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 3
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When thirty-six years of age he began the practice of law. In the fol- lowing years he was defeated for congress on the republican ticket, this being at that time a strong democratic district, but his personal force of character and personal popularity made him run exceptionally well. It was during this campaign that he met Gov. Willard and his Lieutenant Governor in joint debate. In shirt sleeves, with one suspender hanging down, with surprising eloquence and argumentative power, he proved to be an over match for his two opponents and amid the wildest enthusiasm he won laurels of victory. Though defeated for congress, the following year he was elected representative from this county.
The war having broken out troops were quickly mustered and he was appointed colonel of the Twenty-fifth Regiment Indiana Infantry. During the civil struggle the rank of brigadier and major general were bestowed upon him, forhis genius and valor soon commended itself to those in power.
In 1868 he was again defeated for congress. In 1869 he was appointed adjutant general of Indiana by Gov. Baker, and in 1870 collector of in- ternal revenue for the first district.
Gen. Veatch attended, as a delegate, the conventions that nominated Lincoln for president in 1860, and Blaine in 1884. He was also a presi- dential elector the same year.
July 2, 1839, he married Eliza J. Anderson, by whom he became the father of nine children, six of whom surviving to mourn his death.
Gen. Veatch was a man of rare intellectual powers, and as a politi- cian, soldier and citizen was a splendid type of American brains and heart. No doubt had he resided in a more favorable portion of the state he would have become a congressman and United States senator for which high offices he was as eminently fitted as any who have represented his State at this National capital.
In his death Rockport has lost another of her best citizens, and the State one of whom she may feel proud, and whose death will be mourned by all.
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HISTORY OF FORTY-SIXTH REGIMENT
He commanded the 2nd Brigade in Hurlbut's division at Shiloh and for a considerable time after. The Brigade consisted of the 25th Ind., 14th, 15th and 46th Ill., and after the battle of Shiloh the 53rd Indiana was added, Gen. Gresham's Regiment. He was a warm friend of the 46th Ill., and at the charge on Fort Blakely, Ala., he chose the 46th Ill., and entered into the charge in company with this regiment, and was well up to the advance line when the works were taken.
CYRUS HALL.
Cyrus Hall was born in Fayette county, Illinois, Aug. 29, 1822. John Hall was a Kentuckian by birth. He was one of the pioneers of the State of Illinois, and settled in Fayette county about the time the State was ad- mitted into the Union. Cyrus Hall, while a resident of Fayette county, en- listed as a soldier in the Mexican war, and was a Lieutenant in Col. Ferris . Foreman's regiment. He came to Shelbyville in 1860, and engaged in hotel keeping. He was in that business when the late civil war broke out. As soon as the first gun was fired on Fort Sumter, he became aroused, and with patriotic ardor commenced raising and organizing a company of sol- diers; the first company raised in the county, to go to the relief of the Union. He was elected Captain, and his company became a part of the fourteenth regiment Ill. Inft. commanded by John M. Palmer. He partici- pated with his regiment in the battles of Shiloh, Donelson, siege and cap- ture of Vicksburg and Jackson. Miss., where he commanded the 2nd Brigade, 4th Div., 17th Army Corps, Mission Ridge, Corinth, Stone River, and numerous other battles of less note, and remained in the service over four years, or, until the close of the war. Captain Hall was promoted to the Colonelcy of the regiment and was breveted for meritorious and gallant service on the field of battle. He was one of the bravest among the brave, and was always at the front and head of his command in the thickest of the fight. He escaped unscratched and returned home at the close of the war and engaged in the furniture trade.
A few years after, he was appointed postmaster at Shelbyville, and held that office for over ten years and up to the time of his death, which occurred September 6th, 1878.
On the 10th of April, 1849, he married Margaret Jane Knight; she was born Dec. 9, 1824, and died Feb. 23, 1867. By this union there were seven children. On the 14th of Aug., 1867, he married Miss Sarah Lowe. By this marriage there were two children, both daughters.
Gen'l. Hall was a devoted and consistent member of the M. E. Church, and was also a Mason. He was domestic in his character and loved his home and family. His death was a sad loss to his family and to the community.
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ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
COL. JOHN A. DAVIS.
