USA > Illinois > History of the Fiftieth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry in the war for the union > Part 44
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mount; mount;" and Pat. would climb into the saddle facing to the rear.
At Calhoun's Ferry, May 16, '64, several amusing inci- dents occurred that will be remembered, as related by one of the boys, a recruit. He writes :
"I shall never forget how the Fiftieth looked as we took our place in line to await the charge that seemed to me would surely come. The battery on our right was driven back and one or two guns dismounted. The shot and shell flying around. Our gallant Colonel and the Acting Sergeant Major walked along the line and in low tones gave orders to the boys to "keep cool," "lay low" "don't fire until the order is given, then aim low." Next to me was Frank Bryant on the skirmish line. Walking up to a stump he dropped on his knee, laid his gun across the stump just as coolly as if sighting a rabbit. That braced me up to see him so cool, for he was but a boy in years, but a man then, and a man of nerve.
"Then Nato Crystal, Joe Warner, James Simmons, better known as "Persimmons," and Cal. Covert went a little too far down the creek and met the enemy double quicking up the stream. It struck them by surprise, but I never saw boys do better to save themselves than they did. Persimmons said later that his back felt as broad as a load of hay and that every bullet would surely hit it. To Pat. I said "I thought you were killed." "No," said he, "I was down to the edge of the woods 'and the ribs. came close to me before I saw them, and they shouted "halt! halt! serrinder!" I said to them "I'll niver serrinder," and then there were two bullets met over me head and held a consultation wether they would kill me or not, and bedad I slipped away and here I am."
Nathan P. Willis enlisted Sept. 24, '61, from Columbus, aged 20 years, served with the regiment until in 1864, when he re-enlisted and on June 9, '64 was transferred to the U. S. Sig- nal Corps, then at Acworth, Ga. This part of the Signal Corps was afterwards mounted and served as scouts on Sherman's march to the sea and up through the Carolinas. Feb. 5th, '65, with the advance out reconnoitering, eight of them ran upon a
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FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
company of Wheeler's cavalry, sixty strong, in the Salkahatchie Swamp. here he received a shot in the left leg below the knee, to save his life amputation was found necessary; he was dis- charged in September 1865, and returned home in October; en- tered the mercantile business in Columbus and died August 6, 1870.
COMPANY F
W* 'AS organized from two localities in Hancock county, the first being raised in Warsaw by Dr. Cooldridge. Not having secured enough men to fill out the company a number from Dallas City, with William Snyder as their com- mander. consolidated with the Warsaw contingent and filled out the complement. It was expected that Dr. Cooldridge would be the Lieutenant Colonel of the regiment but before the arrangements were perfected he was appointed Examining Sur- geon at Quincy, and Wm. Snyder was commissioned Captain ; Charles May, from Warsaw, 1st Lieutenant and Charles Harris, of Dallas City, 2nd Lieutenant. William Weakley was appoin- ted 1st Sergeant and the others as shown in the roster.
Charley Early, one of Ellsworth's old company, coming in about this time was appointed 2nd Corporal, but being very proficient in drill, changes were soon made and the roster of non-commissioned officers was as follows: Charles Early, 1st Sergt: Charles Weakly, 2nd; D. J. Bliss, 3rd ; Charles D. Fee, 4th and Albert Martin, 5th. John W. Alexander being the tallest man in the company, became Ist Corporal. So many changes occur in a military organization from different causes, that it is difficult to record all as they transpired, but the fol- lowing are those who at one time served in the capacity of Cor- porals in company F: S. W. Blystone, O. G. Rauck, Thomas Stewart, Andrew Klerg, Henry Kendrick, William Ritchie, Ben- jamin Lambertson, Christopher C. Krabiel and Thomas Thomp- son. Henry Seeley was bass drummer and Edward Riley tenor.
