USA > Illinois > Complete history of the 46th regiment, Illinois volunteer infantry, a full and authentic account of the participation of the regiment in the battles, sieges, skirmishes and expeditions in which it was engaged > Part 17
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New Auburn. Wis Macedonia, la ..
Reber, Levi M.
Freeport
Aurora, Neb
Reber, Martin V. B
Reagle, Jacob
.. Rock Island, Ill.
Mustered out Dec. 29, 1864 .. Disch. Mar. 7, 62; disabil ... Re-enlisted as Veteran. Mustered out Jan. 4, 1-05 ... Re-enlisted as Veteran ... Died, Bolivar, Tenn., Oct. 26, 1862. Serg't. Disch. Aug. 31, C3 for prom. in U. S. C. T ... Re-enlisted as Veteran .. Transferred to Co. A. Disch. Aug. 27, 62: disabil. Mustered out Ang. JS. 1:52 ..
Re-enlisted as Veteran. .... Disch. Aug. 26. 62; disabil .. Discharged Aug. 29, 1562,as Corporal; wounds
Died, May 13, 1562 Mustered out Dec. 29, 1564 .. Re-enlisted as Veteran.
Wardwell, William G. Warner, David J.
..
Walbridge, Thomas Weitz, Peter
M. O. Jan. 20. 66, as Serg't .. Prom. Sgt .. Ist Sgt .. ist Lt. Mustered out Jan. 20, 1566 ..
.6
Hartman, William.
Hulverson, Matthias.
Minnesota ...
Cedar Falls, Ia. Ridott, Ill. Jennings, La
M. O. Jan. 20, 65, as Ist Sgt. Mustered out Jan. 20. 1565 ..
Inhay, James Mclaughlin, Thomas
Freeport
Dec.26,61 Oct. 4, 61
Ada, Minn.
Transferred to Co B ... Re-enlisted as Veteran ...
Mustered out May 9. 1962 ... Re-enlisted as Veteran .. ....
Myron, Thomas
Miller, Aaron.
Freeport
143
HISTORY OF FORTY-SIXTH REGIMENT
Name and Rank.
Residence.
Date of rank or enlist- ment
Present Address.
Remarks.
McGurk, James.
Freeport.
Jan. 1. 64 Lena, Ill. ..
Needham, Richard N. Harlem
Dec.20.63
No. Cedar. S. D
Olson, Ole
Minnesota ...
:
:
Nero. Wis.
M. O. Jan. 20, 66, as Corp'l. Mustered out Jan. 20. 1866 .. M. O. Jan. 20, 66. as Serg't. Mustered out May 16, 65 .... Mustered out July 15, 1865. . Abs't. sick at M. O. of Reg. Mustered out Jan. 20. 1866 ..
Rutter, William H. H. Ruder, Leonard. Reber, Levi M.
Yellow Cr'k. Freeport
Feb. 1, 64 Dec.20,63
Schae. Anthony
Minnesota.
Slade, Thomas.
Thom, James Wilson, John.
Buckeye. Freeport
Woodruff, Isaac.
Wardwell, William G.
..
Walbridge, Thomas ..
Dakota.
..
Wagner, William N .. Warner, David J
Freeport
Wood, Thomas
Decatur, Neb Mustered out Jan. 20, 1866 ..
Recruits.
Artley. Abram
Harlem
Jan.24, 65
Dakota, Ill
Mustered out Jan. 20, 1866 ..
Artley, Chas
Dakota.
Jan.28, 65
Allen, Thomas J
Buckeye.
Feb.10, 64
Apker, John.
Loran
Jan.20, 65
Barker. Dudley
Rock Grove.
Feb. 7, 65
Brace. John.
Ridott
Jan.13, 62
Boyle. Loughey.
Freeport
Jan.21, 62
Baker, John ..
Rockford ..
Oct. 4, 64 [ Raymond, Ia.
Springfield
Jan. 1, 62
Babb, Amios W
Loran
Jan.27, 65
Butterfield, Chas. W .. Bride. George H
Lancaster.
Feb. 2, 65
Cantrill, Joel T.
Loran
Buckeye
Feb. 4, 65
Annieville, Ia
=
Disch. Apr. 6, 65; disabil ... Disch. Oct. 5, 64; wounds ... Mustered out Mar. 2, 1864 ... Mustered out Oct. 27, 1:65 .. Mustered out Jan. 20. 1866 .. ..
