USA > Illinois > McDonough County > History of McDonough county, Illinois, its cities, towns and villages with early reminiscences, personal incidents and anecdotes and a complete business directory of the county > Part 18
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IIISTORY OF M'DONOUGH COUNTY.
wearisome marches, the company participated in several import- unt raids, among which was Grierson's famous raid, made in April, 1863, from LaGrange, Tenn., to Baton Rouge, La., traveling- in sixteen days, a distance of eight hundred miles. After which the company participated in the siege and capture of Port Hudson, La., in June and July of 1863. A portion of the company re-en- listed as veterans, Feb. 9, 1864, under Captain Daniel Wilt, Lieu- tenants James Price and Lewis Pickel.
There were one hundred and eighty-five officers and privates enlisted in this company-many being recruits-fifty-nine of this unmber were from this county. The company, although very ac- tive all during the war, did not suffer as many did, there being but five killed: sixteen died. The company was mustered out at Nashville, Teun., Nov. 4, 1865.
J. L. Epperson, a member of this regiment, was not addicted to the use of profane language, and condemned it in others, but on one occasion the boys claimed that they had the joke on him. While in camp at a certain place he went down to a stream to get a drink of fresh water, and as he raised up from quenching his thirst, he was fired upon by a couple of bushwhackers, one of whom had a shot-gun and the other a musket. Although they were only about forty steps away, they failed to touch him, when he quickly drew his revolver, firing three shots at them as they retreated, and in all earnestness exclaiming : "You playgonit cow- ards, you "' His comrades laughed at him for his conduct, telling- him that he had disgraced the noble 7th, in fact, the entire army, by his terrible swearing; that the rebels would think them an awful wicked set of fellows, to hear such oaths coming from a Union soldier. It is probable he never repeated them.
FIFTY-FIFTH INFANTRY.
The Fifty-fifth Infantry Illinois volunteers was organized at Camp Douglas, Chicago, Illinois, and mustered in October 31, 1861. November 9, left by rail for Alton, and on the evening of the 18th left for St. Louis by steamer. Remained at Camp Benton until January 12, 1862, when it was ordered to Paducah, Ky., where it arrived on the 22d, and March 8th embarked on steamer for the Tennessee river.
March 15, marched out with the expedition from a point some fourteen miles above Pittsburg Landing, for the surprise and over-
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throw of Corinth, but high water defeated the movement. It re- turned to Pittsburg Landing and went into camp east of Shiloh Church.
The opening of the battle Sunday morning found the regiment in position with an effective force of eight hundred and seventy- three men. Colonel Stuart was wounded and nine of the line officers, three of whom died, one hundred and two enlisted men were killed and mortally wounded, and one hundred and sixty- one wounded and taken prisoner. The regiment was with the army in the advance on Corinth, and at Russell's house, May 17; lost in skirmish eight men, two killed and six wounded.
Entered Corinth May 30, and from there, with General Sher- man, westward along the Memphis and Charleston railroad. Marching to Lagrange, Lafayette, Moscow, to Holly Springs, Miss .; with Sherman marched into Memphis July 31, and re- mained in camp until November 25, when, with Sherman's divi- sion, it marched for the Tallahatchie river. Was marched back to Memphis to descend the Mississippi river to Vicksburg with the new troops that arrived at Memphis. Embarked with the ex- pedition, and six companies were engaged in the battle of Chick- asaw Bayou, December 29, losing one Captain killed and one en- listed man killed and seven wounded.
The regiment was present and under fire at the battle of Ar- kansas Post, January 10 and 11, 1863 ; from here it, moved to Young's Point, La., where it was initiated into the ditching pro- cess.
Participated in the siege of Vicksburg, losing in all, from May 16 to July 4, eight killed and thirty-nine wounded. Encamped on Black river, near Vicksburg, until Sept. 27, when it embarked for Memphis, and moved out with the army past Corinth to Iuka. From Iuka it was with the reconnoissance to Tuscumbia. Oct. 30, marched from East Point to Chattanooga; arrived Nov. 21, and during the night of the twenty-third, with the rest of the brigade, manned a fleet of pontoon boats in North Chickamauga creek, four miles above Chattanooga, and in the midst of rain and in- tense darkness, with muffled oars, descended and crossed the Tennessee river, and captured the enemy's picket line. Nov. 25, marched with Sherman to the relief of Knoxville; returned and camped successively at Bridgeport, Bellefonte, and Larkinsville during the winter, and at Larkins' Landing during the spring, at
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HISTORY OF M'DONOUGHI COUNTY.
which place the regiment veteranized, and returned to Illinois on a furlough of thirty days. June 27, 1864, participated in the assault- upon Kenesaw Mountain, Ga., losing fifteen killed and thirty-three wounded. On July 22 the regiment was again en- gaged, with an effective force of two hundred and thirty-nine men, and came out of the engagement with one hundred and eighty men.
In the siege of Atlanta the regiment's loss was seven killed and eighteen wounded. In the battle of Jonesboro, Ga., Ang. 31, 1864, lost twenty-three men.
In a short campaign of about two months, the regiment lost about one-half its number.
Joined in pursuit of Hood through northern Alabama, and re- turned to Atlanta, when one hundred and sixty-two non-veterans vere discharged. It soon left for Savannah with the 15th Army Corps.
Near Bentonsville, N. C. lost eight men.
Marched with the army via Richmond to Washington, where it participated in the grand review, and then moved to Louisville, where it remained in camp a few weeks, and then by steamer vent to Little Rock, Ark., where, Aug. 14, 1865, it was mustered out of service, and on the 19th left for Chicago, and arrived on the 22d, and received final payment and discharge.
During its term of service the regiment marched 3,374 miles.
This county was represented by one hundred and twenty-five nen, in four different companies of the 55th, of whom three were killed, fourteen died and seventeen wounded.
COMPANY C-FIFTY-NINTH INFANTRY.
This was among the first companies organized in MeDonough, und nearly all of its officers and men were residents of the western art of the county. It was assigned to duty at Cape Girardeau, Missouri, where it remained until the organization of the 9th Missouri Infantry Volunteers, at St. Louis, September 18, 1861, o which Company C was assigned. This regiment was composed of Illinois companies. February 12, 1862, by order of the War Department, it was changed to the 59th Illinois Infantry Vol- inteers. Three days after organization the 9th Missouri was 'r'dered to Jefferson City; and on the thirtieth moved to Boone- ille, and was brigaded with the 37th Illinois Infantry, 5th TURN
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Infantry, Ist Kansas Infantry and Davidson's Illinois Battery, Colonel J. C. Kelton commanding brigade, and Brigadier-General John Pope commanding division. The campaign of 1861 and the early part of 1862 was spent in the State of Missouri. On the 20th day of May, 1862, the regiment embarked for Hamburg Landing, Tennessee. From there moved toward Farmington, on the twenty-seventh. After the evacuation of Corinth, pursued the enemy. In June marched into Mississippi, and in August to Florence, Alabama. Thence to Franklin, Tennessee ; from there to Murfreesboro, arriving September 1, 1863. September 3, com- menced the northward march with General Buell's army, arriving at Louisville on the twenty-sixth. October 7, met the enemy at Chaplin Ilill, near Perryville. On the eighth heavily engaged, losing one hundred and thirteen killed and wounded out of three hundred and sixty-one men going into action. Pursued the enemy on the tenth. Arrived in Nashville November 7, and camped at Edgefield, near which they remained during the year.
Dec. 25, skirmished toward Nolensville. On the twenty-sixth the army of the Cumberland was put in motion for the Stone River campaign, and the 59th employed as skirmishers, and drove the enemy nine miles. Took active part in the attack on Nolens- ville. On the twenty-ninth marched toward Murfreesboro; here the enemy were found in force and entrenched. An unsuccessful attempt was made to drive him from his position, and the regi- ment lay during the night of the thirtieth within a few hundred yards of the enemy's works. Early on the morning of the thirty- first, the enemy turned the right flank of the Twentieth Corps. The 59th changed front to rear, and supporting the 5th Wisconsin Battery, for a long time held the enemy in check, and when with- drawn, brought with it the guns of the battery, from which the horses had all been killed. It was then put in position on Mur- freesboro pike, which it held until Jan. 2. The regiment forded the river, swollen by recent rains, and assisted in driving back the enemy, and held their position in the extreme front until the. morning of Jan. 4, when it re-crossed Stone river, and the enemy evacuated Murfreesboro. June 23, 1863, the Tullahoma campaign was commenced. August 30, left Stevenson, crossed the Tennes- see river and ascended the Sand Mountain. Marched to Lookout Valley. Arrived at Chattanooga Sept. 22. Distance marched from Stevenson, one hundred and twenty-two miles. Was active
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HISTORY OF M'DONOUGH COUNTY.
in the Lookout Mountain campaign. Dec. 1, buried the dead from the battle field of Chickamauga, of Sept. 19 and 20.
