 21, during the First Battle of Bull Run, their group was on the far right side of the Confederate army's battle line.
Captain McWillie was killed during the battle. He was hit by an enemy cannon shot while he was encouraging his soldiers to attack. He was buried on the battlefield next to his nephew, E.H. Anderson, who also died from his injuries in the same battle.
