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History of the 85th Illinois Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry by Henry J. Aten | ![]() |
CHAPTER XXXIV
Pages 450-469
Recruiting for Company H was commenced on July 31st,
and by the 6th of August, 1862, the first of two companies enlisted at Astoria
had been enrolled. As with Company G, this company stands on the record as
having been enrolled by the Hon. S. P. Cummings. At the organization of the
company the following commissioned officers were elected: Nathaniel McClelland,
captain, Luke Elliot, first lieutenant, and William Cohren, second lieutenant.
During the three years’ service 29 of this company were
hit with shot or shell, 4 of whom were killed action , 1 died of wounds, 24
received wounds from which they recovered or were discharged, 6 officers
resigned, 11 men died of disease, 24 were discharged, 6 were transferred, and 45
were present at the final muster out.
Of Company H it may be fairly said that it performed
its full measure of duty, bore its full share of hardships and suffered it full
proportion of loss. The record of the regiment was made brighter by its
harmonious action in camp and field, by its steady, soldierly bearing in battle,
and its prompt and intelligent response to every call for duty. The following is:
THE COMPANY ROSTER
CAPTAIN NATHANIEL McCLELLAND was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, January 25,
1826, and with his parents removed to Illinois in 1830 and settled on a farm
near Astoria, in Fulton county. He was a farmer, a ready speaker and frequently
occupied the pulpit of the Methodist church in Astoria and vicinity. He assisted
in recruiting the company and at its organization was elected captain. An elder
brother, William, was chosen captain of Company G, and a younger brother,
Captain Thomas G., had but recently lost his life while in command of Company H,
Third Illinois cavalry. Captain McClelland served through the Kentucky campaign,
participating in the battle of Perryville, October 8, 1862, but failing health
forced him to resign his commission, which was accepted November 12, 1862, and
returned home. He engaged in farming from several years near Astoria, but
afterward removed to Plymouth, in Hancock county, where he died January 14,
1878. His widow and at least one son now reside at Plymouth, Ill.
CAPTAIN DAVID MAXWELL was born in Jackson county, Ohio, March 22, 1822, and
removed to Illinois in April, 1844. he crossed the plains to California in 1850,
returned to Illinois some two years later, and was married and a cooper when he
enlisted as a private from Astoria. He served through the Kentucky campaign,
participated in the battle of Perryville, was promoted to be captain November
12, 1862, and commanded the company until failing health compelled him to resign
at Nashville, Tenn., May 14, 1863. He returned to Illinois, and has since been
engaged in farming and fruit growing. He resides near Astoria, Fulton county,
Illinois.
CAPTAIN JAMES T. McNEIL was born in Fulton county, Illinois., January 29, 1838,
his parents, David McNeil and Mary Cole, natives of New York, having settled in
that county in 1828. He went to Kansas in 1855, remaining there through the
early border troubles, and at the breaking out of the War of the Rebellion he
went to Iowa and enlisted as a private in the regiment commanded by Colonel D.
S. Moore. He was promoted captain and commanded his company at the battle of
Athens, Mo. At the expiration of his term of service he returned to Illinois and
enlisted as a private from Astoria. He participated in the battle of Perryville,
Ky., and was promoted first lieutenant November 12, 1862. He was detailed as
military conductor, and ran the railway trains from Nashville to Murfreesboro
until relieved at his own request. He was promoted captain May 14, 1863, and
commanded his company until captured, as related in Chapter XII. He resumed
command of the company at McAffee Church, Georgia, and served until the close of
the Atlanta campaign, when his health, which had not been good since his prison
experience, forced him to resign.
Returning to Astoria, Ill., he served in the revenue
department at Peoria, one or more terms, but has never recovered his health. He
was married to Mary A. Ruble, of Knoxville, Tenn., in 1856, and they now reside
at Table Grove, Fulton county, Illinois.
CAPTAIN IRA A. MARDIS was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, December 23, 1839,
attended Granville college at Granville, Ohio, removed to Illinois in 1861 and
was teaching in Fulton county when he enlisted from Woodland. He was chosen
first sergeant at the organization of the company, was promoted first lieutenant
May 14, 1862, and to be captain August 29, 1864. He served with his company
through all the campaigns in which the regiment was engaged, commanded the
company from the time he was commissioned captain until the close of the war and
was mustered out with the regiment. He returned to Illinois and engaged in
teaching, but some years later removed to Denver, Colo., where he died April 21,
1897.
FIRST LIEUTENANT LUKE ELLIOTT was born in state of New York, June 15, 1815,
spent his boyhood in Ohio and removed to Illinois in 1836. He enlisted from
Summum, and at the organization of the company was elected first lieutenant. He
served through the Kentucky campaign, participated in the battle of Perryville,
October 8, 1862, and resigned at Nashville, Tenn., November 21, 1863, for
disability. Returning to Summum he was appointed enrolling officer and continued
in that position until the close of the war. He served as member of the county
board from Woodland and was justice of the peace for many years. He was a
shoemaker by trade and continued his occupation at Summum until his death, which
occurred October 11, 1892.