January 12, 1864, the regiment mustered as a veteran organiza- tion, and arrived at Springfield, Ill., on furlough, February 10, and March 19, was re-organized. Took part in the Atlanta campaign July 12, the regiment crossed the Chattahoochie, and presented itself before the fortifications around Atlanta, and from that time until the 25th of August, it assailed the works of the en- emy and was under fire day and night. November 1, marched to Pulaski. On the 29th, the brigade attacked the enemy in the flank, as it was marching toward Spring Hill. The fight continued all day, and at night the 59th marched 20 miles, and reached Spring Hill on the morning of the 30th. Resting but one hour, marched to Franklin, and during the afternoon the battle of Franklin was fought. Dec. 1, arrived in Nashville, and on the 15th, the battle of Nashville commenced. The 59th was in the first line of the assaulting column and planted the first colors on the captured works. In the afternoon it assaulted and carried the enemy's works near Hillsboro pike. Dec. 16, the memorable assault on Overton's Hills were made; here the regiment lost in killed and wounded one-third of its number. July 9, arrived at New Or- leans, marched to San Antonia, Texas, and was stationed at New Braunfels, Texas, until Dec. 8, 1865, when it was mustered out. In company C, there were 79 men from this county, 7 of whom were killed, 7 died and 7 wounded.
SIXTY-FOURTH INFANTRY.
The "First Battalion Yates Sharpshooters" was organized at Camp Butler, Illinois, in the month of December, 1861, by Lieu- tenant-Colonel D. R. Williams. It consisted of four companies, to which were added two others the last of the month. January 10, 1862, the battalion was ordered to Quincy, where it was armed, after which it was ordered South. Near New Madrid they had their first engagement with the enemy on the night of March 12. Was engaged at Fort Pillow, Corinth, Kenesaw, Atlanta, and a great many other battle-fields. No more effective duty was done by any regiment during the war, it being always in the front. Their loss, as far as known, in killed and wounded, was two hun- dred and eighty-nine men; of those dying in service we have not the number. The regiment was continually on the go, travelling with Sherman to the sea, thence around through North Carolina,
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and then on to Washington, where they were in the grand review, May 24, 1865. They were discharged at Chicago, July, 18, 1865.
There were three companies ' represented from MeDonough county in this regiment-A, D and F, and a total of eighty-five men.
Many personal incidents could be given of individual bravery of members of this regiment, but will content ourselves with the following, as showing the pluck of one of MeDonough county's boys :
John Jacobs, a member of company D), was captured near At- lanta, and, with other prisoners, was hurried South under a strong guard, their captors following the line of railroad. The prisoners were made to occupy the railroad track as far as possible, while the guard ranged upon either side.
A short time before the capture the government furnished our soldier boys with shirts of unbleached cotton, which, in the twi- light, looked not a great deal unlike the butternut of the rebels. This fact was quickly discovered by young Jacobs, who deter- mined, if possible, to take advantage of it.
On either side the guard was a number of rebel soldiers who had been slightly wounded, and who were being sent to the rear. As twilight began to settle around them, Jacobs began to limp slightly and fall slowly behind, and soon was in the very midst of the guard, who, from his clothing, judged him to be one of their number going to the rear. Occasionally he would limp directly in the way of one of them, who, cursing him, would tell him to fall behind. This was just what he wanted, and what he continued to do until he was the very last of the party proceeding south- ward. As soon as he thought his absence would be unnoticed, he turned and fled in the direction from which he came. Not knowing the direct way back, he was forced to continue along the line of the railroad. He succeeded in passing the infantry out- posts without alarming them, but came near being recaptured when he reached the cavalry pickets. In passing through the woods the underbrush beneath his feet would break, and notice was'thus given of his presence. Although unseen, the command rang out to halt, and several shots were fired in his direction, one ball grazing one of his ears. No further sound being heard, the pickets thought the noise was made by a hog or other animal passing through the timber, and made no further efforts to dis-
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cover its source, which was indeed well for him. They then rode off and he proceeded on his way.
When daylight came he dared not proceed further for fear of capture, but lay down in the tall weeds by the side of the railroad track, and all day long the rebels marched over the road and on either side of him, many of them passing so near he could easily have reached out and grappled with them. This he was many times tempted to do, that he might wrest from them a gun with which he might defend himself if necessary, and also to get hold of their canteens, for he was almost suffocating with thirst. It was well for him that he restrained himself, for if he had at- tempted to thus grapple with one he would surely have been dis- covered, and his recapture made certain.