Col. John A. Davis was born in Meadville, Pa., 1824. He was the son of Horatio Gates Davis, a man who was prominent in the early political history of his country. He removed to Rock Run, Stephenson Co., when John was aged 14. He was one of the first early settlers. All the school education that John ever received was previous to his coming to Illinois and yet, when he died, few men of his age were so well versed in the history of this country -- so deeply read in political science, so intimate with all branches of knowledge as he. He was in every sense of the word a self made man. In 1849 he was married to Amy Springer of Rock Run, for- merly of Franklin Co., N. Y., whom he left a widow with two children. Two other children have gone before to welcome their father to the brighter land. Col. Davis was a farmer and was one of those men who have raised themselves to positions of honor by their own efforts. Well read, industrious, active and energetic, he was a chosen leader in his party and has often held positions of honor and trust. As a member of the leg- islature for years he was known throughout the state. Among his con- stituents no man was more popular than he. But beloved and honored he has gone. He has fallen a victim to the most wicked rebellion the world ever witnessed. He has given his life in vindication of the principles he held dear.
Among the victims at the battle of Hatchie, Oct. 5th, '62, was one of Stephenson's noblest sons and purest patriots. The gallant, the gifted, the brave, the honest John A. Davis, Colonel of the 46th Regiment. The news of his death filled all hearts with sorrow and draped the whole community in mourning. He was one who was near and dear to the hearts of all our people. The regard felt for him was more than that of friendship and esteem. He was loved by the people for his many virtues and able qualities, and loved as a brother by those who knew him well-who knew him as he was. Those who have known him intimately, known him in social and political life, known him as a public servant and private citizen, will all agree with us when we say that his was a rare character. Guided purely by a sense of strictest integrity and actuated by love of humanity, broad and deep, John A. Davis was one who whether in public or private life, knew no policy but honesty. Basing his opinions on premises that his judgment pronounced to be correct and just he was firm as a rock in main- taining them. When this unholy rebellion broke out he devoted his best energies to arousing the patriotism of the people until at last he volun- teered himself and was chosen Captain of Co. B. And when the 46th was
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HISTORY OF FORTY-SIXTH REGIMENT
organized, in which were 5 companies from Stephenson Co., he was chosen Colonel. He never returned to his home even for a day after he left for the war, until he returned severely wounded after the battle of Shiloh. He expressed himself that when he left old Stephenson Co., it was with a determination never to return until the rebellion was crushed, unless among those known as killed or wounded. How he kept that resolution we all know. Never, until he had come near to death's door, hovering for a time between life and eternity and only conquering death by his indom- itable will did he leave his regiment. Then he came to us with his right. armuseless and his whole constitution shattered and weakened and waswel- comed home to recruit. The hearts of the people overflowed with love for the brave man who had sacrificed so much in their behalf and there was a general feeling that, crippled as he was, he had done all in the service that he ought to do and should be allowed to remain at home with his friends and family and seek to regain his lost health. A generous people, ready to bestow upon him any gift in their power, offered to him their support for a seat in congress which he refused to accept. Said he: "Until this terrible struggle for national existence shall have ceased, I can be of more service to my country in following the torn banners of my regiment and sharing the danger, the perils and the glory of those who are left of the gallant and brave men, who followed me in the smoke and fire of battle at Donelson and Shiloh, than I could as a member of congress." His resolution was unalterable and they were not allowed to use his name. Soon after, in spite of all remonstrances, for it was felt that he was unable to do duty and ought not in justice to himself to return, having the use of only one arm and being by no means strong and hearty, he returned to his regiment by whom he was warmly welcomed. Welcomed as one loved and long absent is always welcomed by those to whom he is dear. After his return was the engagement at Hatchie in which he was the first to fall, mortally wounded, and was carried back to Bolivar, Tenn., to die. He was sensible to the last and cool, calm and resigned. In those last hours the same reliant character distinguished him that was ever his own. He died as he had lived. full of that noble charity, that generous sympathy, that strong sense of justice, that faith in the right and the true, that love of humanity and liberty that marks and characterizes the true practical christian.
Col. John A. Davis died Oct. 10, 1802, at Bolivar. Tenn. His remains were taken to Freeport, Ill., and the funeral held in the 1st Presbyterian Church. The services were conducted by Chaplain Teed, assisted by Rev. Mr. Carey and Rev. Mr. Weldon. The pall bearers were: Dr. W. P. Naramore, Edward Pratt, S. White, D. Bellman, F. Eggert, T. Seeley, Dr. Hammell, L. Goodrich. Mr. Marsh. E. Long. E. Clark, Garrod Baker.
The Colonel's horse with trappings was led in the funeral procession. The sun was setting as the last ceremonies were performed and the honored dead left to sleep calmly in his quiet resting place.
GEN. JACOB G. LAUMAN
COL. CYRUS HALL 14th Reg. III. Col. Inft., who commanded the 2nd Brigade at the siege of Vicks- burg and Jackson, 1863.
