William A. Pile

William Anderson Pile ( born February 11, 1829 in Indianapolis, Indiana, † July 7, 1889 in Monrovia, California ) was an American general and politician. He was from 1869 to 1871 Governor of New Mexico Territory.

Early years

William Pile attended the local schools of his home. He then studied theology and became pastor of a Methodist church. During the Civil War he was first chaplain in the army of the Union. During the war he served in several units and rose to 1865 to Brevet Brigadier General.

Political career

Pile was a member of the Republican Party. Between 1867 and 1869 he was a delegate in the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, where he represented the first electoral district of the State of Missouri. After he was 1868 not appointed in this position, he was appointed in Venezuela and Brazil by President Ulysses S. Grant to the Ambassador of the United States. However, this appointment was not confirmed. Therefore, he could not take office. Instead, he was territorial governor of New Mexico. This office he held from 1869-1871. He was then 1871-1874 but still ambassador in Venezuela, until he retired from politics. William Pile died in July 1889.