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BIOGRAPHIES SOLDIERS All

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A HISTORY 01

fAR

The (Jr&nd flrmy The i

SOLDIERS' AND PATRIOTS'

BIOGRflPUICfllt HliBUM

CONTAINING

TOGETHER WITH THE

peaj; ©or^r^andeps of (he (iteioi?

ALSO

A HISTORY OF THE ORGANIZATIONS GROWING OUT OF THE WAR:

The Qr&nd flrmj of th? "Republic, The Loi?^l Lesion,

TK? Sons of Veterans, and

The Wom&n's Belief Corps.

UNION VETERAN PUBLISHING COMPANY, 1892.

BY

UNION YETERflN PUBLISHING

1892.

W. B. CONKEY COMPANY PRINTER* AND BINDER*.

THE BRAVE SOLDIERS NOW OF ILLINOIS WHO VOLUNTEERED

TO DEFEND THE FLAG IN THE

GREAT REBELLION,

AND SAVE THE AMERICAN REPUBLIC FROM DISUNION, AND TO THE

MEMORY OF THOSE WHO LAID DOWN THEIR LIVES UPON THE

ALTAR OF THEIR COUNTRY, THAT THE UNION

MIGHT BE PRESERVED,

THIS WORK IS SACREDLY DEDICATED.

"I Am Content."

A spindle of hazlewood had I,

Into the mill-stream it fell one day-

The water has brought it me back no more.

As he lay a-dying the soldier spake:

"I am content!

Let my mother be told, in the village there, And my bride in the hut be told That they must pray with folded hands,

With folded hands for me." The soldier is dead— and with folded hands

His bride and his mother pray. On the field of battle they dug his grave, And red with his life-blood the earth was dyed,

The earth they laid him in. The sun looked down on him there and spake: " I am content."

And flowers bloomed thickly upon his grave,

And were glad they blossomed there,. And when the wind in the tree-tops roared The soldier asked from the deep, dark grave:

" Did the banner flutter then?" " Not so, my hero," the wind replied, ' The fight is done, but the banner won, Thy comrades of old have borne it hence

Have borne it in triumph hence," Then the soldier spake from the deep, dark grave: "I am content."

And again he heard the shepherds pass

And the flocks go wand'ring by, And the soldier asked: " Is the sound I hear

The sound of the battle roar?" And they all replied: " My hero, nay! Thou art dead and the fight is o'er, Our country joyful and free."

Then the soldier spake from the deep, dark grave* " I am content."

Then he heareth the lovers laughing pass,

And the soldier asks once more: " Are these not the voices of them that love,

That love -and remember me?" " Not so, my hero," the lovers say,

" We are those that remember not; For the spring has come and the earth has smiled.

And the dead must be forgot." Then the soldier spake from the deep, dark grave: " I am content."

IN presenting this volume of biographical memoirs of the soldiers of the late Civil War to the public, the first of the kind ever attempted, the publishers feel no small degree of pride in the successful completion of a work long contemplated. We took hold of it at first with some hesitancy, not certam that we would receive that co-operation from the soldiers of the late war essential to the success of the enterprise; but as time passed on, our doubts were removed, and our hearts were made glad by the encouragement of the veterans and their substantial support. So we cheerfully struggled on to the end, and are now able to present this volume to our patrons and to the world. Few persons comprehend the great labor and the many difficulties attending the publication of a work of this kind; yet after all, it has been a pleasing task, and now that it is finished, we find there is a little regret at the parting.

We knew that the country has been flooded with war literature in almost every form, but we felt that one important feature had been wholly omitted. In the voluminous pages of the history of the Civil war, the names of the soldiers who carried ti e muskets, who fought the battles, and whose bravery and patriotism saved the Republic from dissolution, are absent, and their experiences entirely ignored. We believed this was a great injustice, that their names and deeds were as worthy to be perpetuated in history as the generals who commanded them, and this belief has been the inspiration that caused us to begin this work, and sustained us on to its completion. A great historian has truly said that: "The history of a country is best told in the record of the lives of its people." So in these memoirs of the soldiers will be found the best and most authentic accounts of the rebellion. In conformity to this idea the first volume of this work has been prepared. It was a new departure in war literature, but the indorsement we have received assures us that we are moving in the right direction. The true history of the war is yet to be written, and when the historian of the future shall begin to write a correct and unbiased account of the greatest struggle known to any era in the world's history, he will find the best and most authentic material in this series. These biographies include men from the rank and file, and those who reached the highest pinnacle of military glory; it represents those who enlisted as privates, and by their bravery and military genius, rose to be great commanders. Some of the bravest, some of the most heroic acts performed during the great conflict, were by men in the ranks. They all left their respective callings, their homes and loved ones, and went forth to battle for the Union, to lay down their lives, if need be, upon the altar of their country. When the war was over those who were spared returned to their homes and peaceful pursuits, to make useful and honorable citizens. The American soldier had an individuality; he fought independently, and often planned and executed little campaigns on his own account. He stands out in bold relief in the military history of the world, alone, and without parallel.

In recording his deeds of bravery, his endurance and suffering, his devotion to the country, we have often been obliged to stay the pen, appalled "by the grandeur of the spirit which controlled him. Often words have been inadequate to express his noble deeds of daring. His achievements would be worthy of the inspired pen of a Homer. Even the fame of the heroes of Thermopylaj grows dim before his valor. In coming years, the deeds which grace the pages of classic literature, and holds the admira tion of the student of to-diy, will pale into insignificance before the lustre which time will give to the annals of the American Volunteer Soldier.

The statistical history has been compiled with great care and labor, from the best and most authentic sources of information available. We do not claim that it is absolutely free from error, for in many instances authorities differ; that it is essentially correct is most certain. The work has been carried to its completion conscientiously, and no pains or expense has been spared to make this volume one that will delight the heart of every soldier, one that will be of priceless value, not only to himself, but to his children and descendants.

UNION VETERAN PUBLISHING COMPANY.

SOLDIERS' AND PATRIOTS'

BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM

ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

THE sixteenth President of the United States, was born February 12, 1809, in Hardin Co., Ky. His parents were both born in Virginia, of undistinguished families. His paternal grandfather Abraham Lincoln, emigrated from Virginia to Kentucky, about 1781, or 1782, where a year or so later he was killed, whilst laboring upon his farm, by In dians. Our subject's father removed from Ken tucky to Maryland, when the son was in his eighth year; arrived there about the time that State came into the Union. It was then a wild region, " with many bears and other wild ani mals still in the forest." His mother from all the evidences that can now be gathered, was an intellectual and even an accom plished woman, and from her the future President appears to have inherited his tran- scendant ability, as also his facial and physical appearance. Reared, as it were, "a child of the forest," his environments would not under ordi nary circumstances be looked upon as likely to mould the character, or develop the mind, and qualify an individual to honorably fill and suc cessfully rule the destinies of 30,000,000 of people. Nevertheless they did so.

October 5, 1818, when her boy was little over nine years of age, the mother died, and some eighteen months thereafter the father married a Mrs. Johnston, whom it would appear, contrary to all tradition regarding step mothers, took a motherly liking to young Abraham. This

feeling appears to have been amply reciproca ted, as in after years, he spoke of her as his " Saintly Mother " and again as his " Angel of a Mother." His opportunities of receiving an education were extremely poor, and it is asserted that he did not attend even the poor schools of his district more than one year. Speaking himself of the schools of his time, he said : " There were some schools, so called, but no qualification was ever required of a teacher beyond 'readin' ' writin' and 'cipherin' to the rule of three. Therefore," he said "when I came of age I did not know much. Still, some how, I could read, write, and cipher to the rule of three, but that was all." In 1825, he was em ployed by James Taylor for nine months at the magnificient salary of $6 per month, as mana ger of his ferryboat, running between the banks of the Ohio river, and at times assisting upon his employer's farm. He had early formed im pressions upon politics, hence every paper which came into his reach was studiously read; every argument carefully weighed, and soon he became recognized as " a natural politician," intensely ambitious, and anxious to be popular. In contact with other boys either with the tongue or in a physical encounter, he always was declared the winner. Few men were en dowed with the powers of mimicry displayed by young Lincoln. All stories reaching his ears were issued again, burnished and brightened, and made so laughable as to be unrecognizable by their authors. In the year 1828, he engaged upon a flat boat as a bow-hand and went to

SOLDIERS' AND PATRIOTS'

New Orleans, and two years later removed to Illinois, settling at a point ten miles west of De- catur, where he assisted in cutting and splitting the rails used in fencing fifteen acres of land. The great and rising genius of Lincoln could not be suppressed by his unpropitious sur roundings, and about the time he reached his' majority, made his first public speech, having for his subject, the Navigation of the Sangamon river. In 1831, in company with John Hanks and John Whinston, he navigated a flat-boat to New Orleans, for the large and handsome re ward of 50 cents per day and $20 as a bonus upon safe arrival. It was upon this trip that the horrors of slavery first became apparent to him, which assisted in moulding his future opinion upon that subject.

In 1831 he acted as clerk of election at New Salem, which was the first official act of his life. Shortly after this he served as first clerk to Denton Offutt, who became much interested in his employee and often declared he would become President of the UnitedStates. A strange and apparently improbable prophecy, yet one which was not only fulfilled in fact, but that he filled that high and honorable position, as it never had been since the days of the immortal George Washington, is equally marvelous, and universally accepted as truth. It may be true, that in the absence of the Revolution the world would have heard little, and perhaps read less of Washington. But Lincoln attained to his position before the Rebellion, and therefore was not a creature of the Rebellion. At the time of the Black Hawk war, Lincoln was elected a captain of volunteers, and he said of that position that " it gave me more pleasure than any I have had since." A few weeks later his company was mustered out, consequently his position as captain ceased, whereupon he enlisted as a private in an independent spy company. The political party which he sup ported was not slow to recognize his rising genius, therefore they nominated him as a can didate for the State Legislature in 1832, but adverse votes resulted in the election of his opponent, the Rev. Peter Cartwright. The fol lowing year he purchased, in company with a

Mr. Berry, a store, and was also postmaster at New Salem from May, 1833 to 1836, when that office was discontinued, and the store business, owing to the bibulous habits of his partner, re sulted in disaster and bankruptcy. Lincoln, however, true to his instincts as an honest man, shouldered the liabilities, and finally paid the last of them in 1849. He commenced the study of law, but being unable to continue he changed over to surveying, a business he mastered in six weeks, but in the fall of 1834 he suffered the humiliation of seeing his instruments sold by the sheriff, to pay a debt he was unable otherwise to liquidate. The same year, he was elected to a seat in the Legislature and was ap pointed a member of the Committee up6n Public Accounts. He was elected to the sanfie seat at the three succeeding elections. Whilst a member, he was admitted to the bar and be came a law partner with John T. Stewart, and began the practice of his profession at Spring field in 1839. He soon distinguished himself in practice and became a leader in his chosen profession.

He was admitted to practice in the circuit court, presided over by Judge Davis, who after personal observation said of the rising attorney: "In all the elements that constitute a great lawyer, he had few equals ; he seized the strong points of a cause and presented them with clear ness and great compactness." To his herculean efforts, in the conduct of the defense in the prosecution of the son of William and Hannah Armstrong, for murder, has always been at tributed the saving of that young man from the gallows. November 4, 1842, he was married to Mary, daughter of the Hon. Robt. S.Todd, of Lexington, Ky. At the elections of 1840, and '44, he was a candidate for the honor of Presidential elector, being frequently opposed to Stephen A. Douglas in public debate. , In 1846 he was elected to Congress, defeating his old Democratic opponent the Rev. Peter Cart- wright, and introduced the famous " Spot Resolutions," directing the President to indi cate the particular locality of the alleged out rages of the Mexicans upon American citizens, and spoke in Congress for the first time in sup-

BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

port of those resolutions. Subsequently he advocated the election of Gen. Taylor, as also the abolition of all slaves within the district of Columbia, and a policy of compensation to the owners. He was an applicant for the office of Commissioner of the General Land-Office, but was unsuccessful. He was tendered the Gov ernorship of the Territory of Oregon from the President, but declined the proffered honor, and in 1849, was defeated by Gen. Shields, in the contest for the United States Senatorship. In 1855, he withdrew as a candidate, and became an able supporter and advocate of the candicacy of Mr. Trumbull, to the United States Senate, whom he helped elect over Gen. Shields, and it is claimed that during that canvass he exploded the sophistry of Stephen A. Douglas' "Great Principle " by the words, " I admit that the emi grant to Kansas and Nebraska is competent to govern himself, but I deny his right to gov ern any other person, without that person's consent." Of Lincoln it was said, and the be lief was fully shared in, by his many friends, that he was "destined by the Dispenser of all things, to occupy a great place in the Worlds' history.". June 17, 1856, he received no votes at the National Republican convention held in Philadelphia, whereat Gen. John C. Fremont received the nomination for the Chief Magis tracy. In 1858, he became an opponent of Stephen A. Douglas, for a seat in the Senate, which was relegated for decision to a popular vote. The two candidates for the position made a joint canvass of the State, and held dur ing the campaign seven joint meetings. Dur ing the canvass, on June 17, 1858, he delivered his celebrated address, since known as " The house divided-against-itself speech," which ex erted such a controlling influence, not only over those who sat within the hearing of his voice and heard his clear, bold and convincing arguments, as to the propriety of admitting Kansas into the Union as a slave or a free State, and the other great questions before the people, but it was heralded to the remotest corners of the Republic, and was largely instru mental in moulding public opinion to his way of thinking, upon the merits of the subjects

discussed. His public utterances clearly de monstrated that he was a born leader, and as if to hold him in reserve, the State elected Doug las to the Senate, whilst it held the great Lin coln for the then approaching Presidential con test. In February, 1860, in response to an in vitation from New York City, he addressed an immense audience there and again in New England, taking for his theme the action of the framers of the Constitution, in respect to slavery. May 10, 1860, at the Republican State convention, of Illinois, he was nominated for the Presidency. At the meeting of the Republi can National Convention, held in Chicago, it adopted aresolution denying " The authority of Congress, of a Territorial Legislature, or any in dividuals, to give legal assistance to slavery in any Territory of the United States." At this con vention Lincoln was nominated on the third bal lot as the Republican candidate for the Presidency, which nomination was made unani mous. At the election which followed, he re ceived about 600,000 more votes, than was obtained by his real opponent, Douglas, whilst of the electoral votes, he received 180, Breck- enridge 72, Bell 39 and Douglas 12. In his in augural address delivered March 4, 1861, knowing some of the Southern States to be in revolt, with others ready to follow, he said: "I consider that in view of the Constitution and the laws, the Union is unbroken, and to the ex tent of my ability I shall take care, as the Con stitution itself expressly enjoins me, that the law of the Union be faithfully executed in all the States."

In assuming the duties of President, Lin coln found a fragmentary army all told of 16,- OOO men, the greater portion of whom were in the South, and if not Rebels, situated so as to be of little service to the Nation. The finances were in a bad condition and the treasury was practically empty.

Fort Sumpter being bombarded, he realized heroic measures were necessary. He issued a proclamation calling for 75,000, troops and the blockade of all points in the seceded States. He then called Congress together to meet on July 4th, and by that time many of the Southern

SOLDIERS' AND PATRIOTS'

States had allied their fortunes with what was then known as the Southern Confederacy. By this time the requisition for troops had been filled and the formation of regiments, drilling and army organization were being proceeded with, as rapidly as circumstances would permit. The Union troops moved Southward to the scenes of disturbance, and soon were engaged in the opening battles of the Rebellion. The first im portant engagement was that of Bull Run, fought July 21, 1861, resulting in the defeat of National troops under Gen. McDowell by a somewhat larger force under Generals Johnston and Beauregard. This victory was one of great importance to the Confederates and gave them an increase of prestige on both sides of the Atlantic.

The National Army was placed in charge of Gen. Geo. B. McClellan, a young officer who had distingutshed himself by a successful cam paign in West Virginia. The expectations of President Lincoln in the appointment of Gen. McClellan were not verified by results. He was in command of a force much superior to that opposing him, yet he allowed month after month to pass, without making those advances upon Richmond, which it became apparent were capable of performance. In the month of July, 1862, President Lincoln became restive and irritated at McClellan's persistent delays, therefore visited the army at Harrison's Land ing, and after careful consultations with the Corps' Commanders, became convinced there was no reasonable expectation of a successful movement upon Richmond, by his then com manding officer. March 6, 1862, he sent a special message to Congress, enclosing a res olution the passage of which he recommended, offering pecuniary aid from the General Govern ment to States that should adopt the gradual abolishment of slavery. Congress confirmed this resolution, but in none of the slave States was public sentiment sufficiently advanced, to permit them to avail themselves of it. The following month Congress by enactment eman cipated the slaves in the District of Columbia with compensation to the owners; therefore Lincoln had the extreme satisfaction of assent

ing to a measure that he had many years before, while a Representative from Illinois, fruitlessly urged upon -the notice of Congress. In May, 1862, he promptly abrogated the proclamation of Gen. Hunter declaring all slaves in Georgia Florida and South Carolina, forever free. In a letter to Horace Greely on August 22, 1862, Lincoln said: " My paramount object is to save the Union, and not either to save or destroy slavery. If I could save the Union without freeing any slaves I would do it; if I could save it by freeing all the slaves I would do it; and if I could do it by freeing some and leaving others alone I would also do that." On Sep tember 22d, he issued his preliminary proclama tion wherein he notified the rebellious States, that on January ist, 1863, all persons held as slaves within any State or part of a State the people whereof should be in rebellion, should be then, thence forward, and forever, free." January ist, thelongexpectedand humane emancipating proclamation was issued, wherein among other things he said: "I do order and declare that all persons held as slaves within said designated States and parts of States are, and hence for ward shall be free, and that the Executive Gov ernment of the United States, including the mil itary and naval authorities thereof, will recog nize and maintain the freedom of said persons." At his urgent request Congress, January, 1865, gave effect to the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution, which practically did away with slavery or involuntary servitude. In 1863, Lincoln asked and obtained authority from Congress to recruit the vast army of 1,000,000 men by a draft upon the arms-bearing popula tion of the loyal States. This measure provoked considerable discussion throughout the Repub lic, and New York City was kept in disorder and terror for three days on account of it. At the Presidental election of 1864, he was elected by a large majority over his opponent, Gen. Mc Clellan, and his second inaugural address de livered March 4, 1865, will forever remain, not only one of the most remarkable of all his public utterances, but will also hold a high rank among the greatest State papers that history has preserved. Among other things he said,

BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

" Both read the same Bible, and pray to the " same God, and each invokes his aid against the " other. It may seem strange that any men " should dare to ask a just God's assistance in "wringing their bread from the sweat of other " men's faces. But let us JUM^C not that we be not " judged. The prayers of both could not be "answered; that of neither has been iuliy an- "swered. The Almighty has his own pur "Woe unto the world because of off eases, for it "must needs be that offenses come; but woe to " that man by whom the offense cometh.' If we "shall suppose that American Slavery is one of " those offenses, which in the Providence of God, "must needs come, but which, having continued "throughout his appointed time, he now wills " to remove, and that he gives to both North "and South this terrible war, as the woe due to "those, by whom the 'offense came, shall we "discern therein any departure from those •' Divine authorities which the believers in a liv- "ing God always ascribe to him? Fondly do "we hope, fervently do we pray, that this "mighty scourge of war may speedily, pass 'away. Yet, if God wills that it continue, un- "til all the wealth ptied by the bandsman's "250 years of uivrequitted toil, shall be sunk, "and until every drop of blood drawn by the "lash shall be paid by another drawn with the "sword, as was said 3,000 years ago, so still it "must be said, 'The judgments of the Lord "are true and righteous altogether.' With "malice toward none, with charity for all, with "firmness in the right, as God gives us to see " the right, let us strive on to finish the work "we are in, to bind up the Nation's wounds, to "care for him who shall have borne the battle,

Tnd for his widow and hi"- orphans --to do all . h may achieve and cherish a just and a

U-! ing peace among ourselves, and with all " Nations."

