History of Nottingham, (Rockingham County) New Hampshire United States of America

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Biographies:

Joseph Cilley, soldier, was born in Nottingham, N.H., in 1735; son of Capt. Joseph and Alice (Rawlins) Cilley. When a young man he practised law in his native place. On Nov. 4, 1756, he was married to Sarah, daughter of Jonathan and Mary (Clark) Longfellow. In 1758 he enlisted as a private in Major Rogers's battalion of rangers, marched to the northern frontiers in Canada, and was then appointed a sergeant. He continued in the service for more than a year. In December, 1774, he aided in stripping the fort at Portsmouth of its equipments. The following year he enlisted a company and marched to Boston, receiving a major's commission in May, 1775. He was promoted colonel in the 1st New Hampshire regiment in April, 1777, and served in this capacity at Ticonderoga, Bemis Heights, Monmouth, and with "Mad" Anthony Wayne at Stony Point in July, 1779. He was also engaged with Sullivan in his operations against Brant and Johnson in the same year. On March 27, 1779, the New Hampshire house of representatives presented him with an elegant pair of pistols, "as a token of the intention of the state to reward merit in a brave officer." He was appointed major-general of the state militia, and was treasurer, vice-president and president of the Society of the Cincinnati in New Hampshire. He also served as state representative, senator, councillor, and in 1791 was appointed a member of the state constitutional convention. He died at Nottingham, N.H., Aug. 25, 1799.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

Bradbury Cilley, representative, was born in Nottingham, N.H., Feb. 1, 1760; son of Gen. Joseph and Sarah (Longfellow), grandson of Capt. Joseph and Alice (Rawlins), and great-grandson of Thomas and Ann (Stanyan) Cilley, who settled in Hampton, N.H., about 1694. He attended the public schools, and as a young man took a prominent part in the government of his native town. In 1790 he was elected a representative in the state legislature and served as a representative in the 13th and 14th congresses, 1813-17. He was on the staff of Governor Gilman in 1814, and in 1817 was appointed by President Monroe U.S. marshal. He was married on Nov. 19, 1782, to Martha, daughter of Gen. Enoch Poor of Exeter, N.H. He died at the Cilley homestead, Nottingham, N.H., Dec. 17, 1831.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

Joseph Cilley, senator, was born in Nottingham, N.H., Jan., 4, 1791; son of Greenleaf and Jennie (Nealley) Cilley; and grandson of Joseph and Sarah (Longfellow) Cilley. He was educated at Atkinson academy; was commissioned ensign in the 18th New Hampshire regiment Oct. 17, 1811; in the 11th U.S. infantry March 12, 1812; was promoted lieutenant in the 21st infantry March 7, 1814; was engaged in the battle of Chippewa July 4, 1814; and at Lundy's Lane July 25, 1814, where his gallant action won him the brevet rank of captain. He resigned July 30, 1816, and returned to his home, where he was made quartermaster-general of the state in 1817; division inspector in 1821; and an aide on the staff of Gov. Benjamin Pierce in 1827. He was married to Elizabeth Williams of Nottingham, N.H., Dec. 15, 1824. He was elected U.S. senator as a Democrat to fill the unexpired term of Levi Woodbury, resigned, taking his seat June 22, 1846, and serving until March 3, 1847, when he retired from public life. He died at Nottingham, N.H., Sept. 16, 1887.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

Jonathan Cilley, representative, was born in Nottingham, N.H., July 2, 1802; son of Greenleaf and Jennie (Nealley) Cilley; and a grandson of Joseph and Sarah (Longfellow) Cilley. He was graduated from Bowdoin in 1825, and was admitted to the bar in 1829. He was married April 2, 1829, to Deborah, daughter of Hezekiah and Isabella (Coombs) Prince. He was editor of the Thomaston Register, 1829-31, and was elected to the state legislature in 1832, serving in the same year as presidential elector. He was returned as a state representative each year until 1837, and served as speaker in 1835-36. The latter year he was elected, as a Van Buren Democrat, a representative in the 25th congress. In 1838 an attack on the moral character of a congressman was made in the columns of the New York Courier and Enquirer, edited by Gen. James Watson Webb. A speech, condemning the article, made in the house by Mr. Cilley, was resented by General Webb, who, through Representative William J. Graves of Kentucky, challenged Mr. Cilley to a duel. The latter refused to accept the challenge, claiming that no censure had been cast on General Webb's personal character. Thereupon Mr. Graves challenged Mr. Cilley through Henry A. Wise of Virginia. The challenge was accepted through Representative Jones of Iowa, Mr. Cilley choosing rifles for weapons. They met two miles from the national capitol, and in the third round Mr. Cilley was mortally wounded, dying on the field at Bladensburg, Md., Feb. 24, 1838.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor