Robert F. Looney facts for kids

Robert F. Looney (born August 5, 1824 – died November 19, 1899) was an American soldier, lawyer, and businessman. He was elected as a colonel and led the 38th Tennessee Regiment. Looney served in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. He fought in important battles like the battle of Shiloh. After the war, Looney helped preserve the Shiloh National Military Park. This park was created by the government in 1894 to remember the battle.

Early Life and First Career

Robert Fain Looney was born in Maury County, Tennessee in 1824. He was one of twelve children. In 1845, he became a lawyer and started working in Columbia, Tennessee. Looney married Louisa M. Crofford in 1847. They stayed in Columbia until 1852, then moved to Memphis. Robert and Louisa had nine children together.

Serving in the Civil War

Before the war, Looney did not support states leaving the United States. However, he still formed the 38th Tennessee regiment. He led this group for two years. They fought in many battles across Tennessee and Georgia.

The Battle of Shiloh

Looney's actions at the battle of Shiloh were very important. This huge battle happened in southwestern Tennessee on April 6 and 7, 1862. It was one of the first major battles in the western part of the war. More soldiers died in these two days than in all previous American wars combined. During this key battle, Looney led a charge. His charge captured at least 1,000 Union soldiers. This included Union General Benjamin M. Prentiss. On the afternoon of April 7, Looney led the 38th Tennessee in the final charge. This happened just before the Confederate soldiers had to retreat.

Other Battles and Capture

Looney and his regiment fought in many other battles. These included Perryville, Murfreesboro, Farmington, and Corinth. On April 10, 1863, Union troops captured Looney. This happened near Wythe, Tennessee, where he was trying to get more people to join the Confederate army. Looney later returned to active fighting. He finally surrendered in Oxford, Mississippi, in 1865.

Life After the War

After the Civil War ended, Looney went back to his law office in Memphis. He worked there until 1870.

Political Involvement

In the late 1800s, Robert F. Looney was very active in the Democratic Party. He gave speeches to support party candidates. Looney himself never ran for public office. However, he was a delegate at the Chicago National Democratic Convention in 1884. At this meeting, Grover Cleveland was chosen to run for president.

Preserving Shiloh Battlefield

From 1895 until he died in 1899, Looney worked on a special group. This group was for the Shiloh National Military Park. The United States Congress had created this park on December 27, 1894. Looney was chosen by the Secretary of War to represent the Confederate Army of Mississippi. He worked with another former Confederate, Captain James W. Irwin. He also worked with former Union soldiers. These included Colonel Cornelius Cadle, General Don Carlos Buell, and Major David W. Reed.

This group met on April 2, 1895. Their job was to mark where the main fights happened on the battlefield. They also built monuments to remember both Union and Confederate soldiers.

Robert F. Looney died in his Memphis home on November 19, 1899. He is buried in Elmwood Cemetery in Memphis, Tennessee.