President Lincoln had himself accompanied the army in its last triumphant campaign and entered Richmond immediately after its sur render; received the benediction not only of the Colored people whor» he had set free, but of a great number of the white population, who had grown weary of war and now began to rejoice

ay o "Our

in the advent of peace. After » cabinet meet

ing which lasted throughout the !4t

April 1865, he attended a per-

American Cousin" at Ford's Theat

panied by his wi'- iarrH auc1

borne. Just after the perfo.

menced a shot was ho*rd and a man

to leap from -the PreMdeut's hex to

flourishing a bloody

shooting the President he h

Rathborne and shouting "Sk

the South }.s avenged !" hc»r -\-:^< •

building, mounted a horse and m*

The now house on

ident was c side of the

the follov. • . m iing. surrounded by

o a

ere.

his

family, and ment, he b Wilkes Boo barn when . he could be Lincoln'- on April jnj course of funeral train through Chicago in state an« traord' sorrow near Sp, 1. 18

.ipal officers of his Govern his last. His assassin. }. fterwards discovered in a •' trfu^o, -in

t'alo. Cl-

i which places the

y where was received wi

onstrations o* respec

" was i i Oik

May 4th. and there on

bcr

erected to his memory. Of his fa

one of h i hi

widow of tiu I'; •«' in Si

and in Chicago after leaving -he Ca.;

t

LIEUT.-GENERAL ULYSSES

foi.it Pies

W

J7AS born at .ige on ti

i'T, II

27, 1822. Ec!uc«

graduated twent]

tered military sei

the Fou

BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

5

" Both read the same Bible, and pray to the " same God, and each invokes his aid against the " other. It may seem strange that any men " should dare to ask a just God's assistance in "wringing their bread from the sweat of other " men's faces. But let us judge not that we be not "judged. The prayers of both could not be "answered; that of neither has been fully an- "swered. The Almighty has his own purposes. "Woe unto the world because of offenses, for it "must needs be that offenses come; but woe to " that man by whom the offense cometh.' If we "shall suppose that American Slavery is one of " those offenses, which in the Providence of God, "must needs come, but which, having continued "throughout his appointed time, he now wills "to remove, and that he gives to both North "and South this terrible war, as the woe due to "those, by whom the offense came, shall we "discern therein any departure from those "Divine authorities which the believers in a liv- "ing God always ascribe to him? Fondly do "we hope, fervently do we pray, that this "mighty scourge of war may speedily pass "away. Yet, if God wills that it continue, un- "til all the wealth piled by the bondsman's "250 years of unrequitted toil, shall be sunk, "and until every drop of blood drawn by the "lash shall be paid by another drawn with the "sword, as was said 3,000 years ago, so still it "must be said, 'The judgments of the Lord "are true and righteous altogether.' With "malice toward none, with charity for all, with "firmness in the right, as God gives us to see " the right, let us strive on to finish the work "we are in, to bind up the Nation's wounds, to "care for him who shall have borne the battle, "and for his widow and his orphans — to do all "which may achieve and cherish a just and a " lasting peace among ourselves, and with all "Nations."

President Lincoln had himself accompanied the army in its last triumphant campaign and entered Richmond immediately after its sur render; received the benediction not only of the colored people whom he had set free, but of a great number of the white population, who had grown weary of war and now began to rejoice

in the advent of peace. After a cabinet meet ing which lasted throughout the I4th day of April 1865, he attended a performance of "Our American Cousin" at Ford's Theatre accom panied by his wife, Miss Harris and Maj. Rath- borne. Just after the performance had com menced a shot was heard and a man was seen to leap from the President's box to the stage, flourishing a bloody knife with which, after shooting the President he had stabbed Major Rathborneand shouting "Sic SemperTyrannis; the South is avenged !" he rushed from the building, mounted a horse and made his escape. The now dying President was conveyed to a house on the opposite side of the street where the following morning, surrounded by his family, and the principal officers of his Govern ment, he breathed his last. His assassin, J. Wilkes Booth, was afterwards discovered in a barn where he had taken refuge, and shot before he could be captured.

Lincoln's body lay in state at the Capitol on April 20th and was viewed by a large con course of people. The following day the funeral train started for Springfield, 111., passing through Baltimore, Buffalo, Cleveland and Chicago, at each of which places the body lay in state and everywhere was received with ex traordinary demonstrations of respect and sorrow. His body was interred at Oak Ridge near Springfield, May 4th, and there on Octo ber 15, 1874, an imposing monument was erected to his memory. Of his family only one of his sons, Robert, survived him. The widow of the President resided in Springfield and in Chicago after leaving the Capital, and died at the former place July i6th, 1882.

LIEUT.-GENERAL ULYSSES S. GRANT.

WAS born at Point Pleasant, a small village on the west bank of the Ohio river, in Clermont county, Ohio, April 27, 1822. Educated at West Point, where he graduated twenty-first in the class of 1843. En tered military services as brevet Second Lieu tenant in the Fourth Regiment United States In-

SOLDIERS' AND PATRIOTS'

fantry, and joined his regiment at Jefferson Bar racks, St. Louis, Mo. Was promoted Second Lieutenant in 1844; to First Lieutenant in 1847; to Captain in 1853; Colonel of the Twenty-first Illinois Volunteers, June 1861; Brigadier-Gen eral of Volunteers, August 9, 1861; to Major- General February 16,1862; and to Lieutenant- General, March 2, 1864. Grant while at West Point behaved handsomely, studied incessantly, and won the respect of all with whom he asso ciated. On entering military services as a cadet there happened to be no vacancy in his regiment, and the young Lieutenant and future Lieuten- ant-General was ordered to duty as a private soldier. Without hesitation he cheerfully per formed all the duties assigned to him in that capacity, going on fatigue, standing sentinel, etc.

In 1844, the Fourth Infantry was sent from St. Louis to the Red River, in the frontier ser vice against the Indians, and in 1845 ^ followed Gen. Zachary Taylor to Texas. When the veteran Taylor met the Mexicans in battle at Palo-Alto and Resaca de la Palma, Lieut. Grant was an active participant. At the fierce assault on, and capture of Monterey, he distinguished himself as a soldier. He afterwards joined Gen. Scott, and took part in the bombardment and capture of Vera Cruz, accompanying the army of invasion, then advancing upon the City of Mexico. At thebattlesof Molino del Rey and Chapultepec where the Mexicans were driven, by a storming party, from strong forts and con vents of great antiquity, Lieut. Grant displayed talents of very high promise. For gallantry on this occasion, he won promotion on the spot, in addition to the unqualified approbation and highest commendations of superior officers. At the close of the war in Mexico, Capt. Grant was assigned to garrison duty. He was first stationed at Detroit, Mich., afterwards at New York. In 1851 his regiment was ordered to Fort Dallas, in Oregon Territory, to counteract hostile demonstrations of the predatory tribes of Indians. The beginning of the Rebellion in the spring of 1861 found him engaged in the leather business at Galena, 111. Without wait ing for a formal declaration of war, he at once

dissolved his business connections, raised the National standard in his own town, enlisted a company of volunteers, and started for the capital of the State. The Governor of Illinois was not favorably impressed with Capt. Grant's personal appearance, and declined promoting the Captain, as proposed. Soon, however, find ing Capt. Grant a business man, the Governor consented to place him on his personal staff, to discharge the duties of Adjutant-General of the State. The business of raising troops went on lively under Capt. Grant's supervision, until twenty regiments were organized. When the Twenty-first was full, it was reported to the Governor as being unmanageable and insubordi nate. It was rendezvoused at Mattoon, and no man could be found who could control it. The Governor called Capt. Grant, and asked if he thought he could manage the turbulent Suck ers. Grant answered in the affirmative, with his usual modesty, and was at once appointed to the command of the Twenty-first Regiment of Illinois Volunteers. Col. Grant repaired to the place of rendezvous, and formally assumed command without any demonstration of au thority. By judicious management and effi cient drilling, the Twenty-first was, in a short time, one of the best disciplined regiments in the State. Col. Grant was soon commissioned Brigadier-General of Volunteers, and ordered to Southern Missouri for the purpose of ex pelling the Rebel General, Jeff Thompson, from that country. After a brief campaign in this service, Gen. Grant was transferred to the com mand of the District of Cairo, 111.

The Rebels took possession of Columbus, on the East side, and of Belmont, Mo., on the west bank of the Mississippi river, and nearly opposite to the former place, and they could thus effectually command the Mississippi River and hold absolute control over its navigation. To prevent this, Gen. Grant took two brigades and attacked the enemy at Belmont, November 7, 1861. A severe battle ensued, in which the Union forces drove the enemy. It was neces sary to induce the Rebels to hold their forces at Columbus while an expedition attempted the capture of the other two forts, Fort Henry on

BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

the Tennessee and Fort Donelson on the Cum berland. A strong reconnoissance was sent down the Mississippi with orders to make a spirited attack by land and water on Columbus. While this ruse was progressing, the main body of Gen. Grant's troops, consisting of ten regi ments of infantry and seven gunboats, quietly sailed up the river. The enemy were thus completely deceived, holding their forces for the defense of Columbus, until the Union troops were at the gates of Fort Henry, a hundred miles away. February 6th, the fort fell into our hands. Fort Donelson was only twelve miles distant. There Buckner, Floyd and Pillow now united in making it impregnable. To capture it, Gen. Grant marched twenty thou sand men from Fort Henry, February I2th, and •encamped at night in a military crescent around its frowning battlements. Two days after, the gunboats arrived, bringing reinforcements. The attack was begun on the I4th; on the I5th, the enemy attempted by almost superhuman ef forts to break the Union lines. After a fearful conflict, the Union arms triumphed and the National victory was complete, Gen. Grant had now won two brilliant victories in rapid succession, which were of incalculable value to the National cause, Gen. Grant's army had moved from the scene of his last great victory, and lay at Pittsburg Landing. His forces con sisted of the Army of the Tennessee, with Lew Wallace's division at Crump's Landing, six miles distant. The enemy had collected under Albert Sidney Johnston, one of their most dis tinguished and able commanders. On this oc casion the Rebels marched from Corinth and made a sudden and unexpected attack on the Army of the Tennessee under Gen. Grant at Shiloh Church, on the morning of April 6, 1862. The battle raged with intense fury throughout the day; the tide being most of the time in favor of the enemy. The fighting was obstinate on both sides. The tide of blood swayed from side to side, until at times all were alike enveloped in carnage, indiscriminate and general. The united Union armies took the of fensive early the next day and steadily drove the Rebels. Their retreat soon became precip

itated, and the whole Rebel army fled to Cor inth. The Union army pursued the retreating foe and invested the remaining Rebel army at Corinth, Miss. At this time Gen. Halleck ar rived and took command of all the National forces by virtue of seniority in commission. The siege was pressed until the Rebels evacu ated on the 28th of May. Gen. Johnston, the Rebel commander, had been killed; Generals Breckenridge, Bowen, Cheatham and Hardee, wounded at Pittsburg Landing. In the mean time Gen. Halleck was called to Washington City to act as Commander-in-Chief and Gen. Grant again assumed command of the army of the Southwest. Gen. Grant then inaugurated a movement against Vicksburg, in the very heart of the enemy's country. It was evident that a struggle must be made of no ordinary sort to hold or capture a position of such vital impor tance. Grant's first plan was for Gen. Sherman, in command of a strong force acting in con junction with the gun-boats, to descend the Mis sissippi River from Memphis, while Grant him self, with the main body of his army, should march by land and water, both in front and rear. After Gen. Sherman had started, and just on the eve of Gen. Grant's co-operative march, an unfaithful subordinate officer needlessly sur rendered a large stock of commissary stores collected at Holly Springs, Miss., on which Grant's army depended for supplies. This un- forseen disaster defeated his plans, and com pelled him to resort to new strategy. He next concentrated his forces at Milliken's Bend, about six miles above Vicksburg. After a fruitless attempt to dig a canal, it occurred to the fruitful mind of Gen. Grant to march around Vicksburg, on the west, cross the river below, and attack Vicksburg in the rear. This move ment began on the 2Qth of March, 1863. Gen. Grant's army met the fleet at Grand Gulf, sev enty miles below Vicksburg. Ascending the Yazoo, Sherman made a vigorous attack at long range on the works at Haine's Bluff, and suc ceeded in convincing the enemy that the long- expected attack was now coming from that di rection. After concentrating the army, Gen. Grant marched through the country to the rear

8

SOLDIERS' AND PATRIOTS'

of Vicksburg, fighting the battles of Champion Hills, Raymond, Jackson, and Black-River Ridge. On the iQth, and 22d, the enemy's works were fruitlessly assailed with a heavy Union loss. The siege was prosecuted with great vigor until the 4th of July, when the en tire position, embracing the city of Vicksburg, fell into the hands of the Union army. Pre liminary to the surrender the commanding gen erals met, when the following conversation en sued: Gen. Pemberton to Gen. Grant: "I have met you, sir, to negotiate arrangements for the capitulation of the city of Vicksburg and its garrison. What terms do you demand?" "Unconditional surrender," says Grant. Gen. Pemberton: "Never, while I have a man left. I had rather fight." "Then," says Gen. Grant, "you can continue the defense, as my army has never been in better condition to continue the siege."

The unconditional surrender was, however, finally accepted, and the National army marched in, amidst loud cheering along the lines of the victors.

Gen. Grant had now closed another cam paign, lasting sixty-four days, during which he had killed 6,500, and captured 37,000 Rebels, in cluding among the number one Lieutenant- general and eighteen other generals of the Confederate armies ; had captured one entire army under Gen. Pemberton; defeated and dis persed another under Johnston, and opened the navigation of the Mississippi river from Cairo to New Orleans.

He now, and for the first time, asked and obtained leave of absence, and made a short visit to his home. Returning to duty, he first visited New Orleans where he was thrown from a horse while reviewing the troops, and severely hurt. From this injury he was disabled un til the ensumg fall, when he was ordered to take command of all the troops then in the val ley of the Mississippi.

Gen. Grant took command of the Army of the Cumberland, with headquarters at Chattanooga, in the fall of 1863.

The plan of the battle of Mission Ridge was absolutely irresistible, with Hooker on the right,

Thomas in the center, and Sherman on the left.

Having matured all his arrangements, Gen. Grant, on the 24th of November, 1863, ordered the assault on the enemy's work to begin. For the purpose of weakening the enemy in the center, Sherman was ordered to make a per- sistant and fierce attack on the left, at the north end of Mission Ridge. Hooker was to assault the works on Lookout Mountain, and at day light the bloody work began.

The sun rose that morning through over hanging clouds of smoke. All day the Rebel cannon rained a pitiless storm of shot and shell on the Union army from Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. Late in the afternoon Hooker's brave boys scaled the heights on the right, and on the morning of the 25th, the first rays of sun light revealed to the troops in Chattanooga the glorious stars and stripes planted on the rugged steeps of Lookout Mountain.

Before the smoke had cleared away from Lookout Mountain, Sherman's artillery was heard roaring like contending thunder on the north end of Mission Ridge. Stern necessity had compelled the enemy to concentrate against Sherman's terrible assaults on his right. This was the thing in Gen. Grant's plan on which he depended for final success. The long expected signal was heard from the center column, under Gen. Thomas, to move at four o'clock in the afternoon.

Every man was eager to share in the im pending strife, and on moved long lines of blue. Not a gun was fired from our lines as the infantry deliberately walked across an in tervening exposed plain under the enemy's fire. The Rebel rifle-pits were reached, charged and captured. These were at the foot of the ridge. A short distance up the hill stood the enemy's second line of works. These, in turn, were soon assailed, when a short struggle ensued, and the rebels left in defense were led prisoners down the hill and across the plain where the enemy's shells fell thickest.

The brow of Mission Ridge was already reached, the Rebel works all secured, and the Union forces sheltered by the rugged heights above.

BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

Forts Bragg, Buckner and Breckinridge all fell in rapid succession. The rout of the army was complete. Five thousand prisoners and fifty-two pieces of artillery fell into the hands of the Union army.

Two months previous we had suffered a ter rible disaster in the immediate vicinity. Chick- amauga was now amply avenged. December 1 7th, Congress passed a resolution of thanks, and ordered a splendid gold medal to be pre sented to Gen. Grant as a token of the Nation's gratitude for his long sevice and brilliant vic tories.

March 2, 1864, Gen. Grant was made Lieut enant-General and Commander-in-Chief of the United States troops. On assuming the re sponsibilities of supreme command, Gen. Grant at once addressed himself to the practical du ties of the position. His earliest conceptions were the capture of Atlanta, Ga., and of Rich mond, Va. To capture Atlanta he ordered Gen. Sherman to advance from Chattanooga in command of nearly a hundred thousand men, amply furnished for an offensive campaign. At the same time he took command of the armies of the East in person and led them against Richmond. On the morning of the 5th of May, 1864, three army corps of the great Army of the Potomac broke camp, and started on what proved to be one of the most protracted, ex citing and successful campaigns known in the history of war. Crossing the Rapidan the force moved south with the view of striking Rich mond on the north, while Gen. Burnside, with forty thousand men, was to hover on the left and threaten it on the east. Gen. Butler, in command of the Army of the James, was or dered to demonstrate on the south, and the Rebel capital was to be invested on three sides. A few hours' march from the Union camps and the enemy's lines were struck, in a dense wilderness of small trees, bushes and under growth of various kinds. A severe battle was at once begun, in which the enemy had many advantages.

After driving in the enemy's pickets, and while pressing their way through the difficult fastness, the Union troops were suddenly at

tacked by Longstreet's corps of Rebels, with all the ferocity of demons mad, and the action became general, bloody and doubtful in its issue.

Next morning the battle was renewed with great obstinacy, and again continued all day with great loss on both sides. During the sec ond day's fight Gen. Grant changed his posi tion, and on the morning of the third day, ad vancing, he found the enemy had fallen back and left him in undisputed possession of the field. Re-enforced by Burnside's corps, the Union army pursued and overtook the enemy at Spottsylvania Court-house, where another severe engagement was fought.

Having now formed a junction with Gen. Butler's army, a succession of unsuccessful at tacks were next made on the fortifications in front of Petersburg. A severe action was fought at Hatcher's Run, October 29. By spring Richmond and Petersburg were closely invested.

March 29, 1865, Gen. Grant put the army of the Potomac in motion for the last campaign of the war. Gen. Sheridan, in command of the cavalry and one corps of infantry, was ordered to travel west from Petersburg and threaten Burkville. These movements led to a series of great battles between the contending armies, in which Gen. Lee was finally defeated and Richmond captured.

As soon as Gen. Sheridan had destroyed the Rebel communications, he attacked the right wing of the army. The Army of the James moved simultaneously on the Rebel left, while the Army of the Potomac proper attacked the works in front of Petersburg. Two entire days the fighting was incessant. Never did troops meet with a more determined will. The Army of the Potomac had really fought throughout its entire history for the capture of Richmond. Truly, the struggle was more deadly than when Greek 'met Greek. It was American meeting his brother in conflict; involving the life of a nation. Sheridan's impetuous charges suc ceeded in breaking the enemy's right on the second day, and, sweeping through the breech, he captured and brought off upward of four

10

SOLDIERS' AND PATRIOTS'

thousand prisoners. About the same time, the Rebels works in front of Petersburg fell into the hands of the assaulting Union columns. The cry of victory was heralded from all parts of the Union army. By the 1st of April, the enemy evacuated Petersburg, with all its vast defensive works, and fled in the direction of Richmond. Richmond was at last uncovered, and in the afternoon of Sunday, April 1 2th, while enjoying the pious ordinances of a Rebel church, the President of the Confederacy was handed the unwelcome dispatch from Gen. Lee, that the Capital was lost, and must be speedily evacuated. The defeated Rebel army took up its melancholy retreat, which was soon to end in its final ruin. The pursuit was vigorously pressed. Sheridan pushed directly west with a heavy force, and seized the railroad junction at Burksville before the retreating army could reach it. This position commanded the route to Lynchburg, and completely cut off the last chance for Lee's army to escape. By the time the Rebel commander reached this point, he found his already demoralized army attacked in front, in flank, and in rear. The fighting had not ceased since the 2Qth of March. Hu man energy could do no more, and on the gth of April, 1865, Gen. Lee surrendered his entire army. In affixing his signature to this surren der, the Rebel commander signed the death warrant of the Confederacy.

Only one more army remained in the field. This was commanded by Joe Johnston in North Carolina, and was immediately in front of Gen. Sherman. Completely surrounded, Gen. John ston called a council of war, and surrendered his whole army to Gen. Sherman on the 26th of April, 1865. After witnessing and approving this surrender of Johnston's army, Gen. Grant returned to Washington. On the 23d and 24th of May, the vast armies of the Potomac, of the Shenandoah, of the James, of the Tennessee, and of Georgia, were reviewed by the President, Lieut. -Gen. Grant, and heads of department at Washington City.

The nation on that day tendered to Gen. Grant and his noble and gallant armies a demonstration of its homage of which a con

quering Caesar might be prcud. Gen. Grant had now over a million soldiers under his com mand.

We have now rapidly traced Gen. Grant through one of. the most eventful military his tories recorded in the annals of the world. Starting out as a citizen from an humble posi tion in life, his success as a war-chief absolutely borders on the romantic.

Grant remained at the head of the army during the Presidency of Johnson, and the Re publican party in casting a vote for a candi date became favorably disposed toward Lieut. - Gen. Grant as their next President. In May, 1868, the Republican National Convention met and Grant received the nomination as Presi dent, and at the election in the following No vember he received a popular vote of over three million. In the electoral college the vote stood 214 to 80.

Upon his inauguration he devoted himself largely to reducing the public debt created by the war and succeeded in his eight years' term of office of cutting it down from $2,588,452,213 to $2,180,395,067.

