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April 24, 1861. July 16, 1865.
COMPANY K,
Twentieth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry.
ROSTER and RECORD
BY
ANDREW BROWN.
YORKVILLE, ILL.
KENDALL COUNTY RECORD PRINT
1894.
PREFACE.
At the last annual reunion of the association of the survivors of the 20th
Illinois Regiment, held in Chicago September 8, 1893, I was assigned the
duty of preparing a roster of Company K. This little publication is the
result of my efforts to perform that duty. It is intended for the
surviving members of the Company and their descendants, for relatives and
friends of deceased members and for all others into whose hands it may
chance to come, who are interested in learning about the men who fought
and won battles that secured to America liberty and union.
ANDREW BROWN.
NEWARK, ILLINOIS, June, 1894.
ROSTER AND RECORD.
REUBEN F. DYER, M. D., Ottawa, Ill.
Born at Strong, Franklin county, Maine. Volunteered at Newark, Ill., April
15, 1861. Was elected Captain. Commanded Company at Fredericktown, Fort
Henry and Fort Donelson. Resigned commission as Captain of Company K March
13, 1862, at Pittsburg Landing, Tennessee, with view of obtaining a
position in the line of his profession. August 25, 1862, was commissioned
Surgeon, 104th Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, which commission he
held till close of war, and, at close was acting Medical Director 14th
Army Corps, General Jefferson C. Davis commanding. Has practiced medicine
at Ottawa since 1865. For a number of years a member of U. S. Board
Examining Surgeons. Is not a pensioner. A republican. A Methodist.
BENJAMIN OLIN, Joliet, Ill.
Born in State of New York. Volunteered at Newark, Ill., in April, 1861.
Elected Orderly Sergeant of Company. May, 1861, commissioned First
Lieutenant. Served with Company in Missouri till November, 1861, when he
resigned on account of ill health. Has been in the practice of law since
1862. At present County Judge of Will county, Ill. Is not a pensioner. Has
never applied for a pension. A liberal democrat. A Methodist.
JOHN N. BOYER, Normal, Ill.
Born in Centre county, Pennsylvania. Volunteered May 10, 1861, at Newark,
Ill. Discharged February 15, 1864, on account of wound received at
Vicksburg. Was appointed Orderly Sergeant June 13, 1861. Commissioned 2d
Lieutenant January 22, 1862; Captain March 13, 1862.
AT SHILOH.
On April 6, 1862, had mumps very badly, and had neck wrapped with red
flannel. Nevertheless, went out in command of the Company. Had sword
struck by a missile and bent nearly double, and received two slight wounds
in the face. At noon was compelled to retire from the Company. When going,
several of the boys turned over their pocket-books to him for safe
keeping. Joined us, and took command of the Company, at daylight the next
morning and was in all the second day's fighting.
AT BRITTON'S LANE.
On September 1, 1862, was indisposed and was riding in an ambulance with
Assistant Surgeon Bailey and Chaplain Button. When first shots were heard
at Britton's Lane he jumped out, buckled on his sword and asked Dr. Bailey
to give him a strong dose of whisky and quinine and then went forward on a
run to take charge of the Company. This is a true story, because Chaplain
Button tells it.
AT VICKSBURG.
On May 22, 1863, while in command of the Company at Vicksburg he was shot
in the foot. On this occasion he lost his sword that had been battered at
Shiloh; also, most of his other personal effects. He was discharged on
account of this wound and receives pension therefor at the rate of twenty
dollars a month.
A MAN OF PEACE.
Since war has been teacher, farmer, business man and cattle man in the
West. Is broken in health. Rheumatism and other debilities. Says he can't
work much. We understand he does not have to. In one sense of the word it
is supposed he is well-heeled, although in another sense it is certain he
is very badly heeled. In religion a Methodist; in politics a radical
republican.
PERRY W. SPELLMAN, Fellowship, Florida.
Born in Pittsford, Monroe county, New York. Volunteered April 24, 1861, at
Newark, Ill. Mustered out July 16, 1865, by reason of close of war. Was
appointed Sergeant in May, 1861. Detailed on recruiting service from
December, 1861, to June, 1862. Was Orderly Sergeant for a few months, then
reduced to the ranks and detailed as acting Hospital Steward and dispenser
of medicine. Was commissioned First Lieutenant March 2, 1863, and Captain
February 23, 1865.
On May 12, 1863, during our desperate struggle behind the rail fence at
Raymond, Comrade Spellman had the command of the Company. Near the close
of that battle, when our lines were advancing through the woods, he was
hit in the side by a bullet and disabled for a time. From May 22, 1865, he
commanded the Company during the siege of Vicksburg, and continued in
command till the latter part of the siege of Atlanta. Was on detached
service as acting assistant Quartermaster 3d Division 17th Army Corps,
from October, 1864, till final muster out.
Since the war has mostly followed business pursuits. Has lived in
Illinois, in South Dakota, and is now in Florida. On December 25, 1893, he
wrote thus: "I came to Florida in January, 1890, and will probably spend
the remainder of my days here. The climate is much more agreeable to me
than that of the chilly North. Roses in full bloom and fresh vegetables
for the table all winter." Pensioned for disability incurred in the army.
FAAGUST ANDERSON, Westport, Brown County, South Dakota.
May, 1861-August 1, 1862. Born in Sweden. Came to America in 1852. Twenty
years old when enlisted. Was shot in wrist at Shiloh and discharged
because of wound. Enlisted in another regiment in August, 1863, and
mustered out in December, 1865, on account of close of war. Is pensioned
at rate of ten dollars a month for wound received at Shiloh, and other
disabilities. Has been farming since the war. Is a republican, but not a
church member.
