USA > Illinois > DeKalb County > History of DeKalb County, Illinois > Part 23
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Stewart Daniel, Sandwich, mustered out June 18, 1864. Van Velzer Lucien L., DeKalb, deserted April 24, 1862. Wilcox Otis, Sandwich, deserted July 4, 1861.
RECRUITS.
Alger William H., Somonauk, transferred to Company I, 56th Illinois Inf. Mullin Johu, Sandwich, prisoner, mustered out May 30, 1865, as Corporal. Trapp Frederick, Somonauk, died March 7, 1863.
BREVET BRIG. GEN&F. W. PARTRIDGE OF SANDWICH.
Chicago Lithographing Co.chicago.
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THIRTEENTH ILLINOIS INFANTRI.
COMPANY F. SERGEANTS.
John S. Harrouu, Sycamore, absent ; not mustered in.
Azro A. Buck, Sycamore, promoted Captain. Lorenzo H. Whitney, Sycamore, discharged Sept. 10, 1861. Enos Churchill, Cortland, mustered out June 18, 1854. Porter D. Ilall, Cortland, absent wounded since Nov. 1863. CORPORALS.
Byron F. Wyman, Sycamore, mustered out June 18, 1864, as 1st Sergeant. Ransom F. Burleigh, Sycamore, mustered out June 18, 1864, as Sergeant. William S. Smith, Sycamore, died September 19, 1864. Edward W. Olney, Sycamore, mustered out June 18, 1864, as Sergeant. Thomas Hogan, Sycamore, died May 25th, 1863, of wounds.
Wesley D. Russell, Sycamore, died June 26, 1863.
PRIVATES.
Allen William, Sycamore, mustered out June 18, 1864. Atwood Morris, Sycamore, discharged Sept. 9, 1863, for disability.
Bryant Samuel T., Sycamore, mustered out June 18, 1864. Babcock Isaiah, Sycamore, mustered out June 1864. Bradley Daniel, Sycamore, prisoner, mustered out May 8, 1865.
Durkee Cyrus C., mustered out June 18, 1864. Burgess Lewis, Cortland, discharged Jan. 1, 1862. Barton Anthony, Sycamore, mustered out June 18, 1864. Barnes Daniel A. A. B., Sycamore, mustered out June 18, 1864.
Coogle John, Sycamore, deserted August 18, 1861.
Carr George, -Sycamore, prisoner, mustered out June 6, 1865. Courtwright Cyrenus S., Cortland, mustered out June 18, 1864. ('lewson Leonard S., Sycamore, mustered out June 18, 186 1. ('ulver Harlan, Cortland, discharged Jan. 1, 1862. Campbell George, Sycamore, prisoner, mustered out June, 1865. Caswell Charles H., Sycamore, mustered out June 18, 1864. Crosby Charles R., Sycamore, mustered out June 18, 1864. Clarke John, Cortland, discharged Dec. 10, 1861. Depue Nicholas, Sycamore, mustered out June 18, 1864, as Corporal. Deily Jacob S., Sycamore, wounded since Dec. 29, 1862. Dolan Thomas, Sycamore, discharged July 1, 1862. Fidermont Samuel, Sycamore, mustered out June 18, 1861. fandy Wayne, Cortland, discharged May 4, 1863, for disability. Greene Andrew J., Sycamore, died Oct. 2, 1862. Hartman Philo D., Sycamore, mustered out June 18, 1864.
Harrison Charles, Sycamore, mustered out July 25, 1864.
Houghton Alonzo, Sycamore, mustered out July 25, 1864. Hevenor Reuben M., Malta, mustered out June 18, 1861. Hill John, Malta, deserted April 28, 1863. Goodrich George, Cortland, died Feb. 16, 1863.
Kerr William C., Sycamore, died Jan. 5, 1863, of wounds.
Keppell Isaac, Kingston, died May 17, 1862. Loring Theodore, Cortland, promoted Lieutenant. Losee Joshua, DeKalb, prisoner, mustered out June 6, 1865.
