USA > Illinois > History of the Fiftieth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry in the war for the union > Part 43
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The recruits of 1862-'3 we pass over with the notes in the column of remarks in the roster. Of 1864 we recall Adolph Bachman, now of Quincy, a German recently arrived in this country, he enlisted Feb. 24, 1864, was single; served in all the marches, skirmishes and battles, and on the memorable foot race of 1865 was sun struck, resulting in disease of the heart, . from which he has suffered continually ever since.
James A. Crook, a chubby, round faced orphan boy of Payson, "enlisted Jan. 13, '64, and died November 1, 1864, of wounds," is all the column of remarks in the roster contains, but this is not enough. Shot through the knee and also the body at Allatoona, the ball injuring the vertebra. Poor Jim was taken with others to Rome, placed on a cot in the parlor of the residence of Chief Justice Lumpkins, here suffering terribly from his wounds, so painful that he could not lie still, he suf- fered, always hoping to get well, but the continuous moving of his poor suffering body caused inflamation and gangrene to set in. We remember while visiting him that he drew from behind his pillow some little memento and fondly showed it-then the
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terrible anguish he suffered-dieing a hero's death. Still but a boy, he sleeps now in an honored grave in the National Ceme- tery at Rome.
Little Bill Stauffer, the "Shadder," resided at Beverly, 16 years of age and a farmer. Enlisted in February 1864, and upon arrival at Lynnvillo took down with the measles. "Look here gun, where are you going with that boy?" could be heard in the camp as Billy marched out for picket. However he lived it through and now resides at Baylis, Ill., still a "shadder."
Benjamin West, 22 years of age, single, and from Payson. Enlisted Jan. 20, 64, discharged at Fairfax Seminary, Va., in accordance with special telegram 180, May 3rd, '65. Ben was young in years; had served in company F, 1st Illinois cavalry, from January 1, '62, until July 14 when three companies were mustered out, company F being one.
Henry C. Wheeler, enlisted with the company, served faithfully, veteraned and detailed as teamster; then to General Vandever's headquarters. Since the war Henry had the misfor- tune to lose his right arm, making it sometimes difficult to keep up, but with plenty of grit and good habits he is still able to join in the grand re-unions, and resides at Quincy, III.
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COMPANY E.
T HE assault on Sumpter aroused the patriotism of the citi- izens of Camp Point as every where else in the North. The call to arms from Lincoln found a ready response from the loyal people of the North, and especially so from his own State of Illinois.
Among the first to take steps looking to the formation of a company was Wm. Hanna, a young man engaged in merchan- dising at Camp Point. Meetings were held and under their in- spiring glow enlistments went on until the nucleus of a compa- (31)
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ny had been formed. Active, vigilant Young Hanna called to his assistance Wm. W. Burchard of Pike county, who brought with him a number of men with which, added to Hanna's, sufficient to form a company.
It was at once accepted as a part of the Adams county regiment, and going into camp at Quincy, was made a part of that regiment, assigned its positionand designated as company E. At the company election William Hanna was chosen Captain, Albert G. Pickett, (who had enlisted in company A) 1st Lieutenant-in place of George W. Randall already selected as Major -- and William W. Burchard 2nd Lieutenant, with non- commissioned officers as recorded in the company roster.
Nine companies having arrived in camp an election of regimental officers was held and George W. Randall, enrolled as a private in company E, was chosen Major.
The members of the company were mostly young men from Camp Point, Columbus and Quincy, although there was quite a squad from Pike county. From Keokuk, Iowa, however there came three boys, Irish born, but in every fibre of their being Americans. They constituted what was ever afterwards known as the "Irish Brigade." Of them more hereafter. Ex- cepting Allatoona, company E served with the regiment in every march and battle. It justly took high rank and was often complimented for its soldierly bearing and work. The following order is a sample :
HEADQUARTERS 50TH ILLS. INF'TY V. V., CAMP IN THE FIELD, Near Ogecchee River, Dec. 5th, 1864.
Special Orders No. 63.
The commanding officer of the 50th Regiment Illi- nois Volunteers hereby tenders his thanks to Lieut. Wm. R. Keyte, company E 50th Regiment Ills. Infty, and the enlisted men of his company, for having their arms and accoutrements cleaner and in better condition than any other company in the regiment, on inspection this afternoon. It being so decided by
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the Acting Inspector General 3rd brigade. Company E will therefore be excused from picket duty one regular detail.
