Daniel Day Wiley facts for kids

Daniel Day Wiley (born August 10, 1837 – died January 25, 1893) was an important officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He played a key role in making sure Union soldiers had enough food and supplies.

Early Life and Start of Service

Daniel Day Wiley was born in Readsboro, Vermont, on August 10, 1837. Before the Civil War began, he worked as a merchant. This means he bought and sold goods.

When the war started, Wiley joined the army on July 19, 1861. He started as a sergeant in the 21st Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. A sergeant is a non-commissioned officer, a leader of a small group of soldiers. He served in this role for a few months.

Rising Through the Ranks

Wiley quickly showed his skills. On August 28, 1862, he became a captain. He joined the Commissary of Subsistence Department. This department was in charge of getting food and supplies for the soldiers. It was a very important job to keep the army strong.

Later, on August 1, 1864, he was given the honorary rank of brevet major. A "brevet" rank is a temporary promotion given for good service, but it doesn't always come with higher pay.

Chief Commissary Role

In the final year of the war, Wiley had a very big responsibility. He became the Chief Commissary at the City Point Depot. This was a major supply base for the Army of the Potomac. This army was the main Union force in the eastern part of the war. His job was to make sure that thousands of soldiers received their daily food and other necessary items.

After the War

Wiley left the volunteer army on October 26, 1866. He received several more honorary promotions for his excellent service during the war. These included the ranks of lieutenant colonel, colonel, and brigadier general. All these promotions were effective from March 13, 1865.

On December 3, 1867, President Andrew Johnson officially nominated Wiley for the honorary rank of brevet brigadier general of volunteers. The United States Senate confirmed this appointment on February 14, 1868. This was a great honor for his contributions.

After his military service, Daniel Day Wiley returned to civilian life. He worked as a merchant again. He also served as an agent for the United States Customs Service. This service collects taxes on goods coming into the country.

Daniel Day Wiley passed away on January 25, 1893, in Sudbury Centre, Massachusetts. He was buried at Greenlawn Cemetery in Baldwinville, Massachusetts.