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Union Civil War Enlistments by Residents of Buckheart Township, including Bryant’s

Station (Fulton County) Illinois

November 2011; updated May 2012—These men volunteered for the Civil War from Buckheart Township, including Bryant’s Station, (Fulton) Illinois. From research at the National Archives in Washington, D.C., summaries of pension records have been included. If one of these men is from your family and you have photographs or additional genealogical information to include, please contact me at jturnbul8@gmail.com. Janet Turnbull Anderson, Thomas—Enlisted 15 February 1865, 18 years old, as a private in Co. B, 151st Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’8 ¾” tall; light hair; blue eyes; born in Ohio. Mustered out 24 January 1865 at Columbus, Georgia. Died 28 April 1918 at Glendora (Los Angeles) California. Anderson, Thomas—Civil War Pension Application, National Archives, Washington, DC: Born 7 July 1847 in Champaign County, Ohio. Married Elizabeth Mace in Knox County, Illinois, in October of 1866. Their children: Lucinda born 28 September 1867; Ellsworth born 17 January 1870; Minnie and Nettie (twins) born 22 January 1872; Della born 16 February 1877; Jennie born 20 February 20, 1887; Emma born 14 July 1874. His wife and two of his children died of consumption, and two other children had consumption by 1906. Thomas claimed sunstroke, rheumatism of legs and back, and heart disease as a result of his service. “The regiment was stationed at Dalton, Georgia, in the spring of 1865 and in the month of April or May I do not remember . . . the regiment was on a grand review and it was a very warm day and Thomas Anderson one of my company was overcome by heat and fell while standing in the ranks and was taken to the hospital.”--Lorenzo Boyer, 1900 A horse kick in the early 1900s resulted in 3 broken ribs. “While stabling his horses, last September, after a days work at ploughing he fainted and fell under the horses sustaining severe contusions of the chest, abdomen, and scrotum to such an extent as to necessitate his taking his bed for several weeks and calling medical aid. (This fainting is secondary to a previous attack of sunstroke and always follows exposure to the sun or overheating from work.)—S. W. Reid, M.D. 1897 Residences: “A farmer by occupation, residing 1 mile east of DeLand Piatt County, Ill, which is my PO address. I resided 5 miles south of Canton, Fulton County, Illinois from 1861 to 1865.” After 1865 lived in Coles Co., Illinois for 7 years; DeLand (Piatt) Illinois 44 years; and Glendora (Los Angeles) California until his death there on 28 April 1918.

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Bailey, Uriah L.—Enlisted 25 February 1865, 18 years old, as a private in Co. I, 51st Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’8” tall; light hair; hazel eyes; laborer, born in Ohio. Mustered out 25 September 1865 at Camp Irwin, Texas. Died 24 October 1913. Burial at Dayton National Cemetery, Dayton (Montgomery) Ohio. Bailey, Uriah L.—Civil War Pension Application, National Archives, Washington, DC: Born at Ashland (Ashland) Ohio on 10 June 1846. The family left Ohio when he was 11 and moved to Lewistown (Fulton) Illinois. He stated in 1909: “My mother is dead—only 1 brother—Simeon Q. Bailey, but he’s dead.” His father was Lyman M. Bailey, who died before Uriah enlisted in 1865. Uriah was unmarried. From 1865-1874 he lived in Illinois; 1874-1876 in Minnesota; 1876-1880 in Illinois; 1880-1885 in Idaho; 1885 -1893 in Iowa; 1893-1896 surveying in Missouri; 1896 -1899 in Galveston, Texas; 1901-1906 was at sea taking horses to South Africa; 1906-1910 at the Illinois Soldiers and Sailors Home in Quincy, Illinois. In 1906 he worked as a milker at the home. He hurt his side on the night of 20 July 1906 when employed onboard the Ship Solveic while at sea when he fell down the hatch. In 1912 he lived at Hot Springs (Fall River) South Dakota. Uriah died 24 October 1913 of tuberculosis. His next of kin was his cousin, Emma Crabb, of Avon, Illinois. Ball, Edwin N.—Enlisted 9 August 1862, 32 years old, as a private in Co. C, 103rd Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’8” tall; light hair; blue eyes; married; carpenter; born in Buckheart (Fulton) Illinois. Transferred to Invalid Corps on 28 June 1863. Ball, Edwin N.—Civil War Pension Application, National Archives, Washington, DC: Married Nancy J. Armstrong in Rockwood (Randolph) Illinois on 17 January 1855. He was a carpenter before the war. Their children: Howard M. born 28 November 1855; Caroll E. born 26 September 1868; Carrie E. born 3 July 1870; Edward C. born 29 March 1872; William N. born 14 January 1874; Albert L. born 18 January 1876. Smallpox at La Grange, Tennessee, in 1864 led to a permanent disease of his eyes. He claimed a hernia of the left side, eczema, loss of sight in the right eye. John H. Harris, a sergeant in Co. C, 103rd Infantry, told of a company joke: “That we had another soldier in the same company named “Cannon.” That was a standing joke, while said Ball was sick [in hospital] that the Company could not move because the Cannon could not off without the Ball.” In 1890 Edwin lived in Whiting (Jackson) Kansas. He died there on 7 February 1906. Ball, Harrison—Enlisted 25 February 1865, 18 years old, as a private in Co. I, 51st Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’5” tall; light hair; hazel eyes; born in Illinois. Mustered out 25 September 1865 at Camp Irwin, Texas.