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Riley was transferred to company C, and both re-enlisted as veterans and served to the end,
Benjamin Krabiel became fifer. Charlie May was in command of the company as Captain and wore Captain's straps from Fort Donelson, but on the morning of April 6, '62, Capt. Snyder returned and took command, and a short time after. April 27, Charlie resigned, went home and soon after died of consumption.
Charles Harris became 1st Lieutenant and Charles Early 2nd. Harris resigned June 20, '62, and was succeeded by Early who resigned Nov. 15, '62. Charles D. Fee was promoted to 2d Lieutenant June 20, '62, and November 15, '62, to 1st Lieuten- ant and William Weakly 2nd Lieutenant. Then on the 19th of January '63, Capt. Snyder resigned and Fee was promoted to Captain, Sergeant Simeon W. Blystone to 1st Lieutenant and Weakly resigned. By this time the casualties of war had re- duced the company in numbers as to render it not entitled to a full complement of commissioned officers. This was somewhat remedied by recruiting in the winter of 1864, but no further promotions were made.
Arriving in Rome the company was detached to repair the pontoon bridges and keep them in order, occasionally going out on scouts or reconnaisance, and by the 13th of September quite a number of the boys were mustered out. Lieut. Blystone , was detailed as Acting Adjutant. Capt. Fee discharged Sept. 15; Sergeant Martin on detached duty as wagon master, Bliss at provest headquarters and Joe Morgan home on veteran fur- lough, so that on the march to the sea the company was com- manded by its non-commissioned officers and served as guard to the trains on several occasions.
At Morrisville, N. C., April 6, '65, Special Order No. 20, Extract 2, assigned Lieut. Levi Wright of company A to com- mand, continuing so until arrival at Louisville, Ky. Here Ser- geant A. L. Martin was commissioned Captain, Joe Morgan who had returned at Goldsborough, 1st Lieutenant, Thos. S. Stewart 2nd Lieutenant and O. G. Rauck 1st Sergeant, and so mustered out.
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Of the original enlistment who veteraned there were twelve, of these Henry Hockenmock had been discharged for disability, William Ritchie was killed at Allatoona and ten mustered out with the company. Of the recruits, twenty-seven in number, Raymond Cherpitel, Andrew Kley, Benjamin Kra- biel, C. C. Krabiel, Joseph T. Lynn, John M. Morgan, Joseph Thompson and Wm. Thomas, were the only ones to be mustered ont. In addition were some 60 substitutes and drafted men, some of whom failed to report to the company ; also three un- der cooks of A. D. The number of enlisted men borne on the rolls from first to last was 158; which with three commissioned officers made up a total of 161. Of the officers that we now have a record Captain W. B. Snyder resides at Volga, S. D.
First Lieutenant Joseph M. Morgan was 10 years of age and resided at Warsaw, Ill. when he enlisted 18th of August '61. In De- cember 1863, was promoted Sergeant and was one of the first 20 non-commissioned officers that re-enlisted at Lynnville, Tenn., under the provisions of Order 191, series '63, War Department. In company with Corporal Andrew Kley of company F, he was sent to Illinois under Lieut. Col. Gaines to recruit LT. J. M. MORGAN. and was very successful, as may be learned from the roster of the company. He received his veteran furlough after the re- turn of the regiment from veteran furlough, and failed to rejoin the regiment before leaving Rome, so that he had to take the trip around by Newberne and was placed in the provisional army and in command of a detachment, taking part in the battle of Kinston, in the 23rd A. C., under Gen. Cox. Was wounded at Fort Donelson in the right elbow. At Louisville, Ky., was promoted 1st Lieutenant and is now a magistrate at Kahoka, Mo.
Sergeant Darius J. Bliss was 23 years of age when he enlisted in August 1861. Was promoted at the organization from private to 3rd Sergeant, and then Ist Sergeant, and hay-
(35)
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ing served his term of three years was discharged at Rome, Ga., in October 1864.
