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 4
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Participated in Siege of Corinth; Battle of Hatchie, Oct. 5, 1862; Siege of Vicksburg and Jackson, 1863. Major McCracken was a brave officer and had the respect and esteem of all the members of the Regiment. Was mustered out in December, 1864, at the expiration of term of service.
After his return from the army he located at Bloomington, Ill., and, in company with Wm. H. Wentz, engaged in the sale of agricultural implements for about three years and then removed to Freeport, in 1868, where, for a time, he carried on a similar business alone. On account of failing health he retired from active business life. On the 28th day of Aug., 1879, he died and was buried in the cemetery at Ridott, Ill. The widow and one daughter survive him.
MAJOR JOSEPH CLINGMAN.
Maj. Clingman was born at Portsmouth, Ohio, in the year 1829. Came to Stephenson County. Ill., with his uncle, George Washington Clingman, in the year 1837 and made his home with his uncle till nearly of age and was dependent upon his own labor for a living. After many struggles he succeeded in educating himself and fitted himself for a teacher in the com- mon schools and was very successful. Thus he was practically self edu- cated and was up to the average in general intelligence. He was engaged, for a number of years, in the then heavy Richland timber in chopping and logging and lived in a lumberman's cabin and kept Batchelors' Hall.
Always upright. and honorable and with a pride commendable to the world he aspired to positions of trust and responsibility. At the outbreak of the war he offered his services by enlisting in Company A, 46th Ill. In- fantry and was appointed 1st Sergeant of his company. He was promoted to Captain June 26, 1862; to Major March 20, 1865. Was wounded severely
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in left arm at battle of Jackson Cross Roads. He participated in all the battles and marches with his regiment and was mustered out at Baton Rouge, La.
Major Clingman married an educated and refined lady of Louisiana and purchased a plantation in the Red River valley to engage in the pursuits of agriculture. At this time the bitter feeling of the Southern people was too strong to tolerate a Northern ex-soldier in their midst. Action was entered in the court against him for recovery of the plantation on the plea that the wife of the party selling was of unsound mind. The decision of the jury was against Maj. Clingman and, by order of court; title was set aside and transferred to the first owner, no compensation being given him in re- turn. His hard earnings in his younger days, together with his savings in the army, were swept away. Maj. Clingman and wife went to Cincinnati. His wife sought employment as a teacher, in the schools, while he sought and obtained employment as clerk in an abstract and loan office. He died in the city of Cincinnati in the year 1900, and was buried in his native State. His wife survives him.
H. H. WOODBURY, A. A. GENERAL.
Henry Harrison Woodbury was born in Poultney, Vermont. June 17. 1840, and lived there a year and then moved with his parents to Woodstock, Vt. At the age of 15 he entered the Standard office, where he served his apprenticeship at the printing business. About 1858 he located in Amboy, Ill., and from there enlisted in Company D, 46th Ill. Infantry and was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant of that company. Upon the consolidation of Companies D and I, he was commissioned Adjutant of the 46th, Nov. 26, 1862, to rank as 1st Lieutenant. Reenlisted Dec. 1863, was commissioned Captain by brevet by the President, for distinguished and meritorious services during the war. He took part in the following engagements: Fort Donelson, Feb., 1862; battle of Shiloh, Tenn., April 6 and 7, 1862; siege of Corinth, Miss., May. 1862; campaign of Gen. Grant in Mississippi and siege of Vicksburg and Jackson, Miss .. 1863; expedition to Yazoo City, May 1864; siege and charge of Fort Blakely, Alabama, April 9, 1865; battle at Jackson Cross Roads, Miss., 1864. Mustered out at Baton Rouge, La., Jan. 20, 1866.
After his military service Lieut. Woodbury carried on a grocery busi- ness in Bloomington, Ill .. for about a year and then moved to Chicago, where he entered a partnership for the purpose of printing druggist's labels, under the firm of H. P. Hanscom & Co. After a time he returned to Woodstock and about 1870 established a label printing business in the second floor of Lewis Pratt's block. Some years later he entered into
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partnership with John H. Pinks and the business, now owned by Messrs. How & Sherwin, has since been carried on under the name of the Woodbury Label Co.