HENRY HORN, Captain 50th Ill. Inft'y Commanding."
Such an honor could not help being gratefully received and accepted, and the company felt justly proud of so notewor- thy a distinction. While space will prevent a lengthy account of the services of this gallant company it is believed that sketches of its members, as far as furnished, will be acceptable to the readers of this history.
When the regiment first formed, Captain John M. Cyrus was 23 years of age. He had been teaching school and was unmarried. Enlisting Aug. 22, 1861, he was made Orderly Ser- geant and filled the arduous and responsible duties of that posi- tion until April 15, 1862, when he was commissioned 2nd Lieu- tenant rice William Burchard, promoted to First Lieutenant. October 12th, '62. he was, upon Lieutenant Burchard's resigna- tion, made 1st Lieutenant, and upon Capt. Hanna's promotion to Major, became Captain, hold- ing this position until October 18, 1864, when he was mustered CAPT. JOHN M. CYRUS. out at the expiration of his three years service,
Capt. Cyrus was both capable and brave. Born Nov. 9, 1838, near Camp Point, Illinois, the second son of Elder Henry Cyrus, a Christian minister, his early life was spent on a farm. His education was obtained in the common school of his dis- trict. At the very earliest possible moment, and while still under age, he assumed the duties of a teacher and followed that vocation for several years. Upon his return home after the
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expiration of his army life, he was for two years in business at Macomb, Illinois. Receiving an appointment in the Treasury Department at Washington he remained there two years devo- ting his spare moments to the study of the law, and graduating from Columbia College, he returned to Illinois opening an office at Quincy and soon obtained a good business. In June 1872, he married Miss Emma A. Maertz of Quincy. But with prospects as bright as ever cheered any young man, he was com- pelled to close up his professional career at Quincy. Ill health incurred in the service demanded a change of climate and so. in December 1873, accompanied by his devoted wife, he settled in Southern Louisiana, in the hope that the mild and balmy south might restore his shattered health, But there was no help for him, and on February 4, 1884, at Franklin, St. Mary's Parish, Louisiana, he fell asleep. Generous and loving by na- ture, his social qualities endeared him to his old comrades as well as to all who knew him. His widow lives in Quincy and her name is borne upon the pension rolls of the country for which her gallant husband gave his life.
Captain Wm. R. Keyte will be remembered as "Grand- mother," or "Granny." From 3rd Sergeant he rose through all the grades until he was mustered out as Captain, July 13, 1565. His record is that of a faithful soldier and an excellent officer.
First Lieut. Wm. C. Ross was born Feb. 20, 1837, in Wests moreland co., Pa. His early life was spent not more than 20 miles from the scene of Braddock's defeat, in the early French and Indian wars. Being of a delicate, slight physique his par- ents apprenticed him to the tailor trade, at which he worked until he was nineteen years of age, when his parents decided to come to Illinois, settling first near Mendon, afterwards moving to the north side of Camp Point township, in what was well known as York Neck, and where, two years afterward, his father died. William was the oldest of a family of eight children and the responsibility and care fell on him and a younger brother.
Grave and thoughtful beyond his years, when the battle call was sounded he was thrilled and anxious to respond but was held back by a sense of duty to his mother. But after the
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disastrous battle of Bull Run, he waited no longer and was one of the first to enroll his name in what afterwards became com- pany E. In the first formation of the company he was made 2nd Sergeant. On Oct. 12th, 1862, he was promoted 2nd Lieutenant, and in April '63, Ist Lieutenant, to date from March 27. Participating in the Towncreek expedition in April he took cold and was attacked with pneumonia and bronchitis, which, although not of a violent form, was persistent, lasting into the following winter. He was ambitious and would not con- sent to go to the hospital for treatment and, with few ex- LIEUT, WILLIAM C. ROSS. ceptions, was always reported for duty; during this time his brother enlisting in the 78th Illinois, had died before leaving Quincy, and this in connection with the shattered condition of his health, necessitated his leaving the service. He resigned Sept. 23, '64 and arrived home October 8th.
It was while en route home that the famous battle of Allatoona Pass was fought.
On November 1st, 1864, Lieutenant Ross was married to Miss Clementine Cyrus, sister of his friend and brother officer, Capt. J. M. Cyrus. He purchased a farm near Warsaw, Illinois, where fourteen years of his life was spent in making a cozy, comfortable home for his family, and in seeing his children grow up around him. Never rugged, he never recovered from the effects of his severe service, and although he continued to carry on his farming operations, it was with greater and greater difficulty, until in April 1878, when his health gave way com- pletely. An invalid from that time, he soon after lost his voice, and hopelessly but patiently waited for the end.