FIRST LIEUTENANT ANDREW J. HORTON was born at New Castle, Coshocton county,
Ohio, October 28, 1835, and removed with his parents to Illinois in 1853,
locating on a farm in Fulton county. He enlisted from Woodland and was chosen
sergeant at the organization of the company. Was promoted second lieutenant
March 26, 1863, and to be first lieutenant August 29, 1864. He was captured in
December, 1862, at Lavergne, Tenn., and held prisoner four months. He commanded
Company B for a time toward the close of the war and was in command of the
company when it was mustered out. He was mustered out with the regiment and
returned to his farm, where he still resides. He served as member of the county
board twelve years and filled township offices for thirty years. His address is
Astoria, Ill.
SECOND LIEUTENANT WILLIAM COHREN, aged thirty-one, married, farmer, born in Knox
county, Ohio, removed to Illinois and was engaged in farming when he enlisted
from Astoria. He was elected second lieutenant at the organization of the
company, participated in the battle of Perryville, Ky., October 8, 1862, and
upon the arrival of the command at Nashville, Tenn., he resigned on account of
failing health. He returned to Illinois and resumed farming near Astoria. But
some years since he removed to Kansas, and is understood to be farming near
Wetmore, Nemaha county.
SECOND LIEUTENANT WASHINGTON M. SHIELDS was born in Harrison county, Indiana,
May 18, 1830, removed to Illinois, and was a merchant when he enlisted from
Woodland. He served through the Kentucky campaign as a private and was promoted
second lieutenant at Nashville, Tenn., November 12, 1862. He resigned his
commission February 16, 1863, and returned to Illinois, where he engaged in
dealing in live stock. He served as city marshal at Lewistown, and now resides
at No. 221 North Glendale avenue, Peoria, Ill.
FIRST SERGEANT WILLIAM H. McLAREN was born near Astoria, Fulton county,
Illinois, December 16, 1839, and was a farmer when he enlisted from his native
town. He served as a private through the Kentucky campaign, and was promoted
first sergeant at Nashville, Tenn., in the summer of 1863, served with is
company to the close of the war, participated in all the campaigns in which the
command had a part and was mustered out with regiment. On returning to Illinois
he resumed farming; has served as school trustee, tax collector and member of
the county board for Astoria township. He now resides in Canton, Fulton county,
Illinois.
SERGEANT JOHN B. PALMER was born at Freeman’s Landing, Brook county, Virginia,
June 16, 1837, and removed with his parents to Illinois in 1852, was teaching
when he enlisted from Astoria. He was chosen sergeant at the organization of the
company, served with his company through the Kentucky campaign, and in February,
1863, he was detached and became a member of Captain Powell’s scouts. He served
until the close of the war, and was mustered out with the regiment. For more
than a year of his term of service he was of the mounted escort to the commander
of the Fourteenth army corps. He returned to Illinois and resumed teaching, but
later removed to Kansas, was probate judge of Grant county from 1892 to 1896,
served a term as vice-commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, Department of
Kansas, and now resides at Orondo, Douglas county, Washington.
SERGEANT ELI SHIELDS, aged twenty-five, married, wheelwright, born in Fulton
county, Illinois, and enlisted from Woodland. He served with his company through
the Kentucky campaign, was mounted as a scout at Nashville, Tenn., and was of
the party that captured the prisoners on the eve of the battle of Chickamauga,
returned to duty with his company, and was killed in the assault on Kennesaw
Mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864.
SERGEANT AMOS KINZER was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, June 21, 1835,
removed to Illinois, and was a farmer when he enlisted from Kerton, in Fulton
county. He served with his company to the close of the war, taking part in all
the campaigns and battles in which the command was engaged, and was mustered out
with the regiment. He returned to Illinois, where he remained until October,
1876, when he removed with his family to Kansas and engaged in farming in
Sedgwick county. He reared a family of boys and girls, who are all grown and
doing for themselves. He died February 21, 1893, leaving his wife, Margaret E.
(Wilson) Kinzer, who still resides at Sedgwick, Kan.
SERGEANT ANDERSON JENNINGS was born in Williams county, Ohio, December 4, 1842,
removed to Illinois in 1854, and was a farmer when he enlisted from Astoria. He
was chosen corporal at the organization of the company, was promoted sergeant,
participated in all the campaigns in which the command was engaged and was
mustered out with the regiment. Returning to Illinois, he attended Abingdon
college and began teaching. He has mined in Mexico, been postmaster and
president of the board of registration in Arkansas, was elected representative
from Woodruff county, but was counted out; was justice of the peace, and now
resides at Wister, Indian Territory.
SERGEANT ABRAHAM COOPER, aged eighteen, born in Coshocton county, Ohio, removed
with his parents to Illinois in 1846, and settled on a farm near Astoria, where
he enlisted as a tinner. He served to the close of the war, was promoted
sergeant and was mustered out with the regiment. He returned to Illinois at the
close of the war, and was working at his trace in Bath, when he fell ill with a
fever. While recovering, but perhaps not conscious of what he did, he was
drowned in the Illinois river in about 1866.
SERGEANT SILAS D. HENDERSON, aged, thirty-three, married, farmer, born in Smith
county, Tennessee, and enlisted from Astoria, Ill. He served with his company
until the close of the war and was mustered out with the regiment. The report of
the commissioner of pensions states that he died March 30, 1891.
