Saratoga Township (part 2 of 4)

First Election

In accordance to the act creating Grundy County, an election was held in the cabin owned by Columbus Pinney on May 24, 1841, and the returns of the election judges to the clerk of La Salle County show that Henry Cryder, Jacob Claypool and James McKeen were elected county commissioners; .Tamos Neagle, clerk of the county commissioners court; L. W. Claypool, recorder; Joshua Collins, probate justice of the peace.

'-This day Jacob Claypool. Henry Cryder and James McKeen, who were elected to the office of county commissioners in and for said county, on the 24th da> of May, A. D. 1841, and appeared and produced their certificates of election, whereupon the said, lacob Claypool and James Mc- Keen took each an oath, and the said Henry Cryder made an affirmation to support the Constitution of the United States and of the State of Illinois according to law and took their seats."

Whereupon the clerk prepared three tickets and presented the same to the county commissioners, according to the provisions of the act of legislature entitled "An Act to Amend an Act Entitled an Act Establishing Courts of County Commissioners," approved March 22, 1S19, and Henry Cryder drew the ticket on which was written the words, three years, and was to continue in office three years; and James McKeen drew the ticket on which was written the words two years, and was to continue in office two years, and Jacob Claypool drew the ticket on which was written the words one year, and was to continue in office one year. The other county officials then each took the oath of office and Grundy County was duly organized.

The County Commissioners' Court then proceeded to divide the county into precincts. What is now Aux Sable Township was made Dresden Precinct; all the rest of the territory north of the Illinois River which now constitutes the townships of Saratoga, Nettle Creek, Erienna and Morris \va< called Jefferson Precinct; and that now included in the townships of Xorman,

Vienna, Highland and the west half of Good Farm, Mazon and Wauponsee was called Wauponsee Precinct, and that now in the townships of Goose Lake, Felix, Braceville, Maine. Green- Geld. Garfield and the east half of Good Farm, Mazon and Wauponsee was called Kankakee Precinct. The polling places in the various precincts were fixed at the homes of men living near the center of population of each precinct. The entire cost of this meeting of the Commissioners' Court, including clerk, was $24, $5 each for the commissioners, and ?D for the clerk.

On Wednesday. July 21, following, the County Commissioners' Court held a special term and divided the county into five road districts and appointed a man in each district as a road supervisor. The grand jury was named at this term and trustees for the school lands were appointed in the several townships.

Thus the first election held in Grundy County was at the cost of $8 for judges, clerks and return of poll books to the county clerk at Ottawa.

The meetings of the County Commissioners' Court from the time of its organization up to and including that of June. T^TL'. were held at the house of William E. Armstrong, where the circuit court had also been held, and in the record of a meeting of the County Commissioners' Court held June 11, 1S42, the following order is entered :

On Wednesday, October 17, 1S49, the hist meeting of the Commissioners' Court of Grundy County was held and the form of government was changed to that under township organization. The records are silent in regard to the election by which the township organization was adopted, or as to the supervisors who were elected from the several townships, but this form of government has continued, the county board now being comprised of nineteen members, one from each of the seventeen townships, and an assistant supervisor from each of the townships of Morris and Braceville. On June 12, 1S50, the first meeting of the Board of Supervisors was held and it was found from the state auditor that the names of Addison, Fairview and Dover Townships must lie changed, and by action of the board Addison became Braceville, Dover became Good Farm, and Fairview, Arianna, now called Erienna. Since then, by division, there have been added the town- Ships of Felix, Goose Lake. Maine and Garfield. making seventeen in all.

Grundy County, named for Felix Grundy, the greatest criminal lawyer Tennessee had then known, whose ardent admirer, William E. Armstrong, was father of the bill creating Grundy County, was without a capital until April 12, 1S42, when Morris was acknowledged by Isaac N. Morris. Newton Cloud, E. S. Duryea and William E. Armstrong, although at that time it was kimwn as Grundytown, and Gruudyville. The name of Morris was bestowed upon it in honor of Isaac X. Morris, who cast the deciding vote in favor of Gruudyville as against Clarksou, situated on section 9, which had never met with great approval on account of its position with relation to the canal. It was at first proposed to call the place Morristown, but as there was already a pos;cTice by that name, the present name was chosen.

The First Courthouse

As is so often the case, there was found no suitable building at Morris for the transaction of county business, and so the private house of William E. Armstrong was ordered used as a public building until May, 1S42. when Mr. Armstrong erected a two-story frame building 20x40 feet on the northwest corner of the Courthouse Square. The commissioners later purchased this building, improved it, expending in all $485.30, and it was used for a public meeting place as well as for a courthouse.

The Second Courthouse

On April 26, 1S5S, the second courthouse of Grundy County was accepted at a cost of £22.700. While it was considered a line building at that time, increasing business made necessary a new structure. It was at first proposed to erect it of brie!-., hut owing to the fact that no good brick was manufactured at Morris, action was taken to substitute stone, and while the cost was increased, the results were satisfactory. With the growth of the county business, however, even this new structure was found too small for proper and dignified work and although considerable remodeling was done in (he hope of acquiring sufficient space, it was decided as early as TPlo, that a larger courthouse would have to be erected. At the meeting of the hoard, June 25, 1912, a resolution was presented by S. D. Ilolderman thai the courthouse he remodeled and the contract was given to the Falls River Construction Company, for $G7,4So, hut when the plumbing contract was included, the hid was ?72,3So. On August 19, 1912, the old courthouse began to fall beneath the hands of the wreckers, ami as nothing was retained hut the two outer walls of the old building which were made the inner walls of the present structure, it must be termed a new courthouse. On Thanksgiving Day. 1912, the cornerstone was laid, and on December 9, 1913, the new courthouse was dedicated with imposing ceremonies, it is recognized as the most artistically beautiful and imposing building of its kind in the Illinois valley, and reflects lasting credit upon the architect, J. W. Rohrer of Urbana, 111. The new edifice is absolutely fireproof, and the rooms have been constructed with definite reference to the uses to which they were to be put. It is built of Bedford stone, concrete, marble and steel, with tiled floors, and thus there is no danger of fire or other loss.

Entering the stately portals, the visitor finds himself in a large circular corridor, beautifully tiled, witli immense marble pillars and lighted with superb bowl electric lights. On the left are the public and private offices of the circuit clerk and the vaults. . Adjoining are the toilet rooms, and the quarters of the board of supervisors, and the private room of the county jud^re. On the right are offices of the county clerk, both public and private, and the vaults pertaining to his work, and next to them are the offices of the sheriff and the treasurer. The second floor is taken up with the private office of the superintendent of schools, the examination room for touchers, the offices of the state's attorney, a consultation room, the private office of the circuit judge, the law library, tlie ladies' rest room, the grand jury room, chambers for the masterin-ebaneery, two rooms for the petit jury, and in the center is the beautiful circuit court room. The adornments and equipments of these apartments are the best obtainable, and the furniture is of heavy mission style, while the floors are all tiled, it would be difficult to suggest anything additional in this model courthouse or its furnishings, and the board that carried through its erection has every cause to be proud of the work which may well be the monument to the life endeavor of its members.

The following committees wore appointed at a meeting held November 2S, lf)l.->, and presided over by Eugene Cryder, to celebrate the opening of the new building:

Escort to Speakers - Israel Dudgeon, C. F. Hanson, C. Reardon, J. W. Rausch, W. E. Sackett, A. J.- Smith, S. C. Stough, Dan O'Connell, and W. E. Walsh.

The Morris and Coal City bands and the Joliet orchestra furnished music, and the committee on lunch provided bountifully a generous collation of roast beef sandwiches, coffee and pickles, while several barrels of candy were distributed to the children.

The reception committee met the Hon. Joseph G. Cannon at the 10:42 train from Chicago, and escorted the distinguished speaker of the day to the High school assembly room, where Mr. O. J. Nelson, chairman of the committee, introduced Mr. 'Cannon with a few appropriate words. The latter gave the students a characteristic talk which none will soon forget, when the committee escorted him to (he Commercial Hotel, where he mingled with the leading people of Grundy and surrounding counties, until the dedicatory exercises opened in (he Circuit Court room of the new courthouse, at two o'clock-. Chairman O. J. Nelson called the meeting to order, and

"We meet today to celebrate the dedication of this pic of justice and as i rise to cuter upon (he duties r i r your chairman, my whole being is

- ; - splendid audience, and noting in your i . . < t>io re tie tb'ii of the same feeling, the pride .<..,-. not diminish. This day will be called the

"Having been your representative on the county hoard in the past, J naturally watched every move that was made from the beginning in the efforts which have culminated in the reconstruction of this beautiful building on the spot where the old one stood for nearly sixty years. Metaphorically speaking, it was not a ease of love at tirst siu'ht, but by persistent courtship we won our bride, and, the contest over, our people were wedded in brotherly love. From that moment, the word jealousy, which is defined by the latest authority as being a suspicion of one's own inferiority, has become a hated word in this community, and has been discarded from our vocabulary. During the reconstruction of this building, I presume I made as many trips over here as anyone, watching the familiar landmarks disappear. I was here so often that if 1 did not show up for a day or two, the superintendent would ask my friends whether Nelson was sick or really attending to his own business. "While watching, one day, I was approached by a friend who asked me what I was looking at so intently and I answered by saying that I was watching to see the last landmark disappear - that crack In the wall yonder. That instant it disappeared; and I have wondered many times since where it went to.

"'Do you not sigh for the good old times you bad in the old building now in ruins?' he asked. My answer was to him the same as it would be to you if you asked me the same question now; that I shall always look back with intense pleasure upon the time spent there during my official life, but, we are living in the present, and the verdict is 'away with the old and on with the new.'

