Reuben May facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Reuben May
Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly from the Vernon 1st district
In office January 1, 1872 – January 1, 1873
Preceded by	Joseph W. Hoyt
Succeeded by	Peter Jerman
In office January 1, 1870 – January 1, 1871
Preceded by	John M. McLees
Succeeded by	Joseph W. Hoyt
Personal details
Born	Reuben May (1815-06-23)June 23, 1815 Robinson Creek, Kentucky
Died	September 26, 1902(1902-09-26) (aged 87) Vernon County, Wisconsin
Resting place	Springville Cemetery Springville, Wisconsin
Political party	Republican Union Labor (1890) Greenback (1879)
Spouses	Emmeriah V. A. Honaker (m. 1838; died 1881) Phoebe Ann Dolliver (m. 1882; died 1883) Caroline S. Johnson (Bennett) (m. 1884; died 1910)
Children	William James May (b. 1842; died 1921) Thomas Henry May (b. 1843; died 1920) Bell V. A. May (b. 1849; died 1875) Alonzo Franklin May (b. 1853; died 1943) Albert Bascom May (b. 1855; died 1902) Richard Apperson May (b. 1857; died 1883) Hugh Lawson May (b. 1859; died 1958) Georgia E. May (b. 1861; died 1865)
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Army Union Army
Years of service	1861–1864
Rank	Colonel, USV
Commands	7th Reg. Ky. Vol. Infantry 8th Reg. Ky. Vol. Infantry
Battles/wars	American Civil War Stones River Campaign Battle of Stones River Vicksburg campaign Battle of Champion Hill Battle of Big Black River Bridge Siege of Vicksburg Jackson Expedition

Reuben May (born June 23, 1815 – died September 26, 1902) was an important figure in American history. He served as a high-ranking officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Later in his life, he became a politician in Wisconsin, serving in the state's government. He even tried to become the Governor of Wisconsin, but he was not successful.

Reuben May's Early Life and Military Service

Reuben May was born in Robinson Creek, Kentucky. When the American Civil War began, he joined the Union Army. The Union Army fought to keep the United States together.

Serving in the Civil War

In 1861, Reuben May became a Lieutenant Colonel in the 8th Regiment Kentucky Volunteer Infantry. This means he was a leader of many soldiers. He even took command of the whole regiment for a short time.

Later, in 1863, he was promoted to Colonel. He then led the 7th Regiment Kentucky Volunteer Infantry. He guided his troops through major battles, including the important Vicksburg campaign. He left the army on October 4, 1864.

Family During the War

While Reuben May was fighting, his family moved to Vernon County, Wisconsin in 1863. It was a difficult time for many families. Some of his relatives in Kentucky supported the other side, the Confederate Army. For example, his first cousin, Andrew Jackson May, was a colonel for the Confederate Army.

Reuben May's Political Career

After his military service, Reuben May moved into politics. He became a member of the Republican Party.

Serving in the Wisconsin Assembly

Reuben May was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly twice. He represented the 1st district of Vernon County, Wisconsin. He served in 1870 and again in 1872. He tried to win the election in 1871 but lost that time.

Running for Governor

Reuben May also ran for Governor of Wisconsin two times. A governor is the leader of a state.

• In 1879, he ran as a member of the Greenback Party. This party focused on money and economic issues.
• In 1890, he ran again, this time with the Union Labor Party. This party focused on the rights of workers.

Even though he tried twice, he was not elected governor.

Images for kids

• 

  A colonel's rank insignia, similar to what Reuben May would have worn.