Aquila Wiley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Aquila Wiley
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Colonel, 41st Ohio Infantry
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| Member of the Ohio House of Representatives from the Wayne County district |
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| In office January 6, 1896 – December 31, 1899 |
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| Preceded by | Charles A. Weiser |
| Succeeded by | Urias F. Wells |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 20, 1835 Cumberland County, Pennsylvania |
| Died | June 5, 1910 (aged 75) Wooster, Ohio |
| Resting place | Wooster Cemetery |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Emma Pawer |
| Children | two |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861 1864 |
| Rank | Colonel Brevet Brigadier General |
| Unit | 41st Ohio Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Aquila Wiley (born February 20, 1835 – died June 5, 1910) was an important officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He later became a politician in Ohio.
Contents
Early Life
Aquila Wiley was born in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, on February 20, 1835. Before joining the army, he worked as a lawyer.
Military Service
Wiley began his military career in the Union Army as a first lieutenant. This was a junior officer rank. He joined the 16th Ohio Infantry Regiment in 1861.
He quickly moved up in rank. On May 4, 1861, he became a captain. After a short break, he re-joined the army on September 19, 1861. This time, he was a captain in the 41st Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry.
Wiley continued to earn promotions:
- He became a major on June 22, 1861.
- He was promoted to lieutenant colonel on December 6, 1862.
- Finally, he became a colonel on April 15, 1863.
Battle Injuries
Colonel Wiley was wounded twice during the war. He was first injured at the Battle of Shiloh, which took place on April 6–7, 1862.
He received a much more serious injury at the Battle of Missionary Ridge on November 25, 1863. This injury was so severe that his left leg had to be removed. He left the volunteer army on June 7, 1864, because of his injuries.
Post-Injury Service
Even after his serious injury, Wiley returned to serve again. He joined the Veteran Reserve Corps as a captain on March 25, 1865. He was promoted to major on April 27, 1865. He left the volunteer service for good on March 28, 1866.
On May 31, 1866, President Andrew Johnson honored Wiley. He nominated him to be a brevet brigadier general. This was an honorary rank. The United States Senate approved this honor on July 23, 1866.
Political Career
After the war, Aquila Wiley became involved in politics. He was a member of the Democratic Party.
He ran for office several times. In 1872, he ran for Secretary of State but lost. In 1878, he ran against William McKinley, who later became president. Wiley lost that election as well.
Later Life and Death
Aquila Wiley passed away on June 5, 1910, in Wooster, Ohio. He was buried in Wooster Cemetery in Wooster, Ohio.