"After looking the field over I have come to the conclusion that the supervisors who had this work in charge used nearly the same business sagacity as a certain widow did in remodeling her house. She had her old house made into a modern dwelling as good as new for a pittance, by becoming engaged to the carpenter, but as soon as the woodwork was done, she broke the engagement and married the plumber. While you were not in a position to employ the same tactics as the widow, you have done the next best thing. T.y being alert from the beginning and using good practical business sense, you have given Grundy County the best and most substantial public building that ever was erected in the state of Illinois for the money expended. I speak advisedly when f make this assertion, for I can produce several insurance men, who will back, me up in it from the viewpoint of scientific insurance underwriting.

"My friends. - the work is finished, and here I am reminded of the historic words uttered by General Washington at the close of the battle of York town when the work of the Revolution was finished. I see him standing near the trenches, his face illuminated with a smile and the cannon's last glare as he is watching the preacher - colonel of Virginia planting the banner of the stars on the last of the defenses of the British. The music of the implements of war had ceased, and in its stead we hear the music of the huzzas of victory : The work is finished and then we hear him utter these words: 'The work is done and it is well done.' And so say we to you today: 'The work is done and it is well done.'

--May the gentlemen of the har who shall practice before this court ever remember the definition of a gentleman. May the jurors called for duty in this building always possess sufficient courage to uphold a righteous verdict ; and may the sword of justice ever be swayed and tempered by mercy, is the prayer of your humble servant."

Mr. Nelson then introduced the Hon. Joseph G. Cannon, who gave an appropriate and impassioned address of about an hour's duration, touching upon many subjects of moment but avoiding partisanship and devoting himself to those themes which would interest all and arouse no political strife. Finley Bell, of Chicago, delivered the dedicatory address, and the 1013 courthouse of Grundy County passed into the hands of its people to be used by aud for them.

A hewed-log structure that stood south of the courthouse served as the lirsl jail of Grundy County, but very little is remembered of it. Doubtless it was a two-story building with a square excavation in the ground into which the prisoners were dropped and confined by an iron grating. It was so poor a place that the earlier sheriffs preferred to guard their prisoners than to consign them to this inhuman hole. Eventually the jail was sold for fourteen dollars.

The Second J Ah

Whether criminals increased, or the humanity of the people of Grundy County suggested the erection of a suitable place to house the unfortunates, may be left to the imagination of the reader. At any rate a brick structure was put up at a cost of $3,237.13, and accepted April 17, 1S55. This, too, was found lacking in many respects, and another jail was found to be necessary.

The Present Jail

but it has become inadequate, and in the near future there is no doubt but that Grundy County will build a jail that will equal its magnificent courthouse. The jail is located in the rear of the residence of the sheriff on Court House Square.

The Soldiers And Sailors Monument

Grundy County was not slow to respond to the popular feeling regarding (he brave boys who laid down their lives in defense of the Union, and the Court House Square contains a monument which compares favorably with any of its kind in any community of this size in the country. It is a massive shaft surmounted with the figure of a private soldier, bearing the inscription :

"Erected and dedicated to the memory of the so'diers and sailors of Grundy County. 1S61- 65." On one side is the name of Missionary Ridge, on another, that of Chickamauga, on a third that of Vicksburg, and on the fourth Shiloh, and yet another great battle claimed a number of the Grundy County boys, that of Gettysburg, while more fell in lesser engagements. This monument, was erected in 1S00 at: a cost of $.",000. this amount having been appropriated at the December meeting of the Board of Supervisors in 1SS9, and is a source of pride not only to those who were instrumental in placing it. where it stands, and those who lived at the time the amount was set aside, but all who walk past it and recall what it commemorates, and also the fact that were a like necessity to arise today, Grundy County would be able and willing to contribute its share of defenders of the flag, just as it was in those terrible years between 1SG1 and 1865.

The First Poor Farm

The records of Grundy County show that the first pauper bill allowed was ordered paid March 7, 1S42. It was for the sum of $10 for medicine and attendance to one "Joseph Brown, pauper." Unfortunately with the development of any community comes poverty, and the tax payers are always forced to make provision for those whom the chances of life leave destitute. Grundy County has net been exempt, and its people have.nobly risen to the occasion, and now have one of the best equipped poor farms in the State. The first farm of 3G0 acres was in Nor-

On October 27, 1S79, eighty acres of land was bought for $45 per aire, in Waupoiisoe Township. An old brick building standing upon the property was torn down and a large frame building was built. This was used for about twenty years, and when it was decided to build new quarters, it was partially wrecked, and the rubbish was sold to a party who removed it.

In the December meeting of the county board, in 1903, the committee to which was referred the county almshouse on the county farm, tiled the follow report:

A majority of your committee to whom was referred the matter of rebuilding the almshouse according to plans drawn by E. E. Roberts of Oak Park. 111., would beg leave to submit the following report on the matter before them : that on the 12th day of March. 1002, we let the contract to E. E. Roberts of Oak Park, 111., Tor the sum of $1-1,202 for labor and materials known as carpenter work, plastering, kith, heating, plumbing, painting and glazing, and your committee was to furnish all the 'material used in the construction of said building, known as brick, stone and necessary hardware. And your committee has herewith attached our itemized account not .only of all labor, material, etc., for the rebuilding of almshouse, hut also all other improvements made at the Poor Farm since March 12, 1002.

Here followed a long list of items entering into the construction, aggregating a total of $21,- 242, of which $2,030.83 was used for other improvements, making the net cost of the house proper $19,203.17.

After the reading of the report, Supervisor Ryan (the oldest member of the board) introduced the following resolution which was unanimously adopted by an aye and nay vote of the board, the members of the committee being excused from voting. The resolution reads as follows :

"Whereas, by the report of the committee on Pour Farm, the new almshouse and other improvements there ordered by this board, have been completed at a cost of $19,203.17, and whereas this board did on the 9th day of December, 1903, go out to the almshouse and in a body inspect the work done by said committee and found it most satisfactorily done and at a cost of several thousand dollar's less than the mosi sanguine members hoped lor,

'-Therefore, he it resolved: that the thanks of this board lie tendered to the building committee for the efficient and economical manner in which said committee has performed its duties in the premises."

This is the official record, but, to appreciate the quarters which Grundy County now furnishes its unfortunates, one should see the fine brick building with its broad porches, set on a beautiful lawn dotted with line forest trees. Hanked by gardens, and beyond them the broad acres of the farm which are in a fine state of cultivation.

Grundy County has been particularly fortunate in the choice of its officials. Without exception they have been men of probity, and in some instances have also risen to positions of trust and responsibility in the outside world.

Circuit Judgf

The only Circuit Judge that Grundy County has produced is Judge Samuel P. Stough, who was elected in 189S, and has served continuously until the present, a period of sixteen years.

County Judges

The county judges of Grundy County have been as follows: Joshua Collins, 1S41 ; Jacob Claypool, TS42; Luther S. Robins, 1843-1844; Henry Norman, 1S15-1S4G; M. D. Prendagrast,

County Treasurers

The county supervisors of Mazon Township have been as follows: Chas. Huston. 1S50; Henry Cassingham. 1S51-1S53; Edwin Lesslie. lSol-lST.r. : Abraham. Carter. 1S5G; A. P. Felliushain. 1-7.7: Amos Clover, 1S5S-1S59; Win. B. Marsh. 1SG0; A. P. Fellingham, 1SG1 : Geo. Carpouter. 1S62; J. F. Burleigh, 1SG3-1SG6; S. H. Dewey, 1867-1S69; Volney Parker, 1S70-1S74;

Intelligent Political Interest

Grundy County lias always taken an active part in politics, for its people are men of determination and intelligence who appreciate the privileges of suffrage, and have always endeavored to vote according to the dictates of conscience. From the time of the first election here, on May 24, 1S41, held in the cabin owned by Columbus Piney, with Perry A. Claypool, Robert Walker and John Beard. Sr.. as judges of election, to the present, the interest displayed by Grundy County people lias been intense, and the votes have been polled honestly and in strict conformance with existing statutes. As the county grew in population and importance, adherents of the national ]>olitical parties were found within its boundaries, and candidates of both here received support. When the great issues that finally led to the Civil War came before the country, Grundy County, truly patriotic, was found to be on the side of the Union, and loyal to the core, and the prevailing sentiment was voiced in the quota sent into the field when there was need of soldiers.

During the years that have succeeded that great struggle, the people of Grundy County have kept fully abreast of the times both at home and abroad, and while they have been concerned in many local issues, they have never allowed this home interest to interfere with their consideration of national problems. Each great moral reform that has been made a national issue has received generous support In Grundy, particularly that dealing with the temperance question. This county has some very effective workers and enthusiasts in the cause During the exciting campaign of 1912 which was probably one of the hardest fought of any presidential combats in the history of the United States, Grundy County made an excellent showing and some of her political orators gained a national reputation.

While Grundy County is not the home of any large cities, its people being chiefly interested in agricultural matters and those pertaining to farming and its requirements, it has citizens who possess every requisite for both national and local public service. Some of the questions which affect congested districts have never come before the people here, but when they do, these thoughtful, foresighted men will be able to meet them promptly and effectively. The history of this country proves that the best and noblest characters have been developed from the rural regions. The healthy surroundings of farm life seem to promote those characteristics so necessary to ennobling public life, and Grundy County has furnished these in abundance. However there have been comparatively few citizens of Grundy who have been willing to accept the responsibilities attached to high public office, the records showing but one member of Congress from the district of which Grundy is a part ; but one State Senator, and but ten Representatives to the General Assembly.

Early Impressions

The events chronicled herein subsequent to the year 1SGS are gathered from the memory and observation of the writer who was then ten years of age. The members of the bench and' bar of Morris then and later so attracted the attention of the writer that he looked upon the profession of the law as the most exalted calling to which anyone might aspire.

