William McCleave facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William A. McCleave
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|---|---|
| Born | 1825 Ireland |
| Died | February 3, 1904 (aged 78–79) Berkeley, California |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | United States Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1850–1879 |
| Rank |  Major Bvt. Lieutenant Colonel |
| Unit | 1st U.S. Dragoons U.S. Camel Corps 8th U.S. Cavalry |
| Commands held | 1st California Cavalry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | Indian Wars American Civil War |
| Other work | real estate agent |
William A. McCleave (born in 1825, died in 1904) was an American soldier and officer. He was born in Ireland and later joined the U.S. Army. He fought in important conflicts like the Indian Wars and the American Civil War.
Contents
Biography
Early Life and Military Start
William McCleave was born in northern Ireland in 1825. He moved to the United States in 1850. He went to California and joined the 1st U.S. Regiment of Dragoons. This was a special army unit that rode horses. He served in Company K under Captain James H. Carleton. Over the next ten years, he became a First Sergeant.
In 1861, McCleave worked with the United States Camel Corps. He helped move 31 camels from Fort Tejon to Los Angeles. This was a unique project where the army tried using camels for transportation in the desert.
Civil War Adventures
When the American Civil War began, McCleave was asked to form a cavalry regiment in California. A cavalry regiment is a large group of soldiers who fight on horseback. He became a Captain in the 1st California Cavalry Regiment. He commanded Company A and set up a military base called Camp Carleton.
Later, he moved his troops to Arizona. On March 6, 1862, he was captured by a group called the Arizona Rangers. Four months later, he was exchanged for two other officers. In January 1863, he was promoted to Major. For the rest of the war, he fought in New Mexico. By the end of the war, he was a Brevet Lieutenant Colonel. A "brevet" rank is an honorary promotion for good service. He commanded Fort Sumner at this time.
Later Military Career and Retirement
McCleave left the volunteer army on October 19, 1866. However, he had already joined the Regular Army, which is the permanent army. He became a Second Lieutenant in the 8th U.S. Cavalry. He retired from the army in 1879 as a Captain.
After retiring, William McCleave settled in Berkeley, California. He worked as a real estate agent, helping people buy and sell land. He also commanded the Veterans Home of California Yountville, a place for soldiers who had served their country. He passed away on February 3, 1904.