Lieut. Woodbury made many warm friendships during his army service and in private life and was loyal to every tie thus formed. To an unusual degrce he maintained and manifested a personal interest in affairs of pub- lic concern and was a staunch factor in church affairs, in the Geo. C. Randall Post G. A. R., and the local branches of Odd Fellowship. In these last connections especially, his strong and unwavering support will be greatly missed He was a charter member and Past Commander of Ran- dall Post, and its adjutant for several years. Also a charter member of Quechee River Lodge I. O. O. F., and its secretary from the beginning. In church and sunday school he was an enthusiastic worker. His funeral was largely attended by the members of the church and sunday school. of which he was the superintendent. Many beautiful floral offerings were presented by the Rebeccas and I. O. O. F., and the members of the G. A. R. His comrades of the 40th mourn with his friends the sudden death of this noble character and will always remember him as a true and loyal de- fender of the flag. The interment was at West Woodstock, Vt.
SURGEON ELIAS C. DEPUY, M. D.
Few men in Freeport were more widely known than Dr. DePuy, whose death occurred July 11, 1879. He was a man of personal character, deep religious convictions and tenderness of heart. He was born at the old homestead, near Syracuse, New York, on the 18th day of Sept., 1824. His early academical studies were persued at Cazenoria, N. Y. He studied in his father's office and later with Dr. Watters of Fulton, N. Y., and after- ward at the Medical College at Rochester, N. Y. He then spent a consider- able time in surgical studies in Bellevue hospital, N. Y. In 1849 he went to California, when 25 years of age. where he spent three years in varied experiences of travel, medical practice and adventures in the mines. He returned to the Middle West and attended a further course of medical lectures in Cincinnati, Ohio, and in June. 1855 came to Freeport, Ill.
Dr. DePuy was regularly engaged in practice until the breaking out of the war. He then accepted an appointment and commissioned with the rank of Major and was assigned as Surgeon of the 46th Ill. Infantry. At Pittsburg Landing, while engaged in the discharge of his duties with the wounded, he was prostrated by the explosion of a shell and received in- juries to his spine, from which he never recovered and which were ulti- mately the cause of his death. He resigned Sept. 3. 1862, and was again commissioned Dec. 9, 1862, and served faithfully and with credit to him- self and with acceptability to his comrades. He resigned Nov. 1. 1864.
H. R. LEWIS Chaplain 46th Regiment.
JAMES B. WRIGHT Quartermaster 46th Regiment.
MAJOR E. C. DePUY Surgeon 46th Regiment.
B. H. BRADSHAW Surgeon 46th Regiment.
PLATE V
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Upon his return to Freeport he was elected Treasurer of Stephenson county by his fellow citizens. At the close of his service he retired from public life. He passed away in much physical suffering and was buried at Freeport, Illinois. His wife, Mrs. Rhoda A. DePuy, survives him, who is now living at Northampton, Mass.
DR. BENJAMIN H. BRADSHAW.
Dr. Benjamin H. Bradshaw, Surgeon 46th Ill. Infantry, was born in Guernsey, Belmont county, Ohio, Sept. 29, 1834; came to Freeport, Ill., in 1855, and on Feb. 20, 1861, graduated from the Rush Medical College of Chicago, Il1. On the breaking out of the war he enlisted in Co. G, 46th Ill. Infantry, and was detailed as Assistant Surgeon and on the resignation of Dr. Elias DePuy was commissioned, on the 12th of Sept., 1862, as Sur- geon to rank as Major. During his entire service he was constantly on duty and attended to the sick and looked after their comfort and wants of all. He was kind, considerate and faithful in every duty, and for his genial and affable ways was loved, honored and respected by the entire regiment. On the field of battle he was brave and courageous and sought out the wounded and cared for them during the conflict of battle, often going into danger in order that he might attend to the suffering and dying. In the official report of his commanding officer he has received special mention, which will appear in a report in main history. Was mustered out at the expiration of service of the regiment at Springfield, Ill., Feb. 2, 1866.
