Jersey County, Illinois - Chapter 14: National, State and County Representation, 1885 (part 2 of 2)

Jesse I. McG ready was born in Washington, Mo., Jan. 10, 1847. He is a son of John and Isabella (Mcllvaine) McGready, the former a native of Tennessee, and the latter, of Kentucky. John McGready settled in Missouri when a young man, and engaged in farming and lead mining. He resided in that state until his death. Jesse I. McG ready is the youngest of eight children, only three of whom are now living. His early life was spent on the farm. At the age of sixteen years he entered McKendree College, at Lebanon, 111., where he attended one year. He then learned the art of printing, first working in the office of the St. Louis Republican, and afterwards at Carlinville, from whence, in 1870, he came to Jersey ville. Here he became associated with J. A. J. Birdsall, formerly of the Macoupin Times, and purchased the Jersey County Democrat. In 1871 Mr. McGready became sole proprietor, and continued editor and proprietor until 1880. At that date he was elected circuit clerk, and in 1884 re-elected to the same office, in which he is now serving his second term. He was elected mayor of Jersey ville in 1879, and served four terms. He is a member of the I. 0. 0. F., both subordinate lodge and encampment; also of the K. P. society. Mr. McGready is a faithful and efficient officer, and his continued re-election to places of public trust is abundant testimony of the respect and esteem with which he is regarded by his fellow citizens.

County Treasurers

who entered, at once, upon the duties of his office, and served for four years. Col. John R. Black was a native of Lancaster county, Penn., was born April 19, 1797, and was the son of James and Mary A. Black, who were of Irish descent. John R. attended school in Tennessee, his parents having removed to that state when he was but six years of age. In 1815 John R. came to Illi- . nois, locating upon the American Bottom, but five years later came to Jersey county, settling in what is now Mississippi township. He was married here, April 23, 1833, to Malinda Darneille, and they had four children. He was a volunteer during the war of 1812-15, and also of the Black Hawk war. He died in 1880.

In 1843, C. Easell was inducted into this very responsible office, having been elected at the regular election of that year. He served four years.

Solomon Calhoun was born in Lyman, Grafton county, N. H., Nov. the 25th, 1795, and was married to Rhoda Walker. In 1823 he moved to Bridgeport, Addison county, Vt., and from thence to Illinois in 1833, and settled on a farm near Jerseyville, where he continued to reside till his death, Dec. the 25th, 1869. His wife survived him 13 years. There were five children. - James W. resides at Jerseyville. Hannah W. married William Post; she died in May, 1884. Caleb C. died at the age of 37 years. Adrastus resides in Jersey county. Benjamin F. resides on the homestead. Mr. Calhoun was a devoted member of the Masonic order, being made a Mason at Bath, N. H., when 21 years of age. He was a charter member of Jersey ville Lodge, No. 394, A. F. & A. M. Hewas strictly honorable in all his dealings and had a large circle of admiring friends. Politically he was a whig and afterwards a republican. He was one of the first county commissioners, and for 16 years assessor of Jersey county.

John F. Smith was the next incumbent of this office, having been elected to the same in the fall of 1857, and in December entered upon his official duties. He was re-elected in 1859, thus serving at this time four years as county treasurer.

John F. Smith was a native of South Carolina, born April 7, 1811. He came to Jersey county in 1848 or '49, and entered upon the business of cultivating a farm which he acquired. He was married to Sarah McGuire, previous to his coming here, and three of the four children by this marriage are still living - Mary, Martha and James Knox. He died Feb. 25, 1877; his widow still survives, living in St. Louis. He was elected and served as treasurer as above stated. Mr. Smith was a leading member of the M. E. church.

John E. Van Pelt, now a prominent citizen of Cook county, succeeded Mr. Smith as treasurer, being first elected in 1861, and again in 1863, serving the people for four years in the office.

John F. Smith, having, when in office, pleased the people, was again elected to this position in 1865, was re-elected in 1867, and again in 1869, serving this time six years, with credit to himself and honor to the people of the county.

the office of treasurer. His election took place in 1871, and, proving his worth and adaption to the office, he was re-elected in 1873, serving the full four years.

James M. Young, a prominent citizen of Jersey county, was born in Rutherford county, N. C, Dec. 16, 1828. He was the eldest of the seven children of Martin and Deborah Young, who were of French and German descent. In 1835 Martin Young removed with his family to McDonough county, 111., locating on a farm near Blandinsville, where they remained till 1845. They then moved to the state of Georgia. After the war broke out, Mr. Young moved his family to Jersey county. He died at the residence of his son, James M., in the fall of 1865, and the following spring his widow and children returned to Georgia. James M. Young attended the common schools of McDonough county, and at the age of 16 went to Wisconsin and worked in the lead mines about four years. On Nov. 13, 1848, he came to Jersey county, and, for a few years, followed boating and rafting on the Illinois river. Oct. 15, 1851, Mr. Young was married to Lucretia Nott, daughter of S. B. Nott, of Jersey county. They have had seven children, five of whom are now living. For a few years after his marriage, Mr. Young followed farming in this county. He served as justice of the peace two years, and also two years as constable of Richwoods township. He was appointed postmaster at Fieldon, September 18, 1868, and held that office three years, being constable at the same time. In the fall of 1871 he was elected assessor and treasurer of Jersey county, and in the spring of 1872 removed to Jersey ville. In 1873 he was re-elected to the same office, thus serving four years. In the fall of 1876 he was elected sheriff, and re-elected in the year 1878, and served as such for four years. In 1880 he rented the National hotel, and run the same two years. In June, 1883, he removed to southern Kansas, there acting as agent for a patent machine for the manufacture of fencing. He returned to Jerseyville in February, 1885, shortly before the death of his wife, who for some time had been in feeble health. She died Feb. 12, 1885. Mr. Young is a member of the A. F. and A. M., also of the subordinate encampment of I. O. O. F. and the Knights of Pytbias. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Young are - Luella, wife of C. A. Sullard, of Kansas City, Mo.; Hattie, wife of Fred Armstrong, of Jerseyville; Luther, who is a printer by trade and resides in Springfield, Mo.; Susan and Antonia, who reside with their father, in Jerseyville.

At the regular November election of 1875, John P. Stout was elected to the office of treasurer, and he entering upon the duties of the same, continued in the office two years.

Thomas O'Donnell, in 1877, was elected to the office of county treasurer, and filling that office to the satisfaction of the people, was re-elected in 1879. He did not enter upon the duties of the office, however, as he was cut off by death, Thanksgiving day, 1879.

On the death of Mr. O'Donnell an election was held on the 20th of Jan., 1880, which resulted in the election of John A. Shepbard, who was re-elected in 1882, and is the present county treasurer of Jersey. Mr. Shepbard is mentioned at length in the history of Jerseyville, in connection with the banking interests.

County Recorders

Under the earlier constitutions, the office of recorder was a separate one from that of circuit clerk. At the organization of the county George H. Jackson, Sr., was chosen to till the office for the first time in Jersey county. He entered upon the office in the fall of 1839, and continued therein four years.