. .
Dinsmore. Willian
Dimmick
Mar.27,65
Diller, Michael.
Freeport
Dec.29,61
Doan. Joseph
Lancaster.
Feb. 10,61
Dobson. Jacob.
Feb. 1. 64
Dolan, John
Freeport
Feb. 4, 64
Eli, Marion
Flood, Bartholomew. Farley. Thomas
Freeport
Fry, Conrad.
Rock Run
Gibler, Howard
Ridott.
Grigsby, Uriah
Freeport
Feb.13, 61
Grigsby, John W
Loran
Jan. 16, 64 |Aurelia, Ia.
Garrison, Israel T
Montezuma. Chicago Morrison.
Dec.5, 63 Aug.19,62 Nov. 5, 61
Blue Hill, Neb
Gresley. Willis C.
Freeport
Feb.13,64
Grigsby, Samuel
Loran
Jan.27, 65
Hayes. John R ..
Hughes, William
LaSalle.
Feb. 6. 65 Oct. 5, 64
Heiter, Monroe
Florence
Feb.17,65
Promoted Hosp. Steward .. Died at Mobile, May 8, 65 .. Died, Shreveport. June 17. 65 Died May 22, 1862; wounds. Trans. to Invalid Corps .... Mustered out Aug. 12, 1965 .. Mustered out Oct. 3, 1565. .. Disch. June 16, 62; disabil .. Mustered out Jan. 20. 1866 .. Abs't, sick at M. O. of Reg't Mustered out Jan. 20, 1866 ..
Cook, George ..
Coolidge, Nelson
Ridott.
Jan.25, 61 Rockford, Ill
Carroil, Patrick.
Freeport
Feb.23, 64
Cade, Alfred ..
Dillon, George W
Freeport ..
Feb.19, 64
Dorchester, Neb
Decker Zachary
..
Feb. 3, 65
Devore. Espy
Jan.16. 64 Aurelia, Ia.
Discharged Ang. 23. 1965 ... Abs't. sick. at Mi. O. of Reg. Transferred to Co. C ... Died, Vicksburg, May 28, 64 Died, Vicksburg, Oct. 30. 64 Mustered out Mar. 4. 64 .... Died, Vicksburg, Aug. S, 64 Abs't, sick at M. O. of Reg't. Trans. to Invalid Corps .... Mustered out June 19. 1865. Mustered out Jan. 20, 1866 ..
Mustered out July 12, 1865 .. Disch. May 22, 65: disabil .. Mustered out June 12. 1865. Mustered out Jan. 20, 1866 .. Veteran. M. O. Jan. 20, 66 .. Sub. M. O. Oct. 4, 1865. .... Mustered out Jan. 20, 1866 ..
..
Gitchel, Nathaniel. Gillespie, Peter.
Frankfort
Oct.18, 63 Feb. 3, 65 Sep.10, 61
Jan. 5, 64 Sioux Falls, S. D.
..
Cosier, Ammon
Sep.10, 61 Jan.25, 65 Cherokee, Ia.
Canvil. Calvin.
Jan. 1, 62
Rock Run. Jan.24. 65 | Orangeville, Ill.
Dillon, Zachariah.
Rock Run ..
Jan.26, 65
M. O. Jan. 20, 66, as Serg't. Promoted Drum Major .... M. O. Jan. 20, 66, as Serg't. Prom. 2nd Lieut. from Serg. Mustered out Jan. 20, 1866 ..
Mustered out May 9, 1864 ... Drowned Nov. 28, 64 .. M. O. Jan. 20, 66. as Corp'l.
Byrne, John A
Feb. 3, 65
Burns, John.
..
Aurora, Neb Ada. Minu
Kushmore, Minn
Woodcock, T
Ada, Minn.
Phillipps, Smith
Phillips, Jesse ..
144
HISTORY OF FORTY-SIXTH REGIMENT
atur and Rank.
Residence.
Date of ranx or enlist- ment
Present Address.
Remarks.
Hartman, Amon
Buckeye
Jan.31, 65
Hand. Barney.
Freeport
Nov.20,63
Kamrar. David.
Loran.
Jan.24, 65
Kraft. Jacob.
Waddans ...
Feb. 5, 64
Nelley. Zebedee
Florence
Feb. 7, 65
Abs't sick, at M. O. of Reg.
