Reuben May


Reuben May was a Union Army colonel from Kentucky in the American Civil War. Later he was a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly and an unsuccessful candidate for Governor of Wisconsin.

Biography

Born in Robinson Creek, Kentucky, his family moved to Vernon County, Wisconsin, in 1863 while he was serving in the Union Army in the American Civil War. He was commissioned Lieutenant Colonel of the 8th Regiment Kentucky Volunteer Infantry in 1861, and briefly commanded the regiment. In 1863 he was appointed colonel of the 7th Regiment Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, leading them through the Vicksburg campaign and mustering out of the service October 4, 1864. Much of his family, however, remained in Kentucky and supported secession. His first cousin, Andrew Jackson May, was a colonel for the Confederate Army.

Political career

May was a Republican member of the Assembly from Vernon County's 1st district in 1870 and 1872, losing election in between to represent the district in 1871. He was an unsuccessful candidate for Governor of Wisconsin twice. First, in 1879 as a member of the Greenback Party, and second, in 1890 as a member of the Union Labor Party.

Electoral history

Wisconsin Assembly (1869, 1870, 1871)

Wisconsin Governor (1879, 1890)