When night came on he made his way to a house and boldly asked for something to eat, telling the people he was a confede- rate spy. The family were very glad to render him such service as they could, and gave him a supper which he certainly appreci- ated, not having had anything to eat for about thirty-six hours. While the meal was preparing, and while eating, heplied the family with questions as to the location of the Yankee army, the best road to reach it, etc., obtaining all the information they were able to give. He then asked for the loan of a mule and a gun, stating that when near the enemy's lines he would turn the mule loose, and let him return home at once, and the gun he would return the first favorable opportunity. Yes, he could have the best mule on the plantation, and an excellent gun, which he need be in no hurry to return if they could be of service to the glorious cause. Thank- ing his kind host for the favors shown, he rode forth toward the lines of the Union army.
After riding all night, he came to a house, and hitching his mule in the front yard, he went in and asked for breakfast, first depositing his gun by the door, that he might not unnecessarily alarm the family, and where he could easily reach it when neces- sary. To this family he told the same story of being a confede- rate spy on his way to the enemy's camp, and from the lady of the house he learned the picket line of the Union army was but a short distance from her dwelling.
While partaking of the nice warm breakfast which was pre- pared for him, he heard the tramp of horses upon the road, and rushed to the front window and looked out, but could not tell to
H-13
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ILISTORY OF M'DONOUGHI COUNTY.
which party they belonged, but judging they were rebels intent upon his recapture, started out the back way and made for the woods. He was quickly overtaken and brought back to the house. His kind landlady then witnessed against him that he had confessed to her he was a confederate spy, when they were about to hang him at once, without the form of trial. He told them not to be so fast, that he was a Union soldier who had been captured and made his escape from the rebels. His story they refused to believe, cursing him as a spy, and arranging to at once put an end to his existence. Finally better counsels prevailed, and he was at once taken (not very gently) into the Union camp and before the general commanding, who questioned him as to who he was, and where he was from. He replied, giving his name, company and regiment. The general then questioned him upon other matters, receiving direct replies, when he ordered him under double guard, that inquiries might be made as to the truth of his story, stating that he was either the man he claimed to be or else a spy.
Inquiry being made, it was learned that a captain of that regi- ment was then in hospital. He was asked if there was such a person as John Jacobs in Co. D of his regiment. He replied there was, and stated he would be able to identify him on sight. Jacobs was then brought before him, and the recognition was inutual, and he was at once ordered discharged. He then asked the party bringing him into camp for his mule and gun, which they refused to surrender, when he at once complained to the general, who ordered them delivered to him. These he sold for $140, which was so much clear gain. The whole affair showed that Jacobs was without fear, and a man of pluck and inventive genius.
As illustrating the strict discipline of the regiment, the follow- ing incident is given: An order was issued by General Rosecranz, commander of the division, that no one should be permitted to pass the guards without the countersign, save a gene- ral in full uniform. A gentleman, in a linen duster and broad brimmed hat, drove along a road on which a guard was stationed, when he was commanded to halt. Reining up suddenly, he inquired why he was thus stopped. "Give the countersign," answered the guard. "Get out of the way, d-n you ! I'm Gene- ral Gordon Granger." "I have no means of knowing whether you are General Gordon Granger or not, and you cannot pass here
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unless in full dress, or you give the countersign." Using a string of adjectives that would not appear well in print, he again asked permission to pass; when the guard told him he was not in a humor to be cursed, and that he must either give the countersign or turn, or he would at once arrest him and send him to the guard house. Upon this the party wheeled around, and soon appeared dressed in full uniform; when the guard gave the salute, and he was permitted to pass. The circumstance was reported to General Rosecranz, who reproved General Granger and told the guard he did just right.
Few rebel battle flags were captured during the war, and it was always considered a grand honor for any to take one. In the last grand charge upon the enemy's works at Atlanta, Captain George W. Reid, who at the time was acting Lieutenant-Colonel of the regiment, succeeded in securing one from a Texas regiment, and sent it home, where it remained in his house in Chalmers township about one year, when it was taken to Springfield by request of the Adjutant-General; and it can now be seen in the "trophy room" of the State capitol, duly labeled and credit given to Cap- tain Reid.
SEVENTY-EIGHTH INFANTRY.
