Saturday, November 24, 2018

Notebook - Illinois No. 3, Part 1

December 3, 1818

Beeson, Betty. Wayne County Illinois Birth Records, 1886-1903, Geff, IL: Beeson Enterprises, 1985
  • Boswell, Gracie Marie b. 31 Dec. 1887, Wayne City, IL father Jullman N. [Pullium F.] Boswell, 28 b. IL, mother Hannah L. Robertson 29 b. KY
  • Crumbacher, girl b. 23 August 1894 Bedford Twp. father Albert Crumbacher, 28 b. IL, mother Ollie Trotter 26 b. IL
  • Crumbacher, girl, b. 9 April 1895 Bedford Twp. father Edward M.L. Crumbacher, 28 b. IL, mother Lizzie Simmons, 29 b. IL
  • Crumbacher, Elmer James White b. 1 Nov. 1889, father Albert Crumbacher 21, b. Wayne Co., IL, mother  Ollie A. Trotter 18 b. Wayne Co., IL 
  • Irwin, boy b. 6 Dec. 1886, Four Mile Twp., father Carbon [Corbin] Irwin 38, b. OH, mother Charlotte Lathrop 36 b. IL
  • Lawrence, Wilna (girl) b. 22 Jan. 1888 Long Prairie, IL, father Wm. L. Lawrence, 22 b. Wayne Co., IL, mother Athalia Robertson 18 b. Johnson Co., IL
  • Meeks, Cox b. 4 December 1886 Barnhill, father Samuel Meeks, mother (--?--) Cox 20 b. IL
  • Maulding, Ada E. b. 16 January 1887, Long Prairie, father Theodore Maulding 36 b. Hamilton Co. IL, mother Janettie I. (--?--) 28 b. VA
  • Whalen, boy b. 10 March 1887, Four Mile, father John W. Whalen 32 b. IN, mother Mary S. Maulding 29, b. IL
  • Williamson, Alonzo b. 25 January 1887 b. Jefferson Co., IL father Charles M. Williamson, 25, mother Sarah A. (--?--) 26 b. IL
  • Gloyd, Beulah Thelma b. 10 September 1898 Bedford Twp., father William H. Gloyd 24 b. IL, mother Queen V. Robertson 21 b. IL
Beeson, Betty. Wayne County Illinois Death Records 1910-1916, Geff, IL: Beeson Enterprises, 1984.
  • Spry, Bessie Audrid b. 29 June 1910, Jeffersonville, IL, d. 30 June 1910 buried Bestow, father John Spry b. Louisville, IL, mother Maggie Toliver b. Clay Co., IL
  • Maulding, Mary Jane widow, b. IL, d. 22 Jan. 1911, aged 71 y, 2 m, bur. Mt. Zion Cemetery, residence: 71 y, 2 m, father Jonett Maulding, b. IL, mother Julia Maulding, b. IL
  • Robertson, Josephine, married, b. 23 Nov. 1861 Mahoning Co., OH, d. 14 Dec. 1911, bur. Gunion or Pleasant Hill, Res: 49 1/2 years, father Samuel Black, b. Ireland, mother (--?--) Marris b. PA
  • Maulding, Blain[e] married, b. 15 May 1888 Wayne Co., d. 23 Nov. 1912, bur. Farnsworth Cemetery, Res. born & raised, father Cloyd Maulding, b. Wayne Co., IL, mother E.E. Shell b. Wayne Co., IL
  • Sweeney, William Glenn b. 31 Jan. 1913 Jeffersonville, IL, d. 30 March 1913, bur. Oak Valley, res: 60 days, father Riley D. Sweeney b. IL, mother Bula G. Robertson b. IA
  • Tubbs, Lowell, b. 10 March 1913 Jeffersonville, d. 24 March 1913, bur. Oak Valley, Res: 24 days, father William Tubbs b. IL, mother Goldie May Robertson, b. IA
  • Baldwin, Della L. divorced, b. 29 March 1890 Wayne Co., IL, d. 12 March 1913 bur. Pin Oak, Res: 22 years, father John D. Robertson b. OH, mother Theresa Herrmans b. IL
Beeson, Betty. Wayne County Illinois Marriage Notices 1880-1885, Geff, IL: Beeson Enterprises, 1990.
Wayne County Press, October 4, 1883 - Johnsonville Column. - Married, Sunday, September 30th by Rev. L.A. Harper, at the bride's father's, 2 miles from our village [Flora], Mr. L.W. Galbraith, of Lampasa, Texas, to Miss Nettie Karr.

Craddock, Barbara. Cemetery Inscriptions Richland County, Illinois, Richland County Historical & Genealogical Society, 2000

 Haven Hill - Section A
  • Wolf, John - Jan. 31, 1818-Feb. 22, 1897
  • Wolf, Mary E. Sep. 21, 1847-Feb. 10, 1924
  • Wolf, Margaret May 15, 1878, wife of John 59 y, 4 m, 15 d
  • Wolfe, Dora Nov. 5, 1851-March 6, 1939
  • Wolfe, Elizabeth Allen Feb. 7, 1845
  • Wolfe, Harry Nov. 23, 1875-May 30, 1913
  • Wolfe, Wesley J. July 29, 1838-May 25, 1906, born near Ashland, Ohio
Haven Hill - Section B
  • Lathrop, Eld. E. [Erastus] d. Jan. 16, 1879, 53 y, 5 m, 6 d, son of Russell & Cynthia (Powell) Lathrop
  • Lathrop, Elizabeth J. d. Sep. 2, 1878, wife of E. [Erastus] 49 y, 11 m, 2 d
  • Lathrop, Mattie J. d. Dec. 6, 1878, 9 y, 6 m, daughter of Erastus & Elizabeth
Haven Hill - Section M
  • Lathrop, Henry M. 1890-1948
Antioch
  • Lathrop, Bonnie, 1909-1942
Amity
  • Cotterell, Abram July 31, 1834-June 22, 1914, Sgt. Co. E 11th Missouri Vol. Inf., 2nd husband of Clarinda Lathrop
  • Cotterell, Clarinda Lathrop July 15, 1833-June 23, 1909
  • Cotterell, Omer L. 1878-1922, son of Abram & Clarinda
  • Lathrop, Albert d. Jan.13, 1823, 71 y, 11 m, 10 d
  • Lathrop, Anna Materna July 3, 1884-Dec. 18, 1954
  • Lathrop, Casper C. d. May 10, 1888- son of C. & E.
  • Lathrop, Edgar March 5, 1831-July 14, 1967, 3 y, 5 m, 20 d
  • Lathrop, Effie L. April 20, 1880 - Jan. 23, 1961
  • Lathrop, George July 26, 1854-July 6, 1887
  • Lathrop, Gilbert April 19, 1860-Sept. 7, 1924
  • Lathrop, Harriet M. Dec. 5, 1860-May 31, 1944, wife of Gilbert
  • Lathrop, Henry 1858-1940
  • Lathrop, Henry d. June 24, 1903, 86 y, 1 m, 10 d
  • Lathrop, John Edward - Dec. 1, 1917, March 27, 1944, S/Sgt. 927th Boat Co., Avn. Sp. U.S. Army Service in South Pacific
  • Lathrop, Levi 1891-1919
  • Lathrop, Luvina E. 1860-1945, wife of Henry
  • Lathrop, Mattie A. d. April 1, 1898, dau. of G. & E. , 8 m, 21 d
  • Lathrop, Oscar Nov. 19, 1882-Oct. 20, 1966
  • Lathrop, Otelia d. Feb. 7, 1898, wife of Albert 44 y, 9 m, 11 d
  • Lathrop, Rachel d. Dec. 5, 1902 78 y 27 d
  • Lathrop, Ross Oct. 20, 1889 - Sept. 9, 1903 son of H. & L.E.
  • Lathrop, Roy d. Nov. 21, 1898, son of H. & L.E. 3 y 11 m 2 d
  • Lathrop, Ruth, d. March 20, 1901, dau. of H. & L.E. 5 y, 16 d
  • Lathrop, William E. d. July 23, 1898, son of G. & R.J. 18 y, 8 m, 16 d
  • Powell, Charles J. 1861-1944
  • Powell, Chester N. Aug. 14, 1906-Oct. 24, 1924
  • Powell, Clara M. Dec. 16, 1854-Jan. 26, 1924
  • Powell, Dewitt P. 1853-1937
  • Powell, George F. d. Aug. 27, 1897- son of Charles & Mattie Powell 3 y, 26d
  • Powell, Lula G. d. Oct. 29, 1898, dau. of D.P. & M.E. 15 y, 3 d
  • Powell, Mary E. 1852-1925
  • Powell, Mattie A. 1867-1962
  • Powell, Sarah P. d. Jan. 21, 1893, wife of S.A. 67 y, 9 m
  • Powell, Sidney A. d. Oct. 26, 1896 - 77 y, 3 m, 15 d
  • Roney, Cora, d. Sept. 19, 1889 dau. of D.M. & S. 2 days
  • Roney, Samantha [Lathrop] June 23, 1845-Aug. 24, 1944
  • Roney, David M. April 18, 1838-May 10, 1920
Illinois Adjutant General. Report of the Adjutant General of the State of Illinois, Vol. II, 1861-1866, Springfield, IL
16th Illinois Infantry, Company Name & Rank - Amos Robertson, enlisted May 24, 1861, mustered in May 24, 1861, re-enlisted as a veteran - not sure if this is our Amos Sloan Robertson

Illinois Adjutant General. Report of the Adjutant General of the State of Illinois, Vol. IV, Springfield, IL, 1901.
60th Illinois Infantry, Company D

