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 7
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The men of Company D were brave, orderly, patriotic and efficient soldiers, with hardly an exception. The naming of a few for conspicuous gallantry might be unjust to others. Col. Davis on his return to the regi- ment. after recovering from his severe wound at Shiloh, spoke in the warmest terms of the bravery of Ned Hubbard, Corporal of Company D, and said if Hubbard had lived he certainly would have brought him a Lieutenant's commission. Hubbard died of fever July 4th, 1862, at La Grange, Tenn., and his last words were, "Three cheers for the red. white and blue."
This fairly covers the history of Company D, prior to the reorgani- zation in the early months of 1864.
CAPTAIN WILLIAM F. WILDER.
Captain Wilder was born in Shelburne, Mass .. August 19, 1831. Edu- cated at Shelburne Falls Academy and Amherst College. In 1854 he was
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ANDR. OLNHAUSEN 1st Lieut. Co. C.
HERMAN L. WAGNER Corp. Co. C.
WM. F. WILDER Capt. Co. D.
J. W. CRANE Capt. Co. D.
PLATE XIII
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ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
principal of public schools at Cape May, New Jersey. Went to Sublette, Illinois, in 1856, and engaged with his brother, A. L. Wilder, in the mercan- tile business.
When in July, 1861, President Lincoln called for 500,000 troops Capt. Wilder was one of the first of the many patriotic sons of Illinois to re- spond, feeling sure that the welfare of himself and family was dependent upon the preservation of the Union. With no military education, training or experience, he at once entered into the work of recruiting a Company for the Dement Phalanx which went into camp in tents on the banks of Rock River, at Dixon, Ill. When the cold weather came on, Col. Dement's old stone plow works was used for barracks. On Dec. 28th, 1861, Company D was ordered to Camp Butler, Illinois, and was assigned to the 46th Ill. Vol. Inft., Col. John A. Davis commanding. It participated in the siege of Ft. Donelson, battles of Shiloh and Hatchie, siege of Corinth, and all the marches with the Regiment. In November, 1862, in consequence of the casualties of camp and battle, Company D was consolidated with Co. I. Capt. Wilder and Lieut. Coe resigned and Lieut. Woodberry commissioned Adjutant.
Capt. Wilder went to Chicago and in a few months to his native town in Mass. In 1864 he was elected representative to the State Legislature and in the following year was elected Senator. In 1866 he returned to Illinois and engaged in mercantile business at Austin. A disastrous fire in 1868 caused the closing of that business and an engagement with the Elgin National Watch Co. Capt. Wilder served that Co. two years in the Chicago office, five years in New York and four years in London, England. Returning to the United States in 1879, he went to Colorado Springs, Colo., to reside and for nine years conducted a stock ranch. In 1888 Capt. Wilder went to New York and accepted the presidency of the St. Law- rence Pulp Co. Ill health forced his retirement from business in 1895, and since then Washington, D. C., Michigan, Colorado and California have been his places of sojourn : was in San Francisco at the time of the great earth- quake in April, 1906, and since then in Denver, Colo.
JAMES W. HOLMES.
James W. Holmes was born at Hornby, N. Y., Dec. 2, 1840. Came with his parents to Lee County, Ill., in the year of 1846 by way of the Erie canal and around the Lakes to Chicago, Ill., thence by teams to Lee county, where his parents located in what is now the Township of Amboy. As soon as he was old enough he worked on the farin and attended the district schools where he secured all the education he ever had. Sept. 26th, 1861, he enlisted in old Company D, 46th Ill. Inft., and, being an inveterate
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smoker, on the organization of the four companies located at Dixon, Ill., was unanimously elected Smoke Major of the battalion. Also appointed Corporal of "old" Company D, after muster into the U. S. service, and participated in battles of Donelson and Shiloh, siege of Corinth and fought gray backs at Collarbone Ridge and in several marches to Cold Water and Holly Springs and other numerous scares. Was promoted to Sergeant, and upon consolidation of Companies D and I, retained the same rank of Sergeant in the one-eyed company. He was with the regiment at the battle of the Hatchie and other scouts, etc. Was wounded and taken prisoner at the siege of Vicksburg, May 25, 1863, and discharged Dec. 29, 1863, at Jefferson Barrack, Missouri, as unfit for that band of patriots the in- valid corps.
