Notes for: Hillery MOSELEY
Lieutenant Colonel 42nd Mississippi Infantry - wounded at Gettysburg - CSA
From THE CONFEDERATE CLEANER
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550817067349&sk=reels_tab
Honoring the courageous service and sacrifice of Confederate soldier Hillery Moseley.
Hillery was born on October 20, 1816, in Bell Buckle, Tennessee, to the parents Thomas Bedford Moseley and Rebecca Clay (Martin) Moseley. Hillery came from Revolutionary stock on both sides of his family. His great-grandfather on his father’s side was Captain Edward Moseley. His grandfather and great-grandfather on his mother’s side was Captain Matthew Martin and Captain Abram Martin, who served under George Washington. The love of country, as the way our forefathers envisioned it, was indeed bred into him.
Hillery, for the most part, would be a self-made man, and it would begin as a young boy. You see, at a very young age Hillery became passionate about becoming a doctor. He began borrowing books from nearby doctors and began reading them well into the night, with no more light than that of a candle to study by. For years Hillery would study in hopes of one day accomplishing his dream of becoming a doctor.
As a young man, Hillery would answer President Jackson’s call to arms, serving in the 1st Tennessee Mounted Militia during the Second Seminole War. After successfully completing his duties as a soldier on the frontiers of Florida, Hillery returned to his native state of Tennessee, where he worked in the mercantile business in Shelbyville. Even during this time, Hillery still held close his dream of becoming a doctor.
Hillery would ultimately accomplish his dream of becoming a doctor. By the late 1840s, Hillery had left his native state of Tennessee for Mississippi, settling in the county of Lafayette. In 1852, Hillery moved to Panola County, continuing his practice of medicine. Hillery would become one of the wealthiest and most prominent citizens of Panola County. Hillery was living his dream. A nice home, property, and finances were in good order. However, his dream was about to be interrupted by four years of chaos and sorrow.
As the country erupted in war, Hillery remained at home with his family, continuing his work as a doctor. His hopes were like many others at the beginning of the war—that it would end rather quickly. Many people quickly learned that it would not, sadly. The year of 1862, particularly the month of April, would be quite dreadful for Hillery. On April 8, 1862, Hillery would lose a son while serving in the Confederate Army. On April 11, 1862, just three days after losing his son, Hillery lost his wife, Laura, while giving birth to their child. A day or two later, Hillery would lose their newborn son. It was about this time that a new regiment was being raised in his area. Hillery could've remained in the comfort of his home, but instead decided to enlist in this new regiment being formed. Hillery, at this time, was absolutely wrecked by grief. Could he have enlisted simply to get away from the grief around every corner of his home? I believe that could’ve been the driving force behind him joining the army but can't be certain. He would be commissioned as lieutenant colonel of the 42nd Mississippi Infantry.
Hillery was present with his regiment on the first day of fighting at Gettysburg, the regiment’s first real test after being formed. Here, he led his men in the intense fighting that occurred near the Railroad Cut on July 1, 1863. While at the head of the line, Hillery was wounded by a shell exploding, ripping through his right foot. Though severely wounded, Hillery continued rallying his men, using a fence rail to pull himself back upright. Waving his sword, Hillery continued shouting to his men, “Forward, forward men!
Hillery continued on the battlefield until the pain became unbearable, leading to his collapse. Soon after his collapse, Hillery was taken to the rear by his fellow soldiers, where he received treatment. At first, the surgeons wanted to take Hillery’s foot. However, he quickly expressed to the surgeon that he himself was a doctor and believed his foot could be saved. Hillery did get to keep his foot, but would walk with a limp for the remainder of his days. Hillery remained hospitalized for the next few months recovering. Seeing that future service would be unattainable, Hillery resigned from his commission on December 18, 1863.
Returning to Mississippi, Hillery would serve in the legislative branch of his state for the remainder of the war.
As the war drew to a close, Hillery returned to his home in Panola County, which had been ravaged from the years of war. Hillery was now crippled and penniless. Undaunted, Hillery fell back into his profession. Though he’d practiced medicine for years already, Hillery would graduate from the University of Louisville on February 23, 1871. He was now a bonafide doctor. Through hard work and sheer will, Hillery began rebuilding the life he had previously known. Hillery later married Martha, his fourth wife. His personal life had been filled with sorrow as he had lost three previous wives, two before the outbreak of war and Laura in 1862. Through the union of his fourth wife, Martha, they would welcome a son. Throughout those harsh days that followed the war, Hillery worked tirelessly to provide for his family. Hillery would keep his family afloat, though never fully recovering from the dog days of war. Hillery would pass from this life on June 21, 1895, at the age of 78. He now rests amongst the quietness of the oaks and pines alongside his family and friends. Duty done!