Keck. Henry S ..
Dakota
Feb. 4, 65
Freeport. Ill.
Kettleson, Ole.
Caledonia ... Oct. 1, 61
Kamrar, Saul H.
Yellow Cr'k.
Jan. 1, 62 Lost Nation, Ia.
Lamb. Samuel F.
Ridott.
Jan.22, 65
Leiphart, Henry.
Loran
Jan.24. 65
Lower. Reuben
Ridott
Jan.26, 65
Stanton, Ia.
. .
..
Linscott, Abram
Lacon
Feb.29, 64
Mustered out May 31, 1865 ..
Logan, William.
Freeport
Jan.21, 64
Mather. Abijah.
Davis
Dec. 7, 63
Mishler, Barton
Kent
Jan.28, 64 Shannon, Ill.
Miller. John H.
Dakota
Dec.30,63
Mullin, Dominic.
Freeport
Feb.16, 64
Mustered out Jan. 20, 1866
McCay, George.
Florence
Feb. 6, 65
Muflly. Charles T
Dakota
Jan.23, 65
..
Modie, Thomas J.
Morton, Jeremiah
Mckimson, John S.
Freeport
Jan. 1. 62 Quincy, 111.
Miller, Ambrose ....
Lancaster.
Feb. 2, 65 Carroll, Ill ..
Mallory. De Witt C ...
Rock Kun ..
Jan.24, 65 Rock City, 111
MeGurk, James ...
Freeport
Jan. 1. 62 Lena, Ill.
Re-enlisted as Veteran. ..
Nicholas, Charles H.
Rock Run. . .
Feb. 6, 65 Sac City, Ia
Abs't sick, at Mobile, Ala ..
Newton. James H.
Fenton .
Nov. 8,61
Re-transferred to Co. E . .
Owen, Albert ..
Kent
Jan.22, 61 |Ashland, Neb
Mustered out Jan. 20, 1866 ..
Osborn, Oscar H.
Freeport
Jan.30, 64 Arlington, Ia
Plotner, Frank.
Silver Creek
Feb. 7, 65
Quinn, William
Freeport
Jan. 2, 64
Richards, William D. Richards, Levi.
Scott. George W.
Freeport
Feb.29, 64
Feb. 4. 64 Soldiers Home, D.D
Feb.29, 64 Forrest, Il1.
Sheffy, Levi W
Loran
Jan 26, 65 |Pearl City, Ill.
Sloan, Thomas
Ridott
Feb. 7, 65
Hampton, Ia
. .
..
Shane, John W
Jan.24, 65
Hampton, Ia
..
Swely. Lewis Z
Dakota
Feb. 7, 65
Shaffer, or Sheffer,
Thomas J.
Lancaster
Feb. 3, 65 Prairieburg, Iowa, ..
Buckeye
Feb. 2, 65 Meckling, S. D.
..
Montezuma.
Dec. 5, 63
Chicago.
Oct. 7, 64
Mustered out Oct. 6, 1865 . .. Recruit. Never joined Co. Mustered out Jan. 20, 1866 ..
..
Freeport
Jan.25, 65
..
..
Montezuma
Dec. 5, 63
..
..
Willy, Andrew W
Florence
Dec.10,61
Withneck. Phillip.
Feb. 1, 62
Died, St. Louis, May 17. 62. Di'd.Shrevep't, La., Jun.16.65
Wianc. Abram.
Ridott ..
Jan.26, 65
Watson. Henry
Freeport . .
Zweifel, Albert.
Zeigler. Miller
Silver Creek Rock Grove.
Feb. 2, 64 McGregor, Ia
Feb, 3, 65 Charles City, Ia. . . Mustered out Nov. 4. 1865. . Feb.19, 64 Steel City, Neb M. O. Jan. 20. 66, as Corp'l. Mustered out Jan. 20, 1866 ..
Vet. rec. M. O. Jan. 20, 66. .. Mustered out Jan. 20, 1806 .. M. O. Jan. 20, 66. as Corp'l .. Mustered out Jan. 20, 1866
Kunner, Ziba T. F.
Buckeye
Jan. 25,65 Freeport, Ill.
Dakota
Jan.30, 65
Dakota, Ill.
M. O. Jan. 20, 66, as Corp'l Mustered out Jan. 20, 186 ..
Starr, Frederick H. Scott, Isaac ..
