William B. McClellan

William Blount McClellan (1798–1881) was an American banker, military officer, and farmer who served in the American Civil War. McClellan was a Brigadier General in Alabama, commanding local militia in Talladega County, Alabama.

Life and career William McClellan was born in 1798 to Col. John McClellan (1768–1842) and Mary Wallace (1774–1857). He was an early settler of Alabama and was a founder, board member, and Director of the State Bank of Alabama in Decatur. He was a graduate of West Point in the 1810s. He commanded local militia units during the Second Creek War and during the American Civil War. McClellan also served as a Lieutenant Colonel for the 25th Alabama Infantry, seeing several battles. In his life, McClellan held several personal relationships with other local bankers and military leaders, such as Thomas McElderry, John T. Rather, and Reuben Chapman. Circa 1880 from left to right: Br. Gen. William B. McClellan, age 83; Capt. John T. Rather, age 87; Col. Thomas McElderry, age 90; Gov. Reuben Chapman, age 79; from McElderry's families photo collection

Death and legacy McClellan died in 1881, aged 83, leaving behind 14 children, and his historic home, Ildewild Plantation which is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.