The murder of Thomas Le Paige in the winter of 1SGG, followed as it was with the indictment and trial of Joseph Tibbetts for that murder, and his acquittal in March, 1SG7, followed by the lynching of Alonzo Tibbetts, brought prominently before the public the names and the personages who participated in the conduct of that trial and the other litigation that involved the two Tibbetts It. titers, and from that tiiae forward the writer had observed the members of the bench and bar more acutely than any other .set of men he has known. Possibly the desire formed at that early period in life to become a member of th bar added to the interest of the writer in the local members.

Before chronicling any of the events coming under the observation of the writer I have seen lit to consult the records relative to the earliest members of the bench and bar in the county.

Hon. John D. Caton

If the members of the bench and bar of this county arose to greater distinction in their profession than falls to the lot of the members of another community, perhaps their ambition and industry were inspired by the rare learning and natural ability of one of the very first judges to hold Circuit Court in this county, the Hon. John D. Caton. The first term of court presided over here by that able jurist was convened on the second Monday, being the eighth day of May. LS43. At that time under the laws, as they then existed, the Supreme Court of the state was made up of nine judges, and, in addition to their duties collectively as the court of last resort, they were, individually, each, the trial judge of one of the nine Circuits into which the State was then divided, so that in any case tried in the Circuit Court here at that time, Judge Caton was the sole presiding judge at the trial court and one of the- nine judges of the Supreme Court that reviewed a case that was appealed or taken by writ of error to that court. At that time there was no intervening court between the trial court and the Supreme Court as the Appellate Court was created in the year 1^77.

Judge Caton first became a judge of the Supreme Court, and, by virtue of his olfiee, a judge of the Ninth Judicial Circuit, by appointment of the Governor, August 20, 1S42. lie was later elected by the Legislature and then, when the change of laws provided that the judges should be elected by the people. Judge Caton was re-elected time and again and remained upon the bench until his resignation on .binary 9, 1SG4. The lawyer and student of the present day reads with admiration the opinions of the Supreme Court prepared and written by Judge Caton. One is not long a student of (he law until he observes that the law, as laid down in the decisions written by Judge Caton, is there pointed out clearly, briefly and concisely. He never left anything unsaid that was necessary to understand the questions involved in the case and instead of bis decisions being lengthy they were the personification of brevity. With such a leader as Judge Caton it is not to be wondered at that this county has produced the more than ordinary judges and lawyers that have graced the bench and bar at home and abroad.

Indelible Names

The other officers of the court at that time we're men whose names are written in our history as indelibly as the poet has said of the Indian names that were "Written on our waters, and we cannot wash them out." There was Armstrong. Sheriff; Chapin, Clerk, and Paddock, State's Attorney.

On the Grand Jury were Zachariah Walley, William Hoge, Orville Cone, S. S. Randall, Nathaniel Tabler, Leander Newport, Peter Griggs, John P.. Moore, and many others whose descendants are stili the pride of the community. On the Petit Jury in the trial of the first case, were Joshua Collins, Samuel Hoge and Philip Collins. There was only the paltry sum of $79 involved in that suit, yet those who are still living, and knew in their lifetime, the members of this jury or any of them, know well that the greatest care and precision was exercised by the members of that jury, and one would only wish, thai had he a case of his own, that he might have as fair and honest men as these jurors were. At that first term of court among those who renounced their allegiance to their native Countries and swore loyalty to the Government of the United States were such men as: Pobert Peacock, Patrick Kenrick, James Berry and Henry Carlin, and others whose names also will be with us to the end of time.

Judge Josiah Mcroderts

Turning over the pages of history for a quarter of a century from that time and getting down to the time when the Tibbetts litigation was before the courts, we find hat Josiah Mc- Koberts was the presiding Judge, S. W. Munn was the State's Attorney, and among the counsel engaged in the different branches of that litigation including a civil action for trespass brought by Alonzo Tibbetts against Thomas Le Paige, and the other active members of the bar at that time, were: Judge P.. F. Olin, P. A. Armstrong, C. E. Fellows, John P. Soufhworth, Judge J. X. Redding and Judge William T. Hopkins.

Colonel Munn, besides honoring the bench in the practice of his profession had answered his country's cull to arms and had risen to the rank of Colonel. Judge Hopkins, likewise was made captain of a company of volunteers and the achievements of all of these legal men were a credit to the profession and the pride of the community. They have all passed on to their reward and each left a noble heritage to those who follow.

In a short interim following those there appeared on the scene such men as Judge S. W. Harris, who had few equals as a pleader and whose hand-written pleadings ^till on file are frequently turned to at present as examples of great, skill. Also there appears the name of E. Sanford. whose thorough knowledge of (he law is seldom equaled by a member of this profession. Also appeared the name of Judge A. 11. Jordan, whom Nature gifted richly with a keen intellect, and a heart to whose goodness the writer is indebted for the care with which he' directed his reading and training in preparation for admission to the bar.

Of those still living who have gone to olher fields of usefulness after demonstrating their ability at home, are A. L. Ootid, uow of Denver, who, alter his admission to this bar. was elected and ably filled the office of State's Attorney. At Denver also E. L. Clover, who was engaged in the trial of many of the largest cases tried in Grundy County. Judge U. M. Wing went from this field to Chicago and is there ranked among the city's greatest trial lawyers. If there are any traits that predominate over all others in Judge Wing's practice they are the persistency and unceasing industry with which he always applied himself to the cases entrusted to him. At the Morris bar Judge Orrin X. Carter first began the practice of his profession. The caliber of the man and lawyer was recognized in the great city of Chicago and to that field he was called to engage in the practice of his profession to be there later elected, and twice re-elected, without opposition, to the County bench, and ceased his labors in that court when he was elected to the Supreme Court of the

State nver which he has been the presiding Justice and whose work on that bench is not excelled by any of his colleagues. Many others have gone to other fields and there distinguished themselves.

Judge Samuel C. Stough

Of those remaining at home, Judge Samuel C. Stough began his career as a practitioner at this bar in ls?7. Twenty years later he was elected to the Circuit bench and twice re-elected, where he still presides. Although Judge Stough, prior lo his election to the bench, was a strong partisan he was so gifted by Nature that he could, and did. divorce his individuality from all political and religious affiliations, and no practitioner ever entered into a trial in .Indue Stough's court without feeling and knowing Dial in Judge Stough's eyes all are equal before the law. regardless of political affiliation, creed, color oi- station in lit'.', lie is a worthy successor of Judge Caton and like Judge Caton his enunciation of the law is as thorough and clear as Mas that of his worthy predecessor. His fame as an able jurist is nearly as well known and understood in the great city of Chicago where he has frequently held court, as it Is known and understood throughout his own circuit.

This article would fall far short of serving its propel- office if it failed to mention without extended comment the names of three judges who presided with credit upon the Circuit bench of this County.

Judge Charles Blanchard

lion. Charles Blanchard of Ottawa, Illinois, presided at a greater number of the sessions of ' the Circuit Court prior to the election of Judge Stough than did any of his associate judges. Judge Blanchard although physically not a strong man was a well informed and strictly conscientious judge, lie spared not the fatigue upon his weak physical condition nor his great, ability as a learned disciple of the law to decide al! causes coining before him upon the side of justice and equity. He too has gone to his reward.

Judge George W. Stipp

Judge George W. Stipp was one of the associate judges with Jud^e Blanchard in this Circuit and was upon the bench three terms prior to his demise, which occurred in lS'JS at the age of eighty years. In the early days of his practice lie was both an associate with and an opponent to the immortal Lincoln, and Judge Stipp had as striking an individuality as the Great Emancipator. While many judges adhered strictly to the precise rules of practice and thereby caused an advantage to be had by the old practitioner over the novice, Judge Stipp always took it upon himself to aid and encourage the young lawyer in bringing out the Jaw and the evidence in a trial and at the conclusion of a hard fought trial where the young attorney, with justice on his side, won the verdict from the jury, Judge Stipp has been known to remark to the young lawyer, "Well, we heat them, didn't we?" lie was as fearless while presiding on the bench as he was on the battlefields in the .Mexican War, wherein he was a first lieutenant through nearly all of that warfare.

Before the re-districting of the state, in ispt, Will County was in the same Circuit as Grundy and after the death of Judge McRoberts. Judge Dorrance Dibell was one of the .indue- of this Circuit who did his full share of the court work. Judge Dibell has been upon the bench longer than any judge since the State of Illinois was organized, lie is at present, and has been for a great many years past, one of the Judges of tin' Appellate Court of the Second District, and, besides presiding occasionally in the trial of eases in the Circuit four! he has done more and better Appellate Court work than if would seem possible for any one judge to be capable of doing.

The present members of the county bar are: George Bedford, Frank L. Flood. Frank IT. Hayes, C. F. Hanson, G. W. Huston. Kay 11. Murray, E. W. Pike, J. G. Petteys, Cornelius Reardon, J. W. Rausch, A. J. Smith, Sr., Miss Edith M. Smith, II. B. Smith, C. G. Sachse, L. E. Siinrall, W. E. Viner and C. D. Young.

While the local bar lias contributed so richly to the great men of the past and has at the present time so many shining fights in foreign -fields, yet, may it not be said, without immodesty, of the present members of the bar. that "The greatest of all are these."