On his return to Freeport he soon after removed to Orangeville, Ill., and commenced to practice in the field formerly held by Dr. W. P. Nara- more, where he established a fine practice 'in his chosen profession. On account of failing health he removed to Schell City, Mo., in the early part of the year 1883, where he engaged in mercantile business and also attended to calls occasionally as a physician. He again removed to Orangeville in the year 1887, and followed his chosen profession as a physician and surgeon until fall 1890, when he and his family moved to Salem, Oregon, and again resumed the work in this city as a physician and established a very large practice. For eleven years continued in this city, until Sept. 17, 1901, when an operation was performed and a tumor removed from under his arm, which failed to relieve him and was removed to Cartwright Sanitarium Oct. 6. where he died. He was very busy up to the time of his death among the poor, as well as the wealthy, never refusing the call of the afflicted, whether in storm or sunshine. He was a member of the Masonic Order and of Sedgwick Post G. A. R., and also of the I. O. O. F. and Knights of the Globe, and also of the Methodist church. He married Miss Mary Cadwell of Orangeville, Ill. A daughter, Carrie Bradshaw, and one son, George, survive, who live at Portland, Oregon.
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HISTORY OF FORTY-SIXTH REGIMENT
CHAPLAIN HEZEKIAH R. LEWIS.
Hezekiah R. Lewis was commissioned as Chaplain of the 46th Reg. Ill. Infantry, Oct. 21, 1862, after the resignation of David Teed, who resigned Sept. 1st, 1862. Chaplain Lewis was a resident of Decatur, Ill., and was about 35 years old. He served very acceptably through all the service until near the close of the services of the regiment and was discharged Jan. 12, 1866. He was active and genial in his intercourse and labors among the sick in the hospital. Ever ready to assist and help all in distress or affliction. He was loved and respected for his upright and honorable dealings with his comrades.
After returning to Illinois he removed to Kansas, where he died at an advanced old age. Chaplain Lewis went home several times during his service, but always on some mission of mercy for some member of the regiment, who needed assistance on his sick leave of absence.
JAMES B. WRIGHT.
James B. Wright was born Aug. 25th, 1822, in the city of Syracuse, New York. The first sixteen years of his life were spent in Onandaga county, N. Y. He moved with his parents to Stephenson county, Ill., in 1839. He made his home with his father until his marriage with Sarah L. Davis, March 1st, 1849, she being the daughter of Col. Horatio Davis, and her brother was Col. John A. Davis. To this union were born three sons and one daughter: Just. Frank, Charlie and Lottie, all living but one.
They resided in Stephenson Co. until the Fall of 1870, when they moved to a farm in Shelby Co .. Ill., three miles east of Assumption, mak- ing all improvements on it, as it was raw prairie.
His grandfather, Ebenezer Wright, fought in the revolution, his father in the war of 1812, and he served between three and four years as Regi- mental Quartermaster in the civil war, being honorably discharged in Jan. 1866. His wife died Jan. 2nd, 1895, and he passed away April 2nd, 1899, after living nearly thirty years on the farm improved by him. His name is honored and respected by his innumerable friends who yet miss him and his hospitable home, where he entertained so lavishly, and so ably aided by his wife and daughter, whom he delighted to honor. He was a member of the G. A. R. and the Masonic Lodge. A democrat in politics.
SERGEANT MAJOR JOHN E HERSHEY.
Sergeant Major John E. Hershey was born in Lancaster County. Pa., in 1840, and with his parents moved to Stephenson County, Ill., in June, 1851. By occupation he was a tinner. When his country called for men, he
D. S. PRIDE Capt. Co. I, died at age of 84 years.
A
HENRY H. WOODBURY Adj. Gen. under Gen. Dornblaser.
