Rowley, William Reuben, 1824-1886

Rowley was a Galena, Illinois lawyer and town official before he joined the 45th Illinois Infantry. He was soon appointed to General Ulysses S. Grant's staff and for a time served as provost marshal for various military departments. After the war Rowley served as a county judge in Galena.

Born and grew up in New York, settled in Galena, Illinois where he practiced law and held town office until the Civil War when he joined the 45th Illinois Infantry and after the capture of Fort Donelson was appointed captain and aide de camp on General Grant's staff. At the battle of Shiloh he carried the message to General Wallace to bring his troops to the field. He served as provost marshal for the departments of the Tennessee and Cumberland. When General Grant was promoted lieutenant-general, Major Rowley was made lieutenant-colonel and military secretary on his staff, which office he held until August 30, 1864 when he resigned, owing to impaired health. He was brevetted brigadier-general of volunteers on March 13, 1865. He then returned to Galena, Illinois, was elected county judge in 1877 and remained in that office until his death.

Post war letters discuss politics, the war, and various friends and include letters from John A. Logan, General Bowers, Ulysses Grant and one letter from Sylvanus Cadwallader lamenting the death of Bowers. One letter from Grant discusses his house in Galena, renting it, where certain household items are, the need to pack them and have them sent to New York. Another letter discusses articles he is writing for Century Magazine and asks Rowley to confirm his memories on certain occurrences. One letter from Mrs. E. Cady defending Grant against certain rumors. Several letters from Julia Grant and from Grant's daughter and daughter-in-law.