Schools And Education

FINE SCHOOLS IN GRUNDY COUNTY - HELP TO KEEP YOUTHS ON THE FARM - EARNEST AND WELL EQUIPPED TEACHERS - EXCELLENT LIBRARIES PROVIDED SCHOOLS OF MORRIS - FIRST TEACHER

Present Faculty Of The Mollis High School

SCHOOLHOUSES - NAMES OF SCHOOL PRINCIPALS - TEACHERS IN THE MORRIS SCHOOLS IN 1870 - SUPERINTENDENTS FROM 1875 UNTIL 1914 - PRESENT FACULTY OF THE MOLLIS HIGH SCHOOL - - EARLY HIGH SCHOOL ADVANCEMENT DLTE TO SUPERINTENDENT CROSS - HIGH SCHOOL EXTENSION - MANY ADVANTAGES OFFERED - HIGH SCHOOL ENROLLMENT - MORRTS OLD CLASSIC INSTITUTE - MORRIS' OLD NORMAL AND SCIENTIFIC SCHOOL - UNIFORM EXCEL!) N( K OF THE COUNTRY

And Assistance Of The High School

In Grundy County, every improvement suggested by the slate officials has been effected by the public-spirited local educational ollicials wilh the gratifying results recorded above. Excellent libraries are to he found in nearly all of the schools and the teachers aim through them to encourage and direct a love of reading among the pupils. Habits thus early formed are likely to continue through life and not only add lo the knowledge and pleasure of those who come under this elevating influence, but many times keep them from forming undesirable connections to pass away time which, were it not. for reading, would often hang heavily upon idle, hands.

The character and scholastic attainments of the educators of Grundy County are beyond question. As a whole they are a body of earnest, skilled, learned men and women laboring to impart knowledge and teach right living and the proper moral outlook upon life.

The history of education in Grundy County is very interesting in thai if shows such a steady and definite development from the primitive log cabin schools of pioneer days to the almost perfect system of today. This record will he taken up by (he townships, and special mention will he made of the present schools.

No community can rise higher than the grade of its public schools for in them are trained the minds and characters of the rising generation, upon whom the older one depends for the carrying out of its ideas and the advancement of the, locality. Judging by this standard Grundy County occupies a particularly high position, for its public schools are included in a list of eight in the State that come up to standard according to the Daily News, of April 30, 1913, published at Chicago. The article referred to says in part :

"Since good schools are an incentive for keeping hoys and girls on the farms, the improvement that has been wrought in Illinois in this respect is important and encouraging. It is largely due to the efforts of the State Supervisor of Rural Schools who has now been at work for four years under the supervision of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction. A standard is set, including surroundings and ap-

The first teacher of Morris was Mrs. Ann Nagle, widow of James Nagle, the first clerk of Grundy County. She opened her school in 1S43, in a double log cabin, southeast of the depot of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad.

The second school was taught by Miss Adelaide Wilkes, who later married E. P. Seeley. Following her was Miss Mary Hyslap, who later became Mrs. J. BJanding. The first male teacher was Charles R. Starr, who became circuit judge of Kankakee County. Following Judge Starr came Mrs'. W. S. Woolsey, Oliver E. Parmelee, B. M. Atherlon, the latter being the first public school teacher.

The first school board met on December 21, 1S43, being composed of Peter Griggs, Perry A. Claypool and William Brown, and divided the township into school districts. The foundation of the magnificent schools of Morris was when, in 1854, the Congressional allotment of a suhdi- vision of section 10. T. 33, R. 7, divided into fourteen lots containing in the aggregate G42 and 21-100 acres, was sold by George Fisher, then school commissioner, for $9,470.08. In 1S55, a law was passed governing the division of moneys according to school attendance.

In 1S53 the school hoard erected what later became known as the old Center schoolhouse. A schoolhouse was erected in Chapin's addition to Morris and a Mr. Brooks engaged to teach It during 1S53-4. One of his assistants was Miss Sarah Parmelee.

The lirst principal of the Morris schools was Edward Sanford, A. B., a graduate of Yale, but he resigned at the end of two years, and was succeeded by a Mr. Smith.

In 1S59 IL K. Trask, A. I'.., was appointed principal and had as assistants: John Trask, Anna Trask, Eliza Baldwin, Sarah Parmelee and Kate Grant John Trask succeeded Prof. H. K. Trask in 1S61. Some of his assistants were: Kate Frame, Anna Trask, Sarah Parmelee, Kate Grant, Fannie A. Hale. Gelia Frary, B. H. Streeter, B. E. Matteson, Robert Longworth, O. G. Conklin, G. Vanvalkenburgh, S. Wright, K. Morley, A. A. Hennessey. In 1SC3 Andrew Kirkland became principal and was succeeded by a Mr. Fisher in 1S65. In the meanwhile the schoolhouse became too small and a Mrs. Bailey, wife of (lie Rev. G. S. Bailey, was engaged to teach a primary class at her residence in 1SGG.

Mr. Stillman E. Massey was engaged as principal in 1SG6, at $1,000 per annum, and the following year it was voted to erect a brict schoolhouse.

In 1S70 Prof. II. II. C. Miller was secured as principal of the Morris schools at a salary of $1,300, and under him were the following teachers, assigned as follows :

Massey succeeded Mr. Waters, and that same year, Prof. L. T. Regan succeeded him. Other changes were made from time to time, Morris advancing along scholastic lines, but it was not until the incumbency of P. K. Cross that the High school took its present place among the institutions of its land in the Stale. Prof. Cross was elected principal in lt>L>8, and continued in thai office until P.n.H. In the latter year A. M. Healer was elected, hut did not teach, as he accepted (he superintendency of the schools of St. Paul, Minn., later going to Pittsburgh. To fill the vacancy, W. G. Wuthrich was appointed and held the office until 1005, when he was succeeded by T. Rupert Siinpkins. This gentleman served until P>07, when T. M. Birney was elected to the ollice and held it until lull, when Prof. Edwin I). Martin was elected, and he is still superintendent of the city schools, comprising the Center, Garfield, McKinley and Lincoln grade schools, and the High school.

Faculty 01'' The Moekis High School

During the administration of P. K. Cross, the present High school building was lirst occupied, and under his administration steps were taken to establish an accredited High school, which resulted in the Morris High school being accredited first by the University of Illinois in 1901. It now is included in the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges, which means that a graduate of this school will he admitted, without examination to all the colleges of the Middle West, and to many of the eastern colleges. It is interesting to note that the instructors and board of education have prepared a course which includes required and elective studies, so that any pupil can have the .privilege of selecting his studies and preparing for future work. In the Freshman year, the required studies are: English, algebra and

Greek and Roman history, while the elective ones are: physiography, business correspondence, Latin, botany, and commercial geography. During the Sophmore year the required studies are: English and plane geometry, and the elective ones are: Latin, physiology, zoology, commercial arithmetic, and bookkeeping. In the Junior year, the required studies are; English and physics, while Hie elective ones are: Latin, German, English history, bookkeeping and stenography. In the Senior year the required studies are English and American history and civics, while the elective ones are: Latin, German, pedagogy, solid geometry, advanced algebra, typewriting and stenography. In addition manual training and domestic science ore taught to all High school pupils, while music is required of all first and second year pupils not excused, and is open to all. The commercial course is so thorough that graduates in it are well fitted to take positions in the business world. Additionally a teacher's course has been established, open only to senior girls who expect to adopt teaching as a profession.

The school maintains football, baseball, track and basketball teams, and the enjoyment pupils find in athletics, together with their gain in physical development and the cementing of school loyalty, form incentives for a continuance of these branches. Each pupil of the High school is expected to take an interest in literary work, and belongs to the Philomathian or the Lowell Literary Society, each club giving several entertainments each year. It is anticipated that these two clubs will be consolidated, which will give added strength to the work in this line.

It will be noticed that none but college graduates do departmental work in this High school, and this very commendable rule was passed during the administration of Mr. Cross, and continues in force at the present writing.

The High school enrollment averages 212 pupils annually, while the attendance on the grade schools is (537. There are nine instructors in the High school, and eighteen grade teachers. One of the most beneficent measures ever passed relative to educational matters is one which now prevails in the State of Illinois, and that is that those students who come from districts which do not support a high school are entitled to attend the nearest high school free of charge. The tuition will be collected from the district in which the student lives.

In connection with the educational life of Morris must be mentioned a school, now defunct, which once afforded advantages to the pupils of Morris, known as the Morris Normal and .Scientific School. In 1S69, N. C. Dougherty, A. M., opened a private school in a single room over the office of Mr. Sanford, and from this grew the Morris Classic Institute, which later was incorporated as a normal school. After many changes in its management, A. W. Bulkley. A. B., took charge, and then Prof. Eeatie conducted it. In 1S7S, Messrs. Cook & Stevens bought the property, adopted the caption of the Morris Normal and Scientific School, and developed it. into an admirable preparatory institution. With the establishment rind improvement of the High school, however, the need for this school no longer existed, and it was discontinued. St. Angela's Academy, which is regarded as one of the important educational features of Grundy County, is treated at length elsewhere in this work.

There are ninety-eight country schools in Grundy County, so arranged as to afford one for every four Congressional sections, and located at the cross roads, so that the pupils may attend from a territory extending one mile in each direction. Some excellent work 1ms been done in bringing these country schools up to standard; many of them, perhaps one-half, are standard according to the State laws, and the remainder are working towards that end. The present incumbent of the oliice of County Superintendent, has introduced a novel feature, one which promises to bring excellent results, that of teaching scientific and practical agriculture. This study has awakened interest in agricultural matters in the rural regions, and has induced the pupils to take pride in the appearance of their school grounds, some having been made very beautiful. A graduate from a country school can enter any accredited high school, because of the efficiency of the methods employed. The ages of the graduates vary from fourteen to sixteen years.

It is estimated in round numbers that the attendance on the country schools aggregates 2.1 5G pupils, while the cost of maintenance is in the neighborhood of $35,302.50 annually. There are ninety-eight county school teachers. As before remarked, these teachers average as earnest and progressive, eagerly seconding those in authority in endeavoring to secure better equipments and surroundings. It is the am- bition of each one to bring all the country schools up to standard, and there is no doubt but that the time is not far distant when all the country schools of Grundy County, instead of only a good proportion of them, will belong to this desirable class.

