William Cooper Talley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Cooper Talley
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| Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Delaware County | |
| In office 1874–1877 |
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| Preceded by | Orson Flagg Bullard |
| Succeeded by | Orson Flagg Bullard |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 11, 1831 Brandywine Hundred, Delaware |
| Died | October 20, 1903 Washington, D.C. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service | Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1864 |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Brigadier-general |
| Commands | 1st Pennsylvania Reserve Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
William Cooper Talley (born December 11, 1831 – died October 20, 1903) was an important American politician from Pennsylvania. He was a member of the Democratic Party. From 1874 to 1877, he served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for Delaware County.
Before his political career, Talley was a brave officer in the Union Army during the U.S. Civil War. He fought in many major battles and was promoted to the rank of brigadier general in 1865. This was a special type of promotion called a brevet, which means it was an honorary rank given for outstanding service.
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Early Life and School
William Cooper Talley was born in Brandywine Hundred, Delaware. His parents were Reverend Lewis S. and Priscilla (Clark) Talley. He went to the Forwood School. Later, he graduated from Professor Sudley's Academy in Wilmington, Delaware in 1853.
Serving in the Civil War
When the Civil War began, William Talley decided to help. He sold his newspaper business. Then, he put together a group of soldiers, mostly from Delaware County, Pennsylvania. This group was called the Rockdale Rifle Guards.
In 1861, his company joined the Union Army. It became Company F of the 1st Pennsylvania Reserve Regiment. Talley started as their captain.
Key Battles and Leadership
Talley showed great leadership during the war.
- At the famous Battle of Antietam, he was put in charge of his entire regiment. This was a big responsibility.
- He received his official rank of Colonel on November 2, 1862.
- During the Battle of Spotsylvania, Talley was leading a brigade (a large group of soldiers). He was captured by the enemy.
- He was taken to General Richard S. Ewell's headquarters. General Ewell offered to release him on parole, but Talley refused.
- Luckily, the very next day, Talley and about 700 other captured Union soldiers were freed. This happened when cavalry troops led by General Philip Sheridan rescued them.
Talley left the army on June 13, 1864. Because of his brave and excellent actions in battles like Antietam, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, the Wilderness, and Spotsylvania, he was given an honorary promotion. In 1865, he became a Brevet Brigadier General.
Life After the War
After the war, William Talley returned to civilian life. He worked in the newspaper business for a while. He was a co-publisher of the Upland Union newspaper in Media, Pennsylvania. He also published the Delaware County Democrat newspaper in Chester, Pennsylvania. Later, he owned the National Democrat newspaper in Norristown, Pennsylvania.
He also worked for the government. He was a deputy collector and then a collector for the Internal Revenue Service in Pennsylvania.
Political Career
William Talley was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for Delaware County. He served three terms, from 1874 to 1876. During this time, he was the chairman of the important Ways and Means Committee. He was also part of the Centennial Committee. He chose not to run for reelection in 1877.
From 1877 until his death in 1903, he worked in Washington, D.C.. He was a proofreader for the Congressional Record at the United States Government Printing Office.
Personal Life and Legacy
William Cooper Talley was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, which was an organization for Union Civil War veterans. He belonged to Post Wilde No. 25 in Chester, Pennsylvania.
William Cooper Talley passed away on October 20, 1903. He is buried at the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.