George Hunter Jackson, deceased, formerly one of Jerseyville's most useful and highly esteemed citizens, was born in Philadelphia, Pa., Oct. 15, 1813. His father, Andrew Jackson, was also a native of Philadelphia, and one of its honored citizens. He was appointed, by President Washington, an officer in the custom house of that city, where he remained till 1837. In 1838, he came to Jersey county, and died here in 1850. Mary (Servoss) Jackson, mother of the subject of this sketch, was born in New- Jersey, and was the grand daughter of Samuel Fleming, the founder of Flemington, in that state. George H. received the rudiments of bis education in the common schools of Philadelphia, and subsequently completed a course at the American Scientific and Military Academy, of Middleton, Conn. He moved to Illinois in 1.S33, and located on land adjacent to the present site of Jerseyville. Here he engaged in farming, which occupation he followed the greater portion of the time until his death, which took place May 20, 1884. In Oct., 1839, upon the organization of the county, he was elected recorder, in which capacity he continued four years. In 1866, he was appointed postmaster of Jerseyville, and held that office two years. Soon after the incorporation of the city of Jerseyville, in 1867, he was elected city clerk, and was re-elected to the same office, in 1874. During the latter years of his life, he devoted his spare time to investigating and making ahstracts of the land titles of Jersey county, compiling a work of incalculable value to the people of the county, as much vagueness and uncertainty had previously characterized the boundaries and titles to large portions of the land of that county. For this work Mr. Jackson was eminently qualified, by reason of his early settlement, long residence and large experience. Politically, he was an Andrew Jackson democrat, believing in the greatest good to the greatest number. He was a firm believer in the doctrines of Christianity, as taught by the "sermon on the mount," and a member of the Presbyterian church. He was married in March, 1837, to Elizabeth, daughter of John Brown, who came to the territory of Illinois in 1802, and entered a considerable tract of land in Greene county. He accumulated much wealth and was, in later years, one of the influential men of Jersey county, where he died April 24, 1872. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson reared 10 children, nine of whom are now living - Charles, who is an engineer and resides in Springfield; Emily, wife of J. S. Daniels; John, who resides in Kingman county, Kas., engaged in the real estate business; Mary, living at home; Katie, wife of W. W. Douglas, of Indianapolis, Ind.; Lizzie, Fannie and George H., at home. Mrs. Jackson lives in Jerseyville.

Thomas L. McGill, was the next incumbent of the office, having been elected to the same in August, 1843, and held the same until the adoption of the constitution of 1848, caused the blending of the offices of clerk of the circuit court and recorder into one, under the name and title of the former. Mr. Mc- Gill for many years held the position of county clerk, and has been already noticed in that connection.

The first to occupy the office of sheriff of Jersey county was John N. English, who was elected in 1839, and served in this capacity until the fall of 1842, when he stepped down and out. This eminent gentleman has been already noticed under the caption of members of the general assembly, in this chapter.

Jonathan Plowman was the next incumbent of the office, having been elected in 1846, re-elected in 1848, serving four years. Mr. Plowman afterwards removed to Macoupin county, and represented this district in the general assembly, under which head may be found a mention of him.

Murray Cheney was duly elected to the office of sheriff, at the general election in the fall of 1S50, and served the people of Jersey county in this capacity for two years.

Captain Murray Cheney was born in Addison county, Vt., Feb." 28, 1809. He was reared in his native state, where he remained until he arrived at the age of 24 years. He then started for Illinois, the river to Illinois. This was during the long to be remembered "cholera year," and some of his fellow passengers sickened and died while on the passage down the Ohio river. Mr. Cheney was intending to remain on the boat until it reached St. Louis, but on account of the cholera landed at flhawneetown, and proceeded on foot to Alton, thence to Jersey county. He had no objective point in view, but had simply started in search of a favorable location in Illinois. On arriving at the site of the present city of Jerseyville, he located land and remained here one year, after which he returned to Vermont, where he was married to Caroline Pickett, who was born in Addison county. Her parents had just removed to Chatauqua county, N. Y., and in that county Mr. Cheney remained for a short time. In 1836 he again came to Jersey county, making the journey with wagons. Mr. Cheney continued to reside in Jersey county till 1856, and during that period, held numerous offices, among which were those of constable, deputy sheriff and sheriff. At an early day he organized a militia company, of which he was elected captain. Their arms were the old flintlock muskets, and were furnished by the state. The "training days" are well remembered by the older inhabitants, and the "muster" was an event looked for ;is anxiously as the fair of the present day. It constituted, for many years, the amusement of the people, and was a semi-holiday. Capt. Cheney was elected major of the regiment to which his company belonged. He moved to

Sangamon county in 1856. He, at that time, owned land nearVirden, in Macoupin county, where he followed farming for a time, after which be removed to the village of Virden, where he still resides, having retired from active business, Mr. and Mrs. Cheney reared a family of eight children - Prentiss 1) Gilead P., who resides at Denver, Col Byron M., living in Scott county, 111 Mary, wife of George W. Cox, of Virden; Charles H., living in Burlington, la.; Martha S.,wife of Oliver S. Greene, of Jacksonville, 111.; John G., living in Christian county, and William, wdio lives upon his father's farm in Sangamon county. Mr. Cheney was formerly a whig in politics, but now votes with the republican party. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

In 1852 Jay M. Hurd was elected and entered upon the duties of this office. He remained in it a term of two years. Mr. Hurd having served, also, in the office of county judge, he is mentioned in connection with that office.

In 1854, ex-sheriff Jonathan Plowman was again elected to this office, and transacted the business of the same for one term. He was succeeded in 1856 by Benjamin Wedding, who, also, occupied the office for two years.

Benjamin Wedding, son of James H. and Nancy Wedding, was born April 14, 1826, in Scioto county, Ohio. He came with the family to what is now Jersey county in 1834, and here spent bis carl)' life and obtained his education. At the age of 20 years, he began teaching school, which occupation he followed during the winter seasons for 10 years, farming during the summers. In 1856 he was elected sheriff of Jersey county by the whig party and removed to Jersey ville. He served one term. He joined the republican party at its organization and has consequently since been on the minority side of politics in this county. In 1864 he was appointed revenue collector for Jersey and Calhoun counties, which office he held four years. He was justice of the peace eight years, and mayor of Jerseyville one year. He has carried on a real estate and loan business. Aug. 9, 1847, Mr. Wedding was married to Tabitha Johnson, then of Jersey county, but a native of Scioto county, Ohio. Twelve children were born to them, five of whom died in infancy. Those now living are - Barkley, James, Arabella, wife of R. H. Maltimore, Thomas, Phil, Harry and Heber.

Charles H. Bowman was born in Troy, N. Y., March 12, 1822, and was the third of a family of the six children of Elisha and Eunice Bowman. The elder Mr. Bowman with his family came to Jersey county, in 1836, landing here Sept. 27, of that year. He soon after settled upon a farm in Fidelity township. Charles H. was educated in his native city, and came to this county with his parents and engaged in farming until 1858, when he was elected sheriff as above. He held the office several terms and died, while in this position, in Jan., 1873.

T. J. Selby, in 1864, was duly elected to the office of sheriff of the county, and filled it for one term. Mr. Selby having occupied the position of county clerk for many years, he has been noticed in that connection in this chapter.

Again in 1866, Charles H. Bowman was induced to enter the office of sheriff, and again served one term. He was followed by James Henry Belt, who was elected at the regular election of 1868, and entering upon the duties of the office he filled it for two years.

James H. Belt was born Feb. 22, 1837, in Jersey county, and was the son of Horatio N. and Mary Jane Belt. He received his education in the common schools of this county, and when but about 16 years of age he became a member of the firm of Belt Bros. & Co. When about 25 years of age he was united in marriage with Helen M. Bramlett. In the fall of 1868 he was elected sheriff as above mentioned.

Charles H. Bowman was again elected to this position in 1870, and re-elected in 1872, but dying while an incumbent of the office. At the fall election of 1873, his son, Stephen H. Bowman, was elected by the people to fill the vacancy, until the expiration of the term, which he did very acceptably.

the people, was re-elected in 1878, serving, in all, four years. Mr. Young having occupied the office of county treasurer, a sketch of him is given in connection with that office.

H. C. Massey served the people of this county as sheriff for two years, from Dec, 1880. Mr. Massey is one of the present members of the general assembly and is noticed under that caption.

C. S. Frost, the present sheriff of Jersey county, was first elected to the office in 1882, and has filled the same to the credit of himself and honor of his friends, ever since.