Waddams ..
Freeport
Shane, Mathias
Dakota
Smith, Charles
Buckeye
Jan.26, 65
Spyware, William ... Silkwood, James H ... Shearer. Wilson ... Strong, Frederick H. Tisinger, Robert R ... Train, Leonard R .... Thomas. William . .. Warner, William W .. Williams, Andrew J .. White, James T.
Montezuma.
Dec. 5, 63
Oneco.
Feb. 2, 65 Ft. Dodge, Ia.
Jan. 5, 64 Aurora, Neb.
..
..
Mckibben, James H.
Lancaster. . .
Jan 27, 65 Red Oak, Ill.
..
Montezuma.
Dec. 5, 63
Mustered out July 17, 1865 .. Died, C'p Butler, Dec. 23, 61 Mustered out Jan. 20, 1866 ..
Mustered out Jan. 20, 1866 .. Died, C'p Butler, Dec. 20, 61 Re-enlisted as Veteran .. Mustered out Jan. 20, 1866 ..
Mustered out Mar. 4, 1864. .. Transferred to Co. B .. M. O. Jan. 20, 66, as Corp'l.
..
.. .. Mustered out Dec. 31. 1864 .. Mustered out June 24, 1805 Mustered out May 24, 1865. .
..
..
..
145
ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
UNASSIGNED RECRUITS.
Name and Rank.
Residence.
Date of rank or enlist- ment
Present Address.
Remarks.
Baker Alfred.
Fulton.
Dec.29,63
Discharged Feb. 8, 1864.
Barker, Jack
Rock Run.
Feb.27,65
Brown, Charles M.
Freeport
Jan.25, 64
Butler, Benj. F ..
Buckeye
Feb. 6, 64
Bemer or Berner, Nich Chicago
Oct. 6, 6-1
Biehn, John ..
Oct. 3, 64
Cable, L. Mass
Rock Run ...
Feb.22.64
Mustered out June 18, 1865. .
Curtis, Wm. W.
Saratoga ....
Mar. 2, 65
Mustered out May 23, 1865 ..
Crossman. George W. Winslow
Mar. 9, 65
Mustered out June 29, 1865.
Cochran, David.
Silver Creek.
Mar.29,65
Mustered out May 21, 1865 ..
Davis, Phillip.
Freeport
Feb. 3, 65
Driggs, John A
Oneco
Mar. 4. 65
Mustered out May 21, 1865 ..
Earhart, Wm. W
Fulton
Dec.31.63
Frund, Julius L ..
Florence
Mar.11,65
Mustered out May 23, 1865.
Getlish, Addison.
Oneco
Harkell, William
Buckeye.
Dec.30,63
Helder, John W.
Cherry Grv'e
Oct. 3, 64
Heings, Cornelius
Palmyra.
Oct.11, 64
Meingo, Cornelius
Palmyra.
Rejected by Board ...
Moylen, William.
Chicago
O'NNeil, William
Detroit, Mich
Phillips. Cornelius Y. Buckeye.
Feb. 6, 65
Pfordt. Jacob.
Lec.
Jan. 4, 64
Prain, Leonard R.
Buckeye.
Perrine, David ..
Smallwood ..
Dec.29,63
Peck, Nathaniel
Cedarville.
Oct. 15, 61
Rejected by Board
Richardson, John. ..
Richardson, Joshua ..
Winslow
Rich, Nathaniel W
Calumet
Feb. 13,65
Rishel, Daniel L
Lena
Dec.1, 63
Rohler, Cornelius
Chicago .:
Oct. 7, 64.
Mustered out Mar. 4, 1864.
Sprader, Charles ..
Rock Run.
Jan.31. 65
Feb.26,64
Stinecipher, T. H ..... Middleton. Tegar or Yeagar.John Freeport Umphreys, Albert, R Dakota.
Jan.24, 65
VanBuren, George E. Freeport Lena
Dec. 7. 63
Williamson. Ernest .. Chicago.
Aug.13,64
Wendecker. William .. Dakota.
Whalen, Michael ..
Chicago
Feb.23,64
William, Thomas.
Freeport
Jan. 5, 64
..
Mareau, Joseph.
Buckeye.
Feb. 6, 65
Jan.17, 65
Richardson, James ..