CHARLES BACON, Clinton, Oneida County, New York.
April, 1861-July, 1865. Born in Paris, Oneida county, New York.
Thirty-three years old when enlisted. Pensioned at rate of eight dollars a
month for disability incurred in army. Pension granted December, 1893.
Votes the republican ticket as often as he has a chance to do so, but in
religion is not very particular. Just goes to whatever church is handiest.
JAMES BARROWS, Newark, Ill.
April, 1861-July 24, 1862. Born in Perry, Wyoming county, New York. Was
twenty-six years old when enlisted. Pensioned at twelve dollars a month.
Is a painter. A member of Baptist church. A republican. Was in the ranks
of Company K at Fredericktown, Fort Henry, Fort Donelson and Shiloh.
MARTIN BISSELL, Plano, Ill.
May, 1861-October 3, 1862. Born in Addison county, Vermont. Twenty-one
years old when enlisted. Slightly wounded at Fort Donelson. At Shiloh was
struck with fragment of bursting shell Sunday morning, in region of hip,
while regiment was executing a retreat after first engagement with the
enemy. Soon afterwards was struck in thigh with spent ball, and later in
the battle had part of right thumb nail knocked off and bayonet scabbard
cut by another ball. At Britton's Lane was shot in right shoulder; was
discharged because of this wound, and draws pension therefor at the rate
of eight dollars a month. Since discharged has been engaged in
agricultural and mechanical pursuits. A republican. A Methodist.
ANDREW BROWN, Newark, Illinois.
April, 1861-July 14, 1864. Born of Irish parents, in Kendall county, Ill.
Seventeen years old when enlisted. Did not go with Company from Newark to
Joliet on Saturday, May 11, 1861, because, on that morning, clothes and
other necessaries were missing, but the next day, being fairly equipped,
he started on foot for Camp Goodell, east of Joliet, at 10 o'clock a. m.
and reached destination at 4 p. m. Was farther away from home then than he
had ever been before in his life. Had made a march of nearly thirty miles
in six hours, but was in very "light marching order." Was not encumbered
with a single superfluous article. When he reported in camp, Lieutenant
Watson ordered the Company to form ranks and then called for three cheers
for the boy they left behind them. From the day he left home till he
returned, a period of more than three years, this volunteer never slept in
a bed nor sat at a table to eat a meal of victuals. Was never on detailed
duty, never straggled from the ranks and, while a soldier, never missed a
march, campaign, skirmish or battle, except when wounded and a prisoner in
the hands of the enemy. When long roll was beat Sunday morning at Shiloh,
he had his gun off the stock and was swabbing out the barrel in a pail of
water. Was under arrest and in guard house once only. Charges preferred
were "committing depredations on private property." The "depredation"
consisted of milking a cow in canteen. Read the New Testament through
three times in the army. Has the little volume yet which Chaplain Button
presented in May, 1861. It has been out in many a storm and is badly
soaked and soiled. Was slightly wounded at Britton's Lane. Was shot twice
through leg at Raymond and captured by the enemy. A prisoner for two
months. Since discharged has been student, teacher, lawyer, farmer. Has
never been greenbacker, free-silver man nor protective tariff man. Is a
democrat, but has much regard and respect for prohibitionists. In religion
liberal. Catholic rather than Protestant.
JOHN CAREY, Blackstone, Ill.
May, 1861-July 16, 1865. Born in Limerick, Ireland. Came to America in
November, 1860. Was twenty-one years old when enlisted.
The preliminary skirmishing of an impending battle always acted like a
tonic on this comrade, and he was never known to be out of condition
whenever a battle was on. Was as good a soldier as ever fought under the
Stars and Stripes.
Captured July 22, 1864, near Atlanta, and confined in Confederate prisons
for nearly seven months. Finally escaped and reached Union lines near
Wilmington, N. C., February 22, 1865. Pensioned at rate of twenty dollars
a month for disabilities incurred in Andersonville Prison. Is a
bachelor--to me it is an utterly unaccountable fact that so congenial a
soul as John Carey should choose to live alone in life. Some girl may
capture him yet. His widow would probably receive a nice pension when John
is gone. Comrade Carey claims that he votes the republican ticket,
although he is a true Irishman and a good Catholic. He did not reply to my
letter of inquiry.
CHARLES CLAYTON, 26 Union St., Wakefield Road, Stalysbridge, Lancashire,
England, Europe.
April, 1861-July 25, 1862. Born in England. Draws pension at rate of eight
dollars a month for disabilities incurred in service. Enrolled at
Washington, D. C., Agency. Certificate No. 411,108.
FRANKLIN CLIFFORD, Seneca, Ill.
April, 1861-July 16, 1865. Born in St. Louis, Missouri. Twenty-one years
old when enlisted. Received some slight wounds. There was no discount on
this comrade's fighting qualities. I remember that very distinctly. Was
captured near Atlanta July 22, 1864. A prisoner seven months and ten days.
Exchanged at Wilmington, N. C., March 1, 1865. Is pensioned at twelve
dollars a month for disabilities incurred in service. Is a laborer. He
writes thus: "I always vote the republican ticket. I suppose I ought to be
a religious man, but I am not."
ANDERSON CONNER, No. 2219 Messanie St., St. Joseph, Missouri.
June 9, 1861-July 16, 1865. Born in Hunterdon county, New Jersey. Eighteen
years old when enlisted. Wounded at Raymond and captured. Sent to Libby
prison. A prisoner only seventeen days. Was then paroled and sent to St.