CORPORAL JOHN T. ZIMMERMAN was born at New Castle, Coshocton county, Ohio,
December 17, 1841, removed to Illinois in 1856, was married and a farmer when he
enlisted from Astoria, Ill. He served until the close of the war, was slightly
wounded at the battle of Chickamauga, Ga., and captured near Columbia, S. C., in
February, 1865. He was confined in the rebel prison in Salisbury, N. C., some
thirty-three days, was exchanged and honorably discharged June 17, 1865. He is a
veterinary surgeon and resides at Macomb, McDonough county, Illinois.
CORPORAL GEORGE H. WETZEL was born on a farm near Astoria, Fulton county,
Illinois, November 24, 1840, and enlisted from his native town. He was chosen
corporal at the organization of the company, served with his company and
participated in all the battles in which the regiment was engaged until severely
wounded in the assault on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864. His wound,
a gun shot through the thigh, detained him in the hospital until the close of
the war and he was honorably discharged at Springfield, Ill., June 7, 1865. He
settled on a farm in Schuyler county and engaged in stock raising, was
collector, commissioner and trustee of his township in Schuyler county and
trustee in Fulton county. He is a prosperous and progressive farmer, now
residing at Lewistown, Fulton county, Illinois.
CORPORAL HENRY SHIELDS was born on a farm near Astoria, Fulton county, Illinois,
May 18, 1841, and enlisted from Woodland. Was chosen corporal at the
organization of the company, served until the close of the war, taking part in
all the campaigns in which the command was engaged and was mustered out with the
regiment. Since the close of his service he has served as county commissioner
and city marshal. He removed to Washington and engaged in merchandising at
Centralia, in Lewis county, where he now resides.
CORPORAL FRANKLIN SHELLY was born at Jennings Gap, Augusta
county, Virginia, February 11, 1835, removed to Illinois in October, 1856, was
single and a farmer when he enlisted from Astoria, Ill. He was chosen corporal
at the organization of his company, participated in all the campaigns in which
the regiment was engaged until severely wounded near Atlanta, Ga., in the action
on the Sandtown Road. His was a gun shot wound through the shoulder, which
disabled him from further service, and he was discharged on account of wounds
from the United States hospital at Camp Butler, Ill., March 9, 1865. He resumed
farming upon his return from the army and now resides at Sheldon’s Grove,
Schuyler county, Illinois.
CORPORAL DAVID S. SHANK deserted January 3, 1863.
CORPORAL JOHN W. SWAN, aged twenty-six, blacksmith, born in Loudon county,
Virginia, and enlisted from Woodland, Fulton county, Illinois. Served until the
close of the war and was mustered out with the regiment. When last heard from he
was living at Liberty, Montgomery county, Kansas.
CORPORAL ELISHA J. ELLIOTT, aged nineteen, farmer; born in Fulton county,
Illinois, and enlisted from Woodland; was chosen corporal at the organization of
the company and served through all the campaigns in which the regiment was
engaged until killed in the assault on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 27,
1864. Is buried at No. 9266 in the national cemetery at Marietta, Ga.
CORPORAL CHARLES DUNCAN was born at Duncan’s Mills, Fulton county, Illinois,
November 29, 1842, was a farmer and enlisted from Woodland. He was promoted
corporal; served with his company until the close of the war and was mustered
out with the regiment. At the end of his service he returned to his former home,
resumed farming and resides at Duncan’s Mills, Ill.
CORPORAL THOMAS B. ENGLE was born on a farm near Astoria, Fulton county,
Illinois, April 7, 1844, and enlisted from his native town. He was promoted
corporal; served with his company through all the campaigns in which the command
was engaged, was wounded at the battle of Jonesboro, Ga., September 1, 1864, and
was mustered out with the regiment. He removed to Iowa in 1872, is a prosperous
farmer and resides at Coburg, Montgomery county, Iowa.
CORPORAL WILLIAM SHIELDS, aged twenty-one, farmer, born in
Woodland, Fulton county, Illinois, and enlisted from Pleasant. Was promoted
corporal, served until the close of the war and was mustered out with the
regiment.
CORPORAL SAMUEL THOMPSON was born on a farm near Astoria, Fulton county,
Illinois, March 6, 1843, and enlisted from his native town. He was promoted
corporal; served with his company to the close of the war, participated in all
the battles in which the command had a part, and was mustered out with the
regiment. He removed to Nebraska, in 1878, and to Missouri in 1894. He is
engaged in farming, and resides at Lamar, Barton county, Missouri.
MUSICIAN HENRY H. WILSON was born in Langdon, Sullivan county, New Hampshire,
June 3, 1846, removed with his parents to Illinois in April, 1856, and was
attending school when he enlisted from Astoria. He was appointed musician at the
organization of the company; served until the close of the war, and was mustered
out with the regiment. Returning to Astoria he studied medicine, graduated from
the medical department of the Iowa University at Keokuk in 1867 and began the
practice of his chosen profession at Lindley, Grundy county, Missouri, in 1868.
He removed to Montana in May, 1899, and is now engaged in the practice of
medicine at Lewistown, Fergus county, Montana.