Mazon has always been interested in educational matters, and for its size has provided liberally for its pupils. Its High school was established in 1909, but tbe handsome new building, which was erected at a cost of £10,000, was not occupied until the fall of 1913. The present principal is Prof. Shields, ami his assistants, live in number, are efficient instructors. Mazon's High school, although considerably younger than that at Morris, is keeping pace with it, and its pupils are sent forth into the world well equipped for a professional or business career.

/ Gardner lias recently resumed the fourth year of its High school course. While the history of Its High school is a little different from that of some of the other villages, it is interesting and demonstrates the fact that the influence for higher education is manifested here as elsewhere.

Coal City

Still another High school is at Coal City, being conducted as a township High school, and is open to students of that village and Suffernville, and Felix Township. It was opened in the fall of 1914, with Sherman Littler as principal.

Influence And Assistance Of The High School

The remarkable impetus given educational matters within recent years must largely be accredited to the influence of the High school. With its advancement has come the demand on the part of the pupils of the country schools for better instruction and teachers, so that when they are graduated from them, they are prepared to enter upon the work of the High school without any further training. Their minds are broadened, their intellects stimulated, and their ambition fired, and they work with a definite object in view, that of equipping themselves so that they can continue their studies in one or other of the High schools in their county. When it is remembered how important it is that those who propn.se entering the outside world to struggle with its problems should be fitted through careful and practical training, some appreciation will be gained of the necessity of the maintenance of present high educational standards and a further expansion, as the need arises, of the work in hand.

Chapter Xi The Medical Profession

riONEER PHYSICIANS - CLOSE TO THE HEARTS OF -Jill'; PEOPLE -NO TRAINED NURSES - NO PROPER APPLIANCES - MANY STILL HELD IN AFFECTIONATE ItEMEMI'.IS ANCE - FIRST DOCTOR IN GRUNDY -

Other Early Physicians At Morris Gardner

(When the editors of the History of Grundy County first prepared their prospectus of the proposed work, the late Dr. A. E. Palmer was asked to write of his recollections of the medical men of earlier Morris, the county seat, and of the profession in the county. This he most kindly consented to do, and had the article well planned when death claimed him. Unfortunately he had committed but little to paper, and therefore much of interest that would have been forthcoming had he been spared is lost. His son, Dr. F. A. Palmer, however, generously assumed his father's work along this line, and prepared as far as lay in his power the following article relative to the men of his profession in Grundy County, although much of the information is necessarily meager, owing to lack of sufficient documentary records.)

Pioneer Physicians

which revolutionize former accepted theories, it is doubtful if any of them come as close to the hearts of the people as did the men who carried on a general practice in the pioneer days of any community. These good, kindly men of medicine, whoso hearts often were bigger than their I>ocketbooks, ministered to the sick and dying, and brought into the world children destined to lead their people t<> great things.

These old time physicians minded not weather: heat nor cold had no deterrent effect upon them. A physician thought nothing of rising from his bed in the middle of the night and going out into a terrible blizzard, sometimes on horseback, or driving the horse he had hitched to his buggy or sleigh, through the storm many miles to reach the bedside of the sufferer. In those days there were no trained nurses to follow implicitly the directions of their chief. Then the doctor had to administer his medicines himself and carry out his own prescriptions or probably see them bungled and the patient injured.

True, the pioneers lived an outdoor existence. but it did not protect them from all the ills that flesh is heir to. They were not troubled by overheated apartments, or made sick by a consumption of imported luxuries, but, on the other hand, they were exposed to the rigors of the climate, had but little idea of protecting themselves from the dangers of swamp or forest, and knew practically nothing of guarding against infection. When some dire epidemic swept the country the physicians were almost powerless against it. not always because of lack <>f knowledge, hut because of the want of suitable means with which to tight it. For these and many other reasons the early physicians of any pioneer community worked hard and unceasingly, and as the people were poor, received but scant remuneration tor their efforts. Grundy County was no exception to this rule. and its people hold in tender remembrance the names of those medical men who were their pioneer physicians.

First Doctor In Grundy

The first doctor of Grundy County was Dr. Luther S. Robbins, who came to Morris from Sulphur Spring, eight miles south of -Morris, in the fall of 1S42, but died several years later, so he was not long in active practice here.

Dr. John Antis came to Morris in May, 1S15, and he was followed by Dr. Thomas M. Reed, who, in 1S47, was elected Sheriff of Grundy County, but died before entering upon the duties of his office.

Dr. A. F. Hand, Dr. David Edwards and Oliver S. Xewell arrived about the same time, although Dr. Edwards was practically retired, as he was then an old man. and when he left Morris in ISoG, Dr. Luke Hale bought what practice he had and continued there until Ins death in 1SG5. The son of Dr. Luke Hale. Dr. Roscoe L. Hale, came to Morris in 1SDS, but after the Civil War went to Missouri.

Dr. John II. freeman was at Morris in lSn5 and lSoU, but later located at Brooklyn, X. Y. He was the son of a Baptist minister and a highly educated man and very successful in his profession.

Dr. Lmanuel Ridgwaj was another of the physicians of Morris who was prominent in its earlier history. He served as Coroner of the county, was Chief of the Eire Department, and a member of the Board of Education, and was always to he relied upon whenever occasion demanded. In 1S70 Dr. A. D. Smith came to Morris, and in 1S72 Dr. M. C. Sturtevant.

The first physician of Mazon was Dr. L. S. Robbins, who located there in 1S33. The next record is of Dr. S. Lodgers, who located at Mazon in 1S50, having come from Indiana. He made no pretensions to being a surgeon, but when necessity arose was equal to demands made upon him. One of tin- earlier physicians of Morris recollects distinctly an operation performed by Dr. Lodgers that is worthy of mention. A man was injured while threshing, and the physician when summoned saw that in order to .save his life, his arm would have to be amputated without delay. The young physician had no instruments suitable, so borrowed a saw from one of the neighbors, either a wood or a cross-cut saw, and took off the arm without any further delay. There is no data at hand to tell whether the man survived or not. Another physician of Mazon during the latter sixties was Dr. Thomas. Dr. Wakefield, another Mazon physician of that date, was assisted by his wife.

One of the host known of the older physicians of Morris, whose activities extended over many years, was the late Dr. Austin Elisha Palmer, senior member of the firm of Palmer & Palmer, who had associated with him his son, Dr. Frank Austin Palmer, and Dr. Roscoe Whitman. The late Dr. Palmer was born at Wyoming, N. Y., November 0, 1S4G, and was graduated from the Bellevue Hospital Medical College in 18G9. During the early part of that same year he entered upon a general practice at Braceville, Grundy County, Illinois, but within a few months moved to Old Mazon, and in 1S7G settled at Morris, where he continued until his death. In addition to carrying on an extensive private practice, he served as surgeon of the Rock Island road for over twenty years. He was also one of Grundy County's Coroners, was President of the School Board, an Alderman from his ward, ami was twice elected Mayor of Morris, the present system of water supply being installed during his incumbency of the office. His death, on J cine 10, 3012, left a vacancy difficult to fill.

The above is too limited a list of the medical men who have served Grundy County and of their achievements. Further record should be made of them, hut unfortunately those who could have written of them as associates have either moved away or have been called into another life, and definite knowledge seems sadly lacking.

Dr. Frank Austin Palmer was born at Old Mazon, Illinois, November 10, 1S73. After being graduated from the Morris High school in 1890, he attended St. John's Military Academy of Delafield, Wis., during 1S91, and in is'JT was graduated from the medical department of the Northwestern University of Chicago, receiving in that, year his degree of M. D. The following year was spent as interne at the Passavant Memorial Hospital, Chicago, in association with (he late Dr. Christian Fenger. and in 1S9S and 1S99, he was an assistant to his father. From 1S99 to 1902, he was in practice at Gardner, Illinois, and he (hen became an assistant in surgery to Prof. Emil Pies of Chicago, and In 1904 he was made surgical assistant to Prof. Alexander Hugh Ferguson in charge of his private institution (the Chicago Hospital). In 1900 Dr. Palmer returned to Morris and entered into partnership with his father, the late Dr. A. E. Palmer. He now takes care of a large private practice and is on the staff of the Morris Hospital.

Chapter Xii Present Members Of The Profession

Some of the leading physicians of Grundy County at present may be found in the following list: Drs. A. V. Allen, F. M. Allison, J. W. Allison, F. C. Bowker, J. C. Bucher, J. F. Carey, H. M. Ferguson, H. B. Gilbourne, W. E. Hart, G. A. Leach, F. A. Palmer. William G. Sachse, Sam Smith, F. A. Stockdale, M. C. Sturtevant, G. P.. Terrands, W. E. Walsh and Roscoe Whitman.

The Civil War

The years between 1SG1 and 1SG5 marked an epoch in the history of the United States and had a mighty influence on Die lives and fortunes of every portion of the country, the writer being especially concerned as a citizen of Grundy County, Illinois. To him it appeared that nothing short of utter extermination of the inhabitants would settle the stupendous question confronting us. The belligerents on both sides. North and South, were American and blue blood coursed in the veins of both. Each side was ready to fight to uphold and protect what had been handed down by their forefathers, and each contesting party hoped until the last that tin- other would sue for peace after reconsidering Ihc steps toward war already taken. However it wis not to be and four long years of war followed.

The Situation

The great but humiliating event which preceded the sending of this dispatch was the fall of Fort Sumter, at noon, two days previously. on which day, for the first time since the organization of the United States Government, our national emblem was struck down by traitorous hands.