Louis to await exchange. Remained at St. Louis nearly four months. Was
then exchanged and served with Company K to close of war. Is pensioned at
rate of ten dollars a month for disabilities incurred in the service. His
paternal grandfather was in the Revolution and war of 1812. He says he has
two big boys that might do for soldiers if they were drafted and put under
guard where they could not run.
From 1867 to 1893 lived in Wisconsin; was engaged in lumbering and
farming, but did not make a fortune. In June, 1893, went to Dwight, Ill.;
stayed there two months, then went west to take a new start in life.
JAMES COYLE, St. Louis, Missouri, No. 624-626 Washington Ave.
May, 1861-July 16, 1865. Was captured near Atlanta July 22, 1864, and
confined in Confederate prisons. Escaped and recaptured in woods with
dogs. Escaped again and succeeded in reaching the Union lines after
traveling a distance of one hundred and fifty miles. Was wounded in
trenches at Vicksburg. Is pensioned for wound. Was a very determined and
resolute fighter in battle. Since war has been in business and has been
successful. Is probably a democrat. Has a democratic name and lives in a
democratic State. Did not answer my letter of inquiry. The facts here
given are from previous knowledge.
Since writing the foregoing I have received a letter from this comrade. He
was not mustered out with the regiment in July, but was retained in
service by special order of War Department and mustered out September 26,
1865, at Louisville. Was shot through the right hand in front of Fort
Hill, Vicksburg, May 21, 1863. When captured near Atlanta July 22, 1864,
he was sent to Andersonville. On September 11, 1864, while in transit from
Andersonville to another prison he and George Wilson of Company K escaped
from the cars at midnight and were out fifteen days. Traveled at night and
lay in concealment during the day. Were finally captured and confined in a
common prison at Augusta, Ga., for three weeks. Was then sent to the new
prison at Millen. Was there only one day when he escaped for the second
time with a soldier of the Fifteenth Ohio regiment. Was out the second
time only eleven days and was again captured, and again taken to Augusta;
was there two days when he made a third escape with a Pennsylvania
soldier. "After twenty-one days by constant night travel, we reached
Sherman's army at Atlanta."
In politics a republican; in religion a Presbyterian.
JEROME B. DANN, DeWitt, Saline County, Nebraska.
June 4, 1861-July 16, 1865. Born in Pennsylvania. Seventeen years old when
enlisted. Captured near Atlanta July 22, 1864. A prisoner for several
months. Escaped and recaptured in the woods. Since the war has followed
contracting and building, and is at it yet to some extent. Health is quite
unsatisfactory. Draws pension at rate of twelve dollars a month.--Has been
connected with Congregational church for twenty years. Has always been a
republican and expects to die a republican. You may live a long time yet,
Jerome.
RUDOLPH FAVREAU, West New Brighton, Richmond County, N. Y.
May, 1861-July 14, 1864. Born in Germany. Thirty-five years old when
enlisted. Was the company fifer. Rudolph writes thus: "Ich bin 68 Yahre
alt. Kam nach Amerika 1858, und bin ein Gartner. Ich leide an Reimatismus
und kan garnicht mehr arbeiten und muss nun von meine Pension leben von
$12 monathlich. Auszerdem gehoere ich zuder G. A. R. Post, No. 545, Port
Richmond. Ich belange zu der Deutsche Kirche."
JOHN T. GRAY, Blairsville, Indiana County, Pennsylvania.
April, 1861-July 14, 1864. Twenty-one years old when enlisted. Re-enlisted
soon after discharge from Company K and served one year in U. S. veteran
reserve corps. Is not in good health. Pensioned at rate of $4,00 a month
for rheumatism contracted in the service. Since the war has done a little
of a great many different things. When a boy he associated himself with
the republican party in the days of Fremont and Dayton, and has never had
just cause or provocation to change. Just now, December, 1893, he sees a
blanked sight less cause to change his opinion than ever. In religion, a
free thinker, he professes that he is not a Christian. He does not want to
become a Christian and does not want to be classed as such. Has wife and
happy family, owns the roof above them and lives contentedly. Has never,
since his discharge, seen a single Company K man and but one man of the
regiment.
SAMUEL HAGERMAN, Yorkville, Ill.
June 1, 1861-July 16, 1865. Born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. Was
twenty-seven years old when enlisted. At battle of Shiloh Samuel's gun was
knocked to pieces by some kind of a missile. At Raymond he was shot in the
shoulder and leg, and in the Georgia campaign had a finger shot off.
Receives pension for wounds at rate of eight dollars a month. Member of
Presbyterian church. A republican.
NICHOLAS HANSON, Battle Creek, Ida County, Iowa.
May 8, 1861-July 16, 1865. Born in Schoharie county, New York. He says he
was only seventeen years old when he enlisted. Was wounded July 21, 1864,
near Atlanta. Draws pension for wounds at rate of four dollars a month. Is
farming now and has been most of the time since the war. Is a
Presbyterian. Votes the republican ticket under all circumstances. Is
willing to support anything the party puts up. "If you or any other
Company K folks are ever out this way hunt me up. I own a quarter-section
farm four miles west of town in as good a country as is around Newark. I
have never been able to meet you at any of the reunions, but I am always
glad to get a card of invitation."
MARSHALL HAVENHILL, Miner, Miner County, South Dakota.
Enlisted at Newark in April, 1861. July 20, 1861, was transferred to the
regimental band.