Richard Cronk of Middletown (Middleton, Wayne Co.), enlisted Nov. 20, 1861, mustered in Feb. 17, 1862, discharged April 5, 1862 - probably related to Henry Cronk who married Hannah Robertson
A.T. Maulding of Wayne Co., enlisted Nov. 20, 1861, mustered in Feb. 17, 1862, re-enlisted as veteran, probably Ambrose Trammel Maulding; Ambrose T. Maulding of Middletown, re-enlisted Feb. 18, 1864, mustered in Feb. 22, 1864, mustered out July 31, 1865.
Isaac Maulding of Wayne Co., enlisted Nov. 20, 1861, mustered in Feb. 17, 1862, re-enlisted as veteran; re-enlisted Feb. 27, 1864, mustered in Feb. 28, 1864, deserted Nov. 5, 1864
Andrew Maulding of Baltimore (Olive Branch Church area, Wayne Co.), enlisted Nov. 20, 1861, mustered in Feb. 17, 1862, mustered out March 14, 1865, this is grandpa
The Sixtieth Infantry Illinois Volunteers was organized at Camp Dubois, Anna, Illinois, Feb. 17, 1862 by Colonel Silas C. Toler.
February 22d, ordered to Cairo, Illinois. March 14, moved to Island No. 10. After the surrender, returned to Columbus and to Cairo. May 7th, moved up Tennessee River to Hamburg Landing, arriving on the 12th. Was assigned to Second Brigade, First Division, Army of the Mississippi, Colonel Charles M. Lynn, Tenth Michigan, commanding Brigade.
[Richard Cronk, discharged April 5, 1862, possibly related to death of Henry Cronk on March 5, 1862]
Was engaged in the siege of Corinth, May, 1862, and in pursuit of the enemy beyond Booneville, Miss.  Camped at Big Springs, three miles from Corinth. July 21st, ordered to Tuscumbia, Ala.; ordered to Nashville, August 28th, and arrived September 12th. Remained during the siege, all communications being cut off until November 8th. On the 7th of November, was engaged in repelling the attack of General Morgan on Edgefield. December 12th transferred to Second Brigade, Third Division, Fourth Army Corps.
January 5, 1863 had a skirmish with Wheeler's cavalry, between Nashville and Murfreesboro, repulsing them. After the battle of Murfreesboro returned to Nashville.
On the 2d of March, Colonel Toler died.
July 20th, moved Murfreesboro, Lieutenant Colonel W.B. Anderson commanding. On the 26th of August moved, via Columbia, Athens, Huntsville and Stevenson, arriving at Dallas, Tenn., Nov. 12. The Regiment was here assigned to First Brigade, Second Division, Fourteenth Army Corps, and participated in the battle of Chattanooga and the memorable march to Knoxville, Tenn. The ragged and footsore Regiment arrived again at Chattanooga, Dec. 24 and went into winter quarters at Rossville.  Feb. 22, 1864, three-fourths of the Regiment having re-enlisted as veteran volunteers, were mustered.  26th, took part in the reconnaissance toward Dalton, Ga., which resulted in the battle of Buzzard Roost. In this battle the Sixtieth lost heavily, 42 being killed and wounded.
March 6th, ordered to Illinois on veteran furlough. The men were furloughed from Centralia, Ill., March 15, 1864.
On the 18th of April, 1864, moved, via Louisville, Nashville and Chattanooga, to Rossville. On May 2d, commenced Atlanta campaign, and participated in the battles of Ringold, Dalton, Resaca, Rome, Dallas, New Hope Church, Kennesaw Mountain, Nickajack, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta and Jonesboro. The Regiment was complimented by Division and Corps commanders for its gallantry at Jonesboro, Sept. 1st.
Remained in camp at Atlanta until Sept. 29, 1864, when it moved, by rail, via Athens, Ala., to Florence. Had a skirmish with the enemy, driving him across the Tennessee, at Florence. October 10th moved to Chattanooga. October 18th, marched from Lafayette, Ga., to Galesville, Ala., and from thence to Atlanta, via Rome, Kingston, Carterville and Marietta.
[November 6, 1864 - Isaac Maulding deserted]
November 16th, marched from Atlanta, on the Augusta road, via Covington, Milledgeville, Sandersville, Louisville and thence to Savannah, Ga., arriving at the outer defences December 11, 1864. During the march foraged liberally off the country, and captured many mules and horses. Many negroes left the plantation and followed us.
December 21, 1864, marched into Savannah. Colonel W. B. Anderson having resigned, Lieutenant Colonel G.W.  Evans took command.
January 20th, broke camp at Savannah and marched via Sister's Ferry, Barnwell, Lexington, Columbia, Winnsboro, Chesterfield and Hanging Rock, South Carolina and Fayetteville, Averysboro and Bentonville, to Goldsboro, North Carolina.
[Andrew Maulding mustered out March 14, 1865]
Participated in the battle of Averysboro March 16th, and Bentonville 19th, 20th and 21st of  March. The battle of the 19th was as severe as nay in which the Regiment was engaged - at one time it being surrounded on all sides, but behaved gallantly.
Marched to Raleigh April 10th, and remained there until Johnson's surrender, when it marched to Richmond, Va., and Washington City, arriving May 19th. Participated in the grand review May 24, 1865.
June 12th, proceeded to Louisville, Ky., and there performed duty as provost guards, headquarters Fourteenth Army Corps, until July 31st, when it was mustered out of United States' service by Captain R. Papst, A.C.M. Second Division, Fourteenth Army Corps and proceeded to Camp Butler, Ill., for final payment and discharge.
61st Illinois Infantry Regiment Company K
Thomas K. Lathrop of Petty's, enlisted Dec. 29, 1863, mustered in Jan. 14, 1864, mustered out Sep. 8, 1865, grandpa Joel's brother
The 61st Infantry Illinois Volunteers was organized at Carrollton, Illinois by Colonel Jacob Fry. Three full companies were mustered February 5, 1862 . . . ended up in Little Rock.
[Thomas Lathrop mustered in Jan. 14, 1864, apparently sent to Camp Butler, near Springfield, Illinois and then sent to Arkansas in February or March, see below]
The Regiment remained in Arkansas until August 14, 1864, being stationed most of the time at Little Rock and Duvall's Bluff. It did its full share of the hard, fatiguing and generally profitless marching that the troops composing that department made during that period. It participated in the combat at Clarendon, on the White River, June 26, 1864, which resulted in raising the Blockade of that river made by the rebel general, Joe Shelby. In the early part of the year 1864, enough of the men re-enlisted as Veterans to enable the Regiment to retain its organization as a Veteran Regiment. March 20, 1864 Co. K [Thomas' company] joined the Regiment from Camp Butler, Illinois.
August 14, 1864, the Regiment started to Illinois, on veteran furlough, leaving Company K and the recruits and non-veterans in Camp at Duvall's Bluff, Arkansas. On the expiration of its veteran furlough, the regiment rendezvoused at Springfield, Illinois. It went from there to St. Louis. Owing to the pending invasion of Missouri by the rebels under General Price, the Regiment was halted at St. Louis. Companies B, D & G were detached from the Regiment and sent to Chester, Illinois, to guard the crossing of the river at that point. They remained there until October 14, when they joined the Regiment at St. Louis. The entire Regiment was then sent to Mexico on the North Missouri railroad, in the northeastern part of the State, and during the balance of that month was engaged in a series of hard marches after a gang of rebels who were operating in that part of the State, and finally chased them across the Missouri River and dispersed them. The Regiment then returned to St. Louis, and on November 6 left by steamer for Paducah, Kentucky, arriving there November 11. Left paducah November 24. Went by steamer to Nashville, Tennessee, from thence on November 28, by rail to Murfreesboro, Tennessee. December 4, was engaged in the combat of Overall's Creek, three miles from Murfreesboro.
In addition to the casualties sustained by the Regiment in this action among the rank and file, Lieutenant Elijah B. Corrington, of Company F, a most excellent officer, was instantly killed, being struck by a musket ball in the breast.
December 7, the Regiment was engaged in the battle of Wilkinson's Pike, or the "Cedars" near Murfreesboro. It signalized itself by a gallant charge over the enemy's rail and dirt breast works, capturing the colors of a Florida Regiment and a number of prisoners. Out of about 200 men engaged, the 61st lost in killed and wounded about thirty in this affair.
December 12, the Regiment, numbering then about 175, with a small squad of dismounted cavalry, and one company of the First Michigan Engineers, was sent as escort of a train of cars destined to Stephenson, Alabama, and returned with rations for the troops at Murfreesboro, the Regiment was attacked by an overwhelming force of rebels under the command of Forrest. The rebel force aggregated fully 1,500 infantry and cavalry, and was also provided with a battery of artillery. They surrounded the train and tore up the track in front and rear to prevent escape, and opened up a galling fire of musketry and artillery. The train guard, numbering all told about 225 muskets, held the train until about 8 a.m., in the hope of reinforcements reaching them from Murfreesboro, but at that hour there being no sign of help, and their cartridges nearly exhausted, they abandoned the train, and cut their way out. Lieutenant Colonel Grass, commanding the Regiment was captured, and over half the Regiment was killed, wounded and taken prisoner. Among others killed was Lieutenant Lorenzo J. Miner of Company B, a most admirable young officer.
Major J.B. Nulton, who had successfully led the left wing of the Regiment through the rebel lines, reached a block house, about one-half of a mile north of the abandoned train halted his command and upon being reinforced with a battery of artillery from Murfreesboro, marched back and recaptured the train, in time to prevent its destruction. Several regiments of the infantry, under the command of Gen. Milroy, reached the scene of action soon thereafter and the enemy was put to flight; after which the road was repaired and the train loaded with provisions, safely run into Murfreesboro.
This was the last severe action in which the Regiment was engaged. February 4, 1865 the non-veterans and recruits rejoined the Regiment from Duvall's Bluff, Arkansas.
March 21 the Regiment, under orders from Gen. Rosseau, moved to Franklin, Tennessee and Maj. J.B. Nulton assumed command of the Post and Captain Daniel S. Keeley took command of the Regiment.
In the latter part of June, the recruits of the 83rd, 98th and 123rd Illinois Infantry were transferred to the 61st, filling its rank nearly to the maximum, and Major J.B. Nulton was promoted to the rank of Colonel and Captain Daniel S. Keeley to that of Major.
While at Franklin, Tennessee, Col. Nulton, under orders from Gen. George H. Thomas, proceeded with a detachment of the 61st Illinois to Hickman county, Tennessee, where he negotiated terms and received the surrender of the noted Duvall McNairy, together with his command numbering about one hundred fifty men rank and file.
September 8, 1865, the Regiment was mustered out at Nashville, tennessee, and started home.
On September 27, 1865, at Camp Butler, near Springfield, Illinois, the boys received their final payment and discharge and "broke ranks" forever.
63rd Illinois Infantry, Co. A
Ezra Lathrop of Olney, enlisted Dec. 1, 1861, mustered in April 10, 1862, Re-enlisted as a veteran; Ezra Lathrop of Sumner enlisted Jan. 1, 1864, mustered in Feb. 10, 1864, mustered out July 13, 1865.  This is grandpa Joel's brother.
James Rooney of Olney, enlisted Dec. 1, 1861, mustered in April 10, 1862, Re-enlisted as a veteran; James Roney of Claremont, enlisted Jan. 1, 1864, mustered in Feb. 10, 1864, mustered out July 13, 1865.  James was married to Ann Lathrop, daughter of Henry & Rachel (Laws) Lathrop
The 63rd Infantry, Illinois Volunteers was organized at Camp Dubois, Anna, Ill., in the month of December 1861, by Colonel Francis Moro, and mustered into United States' service April 10, 1862.
Ordered to Cairo, April 27; to Henderson, Ky., July 12.  Returned to Cairo, 22d.  August 4, moved to Jackson, Tenn., and assigned to Fourth Brigade, First Division, Seventeenth Army Corps, Colonel John D. Stevenson, Seventh Missouri Infantry, commanding Brigade, and Brigadier General John A. Logan commanding Division.
On the 3d of September, 1862, Colonel Franklin L. Rhodes, of the Eighth Infantry, was at his own request, relieved of command of the Fourth Brigade, and Colonel Moro was assigned to the command.
September 29, Colonel Moro resigned and Lieutenant Colonel McCown took command.  November 10, moved to Lagrange. 28th moved in the advance against Pemberton, compelling his retreat to Grenada, Miss., and returned to Lagrange January 10, 1863.
January 25, assigned to Provisional Division of Brigadier General James C. Veatch.
May 10, 1863, ordered to Vicksburg, Miss., and went on picket at Young's Point till May 21, when it crossed the river at Warrenton, and completed the investment of the city on the extreme left.
May 24, ordered to report to General Logan, on right centre, and on same night was relieved by the Forty-sixth Illinois Infantry, who lost five companies captured that night 25th, reported to General Logan.
June 7, was assigned to Mower's Brigade, Seventeenth Army Corps, and moved to Milliken's Bend, to protect that place. June 16, participated in the fight and destruction of Richmond, La., and returned to Young's Point, where it remained until after the surrender, and went on post duty at Vicksburg, July 5, 1863.
July 16, 1863, assigned to First Brigade, Seventh Division, Seventeenth Army Corps, Colonel Jesse J. Alexander, Fifty-ninth Indiana, commanding Brigade, and Brigadier General John E. Smith commanding Division.
September 12, moved to Helena, Ark. 28th, moved to Memphis.  October 6, moved toward Chattanooga. October 7, Division assigned as Third Division, Fifteenth Army Corps. November 16, arrived at Bridgeport, Ala.  Arrived at Chattanooga, November 20.
Participated in the battle of Mission Ridge, 23d and 24th November 1863.
After pursuing the enemy to Ringgold, Ga., returned to Bridgeport, Ala., December 3.  December 21, ordered to Huntsville, where it arrived 26th, and went into winter quarters.
January 1, 1864, 272 men re-enlisted as veterans.
April 3, ordered to Illinois on veteran furlough. Arrived at Centralia 10th.  Left Centralia, the furloughs having expired, May 13th and reported at Huntsville, 21st.
May 23, ordered to Triana, on Tennessee River, and June 15, rejoined the command, at Huntsville. 22d. moved to Kingston, via Chattanooga. The Regiment was assigned to railroad guard duty till November 11, when the command was ordered to join General Sherman.
November 15, 1864, left Atlanta, and December 10, arrived at the defenses of Savannah, participating in the attack on Ogeechee canal.  12th, moved to Miller's Station, on the Gulf railroad, and kept up strong picket line on the approaches until December 12, when the city was surrendered.
The Sixty-third was assigned to guard duty at Forts Wimberly, Beanlieu, Bonaventure and Rose Dew.
January 19, 1865, started on trip through the Carolinas. The Brigade was forced to return to Savannah, from Sister's Ferry, on account of high water, and proceeded by water to Beaufort, rejoining the Corps at Pocotaligo, South Carolina, January 30. Participated in the battles and skirmishes of this famous campaign. Lost 1 officer and 25 men, by the explosion of arsenal at Columbia, S.C.  Lost 5 men at Little Lynch's creek. Lost Lieutenant Colonel Isaminger, commanding Division Pioneer Corps, who was captured not over 300 yards from the head of the column and several men captured at different times by the enemy's cavalry. Participated in the battle of Bentonville, N.C. March 21, and entered Goldsboro March 24, 1865.
The Regiment was complimented by the Inspector General of the Army of Tennessee, for the appearance of the camp and soldierly bearing of the men. The non-veterans of the Regiment were mustered out April 9.  10th, moved to Raleigh, arriving 16th. April 25, the Third Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, was discontinued, and the Regiment transferred to Second Brigade, Fourth Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, Brigadier General William H. Clark commanding Brigade, and Brevet Major General Corse, the Division.
Marched from Raleigh, April 29, and arrived at Richmond May 10. Left Richmond 13th and arrived at Alexandria 20th. Participated in the grand review at Washington, May 24, and camped 3 miles north of the city. June 3, moved, via Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, to Parkersburg, on the Ohio River, and thence to Louisville, Ky., arriving June, and camping at Woodlawn Race Course. July 13, 1865, mustered out of the United States' service, and left for Camp Butler, Ill., where the Regiment arrived July 16, 1865.
Original aggregate 988 men
Present when re-enlisted 322 men
Veterans of eight companies (two companies being ineligible) 272 men
Arrived at Camp Butler, July 16, 272 men
Distance traveled by rail, 2208 miles
Distance traveled by water 1995 miles
Distance marched 2250 miles
Total 6453 miles
Illinois Adjutant General. Report of the Adjutant General of the State of Illinois, Vol. VII, Springfield, IL, 1900.