Myers Frederick C., Sycamore, veteran, prisoner, mustered ont June, 1865. McLaughlin Thomas, Sycamore, deserted Feb. 28, 1863. Milligan Robert, Sycamore, deserted April 28, 1863. Mulligan Albert, Sycamore, mustercd out June 18, 1861. Nagreen Joseph, Sycamore, absent sick since October 21, 1863. Norris Sylvester W., Sycamore, mustered out June 18, 1864.
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HISTORY OF DE KALB COUNTY.
Nichols John W., Sycamore, mustered out May 30, 1865, as Sergeant. Orr Thomas J., Sycamore, mustered out June 18, 1864. Orritt John, Malta, discharged November, 1862, for disability. Oleson Hans, Cortland, died Nov. 2, 1863, of wounds.
Peck Charles V., Sycamore, killed at Ringold Nov. 27, 1863. Partridge Zelotes B., Sycamore, discharged May 6, 1863. Phelps William A., Sycamore, mustered out June 18, 1864.
Potter Seneca, Sycamore, discharged July 25, 1862, for disability.
Robbins Alfred, Sycamore, discharged Oct 28, 1862. Russell Gustavus F., Cortland, mustered out June 18, 1864. Ramer Henry, Pierce, mustered out June 18, 1864. Siglin Jacob, Sycamore, discharged Sept. 12, 1861. Stark W. H., Cortland, died Dec. 15, 1861.
Smith James M., Sycamore, deserted May 31, 1862. Spiking John H., Sycamore, mustered out June, 1864.
Smith Henry, Pierce, killed at Ringold Nov. 27, 1862. Stafford Seymour, Sycamore, transferred to Invalid Corps.
Thompson Julius, DeKalb, mustered out June, 1864.
Secord Francis, Sycamore, sick since Oct. 1, 1863. Smith Oliver W., Sycamore, mustered out June 18, 1864.
Waldron John, Sycamore, discharged December, 1862, for disability.
West Asa P., Sycamore, discharged June 6, 1863, for wounds. Wing Vintner B., Sycamore, died September, 1862, of wounds.
Willis Moses B., Sycamore, discharged August 11, 1862.
Young John, Sycamore, died Jan, 18, 1864, of wounds.
VETERANS
Harrington Nelson HI., Sycamore, Corporal, transferred to 56th Infantry. Houghton Alonzo, Sycamore, transferred to 56th Illinois Infantry. Myers Frederick, Sycamore, transferred to 56th Illinois Infantry.
Orvis Chas. W., Sycamore, tr. to 56th Ill., prisoner, mustered ont June, '65. RECRUITS.
Adams John, Sycamore, mustered out .June 18, 1865, as Corporal. Burbank Horace C., Sycamore, transferred to Invalid Corps Sept. 1868. Burbank Elbert, Sycamore, mustered out June 18, 1864. Berogan John, Pierce.
Brown George, Cortland, prisoner, mustered out June 6, 1865. Freeman William. Sycamore, deserted .Jusy 31, 1861.
Gould Benjamin L., Cortland, discharged Jan., 1863, for disability.
Harrington Nelson R., Sycamore, re enlisted as veteran.
Kingsley Albert F., Sycamore, promoted Corporal. Lawrence John M., Cortland.
Nichols Stephen, Sycamore, discharged Feb., 1863, for disability.
Orvis Charles W., Sycamore, re-enlisted as veteran.
Patten David H., Sycamore, mustered out June 18, 1864.
Russell Alphonso, Cortland, killed Dec. 29, 1863, at Chickasaw Bayou. Spragne Edward F., Sycamore, transferred to 56th Illinois Infantry.
Fourteenth Illinois Cavalry.
Fourteenth Illinois Cavalry.
Recruiting for the 14th Cavalry was begun, under very discouraging circumstances, in the summer of 1862: but an organization was not effected until January 7th, 1863, when the first and second battalions were mustered in. This was done by the consolidation of the nuclei of three regiments, then in camp at Peoria-Colonel Capron's, Colonel Hancock's and Colonel Jenkins'. On the 6th of February, the third battalion was mustered in. The regimental muster-in roster was as follows : Colonel, Horace Capron ; Lieutenant-Colonel, David P. Jenkins ; 1st Major, Francis M. Davidson ; 2nd Major, David Quigg ; 3rd Major, Howland Tompkins ; Adju- tant, Henry W. Carpenter : Quartermaster, Samuel F. True; Commissary, Bruce C. Payne ; Surgeon, Preston H. Bail- hache ; 1st Assistant Surgeon, George A. Wilson ; 2nd As- sistant Surgeon, John Ivory Wilkins; Chaplain, Samuel Chase.