GEORGE HOPGOOD, Morton, Lewis County, Washington.
April, 1861-July 23, 1862. Born in England. Came to America in 1857.
Twenty-one years old when enlisted. Is pensioned at the rate of four
dollars a month for disabilities incurred in service.
Since the war has lived most of the time at Clinton, Missouri, and has
worked as a stone-mason. Has gone west and taken a homestead and intends
to grow up with the country. Is a "republican all the way through". In
religion he is a true Christian. Adopts the grand principles of the Sermon
on the Mount. Get your Bibles, turn to Matthew vii, 12, and read the rule
that he lives by. That is good religion, George. None better was ever
formulated. Live right up to it and you need have no fear of torment or
torture in the life beyond this life.
EDWIN HOWES, Eola, DuPage County, Illinois.
April, 1861-July 15, 1865. Born in State of New York. Twenty-two years old
when enlisted. Wounded and captured at Britton's Lane. Paroled. Captured
again near Atlanta, July 22, 1864, and sent to Confederate prisons.
Escaped from prison and reached Union lines near Wilmington, North
Carolina, February, 1865. Pensioned at the rate of twelve dollars a month
for disabilities incurred in the service. Is a farmer. A prohibitionist.
Professes to be a Christian.
DR. WILLIAM H. H. HUTTON, Surgeon U. S. Marine Hospital Service,
Detroit, Mich.
Born in York, Jefferson county, Ohio. Enlisted in Company K, 20th Illinois
regiment, June 17, 1861, at the age of twenty-three years; discharged
therefrom August 28, 1862, for deafness caused by concussion of cannon at
battle of Pittsburg Landing. Had participated in all battles in which
Company was engaged up to date of discharge.
September 2, 1862, enlisted in Company D, 104th regiment Illinois
volunteers. Reported to his Company at Louisville, Ky., October 2, 1862.
Appointed Sergeant April 10, 1863. Appointed Color-Sergeant on battlefield
of Chicamauga September 20, 1863. Wounded at battle of Missionary Ridge
November 25, 1863. On account of disabilities was sent to Chicago, Ill.,
March, 1864. Was chief clerk Desmarres eye and ear military hospital,
Chicago, from July 4, 1864, to March 8, 1865, at which date was discharged
from 104th Illinois regiment by order of Secretary of War. Was appointed
Hospital Steward U. S. A. March 8, 1864 in which capacity he served till
April 1, 1871, thus making a military record of ten years. As Hospital
Steward, U. S. A., he served at the following places: Chicago, Ill.;
Montgomery, Mobile, and Forts Gaines and Morgan, Alabama; Charleston,
S. C.; Newbern and Raleigh, N. C.; Key West and Dry Tortugas, Florida.
September 8, 1871, was appointed Hospital Steward in U. S. Marine
Hospital, Mobile, Alabama; resigned July 4, 1874.
Graduated from Chicago Medical College March 16, 1875. May 8, 1875, was
appointed Assistant Surgeon U. S. Marine Hospital service. This
appointment was made on results of competitive examination. Promoted to
Surgeon October 5, 1876. As a United States medical officer has served at
ports of New York, Cincinnati, Mobile, Key West, New Orleans, Baltimore,
and is now serving second tour at Detroit.
Has served as Medical Inspector of the Life-Saving Service, is on several
examing boards, and has had a great deal to do with National quarantine
matters, especially as regards yellow fever and cholera. On one occasion
represented the authority of the United States for several months, in
quarantine matters, on the entire Florida coast.
This is a very brief summary of Comrade Hutton's life for nearly
thirty-three years.
JAMES JENNINGS, Sheridan, LaSalle County, Ill.
April, 1861-July 16, 1865. Born in state of New York. Twenty-one years old
when enlisted. Was one of the very first to volunteer at Newark; probably
signed the roll April 15, 1861. He also re-enlisted for another three
years as soon as he had an opportunity to do so, which was December 16,
1863. Is well charged with grit. Was shot in shoulder at Britton's Lane.
Was captured July 22, 1864, near Atlanta, and sent to Andersonville; made
three escapes from prison; first and second were unsuccessful; was
recaptured both times in the woods, after traveling many nights and
undergoing great hardships. Third escape proved successful. Reached Union
lines near Wilmington, N. C, Feb. 22, 1865. Is pensioned at rate of four
dollars a month for wound received at Britton's Lane. Is a farmer.
Non-sectarian in religion; republican in politics.
Comrade Jennings has been greatly bereaved by the loss of his wife who
died at South San Diego, Cal., April 14, 1894. He and daughter Edith
accompanied her to the Pacific coast during the preceding autumn, vainly
attempting to save her from the fatal malady to which she finally
succumbed. Our comrade's home is now desolate.
ELIAS KILMER, Prophetstown, Whiteside County, Ill.
April 24. 1861-July 14, 1864. Born in Oswego county, New York. Twenty-one
years old when enlisted. September 5, 1864, enlisted in 146th Regiment,
Illinois Volunteers, and was discharged therefrom July 5, 1865, by reason
of the termination of the war. Is pensioned at rate of six dollars a
month. Since the war has been a farmer. This is the way Elias writes:
"Politics, black republican. In regard to religion, my wife belongs to the
Methodist church. I suppose you preached prohibition and voted
democratic." There are very many republicans of my acquaintance whom I
would be glad to see preaching prohibition although they continue to vote
the republican ticket. No class of American citizens would be more greatly
blessed and benefitted by prohibition than republicans.
JOHN LEACH, Morris, Ill.
