Robert D. Lilley (general) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Doak Lilley
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | January 28, 1836 Greenville, Virginia |
| Died | November 12, 1886 (aged 50) Richmond, Virginia |
| Place of burial |
Thornrose Cemetery, Staunton, Virginia
|
| Allegiance |  Confederate States of America |
| Service/ |
 Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1861–65 |
| Rank | Brigadier General (CSA), temporary |
| Commands held | Lilley's Brigade, Valley District |
| Battles/wars |
|
| Other work | financial agent at a college |
Robert Doak Lilley (born January 28, 1836, died November 12, 1886) was a brave soldier who became a general for the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. He fought in many important battles with the Army of Northern Virginia. Towards the end of the war, he led a group of soldiers called a brigade in the Shenandoah Valley.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Robert D. Lilley was born near Greenville, Virginia. He came from a family with a military background. His father, James M. Lilley, was a well-known landowner. He was also an inventor of tools used for surveying land. In 1838, his father became a colonel in the Virginia militia, which was a local army.
Lilley went to Washington College to study. After college, he started a job selling the surveying tools his father had invented.
Joining the Civil War
In 1861, when the Civil War began, Robert Lilley joined the Confederate Army. He started as a captain leading a group of soldiers called the Lee Rifles. This group later became part of the 25th Virginia Infantry regiment.
His regiment, the 25th Virginia, joined the main Confederate army, the Army of Northern Virginia. They were part of a larger group led by General Richard S. Ewell. Lilley's unit fought alongside the famous General Stonewall Jackson in the Shenandoah Valley.
Key Battles and Promotions
Lilley was praised for his actions during the Battle of Cedar Mountain. He was also recognized for his bravery at the Second Battle of Bull Run. After many soldiers were lost in 1862, Lilley became the highest-ranking officer in his regiment. He commanded the unit during the Battle of Antietam.
In January, he was promoted to major. After the Battle of Gettysburg, he was again praised and promoted to lieutenant colonel. On May 31, 1864, he received a temporary promotion to brigadier general. He was then given command of a brigade of Virginia soldiers. This brigade was part of Ramseur's Division in the Second Corps of the army.
Fighting in the Shenandoah Valley
Lilley remained in command of his brigade when it was sent to the Shenandoah Valley. They went with General Jubal Early to try and stop the Union army's advance there.
During the war, Lilley was wounded three times. He even lost an arm. On July 20, 1864, he was captured at Stephenson's Depot. However, he was rescued just four days later at Winchester. He then rejoined his brigade. Lilley surrendered in April 1865, when the war ended. He was officially released from service in Staunton, Virginia on May 23.
Life After the War
In 1869, after the war, Robert Lilley returned to his old college, Washington College. The college was later renamed Washington and Lee College. He worked there as a financial agent, helping to manage the college's money.
Robert D. Lilley passed away from paralysis in Richmond, Virginia, on November 12, 1886. He is buried in Thornrose Cemetery in Staunton, Virginia.