The following is believed to be a complete list of those who have filled the office of surveyor of the county of Jersey. On account of the early records of the county being incomplete in some respects, an omission may occur, but it should not be laid to the historian, as every endeavor has been made to make it cover all the ground: James A. Potts, 1843-47; Job Collins, 1847-49;

The following is a complete list of the various gentlemen who have filled the office of coroner of Jersey county, from the date of its organization to the present time, together with the dates of their service: N. R. Lurton was first elected, in 1839, and served one year; Aaron Rue, 1840-42; John Britton, 1842-46; George Hoffman, 1846-48; William Loy, 1848-54; Benjamin Wedding, 1854-56; Felix Virney, 1856-58; Lewis Johnson, 1858-62; James L. Beirne, 1862-64; F. W. Besterfeldt, 1864-66; Lewis Johnson, 1866-68; Sidney Noble, L868-70; E. L. Harriott, 1870-74; Wesley Park, 1S74-76; John S. Williams, 1876-83; Caleb Dulladway, 1880-84; and E. L. H. Barry, the present incumbent of the office, was elected in Nov., 1884.

Schools, of some sort, were established many years ago; but the eye of history has furnished no lens sufficiently powerful to enable us to determine when or where the first one was located. It appears like a fixed star, which is lost in the nebula1 of mythology, and obscured from our vision in the vista of distance. Schools of astronomy were in operation in Babylon over 3,300 years B. C. An academy of scribes and philosophers was an existing institution in China a thousand years later. Schools of architecture, astronomy and magic were in operation in the time of Moses, among the Egyptians, and ho was educated therein. Schools of philosophy flourished in Judea 2, (KM) years B. C. The schools of Greece date back to the siege of Troy. The first Roman school was a military academy, established 667 years B. C. How these schools were conducted, we have hut little means of knowing. In many countries they were state institutions for the benefit of the royal court. The magic wise men, soothsayers and prophets of those ancient countries were not ignoramuses, especially gifted, as many suppose, but were educated men - learned in the knowledge of their age - so as to fit them for royal counsellors. Most of these schools were kept secret from the masses, and as much mystery and wonder were thrown around their inmates as possible. These were seats of the oracles, and court prophets, without whose sanction kings rarely commenced or prosecuted any great enterprise. In the more republican nations, teachers gathered their students in groves, market places, temples, porches, or by the sea, and taught them by conversational lectures. Book were unknown. The art of printing slumbered in the then distant future. Even letters had not been born out of hieroglyphic characters. Education was confined to the royal retinue. The masses were ignorant, and purposely kept so, in order to insure subordination. It was realized many years ago that ignorance only would demand and submit to despotism.

persecuted by the royal authorities, became the people's educator; and the progressive ideas by him promulgated, caused America and the Pacific isles to be discovered and settled - brought forth the art of printing, unfolded the protestant religion, and infused a general spirit of research throughout Europe. After this the graded system began to be introduced into academies and colleges; but the common schools received but little benefit therefrom until within the last half century, when Prussia took the lead in the enterprise. A committee appointed by the crown reported that "it was advisable to educate all classes, for the encouragement of piety and religion, in order to lessen the police force of the nation." Public schools were accordingly established for all classes. The common people flocked in, and it became necessary to erect new and more commodious buildings, and to provide an increased number of teachers. To meet this demand the graded system was adopted. It was found that where one teacher had but one grade of pupils, he could give instruction to about twice the usual number - be more thorough, and advance them much faster than by the ungraded method.

The pioneer school houses of Jersey county, as was common in all new countries, were built of logs, and in some cases yet stand rough cradles of learning that many distinguished men recall in the glamour that memory throws around their boyhood's days, as their only alma mater. These days are past and gone, and now, on every hilltop, the white frame school house rears itself, inviting the reluctant youth to follow the road to knowledge.

Commissioners Of School Lands

When the county of Jersey was organized, in 1839, the office of superintendent of schools had not been, as yet, created. The only officer connected with the schools, under the constitution of 1818, was the commissioner of the school lands, who had charge of the funds arising from the sale of the sixteenth sections, donated in each congressional township for educational purposes. This officer was appointed by the county commissioners' court, who were empowered to fix the compensation of the same. Many of these men in all the early communities were unfit for the position, and upon the records of Jersey county is spread the following unique preamble and resolution, which is here given with names and dates left out, as it is not necessary for historic accuracy that they should be given; suffice it to say, that it is at a term of court in the early "forties:"

''Whereas, an order was made at the June term, 18 - , declaring the office of school commissioner and agent for the inhabitants of Jersey county, vacant by of duty and incompetency; and whereas, the court was not aware of the existence of the law passed last winter, making said offices elective by the people, on the first Monday in August next; and, whereas, in consequence of the existence of said law, the court could not get a suitable and competent person to accept the appointment of said office for so short a time; therefore it is

The first to occupy this office was Joseph Crabb, who was appointed by the county commissioners' court Oct. 14, 1839, and held it for about a year. He was succeeded by George Pegues. By some change in the law this was altered from an appointive to an elective one, and this gentleman was elected, but resigned it September of that same year, and James Harriott was appointed in his place. In 1843 he was re-elected without any opposition, and again in 1S45 and 1847, holding the office for eight years.

Rev. B. B. Hamilton was the next to fill the office, being elected thereto in the fall of 1847, but only served one year. Mr. Hamilton is a resident and present postmaster of the town of White Hall, Greene county, in the annals of which town may be found his sketch.

In 1858 the law governing school matters was radically changed, among the improvements being the abolishment of the office of school commissioner, and the establishment of the office of

Superintendent Of Schools

This officer was required to examine applicants for teachers' certificates, and to issue said certificates to such as were qualified; to visit and inspect the schools in the county, periodically; to examine the plans for any new school buildings and modify the same when necessary; to hold meetings of the presidents of school districts, and make a report to the state superintendent.

W. J. Herdman was the first to fill this new position, being elected thereto in the fall of 1859, and held the same for nine years, being elected his own successor several times.

C. H. Knapp, was the next incumbent of the office, being elected at the regular election of 1867, and served the people in that capacity for six years.

W. H. Lynn was elected to the office of county superintendent of schools of Jersey county in the fall of 1878, and was re-elected in 1875, serving four years.

William H. Lynn was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Dec. 14, 1836, his parents heing Samuel and Frances W. (Wilson) Lynn. His early life was spent in Kentucky, where he received an academic education. In 1857, he, with his parents came to Illinois, and served as a clerk one year in Carrollton. He then gave his attention to teaching, and was afterwards elected county superintendent of schools, and served as such four years. Politically, he is a democrat.

Lott Pennington, the present incumbent of the office, was first elected in 4877, and has filled it ever since, being elected regularly his own successor, on the expiration of his term of office.

Lott Pennington, county superintendent of schools, is a native of New Jersey, born July 22, 1842. He is a son of James and Elizabeth (Richards) Pennington, the former, a native of New Jersey,the latter born in Wales, but brought to this country in infancy. James Pennington was a farmer, and Lott was reared to agricultural pursuits. In 1857 he came to Illinois, and stopped first at Bunker Hill. He came soon after, to Jerseyville. In 1860, he entered Mount Morris Seminary, and continued a student there, three years. He then followed teaching during the winter, and farming during the summer seasons, in the vicinity of Jerseyville. In the fall of 1877, he was elected county superintendent, and was re-elected in 1882. He is well qualified for this responsible position, and his popularity is well attested by his re-election to the same. In Nov., 1863, Mr. Pennington was married to Rebecca Rue, a daughter of George S. ami Ellen Rue. They have six children - George, Herbert, Birdie, Jesse, Frank and Edith.

Educational Developement

In the pioneer days in Jersey county, in common with all new countries, good schools were like "angels' visits - few and far between;" and it was considered very fortunate, indeed, if any opportunity was offered for obtaining even the rudiments of a common school education. Some of the scattered settlements could not afford to employ a teacher, and were therefore compelled to do without, or send their children across the prairie or through the timber to some mora fortunate settlement, where a school was in operation. Many instances are mentioned where children have been sent a distance of from three to six miles, walking the entire way morning and evening of each day, that they might avail themselves of the chance of acquiring knowledge, and thus fitting themselves for life's duties.