Of an intense organism, he felt that he was his country's
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and that his broken health was his lot to bear, but that he had been spared for years with his family instead of being called upon to give his life while in the service. He never felt that the sacrifice had been too great, but had gloried in that he had helped in that struggle.
He and his family came back to the old neighborhood. to his wife's old home in October 1878, and there he died Dec. 5th, 1879. His widow and four daughters survive him.
Lieut, Ross was of a very quiet, retiring disposition, and was intimately known to but few. A man of sterling integrity and upright character, intelligent and industrious, he was high- ly respected and valued by those who really knew him, and was one of those characters not easily swerved, which make our na- tion strong and steadfast.
First Lieutenant William B. Fisher enlisted from near Columbus, as a private, became a veteran, was promoted to Ser- geant and then 1st Lieutenant. He was known as "Mother" by the boys, and took a mother's pride in the welfare of company E. He passed away about 20 years ago with consumption, leaving a wife and several children, three of whom are now living.
Of the enlisted men of company E we will relate a few incidents that have come to our knowledge, giving also quito a number of the odd names by which they were familiarly, called. . These names will illustrate the general equipment of not only the different companies of the Fiftieth, but doubt- less of every organization in the ser- vice. As to odd names, indeed it will be hard to find any individual who was so unfortunate as not to be pos- sessed of some singular cognomen.
Adam R. Jeffrey, another Corporal. He was known as "our Jeff," detailed ADAM R. JEFFREY. as Color Guard, his picture in the flag chapter resembles him in those days, while this one is as he ap-
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pears now that he has settled down. He resides now at Wads- worth, Nevada.
H. C. Johnson, called "Mose," and John Easum, "our Posey," are both too modest to say anything for themselves. A. B. Straub, known as "Go it Gallager," is now Depot Master at Galesburg. He was Corporal Straub when we knew him in 1861. "Bean Belly" was Nimrod Beer and one of our Corporals. Corporal J. A. Loshbaugh, called the "Washerwoman."
The original Drummer of company E was George A. Rob- inson. He now resides at Pleasanton, Kansas, a black- smith. At his enlistment he was 18 years of age and resi- ded at Columbus, Adams co., Illinois. Enlisting as drum- mer, he served with the com- pany until at Shiloh, where he was overcome by disease through exposure, bad water and food. He was sent to the hospital, then to Keokuk, Ia., where he was discharged Nov. 14, 1862, for disability. Af- terwards served two years in the Sth Iowa cavalry.
George Acklam, very fond of cake he was. So marked was his love for the article that he was and is known to- day as "Cakes." He thought his cake was all dough when he was captured at Shiloh, and was kept a prisonsr seven weeks, being exchanged at Macon, Ga., and at once re- GEORGE A. ROBINSON. joined the company. He with his brother Ben. re-enlisted and came home with the company.
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John Boyer was known as "Dad," so it will be noticed that "Grand Mother," "Mother" and "Dad" being around, com- pany E was no orphan.
Benjamin E. Burns, now lives at Cambridge, Kansas ; was 20 years of age and resided at Jeddo, Mo., when he enlisted: Sept. 3th, '61, as private. He was taken sick and discharged at Keokuk, Iowa, Nov. 11, 62. Re-enlisted January 20, '65, and served to the end.
Charles H. Baggs comes next on the list-this didn't suit at all, and he was therefore dubbed "Sacks."
William H. Castle was a resident of Camp Point, 17 years of age, a farmer boy ; enlisted August, 1861. Full of mischief, he, Posey and Blue Buck, at Chillicothe, determined to dispose of a dog that annoyed them by prowling around and stealing their provisions. Securing from the artillery boys some fuse and coarse powder, and loading up a chunk of meat, they lay for their victim. When he appeared and a few yards away the fuse was lighted, the dog gulped down the bait WILLIAM H. CASTLE. and then ! ! ! there was dog strewn on all the tents of company E. Captain Hanna remarked it looked as if there had been lots of chickens around but he could not . see any feathers. Castle was wounded in the left side at Don- elson, on the 13th of February, one of the first of the regiment to shed his blood in battle. He remained in the service until Oct. 22, when he was discharged for disability. Recovering he re-enlisted in 1863, in the 137th Illinois, and served to the end of the war, taking part in many skirmishes with Gen. Forest.