In the treatment of the Indians, President Grant's administration showed a marked depart ure from the methods which had long prevailed. The most important event in the foreign rela tions of the government was the negotiation, in 1870, by which the claims of the United States against Great Britain for breach of neutrality during the Civil War were to be submitted to an international Board of Arbitration. It com prised representatives from England, United States, Italy, Switzerland, and Brazil, and met at Geneva in December 1871, and in the following year awarded the United States damages to the extent of $15,500,000. Gen. Grant was elected for a second term over his opponent, Horace Greeley, by an even larger majority than he had received, as a result of the first election.

President Grant was an active promoter of the great Centennial Exhibition held at Phila delphia, in 1876, which was designed to show what this nation had achieved in the hundred years of its existence.

Grant's administration was one of the most

important in the country. The wounds of »«•>..

Civil War ,iad not yet IK- en healed. The Jinan* ; i •••

of the co ntry had been u1. an unhealthy «M(

dition. Political power w.i.- gravitating int»»

the hands of men who had (or?? ted it for years

by acts o madness without :

on their f< llowers. To gukh of State ;

amid such tempestuous politi >. «juircd a

shrewd President, endowed with a master mind.

After six! _'en years of unremitting t«»il in the by

military end civil service of his country he was

concluded to go abroad, accompanied by his side P*ri

family an< I friends, and visit the stirring cen- inte

ters of other countries. On this tour he >tarted with a

from Philadelphia May 17, 1887, visitcri Eng- covered

land where he received the honors of A tionally .«

sovereign, thus establishing a precedent which the

the rulers of other countries gladly of <

After a vis it through England ai \;i,

traveled ( ver the continent of

into Egyp., and on to the II

quently h<- went to India, (

crossing tie Pacific Ocean •

cisco Sepl ember 20, 1879, wt*

an ovation which \va

large centers as hr pa fir-

At thejconvention o* < rnrm r

friends pressed hi.s • . * rm tla

as President. In this, however, thov u- ;« iin- successful. After abandoning polit i the thcj;

General removed to New York, w'j»«.'t: his friends raised for him $250,000. lie then be- **•< ;.-.' came a member of the famous ' » Grant

and Ward, which was entirely m«»n ;. . i : , the Ward part; icr svho embarked in re-:! .-cu- tJ«

his re

Joying at the same deceiving his part?:

lation, em means of

(ien. Gr. : -.it? .. - t.:f' '•

kind friends was, on the failure « * Grant &VV ard swept from his grasp. In j-i<v '.84, a cancer ous growth appeared in the »t>ot of hi* mouth which received no attention unni the followinj October. Medical cxar soon <W:no?i

strated that the disease was n f ^*K

must terminate fatal!) . During th' Congress an effort xvas made whi'.h } • cessful in reMormg him to thr army with th^ rank of geneiai. «m

by his f<tm.;* t! though lu. 'A'aa ;»hysician>, ai. control. He ' body wa.s take August H. •

•inly i for

i his mi .: General* <

i-ci an

'R the East he lo A to glorious vi- ••'•ellion by his broai He exterminated the <1 long threatened the i obedience to the vo atly directed its restoi attractive form, ^manship as Pres ujerican citizen h >ie position in the *:« world.

BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

ii

important in the country. The wounds of the Civil War had not yet been healed. The finance of the country had been in an unhealthy con dition. Political power was gravitating into the hands of men who had forfeited it for years by acts of madness without losing their hold on their followers. To guide the ship of State amid such tempestuous political seas required a shrewd President, endowed with a master mind. After sixteen years of unremitting toil in the military and civil service of his country he concluded to go abroad, accompanied by his family and friends, and visit the stirring cen ters of other countries. On this tour he started from Philadelphia May 17, 1887, visited Eng land where he received the honors of a sovereign, thus establishing a precedent which the rulers of other countries gladly followed. After a visit through England and Scotland he traveled over the continent of Europe then into Egypt, and on to the Holy Land. Subse quently he went to India, China, Japan, then crossing the Pacific Ocean reached San Fran cisco September 20, 1879, where he received an ovation which was repeated in several of the large centers as he passed through them.

At the convention of 1880 many of his warm friends pressed his nomination for a third term as President. In this, however, they were un successful. After abandoning political life the General removed to New York, where his friends raised for him $250,000. He then be came a member of the famous firm of Grant and Ward, which was entirely managed by the Ward partner who embarked in reckless specu lation, employing at the same time villainous means of deceiving his partners, and before Gen. Grant was aware of disaster his gift from kind friends was, on the failure of Grant & Ward, swept from his grasp. In June 1884, a cancer ous growth appeared in the roof of his mouth, which received no attention until the following October. Medical examination soon demon strated that the disease was malignant and must terminate fatally. During the XLVIII. Congress an effort was made which proved suc cessful in restoring him to the United States army with the rank of general, on the retired

list. In the spring of 1885 ne was removed to the cottage of J. W. Drexel, at Mount McGregor, N. Y. There his remaining days were passed surrounded by his family and many intimate friends. Although he was watched over by most skilful physicians, his disease had passed beyond human control. He died on July 23, 1885. His body was taken to New York City, and on August 8, 1885, attended by memorable military and civil procession, was conducted to its last resting place in River side Park, which. the family had selected for interment. Gen. Grant was of medium height, with a firm expressive countenance, well covered with a brown beard. He was constitu tionally strong, and during the war often shared the hardships of the humblest soldier. He was of the seventh generation of Grant's born on American soil, and was a typical representa tive of our American training and institution. His fame will rest largely upon his military successes. Of all the great Generals, Grant may be classified as the peer among them. Both in the West and in the East he led the forces of the Union to glorious victory, and finally crushed the rebellion by his broad and marvelous genius. He exterminated the con flagration which had long threatened the tem ple of liberty, and in obedience to the voice of the people subsequently directed its restoration in grander and more attractive form. His deeds as general, his statesmanship as President, and his example as an American citizen have raised his country to a noble position in the estima tion of the civilized world.

HON. RALPH PLUMB.

THERE are few citizens of the State of Illinois more widely known or more ex tensively beloved than the gentleman whose name heads this sketch — a citizen, sol dier and philanthropist who is spending his declining years in the quiet enjoyment of a life which has mainly been devoted to the advancement of civilization and to the better ment of his fellow men. In the evening of

12

SOLDIERS' AND PATRIOTS'

an active career, Col. Plumb, reposing in his beautiful home at Streator, a city which he founded, may take a retrospective view of the past and feel proud that he has been able to accomplish so much, that he has been able to accumulate by the most rigid prin ciples of honor and integrity, a large fortune and yet has been the means of securing to so many people prosperity and happiness. He was born in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., March, 29, 1816, and is the son of Theron and Harriet (Merry) Plumb. Theron was born in Berk shire county, Mass., in 1782, and was the son of Ebenezer Plumb. The family are the descend ants of the Plumbs who took an active part in the Revolution. Harriet Merry was the daugh ter of Samuel Merry, who was a native of Con necticut, and a man of prominence in his day, living most of the time in Herkimer Co., where he was a judge of one of the courts, and where Harriet was born. The father of the subject of this memoir was chiefly engaged in farming. He removed from New York to Trumbull Co., Ohio, in 1820, later, to Wash ington Co., lowr., where he died in 1863. He had by his wife, Harriet, ten children of whom Col. Plumb was the fifth. Young Ralph was raised at home attending the common schools until he was fourteen years of age, when he entered a general store at Hartford, Ohio, as clerk. He seemed to have been well adapted to that business, and a valuable clerk, and very much to his employer's liking, for in a few years he was taken in as a partner. He re mained in the mercantile business in all 25 years, resigning this business to take a seat in the Legislature where he served with distinc tion three sessions, representing Trumbull Co. His election was as a Free Soiler, in 1855, the two remaining sessions in 1856-7 (the Republican party having in the meantime been born) as a Republican. During his service in the Legislature he applied himself to the study of law and was admitted to the bar at Oberlin, Ohio, where he commenced his practice, and where he was at the time he offered his ser vices in the defense of his country. He was ap pointed by President Lincoln, Oct. 31, 1861,

A. Q. M., of Volunteers, with the rank of Cap tain. He served on the staff of General Gar- field, commanding l8th Brigade, Army of the Ohio, from December i86i,to April, 1862. During this period the brigade participated in the campaign of Eastern Kentucky and opera ted in the Big Sandy Valley; was at the cap ture of Paintsville, Ky., January 7th; operated on Middle Creek with an action at Prestonburg, January loth; was at Sounding Gap, Tenn., in March; the capture of Humphrey Marshall's Camp; later at Shiloh, April 6 and 7th; and the attack on Beauregard, April 8th. Col. Plumb was then placed in the 20th Brigade, 6th Division, Army of the Ohio, Garfield and Harker commanding, from April, 1862 to June, 1863, which embraced the military operations as fol lows: Siege of Corinth from April 30 to May 30, 1862; protecting the Memphis & Charleston railroad, from June till August, with head quarters at Huntsville, Ala; movement through Northern Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky in pursuit of Bragg's army, from August to September. He was then in General Rose- crans' Tennessee campaign from October to February, 1863, during which he participated in the battle of Stone River. In June, 1863, Colonel Plumb was assigned to duty as Post Quartermaster at Camp Denison, Ohio., from which place he was mustered out of service Nov. 11, 1865, having been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel for meritorious conduct. Hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of property had passed through his hands and every dollar of it was accounted for and his accounts were promptly audited. Dur ing President Buchanan's administration, he was, with others, arrested for the violation of the fugitive slave law, was imprisoned in the jail at Cleveland for eighty-four days when his prosecution was nolle pressed. After the war a syndicate was formed of which Col. Plumb was a member, with Hon. W. S. Streator at the head, for investment in coal property. Mr. Plumb was made secretary, treasurer and gene- al manager, and in January, 1866, going to Illinois, as a state for investment, purchased several thousand acres of coal lands where

BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

Streator now stands. At the time of purchase, there were merely cross roads, with a black smith shop, and here and there a miner's shanty scattered through the timber. That section of the country had no railroads, in fact there were no ways rising to the dignity of an ordinary highway. The place was very properly called "Hard Scrabble." The work of developing the property and building up a town, began under the direction of Col. Plumb, by opening up the coal mines, which have since become among the most important in the State. The follow ing year he laid out the town site, and com menced the sale of lots. The policy he adop ted was discouraging to the speculators, but correspondingly advantageous to actual settlers. For the accommodation of the miners he first built ten houses, each the exact reproduction of the other. Subsequently looking at this matter from a humanitarian and philosophical stand point, having in view the advancement and betterment of the working men, he concluded that this system would not be the best for them; the houses were too much of a sameness, too monotonous; the tenants would take no interest or pride in their homes, would merely exist in them, so he abandoned that plan and sold the miners lots at low figures, on time, and encour aged the citizens to build their own houses. In this way they took an interest in their homes, and in the town, and became valuable citizens, many of them prosperous and wealthy. For this method and interest in the welfare of the laborers that were then forming the nucleus for the future city of Streator, too much praise cannot be given to Colonel Plumb. Simulta neously with the development of the coal mines, railroads became a necessity and Colonel Plumb, equal to the occasion, gave his energies to them, and organized a system of railroad construc tion, all having the object of developing the rising city, which was also necessitated by the coal mines. The first started was the Ottawa, Oswego & Fox River, and the second the Chicago & Paducah, the third the Chicago, Pekin & Southwestern, now the Santa Fe, and the last the Chicago & Strawn, now the Wa- bash. During this time the town grew rapidly,

the roads progressed and the development of Streator was not neglected. Its growth was phe nomenal. The census for the last decade shows that its increase of population exceeded in per centage that of any other city in Illinois, not excepting Chicago. It has a population now of 16,000. It has three national banks, all strong and doing a good business; it has the largest retail store in the State outside of Chicago, and eighteen churches grace its populous streets. An excellent system of graded schools has been established with a high school, the build ing the gift of Colonel Plumb. It has a fine opera house which was also erected by him. Colonel Plumb has been largely interested in real estate, banking, manufacturing, in all of which he has been eminently successful. He completed his elegant residence, which reposes in the center of a large block, in 1869. Here, having laid aside his business cares, he spends the greater part of his time in quiet comfort, preferring to devote his cultivated mind to such things as will neither overtax his mental nor physical forces. At the age of seventeen years Colonel Plumb became an abolitionist, and from that time until he saw the slaves free, he was unswerving in his devotion to the cause of freedom. He assisted in forming the Liberty party, the Free Soil and the Republican party, and still has a deep interest in the latter's suc cess. In 1884 he was nominated and elected by the Republican party to the XLIX con gress, was also re-elected to the L., but declined the election to a third term in 1888. He was an active and effective member and his Congressional career was marked by his distin guished services to his district and for ability as a legislator. In 1838 Colonel Plumb was united in marriage at Hartford, Ohio, to Mu- rilla E., daughter af Philo and Abigail A. Borden. By this marriage they had three children: Geraldine, now deceased, who was married to Fawcett Plumb; Eliza and Fran- cenia, both of whom grew to womanhood and died. He has adopted several children whom he has educated and grown to manhood and womanhood, and who are now well settled in the world and are honorable members of

SOLDIERS' AND PATRIOTS'

society, and are to him and his wife a great source of satisfaction. He is very much at tached to his wife who he feels has been for over fifty-three years, in every sense a true help mate to him.

Col. Plumb was chosen mayor of Streator in 1881, without a dissenting vote. The only society he belongs to is the Streator G. A. R. Post No. 68, and in this he has a special pride. No man did more to advance the prosperity of this section of the country than Col. Plumb, and none are more highly esteemed, in fact he is regarded with veneration. For while he has prospered, he has assisted others to prosperity; while he has accumulated a fortune it has not been at the expense of the poor. No man has been more unselfish, and no man has had the happiness and welfare of those around him more at heart. By his philanthropy and benevo lence, by his charitable deeds, by his unsel fish devotion to the welfare of others, he has erected a monument within the hearts of those with whom he has so long dwelt, that will out live those of marble.

COL. WILLIAM L. DISTIN, late Commander of the Department of Illinois, Grand Army of the Republic, was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, February, 9, 1843. His parents were WilliamL. and Anna Semenetta (Leh- manowsky) Distin. His father was a native of Plymouth, England, and his mother of Philadelphia. The father of Anna Lehma- nowsky and the maternal grandfather of Col. Distin, the subject of this sketch, was John Jacob Lehmanowsky, Colonel of the ninth Polish Lancers in the army of Napoleon Bonaparte, whose fortunes he followed for twenty-three years. This distinguished officer and cultivated gentleman, after the exile of Bonaparte to St. Helena, came to the United States, eventually making his home in Indiana, where he died full of years and full of honors. He possessed a graceful and distingue manner; remarkable intelligence, and preserved with scrupulous fidelity the characteristics of his

race throughout a long and eventful life. The father of Col. Distin was descended from an old and honorable English family, and came with his parents to Canada when but a child. They subsequently removed to Cincinnati where the father for many years conducted an extensive business as a contractor and a house, sign, and steamboat painter. Was interested in a line of steamboats, operating between Cinncinnati and New Orleans. He is still living in Illinois. There were six children born to him: Mary, Amelia, William L. (the subject of this sketch), John, Maria, and Florence, of whom all but Maria, Amelia, and Florence are living. Upon the death of his mother, the family separated, and William L. went with his father to Keokuk, Iowa, where he was put to school, in the intervals assisting his father in his business labors. He was here when the War of the Rebellion claimed his services, and was among the first to enlist, but was twice re jected, namely in 1861 and 1862 by reason of a temporary physical ailment. Finally before being accepted he was submitted to a surgical operation, performed by Surgeon General Hughes of Iowa, which being successful, he en listed February 3, 1863, in Company C, seven teenth Iowa Infantry, and was mustered in. He was detailed for duty in the Provost Marshal's department at Burlington, la., for some time, after which he rejoined his regiment at Hunts- ville, Ala., and with it participated in all the en gagements that occurred during the campaign. The command to which the regiment was assigned was the Second Brigade, Third Divi sion, and the Fifteenth Army Corps (Forty rounds and always ready). Gen. John A. Logan, commanding. They remained at Huntsville until the beginning of the Atlanta campaign in the following spring. He was, while here, de tailed on the staff of Gen. Raum. The command was engaged in several engagements and skir mishes, and a portion of the Seventeenth Iowa was in action at Resaca, afterward at Tilton, Ga., where the regiment repulsed an attack of the Rebels under Wilson. In the subsequent fierce onslaught of Hood at Tilton, Ga., October 13, 1864, nearly the whole regiment including Col.

BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

Distin was captured and taken to Jacksonville, Ga., thence to Cahaba, Montgomery, Savannah, Blackshire and finally to Andersonville, which was reached toward the latter part of October. Col. Distin succeeding in escaping with one of his comrades, was, after several days, while going down the St. John's river, and when within about twelve miles of Jacksonville, Fla., re captured and taken back to Andersonville prison. He was kept in close confinement here until the last of March, when assuming the name of a dead man, he bribed a guard and was permitted to escape. He was subsequently apprehended and again returned to prison, at Meridian, Miss., and thence removed to Jack son, Miss., and the Big Black near Vicksburg to be exchanged. While here they received the news of the assassination of the lamented Lincoln. From long confinement in prisons, the scanty fare doled out to them, and the various tortures and hardships thus involved, Col. Distin and his companions in captivity were when released, so feeble as to necessitate their being carried across the pontoon bridges on stretchers. They were taken to Vicksburg and there afforded the accommodations of a hospital and the most careful consideration and kind treatment. They returned home by way of St. Louis on the steamer " Henry Ames," reaching there safely. The ill-fated "Sultana" on which it had been intended originally to transport them, being on her next trip blown up by an explosion, having at the time some 2,100 Union soldiers on board, a large number of whom lost their lives. These gallant men who had nobly borne the varied hardships of some of the most arduous campaigns of the war, were mustered out by special order of the War Department at Davenport, Iowa, June 28, 1865. As a member of the Lincoln Rangers of Keokuk in 1861, before his regular enlistment, Col. Distin served under Gen. Belknap and with his command participated in the engagement at Athens, Mo. Col. Distin having returned to Keokuk, became associated with the Des Moines Valley R. R. and subsequently with the U. S. Express Company as messenger, and con tinuing as messenger and route agent until his

entry into business in 1872, at Quincy, 111., as a wholesale shipper of eggs and butter. In this relation he has achieved a marked success, having established an extensive trade under highly prosperous conditions, which he still maintains. He is a prominent member of the John Wood Post No. 96, G. A. R., of Quincy, and has been its Commander; is the present Commander of the Military Tract of the Sol diers' and Sailors' Reunion Association, and was its Senior Vice Commander in 1887, and m 1889 was elected delegate at large. In 1890, Col. Distin was unanimously elected Depart ment Commander of the G. A. R. of Illinois, the occasion being in the nature of an appre ciative testimonial of the noble and self sacrificing character of Col. Distin, than whom, in the State of Illinois, there is no man more beloved or more generally respected where- ever he is known. The mantle thus fell upon worthy shoulders and was worn to the honor and glory of the Grand Army of the Republic — a heritage to coming generations when the last of its survivors shall have answered the roll- call in the ranks of the dead. Col. Distin has shown in his career as a soldier, citizen and merchant, the qualities and characteristics which stamp him as a man of stern and in flexible devotion to the right and rejection of the wrong. His great popularity has been won through his splendid heroism and his un daunted advocacy of benevolent principles. In the Illinois National Guard service, he has filled the following positions, viz: Private, Ser geant, Commissary of Quincy National Guards, Sergeant Major, First Lieutenant, and Quarter Master Eighth Regiment .Infantry, I. N. G.; Acting Adjutant Eighth I. N. G. at East St. Louis during the riot troubles of 1877 and for meritorious services was promoted Aid-de-Camp upon the staff of the Commander in Chief by Gov. Hamilton, August i, 1884, and was again re-appointed by Gov. Oglesby, on May I, 1885. Col. Distin was again re-appointed by Gov. Fifer June 26, 1889, and still fills thathon- orable position. He is a prominent Mason, a Knight Templar and a member of the order of the Mystic Shrine, and Past Chancellor of the

i6

SOLDIERS' AND PATRIOTS'

Knights of Pythias. He has been vice presi dent and director of the Illinois Masonic and Pythian Benevolent Society for many years. The Colonel is a prominent Republican having always taken an active interest in all public affairs. He was married at Keokuk, Novem ber 22, 1865, to Miss Laura E., daughter of William B. and Anna Smith, and they have had two children — Eva Anna and William L., Jr., the latter an assistant in his fathers extensive busi ness. Col. Distin was for eleven years a mem ber of the Republican Executive Committe of Adams County, being Chairman for several years. He is yet in the zenith of his manhood and will doubtless attain greater and more en during honors than have yet fallen to him, although he can take no higher place in the estimation of his fellowmen than in the contin uation of the service he has bestowed upon them through his philanthropic and noble ambitions.

