Lilley, David N.

David N. Lilley (1842-1887), a Newark, Delaware, resident for most of his life, served in the Union Army during the Civil War.

Lilley was born in 1842 in Cecil County, Maryland. He was one of twelve children in a family that moved near Newark, Delaware, when he was quite young. Lilley attended school in Newark briefly but gave up his studies in order to help support the rest of the family. Initially, he worked for his father as a well digger and quarry man; later he was employed at the Dean Woolen Mills.

In 1861, at the age of 19, Lilley enlisted in the Union Army, joining Company "C," 2nd Regiment, Delaware Volunteers. After training, he was assigned to the Blue and Elk Rangers, a local unit that was involved in many significant military engagements in both Maryland and Virginia. Lilley's letters to his older sister Annie Lilley, recount these wartime experiences. After being discharged in 1864, David Lilley returned to Newark where his mother, sister Annie, and other members of his immediate family still lived.

On February 15, 1887, David Lilley was the victim of a railroad accident which later required that his foot be surgically amputated. He died on February 24, 1887, from the resulting complications of lockjaw and blood poisoning.

"Accident at Newark," Every Evening Wilmington, Delaware, February 15, 1887. Second edition. "A Change for the Worse," Every Evening Wilmington, Delaware, February 24, 1887. Second edition. "David Lilley Funeral," Every Evening Wilmington, Delaware, February 25, 1887. "Lilley's Funeral To Morrow," The Morning News Wilmington, Delaware, February 26, 1887. Scharf, J. Thomas.Index to the History of Delaware, 1609-1888.Wilmington: Historical Society of Delaware, 1976. Additional information in the biographical note is derived from material in the collection.

From the guide to the David N. Lilley letters, 1861-1864, (University of Delaware Library - Special Collections)