How different now ! In every township there are several schools in successful operation; competent teachers are employed, many of whom have spent years in fitting themselves for their vocation, and every convenience afforded for the education of the rising generation. In those early days a log cahin or shanty, probably 10x12 feet in size, was erected on some of the old settlers' land. Frequently these huts had but one window, a small doorway cut through the logs at the most convenient place, while the furniture consisted of slab seats for the scholars and a three-legged stool and a hazel or hickory rod for the teacher. As fur books, but few were needed - the less the better, as the teacher could get along the more readily.

The school statistics of the county are a profitable study, and many items here presented will show more conclusively and accurately the standing of the county in this respect.

From the last report of the county superintendent, Lott Pennington, for the year ending June 30, 1884, a number of items have been compiled, which will best show, in tabulated form, the present condition of educational matters in Jersey county. Number of mules in the county between

Estimated value of school property 132,985.00 Estimated value of school libraries. .>::4.(»."> Estimated value of school apparatus 1,826.00 Number of first grade teachers' certificates issued I"i

Financial Statistics

As to the financial condition in school matters, below is presented the account of the various township treasurers with the school districts, for the year ending June 30, 1884:

The War For The Union

The institution of slavery was always a source of trouble between the free and slave-holding states. The latter were always troubled with the thought that the former would encroach upon their rights, and nothing could be done to shake this belief. Compromise measures from time to time were adopted to settle the vexed question of slavery, but the fears of the slave-holders were only allayed for a short time. Threats of secession were often made by the slaveholding states, but as soon as measures of a conciliatory character were passed, no attempt was made to carry their threats into execution. Finally came the repeal of the Missouri compromise and the adoption of a measure known as the Kansas-Nebraska bill. This bill opened certain territory to slavery, which, under the former act, was forever to be free. About the time of the passage of this act, the whig party was in a state of dissolution, and the great body of that party, together with certain democrats who were opposed to the

Kansas-Nebraska bill, united, thus forming a new party to which was given the name of republican, having for its object the prevention of the further extension of slavery. The people of the south imagined they saw in this new party not only an effort to prevent the extension of slavery, but one that would eventually be used to destroy slavery in those states in which it already existed.

In 1860, four presidential tickets were in the field. Abraham Lincoln was the candidate of the republicans, Stephen A. Douglas of the national democrats, John C. Breckenridge of the pro-slaver}' interests, and John Bell of the union. The union party was composed principally of those who had previously affiliated with the American or know-nothing party. Early in the campaign there were threats of secession and disunion in case of the election of Abraham Lincoln, but the people were so accustomed to southern bravado that little heed was given to the bluster.

Carolina, by a convention of delegates, declared "that the union now existing between South Carolina and the other states of North America is dissolved, and that the state of South Carolina has resumed her position among the nations of the earth as a free, sovereign and independent state, with full power to levy war and conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and do all other acts and things which independent states may of right do."

On the 24th Gov. Pickens issued a proclamation declaring that " South Carolina is, and has a right to be, a free and independent state, and as such has a right to levy war, conclude peace, and do all acts whatever that rightfully appertain to a free and independent state."

" When I inform you that my garrison consists of only 60 effective men, and that we are in very indifferent works, the walls of which are only 14 feet high, and that we have within 160 yards of our walls sand hills which command our works, and which afford admirable sites for batteries and the finest coverts for sharp-shooters; and that besides this there are numerous houses, some of them within pistol shot, and you will at once see that if attacked in force, headed by any one but a simpleton, there is scarcely a possibility of our being able to hold out long enough for our friends to come to our succor."

His appeals for reinforcements were seconded by Gen. Scott, but unheeded by President Buchanan and entirely ignored by Secretary of War Floyd.

On the 28th South Carolina troops occupied Fort Moultrie and Castle Pinckney, and hoisted the palmetto flag on the ramparts. On the 29th John B. Floyd resigned his place in Buchanan's cabinet, charging that the president in refusing to remove Maj. Anderson from Charleston harbor, designed to plunge the country into civil war, and added : "I cannot consent to be the agent of such a calamity." On the same day the South Carolina commissioners presented their official credentials at Washington, which, on the next day, were declined.

On the 2d day of January, 1861, Georgia declared for secession, and Georgia troops took possession of the United States arsenal in Augusta and Forts Pulaski and Jackson.

Gov. Ellis, of North Carolina, seized the forts at Beaufort and Wilmington and the arsenal at Fayetteville. On the evening of the 4th the Alabama and Mississippi delegations in congress telegraphed the conventions of their respective states to secede, telling them that there was no prospect of a satisfactory adjustment.

On the 7th the conventions of Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee met in secession conclave. Secretary Thompson resigned his seat in the cabinet on the 9th, on the ground that, contrary to promises, troops had been sent to Major Anderson. On the same day, the Star of the West, carrying supplies and reinforcements to Major Anderson, with her flag at her mast-head, was fired into from Morris Island, and obeying instructions turned homeward, leaving Fort Sumter and its gallant little band of heroes to the mercy of the rebels and traitors. On the same day, also, the ordinance of secession passed the Mississippi convention. Florida adopted an ordinance of secession on the 10th, and Alabama on the 11th. On the latter day the rebels seized the arsenal at Baton Rouge, and Forts St. Philip and Jackson, at the mouth of the Mississippi river, and Fort Pike at the entrance of Lake Pontchartrain. Pensacola navy yard and Fort Barrancas were surrendered to rebel troops by Colonel Armstrong on the 13th. Lieutenant Slemmer, who had drawn his command from Fort McRea to Fort Pickens, defied Armstrong's orders and announced his intention to "hold the fort" at all hazards. The Georgia convention adopted an ordinance of secession on the 19th. On the following day Lieutenant Slemmer was besieged by a thousand "allied troops" at Fort Pickens. Louisiana adopted an ordinance of secession on the 25th. On the 1st of February the rebels seized the United States mint and custom house at New Orleans. The peace convention assembled at Washington on the 4th, but adjourned without doing anything to quiet the disturbed elements. On the 9th a provisional constitution was adopted at Montgomery, Alabama, it being the constitution of the United States "re-constructed" to suit their purpose. Jefferson Davis, of Mississippi, was chosen president, and Alexander H. Stephens, of Georgia, vicepresident, of the "Confederate States of North America." Jefferson Davis was inaugurated on the 18th, and on the 25th it was learned that General Twiggs, commanding the department of Texas, had basely betrayed his trust, and had surrendered all the military posts, ammunition and arms to the Texas authorities.

Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated March the 4th, 1861, in front of the capitol, the ceremonies being witnessed by a vast concourse of people, Before taking the oath, Mr. Lincoln pronounced in a clear, ringing voice his inaugural address, to hear which there was an almost painful solicitude ; to read which the whole American people and civilized world awaited with irrepressible interest. With that address and the administration of the oath of office, the people were assured. All doubt, if any had previously existed, was removed. In the hands of Abraham Lincoln, the people's president, and himself of the people, the government was safe.