Winslow
Mar. 9, 65
Mustered out June 8, 1865 ... Mustered out May 11, 1865.
Rusmason, Nelson ..
Shearer, Daniel.
Jan. 5, 64
Welion, Sidney ...
146
HISTORY OF FORTY-SIXTH REGIMENT
THE MUSICIANS.
GEORGE W. TROTTER.
George W. Trotter was born July 1, 1811; received a common school education and followed farming as an occupation. He entered the service Sept. 10, 1861, in Company A, 46th, and was appointed fife major at the beginning of the service. He died, March 25, 1856.
George Trotter was a man of noble character, an ideal soldier, pos- sessed of natural abilities and excelled many in his chosen position as a musician. He was one of those noble, manly young men that drew to him his fellow comrades in arms; always found at his post of duty, directing the musicians in a way that had the effect to bring out the very best and efficient service in the army. The 46th boys from the field and staff to the most humble private, were proud of their musicians and gave them hearty support. George Trotter was loved, respected and admired by the whole command and was known by the Division and Brigade comrades and re- ceived from them many compliments for the proficiency to which he had trained the musicians of the 46th Regimental Band. The parades and general reviews by the Corps, Division and Brigade commanders was al- ways a day in which the Drum Corps took a conspicuous part, and well and faithfully he did his part. It is with pride we always remember our drum- mer boys. He gave his life a sacrifice to his country.
He was laid away in the cemetery near his home at Orangeville, mourned by all.
Tears will come when the heart is sad, When the heart and mind hath feelings bad, And-when lonely thoughts we've had, Tears will come. But glorious hope, there is a place Adorned with every shining grace, Where there's a smile on every face And tears will never come.
During the encampment at Dauphin island in the early Spring of 1865, a heavy storm arose and a stroke of lightning struck the quarters of the drum corps, killing Reuben White and prostrating all others, among them Fife Major Geo. Trotter.
BIOGRAPHY OF DRUMMER THOMAS SLADE.
Thomas Slade came to the regiment from Morning Sun, Minn., in company with about 25 recruits, who came from Minnesota. He was about 21 years of age and enlisted Oct. 4, 1861, and is recorded in Adj. Generals
THOMAS W. SLADE Co. K. and Drum Major 46th Regt.
GEORGE W. TROTTER Co. A, and Fife Major 46th Regt.
SAMUEL MOGLE Fifer Co. B.
GEORGE McLENAHAN Drummar In R
ELIAS D. BAKER
147
ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
Report as from Burlington, Minn. He was a noted drummer from the be- ginning and after the discharge of Drum-Major George Black, May 25, 1862, Slade was appointed Drum Major. He reenlisted and served in this position until the end of the service, Jan. 20, 1866. He participated in all the campaigns and marches with the regiment and the tap and rattle of his drum often quickened the step of the weary, foot-sore comrades at the close of the day's march.
It is reported by drummer Baker that taps have sounded for his dear and close comrade Thomas Slade some years ago. He was a genial and lovable comrade, who kept his men in discipline, not by force, but by his earnest and constant duty in the service.
GEO. McLENAHAN.
Geo. McLenahan was born in Dec., 1844, in Center county, Pa. He moved to Freeport, Ill., with his parents in 1848, and attended school in Freeport up to time of the war. Was assigned to duty in early part of service as a drummer in the regimental band, where he became well skilled as a musician under his leader, Thomas Slade. He enlisted on Sept. 10, 1861, in Company B, 46th Illinois. Reenlisted and served continuously as drummer to the close of the service, Jan. 20, 1866. For his kind and genial disposition was a favorite with his comrades.
He learned the trade of printer in the office of the Freeport Journal, later taking the position as foreman in Culver, Page & Hoyne, of Chicago, later with the Geo. Morris Pub. Co. About the year 1885 he moved on a fine farm 3 miles East of Ashton, Iowa, of which he is the present owner. He was married to Miss Celia Withart in 1879. No children were born to the union, but they have one adopted daughter.
BIOGRAPHY OF SAMUEL MOGLE - FIFER COMPANY B.
Samuel Mogle was born July 12th, 1845, in Clinton county, Pa., and came to Rock Grove, Ill., in company with his parents. When old enough he was employed on a farm. In Dec., 1863, he enlisted in Company B, 46th Regiment, and was detailed as fifer in the regimental band. He served in this position to the end of his service, Jan. 20, 1866. Participated in the Yazoo-Jackson campaign in 1864. In April, 1864, participated in charge of Fort Blakely and occupation of Mobile, Alabama.
