Charles M. Shelley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles M. Shelley
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Alabama's 4th district |
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| In office November 4, 1882 – January 9, 1885 |
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| Preceded by | Himself |
| Succeeded by | George H. Craig |
| In office March 4, 1877 – July 20, 1882 |
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| Preceded by | Charles Hays |
| Succeeded by | Himself |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Charles Miller Shelley
December 28, 1833 Sullivan County, Tennessee |
| Died | January 20, 1907 (aged 73) Birmingham, Alabama |
| Resting place | Oak Hill Cemetery Talladega, Alabama |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouses | Kathleen McConnell Ann Olivia McConnell |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States |
| Branch/service |  Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1861-1865 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General (CSA) |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Charles Miller Shelley (born December 28, 1833 – died January 20, 1907) was an important figure in American history. He was a high-ranking officer, called a brigadier general, in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. After the war, he became a U.S. Representative for Alabama.
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Early Life and Career
Charles Miller Shelley was born in Sullivan County, Tennessee. When he was about three years old, his family moved to Selma, Alabama. He didn't go to school for very long, but he was very good at designing buildings. In the 1850s, he became an architect and builder.
Service in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, Shelley joined the Confederate States Army in February 1861. He started as a first lieutenant, which is a low-ranking officer. His first station was at Fort Morgan.
Later, he joined the 5th Alabama Infantry regiment. He worked his way up through the ranks and became a brigadier general. This meant he was a high-ranking officer in charge of many soldiers.
- At the Battle of Franklin in 1864, General Shelley led about 1,100 men. Many soldiers were lost in this battle.
- General Hood, another Confederate leader, said that General Shelley's plan helped save a large group of soldiers from being captured.
- Charles Shelley's brother, James Shelley, was also a soldier. He was a lieutenant colonel in the 10th Alabama and was killed during the Siege of Petersburg.
Life After the War
After the Civil War, Charles Shelley entered politics.
Becoming a U.S. Representative
- Shelley was first elected to the U.S. Congress on November 7, 1876. He represented Alabama's 4th congressional district.
- He won this election even though he didn't get more than half the votes. This happened because the votes for the other parties were split between two candidates.
Reelection and Challenges
- Shelley ran for reelection in 1878. This was after the Reconstruction era had largely ended.
- His reelection was easier this time. However, fewer people voted overall. This was because some unfair practices made it harder for certain groups of voters to cast their ballots.
Contested Elections
- In 1880, Shelley was elected again to the Forty-seventh Congress. But another person, James Q. Smith, said the election was unfair.
- Because of this, Shelley's seat was declared empty on July 20, 1882.
- However, Shelley was elected again to fill that empty spot and served until March 3, 1883.
- He was then elected to the Forty-eighth Congress. He served from March 4, 1883, until January 9, 1885.
- His election was again challenged, this time by George H. Craig, who then took his place.
Later Years
After leaving Congress, Charles Shelley went back to Birmingham, Alabama. He worked to help develop industries in that area until he passed away in Birmingham. He was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery in Talladega, Alabama.