Traitors were still busy plotting and planning. Troops were mustering in all the seceded states. On Friday, April 12, the surrender of Fort Sumter, with its garrison of 60 effective men, was demanded, and bravely refused by the gallant Robert Anderson, the heroic commander. Fire was at once opened on the almost helpless garrison by the rebel forces, numbering several thousands. Resistance for any length of time was useless, and, at last, out of ammunition, and seared and scorched by flames from their burning quarters, the little band of heroic men were compelled to give up, and the national colors were hauled down and by traitor hands were trailed in the dust, the dirt and the mire not defiling them half as much as the Judas touch of arrant rebels. On Sunday morning, the 14th, the news of the surrender was received in all the principal cities of the Union. That was all, but that was enough. A day later, when the news was confirmed and spread throughout the country, the patriotic people of the North were aroused from their dreams of the future - from undertakings half completed - and made to realize that, behind that mob, there was a dark, deep and well-organized purpose to destroy the government, rend the Union in twain, and out of its ruins erect a slave oligarchy, wherein no one would dare question their right to hold in bondage the sons and daughters of men whose skins were black. Their dreams of the future - their plans for the establishment of an independent confederacy - were doomed from their inception to sad and bitter disappointment. "Draw fortb your million blades as one; Complete the battle how begun; God tights with ye. and overhead Floats the dear banner of your dead. They, and the gluries of the past. The future, dawning dim and vast. And all the holiest hopes of man Are beaming triumphant in your van. "Slow to resolve, be swift to do; Teach ye the False how tights the True: How buckled l'ertidy shall feel In her black heart the Patriot's steel; How sure the bolt that Justice wings: How weak the arm a traitor brings; How mighty they who steadfast stand For freedom's tlag and freedom's land." On Monday, April 15, President Lincoln issued the following proclamation: Whereas, The laws of the I'nited states have for some time past, and are now, opposed and the execution thereof obstructed, in the states of South Carolina. Alabama, Florida. Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas, by combinations too powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings, or by the power vested in the marshals; now, therefore, I, Abraham Lincoln, president of the United States, by virtue of the power in me vested by the constitution and the laws.

have thought to call forth, and hereby do call forth, the militia of the several states of the Union, to the number of seventy-five thousand, in order to suppress said combinations, and to cause the laws to be duly executed.

The details for this subject will be immediately communicated to the state authorities through the war department. I appeal to all loyal citizens to favor, facilitate and to aid this effort to maintain the honor, the integr ty and existence of our National Union, and the perpetuity of popular government, and to redress wrongs already long endured. I deem it proper to say that the first services assigned to the forces hereby called forth will probably be to repossess the forts, places and property which have been seized from the Union; and in every event the utmost care will be observed, consistently with the object aforesaid, to avoid any devastation, any destruction of, or interference with property, or any disturbance of peaceful citizens in any part of the country; ami I hereby command the persons composing

Deeming that the present condition of public affairs presents an extraordinary occasion, 1 do hereby, in virtue id' the powers in me vested by the constitution, convene both the houses of congress. The senators and representatives are therefore summoned to assemble at their respective chambers at 1_! o'clock, noon, on Thursday, the fourth day id' July next, then and there to consider and determine such measures as in their wisdom the public safety and interest may seem to demand.

Done at the city of Washington, on the fifteenth day id' April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one, and of the independence of the I'nited states, tie eighty-fifth.

trie wire before the call was filled. Men and money were counted out by hundreds and thousands. The people who loved their whole country could not give enough. Patriotism thrilled and vibrated and pulsated through every heart. The farm, the workshop, the office, the pulpit, the bar, the bench, the college, the school house - every calling offered its best men, their lives and fortunes, in defense of the government's honor and unity. Party lines were for a time ignored. Bitter words, spoken in moments of political heat, were forgotten and forgiven, and joining hands in a common cause, they repeated the oath of America's soldier statesman: "By the great eternal, the union must and shall be preserved !"

Seventy-five thousand men were not enough to subdue the rebellion. Nor were ten times that number. The war went on, and call followed call, until it seemed as if there were not men enough in all the free states to crush out the rebellion. But to every call for either men or money, there was a willing and ready response. The gauntlet thrown down by plotters of the south was accepted; not, however, in the spirit which insolence meets insolence, but with a firm, determined spirit of patriotism and love of country. The duty of the president was plain under the constitution and laws, and, above and beyond all, the people, from whom all political power is derived, demanded the suppression of the rebellion, and stood ready to sustain the authority of their representative and executive officers to the utmost extremity.

derogatory to her that in the breasts of many of her citizens beat hearts in sympathy with the cause of the southern confederacy, and that a feeling of illwill should prevail against the radical abolitionists. But to their honor be it spoken, that many of these, who looked upon the movement of the south as having just grounds, with a noble patriotism, sank all sectional and political feelings in their devotion to the cause of the Union, and the "star gemmed fiag" of their country. Many of the citizens of the county of Jersey, and among them many of the most influential and respected ones, used every honorable means to defeat the election of Abraham Lincoln to the presidency, deeming it to be the best interests of the country. But others worked equally hard to elevate the favorite son of Illinois to the executive seat, although a no less distinguished citizen of Illinois was one of his opponents. The vote, in November 1860, best shows the number of those who favored the election of Lincoln and who favored his opponents: for Lincoln, 910 votes; for Douglas, 1,291; for Breckenridge, 11; and for Bell, 105. In the minds of all it seemed impossible that the south would secede, and that this glorious republic would be disrupted, thinking that when the excitement of the political campaign had passed away, peace and prosperity would continue. But when the sad news of Anderson's surrender was made known throughout the land, no greater indignation, at the outrage to our flag, was betrayed anywhere than in Jersey county. Political rancor was hushed, partisan feeling was swept away, and pure patriotism animated the

All throughout the long years that the dark cloud of war covered our country, the enlistment of men, the forming of new companies, the constant stir and excitement was kept up, and men, young, middle-aged and old, pressed to the front. Many brave and gallant sons of Jersey county represented her in the ranks of "blue-coated national defenders," men who stood in the red front of lurid battle, and always took a prominent part. Numbers of them laid down their lives upon the altar of their country, and their bones enrich the soil of nearly every southern state. From the Potomac to the Rio Grande, from Albemarle sound to the Rocky mountains, have their drums beat, and the ground re-echoed to their tread, and no more heroic soldiers led the van in many a stricken field than did the representatives from this section of the state.

While they were away upon the tented field, the patriotic men and women at home were not idle. Although impossible to get the county to do anything in an official way for the relief of soldiers' families, many, as private citizens, thought it not only a duty but a blessed privilege to render all the aid in their power. During the entire four years of war, we think but little actual suffering was experienced by any at home on account of the absence of their natural protectors, who were serving their country. Fairs and festivals were held for the purpose of obtaining sanitary supplies for those in the field, and

Roster

The following is a complete roster of the citizens of Jersey county, who, in that trying hour of a nation's need, left wife, children and comfortable homes, and, shouldering the musket, went to the front in discharge of the patriot's duty. These are compiled from the adjutant general's report, and other official and authentic sources. If there are any inaccuracies of spelling, or omissions, the historians hope that they will be pardoned, as the rolls have been followed as nearly as possible, and none has a higher appreciation of the "boys in blue," than the writers of these annals:

Company

First Lieutenants: Scott, William II., Simmons, T. II., Stafford, I. B. Sergeants: Mendenhall, A. W., Pattern, William II., Davis, J. A., Stafford, I. B.,

Mp Any

In the month of Feb., 1862, the regiment was ordered to join the forces under Gen. Grant, at Donelson, but arrived at that place one day too late to participate in the engagement of that place. Here it was brigaded with the 15th and 46th 111. and 25th Ind. Inf. Regts., and, under the name of the 2d Brig., assigned to the 4th Div., under the command of Gen. S. A. Hurlbut, of this state. In the meantime Col. Palmer, having been promoted to the rank of brigadier-general, and Lieu't-Col.Amory K. Johnson, having been made colonel of the 28th 111. Inf., Maj. Cyrus Hall, of the 7th 111. Cav. was appointed colonel of Hie 14th.