During the months of February and March, 1863, the reg- iment received its horses and equipments, and was thoroughly drilled in cavalry tactics. On the 28th of the latter month, it broke camp and started for Kentucky, reaching Glasgow, in the southern portion of that State, at noon on the 17th of April. Two hours later it started upon the march for the Cumberland River, traveling day and night. It reached Ce- lina the next evening, where, on the succeeding day (the 19th,)
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THE FOURTEENTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY.
it had a brief skirmish with the enemy, driving them from the place, and afterward burned the town and destroyed one hun- dred thousand dollars' worth of army stores. It then return- ed to Camp Boyle, at Glasgow, where it remained some months. Here it received four six-pounder mountain howitzers.
While stationed here, it was engaged in scouting through the country. In June it pursued the rebel Colonel Hamilton to the river, effected a crossing, and surrounded his camp, capturing a number of prisoners, their train, two cannon, six hundred stand of arms, and all the rebel commander's papers The doughty Colonel escaped, amid a perfect shower of bullets, by putting spurs to his blooded iron-gray horse.
Nothing more of particular note occurred until the famous raid of Morgan across the Ohio River. The 14th, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Jenkins, was engaged in the pursuit and capture of the bold rider and his erew. It then returned to Glasgow, having traveled during this expedition over 2,100 miles.
On the 18th of August, it started for East Tennessee, reaching Burnside's army, at Montgomery, on the 30th, leav- ing him the next day at Emery river, and hastening on to Knoxville, which place it reached on the 1st of September, capturing the rear guard of the enemy, and a considerable amount of stores.
The regiment was the first to enter this city, the only con- siderable town in the south then devoted to the Union ; and it was received with cheers, waving handkerchiefs, ringing of bells, refreshments of fruit, etc., from the ladies, a general display of the Union flag, and every other demonstration of joy. Captain Burpee was here made Quartermaster of the regiment.
The regiment was present at the surrender of Cumberland Gap, September 9th, and was then sent across the Clinch mountains, and placed at guarding railroads, having about one hundred and fifty miles of traek in charge. While here, it was frequently engaged in skirmishing with the enemy, and
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HISTORY OF DE KALB COUNTY.
often suffered for food. On the 18th it pursued the routed forces of the rebel Colonel Carter for nearly ten miles toward Bristol, capturing and killing many, taking their train and a large quantity of arms, ammunition and camp equipage. On the following day it drove them from Blountville through Bristol, into Virginia, destroying at Bristol a large depot of army supplies.
On the 20th it again engaged the enemy at 'Zollicoffer. Zollicoffer was situated upon a high eminence, and it was of especial value to the rebels, on account of its salt works, that supplied the Confederacy with that necessary article, for the want of which they suffered severely.
There was a sharp resistance at this point, and we lost two men killed ; but during most of our encounters, the rebel cav- alry fled at our first onset. Our mountain howitzers, moved by two horses, and loaded as we moved along, could be wheel- ed in an instant and discharged into their ranks, before they could get their heavier pieces in position.
On the 22nd, it met the enemy at Blountville, and, after four hours' hard fighting, drove them back. On the 11th of October, it had another severe engagement with the enemy, gaining great credit for boldness and skill. At Blountville, on the 14th, it fought them for five hours, driving them toward Bristol.
After this it returned to the vicinity of Knoxville, from whence it was ordered to Loudon, Va., a force of rebels being reported to be concentrating at that point. It was a very severe march, the mud being very deep and the weather cold and stormy. It is worthy of remark that, from the time the regiment first entered on active service until mustered out, it had no shelter, in summer or winter, other than the scanty dog-tents-a narrow covering about four feet wide by seven long, open at the sides and ends.