Returned to Amboy, Ill., and entered the store of Bridgman & Co., as book keeper and clerk. In 1869, took a trip through Missouri, Kansas and Iowa, but, finding nothing to better his condition in a worldly way, he returned to Amboy, Ill. He did not heed the advice of the boy who wrote to his father to come West, any d-n fool could get an office out there. In 1874 bought a farm and cultivated that until 1877. Was then appointed Deputy Recorder of Lee county. In January, 1881, returned to the farm; then sold the farm and bought a small place and has since oc- cupied his time as gardener. Was married July 8th. 1874, to Elizabeth E. Banker, of Amboy, Ill. No children have disgraced this union. Have never been sued for bastardy or breach of promise. Am always loyal to my country and the old 46th Illinois.
COMPANY D, NEW ORGANIZATION.
The Company was recruited by Captain J. W. Crane, of Freeport, Ill., in Dec. 1863. Jan. 1st. 1864, pursuant to an order for the consolidation of Company D and Company I of the same Regiment, the formation of a new company was effected to fill the vacancy created by the above consolidation. The company went to Springfield, Ill .. Jan. 5, 1864, was mustered and regularly organized as a company in the U. S. service on the 30th day of January, 1864, at Camp Butler, Ill., by Capt. Montgomery. On the same day, J. W. Crane was chosen Captain, Francis O. Miller 1st Lieut., and Isaac Bobb 2nd Lieut., and on Febr. 27. were mustered to take rank from Febr. 3, 1864. The company participated in the march and skirmish neat Benton, Miss., known as the Yazoo expedition, May 13, 1864. Engaged in battle with the regiment at Jackson Cross Roads July 6 and 7, 1804; siege and charge of Fort Blakely, Alabama, April 9. 1865; occupation of Mobile, Alabama, April 12, 1865; in charge of rebel stores after surrender along railroad North of Mobile, Alabama, during May. 1865; was in company
F. O. MILLER Capt. Co. D.
I. M. BOBB 1st Lieut. Co. D.
JOHN M. MARBLE Capt. Co. E.
FRED. H. MARSH Capt. Co. E.
PLATE XIV
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ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
with the regiment sent up the Red River to take possession of the rebel property surrendered at Shreveport, La., to the Union forces; and was mustered out with the regiment at Baton Rouge, La., Jan. 20, 1865.
The casualties of Co. D were: Killed, Lansing Eells, May 14, 1861, near Yazoo City; discharged and died of wounds at home, John D. Fogle; died of disease as shown on roster 7. Total deaths, 9. Discharged for disability, 4. Total, 13.
Original enrollment, 98; received recruits during service, 19. Total enrollment, 117.
CAPT. J. W. CRANE.
Capt. J. W. Crane, Co. D), was born May 21, 1808, at Amsterdam, New York, and moved to Stephenson county. Ill., at an early day, about the year 1840, and located in Waddams township, Stephenson county. Some time later moved to .Freeport and engaged in the Livery business and carried the mail for many years from the Post Office to the Depot. He was Captain of a Militia Company and was quite active in military movements. He enlisted and helped organize Company D, new company, in the early part of Jan., 1864. Participated in march and skirmish on Yazoo expedition in May, 1864; commanded his company in the battle of Jackson Cross Roads, July 6 and 7, 1861; resigned April 7, 1865.
On his return home he again engaged in the Livery business in com- pany with his sons, until his death through accident in a runaway, Sept. 21, 1873. Capt. Crane was probably the oldest man in the regiment to hold commission. He was a man of strong convictions, honest and upright in his dealings with his comrades; kind and generous to the comrades of his command and the whole regiment, and would rather suffer himself than wrong any one of the command. Loyal and patriotic, he endured the hardships of soldier's life at the age of 56 years, which in itself speaks more eloquently for this noble man than any eulogy pronounced by his friends.