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Ball, Harrison—1860 Federal Census, Buckheart Township, Fulton County, Illinois: He is the 15 year old son of Wilson and Mary Ball. Wilson is 53 and born in Vermont, and Mary is 44 and born in Indiana. Their other children: David (18) and Perry (7), both born in Illinois. Ball, Harrison—Civil War Pension Application, National Archives, Washington, DC: Married Catherine O’Neil in Joshua Township, Fulton County, Illinois on 1 January 1884. Their children: Emma Malissa 1887; and Emma Gertrude 1886. His pension claim was for a dislocation to left shoulder, lumbago, heart disease, hernia, and senility. He was the division wagoner since February 10, 1863. In January 1900 at Illinois Soldiers and Sailors Home while working at the cook house and going to his cottage, he slipped on an icy and slippery walk, causing a hernia. He died 4 June 1905. Barrows, Robert H.—Enlisted 8 February 1865, 18 years old, as a private in Co. B, 151st Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’7 ½” tall; auburn hair; blue eyes; born in Illinois. Died 1 May 1865 of disease at Dalton, Georgia. Baughman, Hamilton—Enlisted 13 August 1862, 20 years old, as a private in Co. K, 103rd Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’8” tall; dark hair; black eyes. Promoted to corporal. Killed in skirmish near Atlanta, Georgia, on 23 August 1864. Baylor, James Kip—Enlisted 25 February 1865, 20 years old, as a private in Co. I, 51st Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’11” tall; black hair; blue eyes; born in New Jersey. Mustered out 25 September 1865 at Camp Irwin, Texas. Died 13 January 1914 at Canton (Fulton) Illinois. Baylor, James Kip—Civil War Pension Application, National Archives, Washington, DC: Born 15 October 1844 in Warren County, New Jersey. Married Nellie L. McCoy in Farmington (Fulton) Illinois on 10 February 1887. James was 43 years old at the time of his marriage. Nellie was born 14 September 1853. Their child: William McCoy born 13 December 1887. He suffered a severe cold on a “steamboat or ship from New Orleans, Louisiana to Texas,” resulting in typhoid fever and leading to paralysis of the right side of his head and face with impairment to his eyesight, especially that of the right eye. He stated this was caused by sleeping on the top of the ship near the smokestack and the changes from extreme heat to cold resulted in a severe cold. At Texas he was taken to the hospital with acute pain in the back of his head and neck and stayed there for 6-8 weeks. “I had 2 large ‘gatherings’ one at the base of each ear which resulted in the paralysis of right side of my face, effecting my ear and eye. I cannot close my right eye.” –James K. Baylor, 1900 In 1897 they resided in Norris (Fulton) Illinois. James died 13 January 1914 at Canton (Fulton) Illinois. Burial at Greenwood Cemetery (Fulton) Illinois.