COL. JOHN A. DAAVIS died Oct. 10th, 1862, from wound.
GEN. BENJ. DORNBLASER
PLATE III
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ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
POEM READ AT FUNERAL.
IN MEMORIAM ON DEATH OF COL. JOHN A. DAVIS.
Move softly, o numbers, a hero has fallen !
Move soft o'er the name of the true and the brave;
A freeman who nobly went forth to the battle,
Whose country but gave him a warrior's grave.
O Goddess! whose crown is all starry with splendor, Whose eyes look aloft on the eagle we prize;
Whose feet hold beneath thein the stain of our banner, That now on the skies of our freedom low lies.
What more would you ask to appease your proud anger,
Than lives of the bravest e'er loyalty knew? .
Pray Heaven to rescue our homes ere the loyal- Have spent all their tears for the good and the true.
GEN. BENJAMIN DORNBLASER.
Benjamin Dornblaser was born in Northampton county, Pa., Oct. 12, 1828. When a young man he moved from Pennsylvania to Illinois.
He added to a good common school education by becoming a student at Mount Morris, Ill., Seminary. Skilling himself as a surveyor, he com- bined surveying and farming in Stephenson county, until the fall of 1861.
On Oct. 11th of that year, at Freeport, he enlisted as a soldier of the Union and was commissioned Adjutant of the 46th Ill. Infantry, and was mustered Oct. 15, 1861. Before marching Southward to the theater of war, he was promoted to Major, Feb'y. 8, 1861. He participated in siege and battle of Fort Donelson; was engaged in the battle of Shiloh, April 6, 1861, where he was severely wounded in the shoulder joint of the arm. The bullet was never removed. Following this he went home on leave of absence, until the wound was sufficiently healed to permit him to partici- pate in active duty. On Oct. 25, 1861, was mustered as Colonel of the Regiment and again took his place with the Regiment as its commander. In 1863 he took part in the siege of Vicksburg, participated in the expe- dition from Vicksburg to Jackson and the siege of the latter place, from July 12 to 16. Sept. 8, 1863, he was in command of the Regiment on an expedition into Louisiana, where he was assigned command of Brigade.
Some time in December, 1863, General Order 191, A. G. O., Washing- ton, D. C., relating to reenlisting veteran volunteers, was received. General
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HISTORY OF FORTY-SIXTH REGIMENT
Dornblaser took an active part in the enrollment and was so successful that, by order of Maj. Gen'l. McPherson, corps commander, the Regiment was ordered home on veteran furlough to Freeport, Ill. While home Gen. Dornblaser was active and with the assistance of many of the influential citizens, was successful in recruiting enough to fill the ranks again. On May 4, 1864, General Dornblaser commanded the 1st Brigade, consisting of the 46th Ill. Inft. and the 76th Ill. Inft. on the expedition to Yazoo City, under command of Gen. McArthur, and was temporarily in command of the Division, while General McArthur went to Yazoo City to communicate with General Slocum. He commanded a Brigade at Jackson Cross Roads, a few miles West of Jackson, Miss., during the early part of July, 1864. On the expedition from Port Hudson, La., General Dornblaser commanded the Ist Brigade, consisting of the 46th Ill, 76th Ill., 8th and 11th Ill., and the 7th and 30th Missouri Infantry. Early in Dec. 1864 Gen. Dornblaser com- manded a Brigade, going east from Memphis, Tenn., as follows, 8th, 11th and 46th Ill. Inft. On May 18, General Dornblaser was again assigned to the command of the 2nd Brigade and ordered to Shreveport, La., to receive the surrender of General Kirby Smith's Trans-Mississippi Rebel Army.
He was mustered out with his regiment at Baton Rouge, La., Jan. 20, 1866, and received his final discharge and pay at Springfield, Ill., Feb. 1, 1866. On Feb. 20, 1865, he was brevetted Brigade General, and on the 13th of March following received the additional brevet of Major General for gallant and meritorious services during the war. The latter honor was one bestowed on but few Colonels.
Returning from the war to his home in Stephenson County, Ill., he engagacd in the grain business at Dakota, Ill. He filled, for a time, the place of warden of the Illinois penitentary at Joliet, Ill., 1867 to 1869. Moving to Assumption, Christian County, that State, he was elected a re- presentative to the Legislature from a Democratic county, though an ardent Republican.