Illinois 2nd Cavalry, Company C

James H. Robertson mustered out Nov. 22, 1865, grandpa
The Second Illinois Cavalry was organized and mustered into the service at Camp Butler, Ill., August 12, 1861, and with Company M which joined the Regiment some months later; numbered 47 commissioned officers and 1,040 enlisted men, this number was increased during its four and a half years term of service to 2,236 enlisted men, and 145 officers, 12 of whom were not mustered. Ninety-six different persons held commissions and were mustered upon them, of them six were killed in battle, two died of wounds and three of disease, while in the service, making a total of eleven.
The Regiment left Camp Butler August 20, 1861, and camped for brief periods in Carbondale, DuQuoin and Fort Massock [Massac] on the Ohio River. Arrived at the latter place September 24. From this point 6 companies went to Cairo on October 3, 1861.  Oct. 14th, five of these companies were attached to the Second Brigade which was commanded by Colonel Oglesby. October 15th Company C was sent to Caledonia, where they spent the winter, in December the companies at Cairo crossed to Bird's Point and did considerable scouting after Jeff Thompson's command. On December 11, 1861, captured 6 of his men and had their first man killed by a rebel bullet. (Josiah Clark of Company B). Nov. 11, four companies of the Regiment moved from Fort Massock to Paducah, Ky.
January 14th this portion of the Regiment except Company K, started on an expedition under General C.F. Smith, toward Fort Henry, approached to within 15 miles of it and then returned to Paducah after an absence of 11 days.  March 2, 1862, Lieutenant Colonel Hogg started from Paducah to Columbus, learning that the place was being evacuated he told the boys that he proposed to march direct to Columbus, and that they might meet some rebels.  "If we do" said the Colonel "don't use your pistols, but give them the cold steel.  The sabre is the weapon for cavalry to rely upon."  About sundown, March 3d they dashed into town with drawn sabers and ran up the stars and stripes amid cheers for the union and their gallant Colonel.  Jeff Thompson was in the neighborhood with quite a force of rebel cavalry.  No attack. The next morning a fleet of gunboats and transports bearing General Sherman and three Regiments of infantry, steamed cautiously down the river not knowing the place was in possession of the "Yanks" until they saw the stars and stripes floating to the breeze.
Companies A and B, were with General Grant in Tennessee and participated in the engagements at Forts Henry and Donelson, and also at Shiloh. At Donelson Major Mudd was severely wounded also one other officer and three privates and one missing.
From February 28th to March 14th two companies took part in operations against New Madrid. March 31, 1862, four companies took part in movements against Island No. 10, and two companies under Lieutenant Colonel Hogg accompanied an expedition against Colonel Edward Picketts brigade, which was camped near Union City, Tenn.  They routed the enemy, captured 14 prisoners and considerable stores and destroyed all their camp equipage. May 13, 1862, one squadron of the Regiment was attached to General Thomas' command in front of Corinth. May 19th to 23d, 1862. Colonel Hogg with 4 companies took part in an expedition under General Quinby, against Fort Pillow. After the evacuation of Corinth the Regiment took part in opening the Ohio and Mobile Railroad through Tennessee, although they were with different commands.
The companies that were at Paducah moved to Columbus, Ky., the forepart of June and to Union City, Tenn., about June 10th and thence to Trenton, where they arrived at Jackson, Tenn., and went into camp for a short time. On August 16th Lieutenant Terry with 36 men of Company C, pursued Captain Binford (who had a much larger force) for 30 miles, overtook and charged them as they lay behind logs at Merriweather's Ferry on the Obion River. Lieutenant Terry and Goodheart, also Private Stone were killed and six wounded, the engagement lasted half an hour, the enemy lost 42 killed and nearly all their equipments. On August 30th seven of the companies from Jackson arrived at Bolivar, Tenn., about 9 o'clock a.m. and as soon as possible Lieutenant Colonel Hogg with about 130 men and was ordered to report to Colonel Leggett about 6 miles south of Bolivar, where with a small force of infantry they met the advance of General Armstrong's command which was 6,000 or more cavalry. After a sharp skirmish the Second Missouri commanded by Colonel McCulloch was preparing to charge Colonel Hogg's small force. Colonel Leggett said to Colonel Hogg, "If you have any doubt about holding your position you had better face back and not receive their charge."  He promptly replied "Colonel Leggett for God's sake don't order me back." I replied "meet them with a charge, Colonel, and may heaven bless you."  He immediately ordered his men to draw their sabers and after giving the command "forward" he exclaimed "give them cold steel boys" and darting ahead of his men he fell pierced by nine bullets. First Lieutenant N.T. Shannon was also killed and Second Lieutenant L.H. List, mortally wounded, Wm. Ross, Chester Eascarton and Martin W. Watson were killed, all of Company F. 18 were wounded, most of whom belonged to the Second Illinois cavalry. The enemy's loss was heavy, but we could not ascertain the number. September 20th and 21st, Colonel Noble and Major Mudd with 350 men of the Second Regiment took the advance of a reconnaissance in force in from Bolivar to Lagrange, Tenn. Was out two days, found the enemy in force, had some skirmishing but no casualties on our side. Having obtained the desired information concerning the enemy's force and position, returned to Bolivar. Sept. 28th to Oct. 5th, Company D, and a platoon from Company L took part in a scout after a force of rebel cavalry supposed to be in the rear of Fort Randolph but failed to find them, but captured Captains Cloud and Hill, also two privates while out. Oct. 17, 1862, Colonel Faulkner with 300 men attacked the camp at Island No. 10, but were repulsed and Capt. F.F. Moore of Company L with 40 men followed them 20 miles, overtook and fought them for an hour, when finding himself outnumbered he fell back to camp, the rebels not daring to follow. He captured Colonel Faulkner and Captains Merriweather and Blakemore, Lieutenant Johnson and 11 privates, the enemy's loss was heavy in killed and wounded, Captain Moore lost 3 men killed.  Oct. 21, 1862, Major Mudd with a portion of the Regiment ran into Haywoods partisan Rangers 7 miles west of Brownsville, Tenn. Killed on captain, captured 40 prisoners, 60 horses and mules and a wagon load of arms. Nov. 8, 1862, Companies H and  K of the Second Illinois Cavalry and one company of the 7th Kansas under command of Colonel Lee attacked the First Mississippi and First Tennessee Regiments as they were moving in column of fours. Came up on a ridge to their left which ran parallel with the road, took them completely by surprise, they became panic stricken and their officers could not succeed in rallying them, the enemy's loss was 20 killed and 130 captured. Our loss was 3 men slightly wounded.
The following is a copy of Major Mudd's official report of the fight at Holly Springs, Mississippi:
Headquarters Second Illinois Cavalry, Holly Springs, Miss., Dec. 27, 1862.
Sir: I have the honor to report the following brief summary of the part performed by the Second Illinois Cavalry in the unfortunate affair of the 20th instant. We (six companies, C, F, G, H, I and K) were encamped on the fair ground under Lieutenant Colonel McNiel. I was under orders to proceed that day to Oxford by rail, and was not apprised of any attack being apprehended, until about the time the infantry camp near the depot was captured.  colonel McNiel was at the time rallying the men on the east side of camp and advanced boldly to meet their first attack, but being pressed by overwhelming numbers he was compelled to fall back, and while doing so was unfortunately surrounded and taken prisoner. Not having time to form our men regularly the defense was a series of conflicts, covering each side of our camp, without being aware of the loss of Colonel McNiel. Major Bush rallied a force on the south side. Captain Marsh on the north and myself on the west, each with such aid as could be assembled, and pressed the enemy whose lines now entirely encircled our camp. This fight was now terrible, the enemy gradually giving ground where pressed the hardest, but our detachments in following them up became separated from each other. About this time the enemy broke into our camp from the east, capturing our stragglers and convalescents, and pressing near the rear of each point of defense our only hope of safety now lay in a saber charge which appeared to be simultaneously executed on the different parts of our line.  Captain Marsh handsomely broke through on the north and passed westwardly, leaving Captain Jones, whose horse was shot under him, and Lieutenant Garrett, wounded and both were taken prisoners.  With the small force around me I broke the rebel line on the west and with the loss of several of my best men made my way out chasing a large number of rebels and in turn being followed by a heavy detachment of the enemy.
On the west side of town I was joined by Captain Marsh now carrying three wounds notwithstanding which he continued with me on duty nearly all day, his wounds were severe but not dangerous.
Captains's Jones and Higgins ably seconded by Lieutenant Colonel McNiel on the northeast and passed out with Captain Marsh on the west. The former as before stated was taken prisoner,  and the latter passing around to the south to the aid of Major Bush who forced the rebel lines on the southeast, and with the aid of many of our officers and men passed through town and back, fighting at every corner, and re-capturing our camp and releasing many of our men who were prisoners; thence to Coldwater, where I subsequently joined him, and aided Colonel O'Meara in preparations for defending his position, then threatened.
Major Bush's report (inclosed) will do justice to other officers who were not under my personal observation. I would be doing violence to justice were I to omit to mention Lieutenant Stickel commanding Company F, as peculiarly worthy of commendation, as were also Lieutenants Weakley and Venard. Lieutenants Hall, Naylor, Moore, Holt and Captain Whitaker, I am told acquitted themselves with honor.  On Sunday morning under orders of Colonel O'Meara I came here under a flag of truce, and finding the place deserted and being joined by Lieutenant Stickel with a few men. I took possession of the place and held it until the arrival of Colonel Marsh at 10 o'clock.
I have to report the loss of 8 men killed (including one since dead) and 39 wounded, a few are yet missing some of whom may be wounded. Somewhere about 70 of my men went to Memphis and are yet there. The paroled prisoners reported to Major Fullerton who left with them in my absence and I am without a list and cannot report the number, but it is about 100. This loss is heavy, but the odds were great and any but the most resolute men would have surrendered without attempting to fight or escape.
Our regimental books were saved, but the papers as well as most of the company books and papers were destroyed. Our camp and garrison equipage together with baggage and clothing were all destroyed except a few tents and our men were suffering for want of tents, blankets, clothing and rubber blankets.  We took 12 prisoners, one of whom was a major, we took 12 others whom we were compelled to release, not being able to take care of them. (The remainder of report is omitted.)  All of which is respectfully submitted by your obedient servant.
John J. Mudd, Major Commanding Second Illinois Cavalry
Assistant Adjutant General.
Colonel R.C. Murphy, who was in command of the post, in his official report said concerning the cavalry, that they behaved badly, and that after receiving two volleys from the enemy they cleared out.
General Grant, however, in Special Field Order No. 33, issued Dec. 23, 1862, after censuring Colonel Murphy and a portion of the garrison says, "It is gratifying to notice in contrast with this conduct of a portion of the command, conspicuous among whom was the Second Illinois Cavalry, which gallantly and successfully resisted being taken prisoners. Their loss was heavy, but the enemy's was much greater. Such conduct as theirs will always insure success, etc."
Headquarters Department of the Tennessee
Holly Springs, Miss., Jan. 8, 1863
General Orders, No. 4
Colonel R.C. Murphy was dismissed from the service, to take effect from the 20th day of December 1862, the day of his cowardly and disgraceful conduct.
By order of Major General U.S. Grant.