After the war he engaged in manufacture of harness, and farmed for a while. Was married to Sarah J. Hennich, Jan. 17, 1868. Of this union six children were born, four daughters and two sons. His old fife he still
-
148
HISTORY OF FORTY-SIXTH REGIMENT
has and often uses when called upon to play at public parades and deco- ration services. His present residence is Freeport, Ill., where he is often permitted to meet and greet his old comrades.
Lost a fife, for which he paid ten dollars, at the battle of Jackson, Miss .. while retreating from the enemy, returned in the face of the enemy and recovered the same, running full speed both ways. He has same fife yet and values it very highly. He participated and played for every funeral escort of the 46th comrades while in service.
ELIAS D. BAKER.
Elias D. Baker was born in Ogle county, Ill., Aug. 23, 1843. His parents dying when he was quite young, he came to Stephenson county and made his home with Harrison Diemer until eighteen years of age, Mrs. Diemer being an aunt of his. His occupation was that of a farmer. He attended the common schools and one term at select school at Cedarville, Ill., when he enlisted in Company G, 46th Ill. Inft., as a private, in Oct., 1861. He carried a gun until Oct., 1863, when he was detailed to serve in the regimental band as fifer. After Fife Major Geo. Trotter was sent home sick and in his absence, Baker was acting Fife Major. He was mustered out Jan. 20, 1866.
After arriving home he bought a farm and followed this for ten years, after which he moved to Kansas and farmed there twelve years. He then moved to Ringgold county, Iowa, where he engaged in the Restaurant business until 1895. Mr. Baker sold out this business and returned to Illi- mois, and bought a farm near Scioto Mills, where he now resides.
He was married to Miss Jennie Stewart, at Rock City, Illinois, on the 4th of November, 1869. Five children were born to this union, two girls dying in Kansas, three yet living, one son and two daughters.
BIOGRAPHY OF HERMANN LUDWIG WAGNER.
Born in the village of Brombach, near Loerrach, in Baden, Germany, on tlie 29th day of July, 1845, where his father-whom he always highly respected and honored -- was Minister and who, in 1848 --- '49, on account of his stand for freedom and liberty, was compelled to flee with his family, came to America in 1851, settling immediately in Free- port, Ill., where he founded a German newspaper, the "Anzeiger," which is still in existence under the editorship of his son, Wm. H. Wagner. In 1852. he went back to Germany and brought his family to the new home. So Hermann L. Wagner arrived in America when but a little boy about 7 years of age.
149
ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
On account of their extreme poverty, he, as well as the rest of the family was taught to work and learn to give support. In the office of his father he learned the printing trade thoroughly from the "Devilship" or "apprentiseship" up.
The love for fatherland and the principles of righteousness and liberty being born in him-when the Civil War broke out, the tlen barely 18 year old Hermann-with permission of his parents-enlisted in Company C, 46th Ill. Vol. Inf. He left home with the Company on the 2nd of March, 1864, with the following words of his beloved father ringing in his ears : "You have taken the responsible duties of a man on your shoulders ; prove yourself capable of carrying them and mastering same!" Which he cer- tainly did to the full extend of the words, and the great delight, not only of his father and mother, but also his brothers and sisters and many rela- tives and friends, as he was the only representative of the family and well he represented it.
He served not only his country until Jan., 1866, but his comrades also, lending his kind assistance at every possible opportunity, often forgetting his own fatigue and wants in order to help one or the other, several times even throwing away some of his necessary luggage in order to assist a worn out or wounded comrade, who would otherwise have fallen by the wayside. If one of the boys (as they called each other) was short of rations or money, he always shared his own with them.
He was appointed Corporal of the Company on the 17th of Nov., 1865, and given his commission under the hand of Acting Adjutant of the Regiment, Wm. P. Hardy, 2nd Lieutenant, and John J. Jones, Brev. Col., commanding the Regiment on the 18th of Dec., 1865, at Shrevesport, La. (A. G. O. No. 103.)
