Johnson County, Illinois Obituaries

Martin V. Day
A special to Republican-Leader Nov. 14, 1925

Martin V. Day who died here Thursday was a Civil War veteran with a record that is most interesting. His funeral Sunday at 10 A. M. marks the passing of another victim of the Andersonville Prison. He was a son of Reverend George and Martha (Cagle) Day. His father was born in South Carolina and his mother in North Carolina. Our subject was born in Walker County, Alabama in 1845 and when only three years of age, came with his parents to Illinois, locating near Columbus, Pope County, where government land was extensively entered. They remained there about ten years from which place they moved to a farm in Massac County where they remained only two years, locating in Johnson County near the present site of Reevesville in 1859.

When the just call was made for volunteers to fight for the old flag, Mr. Day, then 16 years of age offered his service, was accepted and enlisted in Co. H, 56th Illinois Infantry. The regiment having been duly trained left Shawneetown via Paducah for the great Shiloh Tennessee battlefield and although not arriving in time for the fight they encouraging joined in the pursuit of the enemy which took them in the direction of Corinth, Miss. The enemy was driven well toward Holly Springs, Miss. but the Union forces dropped back upon Corinth previous to the battle of that place. Mr. Day's regiment was ordered into camp on Clear Creek where on account of disability due largely to youthful age he was discharged and returned home. After health was restored, he re-enlisted in Co. E, 15th Kentucky cavalry at Paducah. He remained in this regiment more than nine months, during which time they were engaged in scout and guerilla fighting in Kentucky

When the time of service expired the regiment was discharged and our heroic young veteran re-enlisted the same hour in Paducah in Co. C, 13th Tennessee Cavalry for three years or until the close of the war. The organization completed their duty at Union City, Tennessee, where they remained until late in 1863, later being ordered to Fort Pillow where on April 12, 1864, the most severe battle in which our subject was engaged took place and in which he suffered some wounds and was captured by the enemy under General Forest. He spent about nine month in Andersonville, Ga. He was moved to Charleston, South Carolina about Christmas 1864, remaining but a short time when he with others were moved to the prison stockade outside the city, and later with other prisoners was taken to Augusta, Ga., where he remained until the end of the war. He was then released and reported back to the 6th Tennessee Cavalry, the 23th Cavalry having been consolidated the 6th. After a thrilling and eventful service of four years, our subject was discharged at Pulaski, Tenn., in July 1865.

Coming home again Mr. Day, still a young man, was married within a few years to Miss Josephine Parham in Russellville, Ky. And to this union six children were born with five still living, who are William M. Day, F. H. Day and G. W. Day of Texas; Miss Deliah Day at home and Day (May?) in California.

His first wife died in 1884 and he was married a second time to Nellie Table who soon passed away. So again in 1890 he was married to Mahala Jennings, who has been his faithful companion to the present. For many years he was a Methodist, but later, in 1908, united with the Baptist church at County Line near Grantsburg. He always voted the G. O. P. ticket and was always patriotic throughout.

His Civil War Record: at 16, enlisted in Co. H, 56th Illinois Infantry, left Shawneetown via Paducah. Battle of Shiloh, Tenn, April 6 -7, 1862. Joined pursuit of the enemy in the direction of Corinth, Miss; enemy driven toward Holly Springs, Miss; camped on Clear Creek; discharged due to illness. Re-enlisted, Co. E, 15th Kentucky Cavalry at Paducah, Kentucky; 9 months as scout and guerilla fighting in Kentucky; when time of service expired the regiment was discharged. Re-enlisted, Co. C, 13th/6th Tennesse Cavalry; 3 years or until close of war; completed duty at Union City, Tennesse; remained at Union City until late 1863; on April 12, 1864 at Fort Pillow most severe battle for Martin V. Day; he was wounded and captured by General Forrest's troops.
Prisoner at Andersonville, GA until Christmas of 1864, moved to Charleston, SC, to a prison stockade outside of city; then taken to Augusta, GA until end of war. Discharged at Pulaski, Tennesse, July 1865. [Submitted by a "Friend of Free Genealogy" - BACK TO OBITUARY INDEX]


Emaline Lucretia Cross
The Death Angel made another call in Creal Springs and Mrs. Emaline Lucretia Cross answered. Deceased was born in Johnson county, June 26, 1856, and departed this life, May 12, 1928, at the age of 71 years, 10 months, and 26 days. She married William Cross March 28, 1875, and to this union were born nine children, four of whom died in infancy. Those left in sorrow are as follows; her husband, the following five children; Mrs. Laura Buckner of Marion, Esco of Spillertown, Orlin of Blytheville, Ark., John of New Burndside, and Ira of Anna; 15 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, two sisters, and a host of relatives and near friends. She was converted many years ago and united with the Missionary Baptist Church and was among the more devoted of Christians. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her. The funeral was held on Sunday at the residence at one o'clock the sermon being delivered by Rev. Moody Clarida of Carterville. A large crowd of relatives and old neighbors were present for the impressive service. The burial was made in the Rich Cemetery [Submitted by a "Friend of Free Genealogy" - BACK TO OBITUARY INDEX]

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