From Fort Donelson the regiment proceeded to Fort Henry, where it embarked and was transported by steam. boats up the Tennessee river to Pittsburg Landing. Heie, early on the morning of the 6th of April the regiment was called into line and marched half a mile to the front, where it nut the enemy driving General Prentiss. It was assigned a position on the left of the line, in Peach Orchard. The enemy immediately attacked it, but were repulsed; and it held its position from 8 o'clock A. M. until 3 P. M., only then retiring under orders from General S. A. Hurlbut, commanding the old fighting 4th division. On the morning of the 7th it held a position on the right of the line, and was hotly engaged until the battle closed and the victory won. During those two long, trying, bloody days the regiment behaved nobly, and was never broken or driven back by the enemy, though often most heavily pressed, although this was the first time that the regiment had been under fire.

They sustained a loss of nearly one-half of the command present, and their colors, which came out of the conflict with forty-two bullet holes through them, fully attest the fierceness of the combat and the gallantry of the men in that memorable struggle. All the historians of this fearfully contested field highly compliment this noble band of heroes, who that day distinguished themselves at a most terrible sacrifice. In the grand charge on the 7th, which was the consummation of that splendid victory wrested from the arms of defeat, the 14th Illinois was in the advance, and was led by Col. Hall. In the official reportofGen. Veach, commander of the brigade, he used the following words in speaking of this favorite body of men: "Col. Hall, of the 14th Illinois, led with his regiment that gallant charge on Monday evening, which drove the enemy beyond our lines and closed the struggle of that memorable day."

The regiment, also, took an active part in the siege of Corinth, during the month of May, 1862, and after the evacuation of that place by Gen. Bragg, they went to Memphis, thence to Bolivar.

On the 4th of Oct., 1862, the gallant 4th division, under Gen. Hurlbut, was ordered to proceed to Corinth, as a forlorn hope, to relieve the beleagured garrison of that place, but the gallant Rosecrans, before Corinth was reached, had already severely punished the enemy, and the forlorn hope met the enemy at the village of Metamora, on the river Hatchie. After eight hours hard fighting a glorious victory was gained, in which the 14th 111. sustained most nobly the reputation gained at Shiloh or Pittsburg Landing.

The regiment constituted a part of the right wing of Grant's army in the march into northern Mississippi, through Holly Springs, to Yacona Patalfa, under the immediate command of General McPherson. General VanDorn, of the confederate army, having captured Holly Springs with its large amount of army stores, and General W. T. Sherman being unable to effect a dislodgement of the enemy from Vicksburg, Grant's army was compelled to retreat, and Jan. 18, 1863, the 14th 111. Reg. went into winter quarters at La- Fayette, Term.

Early in the spring of 1863, the regiment was ordered to the lines in front of Vicksburg, and took part in the siege of that stronghold until its fall, July 4, 1863. After this, the command took its part in the expedition to Jackson, Miss., remaining there until the evacuation of that city. In August, of that year, it proceeded to Natchez, and formed part of the force which marched across the swamps of northeastern Louisiana, to Harrisonburg, on the Ouachita river, and captured Fort Beauregard, where, the spring previous, the ram, Queen of the West, had been sunk. It also took part in the famous Meridian campaign, under General Sherman and on its return from that expedition, the regiment, or a large part of it, veteranized, although its time would have expired in a short period. After a short veteran furlough in the beloved northland, they returned to the field refreshed, and anxious for the fray.

General W. T. Sherman, with a force numbering a little less than 100,000 men of all arms, with 254 guns, in the spring of 1864, started on his ever memorable campaign, to penetrate the heart of the confederacy, draw off the attention of a large portion of the forces of the south, so that they could not reinforce the hard pressed army of Virginia. The country to be traversed was almost chaotic, in its upheaval. Rugged mountains, deep, narrow ravines, thick primitive woods, crossed by narrow, ill-made roads, succeed each other for 40 miles; then intervenes a like distance of comparatively open country, only to be succeeded by another rugged, difficult region of mountains and passes which reaches nearly to the Chattahoochie river, across which, eight miles distant, lay the important city of Atlanta. The gallant band of heroes called the 14th 111. Inf., still under the command of Colonel Hall participated in all of the movements and engagements that led up to the siege of Atlanta, and honorably acquitted themselves in every place they were called upon to act the part of men.

While before Atlanta the 14th and loth 111., ever together since the autumn of 1862, sharers of each others' sorrows and joys, weary marches and honorably earned laurels, were consolidated into the "14th and loth 111. Vet. Bat.," and it was detailed to guard the railroad communications at or near Ackworth, Ga., a most important and dangerous duty, as it was the only route by which the supplies for Sherman's army could be brought, and upon the preservation of which depended the subsistence and ammunition of this immense host. In the month of. Oct., 1864, when the confederate General Hood made his demonstration against the rear of Sherman's army, a large number of the battalion were killed, and a large part of the balance captured and sent to Andersonville prison pen. Those who escaped capture were mounted, and accompanying Sherman on the ever memorable march to the sea, acted as scouts, and were continually in the advance, and were the first to drive the confederate pickets into Savannah, Ga. During the long and dreary march through South and North Carolina, this battallion was on duty day and night, being constantly in the presence of the enemy, and gained great notoriety as skillful scouts and skirmishers. They were the first to enter the town of Cheraw, S. C, and later, the town of Fayetteville, N. C, and took a part in the battle of Bentonvillc.

At Goldsborough, N.C., the battalion organization was discontinued in the spring of 1865, a sufficient number of organized recruits, of the one year men, having arrived by way of New York and Morehead City, N. C, to fill up the two regiments, Colonel Hall being again assigned to the command of his old regiment, the 14th. After the capitulation of Johnston, the regiment marched to Washington, D. C, where it participated in the well remembered review. It afterwards was transported by rail and steamboat to Louisville, Ky., thence by river to Fort Leavenworth, Kas. From this place they marched to Fort Kearney, Neb., and from thence back. It was mustered out at Fort Leavenworth, Sept. 16, 1865, and arrived at Springfield, 111., where the men received their discharge. The aggregate number of men who belonged to this favorite regiment was 1,980, and only 480 were mustered out.

During its four years and four months of arduous service, this regiment marched 4,490 miles, traveled by rail 2,330 miles, and by river 4,490 miles, making in all a grand total of 11,670 miles.

Twenty-Seventh Illinois Infantry

This regiment was organized with only seven companies, at Camp Butler, Springfield, 111., Aug. 10, 1861, and ordered to Jacksonville, as a part of the brigade of Gen. John A. McClernand. The officers of the regiment were as follows: Colonel, Napoleon B. Buford; lieutenant-colonel, Fazillo A. Harrington; major, Hall Wilson; and Henry A. Rust, adjutant. On the 1st of Sept., 1861, the regiment proceeded under orders to Cairo, where three additional companies were added to their strength, and all moved on to the scene of hostilities, and first smelt powder at Belmont, on the 7th of Nov., 1861, where it bore a prominent part and suffered heavily. On the evacuation of Columbus, Ky., the 27th was sent there to duty as garrison. On the 14th of March, 1862, in company with the 42d HI., 18th Wis. and parts of the 2d 111. light Art. and 2d 111. Cav., it formed what was called the Mississippi flotilla, and started down the Mississippi river and remained during the siege of Island No. 10, the 27th being the first federal force to land upon the island, after its capture. After crossing the river, the regiment was moved to Ft. Pillow, but was recalled and ordered to Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., and was engaged in the siege of Corinth, and battle of Farmington, May 9, 1862, and followed in pursuit of the enemy to Booneville. It then retraced its steps to Corinth, where it remained some time. In July, 1862, the regiment received orders to proceed to Iuka, and soon after was distributed along the line of the Memphis & Charleston railroad, where it remained until the early part of September, when it crossed the Tennessee river, at Decatur, Alabama, under the command of Maj. Gen. John M. Palmer, and pushing on made a rapid and forced march tu Nashville, Tenn., where it arrived September 12, and where it remained during the time it was cut off from communication with the north. The 27th was also with the advance from Nashville, and particularly distinguished itself at the battle of Stone River. On the 24th of June, 1863, it moved with the army against Shelby ville and Tullahoma, and thence to Bridgeport, Ala. On the 2d of September, the corps crossed the Tennessee river, and moved down toward Rome, Ga., below Chattanooga, and returned in time to take part in the pursuit of Bragg. For some time Gen. Rosecrans had been gathering a large body of men at Nashville, and had, by threatening his line of communication, caused Gen. Braxton Bragg to evacuate Chattanooga, on the 8th of Sept. Gen. Rosecrans, under the impression that Bragg's forces in retreat were demoralized, pushed on in his rear, but the confederate commander, who was an able one, receiving heavy reinforcements, turned and met his pursuer. This he did with so much suddenness and ferocity, that the union forces narrowly escaped being cut up in detail, as they were scattered along the line forty miles in length. Gen. Rosecrans, who was on hand, rapidly concentrated his forces, and the two armies met at Chiekamauga creek.