John H. Childs was better known as "Frosty." . It seems to us that Frolicking Jack would have been more appropriate. as he was always full of fun. He also was a resident of Camp Point, a recruit of October 1863, went with the regiment to the end. He was a great friend of our old mill. How cheerfully he would ease the task when, having been detailed to grind on it after a 20 mile march, by singing-
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'Here I am. Oh come here Bill, And help me grind Old Hanna's mill."
Calvin Covert was called "Push it." He is now. a Pres- byterian minister at Macomb. J. J. Earl was always called "Ballie." How he became possessed of that name we do not know. He is now a resident of Camp Point, his old home, en- gaged in the furniture business. His cousin, Isaac W., enlis- ted the same time with him but could not stand the exposures of the war, was taken sick and passed away at Rome, Ga., June 16th, 1864.
A. J. Flowers, or "Flowery Jack." Billy Goodnight, or "Slippeynight." Little John M. Kirkpatrick was called "Old Hiny Heely," he is now an M. E. preacher in Missouri. Eben- ezer Lewis, or "Blue Nose Kitty," was 19 years of age, now lives at Stillwater, Oklahoma. These eight were all residents of Camp Point, and recruits of 64.
David and Nathan Crystal, or as the boys called him "Crazy Nate," enlisted Oct. 30, 1861, at Chillicothe, Mo. They both re-enlist- ed and served to the end. David being mustered out as a Corporal. Nate was a good and trusty soldier, and will be remembered by many of the boys.
Here is a brief account of some of his achievements. At Shiloh, when, the regiment deployed, three men as skirmishers, were asked for from com- pany E. Nate, with George N. Nichols NATE. CRYSTAL. and John Boyer went forward to the edge of the brush in the ravine about 100 yards in front, found the enemy in force pre- paring to move around both flanks of the regiment. As the enemy charged the colors of an Alabama regiment were in our front; the skirmishers did not get back to the regiment before it had started to retreat. As the enemy came on the rebel col- ors and guard were close up to them and the color bearer was killed. Nate. broke his gun over one of the guards, picked up the colors and with George Nichols and John Boyer charged
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after the regiment. On their way to the rear they overtook a few of the boys endeavoring to carry Colonel Bane away. Ta- king hold he assisted them to the rear and returned to the reg- iment, The rebel colors were taken from him by a mounted officer and were lettered "2nd Alabama Infty Vol." In those days it was not realized nor understood what the historical value of such trophies were. Nate. re-enlisted and was always found at his post of duty.
He was wounded in the Atlanta campaign and carries the ball in his body to-day. Detailed as a forager on the march to the sea, he rendered efficient service; on one occasion with the 3rd brigade foragers charging a house and capturing 11 priso- ners with their arms and 13 horses. In this charge he was slightly wounded in the left thumb. As a successful forager he was hard to beat, and as we look at his picture we realize that he is getting old. He now lives at Attica, Kansas, and is proud to have been a member of the Fiftieth.
John Feehan was 16 years of age and lived at Keokuk. In company with Maurice Gleason, then 26 days older, and Peter Winn, about the same age, they ran away from home; going to Quincy with part of Mulligan's Irish brigade. The actions as well as the lives of these three boys were so closely connected that they were at once called by Captain Hanna his "Irish Brigade." Like Peck's bad boy, everything that was mischievous they were into. If anything was missing it was generally supposed that the Irish brigade could tell something about it, and when approached if the missing article was in sight in their possession they would unhesitatingly declare it came from the 57th, or 12th, or some other regiment. When the three started out for a lark they had a good one, and when they were joined by George and Dan Smart of E, the two Ketz- leys of B, and Dave Parks of F, they were nearly irresistible. The whole posse were never known to shirk a racket, and as for- agers were only limited by their carrying capacity. The brig- ade were very fond of company E and could not bear to see them go hungry if rations could be had even from other com- mands. If some of the other companies should lose some of
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their provisions, some one of the boys were ready to inform the loser that some one of the 7th, 39th or 57th had taken it, and if they would hurry they might secure it; they had seen them take it and run. As a matter of fact these boys knew how to get there.