DAVID LESTER, of Lacon, Illinois, whose history is here recorded, responded to the call for soldiers to defend his country's flag, and enlisted as a private, August 5, 1862, in Co. F., !O5thOhio Vol. Inf., at Cleve land. These soldiers were forwarded to Cov- ngton, Ky., where they were uniformed and armed, and then ordered to Lexington, Ky. Mr. Lester with his comrades was in the bat tles at Perryville, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Resaca, Peach Tree Creek and Atlanta, also followed Gen. Sherman in that far-famed march from Atlanta to the sea. In all this varied service, so long continued, Mr. Lester fortunately received no very severe or danger ous wounds, although he had many close calls and narrow escapes, and is a life-long sufferer from disabilities consequent upon his military service. At one time while in the Kenesaw Mt. fight he was lying on the ground, when a rebel shot passed under him, tore up the ground, shattered his haversack into frag ments, tore his clothes into rags, injured his right arm and hand, also slightly wounded his left

elbow. At another time he was standing with his blanket rolled up in front of his body, when a bullet struck the roll squarely in the center, but was unable to penetrate the thick mass which the blanket made. But for this simple, yet important incident, it is almost certain that the life of one more brave soldier would have been sacrificed upon the altar of his country; another place made vacant in the home circle, and a marked change made in the subsequent history of a family and neighborhood.

The iO5th Ohio Regiment bravely endured much hard service, and many long forced marches, notable among the latter was one in the attempt to reach Snake river in time to participate in battle there, and again on the march from Lexington to Louisville. Some idea of the marching done by this regiment may be gained when it is stated by Mr. Lester, that during his three years' service he did not have one mile of transportation from the time he first went to the front, until he reached Wash ington on his return to be mustered out. The regiment received its muster-out papers at Washington, June 14, 1865, after participating in the Grand Review, and was discharged at Cleve land, Ohio, Mr. Lester having the rank of cor poral.

David Lester was born in Onondago Coun ty, N. Y., August 5, 1832, and in early life learned the painters trade. At the age of seventeen years he left his native State for Ohio, where he spent a number of years, and afterward moved to Lacon, 111., where he continued the business of painting, until, in hopes of bettering his condition, he went to Somerville, Tenn. In 1860, he went from Tennessee to Ohio, and from there entered the army, as before stated. After the war he again located in Lacon, 111., and resumed his business and continued in it for twenty years. Then he went on a farm for five years, and subsequently, in 1890, engaged in the live- ery business with his sons, Charles F. and Myron, at Lacon. Mr. Lester has been fre quently placed in positions of trust by the favor of his many friends. He was tax collector for a number of years, and one of the city

BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

alderman for four years. He is prominent in G. A. R. circles, and a member of Lacon Post, in which he has held a number of offices. All these responsible positions tend to show the esteem in which Mr. Lester is held by his fel low citizens and many friends.

He was married December 31, i86i,to Har riet E. Clark, at Willougby, Ohio, who was a native of that place. His wife and the two sons already mentioned constitute the family of Mr. Lester. He is a life-long Republican, active in all that concerns the good of his party and country, but not ambitious for office. As a man, a citizen and soldier, he has ever been ready to act up to the measure of his con victions, and bear his part of the responsibili ties that devolve upon every intelligent and conscientious individual.

JACKSON EBNER, of Tonica, 111., was born in Pa., Nov. 10, 1836, where he attended school until he was old enough to learn a trade. He selected the carpenters trade and continued in that line until he came West, in the early part of 1861. June 17, 1861, he enlisted in Co. C. 44th Illinois Volunteer In fantry, as second Sergeant, and on the I4th, left for St. Louis, Mo., arriving there on the following day. His regiment was sup plied with arms from the St. Louis Arsenal and then marched to Sedalia, Mo., where it was assigned to Gen. Sigel's Brigade. They remained in camp, drilling, scouting and forag ing, until Oct. 1 3th, when the army marched toward Springfield, Mo., arriving there the 27th, a few hours too late to engage in the bloody charge led by Major Zagonia on the Rebel Cavalry stationed there, who succeeded in driving them from the town. They went into winter quarters at Rolla, Mo., the regiment suffering severely from sickness, many of the men being mustered into that ever increasing army, while many others were discharged for disability. On the 2d of Feb., 1862, Gen. Curtis assumed command and the forces took up the line of march toward Springfield,

where Gen. Price beat a retreat, as the Union Army approached. Leaving that city under Government control, they began the chase after Price, Mr. Ebner's regiment being in the advance until it reached Camp Porter, Arkan sas. There they abandoned the chase, after six days continuous march in inclement weather, and with several inches of snow on the ground.

o

The army remained here until the 5th of March, when it moved toward Sugar Creek Valley, and on the afternoon of the same day, its rear guard was attacked and forced back by the enemy. Thus began the terrible battle of Pea Ridge which resulted so disastrously for the rebels, and in which Mr. Ebner, with his regiment played a prominent part. His regi ment was then selected to pursue the retreat ing enemy, which it did, capturing a stand of colors, several pieces of artillery and several hundred prisoners. They were then ordered to take up the line of march to Forsythe, thence to Batesville on the White river. May 8th, they crossed the river en route for Little Rock, but were ordered back to Bates ville in order to assist in the siege of Corinth.

They arrived at Hamburg Landing May 6th, and immediately marched to within supporting distance of the main army, reaching this point two days before the evacuation of Corinth. They were again sent in pursuit of the fleeing Rebels and followed them as far as Boonville, Miss. Returned then to Rienzi and camped there until August 26th, assisting in the build ing of fortifications and strengthening the Union works during their stay. They then proceeded to Cincinnati, thence to Covington, remaining there until the seventeenth, and then moved on to Louisville, where the command was reorganized under Gen. Buell, as the Army of the Cumberland, in its campaign against Bragg through Kentucky.

Mr. Ebner participated in the battle of Perryville, Oct. 8th, under Gen. Sheridan. Then followed the retreating foe to Crab Orchard, thence to Bowling Green, arriving there Nov. ist. At Perryville he had a narrow escape, a ball taking off the top of his cap and grazing his scalp.

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SOLDIERS' AND PATRIOTS'

On Nov. 4th. the line of march was taken up toward Nashville, where the Reg. arrived the 7th, relieving the garrison and re-opening communication with Louisville. In the battle of Stone River his regiment took a prominent part losing more than half its number in killed and wounded, Mr. Ebner being among the wounded. He was almost shot to pieces; being pierced through the lung, with one arm so badly wounded that it was useless. In this condition he was taken prisoner, but was released on account of his crippled condition. He was sent to the hospital at Nashville, then to Louisville, and finally to Quincy, 111., where he was dis charged April 5th. 1863. He then went to Put nam Co., 111., and resided there and in Mar shall Co., until 1869, when he moved to La- 'Salle Co., locating on a farm near Tonica where he still resides, engaged in stock raising. Mr. Ebner's maternal grandfather was in the Revolutionary War, also several of his sons.

The subject of this sketch had two brothers, Jacob and Joseph, both of whom were in the War of the Rebellion. His mother died the day of the Perryville engagement. He married Maggie A. McPherson, of La Salle Co., in 1865, who departed this life in the autumn of 1890, leaving four children, Henry, Luella, Frank and Eva. He is a member of Post No. 93, G. A. R. Was a Democrat before the war, but since that time has voted the Republican ticket.

Mr. Ebner has been a carpenter, soldier, and finally a farmer and stock-raiser. In this capacity he has succeeded admirably, and has provided amply in a financial way for his wants during his declining years.

JOHN C. WILDBERGER, a member of the G. A. R. Post No. 146, and a resident of Bloomington, 111., hails from that "land of the free and home of the brave," Switzer land, where he was born April 28, 1833, the son of Jacob and Mary ( Flach) Wildberger. John is one of a family of fifteen children, of whom all but one are living. He received a good edu

cation and commenced life as a locksmith. In 1853, he sailed for America resuming his trade at Ne\v Orleans, subsequently spent several months on the Mississippi river, and the follow ing year moved to Bloomington, 111., where he learned the baker's trade and soon established himself in business. In 1858, he went to Meri- docia, 111., where he continued in the bakery business until he wrent forth to battle for his newly adopted flag. He enlisted at Meridocia in 1861, but was taken sick and discharged. Restored to health, he re-enlisted Aug. 6, 1862, as a private in Co. A., loist 111. Inf., and mustered in at Jacksonville, 111., Sept 2, 1862. While here he served as regimental baker, and on leaving camp he was promoted to corporal. At Union City, Tenn., he was mustered as Orderly Sergeant, and in April, 1865, our gal lant soldier, for meritorious service rendered, was promoted to First Lieutenant. At Holly Springs, Miss, he participated in the capture of 800 Rebels. They guarded them on to Vicks- burg, but finding that city in possession of the enemy they moved on and delivered the pris oners at the penitentiary at Alton, 111. Return ing to Memphis, we find him doing patrol duty for three weeks, then was engaged in fighting the Rebel fleet on board the signal boat, Gen. Bragg, and six months later, he moved to Bridgeport, Ala., where the Reg. was transferred from the i6th to the 2Oth A. C. Subsequently we find comrade Wildberger participating in the hard marches and privations of the long and arduous Atlanta campaign, facing the hot fire of the enemy, in the sanguinary battles of Resaca, Dal las, Peach Tree Creek, Jonesboro. After the victory of Atlanta, and the last named battle the brave loist was the first Reg. to enter Atlanta, where it operated the fire engines, being a post of honor given them by Gen. Sherman. Here they remained about a month, thence onward again participating in the memorable "march to the sea," which meant a continued series of battles and skirmishes, from Atlanta to the sea. After the fall of Savannah the gallant "boys" rested several weeks and then followed the victorious but difficult march through the Caro- linas. Onward, under a heavy, continuous

BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

rain, making it almost impossible to advance. Onward, wading through almost bottomless swamps, over rivers, and through heavy timbers. On to Richmond, finally joining the Grand Re view at Washington, where our First Lieutenant was mustered out, but not finally discharged until June 7, 1865, at Springfield, 111.

Returning to Bloomington, 111., he con tinued in the bakery business for about two months. While in service comrade Wildberger contracted rheumatism and chronic diarrhoea, which made it wholly impossible for him to en gage in any manual labor. For four years after ward he was obliged to use crutches and for this disability receives the sum of $8 per month pension, though his claim was eight years in passing through the various " red tape " depart ments to final allowance. Mr. Wildberger was married July 4, 1860, to Miss Hattie Wersch, who came with her parents from Switzerland, when eleven years old. By this union five children were born, of whom are living, Hed- wick and Lottie. Politically, Mr. Wilberger is a Democrat. Physically, he is very much im paired and his disabilities are unquestionably the result of his long and arduous army service. He is a man of good habits, was a brave soldier, is honest and upright in all his business trans actions, and as a citizen, well thought of.

HON. JAMES IRVIN NEFF, a distinguished at torney of Freeport, 111., was born in Center Co., Pa., October 5, 1839. He is remotely decended from a Swiss family, his American progenitors settling in Pennsylvania, where his grandfather, John Neff, as well as his mother, Mollie Emmet, were born. His father Josiah Neff, was a farmer, and a man of many sterling characteristics, which constituted him a highly respected citizen, and a useful member of the community in which he lived.

• James I. Neff, the subject of this sketch, was reared upon his father's farm, attending the district school until he was prepared to en ter Dickinson Seminary at Williamsport, Pa., from which he was graduated in 1861. In Jan.

1862, he located at Tiffin, Ohio, where he became a student of the law in the office of Col. Leander Stem. But the outbreak of the Civil War interrupted the further prosecution of his studies, and he. in obedience to the demand for volunteers, enlisted in the loist Ohio Inf. which his law preceptor, Col. Stem, had assisted to organize. He was made 2d Lieutenant of Company H., receiving his commission before leaving the State. The loist Ohio was assigned to the 1st Brigade, ist Division, 4th Corps of the Army of the Cumberland. Lieutenant Neff for gallant and meritorious conduct was promoted to First Lieutenant, Adjutant, and Captain of Company H. He gallantly led the regiment into action at the battle of Perry- ville, Stone River, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge and in other minor engagements.

He participated with his command in the Atlanta campaign. At Kenesaw Mountain the regiment lost heavily in an attempt to capture the enemy's position by a precipitate move ment. He was engaged in the battles of Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta and Jonesboro. At the surrender of Atlanta, Captain Neff united with the command of General Thomas in the pur suit of Hood toward Nashville, and bore a gal lant part in the stubbornly fought battle of Franklin, Nov. 30, 1864, and of Nashville Dec. i6th and i/th, resulting in the utter defeat and thorough discomfiture of Hood's army. Captain Neff was mustered out at Cleveland, with his regiment in June, 1865. Colonel Stem, his original preceptor, was among the killed during the war. Mr. Neff resumed his legal studies in the office of Lee & Brewer, at Tiffin, being admitted to the bar at Columbus, Ohio, in January 1867.

In the ensuing June, he removed to Free- port, 111,, and there began the practice of his profession, associating himself in a partnership with Mr. Thomas -J. Turner, which was contin ued for two years, after which the firm of Bailey & Neff was established, which existed for ten years. In the fall of 1878, Mr. Neff be came a member of the firm of Neff & Stearns, which is still maintained, and which, as a firm, has during the past nine years conducted numer-

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SOLDIERS' AND PATRIOTS'

ous important cases in the courts of Stephen- son Co.

Both the members of the firm are well versed in the law, and in the various proced ures of its practice, and are possessors of the requisite abilities to insure a continuance of the successes which have attended their partner ship. Mr. Neff has for fifteen years been the attorney of the Illinois Central R. R. Co., and for several years has acted in the same capacity for the Chicago, Madison & Northern R. R. Co. He has steadily won his way to the front rank of his profession, and the continual de mand for his services is a fitting tribute to his zeal and proficiency in legal knowledge.

Mr. Neff was a member of the Illinois Leg islature in 1879-80, and rendered valuable ser vices to the State and constituency. He took a prominent part in the election of Gen. Logan to the United States Senate. In 1884, Mr. Neff was elected a member of the State Board of Equalization, and is still associated therewith. He is a zealous advocate of the G. A. R. organizations, and has been Commander of the John A. Davis Post, of which he is an active and influential member. He is also prominently identified with the Illinois Com- mandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States.

The marriage of James I. Neff and Miss Catherine Rowell was celebrated at the home of the bride at Freeport, 111., July 29, 1879. Mrs. Neff is the only child of W. D. and Amelia Rowell. Of this union there have been two children born, Florence, Aug. 19, 1882, and William R., Nov. 9, 1885. Their pleasant home on Stephenson street is frequented by the re fined and cultivated people of their city.

Mr. Neff is a useful man to his community, and to the State of his adoption, and exempli fies the value of a judiciously directed ambition and an unflagging energy. To such men may well be awarded the highest gifts, as being the truest and most reliable conservators of cor rect principles and stainless lives.

BYRON FORD, of Tonica, 111., one of the prominent representative farmers of La Salle Co., was born in Green Co., N. Y., in 1837. His father was a native of New York, and one of the substantial farmers of that State, and raised his son, Byron, to that occu pation. Care was taken that he should not only have a good knowledge of farming, but a strong constitution and a good common school education. Possessed of these three quali fications, they reasoned that their son would be able to make his own way in the world, that he would be successful in his chosen occu pation, an honorable member of society, and a patriotic citizen. The history of their son proves that they reasoned well. In 1859, Mr. Ford started for the great West and finally lo cated in La Salle Co,, 111., near what is now the town of Tonica, where he engaged in farm ing. He enlisted at Tonica, August 9, 1862, and was soon after mustered in at Chicago as a private in Co. A. 88th Illinois Infantry, which was generally known as the "Second Board of Trade Regiment." Sept. 4th, it was im mediately ordered to the front, going into camp at Jeffersonvijle, and then was sent on to Covington, Ky. Sept. I5th, it was brigaded with the 24th Wisconsin, 2nd and I5th Mis souri, forming the First Brigade under Col. Greusel, Granger's Division, Army of the Ohio. September 2ist, the command was ordered to Louisville, where the 88th was placed in the 37th Brigade with the ist Mich., 24th Wis. and 36th 111., Greusel in command, iith Division, with Gen. Sheridan commanding. Mr. Ford fol lowed the fortunes of his regiment, was with it in many of its hardest marches and hardest fought battles. Among the first of these were Perryville, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, and Missionary Ridge. His first baptism of fire was the action of Perryville, where the Union forces met Bragg. In this engagement, the regiment lost quite heavily. After Perryville, the 88th marched to Crab Orchard, thence to Lebanon and Bowling Green, Ky., arriving Oct. 30, 1862. The next move was toward Nashville, passing through Edgefield and then south of Nash ville, on the Nolensville Pike, where the 88th,

BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

21

on Nov. 2Oth, was placed in the 1st Brig., 2nd Div. of the Right Wing, Army of the Cumber land, Gen. Sheridan commanding. Mr. Ford fought with his regiment in the battle of Perry- ville, Oct. 8th, but during the action at Stone River, or Murfreesboro, he was in the hospital. After that action, the army went into camp at Murfreesboro, remaining there until June, 1863. In July the regiment was assigned to the ist Brig., 2nd Uiv. 2Oth A. C., and took the advance in pursuit of Bragg, through Tennessee. Its next important engagement was at Chickamauga, September igth and 2Oth, after which it went into camp at Chattanooga. Subsequently it took part in the battle of Missionary Ridge, forming a part of the assaulting column upon the left center of the enemy's position and was among the first to spread its colors to the breeze upon the Ridge. At that time Mr. Ford was out with the forage train, but on returning was in sight of the battle. From Dec. 1863, to Feb. 1864, the regiment was chiefly engaged in scouting in Tenn. and Ky., finally going into camp at Loudon, where it remained until April. During this period Mr. Ford was taken sick, and was sent home (in March) where he remained for about two months, and then returned to Chat tanooga and went into the hospital where he remained until about the ist of Nov. 1864, then joined the Reg. at Columbia, Tenn. After rejoining his Reg. Mr. Ford was in the skir mishes at Columbia, and then again was en gaged at Spring Hill, Franklin and Nashville. Hood kept the Union troops moving, and after the battle of Nashville, they made him move much livelier than he cared to, and drove him out of Tenn. Later, the Reg. went into camp at Huntsville, Ala., where it remained until March, when it moved to Butt's Gap, and from there, in May back to Nashville, where it was mustered out, June 9, 1865. It was ordered to Chicago where it arrived June I3th, and was paid off and finally discharged from the United States service, June 22, 1865. At the hands of the hospitable and patriotic people of Chicago, the soldiers were tendered a glorious banquet, which after their long years of marching, fast

ing, fighting and suffering, they enjoyed to the fullest extent. After the war Mr. Ford re turned home, and once more engaged in agri cultural pursuits, which he has since followed with success. In 1877, he purchased the farm where he now lives. He has a beautiful and well cultivated farm in the suburbs of the town of Tonica, where he enjoys the confidence and esteem of his neighbors, and that quiet peace which comes to those who have acquired a competence through years of honest industry, and who have discharged their duty as citi zens and patriots. Mr. Ford is prominent and active in G. A, R. circles, and was one of the charter members of the G. A. R. Post No. 93 of Tonica, and is at present the Commander. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F. Society, and of the Modern Woodmen of America. In politics he is a Democrat. He was married April 13, 1870, to Siemma Alvord, daughter of Edward and Charlotte (Allison) Alvord, a native of Illi nois. Two children were born to them — Flor- rence C. and William S. Mrs. Ford is a member of the M. E. Church.

JAMES F. HALEN, enlisted in the Union army for the late rebellion, and was mustered in as a private, in Co. A., ii7th N. Y. Vol. Inf. in Aug., 1862. He continued at Rome for a short period, when he was ordered to Washington, D. C., and afterward took up winter quarters near Georgetown. The follow ing spring with his regiment he was sent to Suffolk, on the Nancemond river, to intercept Longstreet, and participated in several skir mishes and the capture of Fort Hill. From Portsmouth the Reg. was taken on transports to South Carolina and assisted in the assault upon and the capture of Fort Wagner and then proceeded in boats to Gloucester on the the York river. Subsequently he went with the Reg. on transports to West Point as a blind,, and thence to Bermuda Hundred where they threw up breast-works between the James and Appo- matox rivers, and in the meantime fought the battle of Drury's Bluff, afterward those of Cold

22

SOLDIERS' AND PATRIOTS'

Harbor, Petersburg, Seige of Petersburg, Chap- in's Farm, and Darbytown Road. Then moved to Fort Fisher, where he had another engagement, then joined Sherman's army and marched to Raleigh, N. C., and was present when Johnston surrendered.

