Kellian Whaley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kellian Van Rensalear Whaley
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from West Virginia's 3rd district |
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| In office December 7, 1863 – March 3, 1867 |
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| Preceded by | District created |
| Succeeded by | Daniel Polsley |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia's 12th district |
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| In office March 4, 1861 – March 3, 1863 |
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| Preceded by | Henry A. Edmundson |
| Succeeded by | District eliminated |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 6, 1821 Utica, New York, US |
| Died | May 20, 1876 (aged 55) Point Pleasant, West Virginia, US |
| Political party | Unionist Unconditional Unionist Republican |
| Profession | Politician, Lumberman |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  West Virginia Militia |
| Years of service | 1861-1863 |
| Rank | major |
| Unit | 9th West Virginia Volunteer Infantry Regiment |
Kellian Van Rensalear Whaley (born May 6, 1821 – died May 20, 1876) was an important person in American history. He was a lumberman (someone who works with wood) and a congressman (a government representative). He served in Congress for Virginia before the American Civil War and later for West Virginia after it became a state. During the Civil War, he was a major in the Union Army and even escaped after being captured by the other side!
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Early Life
Kellian Whaley was born in Utica, New York on May 6, 1821. He later married Louisa Mary Perdue. They had several children, including sons Charles, Warren, Harlan, Fulton, Carlisle, and James, and daughters Mary and Ida Belle.
A Politician During the Civil War
Before the American Civil War, Whaley worked in the lumber business in Point Pleasant, Virginia. This area is now part of West Virginia.
Serving in Congress for Virginia
In 1860, Whaley was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He represented Virginia's 12th congressional district. He served in Congress from 1861 to 1863. However, he lost his seat because Virginia decided to leave the Union (the United States government).
A Major in the Union Army
During the Civil War, Kellian Whaley helped the Union Army. He recruited many men to join the fight. He became a major in the 9th West Virginia Volunteer Infantry Regiment.
On November 10, 1861, Major Whaley was captured by Confederate forces. This happened during a raid on the town of Guyandotte, West Virginia. While being marched away, Major Whaley managed to escape his captors! He found his way to safety by traveling through the wilderness.
Representing West Virginia
After the new state of West Virginia was created, Whaley ran for Congress again. He won the election for West Virginia's 3rd congressional district. He served in Congress from 1863 to 1867.
During this time, he led important committees. From 1863 to 1865, he was the chairman of the Committee on Invalid Pensions. This committee helped people who were injured or sick. From 1865 to 1867, he was chairman of the Committee on Revolutionary Claims. This committee dealt with claims from the American Revolution.
In 1864, Whaley was a delegate at the Republican National Convention. This was a big meeting where the Republican Party chose its candidate for president. He also served on the special committee that traveled with President Abraham Lincoln's body on the funeral train. This train carried Lincoln's body from Washington to Springfield after he was assassinated.
Whaley did not run for reelection in 1866. Another Republican, Daniel Polsley, took his place. In 1868, Whaley worked as a collector of customs in Brazos de Santiago, Texas. This meant he collected taxes on goods coming into the country.
Later Life and Legacy
Kellian Whaley passed away in Point Pleasant, West Virginia on May 20, 1876. He was buried in Lone Oak Cemetery in Point Pleasant.
See also
- United States congressional delegations from West Virginia