Gen. Dornblaser moved from Illinois to Kansas with his family, the latter part of 1875, locating at Fredonia and lived there to the time of his death. April 9th, 1905. From the date of arrival in Kansas he became imbued with the spirit of progress, the building up of the town and the de- velopment of the county. He joined enthusiastically in every effort to secure a railroad and successive failures did not abate his ardor. Engaging in his chosen profession of civil engineering, in which science he was notably well equipped, his abilities were called in requisition by railroad companies, not only in Illinois and Kansas, but Nebraska, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, Montana, Oregon, Missouri, Arkansas and other parts of the country. He was chief engineer in establishing the line and directing the construction of the Leroy and Caney Valley railroad (Mo. Pacific), from Roper to Peru. His Railroad engineering work is as follows: Kansas, St. Louis and San Francisco, year 1879: Leroy & Caney Valley, Mo. Pacific, 1886. Illinois
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ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
and Oklahoma-Preliminary survey for proposed railroad; Missouri & Arkansas-Branch of St. Louis and San Francisco in 1879 and '80; Ne- braska, Utah, Colorado-Union Pacific, 1881, '82, '83; Idaho --- Oregon Short Line; Louisiana-New Orleans & Northwestern, 1889; Land surveying in Kentucky.
In 1884 General Dornblaser was chosen county commissioner, becom- ing chairman of the board and in 1887 was reelected. It was during his service as commissioner that the present Wilson county courthouse was erected and when the district court met for the first time in the new edifice. Sept. 13, 1837, Gen. Dornblaser on the occasion of formalities, which im- plied the nature of dedicatory ceremonies, presented the handsome and spacious court chamber to Judge Stillwell. General Dornblaser has filled the position of country surveyor for many years; he served from 1879 to 1904.
In distinction as a brave and faithful soldier-defender of his country, in lofty inflexible and unalloyed Americanism, in all the official positions he honorably filled, in the many parts he unselfishly performed as an enter- prising, public spirited and ever helpful private citizen; in his constant and heartfelt interest in the welfare of his old comrades in arms, and his charitable impulses toward persons in misfortune; in a career of useful- ness, uprightness, integrity and good deeds modestly done-no one in Kan- sas has surpassed General Dornblaser. As husband and father his relations proved the affection, gentleness and fidelity of a steadfast nature and the deep love of a tender and generous heart. The bereaved household have abundant consolation in their sorrow in the perfect consciousness that he who has departed has left a memory, which they can ever sacredly revere and the legacy of a name of which they may always be sincerely proud. The surviving wife, now in her 74th year, is deprived of one to whom she has been maritally united for more than fifty-two years, and the sundering of the long ties is peculiarly pathetic. Three daughters and two sons mingle their tears with those of the bereft wife and venerable mother, viz. Marga- ret Dornblaser, Mrs. Emma F. Moore, Mrs. G. G. Kennedy, Geo. and John Dornblaser.
A coincidence in the date of General Dornblaser's death at the age of 76 years, 5 months, 20 days is noted. He died April 9, 1905, the anniversary of the charge on Fort Blakely, the last battle of the war of the rebellion and in which he was engaged, and also the date of General Lee's surrender at Appomattox. The funeral was held at the Dornblaser residence, Tues- day afternoon, the 11th. Old soldiers acted as pallbearers and gave escort, while a column of veterans marched to the cemetery behind the hearse, ac- companied by the Knight Templars, who held ceremonies at the grave. The funeral service was conducted by Rev. H. W. Chaffee.
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HISTORY OF FORTY-SIXTH REGIMENT
RESOLUTIONS OF RESPECT.
The following resolutions were adopted by the Fredonia Phil Harvey Post No. 98 G. A. R., May 7th, 1905.
Whereas, Comrade Benjamin Dornblaser, late Col. of the 46th Regt. Ill. Vol. Inf. and by Brevets, Brigadier and Major General of volunteers has answered the last roll call or earth, and we trust mustered on the shores of eternal peace. Therefore, be it resolved that in his death this Post has sustained an irreparable loss, this department of the G. A. R. its most illustrious member, this nation one of its bravest and worthiest defenders, his widow and children a loving husband and father, and this community a citizen whose honor and integrity were above reproach.
Resolved that we as members of Phil Harvey Post realizing that no more will our dear comrade fill his accustomed place in our ranks, that no more will his loved voice recall to us the memories and incidents of the great struggle in which he and we were participants, that no more will he with loving heart and willing hand take part in our beautiful memorial services which to him was ever a loyal and sacred duty, do hereby tender our sincere and heartfelt sympathy and condolence to the bereaved widow and children of our late comrade, trusting an all wise Providence who lets not even the sparrow fall without his notice, will soothe and comfort them in this sad hour of their bereavment.