John A. Rawlins, Assistant Adjutant General

On the 24th of Dec. 1862, Majors Mudd and Bush with about 130 men from companies C,F, G, H and K, joined a force under Colonel Deitzler which was trying to intercept VanDorn's force at Ripley; when within about 12 miles of Ripley, left the rest of the force and pushed on toward the town. When about 7 miles from Ripley, captured 5 rebels, gained considerable information from them concerning the movements of Van Dorn's force and from a negro learned the rear guard had passed through town, dashed into town and drove some stragglers into their camp about a mile from town; we then turned back and met Colonel Mizner and was ordered by him to join in the pursuit and when this was abandoned, returned to Holly Springs. Moved to Memphis the forepart of January and on the 17th of February broke up Major Blythe's camp a few miles from that city, capturing 12 of his command also arms and camp equipage.
On one occasion a lieutenant with parts of three companies was sent out to burn a bridge on Wolf river, Sargent Rider with five men being in advance met a rebel lieutenant with the same number of men and captured the whole party.
Feb. 19th embarked on a steam Empress destined for Young's Point, La., were stopped at Greenville and Companies F, I and K, of the Second and about 15 men of the Sixth Missouri, under Colonel Wright were started out with a force of infantry and artillery under command of General Burbridge after a rebel force of cavalry and artillery that was often firing on boats passing that point, the cavalry pushed ahead and about 12 miles out, came in sight of their main force, most of their cavalry with their caissons run at once, Company F gave chase and captured the caissons and quite a number of prisoners, but while bringing them back met the artillery which opened on them, the rebel cavalry also rallied and attacked them from the other side forcing them to abandon their caissons and prisoners. Major Mudd urged Colonel Wright to allow him to capture the artillery which had been deserted by the cavalry, but he refused to permit him to do so.
The rebel loss was six killed, several wounded and 9 prisoners, also all their wagons, ambulances, tents and baggage.
Arrived at Young's Point March 1st, while there a lieutenant and 5 men went 40 miles into the enemy's country by boat and captured 2 lieutenant colonels, 1 sergeant-major and 2 privates, wounded one of them.
From March 30th until the investment of Vicksburg May 17th the Regiment in company with a part of the Third Illinois and Sixth Missouri Cavalry was in advance and had almost daily skirmishes with the rebels; opened the Champion Hill battle, but after the engagement became general were held in reserve until the rebels began their retreat, at that time and the next day captured several hundred prisoners.  On May 5, 1862, near Jackson, Miss., Lieutenant Stickel with 20 men charged a force of 80 rebels, killing and wounding 12 and capturing about 30 prisoners and drove them five miles; the lieutenant was complimented by General Osterhaus.  During the siege of Vicksburg was stationed on Black River and had frequent skirmishes with General Johnson's scouts; in one of these Colonel Mudd was shot at close range, in the face and neck, and dangerously wounded. The next day after the capture of Vicksburg, the Second and parts of the Third Illinois and Sixth Missouri took the advance toward Jackson, skirmishing all the way, and after the capture of that place, went south to Brookhaven, destroying the railroad and much of the rolling stock (4 engines and about 50 cars) also large quantities of sugar and other supplies.  Captured 1 major, 1 captain, 1 lieutenant and about 30 privates without losing a man; returned to Vicksburg July 24th.
August 16th, embarked for New Orleans and upon arriving there went into camp at Carrollton, just above the city, took part in the general review held there Aug. 22, 1863. Started the fore part of October for Berwick Bay, went from there to Iberville, Salt Island, Vermillion Bay and New Iberia.  From the time of leaving New Orleans until about the 10th December was skirmishing almost daily and captured nearly 300 prisoners.
November 7th, Captain Kelly with a squadron charged into Vermillionville, killing and capturing several of the enemy.
Companies F, H and K, being the advance of a force sent out from New Iberia to Camp Pratt, came upon a force of Texas Rangers that outnumbered them considerably and after firing one volley charged them, and chased them several miles killing 2 and wounding 4, capturing 1 captain and 75 men, making their total loss 82 men; all without losing a man.
On another occasion a lieutenant and 16 men were left to guard a bridge.  They had only been there a short time when a like number of the enemy appeared; the boys charged them at once, capturing all but two of them.
While camped at New Iberia, 150 from these six companies re-enlisted about the middle of January 1864; returned to New Orleans; during the fore part of February the veterans went home on 30 days furlough. Colonel Mudd and Lieutenant-Colonel  Bash accompanying them. The non-veterans portion of the Regiment started fro Shreveport, Feb. 29, 1864, accompanied by a large force of cavalry, infantry and artillery, after 22 days march, arrived at Alexandria March 20, 1864. Twenty-five gunboats and a large force of infantry and artillery was already there; March 30th the advance guard had some sharp skirmishing and killed 2 rebels and wounded several, the next day near Natchitoches killed 2 and wounded 3 or 4, also captured Captain Faulkner and one of his lieutenants; the captain was quite a noted officer. In a skirmish later in the day Lieutenant Irwin of Company I, and Private Trowncell of Co. K were wounded; from then until April 8th, had heavy skirmishing and fighting daily.  On that date General Bank's army met the enemy under Generals Taylor, Price and Muttal, their force being concentrated and in a good position at Sabine Cross roads, about 3 miles from Mansfield. Bank's force was scattered for 30 miles or more, and consequently were defeated with heavy loss, the Second losing 42 killed and wounded and 10 missing, most of whom proved to be wounded and captured, out of about 150 men engaged and also had 82 horses killed and wounded.  Major Marsh seemed to lead a charmed life, his voice was always heard in the thickest of the fight. At Bayou DeGlaze a shell burst over his head sending a fragment through his horse a few inches from the saddle. Adjutant Moore also distinguished himself by his soldierly bearing; he had his third horse killed June 1st in a charge at the Atchafalaya.
Soon after the return of the veterans, Colonel Mudd was appointed chief of Cavalry, on general McClernand's staff and started up Red River to join the general at Alexandria.  May 3d the steamer was captured and Colonel Mudd and two other colonels were killed.
While at Baton Rouge, three columns under direction of General Lee, moved by different routes on Liberty some 50 miles east of Baton Rouge. Colonel Marsh with the Second started on the evening of Nov. 15, 1864, swam the Amite River, and arrived in vicinity of Liberty next evening.  Lieutenant Stickel with 29 picked men had the advance with instructions to disperse all pickets and bands of the enemy. The instructions were carried out to the letter, and the place was taken completely by surprise.  On nearing the town, the advance captured a prisoner who mistook them for confederates and stated that General Hodges with most of the troops had gone to meet the Regiment, leaving his adjutant-general with some detachments in town; the advance followed at some distance by the Regiment, moved into town singing Dixie and answering the questions of soldiers met on the street in such a way as to entirely deceive them; halted in front of the hotel and called for the adjutant-general who came out and with other members of the staff were taken in. About 100 prisoners were captured that night and as many more the next day. Major Jones made a raid in the country and captured a cannon. General Lee and the other columns came up the next day when the rebels made a determined attack, but were repulsed with loss.  (See General Order.)  Soon after the raid to Liberty, the Regiment joined General Davidson's expedition towards Mobile. Crossed Pearl River at Columbia, and with some other cavalry went to Paseagoula.
The object of the expedition was accomplished, which was to prevent a rebel force from leaving Mobile to attack Sherman's flank on his march to the sea. About the first of January, 1865, the Regiment took a steamer for New Orleans and went into camp at Carrollton, March 11th; again passed through the mouth of the Mississippi and the next evening arrived at Pensacola, Florida, and went into camp at the old Ford Baraucas, just across the bay from Fort Pickens. March 20th started towards Fort Blakely, captured a train of cars with rebel paymaster on board, and on April 1st drove the enemy inside the works at Fort Blakely.  Captured a battle flag and held the position until the infantry invested the place.  After the fall of the fort April 9th, started through Alabama in pursuit of Jeff Davis. April 11th near Mount Pleasant encountered the enemy and had a running fight with them. Killed 2, wounded 10 and captured 70 prisoners. Captain Kelly of Company I captured the regimental colors of the 15th regular confederate cavalry; the federal loss was 2 killed, and 6 or 8 wounded. The First Louisiana Cavalry was in the advance and took part in this engagement on May 3d; when about 2 miles from Willow Springs General Pillow entered the road near Sergeant Burnell and inquired for the commanding officer, he was taken to Colonel Marsh and tendered his sword to him, but the Colonel refused to accept it.  June 4th go into camp 4 miles from Vicksburg on the 14th go to Vicksburg and the next day embark for the mouth of Red River; June 16th start up Red River with a fleet of 22 steamboats, arrived at Shreveport June 21, 1865, and on Sunday June 25th the Regiment was consolidated, forming six companies, A, B, C, D, E and F.  On July 9th started on the march to San Antonio, Texas, arrived there August 2, 1865, and on Oct. 31st received orders for muster out of service Nov. 15th, grand review by Major General Merrett and General Gibbs and turned over ordinance stores to Post Quarter Master and ordinance officers.  Nov. 19th Major-General Merritt in special order No. 99, complimented the officers and men very highly, said that they had performed actions which reflected great glory on themselves and their state and that the conduct of the officers and men had been of the most exemplary character, with scarcely a single exception.
Was mustered out of the service Nov. 24th by Lieutenant Stickel.
November 27th started for home via New Orleans, Vicksburg and Cairo; December 20th took the train at Cairo for Springfield, where they arrived Dec. 28th at 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 3, 1866, received their pay and final discharge from the service. The men are filled with a strange mixture of joy and sadness; were joyful on account of their release from the hardships, privations and dangers incident to the life of a soldier and also at the prospect of meeting the loved ones at home.
And sad on account of the severing of ties of friendship made doubly strong by those very hardships, privations and dangers which had been borne together by these men.  This sketch revised by, Wm. M. Baldwin, Pana, Ill., Secretary Second Illinois Cavalry Reunion Association.
2nd Illinois Cavalry, Consolidated Company C
James H. Robertson mustered out Nov. 22, 1865
Illinois Adjutant General. Report of the Adjutant General of the State of Illinois, Vol. VIII, Springfield, IL, 1901.

Illinois 16th Cavalry, Company K

Corban W. Irving of Sumner, enlisted June 2, 1863, mustered in June 8, 1863, mustered out Aug. 19, 1865.  [This is Corbin Irwin, husband of Charlotte Lathrop, sister of Joel Lathrop.]
The 16th Cavalry was composed principally of Chicago men. Thielean's and Schambeck's Cavalry companies raised at the outset of the war, formed the nucleus of the Regiment. The former company served as Gen. Sherman's body guard for some time. Captain Thielean was made a Major and authorized to raise a Battalion. Theieleman and Schambeck's companies were thenceforth known as Thieleman's Battalion.
In September, 1862, the War Department authorized the extension of the Battalion to a Regiment and on the 11th of June 1863, the Regimental organization was completed .  In October 1863, the Sixteenth Cavalry was ordered to Knoxville, Tenn., and a portion of it participated in the memorable defense of that place in November and December.  A detachment under Col. Thieleman constituted the garrison at Cumberland Gap, and one battalion under Maj. Beers, was sent up Powell's Valley in the direction of Jonesville, Va.  On the 3d of January 1864, this Battalion was attacked by three Brigades of Longstreet's command, and after maintaining its ground for ten hours, against five times its own number and losing heavily in killed and wounded, its ammunition having become exhausted, it was compelled to surrender.  The loss of the Regiment upon this occasion was 356 men and 56 officers.  Long afterward the Rebels exchanged less than one-third of these prisoners, sent them back in the most wretched condition from the horrors of the prison pen at Andersonville.  The others were victims of the frightful tortures to which they were there subjected, and now lie buried in the National Cemetery at that place.
After the conclusion of the East Tennessee campaign, the Regiment was, in February 1864, ordered to report at Camp Nelson, at Mt. Sterling, Ky., where it was remounted, and in the latter part of April it let that place for Georgia. It then constituted a part of the Cavalry Corps under Gen. Stoneman.
It arrived at Red Clay, Ga., May 10 and on the 12th was engaged in the battle of Vornell Station, where it lost one officer, Lieutenant Kerfurth, wounded and captured and twelve men.  It was there on duty almost every day, from that time until after the fall of Atlanta - a period of nearly four months, during which it participated in the battles of Rocky Face Ridge, Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, Kingston, Cassville, Carterville, Allatoona, Kenesaw, Lost Mountain, Mines Ridge, Powder Springs, Chattahoochie, and various engagements in front of Atlanta and Jonesboro.  Returning to Decatur, Ga., it remained there until September 14, and was then ordered to Nicholasville, Ky., to again remount.  On the 22d of Octoboer it left that place for Nashville, and was ordered thence to Pulaski, thence to Fayetteville and back, and then, after a few days to Waynesboro, near the Tennessee River.  It had been there but three days when Hood crossed the river at Florence and below, and the Brigade in which the Sixteenth was then serving was ordered to fall back. On this retreat it kept up a running fight with the enemy for three days and nights, until it reached Columbia.  While the main army remained here the Sixteenth was sent up Duck River to defend some fords at which it was supposed the enemy would attempt to cross.  The expectation was realized and in the six hours' engagement which followed the Regiment held its position triumphantly against a vastly superior force of the rebels until dusk, when it learned that a large body of the enemy had crossed the Duck River and got completely in its rear. The only support the Regiment then had was part of a company from the Eighth Michigan, and one company from the Eighth Iowa. The enemy had two Brigades in the line of battle across the pike, and directly in the rear.
The night was dark, and our boys approached quietly until within one hundred yards of the enemy, when the charge was sounded, and the lines of the enemy were broken.
The Sixteenth next participated in the battle of Franklin, and in various skirmishes between there and Nashville.
It was engaged in the two days' battle at the latter place, and in the pursuit of the enemy to the Tennessee River. It then returned to Pulaski and there went into camp, but most of the Regiment was kept on scouting duty from that time until March, 1865.  It then moved to Springfield, and in May returned to Pulaski, whence most of it was sent to Holton, Courtland and Decatur, Alabama.
On the 18th of June, it returned to Pulaski, and on the 2d of July it was ordered to Franklin, where it remained, scouring the country in all directions, until ordered to Nashville for muster out. It arrived in Chicago on the 23d of August, 1865, for final payment and discharge.
During its term of service the Sixteenth marched about 5,000 miles and engaged in thirty-one general battles and numerous skirmishes. At its muster out the only members left of the original Field and Staff officers were Colonel Smith, Captain Ford and Lieutenant Finger.  The original force of the Regiment was 1,200 men. It received 100 recruits, and at its discharge could muster only 285 men, showing a casualty list of nearly one thousand.
In January, 1865, Captain Hiram S. Hanchett, of this Regiment, was captured at Mount Pleasant, Tennessee, and taken to the rebel prison at Cahaba, Alabama.  There he organized the sixty men he found in prison, systematized a plan of escape, and this band of braves overpowered the guard, broke out and marched for two days, fighting all the while, hoping to reach the river and capture a steamboat on which they might escape.  After that struggle, however, they were overpowered and then taken back. A  number of the fugitives were killed, but for Captain Hanchett a worse fate was reserved. He was enclosed in a wooden box eight feet square with one aperture through which his food was passed.
Here he remained until the rebels heard General Wilson was coming, and deemed it was best to shift their quarters.
Poor Hanchett was , by over a month of this confinement, reduced to too feeble a state to move, and they blew out his brains when they left.
Richland County, Ill., Board Minutes, Vol. A, 1841-1852, Olney, IL: Richland County Genealogical & Historical Society, nd

1842 - Ordered that Samuel R. Lowry, John Musgrove, Joseph Bunch, THomas Utterback, ? Phillips, George Gillaspie, William Elliott, Edwin R. Baldwin, Thomas J. Decker, Jeremiah R. Lewis, Lemuel Truit, James Cheek, James Coghill, Derrett Fitzgerald, John Bullard, Daniel David, Isaac Smalley, Seely Bunn, Robert J. Spencer, Geo. Mason, William Oftner, Andrew Wood and Ebenezer Walker be selected for Grand Jury to serve at the next term of the Circuit Court.

