Robert Reily facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Reily
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| Born | 1820 Hamilton County, Ohio |
| Died | May 2, 1863 (aged 42–43) Chancellorsville, Virginia |
| Buried |
Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati, Ohio
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| Allegiance |  United States of America
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| Service/ |
 United States Army
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| Rank |  Colonel |
| Unit |  75th Ohio Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Robert Reily (born in 1820, died May 2, 1863) was an important leader, known as a Colonel, in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He led the 75th Ohio Infantry Regiment, a group of soldiers from Ohio. Colonel Reily bravely fought for the Union and was killed during the Battle of Chancellorsville.
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Robert Reily's Early Life and Work
Robert Reily was born in Hamilton County, Ohio. His father, John Reily, was a well-known person in Ohio. Robert Reily later became famous for starting the village of Wyoming, Ohio. He helped build the community from the ground up.
Joining the Civil War
When the American Civil War began in 1861, Robert Reily decided to join the fight. He became part of the 75th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He started his military career as a Major. Because of his skills and leadership, he was soon promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. After that, he became a full Colonel, which meant he was in charge of the entire regiment.
The Battle of Chancellorsville
In May 1863, Colonel Reily and his 75th Ohio Infantry were part of a large group of Union soldiers called the 11th Corps. They were fighting in a major battle known as the Battle of Chancellorsville.
On May 2, 1863, a Confederate General named Stonewall Jackson led his soldiers on a long, secret march. Their plan was to surprise the Union's 11th Corps from the side.
Reily's Quick Thinking
Around 4:30 in the afternoon, Colonel Reily heard reports that Confederate soldiers were moving towards his position. Unlike some other commanders, he took these warnings seriously. He quickly prepared his 75th Ohio soldiers for an attack. He told his men to lie down with their weapons ready, waiting for the enemy.
About 30 minutes later, 12,000 Confederate soldiers suddenly burst out of the thick woods. Many parts of the Union's 11th Corps were completely surprised. They panicked and ran away without even firing their guns.
The 75th Ohio Stands Strong
But Colonel Reily's 75th Ohio Infantry was different. As other Union soldiers ran past in fear, Reily's men stood their ground. They bravely fired back at the charging Confederates. For ten intense minutes, they fought hard, holding their position.
During this fierce fighting, Colonel Reily was killed. His brave actions, however, allowed many other Union soldiers to escape. The 75th Ohio eventually had to retreat because they were greatly outnumbered. In those ten minutes, 150 other soldiers from the 75th Ohio were also killed or wounded.
Burial
Colonel Robert Reily was buried at Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is remembered as a brave leader who stood firm in the face of danger during the Civil War.