MUSICIAN MARTIN K. DOBSON was born at Summum, Fulton county, Illinois, March 23,
1843, and enlisted from his native town. At the organization of the company he
was appointed musician; served to the close of the war and was mustered out with
the regiment. He captured his man on the skirmish line in the assault on
Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia. He resides at Lewistown, Ill., where he is engaged
as a blacksmith and wagon maker.
WAGONER BENJAMIN BOLEN, married, farmer, born in Maryland, and enlisted from
Astoria, Ill. He was detailed wagoner at the outfitting of the company; served
through the Kentucky campaign and was discharged at Nashville, Tenn., for
disability, January 29, 1863. Supposed to be living at Carrollton, Pickens
county, Alabama.
JOHN BUSHNELL, aged twenty-four, single, farmer, born in Pike county, Illinois,
and enlisted from Browning. He served with his company until the close of the
war, but was sent to the hospital at Alexandria, Va., a few days before the
regiment was mustered out, where he died June 15, 1865. His remains are buried
at No. 3033, in the national cemetery near that city.
ANANIAS P. BUSHNELL, aged twenty-six, married, farmer, born in Indiana; enlisted
from Browning, Ill. Served to the close of the war and was mustered out with the
regiment.
GEORGE W. BARNES, aged thirty-one, married, farmer, born in Harrison county,
Indiana, and enlisted from Woodland, Fulton county, Illinois. He served through
the Kentucky campaign, was discharged from disability at Nashville, Tenn.,
January 29, 1863. But about the time his discharge arrived he died in the
general hospital in that city.
JOEL A. BARNES was born near Astoria, Fulton county, Illinois, January 6, 1844,
spent the early years of his life on a farm, and enlisted from Woodland. He
participated in all the battles in which the command was engaged; served to the
close of the war, and was mustered out with the regiment. He attended the
English and German college and the business college at Quincy, Ill., after the
close of his service taught school, read law and was admitted to the bar. Has
been justice of the peace and served as deputy circuit clerk. He resides on his
farm at Summum, Fulton county, Illinois, deals in stock and serves his clients
when they are inclined in the luxuries of the law.
CHARLES R. BRANSON was born at Mount Pleasant, Jefferson county, Ohio, January
13, 1836, removed with his parents to Illinois in 1839, settled on a farm in
Fulton county and enlisted from Woodland. He was detached with the ordnance
train in the Kentucky campaign, but soon returned to duty with his company, was
slightly wounded at the battle of Mission Ridge, served to the close of the war
and was mustered out with the regiment. At the close of his service he returned
to Illinois; has been school trustee and is a merchant, residing at Ipava,
Fulton county, Illinois.
HENRY BLOOMFIELD, aged twenty-five, married, farmer, born in Butler county,
Ohio, and enlisted from Woodland, Fulton county, Illinois. He served through the
Kentucky campaign, was wounded at the battle of Perryville, October 8, 1862, and
died in general hospital No. 14 at Nashville, Tenn., February 11, 1863.
JOHN CUNNINGHAM, aged twenty-six, single, farmer, born in Hancock county,
Virginia, removed to Illinois, and enlisted from Vermont. He served in the
Kentucky campaign until the army reached Bowling Green, where he died in the
hospital November 21, 1862. His brother, William, died at Louisville in October,
but another brother, Alexander, served in Company G to the close of the war.
WILLIAM CUNNINGHAM, aged nineteen, farmer, born in Hancock county, Virginia,
removed with his parents to Illinois, and enlisted from Astoria. He died at
Louisville, Ky., October 17, 1862, and is curried at No. 186 in the national
cemetery at Cave Hill, near Louisville, Ky.
JOSEPH CRABLE was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, January 21, 1831,
removed to Illinois in 1852, and settled on a farm in Fulton county. He enlisted
from Woodland; served through the Kentucky campaign, and was discharged at
Nashville, Tenn., February 3, 1863, for disability. He returned to Illinois,
resumed farming and now resides at Astoria.
WILLIAM COLLINS, aged twenty-four, married, carpenter, born in Farmington,
Fulton county, Illinois, and enlisted from Woodland. He served with is company
until severely wounded on the firing line on Pumpkin Vine creek, Georgia. The
shot that wounded him also wounded John W. McLaren. He was discharged from
disability resulting from wounds, December 20, 1864. Is supposed to be living at
Shoo Fly, Johnson county, Iowa.
JOSEPH DAVIS deserted January 21, 1863.
DANIEL DUTTON was born at Hamersville, Brown county, Ohio, October 3, 1837,
removed to Illinois in 1850 and was single and a farmer when he enlisted from
Woodland. He served with his company until the close of the war and was mustered
out with the regiment. He resumed farming at the close of the war, and resides
at Bluff City, Schuyler county, Illinois.
LEWIS DIAL was born in Knox county, Ohio, May 30, 1844, and with his parents,
Edward R. Dial and Delilah Cramer, removed to Illinois and settled on a farm in
Fulton county. He enlisted from Astoria; served with his company until severely
wounded, August 5, 1864, in action near the Sandtown road and not far from
Atlanta. His wound disabled him from further service, and he was discharged at
Jefferson barracks, Missouri, February 20, 1865. Returning to Astoria he taught
school four years, when suffering from his wound forced him to abandon teaching
and for most of the time since he has lived in the national military homes. At
present he is an inmate of the National Military Hone at Marion, Ind.