April, 1861-July 16, 1865. Born in West Virginia. Twenty-two years old
when enlisted. A carpenter. A very active republican--never preaches
prohibition. Is a christian, but has not worked at the trade for many
years. Did not answer my letter, and am unable to give further facts from
memory.
JAMES B. LITTLEWOOD, Washington, D. C., No. 415, B Street, N. E.
April, 1861-July, 1865. Born in England. Was struck, I think, by a spent
ball at Britton's Lane. Was a good soldier. Since war, has held clerical
positions in Washington; is now in the Patent Office. While performing
clerical duty, studied medicine and graduated from Medical College at
Georgetown, D. C. Owns a home in Washington. Is probably a democrat at the
present time. Did not answer my letter of inquiry.
JOHN P. MULLENIX, Fairfield, Iowa.
May, 1861-March 25, 1862. Born in Ohio. Thirty-six years old when
enlisted. Receives pension at rate of thirty dollars a month for
disability incurred in service; has drawn pension from date of discharge.
Badly crippled; cannot go without crutches; has no use of left arm and
shoulder; rheumatism is the main difficulty. Is a Presbyterian in belief,
and a republican from principle.
ALBERT PIERSON, 10 Prospect Street, East Orange, New Jersey.
June 3, 1861-November 20, 1862. In 1863, when Confederate army came up
into Pennsylvania, enlisted in a militia company, and served thirty days.
Born in Orange, N. J. Was twenty-two years old when enlisted. Had the
pleasure of participating in only one battle during the war--that of
Fredericktown, Missouri. About November 1, 1861, became very sick at
Bird's Point, Missouri. On the 20th of that month received furlough and
went to Mr. Jessup's, Na-au-say township, Kendall county, Illinois, where
he remained for six months a very sick man. In May, 1862, was sent to East
Orange, N. J., his former home, in charge of a personal attendant, and
came near dying on the journey. Remained at East Orange, sick, for four
months. In August reported to hospital, on Bedloe Island, from which he
was discharged November 20, 1862, and it is the regret of Comrade Pierson
that he was not with Company K, 20th Illinois Regiment, during the whole
war. Since discharged he has been seriously sick, and has paid out money
to doctors. "Yet, I believe there is One above who rules over all, and
when my time comes no doctor can save me." (Doctor Taylor, what think you
of this?) Comrade Pierson is a Presbyterian. He is not a pensioner; he has
never applied for pension. He is a republican; is a powerful republican,
and is in grief because of the ascendancy of the democratic party. This is
the way he writes: "O, what a great big humbug Grover is, anyway; he ought
to be in England, not America. I recall the night after the election; I
expected nothing from New Jersey--she has always been a democrat--but I
did expect good news from the Prairie state. At twelve o'clock report
came, 'Illinois is against Harrison.' At first I refused to believe it. I
had been proud of Illinois up to that time, as I had spent some years
there, but now I am in sorrow for her." Albert, I am surprised that a
grave and serious man of mature years would sit up till twelve o'clock
watching election returns. Don't do it again. Retire at nine o'clock
regularly the night after election and in the morning you will be in
better condition to hear the news. You may get bad news next time, too. As
ordered by the people, so will the result be.
Comrade Pierson has been engaged in different lines of business since the
war--is now, and has been for some years, in the wood and coal business.
He gives this cordial invitation: "If any Company K boys ever come East, I
want them to run out to Orange and see me; about fourteen miles from New
York City, and trains run all the time. Remember!"
In a subsequent letter, Comrade Pierson has given additional facts
concerning himself. In the spring of 1857 he went out to Illinois to be a
farmer. Was in Kendall county, Illinois, when the affair took place at
Fort Sumpter in Charleston Harbor, and immediately joined a Company that
was started at Oswego. That Company was unfortunate in not being accepted,
and he was obliged to go back to work. In the meantime a Kendall county
Company was organized at Newark and went into camp at Joliet. Some of the
Oswego boys went to Joliet and joined that Company and sent back word that
a few more men would be received. Comrade Pierson was full of the war, but
was reluctant about quitting work again. One day he was plowing. His team
consisted of a free horse and a very lazy one. He talked a great deal to
the lazy horse and pelted him with chunks of dirt, but all this was
unavailing and he decided to resort to harsher means. He stopped, threw
the lines from his shoulders, swung them around the plow handle and went
up alongside of the lazy animal to thrash him. But as soon as he commenced
operations the free horse jumped and away went the team. After
considerable time he caught them. He then felt very gritty and resolved to
be a soldier. He tied the horses to a fence and started. As he passed the
house he called at the door and said, "Good bye! I am off for the war,"
and moved on toward Joliet. On this journey he was troubled by the thought
that he was liable to be rejected, as he was a small man and, at that
time, first-class war material was in great abundance. When, however, he
reached camp he passed muster successfully and was happy. Comrade Pierson
closes his letter thus: "When another election comes 'round I want you
fellows out there to attend to business better than you did before. Watch
New Jersey next time."
WILLIAM PRENTICE, Soldiers' Home, Quincy, Illinois.
Enlisted in April, 1861; served for several months in Company K. Was
discharged for disability, and afterwards enlisted in another Regiment. Is
a pensioner.
WILLIAM PRESTON, Steward, Illinois.
April 24, 1861-July 16, 1865. Born in Kendall county, Illinois. Twenty-one
years old when enlisted. Receives pension for disability incurred in
service. After war, engaged in farming; later was in business; now
somewhat retired. Is interested in Company K matters, and is glad that a
roster is likely to be made up.