Lewis R. Collins was 19 years of age, single, and by occu- pation a clerk; resided at Keokuk, Iowa, and enlisted at Dallas City, Illinois, Aug. 17, 1861, as a private; was wounded at Cor- inth, Miss., Oct. 4, '62; re-enlisted with the company at Lynn- ville, Tenn., and was again wounded at Allatoona, Gas, Oct. 5 '64. At the close of the service was detailed to remain at Springfield to attend the muster-out and pay of the members then absent from the regiment on furlough and from other cause, and was discharged at Springfield, 24th of July, 1865. He will be remembered as a successful forager, and also as mas- querading in the uniform of a rebel major at Rome, Ga. Was the first President of the present Regimental Re-union Associa- tion held at Bushnell in October 1886.
Charles P. Crites enlisted as a substitute October 18th, 1864, at the age of 17. His company being on the march to the sea he was cut off from it and on arriving at Nashville was put in a provisional command and participated in the battle of "Nashville and pursuit of Hood. Returning was sent by the way of Philadelphia and the sea to his regiment, and joined it at Washington and remained with it until mustered out.
James B. Fordyce was 17 yeart of age when he enlisted and served in company F from the 18th day of August '61, to . the 3rd day of June 1862, when he was discharged for disability. Nov. 17th, 1863, he re-enlisted in company M 17th Ill. cavalry, and served to the end of the war, or Nov. 23, 1865.
A. B. Hinckly enlisted at 20 years of age. Was promo- ted to Corporal and for a long time had charge of the ambu- lance trains of the 3rd brigade, 2nd division, 16th A. C. He now lives at Galena, Kansas.
Nelson Harris, a quiet boy was 18 years of age. Both of these soldiers were discharged Sept. 27th, at Rome, having ser- ved out their term of enlistment. The latter resides at Burr Oak, Iowa.
At Shiloh Henry Hockenmock was struck on the head by a missile, cutting away a part of his ear. Spinning around
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FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
several times he loudly exclaimed, "Mine Got. der dop of mine head ish blown off." Nor did he stop until being assured by Lieutenant May that he was not badly hurt, he gathered him- self together and continued in the fray. He was a good soldier and will be remembered by all.
Fred. Mensendike was among the first to enlist from .Warsaw. He was on picket that stormy night at Donelson and found himself frozen to a tree against which he was lean- ing. He was a valiant and trusty soldier, and now lives at Camp Point. His brother Henry enlisted at the same time and was discharged at Rome, Sept. 27, 1864, by reason of expiration of term of service. He resides at Sutter, Ill.
Benjamin F. Krabiel, now of Kansas City, Mo., was 20 years of age and a cooper by occupation when he enlisted, on the 2nd day of February 1864, and was discharged with the regiment July 13, 1865, as a musician. This was his second en- listment, first serving as bugler in company D, 7th Missouri cavalry, from the 14th day of October 1861. Had two brothers in the Fiftieth regiment, one Isaac C., in company A, the other C. C., in company F.
Christopher C. Krabiel was past 18 when he enlisted on the 10th day of February 1864. June 19th was promoted to Corporal, and later detailed as a color guard-see flag chapter. He will be remembered for his promptness and general neat- ness, and especially for his exceptionally clean gun, in which he took great pride. This gun was frequently borrowed by the boys in order to appear well at guard mounting, with the ex- pretation that the holder of it would be excused from duty.
The Sergeant Major, whose duty it was to inspect the guards, soon came to a full knowledge of the scheme and it failed to carry favor in that direction, except when in the own- "rs hands. This comrade suffered from ill health, caused from exposure, and died April 22, 1893, at his home in Wintersett. lowa, from heart and lung trouble. He was drawing a pension for disability. Five months after his death the authorities at Washington notified him-the notice being received by his wife -that his pension would cease, as the disability for which he
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was pensioned had ceased to exist in a pensionable degree. Think for a moment, reader, what a thrust this must be to his wife and family who had cared for him so many years-while the best years of his life were laid upon his country's altar.
