Clinton A. Cilley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Clinton Albert Cilley
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| Born | February 16, 1837 Rockingham County, New Hampshire |
| Died | May 9, 1900 (aged 63) North Carolina |
| Place of burial |
Oakwood Cemetery Hickory (Catawba County), North Carolina
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| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1866 |
| Rank | Major Brevet Colonel |
| Unit |  2nd Regiment Minnesota Volunteer Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War *Battle of Chickamauga |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
| Other work | lawyer, judge, politician |
Clinton Albert Cilley (February 16, 1837 – May 9, 1900) was an important person from North Carolina. He was a lawyer and a judge. He also received the Medal of Honor, which is a very special award for bravery. He earned this honor for his actions as an officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. This happened at the Battle of Chickamauga.
Contents
Life and Military Service
Joining the Army
Clinton Albert Cilley joined the army in June 1861. He started as a sergeant in the 2nd Minnesota Infantry. Six months later, he became a second lieutenant. This meant he was an officer.
Rising Through the Ranks
Cilley continued to serve bravely during the war. He left the army in September 1866. By then, he had reached the rank of major. He also received an honorary promotion, called a brevet, to the rank of colonel. This was a special recognition for his service.
Life After the War
After the Civil War ended, Cilley moved to western North Carolina. He worked for the Freedmen's Bureau. This organization was set up to help formerly enslaved people. It provided them with food, housing, education, and legal help.
Becoming a Community Leader
Even though Clinton Cilley was from the North, he became very popular in Lenoir, North Carolina. He was a successful lawyer there. The people of Lenoir liked him so much that they elected him as one of the town's first mayors. He married Emma Harper, whose father, James C. Harper, was a Congressman.
Later Years
In 1890, Clinton Cilley joined the New Hampshire Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. This group is for descendants of people who helped during the American Revolution. He passed away on May 9, 1900. He is buried in Oakwood Cemetery in Hickory, North Carolina.
Honors and Legacy
Medal of Honor
Clinton Albert Cilley was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery during the Civil War. This is the highest military award given by the United States government.
Museum Collection
The Catawba County Museum of History has a special collection. It is called the Clinton Cilley Collection. This collection contains items from the Civil War that belonged to him.