The first day's engagement, although a hot one, was indecisive and on the second day, the 20th of Sept. 1863, the day had hardly dawned ere the roar of artillery, and the sharp rattle of musketry awoke the slumbering echoes of the " River of Death," the Indian name of the creek bearing that interpretation. All the forenoon the battle raged with unparalleled fury, but about noon the federal line was broken for a few moments by the passing of troops to the left, then hard pressed. General Longstreet, of the confederate army, seized the opportunity, and, hurling the nececessary forces on the weakened center, soon swept it and the right wing from the field. The demoralized fugitives, in their headlong (light, carried off General Rosecrans with them. All now depended upon General Thomas, who had command of the left wing, which yet stood steadfast. All through that long afternoon the entire confederate army surged around that band of heroes, a body of brave men commanded by as brave a commander, who, by the firmness of their front, earned for General Thomas the proud sobriquet of the " rock of Chickamauga." The '27th suffered severely during the fight, and with the balance of the army fell back to Chattanooga, where it remained during the investment of that place, for Bragg, following the retreating forces, occupied the surrounding hills, threatening the city and the garrison with starvation.

Grant was now appointed to supercede General Rosecrans, and hastened to Chattanooga, but being afraid that General Thomas, who had command after Rosecrans left, would surrender before re-enforcements, could reach him, telegraphed him to hold fast. The old Roman's reply was, -'I will stay till I starve.'' On Grant's arrival things began to wear a different aspect. A corps from the army of the Potomac 23, 000 strong, under (ieneral Joseph Hooker came, and (ieneral W . T. Sherman, hastened by forced marches from Iuka, 200 miles away, and communications were again restored. On the 24th of November the 27th was ordered on duty, and helped fight the ever-memorable battle of Lookout Mountain. Gen. Hooker was ordered to charge the enemy, but to stop on the high ground, but the men, carried away by the ardor of the attack, swept on, over the crest, driving the enemy before them. The next morning Hooker advanced on the south of Missionary Ridge. Sherman had been the whole time pounding away on the northern Hank, and Grant perceiving that the rebel line in front of him was being weakened to repel these attacks on the dank, saw that the critical moment had arrived and launched Thomas' corps on its center.

" The signals for the attack had been arranged.'' says B. F. Taylor, in his account of the battle, "'six cannon shots fired at intervals of two seconds. The moment arrived. Strong and steady tinorder rang out : ' No. 1, fire ! No. 2, tire ! No. ,">, tire !' It seemed to me like the tolling of the clock of destiny. And when at ' No. 6, fire !' the roar throbbed out with the Hash, you should have Been the dead line, that had been lying behind the works all day, come to resurrection in the twinkling of an eye, and leap like a blade from its scabbard."

at the foot of Missionary ridge, then halt and reform; but the men forgot them all, and carrying the works at the base, swept up the ascent. Grant caught the grand inspiration, and ordered a grand charge along the whole front. Up they went, without firing a shot, over rocks, trees, and stumps, surmounted the crest, captured the guns and turned them upon the enemy, now fully routed and in disorderly retreat. Although the 27th held its accustomed place in these battles, it lost only a few men.

From Mission ridge the Reg. was called on to make a forced march to the relief of Knoxville, then closely pressed by the confederate forces under Gen. Longstreet, but by the time it reached the beleaguered city the enemy had been repulsed. It then returned to Loudon, Tenn., arriving there Jan. 25, 1864, and going into camp, remained until April 18, when orders were received that caused it to move to Cleveland, Tenn. While at this place Gen. Sherman was collecting his forces and organizing his army for the descent upon Atlanta and the subsequent march to the sea, and the 27th 111. was ordered to join the invading force, which it did. At Rockv Face ridge, May 9, Resaca, May 14, Calhoun, May the 16th, Adairsville, May the 17th, Dallas, May the 26th to June 4, Pine Top mountain, June 10 to 14, Mud creek, June 18, and Kenesaw, this gallant regiment performed prodigies of valor and wrung from a defeated enemy the highest encomiums.

At the battle of Peach Tree creek, July 20, the 27th was in line, and to quote the words of Greeley in his history of the war: "These soldiers stood as still as though bullet proof."

The regiment was relieved from duty at the front, Aug. 25, 1864, and ordered to Springfield, 111., for muster out, but was detained for a couple of days at Nashville, Tenn., on the way home, on account of apprehensions felt in that city, of an attack by the cavalry column under Gen. Wheeler. It then proceeded to the capital of Illinois, where it was mustered out, Sept. 25, 1864.

Thirty- First Infantry

During the term of service it had the following casualties: killed or died of wounds, 102; died of disease, 80; number of wounded, 328; discharged and resigned, 209; transferred, 39. The veterans and recruits of the 27th were consolidated with the 9th 111. Inf., on their comrades leaving for home. THIRTY- FIRST INFANTRY.

Ninety-Seventh Illinois Infantry

The 97th 111. Inf. Reg., was organized at Camp Butler, Sprindlield, 111., in Sept., 1862, and was mustered into the service of the United States on the 16th of that month, with the following regimental staff: Friend S. Rutherford, colonel; Lewis D. Martin, lieutenantcolonel; Stephen W. Horton, major; Victor Vifquain, adjutant; G. C. Cockerel, quartermaster; Samuel Willard, surgeon, and W. M. Baker, chaplain.

On the 3d of October it started for Cincinnati, 0., and from there it marched to Nicholasville, Ky., where it went into camp, and remained drilling and doing guard and police duty, until Nov. 10, when it was assigned to the division under the command of Gen. A.J. Smith, and moved to Louisville, arriving in that city, on the 15th. On the 17th in embarked on transports, and started for Memphis. Tenn., and on arrival, went into camp, Nov. 26. Here it was assigned to the 2d brigade, 10th division, 13th army corps, under the command of Maj.-Gen. John A. McClernand. This force left Memphis, Dec. 20, and landed near Walnut Hill, onthe Yazoo river and occupied a position on the extreme left during the battle of Chickasaw Bayou, but fortunately were not brought into the assaulting column. This was an impotent and fruitless attack on the most superb fortifications of the south. The sluggish waters of the bayou covered the entire rebel front, behind which rose the lofty bluffs of the Yazoo. Here the labor of thousands of slaves had been devoted to the complete fortifications of the line for months, until it was perfectly impregnable to the simple assault, yet General Sherman dared the awful hazard of the battle, and hurled column after column of infantry upon them in simple, useless slaughter. In obedience to orders, the men plunged into the bayou, where both banks were covered by tangled abatis, and where the bayou presents a quicksand bed300feet wide, containing water fifteen feet wide and three feet deep. The rebel rifle pits beyond were filled with sharpshooters, wdiose every bullet drew blood; his gunners had the range of the ford, such as it was, and poured grape and canister into their dauntless but rapidly decimated ranks. Toiling like heroes, they essayed to stem the storm until an order was received to fall back. It was raining all the time, and stung by the consciousness that they had fruitlessly thrown away many valuable lives, they retired sullenly from the contest. During the rainy night which followed the battle, the men of the 97th stood or lay without fire, in the swamp bordering the execrated bayou, but next morning they were embarked and returned to Milliken's Bend. On the 10th and 11th of

Jan., 1863, they took part in the reduction of Arkansas Post, or Fort Hindman, as it is sometimes called, where they, as usual, displayed their high courage and valor.