William Thomas, or "Billy the Kid," was born October 22, 1850, near Quincy, Ill. After several trials he succeeded in entering the service in company F, Feb. 5, 1864, and is, as far as we know, the youngest soldier of the regiment, one of Joe. Morgan's recruits. The circumstan- ces of his zeal in the cause is worth relat- ing. Having enlisted he was found to be too young, and was rejected; nothing daunted he tried again, with like results. The third time Joe. got him-coming down from Warsaw, where he had enlisted, it was found that there might be some difficulty in his passing muster, so a Mr. Holmes, merchant of Warsaw, was found, who con- sented to act as guardian, this provision having been made the guardian's consent was obtained and Billy became a soldier. He was then sent to Camp Butler, thence to St. Louis, Mo., New Orleans, La., Vicks- burg, Miss., Quincy, Ill., thence to Mem- WM. THOMAS. phis, Tenn., Cairo, Ill., Helena, Ark., Cairo, Clarksville, Ft. Donelson, Nashville, Chattanooga, Tenn., Kings- ton, Ga., and arrived at Rome, Ga., in May, 1864, and was mus- tered out with the company in July 1865. While Billy is con- sidered the youngest, Joseph E. Harding is possibly the small- est. Enlisted August 18, 1861, weighing 95 pounds, aged 22; discharged April 6, 1862, for disability. Resides at Check, Ky., in poor health, weighing 92 pounds.
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Perry C. Walker of Carmen, then a young man of 22, en- listed on the 28th of October 1861, as one of the first recruits, and was mustered out at Rome, Ga., Oct. 81, 1864.
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FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
COMPANY G
W AS organized in Quincy by George W. Brown, its members being recruited from Hancock, McDonough and Fulton counties, although quite a number were from adjoining counties. It was mustered into the service as part of the Adams county regiment, Sept. 12, '01, with George W. Brown, Captain ; Selah W. King, 1st Lieutenant and Edward P. Barrett, 2nd Lieu- tenant, the non-commissioned officers as shown in the roster.
While the company was being organized it was under- stood that arrangements had been made with Captain Brown, that for his assistance in recruiting for and organizing the regi- ment he would be tendered the position of Major. With this assurance and expectation he soon succeeded in organizing the company, and by the 20th of August it was located at Camp Wood and known as company G.
Captain Brown then went to Ripley, in Brown county, and induced Captain Samuel R. Glenn, then organizing a com- pany, to unite with the Adams county regiment. The move- ment was successful. The Captain tendered his company to Dr. M. M. Bane, it and company I, arriving in camp Sept. 30. At the election of officers for the regiment George W. Randall, who expected to be 1st Lieutenant of company E, succeeded in getting the position of Major, and Dec. 12 Captain Brown re- signed and entered the 26th Missouri vols., as Ist Lieutenant and Adjutant ; he was succeeded by 1st Lieutenant S. W. King, and he in turn by Lieut. E. P. Barrett, and he by 1st Sergeant Lewis Zolman.
The company served with the regiment in all its battles and marches, and was composed of as good a body of men as could be found. It was always considered that when company G was sent to take anything they would get it. This title to a record was early conceded to them and to illustrate it the fol- lowing incident is related as having occurred at Shiloh on the 2nd day of the battle :
It seems that some regiment had been ordered to take a battery, which they failed to do. The commanding officer re-
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ported the fact to General Grant, stating that he could not take it with his command. The General seemed surprised and said to the officer that "he could bring up company G of the Fiftieth Illinois and they would take it without losing a man."
As a company it was nearly full in numbers; was on de- tached service near Burnsville, Miss., guarding R. R. in 1862, a short time, and during the Georgia and Carolina campaigns fre- quently detailed as train guards.
Of the members of company G, Capt. King having resign- ed at the expiration of his three years term, was afterwards ap- pointed as Military State Agent, with rank of Colonel, and as- signed to duty in New Orleans, La., resigning July 26, '65.
Captain Jacob Fleming having been promoted from Ser- geant to 1st Lieutenant and July 10, '65, to Captain was mus- tered out as 1st Lieutenant and now resides at Eureka, Ill.
