George Hillyer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Hillyer
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| Judge of the Fulton County Superior Court | |
| In office 1877–1883 |
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| Member of the Georgia State Senate from the 35th District |
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| In office 1871–1875 |
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| Member of the Georgia House of Representatives from Walton County |
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| In office 1857–1859 |
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| Mayor of Atlanta | |
| In office January 1885 – January 1887 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | March 17, 1835 Athens, Georgia |
| Died | October 22, 1927 (aged 92) Atlanta, Georgia |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Ellen Emily Cooley |
| Children | eight children (three died in infancy) |
| Alma mater | Mercer University |
| Occupation | Lawyer and Railroad Executive |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States of America |
| Branch/service |  Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1861–65 (CSA) |
| Rank | Major (CSA) |
| Unit | Company C of the Ninth Regiment of Georgia Volunteers (CSA) |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
George Hillyer (March 17, 1835 – October 2, 1927) was an important American politician. He served as the 29th Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia. He was also a state representative and senator. During the American Civil War, he was an officer in the Confederate States Army.
Contents
Biography
Early Life and Education
George Hillyer was born in Athens, Georgia. He was one of eight children. His father, Junius Hillyer, was a U.S. Congressman. He also worked as a solicitor for the U.S. Treasury.
George graduated from Mercer University in July 1854. He earned high honors in all his studies. After college, he studied law with his father in Monroe, Georgia. In 1855, he became a lawyer. He worked with his father for two years. Then, he started a law firm with Hope Hull. This partnership lasted until the Civil War began.
Starting in Politics: Georgia House of Representatives
At just 21 years old, Hillyer decided to run for a seat in the state legislature. In 1856, he was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives. He started his two-year term in January of the next year.
From 1859 to 1860, Hillyer served as the Clerk of the Georgia House of Representatives. In 1860, he was chosen as a delegate. He went to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois. There, he supported Howell Cobb to become President.
Military Service in the Civil War
When the Civil War started, Hillyer helped form a company. It was called the "Hillyer Rifles" from Walton County, Georgia. The men joined the Confederate Army on June 13, 1861. Hillyer was elected as their Captain. His company became Company C of the 9th Georgia Volunteer Infantry.
Hillyer and his regiment went to Virginia. They joined a new brigade led by George T. Anderson. This brigade was part of the Army of Northern Virginia. Hillyer fought in many battles. He saw heavy fighting at Fredericksburg. He also fought at Gettysburg, especially in a famous area called the "Wheatfield."
On July 2, 1863, during the Battle of Gettysburg, the 9th Georgia lost many soldiers. Hillyer's company also had many losses. With many senior officers wounded or killed, Hillyer took command of the regiment. He led them for the rest of the Gettysburg Campaign. He also wrote the official report about his regiment's actions in the battle.
The afternoon of July 2, 1863 left the “Wheatfield” and nearby woods strewn with more than 4,000 dead and wounded Union and Confederate soldiers. Thousands of troops fought in this area and veterans compared it to a whirlpool--a stream of eddies and tides that flowed around the 19-20 acres of wheat owned by farmer George Rose; it is said to have changed hands six times.
In November 1863, Hillyer left his captain's role. Governor Joseph E. Brown asked him to become an auditor for the Western and Atlantic Railroad. This railroad was very important. It was the main supply route for General Joseph E. Johnston's Confederate army. The governor wanted a military man for this job.
In early 1864, Hillyer created the State Road Battalion. This group was mostly made up of railroad workers. He was put in charge of defending the railroad. He was given the rank of Major. Hillyer fought against cavalry raiders during the Atlanta Campaign. He did well, but the railroad eventually fell to the Union Army. He and his remaining men surrendered to Federal officers on May 10, 1865.
Legal Career and Public Service
After the war, Hillyer started a law practice in Atlanta. He worked with his brother, Henry, for several years. Later, George joined the law firm of Hillyer, Alexander & Lambdin.
In June 1867, when he was 32, Hillyer married Ellen Emily Cooley. They had eight children together, though three died when they were very young.
Starting in 1870, Hillyer served four years in the Georgia Senate. He was a Democrat. He represented the 35th District. This district included Fulton, Clayton, and Cobb counties. He was also a delegate for Georgia to the United States Centennial Commission. This group planned the country's 100th birthday celebrations and a big international exhibition in 1876.
Governor Alfred H. Colquitt appointed Hillyer to the Fulton County Superior Court. He served as a judge from 1877 to 1883.
Mayor of Atlanta
In 1885, Hillyer served one term as the mayor of Atlanta. During his time as mayor, he became an expert on city water services. He wrote several articles about water systems. He also served on the Atlanta Water Commission for many years.
Hillyer played an important role in setting up the Atlanta University System. This system helped provide higher education for formerly enslaved people. He was on the board of trustees for Spelman Baptist Seminary. He also served as Vice-Chairman for the Georgia Railroad Commission.
Later Life and Legacy
George Hillyer passed away at the age of 92. He was buried in Atlanta's Oakland Cemetery.
Writings
- My Gettysburg Battle Experiences (edited by Gregory A. Coco), 2005, Thomas Publications (Gettysburg, PA)