Unprepared For War

The event and dispatch found Illinois unprepared for war. Although secession ordinances had been passed by southern states; although public property had been seized in violation of law and strange Hags were Hying over southern forts; and although food and reinforcements for the bcleagured garrison at Sumter had been driven back to sua in January - yet our people could not realize that we were, indeed, in a state of civil war. When the people of Grundy County finally realized the deplorable condition of the State, almost with one accord they rose and asked "what can we do to be saved and to save others yet unborn." Subsequent events demonstrated the patriotism of Grundy County was equal to the emergency.

The Grundy Tigers

Attention is called to the fact that the call for volunteers for three months was made April 15, 1861, and on April 30, 1S61, a company was organized and mustered into the United States service as tin1 Grundy Tigers.

When the term of this company's enlistment had expired, many reenlisted and became members of the Eleventh Illinois, the Twenty-third Illinois and the Seventy-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry.

Eleventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry

The Eleventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry was called into service under the Proclamation of President Lincoln, April Id, 1801. It was organized at Springfield and was mustered into service April 30, 1801, by Captain Pope. Upon the remuster, on July 13, 1801, the aggregate membership was 28S ; during August, September, October and November, the regiment was recruited to SOU In the meantime it was doing garrison and field duty and its movements may be catalogued as follows: September 9th to 11th, expedition to New Madrid; October 0th to 10th, to Charleston, Missouri; November 3rd to 12th, to Blooinfield, Missouri, returning to Girardeau ; January 7th to Sth, 1S02, expedition to Charleston, Missouri; January 13th to 20th, reconnoisance of Columbus, Kentucky, under General Grant; February nth moved toward Fort Donelson; February 12th, 13th and 14th, occupied investing that place; February 15th, heavily engaged with the enemy about five hours, and wounded out of 150 engaged; April 2-lth to Gen. W. II. L, Wallace, Gen. T. E. B. Kan- June 4th, participated in siege of Corinth. The som, Gen. Smith D. Atkins. regiment then marched to Jackson, Tennessee, The following field officers of other regiments where it made headquarters until August 2, were members of this regiment: Major Widner, 1862. II. participated in two engagements en Major Dean, Lieutenant-Colonel McCaleh, Colonel July 1st ami 2nd, in march toward Trenton, Hotchkin, Colonel Kaufman, Colonel Dean, Col- Tennessee; July 23rd to 2Sth moved to hexing- onel Fort. 'Phis regiment supplied thirty-three ton; August 2nd moved to Cairo, Illinois, for line officers to other regiments. purpose of recruiting and remained at thai point

589 being hie aggregate gained by the transfer. Shenandoah Valley, July 21, 1SG4, ami perished On April 2t>, 1S63, tins regiment was a part of while in the hands of the enemy, two days later. the command moved to the rear of Vicksburg, of three wounds while at the head of bis own by way of Raymond, Perkins' Landing. Grand regiment. So confident was lie of the valor of Gulf. Raymond and Black Rivers, arriving be- bis men that lie galloped to their head in order fore the works May 18; May 1!» to 22 engaged to lead them out as a steadying rear guard of in assault of the enemy's works; then in the ad- tin- other regiments who were fleeing from the vance siege work until July 1, time of surrender, whole force of Early's army, losing one held officer, Col. Garrett Xevins. The formal muster of the Twenty-third took killed. Three line officers were wounded and place June 15, 1SG1, Chicago, the barracks being forty men were killed and wounded. The regi- near the river on West Polk Street. On July ment was with the expedition from Vicksburg to hi. 1SG1, it moved to Quincy, Illinois, thou to Jackson under General Slocuni and engaged with St. Louis. Brigadier-General Grant superceded the enemy three times; July 29 moved to Mor- Colonel Davis as commander at Jefferson City, ganzia; November S moved to Duval's Bluff, and on September IS the regiment commenced -Arkansas. This regiment was also engaged in a march of 120 miles to Lexington, Kentucky, the operations against Mobile, marching from where the first notable siege began. The Ton- Fort Morgan and participating in the invest- federates advanced with a battery of six guns ment. siege and final capture of Spanish Fort and on the 12th were repulsed, hut the post was and Fort Blakelev and the assault on the latter ; lllt'» surrounded by an army of 2S.000 men with ., , * . , A , - £ t, 13 pieces of artillerv. For nine days the April 12 marched in and took possession of the . * .

barked on transports and moved to New Orleans ^^ ;n|(1 thj].st f)n (li(i 2mh the )1|(i , de_ and from there to Alexandria, Louisiana, thence termiued assault was made and surrender beto Baton Rouge and was there mustered out of came nec-essary. The killed and wounded of the the service, July 14, 1SG5, and left for Spring- Twenty third numbered 107. while General Price field. Illinois, for payment and final discharge, reported his losses at 800. The officers, with the The record of this regiment shows that 149 exception of Colonel Mulligan, and the men, members died on the field or of wounds; the were paroled. On the Sib the regiment was mustered out by order of General Fremont, hut on the personal application of Colonel Mulligan, who Lad boon exchanged for General Frost, it was directed that its organization be retained. Reassembling at Gamp Douglas, under command of Colonel Mulligan, it was engaged in guarding prisoners until June 14, 1S(>2, when it was ordered to Harper's Ferry, Virginia. In 1863 this regiment attacked the flank of Lee's army on his retreat from Gettysburg and also had an engagement with Gen. Wade Hampton's command at Hydeville. After reenlisting as veterans in April, 1864, the regiment was reorganized at Chicago and then returned to Virginia and from August, 1S64, to December 25, 1S64, was actively engaged under General Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley and participated in the battles of Cedar Creole. Winchester, Charlestown. Halltown, Berryville and others. In January and February, 1SG4, was stationed at Greenland Gap, West Virginia, and there Lieut. John s. Ilealy reeulistcd about three hundred of the men as veterans and when they returned to Chicago on a furlough of thirty days the regiment was known as the Twenty-third Regiment Illinois Veterans. This regiment was thanked by Congress for its gallantry at Lexington and was authorized to inscribe Lexington on its colors.

Thirty-Sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry

The Thirty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry was organized at Camp Hammond, near Aurora, Illinois, by Col. Nicholas Grensel and was mustered into the service by Colonel Brackett, United States recruiting officer. September 2.°., 1861, for a term of three years or during the war. The regiment numbered 965 officers and enlisted men, with cavalry, Companies A and B. with ISO officers and men. On September 24. 18G1, the regiment reached St. Louis, Missouri, the cavalry companies being armed with minie and Enfield rifles and the other companies with remodeled Springfield muskets. The regiment left the cavalry at Benton Barracks on the 28th and moved to Rolla, whore it remained in camp until January 14, 1SG2, when it went to Springfield. Missouri. The brigade commanded by Colonel Osterham was made up of the Thirty-fifth, the Thirty-sixth and the Forty-fourth Illinois and the Twentieth Missouri Infantry and participated in the battle of Pea Ridge on March S, 1S62, afterward going into camp. On the evacuation of Corinth, moved to Booneville, then to Rienzi, then to Cincinnati and went into camp at Covington. Kentucky. On September 19, LSG2, the Thirty-sixth was assigned to General Sheridan's division and started on the Kentucky campaign in pursuit of General Bragg, afterward retiring to Nashville and in that vicinity remained until December 2tj, 1S02, when it broke camp and started on the Murfreesboro campaign. On the last day of December it took pari in the battle of Stone River, alter which it. went into camp on the Shelby ville turnpike, on the ban!; of Stone Liver. This regiment took an active part in the battle of Missionary Ridge, November 25, ISO,:;, its colors being among the first planted on the ridge. On November 28, 1S63, under General Sheridan, the regiment started for Knoxville, Tennessee, to the relief of General Burnside, reaching that point December 0, on the 12th leaving for points outside the city and went inio camp at Blaine Cross Loads.

On January I, 1SG4, the regiment reeulistcd and then started for Chattanooga to arrange details of muster for a new term of service preparatory to a veteran furlough. On May .'! the regiment started on the Atlanta campaign, during which it was almost daily under lire and fought at Rocky Face Ridge, Resaca, New Hope Church. Kenosaw Mountain, Leach Tree Creek and marched into Atlanta September S; on the 25th was ordered back to Chattanooga and left that place on the 2nd of October in pursuit <»f Hood, being the roar guard and under lire almost continually from Springhill to Franklin. where it participated in that memorable battle and General Thomas personally thanked tin.' regiment, for its display of bravery. The First. Brigade, to which if belonged, Colonel Opdyke commanding, charged the Confederate lines during different periods in the action and captured thirty-three stands of colors and on the uight of November 30 was the last to cross the bridge over the Carpeth Liver on returning from the field to Nashville, which place it reached on the afternoon of December 1st. On December 15- 16 it was engaged in the battle of Nashville and captured a battery and over one hundred prisoners. The regiment went into camp at Lino Springs and while there received the news of General Lee's surrender and also the news of the assassination of President Lincoln. It was then ordered back to Nashville and remained there until June when it. went by rail to Johnsonvilleon (lie Tennessee Liver, was there placed on transports 'and reached Now Orleans on June 23 following. It was at the special request of General Sheridan that the Thirty-sixth was detailed for headquarters and other special guard duty and thereby received the name, from other troops, of "Sheridan's Pets." This regiment did special duty quelliug disturbances, guarding paymasters and conveying captured archives to Washington, District of Columbia. On October S, 18G5, it was mustered out of the service and proceeded to Springfield, received its pay and discharge. In general engagements alone the Thirty-sixth lost in killed and wounded over seven hundred men; inarched and was transported by rail and boat over ten thousand miles, and changed commanding officers ten times.

Ilendly G. Hoge volunteered and went to Kankakee to be mustered into the service with the writer, in Company C, Seventy-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, on August '2'-'; 1SG2. lie had lost his front teeth, hence was rejected as a volunteer, front teeth being necessary equipments of a soldier then as cartridges when loading muskets, were torn open by the teeth. This explains why he was dialled. He was patriotic and went into the service himself, sending no substitute. The writer wishes to pay tribute to his memory as he was a man of noble character both in war and peace. Two of his children survive, a son, Albert Hoge, and a daughter, Mrs. George Towsley, both being residents of Grundy County.

