‘Boy Colonel’ William O. Boyle honored
at recognition service in Danville

In the summer of 1864 at the age 18, he was the youngest person to reach the rank of colonel. But William Owsley Boyle had little time to relish his promotion. A few months later, he lost his life in a battle at Marion, Va.

On Dec. 18, Union Lt. Col. Boyle was honored in a ceremony at Danville’s Bellevue Cemetery. His descendants, Civil War re-enactors and a state official gave recognition to the Kentuckian who led his men out of harm’s way at the Battle of Atlanta. He was cited as continuing the Commonwealth’s distinguished tradition of proudly serving the nation’s military.

The 11th Kentucky Cavalry commander was promoted to the colonelcy position shortly after salvaging his unit in the bloody Atlanta campaign. The teenager is believed to be the youngest person for either side to reach the rank of colonel. He was killed Dec. 18, 1864 while leading his regiment in a charge at the Battle of Marion in Virginia, also known as the Battle of Covered Bridge.

The City of Danville passed a proclamation recognizing Boyle and his efforts, that reads, “Whereas, Colonel William Owsley Boyle, shall forever represent by his legacy all youth of our Nation, State and the Great City of Danville, reminds us and the ages of time, as a solemn reminder of all citizen sacrifices, blood and treasure the lives given in service to the Idealism of the Constitution.”

Boyle is the grandson of Judge John Boyle, former chief justice of the Kentucky Court of Appeals, the man for whom Boyle County is named. William Boyle’s father was Union Lt. Gen. Jeremiah Tilford Boyle.

Mackenzie Williams, a representative from the office of U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, attended the ceremony, bringing with her a letter from McConnell, expressing gratitude for Boyle’s service, calling him “The Boy Colonel.” The cemetery service was completed with a gun salute by Union re-enactors.