WILLIAM F. ELGIN, aged twenty-one, farmer, born in Astoria, Fulton county,
Illinois, and enlisted from his native town. He served with his company until
the close of the war, and was mustered out with the regiment. He is supposed to
be living at Catlin, Ill.
JOHN D. FENTON was born in Augusta county, Virginia, in 1835, and removed to
Illinois with his parent in 1837. He enlisted from Astoria; served with his
company to the close of the war and was mustered out with the regiment. He
returned to Astoria, where he has served the public as drayman ever since. He
was slightly wounded at the battle of Chickamauga, Ga., and again in the assault
on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864. His address is Astoria, Ill.
WILLIAM H. FRIETLEY was born in Harrison county, Indiana, October 3, 1841, and
removed with his parents to Illinois in 1849. He enlisted from Woodland; served
with his company to the close of the war, and was mustered out with the
regiment. He was wounded at the battle of Jonesboro, Ga., September 1, 1864. He
returned to Illinois, but removed to Missouri in 1878, and engaged in farming in
Schuyler county. His address is Jimtown, Schuyler county, Missouri.
JEREMIAH GORSAGE, aged ---, married, farmer, born in Montgomery county,
Illinois, and enlisted from Browning. He served with his company to the close of
the war, and was mustered out with the regiment. He returned to Browning, Ill.,
resumed farming, and died May 19, 1892.
WILLIAM C. HUNDALL was born in Russellville, Logan county, Kentucky, November
25, 1843, removed with his parents to Illinois in 1849, and settled in Astoria,
where he was a clerk when he enlisted. He served with his company until the
spring on 1864, when he was mounted and served at brigade headquarters until the
close of the war and was mustered out with the regiment. Returning to Astoria he
became a harness maker, and was tax collector in 1892. He resides in Astoria,
Ill., but is sadly afflicted with catarrh of the head, which baffles medical
skill.
JONATHAN B. HORTON was born in New Castle, Coshocton county,
Ohio, removed to Illinois at an early day and was a farmer when he enlisted from
Woodland, in Fulton county. He was forty-four years of age; served through the
Kentucky campaign, and was discharged at Nashville, Tenn., January 19, 1863, for
disability.
MARION HORTON, aged twenty-six, farmer; enlisted from Woodland; was slightly
wounded at Perryville, Ky., but recovered and served with his company until
severely wounded at the battle of Buzzard Roost, Georgia, February 25, 1864. A
shell which did not explode struck him in the shoulder, causing a wound from
which he never entirely recovered. He was honorably discharged from the hospital
at Quincy, Ill., soon after the regiment was mustered out, and returned to his
former home, where he died a short time after the close of the war.
WILLIAM H. HARRIS was born on a farm near Browning, Schuyler county, Illinois,
June 5, 1841, passed his early years on a farm, and enlisted from Browning. He
served with his company through all the campaigns in which the regiment was
engaged until captured neat the boundary line between North and South Carolina,
March 3, 1865. He was held in rebel prisons until the close of the war, and
honorably discharged June 17, 1865. He is a merchant and farmer, and resides at
Browning, Ill.
CHARLES A. HUGHES, aged twenty, farmer, born in Woodland, Fulton county,
Illinois, and enlisted from his native town. He served with his company until
failing health sent him back to the hospital while on the Atlanta campaign, and
he died at Ackworth, Ga., June 20, 1864.
JULIUS T. HUGHEY, aged twenty-six, farmer; enlisted from Astoria, Fulton county,
Illinois. He served with his company until transferred to the Veteran Reserve
corps, probably at Nashville, Tenn., but the record does not give the date of
transfer. He was honorably discharged at the close of the war, and died June 18,
1883.
SIMON HEATON, aged twenty-seven, married, farmer, born in Pennsylvania, and
enlisted from Astoria, ill. He served with his company until captured at
Louisville, Ga., November 30, 1864. After he surrendered he was shot down in
cold blood by his inhumane captors. His remains are buried at No. 13861 in the
national cemetery at Andersonville, Ga.
JACOB HORN, aged twenty-six, married, farmer, born in Knox
county, Ohio, and enlisted from Woodland, Fulton county, Illinois; served with
his company until transferred to the Veteran Reserve corps, probably at
Nashville, Tenn. Date not given, but he was honorably discharged from that
organization, and resides at Astoria, Ill.
JAMES WALTER HUNDALL was born in Logan county, Kentucky, March 30, 1846, removed
to Illinois with his parents, and enlisted from Astoria. He served until the
close of the war, and was mustered out with the regiment. During the night march
from Buzzard Roost, Georgia, to McAffee Church, he fell through a defective
bridge, sustaining injuries which finally disabled him for service in the ranks,
but he declined to apply for a discharge from the service, and in July, 864, he
was detached from his company and assigned to duty as an orderly at brigade
headquarters, where he remained to the close of the war. In 1874 he turned his
attention to newspaper work, was connected with papers at Peoria, Chicago, and
St. Louis, and in 1883 went to work as city editor of the Evening Journal at
Quincy, Ill. In 1885 he was appointed to a position in the United States
treasury department, and has since been continuously in that branch of service.
He is at present a special inspector of customs, serving on the Mexican frontier
with headquarters at San Antonio, Texas.