The siege of Knoxville by the rebels changed the plans of our commanders ; and the 14th was employed in harassing the besieging forces.
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THE FOURTEENTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY.
On the 19th of December, the brigade was attacked by an overwhelming force of rebels, and compelled to retreat ; but the latter operation was conducted a la Sigel-whipping the enemy while itself in retreat. The losses of this affair were very severe on both sides.
After the raising of the siege of Knoxville, the 14th was engaged in the pursuit of Longstreet's forces up the Richland Valley.
On the 14th of December, onr forces were attacked at Bean's Station by Longstreet's corps. Although the odds agajust them were well-nigh overwhelming, our boys main tained their position with great boldness and success. The enemy were repulsed with a loss of eight hundred men. On the following day, the fight was renewed seven miles below Bean Station, with a similar result.
Dec. 24th the 14th moved across Holston river, and was mcorporated with General Sturgis' cavalry corps, and was thereafter engaged in campaigning against Longstreet, who was attempting to re-invest Knoxville.
In January, 1864, the brigade of which the 14th had long formed a part was broken up, and the regiment was for a time engaged in guarding railroads. Before the month was ended. it was re-united, and joined in driving the enemy to Dandridge, where a severe battle was fought. Immediately afterward, with General Sturgis corps, it crossed a spur of the mountains. and camped at Tuckalechee Cove, January 30th.
The 14th was now chosen for an expedition into North Carolina, to punish a noted band of robbers, known as " Thomas' Legion," composed of one hundred whites and two hundred Cherokee Indians. The expedition was begun on the 31st of January, and, on the 2d of February, after march ing day and night through the most rugged and mountainous region in the country-a region that is justly characterized as the Switzerland of America-the regiment came upon the object of its search, whom it completely routed, killing sixty and capturing fifty-six of the band. The 14th lost four killed
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HISTORY OF DE KALB COUNTY.
and five wounded. One of the latter-the lamented Lieuten- ant Horace Capron, son of Colonel Capron-died a few days later.
On the 5th, the regiment reached the valley at the foot of the Smoky Hill range in Tennessee.
A few reconnoissances, with a great deal of hard marching, filled the time till March 13th, when the regrment was found at Madisonville. This point was made headquarters, while the regiment was broken up into detachments, and employed in guarding fords and mountain passes. While thus engaged. a band of Thomas' Legion, consisting of about one hundred and fifty Indians, planned the capture and slaughter of the detached companies.
Their first attempt was made upon Company E, at Cittico, May 27th. Our boys were warned of the expected attack by a friendly negro ; and, leaving camp-fires lighted, and lights in their tents, as if all unconscious of danger, they concealed themselves near by, and saw the rebels rush into the camp and prepare to slaughter our men. They heartily enjoyed the surprise and discomfiture of the rebs when they found the occupants all gone. They had planned to attack their enemy at this time, and capture them ; but they were found to be so numerous that it was thought best to retire a few miles, to gain the help of another company, when, joining forces, they advanced on the rebels and drove them back into the mnoun- tains.
In June the 14th was ordered to join Sherman, and on the 13th began 'its march, camping near Lost Mountain on the 29th. The next day it joined General Stoneman's cavalry corps, and remained with it through the Georgia campaign, or until his capture.
It participated in the famous movement on Atlanta ; and, to insure the speedy capture of the city, it was sent under Stoneman, with six other regiments of cavalry, to cut the rail- road farther in the rear; but he failed in his attempt, and when our boys reached Macon, after three days and nights
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THE FOURTEENTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY.
hard riding, they were astounded by the sight of an immense infantry force in their front, while a large body of rebel cav- alry swung around in their rear, to cut off all escapc. General Stoneman now tried to return ; but, after a terrible fight at Sunshine Church, he gave up the attempt, and surrendered his forces to the enemy.
Colonels Capron and Adams, however, thinking the surren- der unnecessary, determined to cut their way through. This, after a hard fight, they succeeded in accomplishing. They broke through the rebel lines at several points, and subse- quently united in the rear.