JAY DELOS PRUYN, Oneonta, New York.
May 1, 1861-July 14, 1864. Born at Syracuse, N. Y., Twenty-two years old
when enlisted. Is granted pension at rate of twelve dollars a month. Is
painter and decorator. Republican. Presbyterian.
I am under special obligation to Comrade Pruyn for aiding me while lying
helpless and in danger of bleeding to death on the battlefield at Raymond.
He bandaged my wounded leg with his big red handkerchief, knotted and
drawn very tightly, and with my own suspenders; gave me a good drink out
of his canteen, and then resumed his place in the ranks. Comrade Pruyn was
a good soldier, a conscientious man, a man of many good qualities. My
association with him in the army will continue a pleasant recollection.
NARCISSE REMILLARD, Mount Taber, Multnomah County, Oregon.
April 1861-July 14, 1864. September 5, 1864, enlisted in 146th Regiment,
Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was discharged therefrom July 5, 1865.
Was born at Naperville, Canada. Twenty-six years old when enlisted. Is
pensioned at rate of ten dollars a month for disability incurred in
service. In religion, Protestant; a member of Baptist church. In politics,
non-partisan. Votes with reference to the good of the country. Does not
consider the interests of politicians. That is correct; vote as you
shot--for country and for right.
WARREN ROCKWOOD, Sheridan, Illinois.
April, 1861-November 15, 1861. Born in state of New York. Twenty-three
years old when enlisted. Receives pension at rate of eight dollars a
month. Was a farmer for a number of years; now works as carpenter.
Republican. Non-sectarian in religion.
BERDETTE SPENCER, Elmira, New York, No. 1024 College Avenue.
May 13, 1861-July 14, 1864. Born at Mohawk, Herkimer county, N. Y.
Thirty-three years old when enlisted. Was wounded in left forearm at Fort
Donelson, and receives pension of ten dollars a month because of wound. On
account of this wound he was away from the Company on furlough seven
months, three months at Marine hospital, Chicago, and four months at home.
During this time missed Shiloh and Britton's Lane; was in all other
battles with the Company. Is now, and has been since July 24, 1876,
employed at New York State Reformatory, which has about fifteen hundred
prisoners. Has never seen a Company K man since the war. Wants to get all
the news about the boys. Would like to attend a reunion and see them all
once more. Does not know whether to call them boys now or not. Is not a
church member; in belief, a spiritualist.
RICHARD SPRINGER, Chicago, Ill., No. 99 Washington Street.
April, 1861-August 31, 1865. Born at LaFayette, Indiana. Seventeen years
old when enlisted. Shot in right arm July 21, 1864, near Atlanta, while
attempting to rescue Martin Morley, the regimental standard bearer, who
lay wounded between the lines. Draws pension for this wound at rate of
seventeen dollars a month. Since war has been student, journalist, man of
affairs, engaged in various business enterprises, now handles real estate
in Chicago. Fearless and aggressive in politics, as upon battlefields, he
has never winced under stroke of party lash. Has been liberal republican
and greenbacker. Now looks with favor upon the independent populist
movement. In religion, liberal. Protestant rather than Catholic.
JOHN J. TAYLOR, M. D., Streator, Illinois.
June 17, 1861-June 16, 1862. Born in Kent, England. Came to America in
1852 with his parents when eleven years old. Came on ship Prince Albert
with five hundred emigrants; thirty-seven days on sea. Has renounced
allegiance to the British crown. Is now American through and through. Was
twenty years old when enlisted. Receives pension at rate of eight dollars
a month for disabilities incurred in service. Suffered for about twenty
years after discharged from the army with alimentary and other
difficulties. After coming home badly wrecked he attended Normal
University with the purpose of preparing for a teacher, but was compelled
by ill health to abandon the project. Began the study of medicine for
personal benefit, afterwards adopted it as a profession. Studied medicine
at University of Michigan in 1865-6, and in 1866-7 in Chicago at the Rush.
Graduated from Rush Medical College January 25, 1867, and has since been
engaged in the practice of the profession. Is a railroad surgeon, is
secretary of LaSalle county Medical Society, and is examining surgeon for
a number of life insurance companies. Has been president of North Central
Medical Association. Has been captain of State Militia and alderman fourth
ward, Streator.
This comrade is a very zealous adherent of the republican party; he has
great faith in the party. He thinks the republican party is right. He
thinks it always has been right. He thinks it will soon again have control
of the affairs of the government. We are in great danger of being deluged
by foreign goods from which calamity the government should protect us.
In religion he is broad and free. Is not priest-ridden. He cordially
recognizes whatever of good there is in the "religious societies" and
spreads the wide mantle of charity over all their errors. Is very willing
and very anxious to learn in regard to the great beyond, but is not
willing to take bit and be reined by priest or prelate. Desires liberty in
regard to religious thought and action.
"Be industrious, be honest, be clean, be true to yourself and charitable
to others, and lift like a Hercules to lighten the burden of those who are
heavily loaded and weary in the journey of life. These things are
religion."--Taylor.
"The practice of moral duties without a belief in a Divine law-giver, and
without reference to His will or commands, is not religion."--Webster.
Who shall decide when doctors disagree?
WILLIAM TODD, Illinois Soldier's Home, Quincy, Illinois.
April, 1861-May 25, 1865. Was born in Kirkcaldy, Scotland, but left the
bleak, barren hills of his native land in 1849 and came to Chicago. Was
twenty-nine years and nine months old when enlisted. Captured near
Atlanta, Ga., July 22, 1864, and for many months confined in Confederate
prisons.
