Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Milton
Lorenzi
Haney
January 23, 1825

–

January 20, 1922

Cemetery:

Mountain View Cemetery

A Methodist preacher, in 1846 Milton Haney was appointed as the junior preacher of the Dixon, Illinois, Circuit. At first his work focused on southern Illinois, but he quickly expanded, preaching in churches and camp meetings throughout the Midwestern states. During the Civil War, Reverend Haney was asked to help raise a company of men in Bushnell, Illinois. He was able to enlist over a hundred men in five days, divided into two companies to form the Bushnell Light Guard. He then was elected to be a captain for one of these groups. On October 11, 1861, Captain Haney volunteered for active duty and became Company Commander for Company F, 55th Illinois. Five months later he was asked to resign from his position as commander and become the Regimental Chaplain. Chaplain Haney performed all those duties associated with a Chaplain but also was known for leading foraging expeditions, helping with the wounded, and commanding the regimental ambulances.

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Regimental Chaplain

    Division:

    55th Illinois Infantry

    Action Date:

    July 22, 1864
    Date of Issue: November 3, 1896

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Regimental Chaplain Milton Lorenzi Haney, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 22 July 1864, while serving with 55th Illinois Infantry, in action at Atlanta, Georgia. Chaplain Haney voluntarily carried a musket in the ranks of his regiment and rendered heroic service in retaking the Federal works which had been captured by the enemy.