HENRY A. EWING Private Co. A and Sergt. Major 46th Reg.
.
J. E. HERSHEY Sergt. Major 46th Regiment
PLATE VI
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enlisted in Co. A, 11th Ill. Inft., some time in April for the term of three months, from which, at expiration of same, he was honorably discharged. He again enlisted in Co. B, 46th Reg. Ill. Inft., Sept. 10, 1861, and was ap- pointed Corporal, and afterward Sergeant. While carrying the regimental flag at the battle of Hatchie, Oct. 5, 1862, he was severely wounded. For meritorious conduct he received the appointment of Sergt. Major. He re- enlisted as a veteran in Dec., 1863; was captured as prisoner at Holly Springs by Gen. Van Dorn's forces. Was discharged for disability Sept. Ist, 1864, and some time in February, 1865, died from effects of wound. While with the regiment he was- one of the most faithful soldiers. His young life went out for his country, honored and loved by his comrades.
HENRY A. EWING. 1757801
Henry A. Ewing enlisted in Co. A, 46th Ill. Infantry Sept. 10, 1861, from Freeport, Ill. About May 30, 1862. he was appointed Sergeant Major, after retirement of Wm. Swanzey, and served in this position with credit and efficiency until Oct. 25, 1863, when he was discharged, to accept pro- motion in U. S. colored regiment as a commissioned officer, where he served with credit and was mustered out, being held in service some time after hostilities ceased. Lieut. Ewing was about 22 or 23 years of age, and would be classed as one of the light weights, active and energetic. He served his country with credit, was brave and loyal, and was loved and re- spected by his comrades. His address is not known to the writer of this sketch.
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HISTORY OF. FORTY-SIXTH REGIMENT
HISTORY OF COMPANY A.
Early in the summer of 1861, Mr. John Musser of Orangeville, Ill., com- inenced to organize a company with a view to be ready at short notice to respond to a call for men. In the month of August the company was com- pleted, by the energetic work and assistance of Hon. W. P. Naramore, Hon. John H. Addams and Col. John A. Davis, who held meetings in different parts of Stephenson County. Quite a number of men from Freeport, Florence, Harlem, Buckeye, Silver Creek, Ridott and Oneco Townships enlisted, filling the company up to the required number, 101 men. John Musser of Orangeville was chosen Captain. Win. O. Saxton of Freeport Ist Lieut., and Isaac A. Arnold of Florence 2nd Lieut. The company was composed mostly of farmers, who were rugged and hardy and distinguished for their general intelligence and manly qualities.
Capt. Musser had had experience in training in militia in his native State of Pennsylvania and soon had his company well drilled. The po- sition of Co. A was on the right flank and on the march led the regiment. It was also one of the skirmish companies and was well instructed in this most important and responsible work. In this position they maintained a high and honorable standard of efficiency throughout the entire service. The enrollment of Co. A was 101 men and officers, and later, at different times, received recruits and transfers from other regiments until there was a total of 191 men. Of the first enrollment 42 reenlisted. Killed in battle during service as shown by Adj. General's report of Illinois: Ammie F. Arnold, April 6, 1862; Hiram Clingman, April 6, 1862; John Elliott, April 6, 1862; John Hoot. April 6, 1862; Jolin Patton, April 6, 1862; Wm. H. Rodimer, April 6, 1862; John B. Whistler, April 6, 1862; Henry C. Rogers, April 6, 1862. Died of wounds: Capt. John Musser, April 23, 1862; Corp. Thomas S. Clingman, discharged Aug. 2. 1862, but died soon after ; Corp. Andrew M. Fellows, May 2, 1862; Ist Sergt. Quincy E. Pollock, Mound City, April 9, 1862; Private Win. Hollenbeck, Mound City, May 3, 1862; Nelson Scoville, Savanna, Tenn .. April 18, 1862; Wesley J. Best, Vicksburg, Aug. 19, 1864; Francis J. LeFevre. April 9, 1862. Killed and died of wounds 16; died of disease 23; discharged for wounds 4; discharged for disease or disability 12: discharged to receive promotion in U. S. service and non-commissioned staff. 6. Total 61.