Mr. Halen was born in Newark, N. J., March 26, 1843, and is a son of Thomas and Margaret (Kelly) Halen, natives of Ireland, who im migrated to the United States about the year 1830, settling in Newark and subsequently re moved to Utica, N. Y. They were the parents of seven children, three sons and four daughters, as follows: William, who served in the rebellion in the I4th N. Y. Inf. for two years, dying in 1887; Ann, wife of Nicholas Eccles, of Auburn, N. Y.; Mary, who died about 1885; Margaret, who died in 1880; Thomas, a resident of New York; Elizabeth, who died in 1872, and our subject. The father, died in Utica, in 1867, whilst the mother is still living in Auburn, at the ripe old age of eighty-two years. Mr. Halen received his education in the public schools, and had the good fortune of receiving a very lib eral share. At the age of 17 he was apprenticed to a machinist, to learn that trade; but the war afforded greater opportunities for excitement, therefore long before his term expired he be came articled to Uncle Sam, to study the soldier trade and passed through the rebellion and was present at its closing scenes, when Gen. John son surrendered. He was discharged at Syracuse, N. Y., June 28, 1865. He immediately returned to the apprenticeship which he had abandoned to become a soldier, and served out the remainder of his term of engagement.

July 4, 1868, he was united in marriage to Sarah A. Hosley, a daughter of John J., and Mary A. (Ferguson) Hosley, who were the parents of one daughter beside the wife of our subject, viz., Julia J., wife of Lyman Babcock, of Neligh, Antelope Co., Neb. Subsequent to his marriage Mr. Halen removed to Auburn, N. Y., where he remained until 1873, then proceeded West and located near Warren, in Jo Daviess Co., 111., where he engaged in farming operations, but soon matters did not please him, therefore he abandoned farming

and went to Freeport, where he has since fol lowed his trade, having engaged with the Illinois Central Railroad, with which he has continued to be employed.

Mr. and Mrs. Halen are the parents of four living children, viz; Lena J., William J., Maggie M., and Mary A. Our subject is a member of Post 98, G. A. R., of which he has been Vice Commander. Mrs. H. is one of the active members of the Women's Relief Corps, has acted as its secretary and is one of its charter members. Mr. Halen and his family are well known in the city of Freeport, and bear the good will and respect of all to whom their names are- known.

Shortly summarized he was in the following battles, and his regiment sustained the losses approximately as indicated below:

Drury Bluff, killed and wounded 81; taking of Petersburg Heights, 24; siege of Petersburg, 132; Chapin's farm, 130; Darbytown road, 52; and Fort Fisher 95.

CHARLES COWLES SMITH (deceased), of Naperville, 111., was born Dec. 17, 1844, at Austinburg, Ohio. He was the son of Augustine A. Smith, who is now President Emeritus, of Northwestern College, Naper ville, 111., who was born in the State of Mass., Nov.23, 1806. His paternal grandfather, Austin, was also born in Mass., and his paternal great grandfather was born near Norwich, in Conn., and was of English ancestry. His mother's maiden name was Eliza Cowles, and was born in Norfolk, Lichfield Co., Conn. His maternal grandfather, Samuel Cowles, as also his ma ternal great grandfather of the same name, was born in Conn. His parents, now ripe in years, and crowned writh honor still live at Naperville. Mr. Smith had two brothers- Henry Cowles and Augustine Tilden — and one sister — Maria Cowles, all of whom are now dead except Henry. His father, A. A. Smith, lived in Massachusetts until he attained his majority, having assisted upon the farm when not attending school. When seventeen years of

BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

age, he was licensed as a teacher, which profes sion he followed until he resigned to resume his studies at Lenox Academy, Mass., and subsequently came West settling at Oberlin, Ohio. He also attended an academy in that State, teaching school in the winter seasons. Then he engaged in mercantile pursuits at Austin- burg. In the spring of 1838, after several years of study and preparation, and not at all times un der the most favorable circumstances, he passed the necessary examination of the college near Cincinnati, and had the degree of Master of Arts conferred upon him. In the spring of 1838, he received the appointment as teacher in the Grand River Institute at Austinburg, which he held until 1857, when he was offered and accepted the principalship of Greensburg Seminary (Summit County) remaining there for five years, when he was asked to accept the presidency of what was then known as Plain- field College, then in course of organization at Plainfield, 111., by the Evangelical Association. He removed with that institution to Naperville in 1870 when its name was changed to the " Northwestern College." Declining years and an enfeebled constitution suggested his retire ment from a position which required the strength and energy of a younger man; conse quently in 1883, he resigned, but the trustees of that institution rewarded his honorable record as an instructor by retaining him in connection with it as President Emeritus, and now only teaches as his health and inclination permit.

The subject of this sketch enlisted at Camp Medill, Fairfield Co., Ohio, Nov. 27, 1861, and was mustered in as a private in Co. I, 76th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. Feb. 4, 1862, for active service in the field, and on the I4th and 1 5th of the same month participated in the battle of Fort Donelson. Subsequently, in the battle of Shiloh, April 7, 1862; Pea Ridge, April 28; the siege of Corinth; Millikens Bend, La., skirmish, August 10, 1862; Greenville, Miss., skirmish, August, 1862; Bowler, Miss., skirmish, same month; Battle of Chickasaw Bayou, Miss., December 28; Arkansas Post, Ark., January 11, 1863; Deer Creek, Miss.,

skirmish, April, 1863; Fourteen Mile Creek, Miss., skirmish, May 8, and the siege of Jackson, Miss., July, 1863. He enlisted as a private, was first promoted to a corporal, and then to the position of sergeant. During the later months of his life, while fighting the battles of his country, the hardship incident to long, heavy and con tinuous marches, with the cold and inhospit able ground for a bed to sleep upon, coupled with the mental strain always present to a soldier engaged in almost daily battle, with comrades and foes falling dead beside him, was more than his constitution could bear. At the siege of Jackson, his growing illness had de veloped into a deathly sickness. Even at this stage, his young life might have been saved if he had had hospital care, or the tender hands of a loving mother to supply his wants. These blessings, however, are seldom realized by the soldier, and if they are, young Smith's case stands out and proclaims itself an exception. He was placed in a hammock by his admiring comrades, and carried from one position to another upon the field, until that dread messen ger, death, claimed brave young Smith as its victim. Always cheerful, brave and honorable, he died like a hero on the field of battle, en shrouded in his armor, and with his weapon by his side.

WILLIAM E. RICHARDSON, of Rock Falls, 111., was born at Lockport, N. Y., August 30, 1840. His parents were Arnold and Eliza C. (Lyons) Richardson. His father was born in Pennsylvania in August 1810, and died at Lockport, N. Y., Feb. 12, 1866. His mother still survives and is residing at the old homestead. The elder Richardson was a blacksmith by trade, but was employed in farm ing operations for the greaterpart of his life, and for some time in canal boating, having been the first to run a boat through the locks at Lockport. His father, whose name was Arnold, was a native of Massachusetts, and was born from an English family, settling in the United States at an early period. Arnold Richardson.

SOLDIERS' AND PATRIOTS'

the great grandfather of William E., the sub ject of this sketch, served as a soldier during -the War of the Revolution. The Lyons family was of Irish descent.

Five children were born to the union of Ar nold and Eliza C. Richardson: Charles J., Wil liam E., Sarah J., Charles C. Lysander L. and So- loma E., all of whom are living, except Charles J., who came to his death by being accidentally scalded when an infant. William E. continued with his parents, attending school until the age of twenty, when he began the study of photog raphy at Lockport. He was thus engaged when the War of the Rebellion broke out. He was among the first to enlist at Lockport, April 16, 1861, as a private of Co. K., 28th N. Y. Inf. Mr. Richardson proceeded with his regiment to Albany, N. Y., the place of rendezvous. The regiment was ordered to Washington in the latter part of May, then going into camp, and remaining for about three weeks, when they proceeded to unite with the command of Gen. Patterson in Virginia at Williamsburg, at that time operating against Gen. Johnson. On the 4th of July, 1 86 1, the regiment was reviewed by President L-ncoln, Gen. Winfield Scott and other distinguished personages.

While in camp at Strausburg, Mr. Richard son was prostrated with sickness and given a furlough home, being absent about six weeks. He rejoined his regiment at Culpeppcr Court House, and there remaimed in camp for some time. On the march to Cedar Mountain he had an attack of sun-stroke. It was the day before the battle at that place in which for this reason he was not engaged. He was the next day taken to the hospital, from which he returned in a few days to his regiment. He was engaged in action at Bull Run, and at Antietam. The Reg. lost so heavily at Cedar Mountain as scarcely to have enough men for field duty. All the officers were either killed, wounded or taken prisoners, the highest officer on duty be ing an Orderly Sergeant. The Reg. was now conjoined with the 5th Command and 46th Pa. At Bolivar Heights the supplies were cut off and the Reg. had to be put on short ra tions. From here the command moved on to

Charleston, Va., then going into camp. It was at this place that John Brown, the Harper's Ferry raider, was hanged December 2, 1859. During the rest of this service they operated in Maryland and the Shenandoah valley, going into winter quarters at Frederick, Md., 1862-3, being included in the several expeditions set on foot from that point. The next import ant engagement in which the command par ticipated was with the I2th A. C. under Gen. Slocum, the Reg. occupying a position in the center. Just as they were being led into action, the whole regiment was captured. Mr. Richard son was paroled with the rest and sent to Wash ington, thence to Albany and Lockport, being mustered out at the latter place June 3, 1863.

He occupied his time from his return home to 1866, in farming, after which he removed to the West, settling at Lee Center, Lee Co., Ills., where he resumed the life of a farmer. After two years he changed his place of residence to Hume township, Whiteside Co., removing in a short time to Iowa, where he continued to live about eleven years, and then going back to his old home. In 1889 he returned to Illi nois, locating at Rock Falls, where he has since been engaged in keeping a store and restaurant. He was married Oct. I, 1863, at Wilson, N. Y., to Martha A., daughter of George T. and Sarah (Dibble) Wright, natives of New York. They had one child, George B., now residing in New York. Mr. Richardson lost his first wife, and was again married Feb. 19, 1871, at Hume township, to Celestine L., daughter of Josiah and Harriet (Correll) Scott, whose father was a native of Ohio, and mother, of Pennsylvania. They came to Illi nois in a boat built by his own hands, coming down the Ohio and up the Mississippi to Rock- river and to Como. They brought with them on this boat the necessary materials for build ing a house and a supply of furniture and other requisites. They are both living at Rock Falls and are much respected. By his present wife Mr. Richardson had two children, Charles W. and Bessie W. Charles W. died December 25, 1878.

Mr. Richardson is a member of the Will

BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

Robinson Post No. 274, of Rock Falls. He is a staunch Republican, and both he and his wife arc members of the Baptist Church. He is a good citizen and an upright and honorable

man.

LORENZO G. STOUT, of Rutland, 111., the present Commander of Rutland Post No. 292, entered the army Aug. 9, 1862, at Rutland, 111., under Capt. John Wadleigh, in Co. I, I04th 111. Vol. Inf. as First Duty Serg., and was promoted to Orderly Serg. The iO4th Reg. was commanded by Col. A. B. Moore, of Ottawa, and went to the front at Louisville. It was on duty then at Brentwood, Nashville, Frankfort and Bowling Green. At Hartsville, Tenn., the whole Reg. was captured by Gen. Morgan's band, (see Col. Hapeman's sketch in this work). Dec. 7, 1862, and held for seven days before the men were paroled, returning to the Union lines at Nashville, Tenn. They were then sent to Camp Chase, Ohio, thence to Chicago, where they were employed in guarding prisoners until they were exchanged in March, 1863, when they were ordered to the front at Louisville, then to Brentwood, Tenn. From Brentwood the Reg. marched to Mur- freesboro, where it went into camp and soon afterward started on the Chattanooga campaign, participating in the battle of Chickamauga. At this point the iO4th was attached to the 1st Brig., 1st Div., I4th A, C. of the Cumberland, commanded by Gen. W. P. Carlin, Lieutenant- Col. Hapeman assuming command of the reg iment. This brigade took a prominent part in the battle of Missionary Ridge, and in the Spring of 1864 it started on the Atlanta expedi tion, engaging in all the important conflicts of that historic campaign, being under fire every day for five months. This detachment of the army was with Gen. Sherman "from Atlanta to the Sea." Mr. Stout, although suffering in health from his long and arduous service, never failed in any line of duty, save for a short time that he was in the convalescent camp on account of severe sickness. The last com

manding officer of Co. I, was Capt. Willard Proctor, of whom Mr. Stout speaks in the highest terms as an officer and a gentleman. A good story is told of Mr. Stout in connec tion with an incident which occurred at the battle of Peach Tree Creek. There was a little Irishman in the company who was in the habit of bragging considerably of his bravery, yet whenever a battle was in progress, this "son of Erin" was always hiding in the rear and could never be found on the field, therefore, Mr. Stout, at the battle mentioned, determined to keep this man in the front during the engage ment if no other man in the company was kept there, so he asked the captain to look after the company during the action, as he intended to command that one man to fight or frighten him to death. He took the cowardly man to the very front and in the heat of the engagement the Irishman attempted to make his escape, but pointing his gun at him, Mr. Stout said: "Stay in your place or I'll shoot you." This so terrified the victim that, although almost dead with fear he remained in his place. So intent was Sergeant Stout in command or his "com pany of one man" that he did not notice that the Union soldiers had fallen back until the Irishman cried out, "We are alone, the army is retreating," and to Stout's surprise he dis covered this to be true. Then he said to the man: "You may go." He did go and was not seen again for five days. Mr. Stout then be gun to fear for his own escape and saw in a moment that he had not one chance in a thousand to get back to his Reg. as the rebels were pouring a hot fire across the field between him and the Union army, and to at tempt to make his way through the raining of bullets, was certain death. He expected every moment to be shot down where he was, and to retreat was sure death; so in his great anxiety he stood in his place trying to decide what to do, not to save his country but his own life. While thus weighing the matter, a change came in the tide of battle, the Rebels fell back be fore the Union soldiers and the question was decided for him, as he was soon again in the ranks of his company. After this encounter of

26

SOLDIERS' AND PATRIOTS'

Peach Tree Creek, an order was issued giving one man in each company a furlough as a re ward for conspicuous bravery in that engage ment. The surprise of Mr. Stout may be im agined when he was chosen from his company as the one to whom the tribute was justly due. On this furlough he visited home but was not able to understand what he had done to merit such honor. When he returned to duty Col. Hapeman said to him: "Orderly, that bit of bravery of yours is going to give you a cap tain's commission." "What bravery?" asked Stout. "Why, holding the frontline during the battle of Peach Tree Creek, when the whole army had retreated and left you standing alone until the ground was regained. That took nerve and you have been highly complimented for it." "D — n it," answered Stout, "that was not bravery, I would gladly have run but was too d — d scared to run, so I staid there be cause I couldn't get away. My Irishman was braver than I for when I told him to run, he did, and I was afraid to do what I ordered him to do." Mr. Stout relates this incident with a merry twinkle in his eye and it is quite certain had not the war closed as soon as it did, he would have received a commission as captain, for he was indeed, a brave and faithful soldier.

Mr. Stout contracted disease in the army from which he has never recovered. He was discharged at Washington, D. C., at the close of the war, June 6, 1865, after joining in the Grand Review, which ended his term of service of three years, during which he was in some of the most prominent and hotly con tested battles of the war.

Lorenzo G. Stout was born in Monmouth Co., N. J., of old Revolutionary stock, his grandfather, Abram Stout, Sr., having been in the war for American Independence, and his father, Abr^m Stout, Jr., was in the war of 1812. When he was eight years old his parents re moved to Ohio, and in 1855, to 111., locat ing in Putnam Co., and moving in 1860, to Rutland, where the young man was engaged until the war, in farming and working at his trade as painter. Since the war, Mr. Stout

has been an invalid a greater part of the time, but has done some work as painter and farmed in a small way. He is a member of the G. A. R. Post, at Rutland, and was one of its charter members. He has always held some office in the Post and is at present its Commander; he is also an Odd Fellow, in which order he has a prominent position. Mr. Stout has been favored with a number of important town of fices, holding the office of supervisor for Ben- nington township, for 6 or 7 years. He has been on the board of education, and for 20 years has been justice of the peace.

Mr. Stout was married in 1859, and his wife died, leaving one child, who was named Han nah Irene, who is now the wife of Edward M. Barrodaile, living in Preblc Co., O. He was again married in 1868, taking as his wife, Everilla Wise, a native of Penn., who came when a child, with her parents to 111. From this union there is one son, William E., an active and promising young man. Mr. Stout is called "a red hot Democrat" in pol itics. He severely blames the Republicans that they did not hang Jeff Davis; had they done so, he doubtless would have worked and voted with the Republican party.

THOMAS M. MASON, Adjutant of Seth C. Earl Post No. 156, G. A. R., of Ottawa, Ills., is one of the old guard whose pat riotism was aroused when the flag of the Re public was fired upon by the internal foes. He enlisted at Chicago, Aug. 6, 1862, in Co. D., 72d 111. Inf. which rendezvoused near Camp Douglas, Chicago, and was organized by the election of Fred A. Starring, Colonel. It was known as the ist Reg. of the Chicago Board of Trade. It remained in camp until August 23, when it was ordered to take the field. It moved first to Cairo, where it was engaged in drilling and camp duty until Sept. 7, when it moved to Paducah, thence to Columbus, at which point it did guard and picket duty until Nov. 2 1st. While there the soldiers were almost continuously drilling,

BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

27

the result of which was to make them one of the best organizations in the army. When at Columbus, the Reg. was out on two expe ditions, one to Clarkson, Mo., where they dis persed a Rebel camp and captured a number of prisoners and horses, and the other to New Madrid which was not so eventful. Its next move was to La Grange, thence to Moscow, Tenn., where it was ordered to join Gen. Quim- by's yth Div., I7th A. C. With this command, Nov. 29, it moved out to Lumpkin's Mill, Miss., arriving there Dec. 1st. From there it accompanied Grant in his Vicksburg campaign as far as Yaconapatafa River, where, on account of supplies being cut off at Holly Springs, the army was forced to return. During this expe dition, Mr. Mason was accidentally shot in the right thigh. He was sent to the hospital, where he had his wounds dressed. Recovering, he continued in the hospital serving as clerk at Holly Springs, La Grange and Memphis, re maining at the latter place until Aug. 5, 1863. From there he went to Vicksburg and was on duty with Dr. Ridgeley in the Purveyor's office as abstract clerk, in which capacity he served until Feb. 29, 1864, when he was transferred to the Freedman's department, Prentice Hos pital. Nov. i he rejoined his regiment at Vicksburg. From there he went to Paducah, Nashville, and thence to Columbia. Continu ing their march they had a severe skirmish with the Rebels on the road to Franklin, Nov. 30th. The following day the command moved to Franklin and were placed under Thomas. Here they were attacked by Hood, and the fight raged furiously until midnight. The 72d lost 9 officers and 152 men, who were either killed or severely wounded. That night the army left the works and retreated to Nash ville, and the Reg. was transferred to Mc- Arthur's Brigade, A. J. Smith's Corps. Mr. Mason, on account of his disability, was left be hind at Nashville and rejoined the Reg. Dec. 25, during the operations against Hood. While the command was at Pulaski, he was placed on detail duty until April 26, 1865, when he joined the Reg. on its march to Montgomery. He was subsequently detailed as clerk in the

Provost Marshal's office with Col. Sexton. July 16, the war being over, the Reg. started on its way homeward He was mustered out of service at Vicksburg, Aug. 6, sent directly to Chicago, where he was paid off and finally dis charged, when he returned to his home.

Mr. Mason was born in New York City, and is the son of John L. and Amelia(Murry)Mason. His father was a lawyer by occupation and a very successful one, a Judge of the Superior Court for several years. He died in New York City, Aug. 9, 1860, and his widow at Long Island about the year 1886, aged 90 years. His great-grandfather, John Mason, was Chaplain to Gen. Washington, at the battle of White Plains, N. Y. Seven children were born to them, — John M., Thomas M., Mary M., Anna, Ebenezer, Amelia M., and Margarette B. The subject of this sketch was raised at home where he received the benefit of a good common- school education. In 1846, he determined to try his fortune in the great West. With this view he left home, and after looking the country over for a time concluded that Ottawa, 111,, was a good place to be in, and he accordingly took up his abode there in 1847, an(^ engaged in farming, which he continued until he should ered his musket in defense of his country. After returning from the war, he served his fel low towns-people as clerk for 23 years, and as justice of the peace, 20 years. His long term in these positions, is sufficient evidence that he discharged the duties with ability and fidelity. He has for many years, and is at present, giving his attention to the drug business.

Mr. Mason was married at Brooklyn, N. Y. March 24, 1847, to Jennie Church. Two children were born to them, — Clara A., now Mrs. Byron Mosier, of Stillwater, Minn. ; Minnie B., who died when young. Mrs. Mason died Dec. 2, 1855. He was married the second time, Oct. 8, 1856, to Elmira Nattin- ger. One child blessed this union,— Julia E. who was married to Mr. J. N. Horton, of Buffalo Gap, S. D. The second wife died May 24, 1859. He was married again at New York, Aug. 29, 1859, to Caroline M. Hunt. Their child was named Carrie, and was married to

28

SOLDIERS' AND PATRIOTS'

Frank Day, of Des Moines, Iowa. Mr. Mason believes in the principles of the Republican party.

