HILLYER, William Silliman, soldier, born in Henderson, Kentucky, 2 April, 1831; died in Washington, D. C., 12 July, 1874. He was graduated at Anderson college, Indiana, in 1847, studied law, and began practice at New Albany, Indiana, afterward attaining note at the bar. In 1855 he removed to St. Louis, where he became acquainted with Ulysses S. Grant, and recommended him for the office of county engineer of St. Louis county. In 1861 he served for some time in the National army as a private, and then removed to New York, where he practised law. Soon after General Grant was commissioned as brigadier-general he offered Mr. Hillyer a place on his staff, and he served during the Tennessee and Vicksburg campaigns. On 15 May, 1863, he resigned, owing to failing health, and returned to New York. He was brevetted brigadier-general in 1865, and after the close of the war was appointed a revenue-agent by President Grant. In 1874 he was nominated as general appraiser in the custom-house, but after much opposition his name was withdrawn. General Hillyer was the last surviving member of Grant's original staff.