Born in New York, Charles S. Hills was living in Emporia, Kansas when he left his job at A. G. Proctor’s store and joined Company H, 2d Kansas Infantry as a sergeant in May 1861. Hills was a member of the Emporia Union Guards recruited by William F. Cloud. Hills was promoted to first lieutenant of the company on May 23, 1861. Hills was slightly wounded on August 10, 1861, at the Battle of Wilson’s Creek. Hills mustered out with the regiment on October 31, 1861. Hills reenlisted on May 11, 1862, mustering in as captain of Company K, 10th Kansas Infantry. Hills took over command of Company D on May 25, 1863. Hills was assigned to command New Company A in the regiment and on March 1, 1865, was promoted to lieutenant colonel of the regiment. Hill received a brevet promotion to colonel on 25, 1865 and mustered out with the regiment on August 30, 1865.
Piston and Hatcher. Wilson’s Creek: The Second Battle of the Civil War and the Men Who Fought It, 61.
Kansas Adjutant General, Report of the Adjutant General of the State of Kansas, 1861-’65, 75, 112, 347, 355, 370, 372.