WILLIAM H. HULBURT was born in Philadelphia, Pa., removed to Illinois in
December, 1855, and enlisted from Browning as a farmer. He served until the
close of the war, and was mustered out with the regiment. Is in poor health and
resides in Havana, Ill.
HENRY N. HOWARD was born at Summum, Fulton county, Illinois, April 12, 1844,
farmer, and enlisted from his native town. He served with his company to the
close of the war and was mustered out with the regiment. Since his return to
Illinois he has been engaged in farming, and is now buying poultry, and resides
at Astoria, Ill.
JOHN B. HAGAN enlisted from Astoria, Ill., served through the Kentucky campaign,
and died at Nashville, Tenn., January 28, 1863. Is buried at No. 6717 in the
national cemetery near that city.
ALANSUS P. HULBURT, born in Philadelphia, Penn., enlisted from Astoria, Ill.,
was transferred to Company C, Sixteenth Illinois Infantry, but the date of his
transfer is unknown. He was mustered out with his regiment at Louisville, Ky.,
July 8, 1865. Supposed to be living at Westerville, Custer county, Nebraska.
JAMES JAMESON, aged thirty-nine, married, farmer; enlisted from Pleasant, Ill.
He served through the Kentucky campaign and was discharged at Nashville, Tenn.,
February 3, 1863, for disability.
HENRY J. JOHNSON, aged thirty, married, farmer, born in Centerville, Allegheny
county, Pennsylvania, removed to Illinois, and enlisted from Astoria. He served
with his company until captured near the close of the war; was exchanged, and
honorably discharged June 17, 1865.
BENJAMIN JELLISON, aged twenty-four, married, farmer, born in Mahoning, Mercer
county, Pennsylvania, removed to Illinois, and enlisted from Astoria; served
with his company until the close of the war and was mustered out with the
regiment. Is a farmer and resides near Astoria, Ill.
JOHN F. KINGERY, aged twenty-five, married , farmer, born in Woodland, Fulton
county, Illinois, and enlisted from this native town. He served with his company
until near the close of the war, but was sick in the hospital at Chicago, Ill.,
at the muster out of the regiment. He was honorably discharged soon after; is a
farmer and now resides near Summum, Ill.
JOSIAH H. KELLEY enlisted from Astoria, Ill.; served through the Kentucky
campaign; was discharged from the hospital at Nashville, Tenn., January 29,
1863, for disability, but was unable to travel and died a few days later, and is
buried at No. 742 in the national cemetery there.
RICHARD LANE, aged thirty-nine, married, cabinet-maker, born at Putnam,
Muskingum county, Ohio, removed to Illinois, and enlisted from Astoria. He
served until near the close of the war, but was sick at Nashville, Tenn., when
the regiment was mustered out. He was honorably discharged and returned to
Illinois, where he died in September, 1894.
HENRY LOVEL, aged twenty-five, married, miller, born in Hamilton, Ohio; served
through the Kentucky campaign, and was discharged at Nashville, Tenn., February
3, 1863, for disability.
FRANCIS M. McKEE was born at Hamersville, Clermont county, Ohio, December 17,
1835, removed to Illinois in 1854, and was a farmer when he enlisted from
Astoria; served with his company through the Kentucky campaign; was detailed in
Captain Powell’s scouts in March, 1863, and served with that command, and at
division and corps headquarters until the close of the war, and was mustered out
with the regiment. After returning to Illinois he removed to Iowa and engaged in
farming. Now resides at Troy, Davis county, Iowa.
SOLOMON MEYERS was born in York county, Pennsylvania, in 1842, removed to
Illinois in 1855, and was a farmer when he enlisted from Astoria. Was wounded in
the battle of Perryville, October 8, 1862. Upon his recovery and his return to
his company he was detailed as ambulance driver; served to the close of the war
and was mustered out with the regiment. Upon his return to Illinois he resumed
farming, but since 1894 has been retired and resides at Astoria, Ill.
JOHN W. McLAREN, aged twenty-one, farmer, born in Woodland, Fulton county,
Illinois, and enlisted from his native town. He served with his company until
the close of the war, and was mustered out with the regiment. He was twice
wounded – once at Pumpkin Vine creek, near Dallas, Ga., and soon afterwards
returned to duty at Florence, Ala. He returned to Illinois and resumed farming
near Summum, where he died not many years after the close of the war.
GEORGE W. MEEK enlisted from Kerton, Ill.; served with is company through the
Kentucky campaign, and was discharged at Nashville, Tenn., January 15, 1863, for
disability. He resides at Colchester, McDonough county, Illinois.
GEORGE W. NEWBERRY was born in Astoria, Fulton county, Illinois, April 16, 1844,
and enlisted from Woodland. He served with his company until the close of the
war, and was mustered out with the regiment. He was hit three times with spent
balls. Upon his return to Illinois he studied medicine and began to practice at
Smithfield in 1884. He has been president of the village board for eight
consecutive terms. His address is Smithfield, Fulton county, Illinois.
WILLIAM OSBORN, aged forty, married, farmer, born in Coshocton county, Ohio;
served until the close of the war, and was mustered out with the regiment. He
returned to Illinois, and resumed farming near Astoria, where he died in 1882.