Quartermaster Mervin B. Converse was 1st Sergeant, then 1st Lieutenant, Adjutant, Quartermaster, and July 1, '65, com- missioned Lieutenant Colonel but not mustered. He has since the war occupied a prominent position as clerk in the Adju- tant General's office and of the United States Court at Spring- field, Ill.
Second Lieutenant James P. Strode was 3rd Sergeant, promoted to 1st Sergeant and 2nd Lieutenant, served his term of enlistment and returned home. He is now a prominent physician of Table Grove, III.
Albert S. Wright, a Sergeant, having received a commis- sion as 2nd Lieutenant, was killed at Allatoona before he was mustered and his commission cancelled.
Jesse B. Strode, a Sergeant, also received a commission but was unable to be mustered. He follows the legal profession and is at present a District Judge at Lincoln, Neb.
William Bogue. a farmer boy 18 years of age and resid- at Vermont, enlisted as a recruit by James W. DeVaney, in company G, Feb. 13, 1864. He was one of the boys who had heard of the "lots of fun" to be derived from being mounted, and he desired to be a dragoon. Soon after the regiment reach- ed Lynnville in '64 he secured a steed, and one day William was
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FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
sen coming flying down street on an immense mule. The noise of his coming brought every one in sight to the road-side, and among them was Lieut. Col. Gaines, who had issued the order against fast riding (see page 233). He immediately shouted "Ilalt! halt! Stop that mule! By Joe Betsey, halt!" But Bill's blood was up and so was the mule's; more so because of the exhilerating effect of a spur in each flank. On he went past Major Hanna, who commanded him to halt, which was done as soon as he could get Jim, the mule, to understand. He was asked by Major Hanna where he was going and directed to dismount and report to headquarters. The return was slowly made for William knew of trouble ahead. Approaching the Colonel he saluted and asked what he wanted, and replying said "I couldn't for the life of me help it, Colonel, that divel of a mule sat his tath on the bits and all the saints couldn't have stopped him." "Take your mule and go to your quarters, sir," was the reply, and light hearted, Billy was off. He served with the company and was mustered out a Corporal in July '65.
Among the members of company G were the four Bab- bitts. Israel, a Corporal, died at Paducah, in '62, one of them, James, was promoted Corporal, was shot in the face at the frolic of the 16th of May, 1864; one was promoted Sergeant and dis- charged for disability, while John J. was also promoted Corporal and color guard, all had left the service at expiration of their term of enlistment.
William S. Crell was a substitute, only a boy however. He enlisted November 26, 1864, and was mustered out with the boys at the end.
James W. DeVaney was from Bernadotte; at organiza- tion of company was made 3rd Sergeant; re-enlisted, was de- tailed with Col. Gaines to go on recruiting service as one of the twenty non-commissioned officers. Promoted Ist Sergeant and upon return to regiment in May, '64, promoted to Sergeant Major. Then received orders to recruit for the 1st Alabama In- fantry and no further report being received from him upon the arrival of the regiment at Alexandria, he was reduced to ranks and assigned to company G, and mustered out as commissioned in 1st Alabama Infantry.
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Will. Henry Evans of Bushnell, was one of the first to enlist. He is now 53 years of age. Had the measles in St. Joe. He veteraned. of course, and went through with the boys. Since the war has suffered from the effects of the service from heart and lung trouble. Resides now at Row Landing, La.
Martin and George Fate of Bernadotte, were early boys, served their term and now reside at Smithfield, Ill.
David B. Gregory, now getting on in years, enlisted in 1865. He is a prosperous farmer and lives at Bardolph.
John A. Hoopes, whose cut is shown in the flag chapter, resided at Vermont, Illinois. Was born on the 20th of Decem- ber 1849. enlisted in company G January 26, 1864, a few days over 14 years of age, therefore is one of the youngest soldiers of the war. Was with Sherman to the sea; wounded at Lynch Creek by a gun shot wound side of the head; marched in the Grand Review and was discharged with the regiment at muster- out. Not satisfied with civil life he enlisted on the 26 of Sep- tember 1867, in battery B, 4th U. S. artillery, to serve three years, and was discharged at Fort Riley as a Sergeant, Sept. 26, 1870. Is now a flourishing miller at Ipava, Ill.