Since putting foot upon the western continent William has been an
enthusiastic American. He believes America should be protected. We should
not break down the walls and allow the country to be flooded with goods
from foreign shores. We want work to do and plenty of it. An idle brain is
the devil's shop. Don't let the English, the Dutch or the French work for
us, howsoever cheaply they offer their services. Comrade Todd is an
idolator. He worships the republican party. He is wedded to his idol--let
him alone.
In regard to religion, he writes this: "I am a Christian, _i. e._, a
believer in Christ and his teachings. I am not connected with any
denomination, but have a leaning to the Congregational. My father was of
that denomination in Scotland, the name for them there and in England
being Independents." Became a Kendall county man by adoption.
"I enlisted at Champaign, Ill., April 18, 1861, but when we went into camp
at Joliet that Company had four men above the maximum number, and the
Kendall county Company lacked two men of the minimum number. I and another
transferred ourselves from A to K, and were put on the muster roll as
having enlisted in Company K April 24, 1861. So you can put me down in
roster as having enlisted at Newark, Kendall county, Illinois, April 24,
1861."
Comrade Todd is badly broken in health. Right side partly paralyzed. He
says he "cannot write worth a continental." Is a shoemaker. Has worked at
that trade principally since the war, but has been otherwise employed and,
he writes, "I finally got in here." He receives from Uncle Sam at
Washington a regular remittance at the rate of six dollars a month. I
should think the old fellow could do a little better than that.
SAMUEL TRENTOR, Morris, Illinois.
April 24, 1861-July 14, 1864. Born at Moundsville, West Virginia. Nearly
nineteen years old when enlisted. Sam thought that with his long arms he
could do good work with a cavalry sabre, and did not re-enlist in the 20th
Regiment, but when discharged therefrom joined Captain Collins' Company of
the 4th Illinois Cavalry and served until the close of the war. Was shot
in the neck at Britton's Lane. Receives pension at rate of twelve dollars
a month for disabilities incurred in the service. Works for a living.
Writes thus: "I am not a democrat. My religion I have not yet."
WILLIAM VREELAND, Maurice, Iowa.
April, 1861-July 14, 1864. Born in Hudson county, N. J. Twenty-four years
old when enlisted. Receives pension at rate of eight dollars a month for
disability incurred in the service. Was a farmer for several years after
discharge, but the condition of his health forced him to abandon that
vocation. Is now editor and proprietor of the Maurice Free Press. "A
rock-ribbed republican and a Methodist. The two things go well together,
you know." How would prohibition and Methodism go? Think about it brother!
AMBROSE WALLACE.
Born in England. Enlisted in April, 1861. One day while the Regiment was
guarding a railroad near Charleston, Missouri, in the fall of 1861,
Wallace disappeared. Returned to the Company in about two months. Said he
had been captured and had been with Jeff. Thompson at New Madrid. Sunday,
April 6, 1861, he deserted from the ranks on the battlefield of Shiloh and
never afterwards appeared. He now lives in Tennessee. Was heard from a few
months ago. At that time he was not a pensioner, but he wanted to be. As
the law now stands he is barred by his record. His only recourse is to
come North and employ some available Congressman to introduce and pass
through Congress a special act granting him a pension. In all probability
it would be vetoed during the present administration, but the Executive
would be put on record as being opposed to pensions. That would be a point
gained in politics. Undoubtedly it is to the interest of Ambrose Wallace
to have a change.
ANDREW WEST, Cabery, Illinois.
April, 1861-November 1, 1861. Was born in state of New York. On August 8,
1862, he enlisted in the 91st Illinois Regiment, and was discharged
therefrom January 2, 1863; afterwards joined a company of New York
Artillery, and while in this organization was seriously wounded in leg at
Petersburg, Virginia, and draws pension for wound. Did not reply to my
letter of inquiry.
I was sick of measles in a hospital at Cape Girardeau, Missouri, in
September, 1861. At the same time Andrew West was very sick in another
hospital close to the river. One evening, when convalescent and on the
outlook for a boat upon which to return to the Regiment at Bird's Point, I
sat beside Comrade West for nearly an hour and I thought every breath
would be his last. The Surgeon in charge said he was dying and called an
attendant, and directed him to remain with the patient, and gave the
attendant specific instructions in regard to what he should do when the
patient was dead. This attendant was Charles Halbert of the 7th Illinois
Regiment. The end did not come as soon as anticipated, and as the
attendant sat watching and waiting he reached for a sponge in a dish of
water near by, squeezed it out, and with the wet sponge commenced to rub
the dying man. After a little he fancied it gave relief. He continued the
process of rubbing the whole body, and soon became certain that his
patient was coming back to life. In the morning Andrew West was in a
greatly improved condition and the doctor was astonished.
Why did not the dying man die? Comrade Pierson would say it was because
his time had not yet come. Charles Halbert says he saved him.
ALONZO WHITE, Saunemin, Illinois.
June 11, 1861-July 16, 1865. I saw Comrade White about six years ago. At
that time he was a Methodist, a prohibitionist and was not a pensioner. He
had never applied for pension and never expected to apply. I do not know
whether he has held out faithfully up to the present time or not on all
these points. He did not reply to my letter of inquiry. I wrote to the
postmaster of his town and got this: "Yes, he is here. He runs a
blacksmith shop in this town."
ANDREW JACKSON WILSEY, Aurora, Illinois.