On the 15th of Jan. the regiment moved down the river to Young's Point, where it remained until March 6, when it returned to Milliken's Bend, and on 15th of April, marched to Grand Gulf On the 1st of May it, together with the other troops, was engaged at Port Gibson, Miss., and on the 16th, at Champpion Hills, where it did good work. The regiment arrived in the rear of Vicksburg on the 19th of May, and participated in the siege of that place until its capitulation, July 4, 1863. Scarcely had the confederate colors been hauled down on this stronghold, than General Sherman started for Jackson, Miss., where Joe Johnston was securely fortified, and with his column was the 97th. It participated in all the manoeuvers that led to the downfall of that place, and then returned to Vicksburg, where it remained until Aug. 25, when it embarked for New Orleans, and went into camp at Carrollton, near that city, on their arrival at that place on the 27th. The regiment was mustered out of service July 29, 1865, at Galveston, Texas, and arrived at Camp Butler, Springfield, 111., Aug. 13, 1S65, where it received its discharge.

One Hundred And Twenty-Second Infantry

The regiment which was known as the 122d 111. Vol. Inf. was organized at Camp Palmer, Carlinville, in August, 1862. The officers of the regiment were as follows: Colonel, John J. Rinaker; lieutenant-colonel, James F. Drish; major, J. F. Chapman; H. G. Kaplinger, adjutant. On the 8th of Oct. the regiment moved to Columbus, Ky., and from thence to Trenton, Tenn. On Nov. the 12th, companies A, D and F moved to Humboldt, that state but upon the 18th of December, the regiment was transported to Jackson, to defend that place against Forrest. They marched in pursuit of the enemy as far as Lexington, Tenn., but returned to Jackson, December 21. In the meantime, the enemy, under General Forrest, captured the town of Trenton, to. gether with the sick in the hospital at that place, among whom were Major Chapman and 60 men of the 122d Illinois, on hearing which the balance of the regiment set out in pursuit of the enemy, December 27th. On the 31st, was engaged at Parker's Cross-roads, in connection with detachments of the 39th Iowa, 50th Iml. and 18th 111. Inf. regiments, and captured seven pieces of artillery and 500 prisoner-. The loss of the 122d was one officer ami 22 privates killed ami 56 wounded. Colonel Rinaker was severely wounded. On the 17th of Feb. 1863, the regiment moved to Corinth, and on the loth of April from Corinth, and on the 25th was engaged at Town creek. It moved to Saulsbury, June 25th, and October 30th to Iuka, Colonel Rinaker commanding the post at each place. It did efficient service, in this line of duty, the summer of 1864, companies E, H and K defending Paducah against the assaults of General Forrest, repelling three attacks on Fort Anderson. June 26, 1864, it was transported to Memphis, Tenn., and was assigned to the 1st Brig., 3d Div., and joined to the command of Gen. A. J. Smith.

On the 14th of July was engaged at Tupelo, Mississippi, and met with the loss of Captain Josiah Burroughs and nine enlisted men killed and 23 wounded, and returned to Memphis, arriving there July 23. It was also engaged in garrison and guard duty at Holly Springs, and on the 8th of Sept. moved to Cairo, 111. and the 12th to Jefferson barracks, St. Louis, Mo. It was a participant in the campaign in Missouri, of this year, after General Price. The regiment embarked for Nashville, Term., Nov. 24, and on the 15th and 16th of Dec. was engaged in the battle of Nashville. Hood, who had swung around Sherman's advancing army, threatened Nashville, and Gen. Thomas gathered all the men within reach, for the defense of that city, to him, and among them the 122d 111. who did valiant service upon that sanguinary field. On the 16th, the battle raged with increasing fury, until Thomas ordered a grand charge, when the confederate forces were driven out of their intrenchments in headlong flight. The union cavaly thundered upon their heels with remorseless energy, the infantry following closely behind. Almost the entire rebel army was dissolved into a rabble of demoralized fugitives, who, at last escaped across the Tennessee. The war in the west, so far as great movements were concerned, was practically at an end, but the gallant regiment whose name graces the head of this article was not through with its days of battle, for, on the 3d of April, it joined the forces before Fort Blakely and on the 9th of that month participated in the assault upon that stronghold, losing 20 killed and wounded. On the 12th it marched to Montgomery, Ala., arriving there on the 26th, where it remained until the latter part of May. June 4th, it embarked at Providence Landing, and steamed down the Alabama river to Mobile, where it was mustered out of the service, July 15.

One Hundred And Twenty-Fourth Illinois Infantry

This regiment was organized at Camp Butler, Springfield, 111., in Sept., 1862, with the following regimental officers : Thomas J. Sloan, of Chicago, colonel; John H. Howe, lieutenant-colonel; R. P. Pattison, major; and William E. Smith, adjutant. It was mustered into the service of the United States by Lieutenant DeCourcey, Sept. 10. On the 3d of Oct. the regiment received orders to go to the front, and leaving Camp Butler, moved to Jackson, Tenn., where it arrived on the 9th, and was assigned a place in the 3d Brig., 1st Div., 13th Army Corps. On the 14th of Nov. it moved to Lagrange, and on the 28th drove the enemy across the Tallahatchie river and advanced to the Yacona river. The regiment was then in the 1st Brig., Col. John E. Smith; 3dDiv., Brig. -Gen. John A. Logan; of the 17th Army Corps, commanded by Maj.-Gen. James B. Mcpherson.

On the 13th of Feb., 1863, they moved down the Mississippi river to Lake Providence, and March 17 went into camp at Berry's landing. On the 18th of April the regiment moved to Milliken's Bend, and on the 25th commenced w'ith the other troops the campaign that ended in the surrender of Vicksburg. On the 30th of April it took part in the sanguinary and hotly contested battle at Thompson's Hill, and gained imperishable laurels. In the engagement at Raymond, Jackson, and Champion Hills, May 12, 14 and 16, respectively, during the entire seige of Vicksburg, including the assault on Fort Hill, they performed a heroic part. After the surrender of that redoubtable place they rested until August 31, when they entered upon the campaign to Monroe, La., and thence to Brownsville, and was engaged in the two days' battle at the latter place, on the 16th and 17th of Oct. It went into camp at Black river Nov. 7, and on the 25th engaged in a prize drill with five other regiments, and carried off the palm. At a subsequent contest for a prize banner the 124th received the flag, inscribed, " Excelsior regiment, 3d Div., 7th Corps," from the hands of Maj.-Gen. McPherson, for excelling in soldierly appearance, discipline, and drill. On the 3d of Feb., 1864, the regiment entered upon the famous Meridian expedition, and returned to Vicksburg March4.

One Hundred Thirty-Third Inf

It was engaged at Benton on May 7 and 10, returned to Vicksburg on the 21st, and in July, moved with General Slocum on his Jackson campaign, and was engaged in the sharp fight at Jackson Cross Roads the 5th and 7th. In October it was in the campaign to White river and Memphis. Remained at Vicksburg doing guard and provost duty until Feb. 25, 1865, when it removed to New Orleans. March 12, it embarked for Mobile, moved to Dauphin Island, and up Fish river, and commenced the siege of Spanish Fort. The regiment was the extreme left of the investing line, and, with one-half deployed as skirmishers, drove the enemy within their fortifications. The regiment was mustered out, at Chicago, Aug. 15. ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-THIRD INF. First Assistant Surgeon: Folger, II. A.'

Roll Of Honor

Chas. F. Daudridge was left wounded on the battlefield of Chickamauga, Sept. 20, 1863. Benjamin Strickland was killed at Grand Junction, Jan. 18, 1863.