In all the marches and engagements Company A took a prominent part. For special mention of members of this company I can only refer to the list of killed and wounded. The survivor's all took honorable part and are deserving of all praise for faithful services performed.
JOHN MUSSER
Capt. Co. A. Died of wounds received at Shiloh.
-
I. A, ARNOLD Capt. Co. A.
A. KEMPER Orderly Sergt. Co. A, also Capt. U. S. 6th Heavy Artillery.
W. R. MOORE 2nd. Lieut. Co. A.
PLATE VIT
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ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
JOHN MUSSER.
John Musser was born at Penn Hall, Center Co., Pa., March 18, 1833. Capt. Musser was the second son of Jonas Musser and assisted on his father's farm. He became a prominent officer in the Marion Infantry, com- manded by Capt. J. B. Fisher. In 1856 he moved to Orangeville, Stephen- son County, Ill., and engaged in farming and soon after in a general merchandise business, where he built up a lucrative trade. In his native State he was connected with a militia company and was well instructed in the knowledge of military movements. In the summer of 1861 he enlisted and was instrumental in enlisting a company for the war. He was chosen Captain of his company and on his arrival at Camp Butler, Ill., was com- missioned Captain of Co. A, 46th Ill. Infantry, and was mustered in Sept. 10. 1861. While at Camp Butler he brought his company up to a high proficiency of drill in all the maneuvers necessary for the entering into the more difficult evolutions of battalion drill. In the manual 'of arms he was not excelled by any. In the instructions as skirmishers Captain Musser handled his company with great skill and promptness. He participated in the battle of Donelson, Feb. 16, 1861. At the battle of Shiloh, April 6, he led his company with courage and great bravery and was mortally wounded in the first engagement. After being wounded he sheathed his sword, continued at his post, seized a gun, and fired several shots and fell from sheer exhaustion. He was carried off the field of battle by Robert Ritzman and, with others, was placed on board the hospital boat for home. At Quincy, Ill., Capt. Musser was met by his old and esteemed friend, Dr. W. P. Naramore. His wound was of such a serious nature that amputation of the leg was found necessary, but medical skill could render no assistance for the preservation of life. He died April 23, 1861, a sacrifice for the cause of the Union and the flag of his country. Captain Musser was one of those kind, unassuming characters-intensely loyal, brave and coura- grous,-a leader among his fellow comrades and had the full confidence of his Colonel and stood high in the estimation of all the line officers and men of the regiment.
Captain Musser was married to Miss Emaline Evans of Spring Mills, Pa., July 26, 1855. Two children were born to them, Thomas (deceased) and Neava Jennie, now Mrs. Daniel Denhart of White, South Dakota.
CAPTAIN ISAAC A. ARNOLD.
Isaac A. Arnold was born in Morgan Co., Ill., on Oct. 17, 1836, enlisted early in the month of Sept. or latter part of August, 1861, from Florence Township, Stephenson County, Illinois, and was chosen 2nd Lieut. of Co.
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HISTORY OF FORTY-SIXTH REGIMENT
A, 46th Ill. By profession he was a farmer and engaged in this in his younger years, before entering the service. Participated in the battle of Donelson, Feb., 1862. At the battle of Shiloh he was wounded in the first engagement Sunday morning. Capt. Arnold participated in the battle of Matamora on the Hatchie river, Oct. 5, 1862. He was promoted to 1st Lieut., and mustered in as such July 10, 1862, was at the siege of Vicksburg, July 1863, participated in most of the marches with the regiment. Reen- listed with his company in Dec., 1863; was detailed as staff officer to Gen- eral Dornblaser on the Yazoo expedition, for which he was well fitted. He was recognized as a brave and prudent officer and was trusted by his superior officers. Captain Arnold was engaged in the battle of Jackson Cross Roads, July 7, 186-1, as aid to Gen. B. Dornblaser, who speaks of him in his official report with the highest praise. On Dec .. 1864, he was pro- moted to the rank of Captain and mustered in as such March 20, 1865, but continued to do duty as aid on Gen. Dornblaser's staff until mustered out of service, Jan. 20, 1866. After leaving the service he again engaged in farming and moved to Nebraska some years after the war. His present home is at Kearney, in that State, where he is spending his days, sur- rounded by many warm friends. His wife is living and they give a sol- dier's welcome to all who may chance to call on them. He is a member of the G. A. R. and prominent in all the affairs of the State and Nation.