HANSON J. D. DEPuE, the honored Com mander of Lacon Post, No. 139, G. A. R., enlisted in the army as a private, Aug. 11, 1862, in Co. F io5th 111. Vol. Inf. and was mustered in at Dixon, 111., Sept. 2, under his uncle, S. F. Daniels, who was captain of the company. His Reg. was first assigned to the nth Corps. Subsequently, when the nth and 1 2th Corps were consolidated it was placed in the 20th Corps, 1st Div., 3d Brig,, the latter commanded by Gen. Benj. Harrison. This Reg. was sent first into the field at Louis ville, Ky., and took part in the campaign against the rebel forces commanded by Gen. Bragg. ' It also participated in the engage ments at Snake Creek Gap, Ga., Dalton, Ga., Rocky Faced Ridge, Resaca, Kingston and Dallas. At the battle of Dallas, May 25, 1864, Mr. DePue had his left arm shattered and nearly torn from his body by grape shot. The arm was amputated but the wound was so seri ous that there was but little hope at the time, that the brave and daring young soldier's life could be saved. After the amputation on the battle field, he was conveyed to the hospital at Nashville, where, when sufficiently recuperated, was given a furlough and sent home. After remaining at home for a time, he decided to secure the benefits of the Marine Hospital at Chicago, and received treatment until he was finally discharged from the army, Sept. 10, 1864, after being in the service of his coun try for two years and one month. After an honorable discharge and bearing an indelible badge of his devotion and sacrifice to the cause of liberty. and honor, Mr. DePue located at Wenona, Ill.,andattended school for some time. Subsequently he entered the Soldier's College, at Fulton, 111., and later engaged in teaching. In 1873, he was elected treasurer of Marshall Co., and assumed the responsible duties of that important office. Here he gave such general

satisfaction that he was twice re-elected and served his adopted county three terms in this office of trust, which required financial and business ability of the highest order as well as an unimpeachable integrity. Accept ing the office of county treasurer, necessitated the removal of Mr. DePue to Lacon, the county seat, and this has been his residence to the present time. After retiring from the treasurer's office, he gave attention to his farm ing interests until the election of Benjamin Harrison to serve in the presidential chair. Mr. DePue had served in the army in Gen. Harrison's brigade and his services, sacri fices and ability were at the time noted and remembered, so one of the first appoint ments made by the president was a commission as postmaster at Lacon for Hanson J. DePue, which was given during the first months of the new administration and was one of the first post-office appointments made by President Harrison. Mr. DePue has been honored with many local offices, as supervisor, alderman, and in fact, such is the esteem and confidence he commands, that any office in the gift of his fellow townsmen would be at his disposal, if it was known that he desired it or .even would accept it. Mr. DePue is justly popular with all classes of citizens, as may be concluded from the positions he has held, He is a prominent member of the G. A. R., has been commander of his post for four years, and has also held other important places in the order. He is a life long republican, having cast his first vote for Grant. In 1879 Mr. DePue assisted in the organization of a military company and was elected its 1st Lieut. It was known as Co. G. of the 7th Reg., I. N. G. May 20, 1882, he was commissioned by Gov. Cullom, major, in which position he served for five years, when he resigned.

Hanson J. DePue was born in DuPage Co., 111., in 1846, where his father was engaged in farming. The young man was de termined early to fit himself for a more con genial pursuit, so attended school until the call of his country for soldiers caused him to leave all and go in defense of its flag. He was mar-

BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

29

ried in 1876, at Lacon, to Stella A, Bane, and has four children, whose names are Florence, Fannie, Helen and Georgia. Mr. DePue may justly be proud of the success that has crowned his efforts, as it affords another example of the reward of patient, persistence, unswerving integrity, and faithful performance of every duty.

FREEMAN CLEMMONS of Rock Falls, Ills., was born at Challamont, Mass., July 9, 1835. His parents were David and Persis [Fdwards] Clemmons. His father was a na tive of Mass., and was descended from an English family emigrating to this country at an early period of the settlements in New England. His mother's family was also of English ancestry. The mother of the elder Clemmons was of Irish descent and bore the name of Steele. David Clemmons was by oc cupation a basket-maker. He died at Bucklun, Franklin Co., Mass., in Oct., 1844, his wife in Oct. 1841.

They had eight children, Eunice, who died when but two years old; Robert, Louise, Rich mond J, David, Freeman, Olive, and Edwin. Edwin died when one year old; Olive in 1872, and Robert in 1889. The others are all living. After the death of his mother, Freeman made his home with his uncle at Ashfield, Mass., where he attended school until his I5th year, and continued his residence there until he at tained the age of 21. He then went West, and settled in Brown Co., 111., engaging in work on a farm. In the spring of 1860, he removed to Whiteside Co., locating in Montgomery township, where he enlisted Sept. 7, 1861, in Co. A, 34th 111., Inf. They were at Camp Butler, temporarily, thence removing to Camp Nolen, by way of Cincinnati, Lexington, and Louis ville. While at Camp Butler, the reg. was uniformed in grey, for which each man had to pay $28, and which was exchanged at Camp Nolen, for dark blue at the same cost. Subse quently going to Camp Wood, they were com pelled to purchase uniforms of light blue again being taxed $28 each.

Mr. Clemmons was taken sick while at Camp Nolen, and at Camp Wood was furloughed on account of physical disability, returning home. He rejoined his command at Battle Creek, Ala., in June, 1862. The Reg. was assigned with the 29th and 30th Ind., and the 77th Pa. to the 2d Brig., 2Oth Div. and the 2oth A. C. Mr. Clem mons was for the first time in battle near Frank fort, Ky., where his command was for a time surrounded and in a perilous situation, but man aged to escape capture. They were after this ordered to Nashville where they were stationed for some time. Leaving Nashville on Christmas, they moved on to Triune, skirmishing by the way, and charging across a cotton field upon a battery, dislodged it, and put the gunners to flight. They went into camp at Triune, thence moving forward and participating in the battle of Stone River. Here Mr. Clemmons' Com pany at the beginning of the fight held a position on the picket line. He does not regard the attack here as in the nature of a surprise, as the outpost pickets had twice fired upon the enemy's advancing columns before the engagement be gan. In this battle the 24th suffered severely, the Company losing several in killed, wounded and by capture.

On the retreat, Mr. Clemmons had the mis fortune to fracture an ankle bone, so disabling him as to compel his temporary retirement from active duty. He was sent to the head quarters of Gen. Rosecrans, being afterward detailed to guard prisoners in a negro shanty. But little attention had in the meantime been given his ankle which, upon examination by a surgeon, was found to be in a serious condition, necessitating his removal to the hospital at Murfreesboro, wnere he was assigned to the In valid Corps, performing garrison duty until Dec. The Reg. re-enlisted in Dec., 1863, but Mr. Clemmons, being declared by reason of his accidental injury unable to discharge field ser vices, was not permitted to do so. He was sent with a detail to conduct a squad of men to Rossville, and while at that place was transferred to Co. G, 78th 111. During the Atlanta campaign he followed his command in all their movements and battles up to the

SOLDIERS' AND PATRIOTS'

surrender of Atlanta. He participated in the battles of Buzzard's Roost, Dalton, Kenesaw Mountain and Jonesboro. His term of service having now expired he was mustered out and finally discharged at Louisville. He returned home and engaged in farming at Montmor- ency, a tract of 180 acres, which he still owns. Retiring from active farm life, he removed to Rock Falls, \vhere he at present resides. He was married Feb. 16, 1860, at Dover, 111., to Elizabeth A., daughter of Anthony and Mary (Morgan) Nichol. He lost his wife Dec. 2,

1882, and was married a second time, Jan. 24,

1883, to Mary F,, daughter of Charles T., and Mary West.

He is a prominent member of Will Robin son Post, No. 274, G. A. R. In politics he is a Republican. He is a member of the Congre gational Church. Mr. Clemmons is a worthy citizen, respected by all who know him for his upright and honorable character.

ELMER BACON of Streator, 111., was born at Cortland, Ohio, May 6, 1838. He re mained on the farm until he attained the age of 15 years, and when old enough to do so, attended a district school, and later a select private school, from which he was graduated and was licensed as a school teacher. He taught one term, then during the troubles in Kansas, in 1858, removed there, and afterward returned to Ohio, where he again taught school for one term. He went to Kansas a second time, then on to Pikes Peak, Col., in 1859, where he remained until the fall of that year, when he returned as far as the State of Missouri, and afterward went on to Ohio, and engaged in the oil business, in the Mecca-Trumbull company oil field, remaining there until the spring of 1861. In the spring and summer of that year, many of the young men of Ohio — acquaintances of Mr. Bacon — were joining the Union army. He concluded, therefore, to lend a hand and show to the world that he was as loyal to his country as any of those who had previously enlisted. He proceeded to Cleveland, and en

listed, Aug. 21, 1861; was mustered into the I4th Battery, Ohio Art. the same day and went into camp for a short time. From Cleveland he removed to Camp Dennison, where he re mained until about Feb. 12, 1862, when his battery was sent, by way of St. Louis, to Fort Donelson, at which place he arrived on the evening of its surrender. He disembarked here and remained in camp for. about two weeks, then crossed to Fort Henry, where, writh his battery, he boarded a transport for Pittsburg Landing. This was the first battery of the Union troops which had ever landed at that place. The battery there drilled and camped until the battle of Shiloh.

Early on April 6, Mr. Bacon's battery bravely responded to the bugle's call, was placed in position and had their guns leveled, when they descried a body of men ap proaching, but orders were given not to fire as it was supposed they were Union troops. Corporal Tracy, of Mr. Bacon's Company was on the ground and concluded that it was the enemy, whereupon order was given to fire. This battery was one of the first that opened fire on the enemy in that sanguinary battle. The battery fired rapidly until enveloped in a cloud of smoke, completely obscuring both the enemy and the battery. Mr. Bacon, in attempt ing to load his gun, found himself without ammunition, and none forthcoming, The gun ner hastily run back to discover the cause of the delay, and not returning, Mr. Bacon him self started for the same purpose and soon discovered the cause. Their Captain and 28 men had been either killed or wounded, and upwards of 70 horses disabled. Their guns were captured, but none of the men except the wounded fell into the hands of the enemy. Mr. Bacon escaped with one of the limbers and the men operating at the guns and a portion of the team, and did no further service in that battle as their guns and outfit had been captured. On the following Monday they recovered their guns, but they were spiked. The battery remained on the battle field for some days, where it was refitted, and about 50 men from the I3th Ohio were assigned to

BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

duty with it, and so remained during the war. From there it moved with the army on toward Corinth. After the evacuation of the place, the Company of our subject was sent to Jackson, Tenn., where it remained for about one year, during which time it was engaged in light skirmishes and performed general camp and garrison duty. Afterward it returned to Cornith, remaining there a few weeks, thence to Linnville, Tenn., where it re mained until Dec. 31, 1863, when Mr. Bacon with others veteranized, and was granted a furlough. This was the only time he was absent from his Company. Mr. Bacon then went to Pulaski, took cars for Nashville, thence to Louisville, and from there to Warren, Ohio, where he remained for thirty days, or during his furlough. At its expiration he returned to Linnville, then marched to Chattanooga, ar riving at the Rebel line at Snake Creek Gap. From this time forward to the fall of Atlanta, Mr. Bacon's battery was constantly engaged, enjoying only one day's rest during that long period of no days. To some extent it was rewarded for its hard work and gallant service, by receiving, July 22d, particular praise from the superior officers in command. Mr. Bacon's gun detachment suffered severely, his sergeant being wounded and a gunner killed. In the last mentioned campaign his battery lost heavily and were constantly calling for troops to fill up the openings that death had made in their ranks. On the 2/th and 28th, of July, his battery was on the right of Atlanta but not continuously engaged. At Jonesboro it was held in reserve, after which battle it moved near to Atlanta and went into camp. It after ward marched back to Rome, where the Com pany turned over what horses it had left after a long, heavy march, loaded its guns on cars and proceeded to Nashville, where the battery was again refitted for active duty. Then pro ceeding to the front at Nashville, it remained until the battle of that place where his battery was slightly engaged during the early part of the day, but moved to the right with the cavalry.

Afterward it followed Hood across the

river and here several times engaged in active skirmishing. Notwithstanding it was the win ter season, the battery had marched for 16 consecutive days, over heavy roads, in severe, broken weather, rendering its position one of extreme hardship. The battery went into camp and awaited the arrival of the provisions and, upon their arrival, built what was intended to be comfortable winter quarters; but when they were about completed, received orders to march to the river, where it took transports to Vicks- burg, embarked to New Orleans; disembarked and remained for about two weeks. From this point it again took the steamer around to Mo bile, Ala., landed a few miles out, and was held in reserve until after the evacuation of that place, when it moved to the front and fol lowed the enemy. His battery subsequently went into camp, at Columbia where it remained for some time, then proceeded to Ohio to be mustered out, which took place at Camp Den- nison Aug. 9. 1865. Notwithstanding the long period in which Mr. Bacon was actively en gaged in open warfare, the many battles and skirmishes he passed through, and the trials and privations, which he endured, he was never wounded or so sick as to necessitate going into a hospital, and never absent from his active duty.

After the war he went in company with two others to Brashear City where they opened a saw mill, and there remained for about one year. Afterward he returned North and went into business in Corry, Penn., there remaining for about three years, when he moved to Cortland, Ohio. In the latter place he acted as a sawyer in a mill for two years, when he went to Streator, 111., where he engaged in the feed business, and by energy and push has built up a prosperous trade. He married Aug. 26, 1867, at Corry, Penn., Miss Fannie L. Frisbie, by whom he has one child — Laura. He was the son of Moses H. Bacon, born in New Jersey, in 1808. His mother's maiden name was Maria Eliza Hovey, born in Ohio. They had the following children besides our subject: David H., Jasper, Oliver C., Calvin, Ellen M., William, and by the sec-

SOLDIERS' AND PATRIOTS'

ond wife, Leonora, Josephine, and Lucy. His brother Oliver was also in the War of the Re bellion, and is still living.

Mr. Bacon is a member of the Odd Fellows order, of the Patriotic Sons of America, and Quarter-master Sergeant of the Streator Post No. 68. He was also elected a member of the Streator Council, but resigned after two years service. He is a member of the Christian church and a Republican in politics.

JOSEPH ENGOMAR was born March 19, 1841, at Philadelphia, Penn. He is the son of Joseph and Mary Engomar, both of whom immigrated from Baden, Germany, many years ago, and settled in this country. Joseph, the subject of this sketch, was the youngest of five children. The father died about the year 1870, andthe mother during the year 1877. Mr. Engo mar remained at home during his early years and attended the common school, where he laid the foundation of a good common school education. When he had attained the age of fourteen years, he determined to be no longer a burden to his parents, therefore, concluded to fight his own wray with his own exertions, and win whatever fortune the fates should de clare belonged to him. He first went to New Orleans, then to St. Louis, where he learned the trade of a glass blower, and became pro ficient in all the mysteries of that business. He then engaged in steamboating on the Mis sissippi and Ohio rivers, for about three years. From that time forward he was engaged in various pursuits, and the outbreak of the war found him at New Orleans, where he remained until after the Mississippi was blockaded. On March 15, 1861, he left in a steamboat for the North, and whilst en route, was critically searched, first at Baton Rouge, and again at Columbus, but on each occasion was permitted to proceed, and continuing, reached St. Louis. From here he went to Louisville and engaged on a steamer, plying between that port and Cincinnati, and while thus employed, heard of the battle of Bull Run. -The enemy's bullet

created little fear or dread in the mind of young Engomar, and being anxious to partici pate in the war, concluded to join the union army, and immediately set out for Pittsburg, where he enlisted, Aug. 3, i8Ci, in Co. F., 46th Pa. Vol. Inf., and was mustered in on the 25th day of the same month. He proceeded to Harrisb.urg, where he joined the regiment and then continued on to Washington. From this point his Reg. moved out to Balls Bluff where they engaged the enemy in battle, on Oct. 21, 1861. They then moved back to Phoenix Church, there reconnoitered as far as Ocoguan Creek and subsequently moved to Hancock, where Mr. E. was detailed to make a reconnoissance across the Potomac river. He was promoted Corporal, Sept. 16, 1861. The Reg. next went into winter quarters at Hancock, and during the succeeding few months was engaged from time to time in scouting expeditions.

His next experience in battle was at Win Chester, March 23, where he received a bullet through cartridge box. The union troops en gaged the enemy, but being overwhelmed by superior numbers, retreated to W7illiamsport. marching 65 miles in two days. Then Mr. E. was detailed in charge of contraband goods and negroes at Martinsburg, Va. After making his departure from the last named place, he joined his Reg. on the Potomac and with it was sent on picket duty, traversing the ground over which he had previously retreated. He, with his Reg. then crossed the Potomac, and moved on to Columbia Furnace, Va., where, on April I5th, they destroyed the rebel camp after a sharp, hot engagement. Then they moved to Gordonsville, Va., thence to Kessel- town when another conflict took place on April 23d. On May 23d, they participated in a battle at Fort Royal and again on the following day in the engagement at Carrenstown and Middletown, respectfully. From here they moved to Win chester by way of Williamsport, and at the latter place formed in line of battle, but were not called into action as the rebels acted wisely by retreating. They here remained in camp until ordered to Harrisonburg, where they had

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33

an engagement on June 2d. Mr. E. was here taken with a violent sickness, caused by ex posure, and was compelled to enter a hospital where he remained speechless for thirty days. On recovering sufficient strength, he rejoined his Reg. at Woodstock, on its march on toward Blue Ridge Mt. He participated in the en gagement on the gth of August, 1862, at Cedar Mountain, in which the Company lost 37 killed, out of 50 engaged.

This \vas in a bayonet charge when every commissioned officer, save the captain and one sergeant was killed, wounded or taken prisoner.

After this battle he was assigned to the command of his company, the duties of which he performed until Sept. 2Oth. when he was promoted to the position of sergeant. With his company he also took part in the battle at Manassas, which occurred on the 28th of August. His company with others were subsequently detailed to protect and to accom pany Banks' Headquarter train, which was in imminent danger of being captured by Stone wall Jackson's army — but which calamity was averted by the personal gallantry and presence of mind of Mr. P^ngomar, and thus the train was safely escorted to its destination. On the 3Oth of August he participated in the second Bull Run and on the following day faced the rebel army at the battle of Chantilly.

Mr. E's next engagement was on the I4th of Sept., at South Mountain, then closely followed, on Sept. i/th, the memorable battle of Antietam, in which he also partici pated. The army went into camp on Mary land Heights, and from there they marched to Harper's Ferry, where his company was as signed to guard duty. While there he was de tailed to take some nineteen prisoners to Wash ington and Baltimore, and on returning, found his command under marching orders toward Fredricksburg — this expedition is what is now known in history as "Burnside stuck in the mud campaign." At Stafford Court House the Reg. went into winter quarters, during which time Gen. Hooker assumed command and re organized the army, his (Mr. E's.) Reg. was placed in the ist Brig., ist Div., I2th A. C., in

the army of the Potomac. On May ist, 2d and 3d the battle of Chancellorsville was fought, wherein he and his Reg. took an active part, and was stationed in front of the Chancellors ville field where the fight was the hottest. The army immediately thereafter crossed the Poto mac and went into camp at Stafford Court House, remaining there until Lee's march into Penn., when they moved out for the field since known as Gettysburg, and took their position on Gulp's Hill to the right of the Union army. To accomplish this they marched without a halt from six o'clock Saturday morning until late Sunday night and arrived on the field after the battle had opened. About eleven o'clock that same night, ist of July, Gen. Early, of the rebel army, made an attack, which after a hot contest, they repulsed the following afternoon. Williams' Div. was ordered to the left center to reinforce Sickles and there continued in action for some hours, when they were ordered back to resume possession of their works on Gulp's Hill. On their return, which was at night, they found the rebels in possession, when his Reg. commenced an assault which was dis continued, owing to the darkness. The morn ing found their position covered by rebel guns which kept belching forth shot and shell, kil ling and wounding their men, and causing gaps in their ranks. Unable longer to stand on» the defensive, the Reg. commenced a determined assault, and were rewarded after a severe struggle by regaining position of their works — Gulp's Hill — and there remained until the battle was won. During this assault his first Sergeant had his arm shot off, and Mr. Engomar was promoted to the position thus made vacant. His Reg. pursued Lee back to Virginia, and halted on the Rappahannock (Virginia side) having crossed at the United States ford where it did picket duty. Afterward the Reg. received instructions to march to Brandywine Station with rations for eight days, whither it proceeded, and arriving there took train for Washington. Reaching the latter point it was ordered to Chattanooga with the 2Oth A. C., under Hooker. The army after,ward fell back to Deckard Station where Mr. Engomar was

34

SOLDIERS' AND PATRIOTS'

again placed in command of his company. He participated in nearly all the battles of the Atlanta campaign, namely: Resaca, Pumpkin- vine Creek, Dallas, Pine Knob, Lost Mt., Kenesaw Mt., and Marietta. In the last named battle he was wounded in the breast with a bullet. He crossed the Chattahoochie river, and was engaged in the battle of Peach Tree Creek losing 24 out of 48 of the company, and also took part in the siege of Atlanta, into which town he marched on the afternoon of September 1st. At the battle of Pine Knob he was struck in the head with a ball, but not seriously wounded. He was discharged Sept. 1 8th, when he started on his journey home ward. He was offered a lieutenant's com mission to remain in the service, but on reflec tion, desired to retire for a short time at least, in order to visit home. He proceeded to Pitts- burg where he resumed his trade for a few months, then removed to St. Louis for a time; returned again to Pittsburg, thence to Phila delphia, where he remained for 18 years. Removing to Ottawa in the year 1887, he en gaged with the Ottawa Bottle & Flint Glass Co., as manager of their large manufact uring business, which position he has con tinued to successfully fill to the satisfaction of his employers. He was married at Pittsburg to Mary Sill, and two children — Joseph and Laura, have blessed their union. He is a mem ber of the G. A. R. Post No. 156 of Ottawa; is also a member of the order of Chosen Friends, and a Republican in politics.