1847 - December - County Commissioners Court - Judges & Clerks:

  • A. Cornwell, clerk $1.00
  • Henry Lathrop, clerk $1.00

1848 - June - County Commissioners Court - Ordered that the following judges and clerks of election held on the 1st Monday in March 1848 for the adoption or rejection of the constitution be allowed the several sums annexed to their name, to wit:
Henry Lathrop, clerk, $1.00
1848 - September Term - Ordered that the following judges and clerks of the September election be allowed for their services the several sums annexed to their names to wit:
Henry Lathrop, clerk, $1.00
1849 - December Term - Ordered that the judges and clerks of Troy Precinct be and they are hereby allowed two dollars each for their services rendered at the last November election viz: Henry Lathrop, clerk
1850 - March Term - Richland and viz: Henry Lathrop
1850 - December Term - ordered that the judges and clerks of Troy Precinct be and they are hereby allowed the amount opposite their respective names viz. for services rendered the last election.  Henry Lathrop, clerk, $1.00
Richland County Marriages, Brides Book, Richland County Genealogical & Historical Society, nd

 Bride, Groom, Date, License #, Book-Page, Grooms' Parents, Bride's Parents
  • Bartley, Melissa & John E. Wilson, 3/19/1861, I, 2-27, no parents listed
  • Brooks, Amine M. & Alexander Rogers, 7/29/1858, 0, 1, no parents listed
  • Brooks, Effie & Timothy Skaggs, 10/15/1904, 128, 3, Albert & Mary (Gardener) Skaggs; B.F. & Sarah (Nettleton) Brooks
  • Brooks, Eliza E. & George White, 12/1/1857, 0, no book or parents listed
  • Brooks, Grace & Ebb Bird, 10/2/1905, 137, 3-162, William B. & Mary E. (Gudgel) Bird; Sylas & Sue (Goodwin) Brooks
  • Brooks, Hattie E. & Arthur Van Blaracum, 2/1/1911, 3-242, Joseph & Lizzie (Kingan) Van Blaracum; James & Mary (Newberry) Brooks
  • Brooks, Lucy J. & William D. Cutright 4/2/1893, 46, 3-204, Samuel & (--?--) (Murray) Cutright; William & (--?--) (Murray) Brooks
  • Brooks, Margaret A. & Jonathan Williams, 8/18/1859, 0, 2, no parents listed
  • Brooks, Margaret R. & Joel Hudson 12/14/1855, 0, 1, no parents listed
  • Brooks, Martha A. & Noah E. Schonert, 7/1/1900, 90, 3-88, Andrew & Nancy (Madden) Schonert; William & Eliza (Murray) Brooks
  • Brooks, Mary & Nathaniel Behymer, 2/18/1866, 49, 2, no parents listed
  • Brooks, Mary & John Henby, 7/4/1905, 93, 3-159, James & Margaret (Boatman) Henby; William & Liza E. (Murray) Brooks
  • Brooks, Mary Ann & Jacob Bass, 1/3/1884, 2, 3-90, Frederick Bass; Lenard & Mary Ann (West) Brooks
  • Brooks, Rosa E. & John H. Riggs, 10/4/1894, 124, 4, Samuel & Hannah (Wheeler) Riggs; William R. & E.F. (Murray) Brooks
  • Brooks, Rosanna & James Brothers, 4/15/1869, 604, 2-82, no parents listed
  • Brooks, Sarah E. & John C. Truitt 8/13/1862, 0, 2-34, no parents listed
  • Brooks, Mrs. Sarah & John Rawlings, 10/3/1908, 138, 3, no parents listed
  • Brooks, Sophia & George McWilliams 11/15/1867, 369, 2, no parents listed
  • Brooks, Mrs. Susan & Thomas Wisemore, 10/8/1850, 0, 1, no parents listed
  • Brooks, Mrs. Susan & John Woods Jr. 2/28/1889. 20, 3-150, John & Margaret (Halfaker) Woods; Joseph & Eliza (Travice) Goodwin
  • Bryan, Inez E. & Charles C. Quick, 12/26/1880, 222, 2-186, J.C. & Mary (Sheaff) Quick; Joseph & Clarinda (Lathrop) Bryan 
  • Cornwell, Pearl E. & Martin L. Winter, 5/11/1900, 68, 3-87, John & Nettie (Rubler) Winter; George & Susan (Colman) Cornwell
  • Fitzgerald, Annie & George F. Johnson, 10/30/1887, 129, 3, Zachariah & Manervy (Perce) Johnson; Steward & Martha (Edwards) Fitzgerald
  • Fitzgerald, Eliza Ann & Joseph H. Bullard, 1/12/1852, 0, 1 no parents listed
  • Fitzgerald, Ida & John M. McCollister, 11/23/1888, 118, 3-147, John & Maria J. (Crysel) McCollister; John & Maga (Cumbaugh) Fitzgerald
  • Fitzgerald, Maude M. & George F. Eck, 10/14/1894, 130, 4, George & Mary (Hunt) Eck; John & Margaret (Crumbaugh) Fitzgerald
  • Fitzgerles, N.D. Jane & James F. Bowen, 10/22/1863, 0, 2-40, no parents listed
  • Heap, Emma M. & Charles S. Martz, 12/26/1886, 163, 3-125, Edwin & Mary A. (Boden) Martz; Isiah & Rachel (Powell) Heap
  • Heaton, Mrs. Sarah & Amos Wilson, 11/11/1858, 0, 1, no parents listed
  • Lathrop, Carrie B. & Roy W. Holloway, 12/3/1905, 174, 3-165, John W. & Ellen (Woodward) Holloway; Charles & M. A. (Lowry) Lathrop
  • Lathrop, Lola M. & Daniel H. Riley 12/6/1905, 180, 3-151, Harry D. & Rebecca (Smith) Riley; Henry & Lillian (Rounds) Lathrop
  • Lathrop, Mary C. & John Baker 12/13/1877, 191, 2, no parents listed
  • Lathrop, Olive F. & Francis L. Bail, 10/3/1872, 498, 2-111, no parents listed
  • McWilliams, Alice & Henry Runyon, 3/18/1894, 35, 4-3, Jonas & Catherine (Wilkens) Runyon; Philip & Elizabeth (Phillips) McWilliams
  • Powell, Mrs. Rachel G. & Isaiah Heap, 4/23/1846, 0, 1, no parents listed
  • Powell, Amanda E. & George W. Thomas 6/6/1884, 82, 3, Daniel B. & Elizabeth (Davis) Thomas; Stephen & Mary (Palmeter) Powell
  • Powell, Bertha M. & John E. Delong 2/23/1905, 28, 3-154, Peter & Mary (McBride) Delong; D.P. & Mary E. (Henderson) Powell
  • Powell, Julia & James H. Gill, 12/14/1876, 132, 2, no parents listed
  • Powell, Malinda B. & Thomas H. Montgomery, 10/12/1904, 127, 3, T.H. & Sarah E. (Brillhardt) Montgomery; Stephen H. & Margaret (Harvey) Powell
  • Powell, Mrs. Rosa & Charles Wagner, 7/25/1898, 76, 3-121 Jacob & Margaret (--?--) Wagner; James R. & Ann (Hickenbottom) Oliver
  • Slaven, Ann & William Sanford, 1/28/1876, 14, 2, no parents listed
  • Slaven, Eliza J. & William A. Farran, 4/14/1867, 275, 2-66, no parents listed
  • Slaven, Rebecca J. & John Winters 2/9/1876, 16, 2, Elizabeth (--?--) Winters; no parents listed
  • Slaven, Mrs. Susan & John E. Wilson, 9/12/1878, 137, 3-11, James & Margaret (Emmons) Wilson; Isaac & Martha (Green) Cheek
  • Slavin, Nancy E. & John W. Harmon, 8/14/1878, 16, 1-163, David & Elizabeth (--?--) Harmon; Samuel & Rachiel (Stewart) Slavin
  • Slevins, Mrs. Anna & Mesehack Martin, 4/3/1883, 38, 3-79, John & Mary (--?--) Martin; Frederic & Susan (Long) Brian
Richland County Marriages, Grooms Book, Richland County Genealogical & Historical Society, nd

