Col. John Heyward Alley Jr. was an American politician, military officer, and sheriff who served in several wars during the 19th century. He was an officer under Winfield Scott during the Trail of Tears and also served during the Mexican American War, and the American Civil War, where he commanded the North Carolina Confederate Home Guard.
Early life John Heyward Alley Jr. was born to John Heyward Alley and Usilla Hampton in 1814. He was a member of the Alley Family and a distant descendant of William Alley.
Later life He served in the military during the Cherokee Removal and during the Mexican American War, being promoted after the Battle of Chapultepec. He served as the Confederate Home Guard commander in North Carolina, after losing a leg in the first year of the war, and was later, almost executed for treason by Kirk's Raiders until one of his men who served under him in the Mexican American War saved his life. He also held the roles of Sheriff, State Senator, and School superintendent.
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