DR. FRANK W. GORDON, of Sterling, 111., the son of Stillmanand Rebecca( Hough- ton) Gordon, was born at Weld, Frank lin Co., Me., Feb. 11, 1837. His father, the son of Samuel .Gordon, became a prominent citizen of the State of N. H. and a member of its legis lature. The family of Gordon is of Scotch origin.

Rebecca Houghton, the mother of Dr. Gor don, was born in Maine, and was a descendant of a worthy New England family, her father

being a prosperous farmer and a man of notably upright principles. The Houghton name be longs primarily to England. The father of Dr. Gordon, like his American progenitors, was a fanner. He took great interest in the church, and was very zealous in the cause of religious education. Seven children were born to him, two by his first marriage, the doctor being the eldest. The mother died June 16, 1840, and the father married the second time, Mrs. Phcebe C. Richardson, who was born at Phillips, Me., •July 4, 1820. The children by this wife were Nathan, Rebecca H., Elizabeth S., and Acidic E. Samuel E., a child of the first marriage, enlisted in Co. E., I5th Me. Inf., in Sept.

1861, and died from disease contracted while in the service at New Orleans, Aug. 13, 1862. Nathan, a child of the second marriage, enlisted Aug. 9, 1862, in the 8th Board of Trade Reg., Chicago, and was killed at Kenesaw Mountain June 27, 1864.

Dr. Gordon was carefully reared under the salutary guidance of his parents, and was early put to school, where he received his prelimi nary education, being later admitted to the high school. At the age of eighteen he was given charge of a school in the Providence of New Brunswick, which he taught for one term, subsequently teaching one term in Aroostook Co., Me., and then removing to Mass, and remaining a few months in Taunton, and August 1857, came West. At the age of twenty years, he located at Morris, 111., where he taught school during one winter. In the spring of 1858, he began the study of medicine under the preceptorship of Drs. Antis and Pierce, eminent physicians of Morris, 111. He prosecuted his studies in this way until the spring of 1861, having in 1860 also attended one session at the Hahnemann Medical College. In the spring of 1861 he began his career as a med ical practitioner at Tonica, LaSalle Co., Ill,, de- votingmuch of histime to the further acquisition of a knowledge of his profession. In Aug.,

1862, he entered the service of his country as a member of Co. A., 88th 111. Inf. at Tonica and was duly mustered in at Chicago, and remaining there until about the middle of Sept. 1862,

BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

35

when the Reg. was odered to Jeffersonville, Ind., to assist in repelling the threatened attack of Kirby Smith upon Cincinnati. The command proceeded to Covington, Ky., re maining a few days and going on to Louis ville, Ky., where the Reg. was assigned to Gilbert's Corps of Buell's Army. About the first of Oct. the Reg. moved on their march to Perryville, reaching that point on the eve of the battle, and taking position in proximity to the central line. Dr. Gordon was wounded in this battle, having received a ball in his left leg just below the knee, which incapacitated him for active service for eight months. This time was spent in the Louisville hospital, and the Marine hospital at Cincinnati, being later on removed to Camp Dennison, Ohio. He rejoined his Reg. in June, 1863, at Murfreesboro, and from the 24th of that month bore an active part in that notable campaign. His Reg., after the battle of Perryville, was attached to the command of Gen. Sheridan, and was so con tinued until he left for the Western army. In the various engagements with Bragg's Army the Reg. bore itself well and bravely, and to Dr. Gordon personally those words fittingly ap ply as instancing his career as a soldier.

Crittenden's Corps of the Army of the Cum berland was at this time occupying Chattanooga. On Sept. 2, 1863, he was ordered with his com mand to the vicinity of Rome, Ga., for the pur pose of destroying the railroad and getting position in the rear of Bragg's Army, but before reaching Rome a countermanding order was given compelling a forced march to reinforce the main army at Chickamauga, which was reached Sept. 19, 1863. Having been placed in line of battle during the day, the still wearied troops had to perform picket duty at night. At three o'clock on the morning of the 20th his Reg. was ordered to take position a mile or more to the left, in front of the headquarters of Gen. Rosencrans, and then to push on in the skirmish line which opened the battle of Chick amauga.

Here Dr. Gordon was in the fore front of the hotly contested fight, and when Gen. Lytle fell, he was himself laid low by what he thought

his death wound, but it was a mere scratch from which he speedily recovered. Gen. Thomas held his position during the afternoon and when the guns were silent, returned to Chattanooga, and began defensive operations, putting that city in a state of siege. In the several decisive engagements which followed Dr. Gordon's com mand bore a conspicuous part, behaving to a man with the most admirable courage and en durance, and in the Doctor's own language, "some of the greatest strategy exhibited during the whole war was displayed in these battles, the corps of Sherman and Thomas each in their turn, severely striking and disablingthe enemy." The victories of Missionary Ridge and Look out Mt. hailed with the loud acclaims of the soldiery, and the confidence restored, which was thenceforth unbroken. Dr. Gordon was, while at Loudon, Tenn., detailed by Gen. Sher man for hospital duty, being placed in charge of the drug department under the Surgeon in Chief, and was soon afterward assigned to duty as Assistant Surgeon at the general field hospital, having passed a satisfactory examina tion. His first service in his new capacity was at Ringgold and Resaca. From here he went to the hospital at Big Shanty, to which the wounded from Kenesaw Mt. had been sent, and after ward moved on to the Chattahoochie river. After the battle of Atlanta Dr. Gordon was assigned to a hospital train to convey the sick and wounded from Atlanta to Louisville, with headquarters at Nashville. He was engaged in this service for seven months, and after ward as Assistant Surgeon, at Murfrees boro in the general hospital No. I., going on duty in the spring of 1865 and continuing until Aug. 1865. He retired from service as Assistant Surgeon U. S. A., and after visiting his native State, returned to Morris, 111. Soon after reaching home he again entered the Hahnemann Medical College at Chicago, from which he was graduated in 1866, six years after his original matriculation. He located for the practice of his profession at Sterling, in which he has achieved both success and distinction. His treatment of disease is almost wholly based upon the homeopathic principle.

SOLDIERS' AND PATRIOTS'

He was married June 15, 1869, at Detroit, Mich., to Miss. Florence V., daughter of E. G. and Roxana I. (Sympson) Allen, natives of Maine, where also Mrs. Gordon was born. A daughter, Alice E, was the only fruit of this marriage. Mrs. Gordon died May 27, 1882. Dr. Gordon's sister, Mrs. F. G. Mason, con ducts his household. He is a member of the G. A. R. Post No. 274, and is its Surgeon; is also a member A. O. U. W., and the ex-Surgeon of that organizaton; a member of the American Institute of Homoeopathy; the 111. Homeo pathic Medical Association, of which he was President iSSg-'gO', the Rock River Institute of Homoeopathy; the Hahnemann Alumni Asso ciation, of which he was President in i88g-'go.

He is a consistent Republican, and a devout member, as was his wife, of the Congregational Church. Dr. Gordon has made for himself a name and fame which have endeared him to his kind, and assigned him a position in the memory of his age and generation replete with enduring tributes of his genius and skill.

EUGENE BOONE, of Decatur, 111., was born at Cambridge City, Ind., April 20, 1844. His father was Cornelius Boone, of German de scent, and born in Pocahontas Co., Va., in 1812. His great grandfather was a Revolutionary sol dier. His father was a settler in Indiana at a very early period in the history of that State. His mother's maiden name was Pegg, who was a native of North Carolina. His father is still living at Decatur, 111. He had four children, Frank M., Eugene, Eva and James F. B. Frank M. served in the 36th Ind. Inf., and was discharged on account of sickness, from which he finally died. James F. B. was a member of the 46th Ind., was wounded, but recovered, veteranized and served to the close of the conflict. He is still living. »

Eugene, the subject of this sketch, passed his boyhood in Indiana, working on a farm and attending district school. He enlisted at In dianapolis, Oct. 25, 1862, in the 23d Ind. Battery ("Ekin.") They remained here un til July 4, 1863, engaged in drilling, etc.,

Here the battery was assigned to Gen. Scho- field's command and with it went on to Knox- ville, going into garrison at Fort Smith. The forage was exhausted while here and their horses would eat anything they could get at, even gnawing the spokes out of the wheels of the artillery carriages. They allowed the poor brutes to graze as much as possible, and as soon as the siege was raised they procured a supply of provender. The command passed the win ter in East Tenn., and early in May, 1864, started on the march for the Atlanta campaign, being assigned to the 3d Div. of the 23d Corps. They were engaged in battle at Buzzard's Roost, May 8th and gth, and at Resaca on the I4th and I5th, where the battery behaved with commendable spirit and doing very effective work in repulsing the enemy's charge.

After June I4th, the battery was actively en gaged at Dallas and Allatoona. The next im portant battle in which they were engaged was at Kenesaw Mt, June 2Oth and 25th, and in ac tion at Nurses Creek, June 26th and 27th. After the siege of Atlanta in which they participated, they were in the pursuit of Hood, bringing him to battle at Columbia, and thence falling back to Franklin, Tenn., where Nov. 3<Dth, they \vere engaged in one of the most desperate con flicts of the war. Dec. I5th at the battle of Nashville, the battery was signalized for its splendid execution, capturing sixteen of the enemy's guns and behaving with conspicuous gallantry. Taking a transport at Paducah, Ky., then went to Cincinnati, thence by rail to Wash ington and by sea to Wilmington, N. C. On this passage they encountered a heavy gale off Cape Hatteras, being out seven days and losing 24 of their finest horses, which were smothered in the hold of the vessel. They dis embarked at Wilmington and for a few weeks remained on Bull Head Island, thence marching to Goldsboro and joining Sherman's army with which they proceeded to Raleigh, where they were at the time of Johnson's surrender. They then moved on to Washington taking part in the review and parade, and were discharged at Indianapolis July 2, 1865.

Returning to his home at Cambridge City,

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37

thence proceeding by way of Cincinnati, Covington, and Crab Orchard, to Lexington. Ind., Mr. Boone remained for two years, thence removing to Decatur, III., where he has since followed the carpenter's trade, when able to work, his health having been much impaired by the military service.

He was married in 1878, to Ella Groner, a native of Montgomery Co., 111. He had two brothers in the Union army. Mr. Boone is a member of the G. A. R. Post No. 141, and the Carpenters' Union. He is a Republican and a faithful observer of the principle of do ing well whatever his hands find to do.

JAMES MONROE FITZGERALD, of Sterling, 111., was born in DuPage Co., 111., May 3, 1849, and is the son of Patrick and Mary (Barry) Fitzgerald, both of whom were natives of Ireland, where they were married. They came to the U. S. in 1836, settling at Lanore, N. Y., where they lived for about two years on a farm. They removed to DuPage Co., 111., in 1854, and later to Genesee township, Whiteside Co., where he pursued the avocation of a farmer. Residing here until 1883, he sold out his estate and re-invested in a farm in Colono township. He finally located at Rock Falls, where he now lives. His wife died in 1856. They had eleven children: Michael B., William, Mary, Richard P. John C., James M., Fllen, Fdward, Julia, Francis and Thomas, all of whom are living but William and Edward. The childhood of James M. Fitzgerald, the subject of this sketch, was passed at home. He attended school and assisted in the cultivation of his father's farm until his enlistment as a soldier in defense of the Union. He was mustered in as a private of Co. A., I40th 111. Inf. May 19 1864, at Sterling, and was for two weeks in camp at Dixon, thence removing to Camp Butler, where they were armed and uniformed. Remaining a few days at Camp Butler, they were ordered to Lafayette, Tenn., where they were for some time in camp. They had an occasional skirmish with the enemy. Their principal

service while at this point was guarding rail roads, in which they were engaged about two months. Their next move was to Memphis as a re-inforcement against the anticipated attack of Gen. Price.

After going to Camp Frye, being ordered there to be mustered out, they were instead ordered to oppose the advance of Forrest upon St. Louis. While at St. Louis, Mr. Fitzgerald was taken sick and sent to the hospital, but was able in a few days to rejoin his reg't., afterward proceeding to Camp Frye, where he was mus tered out Nov. 1 8, 1864.

Returning home he engaged in farming, but this occupation being injurious to his health, after a year he went to Sterling, where he learned the trade of a mason, which he has since successfully followed, directing his atten tion to contracting and building for the past fifteen years. He was married Oct. 15, 1870, at Sterling, to Mary, daughter of Dennis and Margaret (Barry) McCarty, natives of Ireland, where they were married. They came to the United States, settling in McHenry Co., 111. Of this union there were born nine girls and four boys: John, Mary, Charles, Ralph, Cath erine, Mary, (2) Hannah and Julia, (twins) Julia (2) Margaret, Charles, (2) Ellen, Julia, (3) Henry and Frances, of whom all are living ex cept two of the name of Julia, two of the name of Charles and Hannah.

The father died at Sterling in Sept., 1871, the mother is still living. Of the marriage of James M. and Mary Fitzgerald there has been but one child, Mary Ellen. Mr. Fitzgerald is a member of the Foresters, No. 225, of Ster ling, and Post No. 274, G. A. R. In politics he is a Democrat. He and his wife are members of the Catholic Church. He had three brothers in the Union Army— William, who after serving for a year in the Navy, became a member of Co. G., 1 56th 111. Inf.; Richard and John were in the I40th 111. Inf., Co. A.

Richard was mustered out with the i4Oth and re-enlisted in the I56th 111., serving to the close of the war.

SOLDIERS' AND PATRIOTS'

DOUGLAS HAPEMAN, the leading Book & Stationery Dealer of Ottawa, 111., is a na tive of Ephratah, Fulton Co. , N. Y., where he was born January 15, 1839. His father was John and his mother Margaret( Smith )Hapeman. The elder Hapeman was a native of Germany, and emigrated to the United States at an early day, locating in the State of New York, where he engaged in farming. In 1845 he removed to the West, and located in Earl Township, La Salle Co., 111., where he purchased a tract of land upon which he began improvements. He continued farming up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1854. He was held in high esteem by all who knew him. Mar garet, his wife, departed this life in 1848. There were born to them nine children, the subject of this sketch, being the youngest. At the early age of ten, young Douglas left the parental roof and went to Ottawa to learn the art of printing, establishing himself with the " Free Trader." He applied all his energies to the business, and in a few years became pro ficient with all the details of a newspaper es tablishment.

From the printing office to the field, when President Lincoln issued his call for 75,000 men, to defend the nation from internal foes, young Hapeman, inspired by patriotism and a desire to contribute his mite for the preser vation of his country, promptly responded. The electric current that announced to the country the attack on Fort Sumpter and the call to arms had scarcely passed away, when he was found enrolled among his country's de fenders.

He was mustered as 2nd Lieutenant into Co. H. nth 111. Vol. Inf., April 23, 1861, at Ottawa, and with his company, was immediately sent to Springfield, where the regiment was organized. After remaining in camp for a time, drilling and preparing for the great struggle before them, they were ordered to Villa Ridge, where they remained until about the middle of July, when they were moved to Bird's Point, which was made the base of operations for military expeditions until the Tennessee Campaign opened.

He was in action at Fort Henry, where his Reg. took a prominent part. Flushed with the victory at Fort Henry, the Regt. arrived at Fort Donaldson to take part in that memorable siege which began Feb. I3th, The Reg. was placed to the right in Wal lace's Brigade, McClernand's Division. They did gallant service in this battle, and in the sortie made by the Rebels on the I5th, suffered terribly, losing in killed and wounded 102 men. After several hours of hard fighting the Reg. was ordered to fall back. This was ac complished successfully, the regiment cutting its way through Forest's cavalry.

In the afternoon the center works were stormed and carried by our forces. Darkness came on and the fighting ceased, but the Na tional flag floated cheerily over the redoubt; a compensation for the patriotic blood that had been shed. During the night Pillow and Floyd quietly withdrew from the bloody field, leaving Gen. Buckncr to continue the fight alone, or to surrender. The morning of the i6th, found the white flag floating over the Rebel fortifi cations. Terms of capitulation were asked for by the Rebel General. Grant's terms of " un conditional surrender " gave the field to the Union troops, with nearly 14,000 prisoners, 65 field pieces and siege guns, 20,000 stand of arms and a large quantity of stores. The loss of the nth Reg. in killed and wounded was 399. That of Lieut. Hapeman's company 42. The next important engagement of his regiment was at Shiloh, where it went into action on Sherman's left. The command was hotly engaged on the 6th and /th, and Lieut. Hapeman, who had command of three com panies, distinguished himself by his gallantry and good judgment in handling his men. The Reg. lost on this memorable field fifty per cent, of the men in action.

The next service of the Reg. was in the siege of Corinth, during which the subject of this sketch was made assistant Adjutant, which position he held until August 1862, when he left the regiment to accept the appointment of Lieut. Colonel, of the iO4th 111., tendered him for gallant service on the field. He was com-

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missioned Aug. 23, 1862, and joined his regiment at Ottawa. Subsequently the regiment was or dered to Louisville, Ky., where it remained until Bragg marched against Buell. It was placed in Moore's Brigade, Dumont's Division, and in the movements against Bragg the command was at Frankfort, Bowling Green, Tompkins- ville and Hartsville. At the latter place they met Morgan's troops, including Hanson's Brig ade of Infantry, and after a severe fight the i4Oth 111., io6th 111. and io8th Ohio, were cap tured by the enemy, whose force largely out numbered the Union troops. The Reg. lost in killed 44, and in wounded 156. The prisoners were taken to Murphreesboro, where they were paroled. Col. Hapeman and Maj. Widmer were taken to Atlanta and held as hostages in solitary confinement for Gen. McNiel. There they re mained four and one-half months, when they were removed to that living tomb, Libby Prison, and incarcerated in one of its foul dungeons. Fortunately for them they were removed after nine days and taken to Petersburg, and thence through the lines to Annapolis, where they were exchanged. About the middle of May he joined his Reg. at Brent- wood, Tcnn., which was then in the ist Brigade, 2nd Div., 1 4th A. C. They were ordered to Mur phreesboro, and subsequently participated in the Tullahoma campaign, after which the command went into camp at Deckerd's station where they remained until about the first of Sept., then the movement on Chattanooga began, which ended in the battle of Chickamauga, in which the iO4th, participated, Col. Hapeman command ing the regiment. The Division moved out on the loth to Davis' Cross Roads and de veloped the fact that the enemy was in full force in their front. It moved back to Mc- Lemores Cove, where it remained till the igth, when the I4th Corps made the initiatory action at Crawfish Springs to the great battle of Chickamauga. On the 2Oth, his command was on the extreme left and fought the same troops they had met the day before. After the battle they fell back to Rossville, then to Chatta nooga, where they remained till Nov. 23d, when they were called out to take part in the

battle of Lookout Mt., being hotly engaged in the assault in the afternoon. His command participated in the assault on Missionary Ridge, being one of the first regiments to plant their colors on its summit, after which it moved to Ringold, from thence to Chattanooga where it went into winter quarters.

The first action in the spring of 1864 was at Buzzard's Roost, where Col. Hapeman com manded the Reg., having been commis sioned Colonel for meritorious services to date from the battle of Chickamauga. The iO4th was among the regiments that formed the grand army, which under that great Commander, Gen Sherman, moved on to Atlanta, and participated in the battles of Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, Cassville, New Hope Church, Dallas, Pumpkinvine Creek, Pine Mountain, Kenesaw Mt., Chattahoochie, Peach Tree Creek, Utoy Creek Battle of Atlanta and its siege.