The 78th Infantry, Illinois Volunteers, was organized in Quincy, Ill., in August, 1862, by Col. Wm. H. Bennesou, and mustered into service September 1, 1862. Ordered to Louisville, Ky., where it was assigned to the Second Brigade, Fourth Division, Army of Ohio; transferred to Thirty-ninth Brigade, Twelfth Division ; afterwards detached from Brigade and assigned to Gen. Boyle, Oct. 1, 1862. This regiment was engaged in many battles during the war, among which were Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Kenesaw Mountain and others. After a year's service, Col. Benneson re- signed, and Lieut. Colonel Van Vleck, of this county, was pro- moted to the Colonelcy, and retained command until killed in August 1864, near Atlanta, by one of the enemy's sharp shooters. No braver men than Col. Carter Van Vleck and Major Wm. L. Broaddus were ever in command and none more generally beloved by their men. Of the bravery of the men it is needless to speak : their record is known of all. In this regiment there were 214 men from this county, and of that number 15 were killed, 28 wounded, and 23 died of disease while in service, 20 were taken prisoners, 6 of whom died at Andersonville, and 3 at Libby. This is a record of which we may well be proud.
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HISTORY OF M'DONOUGH COUNTY.
Resigning the position of Lieutenant Colonel of the 28th, L. H. Waters returned home and succeeded in raising another regi- ment, which in due time was 'mustered into the United States service. This regiment was composed in good part of men from McDonough county, and therefore deserves record in this place. We therefore give the
EIGHTY-FOURTH INFANTRY.
The Kighty-fourth Infantry, Illinois volunteers was organized at Quincy, Illinois, in August, 1862, by Colonel Louis H. Waters, and mustered into the United States service September 1st, with nine hundred and fifty-one men and officers. Ordered to Louis- ville, September 23, 1862, and was assigned to the Tenth Brigade, Colonel Gross commanding, Fourth Division, Brigadier General William Sooy Smith commanding, and marched September 29th in pursuit of Bragg. Moved via Bardstown, Danville, Perryville, Crab Orchard, Wild Cat, Somerset, Columbia, Glascow, Scotts- ville, Gallatin, and Silver Springs to Nashville; from thence via Murfreesboro, Bradyville and Manchester to Elk river, and back via Hillsboro to Manchester; from thence across the Cumberland Mountains, and via Dunlap, Jasper, Battle Creek, Shell Mound, Whiteside, Chattanooga, Grayville, Ringgold, Gordon's Mills and Crawfish Springs to Chickamauga. On retreat to Chattanooga, thence over Walden's Ridge to Shell Mound and Whiteside. From thence via Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge to Chickamauga battle-ground, and back by the same route to Whiteside; thence moved to Chattanooga, Tyner's Station, Ooltowah, Cleveland, Charleston, back to Cleveland, Blue Springs thence to Red Clay, Catoosa Springs, Tunnell Hill, Buzzard's Roost, and back to Blue Springs. Thence by the same route to Dalton, and moving forward was engaged at Resaca, Cal- houn, Adairsville, Kingston, Cassville, Pumpkin Vine, Burnt Hickory, Dallas, New Hope Church, Ackworth, Big Shan ty, Pine Mountain, Kenesaw Mountain, Rough Station, Pace's Ferry, Chattahoochie River and Peach Tree creek. From thence moved on the fortifications of Atlanta ; thence to Rough-and-Ready, Jonesboro and Lovejoy station. From At- lanta moved via Marietta, Ackworth, Cartersville, Allatoona, Kingston, Calhoun, Resaca, Snake Creek Gap, Galesville, Ala- bama, Chattanooga, Stevenson, Bridgeport, Huntsville, Athens, Pulaski, Columbia and Franklin to Nashville; thence to Pulaski,
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Lexington and Huntsville ; thence by rail to Knoxville, Tenn .; thence to Strawberry Plains and Bull's Gap, and returned to Nashville, where, June 8th, 1865, the regiment was mustered out of the United States service.
Battles in which the 84th was engaged: Stone River, Dec. 31, 1862, Jan. 12 and 13, 1863; loss, two hundred and twenty-eight men. Woodbury, Jan. 17, 1863. Chickamauga, Sept. 19 and 20, 1863; loss, one hundred and seventy-two men. Lookout Moun- tain, Missionary Ridge and Ringgold, Nov. 24, 25 and 26, 1863; loss, nine men. Dalton, Feb. 22, 1864; loss, four men. In the Atlanta campaign : Buzzard's Roost, May 10, 1864; Dalton, May 13, 1864; Resaca, May 14, 1864; Burnt, Hickory, May 26 to 31, and June 1, 2 and 3; Kenesaw Mountain, Symria, Atlanta, Jones- boro and Lovejoy Station ; loss in the campaign, one hundred and twenty-five men. Franklin and Nashville; loss, twenty men. Total casualties in battle, five hundred and fifty-eight men.
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