After being mustered out, at Baton Rouge, La., Jan. 20, 1866, he re- turned to his dear home in Freeport, where he fell into the hands of cupid, and in 1857, was bound in wedlock to his then guiding star and only future hope, Miss Marie Waldecker, who proved a worthy companion for him, she being a spur to his energetic disposition, and ever faithful to the duties of a true wife. To their great delight the union was blessed with four (4) children, who, with the exception of the youngest (a daughter) who died from the effects of a severe attack of diphtheria, when but 21/2 years of age, still survive him.
He made several adventures from home to Chicago, where he erected printing presses and machinery, etc., Monticello, Il1., Rockford, Ill., Coun- cil Bluffs, Iowa, Omaha, Neb., Galveston, Texas, and elsewhere, with the main object in view of bettering himself financially as well as gaining practical knowledge, -- his beloved wife always accompanying him in spite of severe hardship and lending her assistance wherever possible,-but he always returned again to Freeport, until in the Fall of 1878, he settled
150
HISTORY OF FORTY-SIXTH REGIMENT
down in Davenport, Iowa, where, after about a year of unsatisfactory partnership, he established a printing office of his own, which, owing to his thorough and practical knowledge of the profession, combined with a kindness and friendliness for all that came in touch with him, soon flourished and grew to a profitable enterprise under the name of "Wag- ner's Printery," which was at the time of his untimely death, Feb. 27th, 1902, one of the best equipped offices in the city, and is still being faith- fully conducted and continually increased and enlarged by his surviving wife, two sons, Wilhelm F., and Reinhard J., and daughter, Ida F. Several years after establishing the office he was encouraged and induced by his better half to purchase a building lot and build a home of his own, which, through the help of the entire family working in co-operation, was, after several years of hard labor, cleared of debt and he was able to begin to take life easier, shortly before he was called to his eternal rest and robbed of the pleasure of enjoying the reward of perseverance and honest toil. But for his refrain from boasting of anything concerning himself, or the excellent work which he always aimed to turn out in the most satis- factory manner, and succeeded in most instances to be far superior to that of his competitors, he would, no doubt, have been better situated financially much sooner, but not to his liking. It was undoubtedly a serious draw- back that he did not boast of some of the worthy acts and deeds (and there were many) which he did. The writer will mention only one which narrowly cost him his life. This was the stopping of a fiercely dashing team of runaway horses, which deed he never even considered worthy mentioning at home or elsewhere, but which was considered by several eye witnesses as one of the most dangerous feats one could imagine. Naturally the newspapers spoke highly of it, much to his distaste. He always disliked to boast or even be boasted of. His broadmindedness and kindhearted disposition combined with plain, straight forward habits, won him a host of lasting friends.
Being a lover of nature and art he was naturally devoted to German song and took an active part in singing festivities, (following on the line of his father, who was one of the founders of the North Western Saenger- bund of America) and was at the time of his death, secretary for the Upper Mississippi Saengerbund.
His death, Febr. 27th, 1902, resulted from a very severe case of Bronchitis of about two weeks duration. Although he had been sick in bed but once in his life, (when quite young with typhoid fever), he had not been himself for a year or two previous to his final summons, and his heart seemed weak. Whether this was due to his services in the army (as some firmly state) lies undecided in our minds.
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ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
FIRST ACTIVE OPERATIONS OF 46th . WITH THE ENEMY.
On the 11th day of February, 1862, the regiment left Camp Butler by rail, via. Decatur, Ill., arriving at Cairo the morning of the 12th, and im- mediately embarked on the steamer "Belle Memphis" with orders to pro- cecd up the Comberland river and report to Gen. Grant, before Fort Donelson, Tenn. After a very pleasant trip in company with the largest and most magnificent fleet of steamers ever before seen on the Cumberland river, the regiment landed on the west bank of the same on the morning of the 14th of February, three miles below Fort Donelson. The men were supplied with forty rounds of ammunition each and disembarked. Having no teams, nothing but what the men could carry could be taken along. Everything else was stored upon the muddy bank and a guard of invalids placed over it. A weary march of six miles was made to reach the head- quarters of Gen. Grant, to whom Col. Davis reported on the afternoon of February 14th. The regiment was assigned to Gen. Lew Wallace's com- mand, but was not ordered to the front until the morning of the 15th of February. Having no tents and only a limited supply of blankets and rations, the men suffered greatly during the cold and snowy night. It was a very rough initation into the soldier's life, and few, indeed, were the number who did not wish for a speedy termination of the war and the termination of their enlistment.
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