After the battle of Jonesboro, Sept. 2d, in which Colonel Hapeman's Reg. took part, he went into Atlanta where he was sta tioned until Hood's movement to the North, when the troops moved out in pursuit, Col. Hapeman commanding the Brigade. They followed Hood as far as Broomtown Valley, when the command returned to Atlanta. He was with Sherman in his celebrated " March to the Sea," and with his Reg. participated in the siege of Savannah. Then followed the long march through the Carolinas. He was present at the surrender of Johnson near Raleigh. This was an event he had long looked for and it compensated him for his many hardships. He was in the march through Richmond on to Washington, where he partici pated in the Grand Review May 24, 1865. His Reg. was subsequently ordered to Chicago, where it was mustered out of service June 22, 1865. Colonel Hapeman returned to his home and friends at Ottawa, and once more engaged in the newspaper business. He passed through the entire war and was in many of its hardest fought battles. His regiment went out full; total loss killed and wounded 405; loss in killed 1 1. 6 per cent.

In addition to his Journal he opened a Book

40

SOLDIERS' AND PATRIOTS'

& Stationery store, which he has carried on since, building up a large and prosperous busi ness. Associated with him now is William J. Graham, the firm being Hapeman and Graham. He sold out his interest in the paper in 1882. Colonel Hapeman was united in marriage at Ottawa, Nov. 6, 1867, to Ella, daughter of William and Phoebe Thomas. Two children have blessed this union, Mary T. and William T.

Col. Hapeman is a member of the Ma sonic fraternity, being connected with the Occidental Lodge. No. 40, and the Shabbona Chapter, No. 37; the Ottawa Commandry, No. 10; and the Chicago Consistory.

He is also a member of the Seth C. Earl Post, No. 156, G. A. R., of Ottawa, and the Military Order of the Loyal Legion. In poli tics he is a Democrat ; in religious matters he is a member of the Episcopal Church. Colonel Hapeman is an enterprising, public spirited citizen, taking an active interest in all matters that tend to the growth and development of Ottawa. He is President of the Ottawa Build ing, Homestead Savings Institution; Presi dent of the Ottawa Hydraulic Company, and Secretary, Treasurer, and Manager of the Thomas Electric Light and Power Company, all of which companies are in a prosperous condition.

Colonel Hapeman is a true representative of what a man may accomplish who is possessed of a patriotic love of country, a determined purpose; integrity, fortified by moral principles and benevolent disposition.

ALFRED MATEEK, the present Postmaster at Rutland, 111., enlisted in Co. D., 4/th 111. Vol. Inf. Aug. 1 6, 1861, at Henry, 111. After service in this Co. he joined Co. A., as a veteran in the same regiment. An epitome of Mr. Mateer's war history may be given as follows: Mustered in as private he was pro moted to the rank of Sergeant, March 15, 1865, and July 24th, in the same year, to Orderly Ser geant. First sent to the front at St. Louis, and then to Jefferson City, Mo., his Reg. went

into winter quarters at that point and remained until Feb. 1862, when it marched to Otter- ville, St. Charles, New Madrid and Island No. 10. In the first charge at Vicksburg Mr. Ma- teer was wounded in the right arm, but this did not keep him from his Reg., and although he was seriously injured and suffered much he held his place in the ranks until June 6, 1864, when in the battle of Lake Chicot, Ark., he received a wound in the left thigh and as the bone was shattered the injury was severe and dangerous, and would have killed a less power ful and determined man. Although he ex perienced untold pain as he was jolted over the rough roads in a wagon to the river where he was conveyed by boat to Memphis, he endured all this intense suffering without a word of complaint. At Memphis, Tenn., he lay in the hospital at the point of death for many weeks. Many times it was thought his life could not be saved, yet he never lost hope and never com plained. Some ten pieces of broken bone were taken from this almost mortal wound, but it did not heal, in fact, it was years after the war when the wound finally closed. It may not be necessary to state that he was rendered a cripple for life.

As soon as he was sufficiently recovered he went home on a furlough, but after two months, although his wound was still painful and un- healed, he determined to rejoin the Reg. in the field, refusing to take his discharge, hoping that he might yet be able to serve his country on the field of battle. He was unable to per form any active duty, yet he remained with his command until his Reg. was mustered out Jan. 21, 1866, at Sclma, Ala. Mr. Matccr participatcd in all the battles that his Reg. was in up to the time he received his last wound. He was discharged from the first volunteer service Feb. 18, 1864, when he re- entered the service as a veteran, serving his country with marked distinction for more than four years, during which he was in twenty different battles, as follows: New Madrid, Mo., and Island No. 10, March, 1862; Farmington, Miss., May gth; siege of Corinth, Miss., May 28th; luka, Miss., Sept. igth; Corinth, Miss., Oct.

BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

23, 1862; Jackson, Miss., May 14, 1863; Assault on Vicksburg, Miss., May 22d; Mechanicsville, Miss., June 4th; Ft. DeRussey, La., March 14, 1864; Henderson Hill, La., March 2ist; Pleasant Hill, La., April gth; Clintonville, La., April 23d; Coin River, La., April 24th; Yellow Bayou, La., May roth; the actions at Masura Plains, La., May I4th; Coffeeville, La., May I5th; Masura, La., May i6th; Lake Chicot, Ark., June 6th, 1864. He was also in the siege of Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely which closed April 9, 1865.

During this campaign of about three months under Gen. Smith, there was almost constant marching and fighting, but the severe hardships of a soldier's life were bravely endured by the men of this command. Alfed Mateer was born at Carlksle, Pa., July 29, 1840. His father, Col. II . W. Mateer, received his title for meri torious bravery at the head of a Reg. of Penn. militia in an early day. He was a merchant and Postmaster at Carlisle, but in 1857, with his family removed to Henry, 111., where he engaged in mercantile business. Here the son Alfred attended the public schools, assisting his father in the store ; but as he ad vanced in years he showed a preference for farming.

When his country called for volunteers he was one of the first to respond, and leaving home and all the associations of his youth he went forth to battle for the liberty and honor of the Nation. When he returned from his military service he engaged in farming, near Wenona, 111., where he remained until he was compelled to abandon this business and seek an industry better suited to a scarred veteran in failing health. In the latter part of 1871, he moved to the village of Rutland where he has since actively engaged in business. Here he has served as Town Clerk, Village Clerk, and on the Board of Trustees. He was appointed Postmaster in 1889, previous to which he had been Deputy P. M. for some time in the same office. This gentleman is an enthusiastic G. A. R. man, and an Odd Fellow in Lodge No. 163, of which he has been Secretary ever since it was organized. He has been a life-long Republican and cannot understand how Union

soldiers can be anything else.

He was married Sept. I, 1868, to Susan Bishop, and they now have five sons and daugh ters. Mary Eliza, now Mrs. W. G. Sutton, who is a Deputy in the Postoffice; Thomas Wilson, a popular clerk in a leading bank and store in Rutland; John F., Fannie May, a clerk in the Postoffice, and Alfred Thornton. Thus in comfortable circumstances, surrounded by an industrious family, this old soldier and citizen is reaping the reward of the sufferings and sac rifices he so willingly made for his country in time of its peril.

DR. CHARLES A. BUCHER, one of the promi nent physicians of Batavia, 111., hails from Steuben Co , N. Y., where he was born Nov. 11, 1829, a son of George and Kate (Estleman) Bucher. His father, who fought with Gen. Harrison in the battle of Tippecanoe, and who was a soldier in the war of 1812, was born at Harrisburg, Pa , 1792, and died at Caton, N. Y. 1845. His mother was born in 1796, and died at Caton in 1864. The paternal grand father of the Dr. was Rev. Jacob Bucher, a Lutheran minister, who was the son of wealthy parents, and who fled from Germany on account of political dissensions, sailing to America in his own vessel. He was killed by light ning at the ripe age of 92. The Bucher family consisted of seven sons and three daughters, of whom all but one son are living. From within that home, three sons went forth to defend the grand " old flag." James and Esach both served throughout the war in the 1st N. Y. Art. The Dr. left his paternal roof when but a boy of ten summers and entered a store, working for his board and devoting the late hours of evening to studying. He subsequently attended the public school for about three years, later, attended the high school at Tioga- Pa. for three years, and then pursued his studies at Alfred Academy, Alleghany Co., N. Y. After this we find our ambitious young man clerking in a clothing store, and while the other boys were spending their evenings

SOLDIERS' AND PATRIOTS'

having a "good time," he was studying the science of medicine. From 1849 to 1850, he attended the Geneva Medical College, then went back to clerking for a year, and in 1851, came to Chicago, shortly afterward locating at Aurora, 111., where he engaged as foreman of the Peter Annis clothing store. While here, he fell in love; he found his wife in the person of Minerva Simpson, the estimable daughter of Ira and Fannie Simpson. By this happy union five children have since been born, of whom but one, Eddie, is living. After his marriage, he continued in the clothing business at Bloom- ington and Batavia, and in 1857, he entered Rush Medical College, from which he was graduated with high honors, four years later. 1861. The same year he caught the "war fever." He bid the loved ones " good bye'* and enlisted in the service August 6, 1862, in Co. B., which he had largely assisted in raising. The Co. joined the I24th 111. Inf., which was organized and mustered in at Camp Butler, Sept. loth, with the Dr. detailed by Col. Fondy to act as assistant surgeon. Oct. 6th, they moved to the front at Jackson. Tenn. Nov. 2d, they started out under Gen. Grant in the long march through Tenn., and to the rear of Vicksburg, finally returning and thence on to Memphis, arriving Jan. 21, 1863. From here they embarked for Lake Providence, La., were employed on But ler's canal, next failed in a desperate attempt to capture Vicksburg, and finally returning to Lake Providence where our subject was discharged, Feb. 22, 1863, at his own request, he having acted in the full capacity of a Surgeon with but a private's pay.

-Returning home he was soon again attend ing college. Shortly, he was flooded with dis patches from prominent commanders and phy sicians soliciting him to again enter the service and accordingly he re-enlisted June 1864 in the 72d, known' as the the First Board of Trade Regiment, 111. Inf., of which he was made as sistant and later Surgeon. He remained on provost duty at Vicksburg until about Oct. 2Oth. Subsequently they moved to Paducah and about Nov. I5th, reached Nashville. After constant marching and counter-marching, we

find the Dr. participating in the battle of Frank lin, Tenn., November 3Oth, 1864, in which his Reg. suffered the terrible loss of 720 killed, wounded and captured, out of a total of 880. During the hottest of the fight the Dr. was urged by a lady to use her house near by as a hospital, where both the unfortunate Union and Confed erates received his care and medical attention. About ten o'clock that night the Dr. thought it best to follow his shattered command which was retreating to Nashville. Accordingly he set out on foot, passed the enemy's lines safely, and overtook the rear guard about 2 A. M. Dec. 1 5th, and i6th, he was engaged in the battle of Nashville. After this conflict they went in pursuit of Hood's forces, and after weeks of hard marching reached Corinth. About Feb. I, they embarked from East- port, down the river, the Dr. and Capt. Sex ton giving their individual notes for the quar ter-master's supplies, they not having any ra tions. Up to this time they had subsisted on scarcely anything but corn, and reaching Cairo found the city guarded against them. But they overcame all resistance and peacefully raided the city, leaving it almost destitute of eatables. The authorities assessed a fine of $40,000 but the "boys" did not remain to see it liquidated. Subsequently they embarked for New Orleans from where they took steamer to Dauphin Island, Ala. March 21, 1865, they crossed the bay and moved to Spanish Fort. After sharing actively in the long siege, the 72d bore a conspicuous part in the brilliant attack on the night of April 8. Four days later they started for Montgomery, and Aug. i6, 1865, the gallant Reg. was mustered out at Chicago. The great rebellion came to a close, and the Doctor resumed his practice at Batavia, continuing un til 1879, when, owing to a failing in his eyesight, he abandoned his country practice and removed to Chicago, where he enjoyed a very extensive and lucrative practice for ten years. Becom ing a sufferer from Bright's disease, he returned to Batavia where he has practiced since.

He has held numerous offices of public trust and honor, among which may be men tioned that of Coroner of the County, and Trus-

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43

tee of the School Board. He was Commander of the G. A. R. Post No. 48, of Batavia, and now fills the office of Surgeon. He was initia ted into the Masonic Order at Bath, N. Y,, 40 years ago, and was one of the charter mem bers in the formation of the Elgin Lodge, where he resided for a few months soon after he came West. The Dr. has passed through all of the offices of the Batavia Lodge, No. 402, (except that of Tyler) of which he was a mem ber. He is a member of the Aurora Council, of Knight Templar No. 22; the Royal Arch Chapter of Aurora; and the American Legion of Honor. Dr. Bucher is a man of fine literary taste, a popular and attractive member of so ciety where he holds a conspicuous place, and one of Kane County's most worthy citizens.

JOHN T. HUBBARD, druggist and Postmaster of Dccatur, 111., was born in Ind., June 6, 1841. His father was John S. born in Gilford Co., N. C., in 1811, of English de scent, whose father was a soldier in the war of 1812. All of the early representatives of the Hubbards were Quakers, as was John S., the father of the subject of this sketch. John S. Hubbard was by profession a lawyer and also cultivated a large farm, whose father moved to Indiana when he was but ten years of age, and settled within one mile of where the son now lives. The father of John T. still owns his orig inal purchase of 80 acres of land. His mother was Abigail Henshaw, a native of North Carolina, of Welsh descent. Her parents died when she was quite young and she was raised by a Quaker family of the name of Carter, who settled in Indiana when her mother was but a child. She had been, in her early life a Methodist, but after her marriage to John S. Hubbard, joined the Society of Quakers. John T. was brought up on a farm, lending a hand in its cultivation, attending a district school in the winter. He enlisted June 20, 1862, and was mustered in at Indianapolis, Aug. I2th, in Co. D. 70th Ind. Inf., commanded by Col. Benjamin Harrison, now the President

of the United States. The reg. was ordered to Bowling Green, Ky., where they were located for five months doing guard and picket duty. While here they went in box cars to Russel- ville, where they charged upon Morgan's men in a large and handsome grove, killing 42 men, and capturing 50 of the finest horses of the Kentucky breed. There they made the citizens prepare supper for them, after which they returned to Bowling Green, taking with them the captured horses. In the fall they went to Scottsville, Ky., where they staid two weeks, thence going to Gallatin, Tenn., where they were organized into a brig, under Gen. Ward. Mr. Hubbard was made a Corporal and de tailed for duty with the Pioneer Corps, being 'ordered to Nashville and placed under the command of Gen. Morton. They soon after proceeded to Stone River where a part of the Pioneer Corps were engaged during that battle. They afterward went into camp at Murfrees- boro, and while there Corporal Hubbard had the typhoid fever, did not go to a hospital, but during the Chattahoochie campaign, was or dered to a convalescent camp, where he acted as Quartermaster Sergt. In a short time he was sent to Nashville, where he was released from his detail and reported to his company at Nashville with the reg., where he remained un til the spring of 1864, when they marched to the Wauhatchie Valley. May 2d they started for the Atlanta campaign with Ward's Div. of the 20th, A. C., commanded by Gen. Joe Hooker. The first important engagement on this campaign was at Resaca, Ga., where Corporal Hubbard was made 1st Serg't. They were here in a charge across an open field under a heavy fire from the enemy's guns, and when near the fort, Col. Harrison, seeing that they would be riddled by the fire therefrom, commanded the men to halt and lie down.

Immediately after the firing from the Eort had ceased, Col. Harrison ordered them to rise and rush forward to the fort capturing the battery. Col. Harrison was in the fort about as soon as any of them. The enemy during the afternoon made several successive charges to retake the fort, but were unsuccessful. The

SOLDIERS' AND PATRIOTS'

guns were removed from the fort under the direction of Capt Meredith. Sergt. Hubbard had his cap knocked off his head by a stray ball, which broke the skin of his scalp and which did not heal for 14 years. The next day the Major appointed him color-bearer, in which capacity he acted for some time, and carried the colors of the reg. on many a hard fought field. He participated in all the battles of the campaign in which his reg. took part. In the battle of Peach Tree Creek they were hotly engaged. They charged the enemy, who was at the same time charging them, Col. Harrison in person leading the iO2d 111. Inf., who were armed with repeating rifles with which they poured so continuous and deadly a fire into the enemy's ranks as to com pel them to halt and quickly to beat a hasty retreat. The troops moved. on toward Atlanta, taking their place in the front line, and re maining until after Sherman started on his march to Jonesville, when they fell back to the Chattahoochie, where they were encamped until the fall of Atlanta. While at the Chatta hoochie, Sergeant Hubbard received orders to report to the ist U. S. Engineers at Chatta nooga for duty in that department, but after arriving at Chattanooga, he was stricken down by typhoid fever, being confined to the camp for about one month. He then proceeded to the performance of his duties with the En gineer Corps in taking measurements. He con tinued in this relation until June, 1865, when he went to Nashville where he was mustered out in July.

He returned home to Indiana and was soon after appointed postmaster of the village in which he resided, a position he held for seven years, afterward going to Neoga, 111., where he conducted a drug store for three years. Removing to Decatur in April, 1872, he re sumed the 'drug business which he still operates. He was married at Neoga, 111., Nov. 25, 1869, to Miss Emma Stone, of that place, a native of New York. They have had three children- Charles F., Clifford F.,and Gracie. Charles F. is the distributer of mails in the Decatur Post Office. Mr. Hubbard was appointed Post

master of Decatur Jan. 31, 1891, entering upon his duties March ist. He is a member of the Masonic Fraternity and has been Senior Warden in the Blue Lodge and Captain of the Host. He is a member of the G. A. R. Post of Decatur, a Republican, and a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Hubbard is a faithful official and a good citizen ever zeal ously aiming at the good of his kind.

URIAH B. SANDERS, member of the Will Robinson Post, G. A. R., of Sterling, 111., was born at Allentown, Pa., Nov. 8, 1845, and is the son of George and Rebecca (Brobst) Sanders. Both of his parents were natives of Allentown, Pa. The American pro genitors of this family came originally from England and Holland.

Seven children were born to George and Re becca Sanders: Rebecca, Francis, Amanda, Ma tilda, Hannah, Uriah B. and Emma. The subject of this memoir was brought up on his father's farm in the vicinity of Allentown, Pa., and after the usual preliminary training in the common schools, entered the Academy at Weaversville, Northampton Co., Pa., where he continued his studies from Oct., 1859, to the spring of 1861, afterwards attending the Union Seminary at New Berlin, Pa., from Oct. 1861, to June 1862. In Sept. 1862, he served as a member of Co. C., 5th Pa. Militia, and during the invasion by Lee's army was at Hagerstown, Md., on the day of the battle of Antietam.

He continued in this service for two weeks. During Oct, 1862, he taught a school at Allen- town, Pa. He enlisted in the Federal army at Phila., Nov. 7, 1862, as a private of Co. B, I76th Pa. Inf., there going into camp for drill and equipment for duty in the field. His regt. oper ated in Va. and North C. until Jan. 1863, when it left Newbern, N. C. and proceeded with Fos ter's fleet to Beaufort, S. C., where they per formed garrison duty until the expiration of their term of enlistment.

He was promoted to corporal at Beaufort, Feb., 1863. The regt. was mustered out at

BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

45

Phila., Aug. 2O, 1863. Mr. Sanders sustained an accidental injury at Hilton Head, S. C., by falling from the pier, causing a compound frac ture of the left clavicle, after which he removed to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in the Photograph business, until he re-enlisted March 29, 1864, as a private in the 3rd Iowa Art., and was pro moted to Corporal of the 1st Detachment of that battery at Little Rock, Ark., in Jan., 1865. He was mustered out and finally discharged at Davenport, Iowa, Oct. 22, following.

During his whole period of service he was only once confined to a hospital from sickness. This was for two weeks in Sept. 1865, at Fort Smith, Ark., while suffering from congestion of the brain, and intermittent fever. Returning at the close of hostilities to Iowa, he was engaged for several years as a school teacher. In 1869, went to Ark., where he taught the first colored school organized in Pope Co., was also Deputy U. S. Marshal of western Ark. and Indian Ter ritory; also taught the White School at the same place where he had taught the Colored School. In 1876, he was principal of the High School at Vinton, Iowa, and from 1877 to 1879, principal of the Public Schools at Belle Plaine, Iowa. From 1880, to 1887, he served as chief yard clerk for the B. C. R. K R. R. Co., at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and in other relations with that Co. In 1889, he was a Conductor on a Pullman car, and in 1891, became the proprietor of a book store at Sterling, Ills., where he still resides.

He was married April 19, 1874, to Maria Mackey, daughter of Levi and Lorna (Potter) Mackey, natives of Ontario, Canada. Mrs. Sanders' family is descended from English and and Scotch ancestry. Four children have been born to this union: — George H., Edna E., Helen C. and M. Marie. Mr. Sanders has held the positions of Lieut. Col. of the Reunion Asso ciation of the gth Iowa Inf. and the 3d Iowa Art., and is a member of G. A. R. Post No. 274, of Sterling, 111., and of the Masonic Fraternity. He is a Republican in politics, and in his sphere