Fifty-Fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry

The Fifty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry was organized at Camp Douglas, Chicago, and mustered into the service, October 31, I SGI. It was one of two regiments raised by David Stuart, its subsequent colonel and was called the "Douglas Brigade." It was principally made up from bodies of recruits from Fulton, McDonough, LaSalle, Grundy, DeKalb, Kane and Winnebago counties and its members were mainly farmer boys. Its condensed record is as follows.

On November 9, 1861, left Camp Douglas for St. Louis and remained at Benton barracks under the command of Gen. W. T. Sherman until July 12, 1SC2, learning something of the art of war; then departed for Paducah, Kentucky, on a steamer frozen and aground for several days on account of ice in the river; on March S, 1SG2, embarked on steamer to take part in the movement up the Tennessee River which resulted in the battle of Shiloh and movement on Corinth ; on March 15 landed with other troops several miles above Pittsburg Landing; from that point dropped down and went into cainp at Pittsburg Landing. On the morning of the battle of Shiloh, like all other troops on the field, it had no premonition of the fearful conflict to follow, in which it lost the heaviest of any Union regiment in the battle except the Ninth Illinois Infantry. The loss sustained by the Fifty-fifth was one officer and Til enlisted men killed, nine officers and 100 men wounded and 20 men captured. In the advance on Corinth which it entered May 30, the regiment lost one killed ami eight wounded. On April 30, 1863, the regiment went on the expedition to Haines Bluff; was under fire at Champion's Hill but lost nn men ; participated in the assault and bore its full share during the siege of Vickshurg, losing four in killed and "2 wounded ; September 27, 1S63, encamped in vicinity of Big Black River; during night of November 23 manned fleet of pontoon boats in North Chiekamauga Creek and in intense darkness descended and crossed the Tennessee and captured the enemy's pickets. This was one of the most daring operations of the war and added laurels to the fame of (lie regiment. It participated in the battle of Missionary Ridge which followed. Its heaviest loss was at the assault upon Kenesaw Mountain, .lime 27. 1SG4, 14 being killed including the gallant Captain Augustine, with 38 wounded. After the surrender of General Johnston the regiment marched to Washington and took part, in the grand review. It was then ordered to Louisville, Kentucky, where it remained in camp a few weeks then moved to Little Bock, where it was mustered out August 14, 1865; arrived in Chicago on the 22nd, where it received final payment and discharge. This regiment was engaged in 31 battles and was under fire 12s days, and traveled a total of 11,- 9G5 miles. After its reorganization at the clost of the three-year term, it was commanded until nearly the close of its career by its senior captain, when Capt. A. A. Andress became lieutenant-colonel. Tts dead now rest in burial in nine different states.

Fifty-Eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry

The Fifty-eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry was recruited at Camp Douglas, Chicago, and on February 11, 1S<i2, was furnished with arms and started for Cairo, Illinois. The condensed account of its subsequent movements is herewith given. From Cairo it moved up the Cumberland River to the vicinity of Fort Donelson ; was at- tacked by a masked battery but drove the enemy backward, these raw troop!;, with but poor equipments showing the bravery of trained soldiers; the arms that had been given them being those condemned and thrown aside by other regiments. Heavy firing from the front aroused the regiment early ou April G, 1SG2, and the regiment was moved forward a mile and a half, when General Grant, in person, ordered this command to take a position across the road. In holding this position the Fifty-eighth was constantly under fire and the hiss and suffering caused confusion and later the surrender of the regiment, a few minutes before six o'clock, after a disastrous day. The loss in this engagement was frightful, amounting in killed, wounded and prisoners to -150 brave men. The Fifty-eighth was mustered out at Montgomery, Alabama, April 1, 1SGG, was ordered to .Springfield and there was paid and discharged.

Seventy-Second Illinois Volunteer Infantry

The Seventy-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry was organized at Chicago as the First Regiment of the Board of Trade of Chicago. Its first bills were put out for one company calling itself the Hancock Guards, on July 23, 1SG3, and in exactly one month. August 23, the entire regiment was complete ami was mustered into the service of the United Stales for three years or during the war. On September »J following the Seventy-second was ordered to l'aducah, Kentucky; on the 17th the troops were sent to Columbus, Kentucky; in October they dispersed a Confederate camp and captured a number of prisoners; on October 21 moved to New Madrid, and on November 21 were ordered to join General Quimby's command. Owing to supplies being cut off Grant's army was forced to return at Holly Springs, and the Seventy-second was sent as wagon guard to the train to Memphis. Tennessee. On April 23 they went to Milliken's Bend, Louisiana, and from there marched up with Grant's army to Yicksburg; on May 1G arrived at Champion's Hill and at that place took part in its first pitched battle. From that time on until July 4. when the enemy capitulated, the Seventy-second did its duty among the foremost in the siege of Yicksburg and when the city capitulated were among the first to march into the proud old city. On October 30, 1SG4. these troops were ordered to report to General Howard then with General Sherman's army. On November 29 they evacuated Columbia and the Seventysecond was in the sharp skirmish with the enemy at .Spring Hill, ou the road to Franklin, arriving there on the next day and throwing up earthworks which General Hood attacked and a terrific battle followed which lasted from -1 o'clock in the afternoon until midnight. In that fight the Seventy-second lost nine officers out of the sixteen engaged and 1.7>2 men in killed and wounded. On December 15 the whole army was moved outside to give battle to Hood and on that and the succeeding day the battle of Nashville was fought, resulting in the complete routing of the Confederates. On February 9, lSGo, the regiment started for New Oilcans, where the troops arrived on the 21st, late in the followng month moving with their army corps and took part in the battle of Spanish Fort. They remained at Montgomery until May 23, when they were ordered to Union Springs, Alabama ; on July 19 started on their homeward journey; on August G were mustered out of the service at Yicksburg and then marched directly to Chicago. Since entering the service this regiment had traveled 9,280 miles and were under fire for 14o days.

Seventy-Sixth Illinois Volunteeb Infantry

The Seventy-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry was organized at Kankakee, Illinois, in August. 1SG2, by Col. A. W. Mark, and was mustered in August 22, 1SG2, immediately being ordered to Columbus, Kentucky, at which place it arrived August 2:) and was soon armed with Enfield rifles. In October it moved to Bolivar, Tennessee, leaving November 3 with other bodies of troops for La Grange, Tennessee, on the 2Sth accompanying General Grant on his campaign along the Mississippi River. It was at Holly Springs on the 20th and on the 30th at Waterford, doing its part in driving Price's army southwest. The Fourth Division of the Thirteenth Army Corps, to which the Seventy-sixth belonged, remained near YVaterford contending with fierce storms and seemingly fathomless mud until December 11, when it continued its march southwest. It crossed the Tallahatchie River, passed through Abbeyville and Oxford and halted near Spriugdale. On December 22. when information was received that the Confederates had captured Holly Springs, had cut off communication with the North and destroyed quantities of supplies, the entire Union command was faced about and proceeded north, living off the country and at times on extremely short rations.

Holly Springs was reached and entered on Januarj 5, 1SG3, and there the Seventy-sixtb remained until January 10, and was the last to march out of the city, arriving at Moscow on the 11th and remaining there until February 5. There the soldiers learned of the absence and resignation of their colonel, after which the lieutenant-colonel was promoted to he colonel. On February 5, 1st;;!, the camp was moved through mud and snow to Lafayette and remained there until March 10, then marched to Memphis, on May 10 embarking from there with other troops on a licet of steamers, the Fort Wagener carrying the .Seventy-sixth. It was fired on in the night from the Arkansas shore by a hand of guerillas and two men were wounded and the boat disabled. The Seventy-sixth landed in the morning and burned the buildings on the plantation, while the boat was towed down stream with the fleet to Young's Point, Louisiana, landing May 17. On the following day the regiment marched across the point to the river below Vicksburg and embarked for Grand Gulf, returned to the point on the 29th and immediately embarked for Chickasaw Bayou, on the Yazoo River, at which place it debarked and was engaged in closing the river in the rear of Vicksburg until after the charge, when it was placed on the left of the besieging line and bravely held its situation under the enemy's fire until the final surrender on July 4, 1S63. On the 5th the regiment moved with General Sherman's army against Iuka. Mississippi, skirmishing with the enemy at Big Black River and Champkn's Hill. At Iuka, under Johnston, the Confeder tes made a stand and engaged our forces from the 12th to the 10th. the .Seventysixth occupying the extreme right. On the morning of the 17th the city was vacated by the Confederates and the Union troops immediately marched in. The regiment left Jackson July L'l and arrived at Vicksburg on the 23rd. On July 1, 1SG4, the regiment started on an expedition to Jackson, Mississippi, commanded by General Slocum and on its return was met by the enemy between Iuka and Clinton and a sharp battle was fought on the Cth and renewed on the 7th when the Seventy-sixth was cut off from the balance of the brigade and had to cut its way out with a loss of 102 men, sixteen of whom were reported killed and left on the field and eightysix were wounded or missing. The regiment thus depleted returned to Vicksburg July 0. 1SC4. On September 3 the regiment embarked on the steamer Nebraska and moved up White River.

