Aquilla Coonrod facts for kids

Aquilla Coonrod (1831 – May 14, 1884) was an American soldier. He served in the U.S. Army during two important periods. First, he fought in the American Civil War. Later, he served during the Indian Wars.

Coonrod was involved in several battles against the Sioux people. These fights took place in Montana Territory between 1876 and 1877. He was especially noted for his bravery at Cedar Creek and Wolf Mountain. For his actions, he received the Medal of Honor. This award is given for "extraordinary acts of heroism and gallantry in action." General William T. Sherman personally gave him the medal. Aquilla Coonrod was also the first known white child born in what is now Williams County, Ohio. He is one of only two men from Williams County to receive the Medal of Honor. The other was American Civil War hero William J. Knight.

Coonrod later served with the 5th U.S. Infantry. He was stationed at Fort Buford in Williams County, North Dakota. In 1884, he was guarding a large sum of money. This money was for soldiers at frontier outposts. His group was attacked by bandits. Coonrod was seriously wounded, but his men fought off the attackers. They successfully protected the money. He was first buried at Fort Buford. Later, his body was moved to the Custer National Cemetery.

Aquilla Coonrod's Life Story

Aquilla Coonrod was born in Springfield Township, Ohio, in 1831. His parents, Woolery and Hulda Coonrod, were early settlers in Williams County. Aquilla was the first known white child born there. His mother died when he was very young. His father remarried in 1835. After his father passed away in 1847, Aquilla lived with his stepmother.

Serving in the Civil War

When the American Civil War began, Coonrod was one of the first to join the army. He volunteered on April 23, 1861. He first served with the 14th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. After his first term, he joined the 48th and then the 125th Ohio Infantry. He rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a captain. On May 9, 1864, he left the army. He then started farming in Pulaski Township. Seven years later, he moved to Bryan, Ohio. There, he worked at a factory.

Fighting in the Indian Wars

In 1873, Coonrod rejoined the military. He served with the 7th U.S. Cavalry. This unit was led by Colonel George Armstrong Custer. While with the 7th Cavalry, he was a sergeant. He also carried the flag for his regiment. Later, Coonrod became a member of the 5th U.S. Infantry.

Between October 1876 and January 1877, he took part in General Nelson Miles's winter military operations. These operations were against the Sioux Indians in the Montana Territory. In October 1876, Coonrod fought against Chief Sitting Bull at Cedar Creek. In April 1877, he fought against Crazy Horse at Wolf Mountain.

Earning the Medal of Honor

Aquilla Coonrod was one of 31 soldiers to receive the Medal of Honor. This was for his "extraordinary acts of heroism and gallantry in action." He was praised for his bravery at Cedar Creek and other operations. General William T. Sherman, who was the top general in the army, personally gave him his medal. This happened on April 27, 1877. Coonrod and Civil War hero William J. Knight are the only two men from Williams County to ever receive this high award.

Final Years and Legacy

Coonrod remained in the military until his death. In late 1877, he led the escort for Chief Joseph. This was after Chief Joseph surrendered to General Miles. Coonrod escorted him from the Bear Paw Mountains in Montana to Fort Buford in the Dakota Territory. He was later permanently stationed at Fort Buford.

On May 14, 1884, he was leading a small group. They were guarding a U.S. Army paymaster, Major Whipple. They were also protecting a large amount of money. This money was for Fort Buford and other frontier outposts. After leaving Glendive, Montana, the group was attacked. Seven outlaws ambushed them about 46 miles southwest of Fort Buford. Coonrod and his men fought off the attackers. However, Coonrod was seriously wounded and passed away from his injuries. His body was taken back to the Post Cemetery at Fort Buford for burial. In 1896, his body was moved to the Custer National Cemetery. This cemetery is near the Crow Agency.

In November 2003, a special plaque was put up. It was displayed at the Williams County Courthouse in Bryan. This plaque honored both Aquilla Coonrod and William J. Knight.

See Also

• Medal of Honor
• American Civil War
• American Indian Wars