In the city of Freeport, where he was known the best, he was loved and respected by both political parties and never betrayed a trust to any friend who confided in him. His death was a tragic one, through an acci- dent, which caused sorrow to his family and a long list of dear and in- timate friends.
CAPT. FRANCIS O. MILLER.
Capt. Francis O. Miller was born in Northumberland county, Pa., March 17, 1824. Came to Freeport, Ill., Aug. 17, 1857, and engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes up to the time of his enlistment in the
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HISTORY OF FORTY-SIXTH REGIMENT
army. He joined Company D as a private and was elected 1st Lieut. of same. Jan. 30, 1864, and mustered Feb. 27, to rank from Feb. 3d, 1864. He engaged in the organization of his company in January and February, 1864, and, in company with the regiment, left Freeport for Vicksburg, Miss., some time in March, 1864. Participated in the Yazoo Expedition in May, 1864; battle of Jackson Cross Roads, July, 1864; was engaged in the siege and commanded his company in charge of Fort Blakely, Alabama, April 9, 1865. Took part in guarding the rebel property after the sur- render at and north of Mobile on the railroad; was with his company up the Red River in the Summer of 1865, to look after surrendered property, and was mustered out at Baton Rouge, La., Jan. 20, 1806; was commissioned Captain, June 6, 1865, after resignation of Capt. J. W. Crane.
He again resumed the manufacture of boots and shoes after his re- turn home from the army, until his death, which was tragic and unex- pected, he being crushed by the falling of a cornice on lower Stephenson street, Oct. 16, 1880. Capt. Miller is buried in city cemetery at Freeport, Ill.
He was one of those noble characters, that had many friends where he was known; was a member of the Methodist church' and a consistent christian.
LIEUT. ISAAC M. BOBB.
Lieut. Isaac M. Bobb was born in Marion county, Pa., Dec. 22, 1835. When nine years old he came with his parents to Stephenson county, Ill., and remained at home until 1851, when he started West and located in Winnesheik county, Iowa, at Locust Lane. There he cast one of the two votes that was cast at that place for Gen. J. C. Freemont for President. He remained in the West until 1861. and then returned to Stephenson county, Ill.
On the 15th of July, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, 11th Ill. Infantry, and served in that regiment two years, when he was discharged on account of sickness and returned home. He re-enlisted Dec. 12, 1863, in Co. D, 46th Ill. Infantry, and was commissioned 2nd Lieut, Jan. 30, 1864, and promoted to 1st Lieut. June 6, 1865. He remained with the regiment until it was mustered out of service, Jan. 20, 1866, at Baton Rouge, La., re- turning home and living on a farm until he died, March 18, 1901.
Lieut. Bobb was a member of John Musser Post, No. 365, G. A. R., and a charter member of the I. O. O. F., of the J. R. Scrogg's Lodge. He was also a member of the Rebekah Lodge. On Jan. 20, 1863, Mr. Bobb was married to Miss Sarah Miller, who was born in Center county, Pa. Four children were born to this union: Milton, of Taylor, N. Dakota, Mrs. John Suyder, of Orifino, Idaho, Mrs. Frank Rudy, of Monroe, Wis., and Archie at home.
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HISTORY OF COMPANY E.
Early in the Fall of 1861, Colonel John Dement of Dixon, Ill., was authorized to raise a regiment of Infantry to be known as the Dement- Phalanx (not numbered). The nucleus of several companies were soon in a camp on the banks of Rock River, just West of the city of Dixon. At the approach of cold weather, barracks were prepared in what is now known as the Grand DuTour plow factory and the companies occupied them. When, in December, the government ordered the consolidation of all such skeleton regiments, these companies were consolidated, forming companies D, E, H and I. Company E was formed from Captain David Pride's Company from Ogle county, and Captain Jolin M. Marble's company from Whiteside county, and officers were elected as follows : Captain, John M. Marble, of Bloomington, Ill .; 1st Lieut., William Lane, of Morrison, and 2nd Lieut. William Plantz, of Oregon, Ill. Capt. Marble had seen some service in Missouri, as a member of Company B, 13th Ill. Inft., and was discharged from that regiment to accept promotion.