 Groom, Bride, Date, License#, Book-Page, Grooms' Parents, Bride's Parents
  • Brooks, Alva L. & Edna M. Winans, 4/11/1914, 58, 4-287, Charles & Fanny (Yate) Brooks; O. & Jennie (--?--) Winans
  • Brooks, Andrew J. & Ella McCarty, 10/31/1913, 138, 4-9, William & Eliza (Murray) Brooks;  Frank & Mary (--?--) McCarty
  • Brooks, Benard F. & Sarah A. Nettleton 12/24/1885, 128, 3-112, Leonard & Mary (West) Brooks, David & Malissa (Van Dyke) Nettleton
  • Brooks, Bernaard F. & Mrs. Ella L. Garden, 6/19/1880, 92, 2-180, Leonard & Mary (West) Brooks, Franklin & Ruth A. (Holbrooks) Wheeler
  • Brooks, Charles A. & Bertha Jenkins, 12/30/1903, 168, 3-136, Benjamin J. & (--?--) (Squire) Brooks; Robert & (--?--) (Dean) Jenkins
  • Brooks, Edward H. & Mary M. Taylor, 3/21/1880, 42, 2, Lenard & Mary A. (West) Brooks; Henry & Elizabeth J. (Myers) Taylor
  • Brooks, Francis M. & Mrs. Floretta Reed, 8/5/1875, 121, 2, no parents listed for either
  • Brooks, George W. & Mary E. West, 1/13/1867, 217, 2-63, no parents listed for either
  • Brooks, Gideon F. & Anna Hughes, 11/01/1911, 144, 4-253, James M. & Mary (Newberry) Brooks; William & Mary (Murry) Hughes
  • Brooks, Ira H. & Ella McKinney, 5/3/1911, 61, 3-246, J.M. & Mary (Newberry) Brooks; Rev. George & Permelia J. (Anderson) McKinney
  • Brooks, Ira L. & Bertha S. Johnson, 2/11/1904, 23, 3-139, J.L & Sarah (Seneff) Brooks; W.B. & Mary N. (McNier) Johnson
  • Brooks, James & Bessie May Bates, 2/5/1910, 21, 3-228, James M. & Mary L. (Newberry) Brooks; John Lloyd & Bell (Sheppard) Bates
  • Brooks, Joseph & Myrtle M. Nicholas, 3/8/1914, 38, 4-286, William & (--?--) Brooks; George & Mary (Clark) Nicholas
  • Brooks, Mabin E. & Malissa Bryant, 7/13/1899, 114, 3-73, Henry & Caroline (Chinructh?) Brooks; Cyrus & Nancy (Keps) Brant
  • Brooks, Melvin C. & Katie Brooks, 9/23/1884, 123, 3, Jefferson & Marg (Mattingly) Brooks, Lennard & Mary (Wist) Brooks
  • Brooks, Shelton & Mrs. Julia Hance, 8/1/1867, 316, 2, no parents listed
  • Brooks, Silas & Louisa Devolt, 1/27/1885, 14, 3-103, Lenord & Mary (West) Brooks; John & B. (Claud) Devolt
  • Brooks, Smith & Sarah J. Heinbarger, 7/15/1869, 650, 2, no parents listed
  • Brooks, Thomas I. & Margaret Ann Mattingly, 12/30/1847, no certificate, number or parents
  • Brooks, Thomas M. & Liza J. Given, 12/17/1865, 15, 2, no parents listed
  • Brooks, William R. & Elizabeth F. Murray 11/28/1867, 379, 2, no parents listed
  • Bruce, James D. & Ellen Tade, 4/21/1863, no certificate, 1, no parents listed
  • Bruce, William C. & Elizabeth A. Monroe, 5/11/1854, no certificate, 1, no parents listed
  • Bullard, Augustus & Mary Matilda Fitzgerald, 6/24/1852, 0, 1, no parents listed
  • Bullard, August P. & Mrs. Elizabeth Miller, 2/25/1881, 29, 2-188, John & Polly (West) Bullard; Jonathan & Elmira (Holt) Frankling
  • Bullard, Augustus P. & Eliza C. Robins, 2/8/1875, 46, 2, no parents listed
  • Cornwell, Augutus & Rebecca McKinney, 11/8/1860, 0, 2, no parents listed
  • Cotterell, Abraham & Sophia Beckworth, 8/18/1864, 79, 2-45, no parents listed
  • Cotterell, Abraham & Mrs. Clarinda (Lathrop) Bryan, 12/4/1873, 676, 2, no parents listed, she was the daughter of Russell & Cynthia (Powell) Lathrop
  • Cotterell, Aden & Martha Lathrop 4/4/1889, 33, 3-151, Abraham & Sophia (Beckwith) Cotterell; Henry & Rachel (Laws) Lathrop
  • Fee, Carl & Myrtle Matthews, 1/12/1910, 5, 3-227, John & Elvira (Lathrop) Fee; Joseph S. & Lu (McWilliams) Matthews
  • Fee, John H. & Elvira Lathrop 10/29/1874, 164, 2, no parents listed, she was the daughter of Henry & Rachel (Laws) Lathrop
  • Fee, Samuel & Mary E. Smithwick, 8/10/1890, 93, 3, John H. & Sarah E. (Kelso) Fee; William & Flora (Rayama) Smithwick
  • Fite, Joe & Jennie B. Lathrop, 2/12/1905, 21, 3-153, Henry & Sarah (Hagar) Fite; Gilbert & Harriett (Lowrey) Lathrop
  • Fitzgerald, George & Mrs. Edna Ward, 11/22/1894, 157, 4, James & Sarah (Wise) Fitzgerald; John & Marthey (Shafer) Hasler
  • Fitzgerald, James M. & Mrs. Catherine Wise 5/3/1868, 453, 2-74, no parents listed
  • Fitzgerald, John A. & Dora Toliver 1/12/1896, 6, 3-28, James & Rebecca (Ward) Fitzgerald; Henry & Mary (Fitzgerald) Toliver
  • Fitzgerald, John G. & Margaret Gumbaugh, 12/3/1868, 545, 2-79, no parents listed
  • Fitzgerald, John T. & Elizabeth C. Williams 1/15/1887, 6, 3-126, William & Margaret (McCardner) Fitzgerald; Bugan & Catharine (Taylor) Williams
  • Fitzgerald, Leonard & Mrs. Sarah D. Henderson, 2/8/1909, 16, 3-214, John M. & Rachel C. (Kerlee) Fitzgerald; William & Dianna (Lutz) White
  • Fitzgerald, Steward E. & Rebecca Ward, 11/10/1908, 156, 3-208, James M. & Betsey Jane (Taylor) Fitzgerald; Erwin & Dica (--?--) Ward
  • Fitzgerald, Stewart E. & Martha Edwards, 11/12/1863, 0, 2-40, no parents
  • Fitzgerlds, Steward E. & Mrs. Mary Lucinda Rudder, 3/1/1896, 29, 3-104, Matson & Betsie J. (Taylor) Fitzgerld; Fillmon & Amanda (Pierce) Barnett
  • Fyffe, Charles Henry & Minnie Perkins 3/18/1896, 35, 3-105, John Wilson & Lucy Ann (Lathrop) Fyffe; Francis M. & Livina (Petty) Perkins
  • Gurley, John & Juliann Thompson 11/7/1849, no certificate, book or parents
  • Heap, John & Mary Adda Wilson, 8/24/1892, 112, 3-194, George & Josephine (Gun----) Heap; Samuel & Emily (Welty) Wilson
  • Lathrop, Albert & Oteli Hosteller, 5/15/1876, 38, 2, no parents listed, son of Henry & Rachel (Laws) Lathrop
  • Lathrop, Charles & Mary C. Shafer 10/28/1874, 162, 2, no parents listed
  • Lathrop, Charles & Martha Emma Lowry 7/14/1878, 104, 2-162, Henry & Rachel (Laws) Lathrop; Morris & Mary (Smally) Lowry
  • Lathrop, Charles & Beulah Ruth Cunningham, 10/20/1910, 154, 3, Gilbert & Harriet M. (Lowry) Lathrop; George & Mary E. (Barakman) Cunningham
  • Lathrop, Curtis & Alma Corrie, 12/16/1908, 185, 3, Henry & Luvina (Hostettler) Lathrop; William & Elva (McGuire) Corrie
  • Lathrop, George & Roelia J. Hostettler 3/28/1878, 61, 2, Henry & Rachel (Laws) Lathrop, Christian & Anna Elizabeth (Blaser) Hostettler
  • Lathrop, George Ernest & Ada Harrell 1/19/1908, 9, 3, Gilbert & Harriett (Lowrey) Lathrop; Samuel & Sarah (Arnold) Harrell
  • Lathrop, Gilbert & Harriett Lowery 8/18/1883, 88, 3-82, Henry & Rachel (Laws) Lathrop; Marracus & Margaret K. (Stralley) Lowery
  • Lathrop, Glen H. &  Grace Walters, 2/21/1909, 24, 3-214, Gilbert & Harriett M. (Lowry) Lathrop; John L. & (--?--) Higgins Walters
  • Lathrop, Henry & Flossie Bowman, 9/25/1910, 133, 3, Gilbert & Harriet (Lowery) Lathrop; Charles E. & Grace (Jackson) Bowman
  • Lathrop, Henry Jr. & Louvina Hostettler, 3/4/1880, 32, 2, Henry & Rachel (Laws) Lathrop; Christian & Anna E. (Blazier) Hostettler
  • Lathrop, William H. & Lillian Rounds 8/23/1876, 76, 2 no parents listed
  • McWilliams, Albert & Martha Wilson, 1/8/1880, 4, 2, Phillip & Elizabeth (Phillips) McWilliams; William & Emma (Smith) Wilson
  • Petty, Otis O. & Florence Roney, 4/9/1893, 51, 3-24, Jacob & Lidey (Heath) Petty; James K. & Ann (Lathrop) Roney
  • Powell, Charles J. & Mattie Alice Nichalson 4/26/1893, 60, 3-205, Sidney A. & Sarah (Parsons) Powell; Philip & Lucy (Morrison) Nichalson
  • Powell, Dewitt P. & Mary E. Henderson, 2/20/1876, 19, 2, no parents listed, son of Sidney A. & Sarah (Parsons) Powell
  • Powell, Hezikiah & Dollie Thompson, 1/11/1870, 23, 2, no parents listed
  • Powell, Hiram & Telitha Allen, 6/5/1854, 0, 1, no parents listed
  • Powell, Medford & Lizzie A. Spring, 9/26/1883, 117, 3-85, J.A. & Adeline (Badolet) Powell; Henry & Caroline R. (Mount) Spring
  • Powell, Stephen H. & Mary E. Swearingen, 5/2/1865, 61, 2, no parents listed
  • Powell, Stephen H. & Mrs. Margaret Morgan, 4/22/1880, 63, 2-179, James H. & Margaret (Jaco) Powell, Daniel & Eliza A. (Axton) Houey
  • Roney, Arch & Ella Cotterell, 12/24/1892, 197, 3-200 Levi D. & (--?--) Hart; Abraham & (--?--) (Beckworth) Cotterell
  • Roney, Benjamin F. & Maud Hart, 2/5/1899, 15, 3, James K. & Ann (Lathrop) Roney; J.P. & Phebe (Wickham) Hart
  • Roney, David M. & Samantha Lathrop, 6/20/1869, 635, 2, no parents listed, daughter of Henry & Rachel (Laws) Lathrop
  • Roney, George & Susanna Gerber, 3/7/1893, 27, 3-203, David & Samantha (Lapraits [Lathrop]) Roney; Daniel & Margaret (Goss) Gerber
  • Roney, James K. & Ann Lathrop, 3/10/1867, 240, 2-64, no parents listed, daughter of Henry & Rachel (Laws) Lathrop
  • Roney, Otis & Viola A. Combs 7/13/1902, 63, 4-115, D.M. & Samantha (Lathrop) Roney; P.P.  & Ella (Jones) Combs
  • Slaven, James H. & Angeline Smith, 9/23/1869, 680, 2, no parents listed
  • Slaven, Jaes H. & Mrs. Elizabeth Barton, 8/4/1881, 106, 3-56, Samuel & Rachael (Stewart) Slaven; Hezsiash & Arena (Leake) Osborne
  • Slaven, John M. & Susan Concannon, 7/2/1876, 57, 2, no parents listed
  • Toliver, Charles & Laura J. Jones 12/23/2015, 153, 5-15, William & Amanda (Smith) Toliver; Theodore & Zoe (Billings) Jones
  • VanBlaracum, Joe & Nettie L. Brooks, 11/25/1908, 168, 3, Joseph & Lizzie (Kargan) Van Blaricum; James M. & Mary L. (Newberry) Brooks
Rissler, Elizabeth. The Schoolmasters' Regiment, Illinois Civil War Sketches, No. 4, Springfield, IL, 1963.
As far as I know, we don't have any relatives in this regiment, but as an alum of Illinois State it is near and dear to my heart.

They looked like boys playing soldier . . . those students at State Normal University, carrying make-believe guns whittled out of hickory sticks, as they marched across the dusty brickyard they were using as a "parade ground."  But there was no doubting their serious purpose. To a man they had been ready to quit school and volunteer when President Lincoln called for 750,000 militia to serve the Union cause after the firing on Fort Sumter.

But Charles E. Hovey, president of the newly established "teachers' college" in Bloomington [Normal], had convinced them that the nation needed teachers as well as soldiers, and had persuaded them to finish the school year before they enlisted.  He had promised that they could prepare for later military service even as they continued their studies, and that when they did enter the army he would go with them.