A dispute now arose between the two Colonels about sen- iority of rank and the proper course to pursue ; and, after another day's marching, at the banks of a creek that ran at the base of Hogback mountain, the two regiments parted. Colonel Adams at once crossed the stream, and subsequently reached the Union lines in safety. Colonel Capron's men had now been in the saddle for seven days and nights. Their horses were fresh, as they had all been exchanged for horses captured in the vicinity. Captain Burpee's men at one time brought in one hundred fresh horses, and mounted his men upon them, turning out his exhausted animals.
But the men who had had no sleep, except what they took while riding, were completely exhausted, and could be kept on their horses no longer. Supposing himself safe, he ordered a halt at one o'clock on the morning of August 3d, and suffered his men to lie down. But, unknown to them, a regiment of rebel cavalry were near that place, engaged in guarding the road. Some farmers in the vicinity gave them notice that some Union troops were there asleep ; and about daylight, while our boys were in the deep slumber induced by their excessive labors, the rebel cavalry dashed in upon them, butchering a large number of them before they could be awakened. Not one man could mount his horse or secure his arms. Those who escaped fled on foot to the woods, and for several days, while entirely unarmed, were pursued and 40
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HISTORY OF DE KALB COUNTY.
slaughtered by rebel citizens, guerrillas, soldiers and blood- hounds. Not one-half of the regiment ever reached the Union lines. The recital of their dangers, their sufferings, their hair-breadth escapes, would fill a volume.
During the raid upon Macon, the first battalion of the 14th, under Major Davidson, left the main command July 29th, and "marched over one hundred and sixty miles in less than three days and nights, destroying four depots, forty engines, five hundred freight and passenger cars, many miles of railroad, thousands of cords of wood, public buildings and large stores of military property, with a number of important bridges, in- cluding the great Oconee bridge. On several occasions it passed near large bodies of the enemy-once attacking, rout- ing and chasing for miles the rear guard of a large force that was marching to guard the Oconee bridge, which our troops had just destroyed ; and once they passed between Milledge- ville and the rebel picket, not more than a half mile from the city, and finally joined the main command August 1st, in time to share the great disaster of the 3d. For this exploit the Major was recommended for promotion by General Stoneman."
After the scattered fragments of the brigade of which the 14th was a part were re-united, being dismounted and unarm- ed, they were furnished with muskets, and sent to the Chatta- hoochee river. On the 15th of September, the brigade was sent to Kentucky to be remounted, which was effected at Louisville October 16th, still retaining its muskets. It was then sent to Pulaski, Tennessee, arriving November 3d, and on the 18th marched to Waynesboro, to oppose Forrest.
For three days the ground was contested against over- whelming odds, our troops slowly retiring, and fighting a se- vere battle below Mount Pleasant on the 23d. The 4th Corps, under Schofield, was filling back, the cavalry brigade guard- ing the rear, and holding Forrest in check. On the 24th the rebels succeeded in flanking the cavalry, who were driven in disorder ; but the 4th Corps came up on the double-quick, and repulsed the enemy.
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FOURTEENTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY.
November 29th, the cavalry brigade was sent up the north bank of the Duck river, to prevent Forrest's crossing. Here it again narrowly escaped capture, being at one time entirely surrounded by three rebel divisions. Colonel Capron with a few companies cut his way out. This movement was followed by a similar one by the 14th regiment, under the lead of Captains Jenkins and Connelly, who thus saved the brigade. The brigade then joined the cavalry corps, and aided in check- ing the advance of the rebels. During the battle of Franklin, it was on the left wing, in sight of the town.
Arriving at Nashville, the 14th turned over its remaining horses to other regiments, and in the battle at that place served on foot, performing important service. It then joined in the pursuit of Bragg's retreating forces, returning to Nash- ville, where it remained till April 1st, 1865, when it was or- dered to Pulaski. Here it remained till July 31st, when it was mustered out of the service.
While the regiment was at Nashville, Colonel Capron and Lieutenant-Colonel Jenkins resigned, and Major Davidson was promoted to the Colonelcy, Major Quigg being appointed Lieutenant-Colonel. Captains Dent, Connelly, Jenkins and Sanford received Majors' commissions.