LIEUT. WILLIAM O. SAXTON.
Lieut. William O. Saxton enlisted at Freeport, Ill., Sept. 10, 1861, and was elected 1st Lieut. of Co. A. 46th Illinois Infantry. He was with his company at the battle of Donelson. On April Ist. he resigned on account of disability and returned to Freeport. His address, if living. is not known.
2ND LIEUT. GEORGE DICKEY.
Lieut. George Dickey was born in September, 1830. and moved to Stephenson County at an early day, where he settled on a farm in Florence Township. In Sept., 1861, he enlisted in Co. A. 40th Ill. Inf. He was ap- pointed Sergeant Sept. 10, 1861, and 2nd Lieut. in April, 1862, after the battle of Shiloh and was commissioned and mustered in July 20, 1862. He participated in the battles of Donelson, Shiloh, Hatchie, siege of Corinth and Vicksburg and Jackson, and on surgeon's certificate resigned Oct. 15, 1864. Upon his return home he followed the pursuits of farming, and later removed to Griswold, Iowa, where he, for many years, held the office of
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justice of the peace. Lieut. Dickey is connected with the G. A. R., and has held the position of commander for a number of years. His home at present is in the city of Council Bluffs, Iowa.
2ND LIEUT. WM. REYNOLDS.
William Reynolds was about 28 years of age when he enlisted in the service, Sept. 10. 1861, as a private. He was appointed 4th Sergeant after the formation of Co. A .; was promoted 2nd Lieut., Oct. 15, 1864, and to 1st Lieut., Dec. 23, 1864. Lieut. Reynolds was mustered out at expiration of service with the regiment, Jan. 20, 1866. He participated with the regi- ment in most of, if not all, the battles and marches of the same.
His home, before enlistment, was at Oneco, Ill. His present address, if living. is not known.
LIEUT. WM. R. MOORE.
Lieut. Wm. R. Moore was born in West Buffalo Township, in Buffalo Valley, Union Co., Pa., on November 30, 1838. He came to Illinois Sept. 1, 1860, and was a stone mason by occupation and was engaged in this and the brick mason trade up to the time of enlistment in Co. A. 46th Ill. Inft., Sept. 10, 1861, as a private. In 1862 he was appointed fifer in the regi- mental band. A year later was appointed Ist Sergeant of the company, and on Dec. 23, 1864. served as 2nd Lieut., being mustered as such March 20, 1865. He commanded the company in the absence of the other com- missioned officers up to close of war. Mustered out Jan. 20, 1866.
From Pennsylvania Lieut. Moore emigrated to Missouri, from Mis- souri to Illinois, where he made his home and was actively engaged at his trade from 1860 to 1881, with the exception of time he spent in the army. He moved to Lawrenceburg. Tenn, on a farm, where he now resides. Lieut. Moore was one of the faithful, patriotic soldiers, who never missed a march and was at all times ready for duty. Being of robust and healthy constitution, he was a man of great endurance, not only had he this physical strength, but was of a genial and kind disposition, loved by the members of his company and his fellow officers.
CAPT. ADAM KEMPER.
Capt. Adam Kemper enlisted at Lena, Illinois, as a private, Co. A, 46th Regt., Ill. Vet. Infantry, September 10th, 1861, and was with the regi-
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