William L. McMillen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Linn McMillen
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Colonel William L. McMillen
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| Born | October 18, 1829 Hillsboro, Ohio, U.S. |
| Died | February 8, 1902 (aged 72) Columbus, Ohio, U.S. |
| Place of burial |
Green Lawn Cemetery,
Columbus, Ohio |
| Allegiance |  Russian Empire United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/ |
Imperial Russian Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 (US) |
| Rank |  Lieutenant Colonel Brevet Major General |
| Commands held | 95th Ohio Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | Crimean War American Civil War |
Dr. William Linn McMillen (October 18, 1829 – February 8, 1902) was an American surgeon, army officer, farmer, and a politician who moved to the South after the American Civil War.
Contents
Who Was William L. McMillen?
William Linn McMillen was a fascinating person who lived during an important time in American history. He started his career as a doctor, then served as a soldier in two different wars. Later, he became involved in politics.
Early Life and Medical Career
William L. McMillen was born in Hillsboro, Ohio, on October 18, 1829. He studied medicine and graduated from Starling Medical College in 1852. After finishing his studies, he began working as a doctor in Ohio.
Before the American Civil War, McMillen had an interesting experience. He worked as a surgeon for the Imperial Russian Army during the Crimean War. This war took place from 1853 to 1856. He returned to Ohio in 1856. On April 18, 1861, he married Elizabeth I. King in Columbus, Ohio.
Serving in the Military
McMillen's military career began when the American Civil War started. He used his medical skills to help the Union side.
The American Civil War
In 1861, William McMillen served as a surgeon with the 1st Ohio Volunteers. He also held the important role of Surgeon General for the state of Ohio from 1861 to 1862.
Later, he joined the 95th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment as a colonel. During the Battle of Richmond in Kentucky on August 30, 1862, he was injured. After this battle, he was captured by the enemy. He was later released.
A Controversial Moment
During the war, McMillen was involved in a difficult situation. After the Battle of Nashville, a Confederate general named Thomas Benton Smith surrendered. Later, when the details of this event became known, McMillen's actions were questioned. This led to him being asked to step down from a position in the Grand Army of the Republic in New Orleans.
Despite this, McMillen was recognized for his service. On December 12, 1864, President Abraham Lincoln nominated him to be a brevet brigadier general. This rank was officially confirmed in February 1865. Two years later, in March 1867, President Andrew Johnson nominated him for the rank of brevet major general, which was also confirmed.
After the War: Politics and Public Service
After the Civil War ended, William McMillen moved to Louisiana in 1866. There, he started growing cotton on a plantation. He became involved in politics as a member of the Republican Party.
He served in the 1868 Constitutional Convention in Louisiana. From 1870 to 1872, he was a state senator. He even tried to become a U. S. senator in 1872 and 1873, but he was not allowed to take the seat.
McMillen continued to serve the public in other ways. He was the postmaster of New Orleans when Rutherford B. Hayes was president. Later, under President Benjamin Harrison, he worked as the Surveyor of the Port of New Orleans.
Later Life and Legacy
When William McMillen retired from public life, he moved back to Ohio. He passed away in Columbus, Ohio, on February 8, 1902. He was buried in Green Lawn Cemetery in Columbus.
