William R. Rowley | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | February 8, 1824 St. Lawrence County, New York |
| Died | February 9, 1886 (aged 62) Galena, Illinois |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service | Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1864 |
| Rank |  Lieutenant Colonel Brevet Brigadier General |
| Unit | 45th Illinois Infantry Regiment Army of the Tennessee |
| Battles / wars | American Civil War |
| Other work | County clerk, Judge and Sheriff of Jo Daviess County |
William Ruben Rowley, (February 8, 1824 – February 9, 1886) was a lieutenant colonel and Military Secretary[a] on the staff of General Ulysses S. Grant during the American Civil War later being brevetted a brigadier general. After moving from New York to Galena, Illinois, he taught in the local school, while also becoming involved in local politics. While living in Galena, Rowley was a neighbor and good friends with Ulysses Grant and John Rawlins before and at the time the Civil War broke out. Under General Grant he fought in the Battle of Shiloh and during the siege at Vicksburg. He was one of nine Civil War generals that came from Galena. After serving in the Union Army he returned to Galena and service in political life. Rowley was among several officers who wrote letters for and rigorously defended Grant against accusations from rivals and reporters that Grant was drinking at the Battle of Shiloh, a battle that he brought to victory. On other occasions during his military and political career Rowley stood by Grant during times of controversy.
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