Early Life and Career
Gillem was born in Gainesboro in Jackson County, Tennessee, the son of Samuel Gillem. In 1851, he graduated 11th in his class from the United States Military Academy and was assigned as a second lieutenant to the artillery. He was soon sent to the front lines in Florida to serve in a battery during the Second Seminole War until 1852. He was then reassigned to the Texas frontier following the war.
Read more about this topic: Alvan Cullem Gillem
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