Company E was composed almost entirely of farmers and farmers' sons, ranging in age from sixteen to fifty-two years. It remained in camp and barracks, drilling and doing guard duty, until the 5th of Feb'y, 1862, when it and the other companies in Dixon joined the balance of the 46th Ill., at Camp Butler, Ill.
The original enrollment of Company E was ninety officers and men, when it went to Camp Butler, and later, at different times, it received re- cruits until there were a total of 169 names enrolled during the service. Twenty-eight of this number died of disease and wounds, and twenty-eight were discharged by reason of wounds and disease.
CAPT. JOHN M. MARBLE.
Capt. John M. Marble was born at Harmony. Maine, and was a teacher by occupation. He was 23 years old at the time of enlistment. He was quite severely wounded at the battle of Shiloh, and commanded the company but little afterward, being on detached service, and resigned Aug. 8, 1864.
IST LIEUT. WILLIAM LANE.
Judge Lane was born in Hacketstown, N. J., Sept. 8, 1828, being a son of Mr. John H. Lane and Mrs. Maty Nightser Lane. They lived there until 1837, when they moved to Knox county, Ohio. Judge Lane was mar-
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HISTORY OF FORTY-SIXTH REGIMENT
ried in 1849 in Frederickstown, Ohio, to Miss Salina W. Woodcock. Of this union three children were born :--- Wm. I., Fred G., and Harland B. In April 1851, he moved with his family to Unionville, Whiteside county, at which place he engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes. At the breaking out of the war in 1861, he enlisted in Company E, 46th Regiment Illinois Volunteers, in which company he received a commission of 1st Lieutenant. He was in the army about eighteen months, serving in the "Army of the Tennessee." His health failing. he became so feeble, that he resigned his commission and returned home. Shortly after he was ap- pointed to a clerkship in the revenue office and then promoted to deputy assessor of internal revenue. During this time he read law, and was ad- mitted to the bar in 1863, practicing his profession until 1869, when he was elected as County Judge, which office he held for twelve years. In 1873 he was elected alderman of the city of Morrison, and served two years. He was Justice of the Peace for a number of years. For many years he was school director, then member of the Board of Education three years, dur- ing which time he acted as secretary. He was one of the charter members of Dunlap Lodge, No. 321 A. F. & A. M. A member of Sterling Chapter No. 57 R. A. M. and one of the most prominent members of Dunlap Lodge, being its first Master and serving many years in that capacity. Up to the last two years he took an active interest in the workings of the order, and was nearly always present at the meetings. In 1872 his wife died, and in 1874, he married Miss Jane Shafer, by whom he had one son,-Joseph S. As a lawyer, official and citizen, he was one in whom the people placed unbounded confidence. Lieut. Lane died at Morrison, Ill., March 19, 1888, at the age of 59 years, 6 months and 11 days. The funeral services held Wednesday afternoon at the Presbyterian church, Rev. J. Frothingham, formerly pastor of the church in this city, officiating. The remains were then taken in charge by the Masonic fraternity and conveyed to Grove Hill cemetery where the beautiful rites were conducted and the brother con- signed to the tomb. A number of brethern from the different lodges of the county were present.
2ND LIEUT. WM. A. PLANTZ.