The aggregate of all the marches by the regiment in force was 10,000 miles. This is exclusive of marches by detach- ments.
Forty-Second Illinois Infantry.
Forty-Second Illinois Infantry.
COMPANY K.
For several months before the great war of the rebellion had commenced, an independent company of artillery had been organized at the village of DeKalb, under the command of Captain J. D. Butts. It was really intended more for or- namental duties than for the stern service of actual warfare. Its services had been confined to the management of a field- piece used for salutes upon the anniversaries of the country's birthdays and like joyful occasions.
But upon the first day after the thrilling news of the cap- ture of Fort Sumter had echoed over the land, rousing all the warlike spirit of the peaceful north, and summoning it to resist the traitors and revenge the insult to the flag, Captain Butts, after consulting with the members of his company, promptly telegraphed a message to the Governor of the State, offering its services to aid in the work of conquering the rebellion.
When in a few days, the first call of the President for 75,000 troops was sent out, and Illinois was granted the privilege of furnishing 6,000 of the number, Captain Butts was answered that the services of this company, now full in numbers, were accepted ; that they should perfect themselves in drill, and await further orders.
But the further orders did not come. Other companies poured into the rendezvous without waiting for orders, and were accepted : the DeKalb company, in spite of all their efforts, were at last excluded.
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THE FORTY-SECOND ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
Foreseeing that their services would yet be required, they retained their organization, and calmly awaited their time. That time came at length ; and the 1st day of August, 1861, saw the boys of DeKalb in camp for instruction at Chicago- a component part of the 42d Regiment of Illinois Infantry, and ranking as Company K.
The Colonel was William A. Webb ; Lieutenant-Colonel, David Stuart; Major, George W. Roberts. Its company officers were : Jesse D. Butts, Captain ; Joseph W. Foster, 1st Lieutenant ; Gilbert L. Barnes, 2d Lieutenant.
On the 17th of September, the regiment, numbering 1051 men, was mustered into service, and, immediately thereafter, left for St. Louis, and there remained in a camp of instruction for seventeen days, when it received orders to proceed to Tip- ton, Missouri, to join General Fremont in his great expedition against the rebel General Price.
The emergencies of the situation seemed to call for the greatest possible haste ; and the regiment was forced through at a rate of speed that almost destroyed it. They were nearly destitute of wagons for the transportation of supplies, without baggage, except what they carried on their backs, no rations, except a small supply of hard-tack and a few cattle driven along and killed each night, and often eaten raw by the fam- ished and exhausted soldiers ; yet they marched from twenty- five to forty miles each day, for about ten days, and reached Springfield on the 4th of November, stacking their arms, then one hundred muskets, the remainder of the regiment having fallen out exhausted.
These simple words: "they marched from twenty-five to forty miles per day," look common-place enough upon paper ; but they convey no adequate idea of the toil, the suffering, the exhaustion which such a march requires. Any person who chooses may determine by personal experience that to walk two and a half miles an hour is rapid movement : four miles an hour is a run. To move at such a rate for ten hours a day, loaded down with muskets, accoutrements and rations, is more fatal to an army than the severest battles.
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HISTORY OF DE KALB COUNTY.
The men may start out in the morning fresh and strong ; they go for weary miles with the rapid step required. Soon the weaker ones begin to slacken their pace, and straggle in the rear. The rules require imperatively that there shall be no straggling ; and the officers now run back and urge them on. Stimulated by threats, importunities, and sometimes by blows, they struggle on a while longer; but soon exhausted nature can hold out no longer : they fall in the rear and sit down exhausted, the picture of despair. The regiment moves on ; and, before night, a small company only reaches its camp- ing-ground, and, utterly exhausted, sink to the earth for a moment's repose. Then they proceed to prepare something to satisfy the cravings of hunger ; and very slight indeed are these preparations. The food is devoured almost raw ; and they then sleep as only those can whose power of endurance had reached its limit. The stragglers now begin to come in ; and, before dawn, perhaps half of them have reached their companies, when the unwelcome drum-beat of the reveille rouses them again to the march, and they commence again the weary onward movement.
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