JOEL PALMER, aged nineteen, farmer, born at Oxford,
Tuscarawas county, Ohio; removed with his parents to Illinois in 1852, and
enlisted from Astoria. He served with his company until the command reached
Bowling Green Ky., where his health failed, and he was discharged January 10,
1863, for disability. He is reported to be living at Fair Play, Polk county,
Missouri.
JOHN R. POWELL, plasterer, married, born in Adams county, Ohio, March 5, 1833,
removed to Illinois in 1835 and enlisted from Astoria. He was slightly wounded
at the battle of Chickamauga, but served with his company until severely wounded
in the assault on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864. He was honorably
discharged August 12, 1865. He was long been a minister in the United Brethren
church, and resides at Sheldon’s Grove, Schuyler county, Illinois.
MARTIN V. PLANK was born on a farm near Astoria, Fulton county, Illinois,
December 10, 1841, and enlisted from his native town. He served with his company
to the close of the war, and was mustered out with the regiment. His brother,
Francis M., served through the war in Company G. Is farming near Astoria,
Illinois.
MARTIN V. PARKER, aged twenty-five, married, carpenter, born at Jefferson,
Coshocton county, Ohio, and enlisted from Astoria, Ill. Served with his company
until the close of the war, and was mustered out with the regiment. Is reported
to be living at Murrayville, Morgan county, Illinois.
JOHN H. PERKINS was born at Fort Madison, Iowa, November 27, 1832, and with his
parents removed to Illinois in 1836. He enlisted from Browning; served with his
company and was honorably discharged at Nashville, Tenn., June 30, 1865. Has
been constable of Oakland township, and resides at Ray, Schuyler county,
Illinois.
MICHAEL ROGERS, aged thirty-three, married, farmer, born in Hardin county,
Kentucky, and enlisted from Woodland, Ill. He served with his company until the
close of the war, and was mustered out with the regiment. Upon his return to
Illinois, resumed farming, and died near Baders in about 1895.
LEMUEL J. SAYERS was born in Harrison county, Ohio, in 1840, removed with his
parents to Illinois in 1844, and was living on a farm near Astoria when he
enlisted. Was slightly wounded at the battle of Perryville, Ky., but served with
his company to the close of the war, and was mustered out with the regiment. Is
a farmer, and resides at Browning, Schuyler county, Illinois.
HENRY C. SWISHER was born at Staunton, Augusta county, Virginia, September 16,
1843, and removed to Illinois with his parents in 1856; enlisted from Astoria,
and served with his company through the Kentucky campaign. At Nashville, Tenn.,
he was detailed, mounted and served at brigade and division headquarters until
the close of the war, and was mustered out with his regiment. He was in the
party of scouts who captured the rebel prisoners at the battle of Chickamauga,
as related in Chapter X, and also the hero of the rescue as narrated in Chapter
XVII. He was a tax collector in Astoria township in 1886, was sheriff of Osage
county, Kansas, from 1891 to 1895. Is a merchant, and resides at Lyndon, Osage
county, Kansas.
JOHN B. SHIELDS, aged twenty-six, married, farmer, born in Harrison county
Indiana, removed to Illinois, and enlisted from Lewistown. He served with his
company until near the close of the war, but was absent (sick) at the muster out
of the regiment. He was honorably discharged from the hospital at Chicago, Ill.,
and is supposed to be living at Massena, Cass county, Iowa.
FRANCIS M SHRIER deserted September 14, 1862.
WILLIAM SEVERNS was born in Brown county, Ohio, October 8, 1845, removed with
his parents to Illinois in 1856, and enlisted as a farmer from Astoria, Ill. He
served with his company until the close of the war and was mustered out with the
regiment. He was wounded at the battle of Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 27,
1864, but soon returned to duty. His two sons, Charles W. and Edward H., aged
respectively sixteen and twenty, served through the war with Spain. A cousin,
Marion, of Company G, was killed at Kennesaw Mountain, and Eli, a brother or
cousin, was severely wounded at the battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia. He is a
carpenter and builder, residing at Clayton, St. Louis county, Missouri.
ELI SEVERNS, aged thirty, married, farmer, born in Jefferson, Coshocton county,
Ohio, removed to Illinois, and enlisted from Astoria. He served with his company
until severely wounded at the battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19,
1864. He was discharged on account of wounds at Nashville, Tenn., May 19, 1865.
He returned to Illinois, but later removed to Missouri, where he finally died
from the effects of his wounds, at Mound City, Missouri, August 9, 1896.
ROBERT SNODGRASS, aged twenty-six, married, farmer, born in Harrison county,
Indiana, and enlisted from Brooklyn, Schuyler county, Illinois. He served with
his company to the close of the war and was mustered out with the regiment. Some
years after his return to Illinois he removed to Kansas, where he died August 4,
????.
JAMES SALSBURY, aged forty-three, married, farmer, born in Vanderburg county,
Indiana, removed to Illinois, and enlisted from Woodland. He served through the
Kentucky campaign and at Nashville, Tenn., was transferred to the engineer
corps. He was honorably discharged from that organization at the close of the
war. He returned to Illinois, resumed farming, and died in Fulton county in
about 1895.