landed and camped on the Arkansas shore and remained until October IS, on November 7 reaching Duval's Bluff, where it built cabins with the expectation of spending the winter. In obedience to orders, however, it broke camp on the 28th and on the 30th landed at Memphis, Tennessee, where it remained until December Ml, 1SG4, when ordered to embark on the steamer Niagara, for New Orleans at which place it arrived on January -1, 1S05. It remained near there in camp until February 12, when it was leemharked and proceeded across the Gulf of Mexico to Mobile Point. The regiment was divided and carried on three different craft. A terrible storm was encountered and the George Peabody, on which the Seventy-sixth and parts of other regiments were, was nearly wrecked, in which all the wagons, horses and mules were consigned to the deep, the vessel barely reaching land with its human freight. On March 20 accompanied the expedition to Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely, near Mobile, and on April 1 the army approached Fort Blakely ami on the next day drove the enemy inside its fortifications. With united forces, on April S, Spanish Fort was captured and on the following day the Seventy-sixth participated in the charge on Fort Blakely, capturing the entire garrison. The colors of this regiment were the first planted on the enemy's works. The Seventy-sixth lost in this last battle of the war, 1.7 in killed and Si wounded and among the latter was the colonel of the regiment, who was seriously injured while gallantly leading his men in the assault. In the latter part of June the regiment was ordered to Galveston, Texas, thence to Chicago, where it was paid off and disbanded August -1. lSGo, having traveled over ten thousand miles. Among the many incidents worthy of note concerning this regiment and which lack of space prevents giving, the following may he recorded. In the battle near Jackson, Mississippi, in July, 1S04, the color bearer, Silas Parker, a member of Company C, fell upon his staff. Two of his comrades rolled him off and brought the colors from the field, leaving Parker, whom one reported to be dead. On the exchange of prisoners, however, Silas Parker was one of the number restored and told that when he recovered from being stunned he fell something hurting his side and felt a bullet under his skin, lie took bis own knife, with the intention of cutting it out. when a Confederate surgeon found him and ordered that he he taken to Iuka and be cared for. The bullet passed around under his skin to tlio opposite side, as he had been shot, but did not injure any organ permanently and Mr. Parker is yet alive but has ever since suffered from the catastrophe.

Eighty-Eighth -Illinois Volunteer Infantry

This regiment was organized at Chicago in September, 1S02, by Col. T. T. Sherman, and was known as the Second Board of Trade Regiment. After mustering in it was ordered to Louisville, Kentucky; on September 4 went into camp below Jeffersonville ; received arms on the 11th mid on the loth was brigaded with the Twenty-fourth Wisconsin and the Second and Fifteenth .Missouri. On the 21st it moved to Louisville and was brigaded with the Twentyfirst Michigan, the Twenty-fourth Wisconsin and the Thirty-sixth Illinois. Colonel Greusel commanding under General Philip Sheridan. This regiment saw hard service and acquitted itself honorably whenever called on for duty. It was mustered out at Nashville, Tennessee, June 9, 1SG5, and discharged at Chicago, June 13, 1SG5. No company in this regiment was organized at Morris, but one officer was a Morris man and four privates were from Grundy County.

Ninety-First Illinois Volunteer Infantry

This regiment was organized at Camp Butler, Illinois, in August, 1SG2, by Col. Henry M. Day. and was mustered in September S. 1SG2; left Camp Butler October 1, ISC2. for the front; arrived at Shepherdsville, Kentucky, October 7; from then to December 27, 1SG2, was engaged in scouting through Kentucky after Morgan and in guarding railroads. On the morning of December 27, General Morgan appeared with his force at Elizabethtown, where the Ninety-first was then stationed, under comma nil of Lieut. - Col. IIan"',->. Smith, three companies being detached at the time to guard railroads elsewhere. Each commander demanded the surrender of the other and at 1 p. m. the Confederates opened fire. At that time the Union men were still using the old altered flint-lock musket and as ammunition had given out, after a loss of seven men killed and many wounded, the Ninety-first was forced to surrender and was then paroled and on June 5, 1SG3, was exchanged and newly equipped. The Ninety-first reached Vicksburg at 7 P. m. July 15, 1SG3, and was assigned to a position formerly occupied by Grant's right wing and lost heavily on account of the poisonous character of the water, no sanitation as at present being then in use. Early in August the regiment went to New Oilcans and remained until sent up the river on September 6, and on the morning of the 7th the Ninety-first and the Ninety-fourth Illinois with the Twentieth Wisconsin and a battalion of cavalry with two 12- pound cannon, started for the Appalachian River; engaged unsuccessfully with the enemy and then fell bark for six miles. On the Stb of September the Union force again advanced and drove the enemy across the river with loss to them in killed and 200 prisoners were taken, the same being kindly cared for by the Second Illinois Cavalry. On November G, 1SG3, the Ninety-first started for Brownsville, Texas, and remained in winter quarters at Fort Brown until December 31, when it made its famous raid on Salt Lake, capturing a lake of salt, two miles square, which was promptly confiscated. Its further movements, necessarily condensed, were: left Brownsville July 2S; arrived at Brazos July 30; broke cam]) December 24, 1SG4; took steamer for New Orleans; March 17, 1SG5, marched through swamps and swam creeks; March 27 met the enemy in force. The Ninety-first advanced in double column in doublequick and drove the enemy into its stronghold, Spanish Fort and Blakely, the key to Mobile. Here the enemy was at home and it was only after a siege of fourteen days thai (lie fort surrendered. April 0, 1SG5. Throughout the whole siege the Ninety-first took very active part and the fall of Spanish Fort resulted in the surrender of Mobile to the Federal troops on April 12, 1S65. General Ilardee, in command of the read guard of the enemy's forces, lingered behind attempting to get. away with the stores, hut the Second Brigade, under command of Col. II. M. Day of the Ninety-first Illinois, prevented this move after a fight which was the last engagement east of the Mississippi. On July 12 the regiment was mustered out at Mobile and on the same day started for home and on July 28, 1865, was discharged and these brave men became private citizens once more and proved as worthy in peace as they had been valorous in war.

One Hundred And Twenty-Seventh Illinois

in Kendall County and Company D in Grundy County. Tlie regiment was; mustered into tinservice at Camp Douglas, September G, 1S02: drew a full complement of English Enfield rifles in Hie beginning of November and on the 9th departed for Cairo, Illinois, where it embarked on the steamer Emerald, which landed it at Memphis on the loth. On November 20, iS02, it departed on an expedition under General Sherman and marched to the neighborhood of Oxford, Mississippi; under orders from General Grant returned to Memphis; was a part of the expedition which captured Arkansas Post, January 11, 1SG3, and was one of the first regiments to plant colors on tbe enemy's works. This regiment assisted in the constructing of the famous canal at Young's Point, in front of Vicksburg and during the three months that followed had much sickness in its ranks and at one time, on account of malaria in all probability, could report only 100 men fit for duty. This made the actual achievements of the regiment eminently notable. On the first day of the assaults on Vicksburg it planted its colors farthest on the enemy's works. During the siege the regiment was placed on detached duty at Chickasaw Bayou until within a few days of the surrender, when it returned to the trenches and took part in the victory on July 4, 1SG3.

On the night following the surrender of Vicksburg, all the men tit for duty, less than fifty in number, under Major Curtiss. marched under command of General Sherman and became a part of the force that, a few days later, drove Gen. Joe Johnston from Jackson. "When the regiment went into camp at Black River Bridge it had less than one hundred men fit for duty, about four hundred being in hospitals on Walnut Hills in the rear of Vicksburg. The corps to which this regiment was attached took part in the battle of Lookout Mountain and its activity at .--Missionary Ridge assisted in the great loss sustained there by the enemy. The One Hundred and Twenty-seventh took part in the series of battles around Resaca, notably being engaged on May 14, when the brigade to which it was attached carried the line of fortification along the slope of the creek by a desperate assault with the bayonet and captured a number of prisoners. Immediately following this assault followed the charge of General Cleburn's Confederates, which made three furious attacks on the Union lines only to be bloodily repulsed. Ou the 27th of June occurred the most desperate battle and assault of the Fifteenth Army Corps feet above the soldiers' heads and Covered with rifle pits, strong parapets and death-dealing batteries, in this momentous action the One Hundred and Twenty-seventh stood up grandly under that actual baptism of lire and on July 2, 1SG4, the enemy abandoned the defense of Kenesaw and fell back to the Chattahoochee River. On July 20, PSil-l, Gen. John P.. Hood was placed in command of the Confederate army in place of Gen. Joseph E. Johnston and desperate efforts followed this change in commanders. In the fierce engagement of July 22, in which the beloved McPherson fell, the regiment was in the thickest of the fight and the brigade to which it belonged was led into the fray by General Logan in person. A few days later the Fifteenth Corps was transferred to the extreme right of the army, where, on July 2S it was furiously assaulted by a corps of Hood's army, which was repulsed with terrible loss, leaving no less than eight hundred and twenty-eight dead in front of our lines. The One Hundred and Twenty-seventh accompanied Sherman's army in its march through Georgia and the Carolinas. After the surrender of General Johnson on April 9, PSGri, this regiment started for Petersburg, Virginia, on May .13 passed through Richmond and on May 21 reached the vicinity of Waslmgton, D. C, and went into camp on the hills west of Alexandria. After an arduous service of almost three years the regiment reached Chicago and was there mustered out June 17, 18G5. 'i'he actual number of men finally discharged was 2-10. all thai remained of the 000 with which the regiment left Camp Douglas in psr.2.

In August, 1SG1, Judge T. Lyle Dickey, of Ottawa, LaSalle County, was authorized by the Secretary of War to raise and organize a regiment of cavalry. Some time afterward, but before the regiment was complete, a controversy arose between the Secretary of War and Governor Yates, in the settlement of which it was conceded that the Governor should commission (he officers selected by Judge Dickey and the organization went upon the records as the Fourth Illinois Cavalry. On September 20. 1861, the regiment was mustered info the military service of the United States and soon after took up its line of niarch for Springfield, where it received its arms, which were not removed from their . cases, however, until tbe command arrived at