My parents were residents of Montgomery county, New York, near Tribes Hill, where I was born June 23, 1830, remaining there until Febru- ary, 1837, when they moved to St. Lawrence county, and in May, 1810, emigrated to Illinois, arriving at Light House Point, Ogle county, June 15, where they bought a farm and settled. The country being very sparsely settled, school houses were few and far between, consequently I received but limited education, having to do most of my studying at home. On the breaking out of the war with Mexico, being of a patriotic spirit, I en-
J11:1
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deavored to enlist in a company. being recruited at Ottawa, Ill. Owing to my age, 16 years, and strenuous objections from my parents, I was refused, and remained on the farm until the war of the Rebellion, in 1861. Enlisted on Sept. 30, 1861, and joined with Capt. D. S. Pride in raising a company ; we received 31 men who were put in camp at Dixon, where there were nine other companies being recruited.
In the Fall came the call for 500,000 more. When the above partial 10 companies were massed into 4 full companies, mine was Company "E," and upon its organization and election of officers, I was elected 2nd Lieut., my commission as such dating from Dec. 1st, 1861. Were ordered to Camp Butler, joining the 6 companies recruited at Freeport, commanded by Col. John A. Davis, this making the 46th Regiment Ill. Vol. Inft. Remained but a few days at Camp Butler, when ordered to the front, joining Gen. Grant's Army at Ft. Donelson, on the Cumberland river, Tenn., that battle being fought on the 13th, 14th and 15th of Feb., 1862. The weather was very cold and our regiment not having either tents or blankets, much suf- fering was endured, we laid on the frozen ground to sleep, snowing every night during the battle, nevertheless, when morning came our men were ready for anything that was given them to do.
After the surrender of Ft. Donelson, our regiment was ordered to Ft. Henry, arriving there cold, wet and tired; the roads were in deplorable condition. Were there about three weeks, were ordered up the river to Pittsburg Landing; upon arriving were sent out about 3 miles from the landing, where we went into camp.
There is where the enemy found us when Gen. Johnson and Beauregard attacked our army on the 6th and 7th of April and the battle of Shiloh or Pittsburg Landing was fought. I received a flesh wound below the knee on that Sunday morning (April 6th), when our army was driven back by the enemy. On the following day we recovered all the lost ground of the day before and won one of the decisive battles of the war. From ex- posures at Fts. Donelson and Henry, I was attacked with rheumatism, soon after arriving at Pittsburg Landing; about one week after the battle, was taken with dysentery, the regimental surgeon not being able to check it, I continued to get worse and worse, but remained with my company until we were near Corinth. I was unfitted for duty, then the doctor told me he had done all he could for me and if a change of climate would not help me, there was no medicine he knew of that would. There was nothing left but to do that, which I never hated to do more, resign my commission and go home, as I supposed, to die. After being home about three months I began slowly to get better, but the rheumatism has remained with me ever since, until now I am so badly crippled that I can hardly get around with the aid of a cane.
Upon Oct. 7th, 1862, was married to Miss Phebe A. Mead, of Dixon. Two children, both boys, were born to us, who are still living. Remained
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upon my father's farm the first year after marriage, when I removed to Dixon and engaged in the grocery business for about a year, when I sold ont and removed to Iowa Falls, Iowa, where I engaged in the same busi- ness, adding crockery and glassware. On Jan. 29th, 1867, received the ap- pointment of Postmaster, which I retained till April 9th, 1869. Remained there till the fall of 1872, when I again sold out on account of the failing health of my wife and moved to a warmer climate, California, arriving there Oct. 15th, 1872, where I purchased a farm near Newcastle, Placer county, and engaged in fruit growing, then in its infancy. I remained in that business there for 27 years.
In Oct. 1899, sold out and came to this city, Bellingham, Wash., to reside, on Aug. 4th, 1901. My wife was injured in a runaway accident, from which she never recovered and passed away April 12th, 1902. Since the death of my wife I have resided with my eldest son at 2507 Eldridge Ave., this city.
Joined the Masonic Order at Mt. Morris, Ogle county, Ill., in May 1857; Samuel H. Davis Lodge, No. 96; Nachusa Chapter, No. 56, at Dixon, Ill., in Sept. 1859.