Resolved, that as a special token of our respect and sorrow for our late comrade, the Quartermaster's desk be draped for 30 days with the Post colors and crape.
Resolved. that a copy of these resolutions be spread upon the records of the Post, a copy be engrossed and delivered to the widow and family and a copy be given our local papers for publication.
C. J. BUTIN, P. C. ATTEST : B. F. Fowler. E. H. Bailey, A. Welty. Committee.
LIEUT. COL. JOHN J. JONES.
The subject of this sketch was born in Wales, England, and came to the United States when a boy and located at Dodgeville, Wis., where he was engaged as a clerk at Todd's store and soon afterwards became part- ner in the mercantile business. In 1450 he and his partner closed out their store and went to California, prospecting and seeking to better their financial conditions. After remaining a few years, they returned to Illinois and engaged in the lumber trade at Fulton, Il !. Here he was married some few years before the outbreak of the war. He entered the service from Fulton City, Ill., some time in Sept .. 1-61, or early part of October. He was about 35 years old and became identified as a member of Co. H and was in- strumental in recruiting the four Companies encamped at Dixon, Ill. Was recommended by the officers of these companies to the position of Lieut.
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JOHN J. JONES Brevet Colonel.
MAJOR JOHN M. MCCRACKEN
MAJOR JOSEPH CLINGMAN 16th Regiment.
4
FRED. A. STARRING Major 46th and Col. 72nd Illinois Reg.
PLATE IV
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ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
Colonel on the consolidation of the six companies at Camp Butler, with the four from Dixon.
John J. Jones was commissioned by Gov. Yates Jan. 1, 1862, as Lieut. Colonel of the 46th Ill. Infantry. He was engaged in every battle and marched with the regiment during the entire service. He commanded the regiment at battle of Shiloh, after Col. Davis and Col. Dornblaser were wounded. At the battle of Matamora, on the Hatchie river, he took com- mand of the regiment after Col. Davis was mortally wounded and acquitted himself honorably, leading the regiment with courage and bravery. He was a leading factor in all the sieges and marches, commanded the regi- ment on the Yazoo expedition in May 1864, Col. Dornblaser having charge of the brigade. At the battle of Jackson Cross Roads, in July 1861, he again commanded the regiment and received the commendation of his superior officers. Most of the time after this, to the close of service, he had command of the regiment, Gen. Dornblaser commanding brigade. He was brevetted Colonel, June 19, 1865, for meritorious services during his service. Mustered out Jan. 20, 1866, at Baton Rouge, La.
On his arrival home he was appointed by the President Commissioner of Customs at Chicago, Ill., serving with ability and honor. He died some few years after his return from the service from consumption. He was brave and courageous under the most trying circumstances and was never known to hesitate to go where duty called him; kind and considerate, al- ways looking after the comfort and the wants of his men. He was not strict in discipline, but when duty called him into danger, the members of the regiment knew that to follow would lead them on to victory. For his many acts of kindness the comrades will always hold him in loving remem- brance.
MAJOR FRED. A. STARRING.
Maj. Fred. A. Starring was a graduate of West Point. entered the service at Camp Butler, Ill., and was assigned to the 46th Regiment, as Major, Sept. 10, 1861 ; he was then about 28 years of age. He instructed the 46th in camp and was a fine drill-master, and was very popular with the men. During the time he devoted to the six companies then at Camp Butler, he succeeded in imparting valuable knowledge to the officers and men. On account of consolidation with the Dixon companies he resigned to make room for representatives from these companies of a field officer. He afterwards raised the 72nd Ill. Board of Trade regiment and served as its Colonel. He served in -different positions on detached service, where his knowledge of army affairs fitted him well.
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HISTORY OF FORTY-SIXTH REGIMENT
MAJOR J. M. MCCRACKEN.
John M. McCracken was born June 3, 1831, and reared in Juniata and Huntington county, Pa. Received a common school education and was engaged in farming pursuits; while he also employed part of his time in the Woolen Mill with his father. He remained in his native State until about 25 years of age and came to Illinois about 1856. Maj. McCracken was variously employed, until the breaking out of the war and at the second call for troops enlisted in Company K, 46th Ill. Infantry, in which he was tendered a commission as Captain of his company. Was engaged at battles of Donelson and Shiloh, where he was severely wounded. He received the high approval of his superior officers for his meritorious conduct, which was rewarded by a commission as Major, Oct. 11, 1862.
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