Bruce Knox enlisted October 1, 1861. A good, stout, healthy boy of 16. Caught the measles in 1861, resulting in defective eye-sight. He was mustered out at Rome, Ga., on the 28th of September 1864. Since then has lost his sight from the above cause. His brother, Wallace, enlisted at the same time, veteraned in 1864, and was mustered out July 13, 1865, as a Sergeant.
Thomas H. Leslie enlisted September 10, 1861; was dis- charged to accept promotion as Hospital Steward, U. S. A. and is mentioned on page 460. He is now a prominent business man of Stuttgart, Ark.
Denning R. Moon was also one of the first that enlisted ; also Winchester W. McMenimie, who was mustered out Sept. 27, as a Sergeant.
John W. Rankins served as Corporal and was mustered ont Sept. 27, 1864, resides at Jotmore Kansas. Anson L. Wil-
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FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
liams, also one of the "Stotes" mustered out Sept. 27th, 1864; lives at Peoria, Iowa.
Now old Tommy Wilkinson must not be forgotten. The Surgeon must have discovered his peculiarities for the benefit of the sick, for Special Order No. 20, Corinth, Miss., June 15th, 1863, extract IIII, reads: "Thomas Wilkinson, private compa- ny G, 50th Illinois Infantry, is horeby detailed as nurse in hos- pital, and will report to Surgeon Kendall for duty immediate- ly." This looks very well on paper, but the facts are, he was detailed as washer-woman ; was a jovial old fellow and a source of fun to all the kids, many of whom will remember his quaint and funny sayings; and doubtless many of the boys owe their recovery from homesickness to his lively associations.
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COMPANY H
W AS organized at Mt. Sterling, Rushville and Ripley, in Brown county, with a few' from Schuyler. Its first officers, Samuel R. Glenn, Captain ; William S. Ishmel, 1st Lieutenant; John S. Cooper, 2nd Lieutenant and non-com- missioned officers as noted in the roster. Of the commissioned officers Captain Glenn was promoted Major vice Randall. Lieu- tenant Ishmel resigned and was succeeded by Lieut. Cooper.
This company while organizing, was induced by Capt. Brown of company G, to unite with the Fiftieth and by this means assisted in filling up the ranks of the regiment. It served continuously with the regiment.
The incidents and adventures of this company are, as with others, much varied, but such as might fall to the lot of any.
It was on account of a one-eyed Corporal and several others defective in eye sight, who were members of this compa- ny, that the name by which the regiment was made famous, of the "Blind Half Hundred," was obtained; an appellation of which every member has felt proud.
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An officer of the company writes as follows;
"Company H was gifted as a whole with brave, kind and genial officers, although some of them were not as proficient in military tactics as others. The writer calls to mind an amius- ing incident illustrative of this fact, that occurred in camp in the vicinity of Corinth, in the summer of 1863, as follows: All the comrades of company H will remember Lieut. Fielding F. Glenn, brave as the bravest, and withal a jovial and kind heart- ed man. One day while on regimental drill with Major Hanna commanding the regiment and Lieut. Glenn in command of the company, Major Hanna gave a command, which I do not exact- ly remember, but we were marching in two ranks, right in front, and at a given point it was necessary for company H to "file left." We neared the point but Lieut. Glenn could not think of the right command. Major Hanna was a short distance away watching the movements of the various companies, and taking in the situation yelled out; "Lieutenant what are you doing? Bring your men into position." The Lieutenant knew what should be done, but his memory still failed him; finally in his desperation he waved his sword above his head and shout- ed; "Whoa haw, come around." That settled it. The boys "come around" and soon occupied their proper position. The command should have been, "Company, file left, march."
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