Joined Col. E. D. Baker Post, G. A. R., No. 72, at Newcastle, Placer county, Cal., upon its organization in 1884, and was elected its first Post Commander. Am now member of J. B. Steadman Post, No. 24, of this city. My address is 2507 Eldridge Avenue, Bellingham, Wash.
CAPT. FRED. H. MARSH.
Capt. Fred. H. Marsh was born in Dover, England, and was nineteen years old at the time of enlistment ; was a farmer by occupation. He had seen some service in Missouri as a member of Co. H, 15th Ill. Inft. He was promoted from Sergeant to 1st Lieut., Aug. 15, 1862, and to Captain Nov. 2, 1864. He was a very popular officer, brave and courageous and was loved by the members of his company for his kindness and genial ways. Was mustered out Jan. 20, 1866, at Baton Rouge, La., and received his final discharge Feb. 2, at Springfield, Ill.
Since the war he held several important positions of trust; was United States Marshal for four years, and resided at Chicago. Also held position as Chief of Police of the city of Chicago. He now resides at Rockford, Illinois, and is engaged in the active duties of life. Is a member of the G. A. R. and other fraternal orders.
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WM. N. HAINY 1st Lieut. Co. E.
WM. LANE 1st Lieut. Co. E.
SAMUEL V. BOYER 2nd Lieut. Co. E.
W. A. PLANTZ 2nd Lieut. Co. F.
PLATE XV
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1ST LIEUT. WM. M. HANEY.
1st Lieut. Wm. M. Haney was born in Columbia, Warren county, New Jersey, June 10, 1812. He moved to Luzerene county, Pa., and resided there until Dec. 1856, when he moved to Whiteside county, Ill., where he lived until the breaking out of the rebellion, with the exception of about two years, which time he spent in the South, in Issaquena county, Miss. Lieut. Haney came home from the South Oct. 10, 1861; enlisted from New Genesee township, Whiteside county, Ill., Nov. 2, 1861. and was with the regiment till muster out. Was appointed Sergeant July, 1862, and 1st Lieut. to rank from Aug 8th, 1864. Resided in Sterling, Ill., until Nov. 7, 1877, when he moved to Bellevue, Jackson Co., Iowa, where he lived until January 1897, when, having been elected clerk of the Dist. Court, he moved to Maquoketa, the county seat, where he now resides.
He is, at the present time, engaged in the restaurant business. Previous to going South, he was engaged in farm work. Lieut. Haney is one of those good genial characters and his friends are numbered by the score.
ALBERT SEIZICK.
2nd Lieut. Albert Seizick was promoted to 2nd Lieut. July 3, 1862. He was born in Perleberg, Prussia, and was 33 years old at time of enlistment. By occupation Mr. Seizick was a farmer. He had served two years in the Prussian army and was a good drillmaster and a brave man. Was aid on Gen. Dornblaser's staff and at the battle of Jackson Cross Roads he distinguished himself in carrying orders to the different parts of the com- mand in full view of the enemy. His gray horse made hini a conspicuous mark for the rebel skirmishers along the entire battle line. He resigned July JI, 1804, and died some time since the close of the war.
SAMUEL V. BOYER.
Samuel V. Boyer was born December 22nd, 1839, on a farm in Union- ville, Whiteside county, Ill. His father, Henry Boyer, was an ardent abolitionist, and for years, prior to the war, maintained an underground station, where negroes, fleeing from slavery, were fed, clothed and cared for until they could be safely transported to the next station en route for Canada. Samuel V. Boyer, even in his boyhood, was pressed into this service, and frequently conducted these negroes on to the next station, traveling with them by night only and then in the utmost secrecy. When
,
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not so employed he engaged in farming with his father until the fall of Fort Sumter in 1861. Immediately upon learning of this event he volun- teered as a private, and on October 10th, 1861, was mustered into Company E, 46th Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, for three years, or during the war. After serving two years he re-enlisted in the same Regiment and Company as a veteran until the expiration of the war.
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