GEORGE W. SHAW, AGED thirty-four, married, farmer, born in Baltimore, Md., and
enlisted from Woodland, Ill. He served with his company through the Kentucky
campaign, and died at Nashville, Tenn. Is buried at No. 169 in the national
cemetery near that city.
JOHN M. SAFFER, aged twenty-three, married, farmer, born at Boon, Harrison
county, Indiana. He served with his company until killed in the assault on
Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864. He enlisted from Woodland, Fulton
county, Illinois.
BENJAMIN F. SHIELDS was born in Woodland, Fulton county, Illinois, in March,
1843, and enlisted from his native town. He served with his company to the close
of the war, and was mustered out with the regiment. Returning to Illinois he
engaged in farming in Knox county, where he served as constable from 1873 to
1881. Since 1889 he has resided at Bushnell, McDonough county, Illinois.
NATHAN SHANNON was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, in 1883, and with his
parents removed to Illinois and settled on a farm in Fulton county; was married
and as farmer when he enlisted from Astoria. He served with his company through
the Kentucky campaign, and was discharged at Nashville, Tenn., May 19, 1863.
Returning to his former home he resumed farming near Astoria, but later removed
to Schuyler county. Is residing at Ray, Ill.
JOHN A. THOMPSON, aged twenty-one, farmer, born at Keen, Coshocton county, Ohio,
and enlisted from Woodland, ill. He served with his company until severely
wounded in the assault on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, and died of wounds at
Chattanooga, Tenn., July 7, 1864. His remains are buried at No. 11830 in the
national cemetery on Orchard Knob near that city.
CHARLES C. TURNER deserted November 14, 1862.
JOHN THARIO, aged nineteen, farmer,
enlisted from Astoria, and was born in Vermont, Ill. He served until near the
close of the war, when he was captured and held in rebel prisons until after the
regiment was mustered out. He was honorable discharged July 22, 1865,
returned to Illinois, and is said to be living in Tazewell county.
WILLIAM TIERY, aged twenty-five, single, farmer, born in Adair county, Kentucky,
and enlisted from Butlerville, Schuyler county, Illinois. He served through the
Kentucky campaign, and died at Nashville, Tenn., August 13, 1863. Is buried at
No. 713 in the national cemetery near that place.
JAMES P. ADDIS was born at Tecumseh, Lenawee county, Michigan, February 25,
1845, and enlisted from Astoria, Ill., under the name of James T. Toler. When a
child too young to know his own name his father died and he was left with a
neighbor’s family. This family removed to Indiana, and from there the boy was
taken by another family to Illinois, and for several years lived with Dr. W. T.
Toler, of Astoria. Here he was known as Toler, and here he enlisted under that
name. He served with his company to the close of the war, and was mustered out
with the regiment. While the command was at North Chickamauga, during the siege
of Chattanooga, he learned his real name, and that his mother was still living.
He obtained a furlough and visited her during that winter. He was wounded in the
fight at Buzzard Roost, Georgia, February 25, 1864, received a gun shot wound
which carried away the index finger of his left hand. Since the close of the war
he has been farming in Illinois, Colorado, and Oklahoma. Now resides in Lindon,
Cleveland county, Oklahoma.
ARDEN WHEELER was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, May 8, 1839, removed with his
parents to Illinois, in 1852, and settled on
a farm in Fulton county. He enlisted as a farmer from Astoria; served until the
close of the war and was mustered out with the regiment. Returning at Illinois
at the close of his service, he resumed farming, and resides near Astoria, Ill.
THOMAS WHEELER, aged forty-one, born in Brooke county, Virginia, and enlisted as
a farmer from Astoria, Ill. His health soon failed, and he was discharged for
disability, October 30, 1862. He returned to Astoria, Ill., and died April 15,
1899.
DANIEL WORLEY was born at Athens, Harrison county, Ohio, August 7, 1832, removed
to Illinois in 1851, and settled on a farm near Astoria, where he enlisted. He
served until the close of the war, and was mustered out with the regiment. He
was wounded at the battle of Perryville, Ky., October 8, 1862, by the concussion
of a cannon; was teamster for some considerable time, and returned to farming in
Illinois at the close of his service. He now resides at Macomb, McDonough
county, Illinois.
FREDERICK F. ZELLERS was born at Myerstown, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, November
30, 1832, removed to Illinois in 1850, and settled on a farm in Fulton county.
He enlisted from Woodland, was slightly wounded at the battle of Chickamauga,
Ga., but served with his company until severely wounded and captured in the
assault on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864. In the charge he leaped
the enemy’s works and, badly wounded, fell into their hands. He was confined to
Andersonville prison until the close of the war and was honorably discharged
June 27, 1865. He settled in North Dakota in 1881, has been coroner of Stark
county for four terms, and now resides at Taylor, in that county and state.
JOHN W. SNODGRASS enlisted from Woodland, Fulton county, Illinois, and served
with his company until failing health sent him to the hospital at Chattanooga,
Tenn., where he died October 8, 1863.
JAMES W. SAFFER enlisted from Woodland, Fulton county, Illinois, January 27,
1864; served with the company until the regiment was mustered out, when he was
transferred to Company C, Sixteenth Illinois Infantry. He was mustered out with
that regiment July 8, 1865, at Louisville, Ky.
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