April, 1861-June 9, 1862. Born in Madison county, New York. Twenty-one
years old when enlisted. Since discharge has followed a diversity of
pursuits. He is not a pensioner but, I think, would not object to being
enrolled as one of Uncle Sam's beneficiaries. I meet him frequently. He
has never given serious thought to religion and, I understand, has no well
defined and settled theological opinions. In politics he is a democrat, a
regular old-fashioned democrat of the Andrew Jackson type. He was not at
New Orleans, however, but he faced fury of shot and shell at Shiloh.
DEWITT C. WILSON, Plattville, Illinois.
June 11, 1861-July 14, 1864. Born in Shelby county, Ohio. Nineteen years
old when enlisted. Is not a pensioner. Since the war has been a farmer. In
politics a straight republican. In religion aims to be a practical
christian. He believes that good works are more efficacious than loud
prayers and soul-saving sermons. He has no connection with any religious
sect.
On the morning of June 11, 1861, his father sent him into a field with a
horse to cultivate corn with a shovel plow. After working a few hours he
tied his horse to a fence at one end of the field and started directly to
Joliet on foot to enlist. He did good work as a soldier for more than
three years.
All will have a vivid recollection of Fort Donelson. The lack of rations,
the lack of tents or protection of any kind, the hard fighting and the
hard weather, the rain, the sleet, the snow, the cold, the long dreary
nights without fires. On one of those nights DeWitt Wilson and the writer
stood on picket guard together close up to the enemy's works. We were
posted stealthily after dark under a low bushy tree near a road which led
to and from the town. We were to remain very quiet, not to speak louder
than a whisper, and to watch closely all night. If the enemy sallied out
in force we were to fire and run to the Regiment. It was very cold. The
mercury was going down and was not far from zero. Our clothes had been
soaked by previous rains and were now frozen stiff and clanked with every
movement. We remained as posted for several hours. Finally, the
Confederates came over their works and made a vigorous assault with
intent to break the Union line. When the assault was made I was in an
almost helpless condition. I could scarcely move and was nearly captured.
I and my comrade became separated. I lost my course and went into the 11th
Illinois Regiment. DeWitt and I frequently refer to that terrible night,
the hardest in all our experience.
At Britton's Lane Comrade Wilson and two others occupied a slight
ambuscade. He was very anxious to have the enemy show up, and poked his
cap out on the end of his ramrod. Just as he did this a glancing bullet
struck the side of his head and caused him to roll over two or three
times. His face and clothes were smeared with blood, and just then he
would not be considered a good-looking man.
GEORGE WILSON, Sharon Springs, Wallace County, Kansas.
"Sharon is like a wilderness."--Isaiah 33: 9.
April, 1861-July 16, 1865. Was born at Newark, Illinois, April 5, 1838.
Twenty-three when enlisted. Was wounded in hand at Britton's Lane. Was
captured near Atlanta, July 22, 1864, and confined in various Confederate
prisons for nearly nine months. Pensioned for disabilities incurred in
service at rate of four dollars a month. Is a "homesteader" in Western
Kansas, seven miles from the Colorado line.
"I belong to the prevailing church and I vote as I shot--against the
South." "Cease firing! They have surrendered!" The men of the Twentieth
heard those words on many battle fields. Finally they all surrendered and
grounded arms. We whipped the rebels. We whipped them thoroughly. The
entire South lay prostrate and bleeding and helpless at the feet of the
conquering soldiers of the Union. Now, George, come out from the
"prevailing church," the big wicked church of the world, and be a
christian. Forgive your enemies and conquer by kindness. Bless them that
curse you. Do good to them that despitefully use you and persecute you and
say all manner of evil against you falsely. This is the true way. Consider
these thoughts seriously, and when you vote again think of something else
besides voting against the South.
JOSIAH WRIGHT, Akron, Washington County, Colorado.
April, 1861-August 9, 1862. Born in Luzern county, Pennsylvania.
Twenty-two years old when enlisted. Was a non-commissioned officer and
member of the color guard. Was shot through right wrist while bearing
aloft the flag of the 20th Regiment at Shiloh. Was discharged because of
wound. Pensioned for wound at rate of sixteen dollars a month.
Lived in Pennsylvania till 1851. From 1851 to 1871 lived in Kendall
county, Illinois. From 1871 till 1892 lived in Adair county, Missouri.
From spring of 1892 to present time has lived on a homestead in Washington
county, Colorado. Is now, and always has been, a farmer.
In religion is a Methodist. In politics has been a populist since the date
of the organization of that party. Frequently advocates the principles of
the party from the rostrum. Is very friendly to silver. On his envelopes
he has the motto: "Silver sixteen to one." I think Jo has a silver mine on
his homestead in Colorado.
Here is a vivid picture from Josiah Wright's pen which every man of the
20th Regiment who was on hand at Shiloh will appreciate: "I was at the
spring in camp Sunday morning, April 6. The roar of the assault on
General Prentis's division had become terrific. I heard drums beat the
long roll as the signal of alarm. I rushed to the Colonel's tent and got
the flag. In passing out I met the Color Sergeant and gave the flag to
him. The boys of the 20th were swarming out of their tents with their
guns. The Regiment was quickly formed and started on a run in the
direction of the firing. Colonel Marsh rode rapidly up and down the column
urging the men to their utmost. We did not have to go far. The
Confederates were advancing with great impetuosity and sweeping the field
before them. We took position to beat back the on-coming tide and then the
flag was unfurled and waved in the face of the foe. The Color Sergeant was
immediately shot down. I picked up the flag and was soon wounded. Another
member of the color guard then took the flag. I was sent to a boat on the
river and was nearly gone from loss of blood."