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Joseph Cilley (1791–1887) facts for kids

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Joseph Cilley
JosephCilley.jpg
United States Senator
from New Hampshire
In office
June 13, 1846 – March 3, 1847
Preceded by Benning W. Jenness
Succeeded by John P. Hale
Personal details
Born (1791-01-04)January 4, 1791
Nottingham, New Hampshire
Died September 16, 1887(1887-09-16) (aged 96)
Nottingham, New Hampshire
Political party Democrat, Liberty
Profession Politician, farmer

Joseph Cilley (January 4, 1791 – September 16, 1887) was a United States senator from New Hampshire.

Cilley was born in Nottingham, New Hampshire, the son of Greenleaf Cilley and his wife Jane Nealy. He was also the grandson of Revolutionary War officer Joseph Cilley, after whom he was named. He was the nephew of Bradbury Cilley and brother of Jonathan Cilley.

Cilley was educated at Atkinson Academy and joined the Army to fight in the War of 1812 as an officer in the 21st Infantry Regiment, seeing action at the Battle of Sackett's Harbor and Battle of Chrysler's Farm. Joseph Cilley was severely wounded at the Battle of Lundy's Lane; he was shot through the leg by a musket ball causing a compound fracture. He attained the brevetted rank of captain, was the quartermaster of the New Hampshire Militia in 1817, and was the division inspector in 1821. After his military service Joseph Cilley became an aide-de-camp to Governor Benjamin Pierce in 1827.

In 1846, a Whig–Liberty Party–Independent Democrat coalition assumed power in New Hampshire state government. Whig Anthony Colby was elected Governor, Independent Democrat John P. Hale was elected Speaker of the State House of Representatives, and Cilley was elected to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Levi Woodbury. Cilley served from June 13, 1846, to March 3, 1847. He was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1846, after which he retired to his farm in Nottingham. He was interred in the general Joseph Cilley Burying Ground in Nottingham Square.

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