Our first recollection of John was at St. Joseph ; here he was punished for not observing the proper guard rules-that is not being ready to fall in when called upon, and was punished by having his knapsack loaded with bricks and compelled to stand on a barrel. Ther the trio were engaged under Corporal A. B. Straub drilling in squad drill for punishment, but they being rebelions Capt. Hanna relieved him for a while. He soon got tired of that and set them to chopping wood. It became evident that this would soon bankrupt the Government to fur- nish axhandles, as they chopped them off and broke them up as fast as furnished. Then they were put to gathering up small stones. By this time Capt. Hanna and the Irish Brigade had became acquainted and no more trouble was experienced by him.
Of John Feehen it is related that one day at Corinth he was on provost guard, and with some others secured some whis- · key from a corporal of the Fiftieth. His post that night was at Colonel Chetlain's headquarters, and being pretty full he got the ax and raised Ned with the negro servants. Morning came and .he was arrested, brought before the Provost Marshal and asked where he got his whiskey; "from one of the 12th," he re- plied promptly. This being the regiment to which Colonel Chetlain belonged he would not believe it, and told him he must bring the man who provided the whiskey that night, or go to Alton prison. He was then placed in the dungeon and kept four hours, after which an orderly was sent to him to learn who it was. John directed him to return to the Colonel and tell him in emphatic language, "he would serve his time out in the dungeon before he would give him away." Major Hanna secured his liberation, however, and John was happy.
October 4, '62 found the Irish Brigade in line, and as it was forced back they were the last to leave the logs. Winn and
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Gleason were in advance and John called out, "wait, wait, wait for me." "Hell," said Gleason, "this is no place to wait," and on they went.
Of Peter Winn it may be said that the inci- dents participated in by one was as a general thing enjoyed by all. On the 15th day of March, 1891, death entered this . charmed circle, and the trio, cemented by years of service for country, was broken by the mus- ter-out of Winn, and he was tenderly laid to rest by his old comrade John Feehan. These two com- rades served out their term and were discharg- ed ' as "stoten-bottles," and remained constant friends until death separated them. .
The boys will remember Peter calling to Tom. Moore, who was always shouting something, to "close up! close up !"
Morris Gleason was called "Paddy." At Shiloh he was wounded by a buck-shot above the right knee, also on the left shoulder by a limb of tree cut off by a cannon ball. He re-en- listed at Lynnville, was promoted to Corporal and served to the end. Morris was one of the short ones who in wading Lynch creek could barely keep his head out of water in the deepest place, stepped off the road-bed and was pulled out by a com- rade. After the war he went to Texas and now lives at San Antonio.
J. B. Morrison, who was he? Why "That gosh-darned Four." Then there is Thos. W. Moore, better known as "Mat- tocks." He lived at Columbus and enlisted in October 61; re- enlisted at Lynnville, served his torm with the boys, and came
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home. Born a republican he remains so to-day, and is now living at St. Joseph, Mo.
Mordecai F. Riley was known as the "Mortal Bull." Geo. Smart, called "Trift," and Dan, his brother, "Old Head." Ar- den Sanders answered to the name of "Dirt Heels," and Jolin Sims of Baylis, "Old Domas." C. W. Trogden, our "Little Tom Tit," was the smallest and youngest in company E. Tough as the toughest, he served through to the end. It was always amusing to hear little "Tom Tit" singing lustily-
"There was a man and that was me,
That marched with Sherman to the sea."
Corporal Wm. D. Turner was a Pike county boy 18 years of age, raised on a farm, enlisted with the first of the boys, August 18, 1961; wounded severely at Shiloh; he re-en- listed, was sent on detached service and was mustered out as a Corporal. Grad- uated as a physician, practiced medi- cine and lived for many years at Car- { rollton, Green county, Illinois, and now resides at Passadena, California.
Richard U. White was born in WILLIAM D. TURNER. Limestone county, Alabama. February 17, 1838. Enlisted Feb. 16, 1862, from Coatsburg. Illinois and was discharged at Golds- borough, N. C., March 25, 1865, cause expiration of term of service.
Richard A. Wallace, or better known as "Corn," enlist- ted at Camp Point Feb. 26. '64, and was mustered out with the company. He has for many years been interested in banking, and is now living in California, and as his name indicates, is an important factor.
Pat. Kerwin, who has forgotten him. What wonderful big loads of blankets he used to "tote." picking them up when thrown away by the tired boys in front. Pat. was a dutiful soldier, trusty as could be, no one fooled with him while on duty, Pat. detested mules, and when the company was mount- ed upon them it was difficult to teach him to ride. "Prepare to
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