And so, during April, May and June of 1861, the early months of the Civil war, they kept their minds on their schoolwork as best they could and spent long hours after school and on Saturdays learning how to stand and march like soldiers, and to go through the manual of arms. Their drillmaster was John W. White, who had been hired to make of them the proud unit that would be known as the "Normal Rifles" and would later be the nucleus of the 33rd Illinois Infantry Regiment - the "Schoolmasters' Regiment."
On graduation day, July 2, 1861, the boys of the Normal Rifles, fifty-five strong, stepped smartly beneath the beautiful silken banner made for them by the admiring young ladies of the school, and marched their last parade before separating to await the time when they could enter the Federal forces as a unit.
Hovey wanted to form a regiment of students, teachers, and other educational men; and his idea was received enthusiastically in all parts of the state.  Soon after the school year ended, he went, with his Quaker friend, Jesse Fell, to Washington to propose a Schoolmasters' Regiment to President Lincoln and Secretary of War Simon Cameron, and to seek a commission as its leader.
At first he received little encouragement, for there was still no certainty that large numbers of Union forces would be needed, and Lincoln realized the need for teachers on the home front. But on Sunday, July 21, while Hovey and Fell were in Washington, an event occurred that may have given their case a boost. This was the Battle of Bull Run, which surprised everyone by turning into a rout of the Union forces.
The engagement between McDowell's Federal troops and Beauregard's army (encamped on Manassas Creek) was well advertised in Washington in advance. Visitors were not restricted from the battle area, and many congressmen and news reporters hired carriages to take them over to Virginia to watch the fighting. Hovey and Fell went along.
The excursion took on the air of a military picnic. The raw Union troops fought well in the beginning, but they  broke under the heavy Confederate fire, and the scene became one of panic. Sightseers and troops, gun carriages and ammunition wagons jammed the road in their race back to Washington. Hovey meanwhile grabbed an abandoned rifle and headed for the enemy, while Fell did what he could for the wounded on the field.  The next day, President Lincoln promised Hovey a commission as colonel, and authorized him to recruit his Schoolmasters' Regiment.
Charles E. Hovey was an educator, not a soldier. But he applied the same energy and ability to the formation of the regiment that he had shown in founding State Normal University against heavy odds. As soon as he got back to Bloomington, he set up recruiting headquarters and called back the members of the Normal Rifles, most of whom went into Company A of the "Normal Regiment" as it was called before it was assigned its number in the Federal forces.
Enlistment in the Schoolmasters' Regiment was not limited to educators, but because of Hovey's appeal to the "intellectuals," it did contain a high percentage of students, college graduates, and teachers - representing at least eighty of the 102 counties in the state.
The regiment was the object of many jokes because of its scholastic origins.  It was dubbed the "teachers' regiment," and the "brain regiment," and its boys were called the "Student Soldiers of Illinois" and the "Boys from Normal."  It was said that they would not obey an order unless it was absolutely correct in syntax, and that men discharged from the teachers' regiment for mental incapacity were able at once to become officers in other regiments.
These were exaggerations, but they may have had some foundation, for when one of the regiment's officers, lying wounded at Vicksburg, was asked if he had been scared during the charge, he replied, "I do not think I was scared, but I certainly had an intellectual perception of danger."
By the end of August, nine companies of approximately one hundred men each were at Camp Butler, near Springfield.  A tenth company was assigned by the U.S. mustering officer to fill the regimental requirement and the 33rd Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment was organized. . . . Hovey was chosen colonel in command.
The regiment's first headquarters was an encampment on a hill overlooking Arcadia, Missouri, where it arrived in late September. The boys quickly built a fort, which they christened Fort Hovey, using lumber cut nearby.  . . .
They saw little real action that winter, but they did learn that a skirmish can be as deadly as a full-dress battle.  On October 15 the Schoolmasters saw their first casualties when Sergeant George G. Foster of Company E was killed and seven others wounded at Big River Bridge.  They were part of a detail guarding the railroad when they found themselves surrounded and under fire from all directions.  . . .
On October 20 the Schoolmasters marched off to the rendezvous which history records as the Battle of Fredericktown. A year later the boys from Normal wouldn't have thought it even a respectable skirmish. Except for Company A, the 33rd had little part in it, and not a man received a scratch.  But occurring at a time when the Union defeats elsewhere had created an air of gloom, the rout of Jeff Thompson's Rebels did have significance. General Grant wrote of it: "The importance of that success cannot be measured by any ordinary standard; it gave new life to tens of thousands of discouraged soldiers. It crushed out the rebellion in southeast Missouri."  . . .
There was a great rejoicing at Camp Hovey on March 1, 1862, when the long-awaited order came:  "Forward to Dixie! March!" . . . The southward march was marked by action at Hill's Plantation on the Cache River, where Colonel Hovey and his men, on reconnaissance, found themselves outnumbered by five thousand Texas cavalry. In the hard fighting that followed their one small rifle cannon was almost lost.  . . .
In September 1862, Hovey was promoted to brigadier general for his conduct at the Battle of the Cache, and left the 33rd Regiment to assume command of a brigade under General William Tecumseh Sherman. . . .
Far from the war's big battles, they felt themselves part of a "forgotten army,' but in March 1863, they again moved southward and this time they didn't have to walk.
The boys were in high spirits when the regiment, now under the command of Colonel Charles E. Lippincott, boarded the transport Illinois at Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, for the trip down the Mississippi River to join Grant's forces at Vicksburg.
The 33rd went into action at Port Gibson, Mississippi; it was in the thick of battle at Champion's Hill and Big Black River Bridge, and bore its honored battle flags through the holocaust of the assault on Vicksburg on May 22.  On that dreadful day the banners, now tattered and faded and bullet-torn, were three times passed from the grasp of fallen color bearers to comrades who carried them on. On May 25, under a flag of truce, the dead were buried.
Then came the long siege of Vicksburg, when for a month the boys were dug in directly below the muzzles of their own siege cannon, sharpshooting by day and picketing by night amid a rain of shells from both sides.
A sergeant of Company C, visiting the battlefield a year later, recalled the sounds of Vicksburg: "The song of the Minie, like bees in their ire, the click of percussion bullets, the wailing whistle of spherical shell, grape and canister, like an aeolian dirge amid the shrouds of a ship in a gale, mingled with the painful complainings of the wounded."
Immediately after the Independence Day surrender of Vicksburg, without even a chance to see the city which, for six weeks they had been trying to enter, the Schoolmasters faced about and marched toward Jackson, Mississippi, to oppose General Joseph E. Johnston. . . .
The war was only a little beyond its halfway point, but the Schoolmasters' liveliest campaigns were over. They were assigned to duty in Texas, where they took part in the capture of Mustang Island and Fort Esperanza. After that, they were delighted for most of the time to guarding the railroad in the Louisiana swamps
There was one break in the monotony, in March, 1864, when the "veterans" - those who had reenlisted for another three years - were sent home on well-earned thirty-day furloughs. The 33rd then became known as a "veteran regiment" since three-fourths of the men had signed up again.
In April, 1865, the Schoolmasters were ordered to Mobile, Alabama, but their joy at the prospect of getting back into action was short-lived, for tragedy marred the move.  Near New Orleans their troop train collided with a horse and was derailed, killing at least nine of the regiment and injuring seventy-two more, some of whom later died. Company A, the original "Normal Rifles," being near the front of the train suffered the most casualties.
The Schoolmasters' last battle ended with the capture of Spanish Fort near Mobile at midnight on April 8. The next day Lee surrendered to Grant at Appomattox.
The long agony of the war was over, but the veteran regiment served eight months of dreary postwar duty before it returned, on the last day of November, 1865, to Springfield.
Many comrades were missing now from the ranks; 309 of them lay buried, and many more had been disabled by wounds.
At Camp Butler the cherished national flag that had led the Schoolmasters in so many battles and on so many weary marches was taken to the parade ground and given three good-bye cheers.
Tingley, Donald. The Copperheads in Illinois, Illinois Civil War Sketches, No. 5, Springfield, IL, nd
During the Civil War, there were constant rumors of a vast plot to subvert portions of the North to the cause of the Confederacy. These rumors were particularly prevalent in the states along the Ohio River, and Illinois was no exception. The concensus of opinion was that Rebel agents were circulating through these states for the purpose of detaching portions of them from the Union cause.
copperhead pin
Northern Democrats who were presumed to be Southern sympathizers were popularly called Copperheads. It was often said that the name originated from the similarity of the group's treachery to the reptile of the same name. It may also have come from the fact that many of those who were of this group made an identifying badge for themselves by cutting the liberty head out of a large penny then in circulation and soldering a pin to the back of it - thus, the copper head.  . . .
Democrats in Illinois, as well as in the whole nation, tended to split rather logically into three groups. The majority of the party paid their greatly increased taxes, served in the army, bought bonds acted in a completely loyal fashion as far as the war was concerned, and carried on normal political opposition to Lincoln and his party.  They nominated candidates, voted, and were critical of Lincoln when his conduct of the war or his aims did not please them. This group in English terminology, might be called the loyal opposition. The War Democrats, however, tended to give such passionate support to Lincoln that they generally voted with him both at the polls and in the legislative halls. Such a man was General John A. Logan of Illinois, as was Vice-President Andrew Johnson, who was put on the so-called Union ticket with Lincoln in 1864 to attract as many Democratic votes as possible. There, however, was another minority that opposed the war at every opportunity, even to the extent of sometimes advocating peace without terms.
The Copperheads came largely out of this last group. How many Copperheads were there?  This is difficult to to answer. According to Democratic newspapers they did not exist at all. The name Copperhead never appeared in a Democratic paper except in a facetious way. On the other hand, the Republican papers tended to imply that all Democrats were Copperheads. It would seem that they were actually few in number. They were, however, like many radical minorities, very vocal. The danger from this group lay not so much in the possibility that they might lead a northern state into secession, but in the possibility that their noisy leadership might gain control of the Democratic Party, or a segment of it, in one state and in this fashion render political damage to Lincoln's cause. Doubtless their numbers fluctuated with the military success or failure of the Union armies. It also varied with what seemed to be the purpose of the war. . . .
On another level, however, there continued to be problems around the state. During 1863 and 1864, several unfortunate and violent situations caused Illinois a great deal of fear, anger, and embarrassment. These seem to have been largely local affairs, not very closely connected with Democratic leadership. It was widely claimed by the Republican press that these incidents were part of a larger plot, sometimes called the Northwest Conspiracy.   . . .
Nearly every Illinois community has a legend about Copperhead activities, some of them thrilling stories of violence and intrigue.
Attempts to investigate these stories often end with little more than a third-generation reminscence which can be neither proved nor disproved. A large share of the violence came during the year 1864. On March 28, the Charleston Riot involved a clash between local citizens and soldiers on leave. Since the area around Charleston was largely Democratic, there were rumors of a Copperhead organization, including secret drilling and arming of the citizenry.
As the presidential election drew near, politics grew hotter, and there was talk of resisting the draft and the government. Particularly irritating to Democrats was the behavior of soldiers home on leave, who drank and flaunted their patriotism a little too much. They frequently publicly embarrassed reputed Copperheads, often prominent citizens, by making them kneel down and swear allegiance to the United States.  In nearby Paris and Mattoon, Democrats were killed by soldiers. . . .
There were other incidents, such as the Clingman Raid, in Montgomery and Fayette counties during the summer of 1864. An armed gang of men, encamped in a wooded area, engaged in extensive thievery of horses, guns, and money. Several persons were indicted on charges of disloyalty to the United States, but none was ever brought to trial.  . . .
The era of the Civil War was a period when people took their politics seriously. Politicians, as well as ordinary citizens, were intemperate in their charges against the opposition. It is easy to look back and read into these speeches ideas that seem to be treasonable; a hundred years ago it was standard political fare. That was a violent age. Records of justice of the peace courts in the period show that most of their business stemmed from assault charges. A large portion of the population still carried guns regularly in an area where the frontier had just passed by.
U.S. Senate. List of Pensioners on the Roll, January 1, 1883, Volume 3, Baltimore, MD: Genealogical Publishing Company, 1970.  Available on Ancestry

 Illinois - Clay Co.
  • Galbraith, Ashley T. certificate # 53632 of Flora, wound in right leg, $6.00 / month, 6/1882 original allowance
    • r
  • Golden, Stephen cert. #148,04 of Flora, diseased eyes, $4.00/mo., 6/1882 original allowance
  • Golden, Wesley cert. #140501 of Flora injured back, breast, right leg, $12/mo. 6/1882 original allowance
  • Colclasure, Wm. R. cert. #206933 of Xenia, disease legs, varicose veins left leg, injury to abdomen, $14.50/mo. 4/1882 original allowance
  • Colclasure, Sam'l. cert. #163542 of Xenia, dropsy from typhoid, $6.00/mo. 11/1879 original allowance
  • Colclasure, Sarah A. cert. #142748 of Xenia, widow, $8.00/mo. 7/1878 original allowance
Illinois - Lawrence Co. 
  • Fyffe, James A. cert. #20055 of Sumner, wounded right arm, $14.00/mo. 8/1880 original allowance
  • Fee, John H. cert. #211249 of Sumner, chronic diarrhea, $4.00/mo. 6/1882 original allowance
Illinois - Wayne Co.
  • Hopkins, John F.S. cert. #166623 of Long Prairie, rheumatism, $6.00/mo. 4/1880 original allowance
  • Maulding, James, cert. #185974 of Long Prairie, minor of, $12.00/mo. 11/1879 original allowance
  • Robson [Robertson?], James, cert. #209589 of Pin Oak, disease lungs, $8.00/mo. 5/1882 original allowance 
  • Cronk, Hannah C. cert. #131777 of Six Mile, widow, $8.00/mo. 8/1879 original allowance
  • Maulding, Cloyd C. cert. #165032 of Wayne City, wounded left side of head, $6.00/mo. 2/1880 original allowance
Walton, Clyde. Illinois in the Civil War, Springfield, IL: 1862
President Lincoln's April 15, 1861 call for 75,000 militia immediately following the capture of Fort Sumter, put a definite end to the "cold war" with the South and to all speculation about whether there would be civil war.  In the evening of the same day Lincoln called out the militia, Richard Yates, the governor of Illinois, received a telegram from the Secretary of War:

Call made on you by to-night's mail, for six regiments of militia, for immediate service. 
The Illinois quota amounted to 125 officers and 4,458 men from the militia forces of the state. But Illinois had no "available, efficient armed and organized militia companies in the State," and those companies which did exist were, as the Adjutant General of Illinois commented, "composed of active and enterprising young men, whose occasional meetings for drill were held more for exercise and amusement than from any sense of duty to the State."  In the state arsenal there were only 362 United States altered muskets, 105 Harprer's Ferry and Deniger's rifles, 133 musketoons and 297 horse pistols. Illinois was not at all prepared for war.
Between 1850 and 1860 the population of Illinois more than doubled to reach 1,711,951; real and personal property totaled $871,860,282, an increase of more than 450 per cent. More than 13.25 million acres of improved land, valued at more than $432.5 million were producing 24 million bushels of wheat and 115 million bushels of corn a year.  In 1860 there were 2,876 miles of railroad.
Immediately on receiving the President's militia call, Governor Yates called a special session of the legislature; the session began on April 23 and ended on May 3. With Republican working majorities (House, 41 Republicans and 34 Democrats; Senate, 13 Republicans and 12 Democrats) Governor Yates secured legislation that organized six regiments of infantry and authorized ten additional infantry regiments as well as one of cavalry and one battalion of light artillery; $3,500,000 was appropriated, $1,000,000 to equip ten regiments of infantry, $500,000 for arms and an arsenal, $2,000,000 for general war purposes.  By a unanimous vote, the legislature resolved: "That the faith, credit and resources of the State of Illinois, both in men and money, are pledged to any amount, and to every extent, which the Federal Government may demand."
From the beginning, however, and throughout the Civil War Illinois was divided: upstate was primarily Republican and down-state generally Democratic. The patterns of immigration were responsible for this division, for southern Illinois had been settled principally by people from Virginia, the Carolinas, Kentucky and Tennessee, while the northern part of the state had received settlers from New England, the Northeast in general, and from abroad, particularly Ireland and Germany.  With certain exceptions, this north-south division emphasized "free state" attitudes on the one hand and strong sympathy for the South and the Confederacy on the other.
A mass meeting held in Marion on April 15, 1861, adopted resolutions which indicate how strongly many southern Illinoisans felt their ties with the South:
Resolved . . . the interests of the citizens of Southern Illinois imperatively demand . . . a division of the state (and) we hereby pledge ourselves to use all means in our power to effect the same, and attach ourselves to the Southern Confederacy.
Another example of the depth of feeling in "Egypt" for the South occurred when some thirty men were recruited by one Thorndyke Brooks in Williamson County for service in the Confederate Army. In Jefferson County, a former sheriff, John Bagwell, also raised a company for the South. Doubtless others from southern Illinois joined the Confederate forces, but no reliable figures exist as to the exact number.
Three prominent Democrats had a lot to do with keeping secession sentiment from becoming more active than it was in southern Illinois - Stephen A. Douglas, John A. McClernand and John A. Logan.  . . .
John A. McClernand, prominent downstate congressman, also urged all factions to support Lincoln and Yates, and on June 15, Congressman John A. Logan announced his support of the Union.
It would be difficult to overestimate the importance of Douglas, McClernand and Logan in keeping southern Illinois relatively quiet during the first year of the Civil War. Both Logan and McClernand served the Union faithfully and with honor as general officers; their greatest contribution to the war, however, was their influence upon the Democratic Party; an influence which emphasized unity rather than partisan politics.
There had been a proposition for a constitutional convention on the 1860 ballot, and after its passage, delegates assembled at Springfield in January of 1862.  This convention acted in very unorthodox fashion, but eventually offered a new constitution to the voters of Illinois. The new constitution was rejected by 151,254 to 126,739 votes.
But Sections 1-3 of Article 18, submitted separately, were approved by an overwhelming vote:
Section 1. No negro or mulatto shall migrate to or settle in this state, after the adoption of this constitution. (Approved by a majority of 107,600).
Section 2. No negro or mulatto shall have the right of suffrage or hold office in this State. (Approved by a majority of 176,271.)
Section 3. The general assembly shall pass all laws necessary to carry into effect the provisions of this article.  (Approved by a majority 154,524).
These sections of Article 18 repeated the "Black Laws" of 1853. Their passage by such a top-heavy vote demonstrated vividly that Illinoisans did not consider the war an abolitionist crusade and that they were not ready to give equal rights to Negroes. . . .
When President Lincoln called for 75,000 militia in April, 1861, Illinois had neither an effective militia force nor any arms. It was therefore necessary for the Governor to recruit, or "raise," enough troops to fill the quota for Illinois set by the War Department. Basically, recruiting was a state rather than a federal responsibility, although federal authority became stronger in the last years of the war.
The special session of the General Assembly called by Governor Yates provided for the organization of the six regiments which were the Illinois quota under the President's call for 75,000 men. Within five days, more than sixty-two companies of volunteers were offered to the state.  Generally these companies were raised by a local political figure who rallied men to the flag and signed them up. Soon prominent men would be given authority to raise regiments, and the man raising the regiment would encourage other influential citizens to raise companies. Of course, the man raising the regiment would expect to be elected colonel. Early enlistments were for three months or one hundred days; later on, the term of enlistment would be from one to three years. The troops elected their own company officers, so that on occasion the most popular man rather than the best soldier was elected; but when elected officers did not measure up they were dismissed.  Furthermore, there is no evidence that, after some experience these volunteer colonels and majors and captains were not as good as their professional counterparts.
So many patriotic Illinoisans offered their services that the six regiments were quickly filled. The "Springfield Grays" commanded by John Cook immediately tendered their services to Governor Yates and had the honor of being the first company accepted for service. The Adjutant General of Illinois reported that "strong men, who had left their homes at an hour's notice to enter the service of their country, wept at the disappointment of being refused admission to their companies on muster day."  The popular enthusiasm for the war caused many more to volunteer than could be accepted under the quota assigned by the War Department. But in anticipation of more calls for troops, the General Assembly provided for ten regiments of infantry, one regiment of cavalry and one battalion of light artillery for state service.  One regiment was to be formed from companies already in Springfield, and one each was to be raised in the nine congressional districts.
Meanwhile, on April 19, Governor Yates had been ordered by Secretary of War Simon Cameron to send a brigadier general and four regiments to Cairo. Yates ordered Brigadier General Richard Kellogg Swift to prepare "as strong a force as you can raise" to be ready to move immediately. the General left Chicago with 595 men and four small artillery pieces on April 21 and arrived at the Big Muddy Bridge (an Illinois Central Railroad bridge five miles north of Carbondale) at 5 PM on the twenty-second. A company was left on guard there, and the rest of the troops proceeded to Cairo, which they reached at about eleven that night.
Cairo, the southernmost point in Illinois, located at the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, was of great strategic importance, and the city was to become the principal supply depot and staging area for the troops that fought in the Mississippi Valley. The first six Illinois regiments were organized at Camp Butler, located outside Springfield; these first six regiments were numbered from seven to twelve as a token of respect for the six Illinois regiments which had served in the Mexican War.
It must be remembered that no one in Washington, or anywhere else in the country for that matter, had any real conception of the problems involved in raising, training, equipping and leading an army of 75,000 men.  No officer in the regular army had ever commanded an army in the field anywhere near that size; only a few had ever commanded a unit as large as a regiment.  Moreover, the War Department did not have the equipment available to put the army in the field - uniforms, tents, arms, ammunition, and food.
Another serious handicap was that many in authority in Washington believed the war would end within ninety days. All this added up to confusion and bad management in raising the army. After the states' first quotas were met, the rush to the colors in the North was stopped. It was unfortunate that all who wished to enlist in 1861 were not accepted on the spot, because as the war went on, recruiting became more and more difficult.
Illinois furnished troops all through 1861 in response to requests from Washington, and before July ended many troops in excess of the quota ordered from the nation's capital had been furnished.  Troops were requested by Washington at irregular intervals, and this sporadic calling for troops made any systematic recruiting impossible. Even so, by the end of 1861, Illinois had more than 43,000 men in the field and another 17,000 in training camps.
In 1862 more troops were furnished until in August, after Lincoln's second call for 300,000 men, it was anticipated Illinois might have to resort to a military draft.  Provision was made for a general enrollment so that a state draft could begin on August 18, but since Illinois had furnished an excess of troops above quotas in 1861, it was finally decided in Washington not to order the conscription.
The next call for troops came on October 17, 1863, and was for 300,000 men; the Illinois quota was 27,930 but very few answered the call in November and December. The tide seemingly had turned at Gettysburg and Vicksburg, but Illinoisans could read the fearful casualty lists.   . . . Already the sick, the crippled, the one-legged, were coming back into the state, where they would be familiar figures around courthouse squares for many years.  . . .
The Emancipation Proclamation, too, had hurt recruiting, for many Illinoisans could accept the war as a noble crusade to preserve a mystical concept of the Union but could not accept it as a conflict whose chief aim had apparently become an effort to free the Negro slaves.
. . . between July and December, 1864, a total of 3,062 men were drafted.  But even more was requested from the loyal citizens of Illinois, for Lincoln called once more for 300,000 troops on December 19, and Governor Oglesby pointed out on January 17, 1865, that if the Illinois quota (later set at 32,892) was not met, a draft would begin on February 15. This time, companies were desired, rather than individual enlistments or the raising of regiments.  Recruiting continued slowly until it was ordered stopped by the Secretary of War on April 13, 1865. Illinois was then 4896 men short but no doubt would have filled her quota had recruiting not ended.
Altogether from April 17, 1861, to April 30, 1865, Illinois furnished 256,297 men for periods of service which varied from three months to three years; there were 152 regiments and three companies of infantry, 17 regiments of cavalry and two regiments and nine batteries of artillery.  It is impossible to know exactly how many men from Illinois served in the war; records are inadequate and conflicting (a commonly used source says 259,062 men; the figure given above is the federal total), and there is no complete record of those who enlisted outside the state. . . .
By and large Illinois soldiers fought in the West rather than the East; along the Mississippi rather than the Potomac; before Atlanta rather than Richmond; and at Shiloh rather than Gettysburg.  But even in the East, a few Illinois units were actively engaged.  At Chancellorsville the 82d Illinois lost 155 men, one fought at Drewry's Bluff, Virginia, and again at Deep Bottom and Darbytown Road; the 34th and 78th were at Bentonville, North Carolina. The 39th was at the fall of Petersburg, and in action at the very end of the war in the East.
But in the West, Illinois played a major part: the 22d at Belmont; the 8th, 9th, 11th, 18th and 31st at Fort Donelson, where almost 1,200 Illinois men were lost; at Pea Ridge, Arkansas; and at bloody Shiloh where, of the fourteen regiments with the heaviest losses, seven were from Illinois, with the 9th Illinois leading all the rest, as it also did at Corinth.  At Hatchie Bridge and Hartsville, Tennessee; Chickasaw Bayou, Mississippi; and at Stone's River, Tennessee; at Raymond and at Champion's Hill; at Vicksburg, Jackson, Chickamauga, Knoxville, Missionary Ridge, Ringgold, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, Ezra Church, Allatoona Pass, Franklin, Nashville, Fort Blakeley - Illinois was there; not only there but consistently there. High on the regimental casualty lists, Illinois men left a blood trail all the way from Cairo to New Orleans; Sherman's March to the Sea was made with more than seventy Illinois regiments participating.
The over-all figures were these:  Illinois lost 34,834 dead (including 1,700 who died in Confederate prisons), or 16.5 per cent of its total force. Illinois sent 56.6 per cent of its military population to war, being exceeded only by Indiana and Kansas. If you enlisted from Illinois, one out of every 20 of your comrades would die in battle or from battle wounds, and one out of 11.2 would die of disease; actually, one out of every 7.3 Illinoisans died while in service.
But back in Illinois there were those who opposed the war effort. Southern sympathizers, "Copperheads" and members of secret organizations variously known as the "Circle of Honor," "Knights of the Golden Circle," "American Knights," and the "Order of the Sons of Liberty" sought an immediate armistice; they opposed the Lincoln administration, fought the draft and were a generally disturbing influence. The "Sons of Liberty," the militant arm of the better known "Knights of the Golden Circle,' were particularly active.  In 1864 in Galena one of their celebrations brought about a "general jail delivery of prisoners," and in Coles County at Charleston, on March 28, 1864, approximately one hundred men attacked a group of Union soldiers on furlough, killing three and wounding twenty, while two of the Copperheads were killed; only strong military forces ended this serious riot. In Manchester, Scott County, two draft officers were shot in 1864, and at Alton, Jacksonville, Olney and Cairo, troops were called out to enforce the draft.
In the summer of 1864 an abortive attempt was made by these restless elements to free the Confederate prisoners at Camp Douglas in Chicago.  Led by Captain T.H. Hines, one of General John Hunt Morgan's Confederate raiders, the conspirators evolved a grandiose plan that included freeing the prisoners at Rock Island and Alton and then marching to Springfield.  Three different dates were set for the attack on Camp Douglas, but although Captain Hines and other Confederate soldiers maintained their resolution, the members of the secret societies who were to furnish the bulk of the attacking force did not.  The secret service was aware of the plans that had been made and on the night of November 6-7, 1864, arrested most of the active participants. The ill-fated scheme of Hines and his erstwhile cohorts has often been elegantly titled the "Northwest Conspiracy."
. . . Generally, Illinois women (the famous nurses "Mother" Bickerdyke of Galesburg and Mary Jane Safford of Cairo were the exceptions) stayed at home during the Civil War, frequently working long, cruel hours in factory and field, yet still engaged in all forms of charitable work available to them. . . . the Christian Commission, with branches throughout the state, distributed money, food and religious pamphlets.  In nearly every county smaller units of the larger organizations raised money and carried on charitable work, generally for the relief of sick and wounded soldiers.
There were Soldiers' Home and Soldiers' Rests, where soldiers could eat and rest, at the principal centers of travel. Soldiers' Aid Societies in the smaller towns and rural areas ministered to soldiers' families.
The Freedman's Aid Commission supplied recently freed slaves with food, clothing, medicine and, on occasion, vocational education.
Perhaps the most unusual and dramatic expression of the women of Illinois was in the various "Sanitary Fairs" held to raise funds for the relief of soldiers. . . .
Ulysses S. Grant had been an army officer (four years at West Point and eleven years of active service) but when the Civil War began he was a partner in his father's leather store in Galena. On April 18, 1861, a mass meeting to raise a company of volunteers was held in Galena and Grant was selected chairman. A company was raised, trained and led to Springfield by Grant, although he was not elected captain since he felt his experience could be put to better use than commanding a company.
The state capital was in confusion, and it was some time before Governor Yates could act upon Grant's offer to serve. Eventually he was appointed a mustering officer; after these duties were completed he wrote, on May 24, to the Adjutant General in Washington tendering his services (the letter was lost by a clerk and never reached anyone in authority).
When no answer was forthcoming, Grant tried to see George B. McClellan, newly appointed Commander of the Department of the Ohio, but after waiting for two days int he General's anteroom he gave up and went to Lafayette, Indiana, where he hoped to see an old classmate, Joseph J. Reynolds. By this time Governor Yates had decided to appoint Grant to command the discontented and fractious 21st Illinois Infantry. The Governor telegraphed him to return to Illinois, and Grant assumed command of the regiment on June 16.
He took the regiment to Missouri and there was appointed a brigadier general. After engaging in several skirmishes he was assigned command of the District of Southeastern Missouri, which included all of southern Illinois. On September 2 he went to Cairo, which was to be his headquarters, and there his career began the meteoric rise which would culminate in the Presidency.
Notebook - Illinois No. 3, Part 2
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