Madison Miller facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Madison Miller
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| Born | February 6, 1811 Mercer, Pennsylvania |
| Died | February 27, 1896 (aged 85) St. Louis, Missouri |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Rank |  Colonel Bvt. Brigadier General Brigadier General (Militia) |
| Unit | 2nd Regiment of Illinois Volunteers |
| Commands held | 18th Missouri Volunteer Infantry |
| Battles/wars | Mexican–American War |
| Other work | real estate agent |
Madison Miller (1811–1896) was an American soldier, military officer, and railroad manager. He served in two major wars and held important roles in his community.
Contents
Early Life and Military Service
Madison Miller was born in Mercer, Pennsylvania, in 1811. He grew up to become a soldier and a leader.
Fighting in the Mexican-American War
In the Mexican–American War (1846–1848), Miller joined the army. He was a captain in the 2nd Illinois Regiment of Volunteers. During this war, he fought bravely in the Battle of Buena Vista. He was wounded in this important battle.
Public Service and the Civil War
Before the American Civil War began, Miller was very active in his community. He served as the mayor of Carondelet, Missouri. He was also the president of the St. Louis and Iron Mountain Railroad. On top of that, he was a member of the Missouri State Legislature.
A Train Accident and New Command
In 1855, Mayor Miller was on a train that crashed. The train went through a temporary bridge over the Gasconade River. He was badly hurt in this accident. After recovering, he helped create the 1st Missouri Light Artillery. He became the commanding captain of this unit.
Early Civil War Battles
Miller quickly showed his courage in the Civil War. He fought well in the Battle of Wilson's Creek. This was a difficult battle where the Union forces were defeated.
Key Role in the Civil War
In February 1862, Miller was given command of the 18th Missouri Volunteer Infantry. He became their colonel.
The Battle of Shiloh
Miller played a big part in the Battle of Shiloh. This was one of the bloodiest battles of the war. He led the 2nd Brigade in Benjamin Prentiss' division. His troops fought in a famous area called the Hornet's Nest. They held their ground for a long time against strong attacks.
Capture and Exchange
Despite his bravery, Miller was captured when the Hornet's Nest defenders were surrounded. He was later exchanged, meaning he was traded for a Confederate prisoner. He returned to command a brigade in the XVI Corps for a short time.
Later War Service
Miller resigned from the regular army in March 1864. However, he was appointed a Brigadier General in the Missouri State Militia in September 1864. He led a militia brigade during Price's Raid. This was a major Confederate cavalry raid into Missouri. For his service at Shiloh, he received a special promotion to brevet brigadier general of U.S. volunteers in March 1865.
After the War
After the Civil War ended, Madison Miller continued to be active. He helped manage parts of the Pacific Railroad. He also worked in real estate in the St. Louis, Missouri area. In 1893, he became the vice-president of the Society of the Army of the Tennessee. This was a group for Union Army veterans.
Madison Miller passed away in 1896. He is buried at Bellefontaine Cemetery in St. Louis.