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James K. Baylor, photo courtesy of Janine Crandell

http://illinoisancestors.org/cemphotos/v/fulton/greenwood Baylor, Theodore T.—Enlisted 13 August 1862, 18 years old, as a private in Co. C, 103rd Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’6” tall; light hair; blue eyes; born in Trenton (Warren) New Jersey. Killed 27 June 1864 at Kenesaw Mountain, Georgia. Baylor, Theodore T.—1860 Federal Census, Buckheart Township, Fulton County, Illinois: Theodore is 16 years old, born in New Jersey. His parents are John Baylor (56) and Elizabeth, both born in New Jersey. His sister is Jane (14) born in New Jersey, and Samuel (12) born in Illinois. Baylor, Theodore T.—Civil War Pension Application, National Archives, Washington, DC: As Theodore was unmarried and had no children when he died in action at Kenesaw Mountain on 27 June 1864, his widowed mother applied for his pension. She was 73 years old in 1879. His father was John E. Baylor, who died 12 January 1861 at Buckheart (Fulton) Illinois. His mother stated that Theodore did day work and by the month and contributed his earnings to the support of his mother. He worked for Isaac Shallenberger and earned about $200, which he sent directly to his mother. He sent money home while in the service. His brother, Samuel, died 17 June 1862.

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Theodore Baylor, Photograph courtesy Janine Crandell

Greenwood Cemetery, Canton (Fulton) Illinois http://illinoisancestors.org/cemphotos/v/fulton/greenwood

Baylor, Washington—Enlisted 4 August 1862, 22 years old, as a private in Co. E, 103rd Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’8” tall; brown hair; hazel eyes; born Warren County, New Jersey. Mustered out as corporal 21 June 1865. Died 19 August 1904. Burial at Greenwood Cemetery, Canton (Fulton) Illinois.

Washington Baylor

Photograph courtesy Carole Martin http://illinoisancestors.org/cemphotos/v/fulton/greenwood

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Benson, Henry Morgan--Enlisted 13 August 1862, 34 years old, as a private in Co. K, 103rd Infantry under the name of Morgan Benson. Description at enlistment: 5’4” tall; dark hair; black eyes; married; laborer; born in Illinois. Mustered out 21 June 1865 at Louisville, Kentucky. Benson, Henry Morgan—Civil War Pension Application, National Archives, Washington, DC: Married Virginia Ann Pedagrew or Pettigrew in Knox County, Illinois, on 9 September 1849. Virginia died about 31 March 1900. Henry died 15 May 1879 in Carroll County, Missouri, of rheumatism and chronic diarrhea he got from exposure during the war. In 1890 Virginia was still in Carroll County, Missouri. Berkshire, Josiah C.—Enlisted 16 March 1865, 42 years old, as a private in Co. I, 51st Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’8” tall, light hair; blue eyes; carpenter; born in Ohio. Mustered out 25 September 1865 at Camp Irwin, Texas. Berkshire, Josiah—Civil War Pension Application, National Archives, Washington, DC: While serving in Co. I, 51st Illinois Infantry, he and others were transported between Knoxville and Chattanooga by train and were sleeping on the floor of the car. Guns had been fastened to the underside of the roof of the freight car. The straps broke, and the guns fell on the men sleeping underneath. Josiah suffered a rupture above his navel and a head injury. After returning from the war, Josiah lived at a grist mill, the Elliott Mills, according to Morgan Reece in 1893. Josiah had been a lifelong friend of Alexander Hamilton, who stated in 1893: “I knowed J. C. Berkshire. I married his sister in 1847 in Knox Co. Ill. We were boys together in Ohio and I have known him very well.” David Grim stated in 1893: “He is my uncle.” Morgan F. Reece stated “My oldest brother was a brother-in-law of his.” In 1893, Josiah stated “I left my wife Hanna Rebecca nee Connover at Canton Ill in April 1882 and moved to Wataga, Knox Co. Ill. My wife I understand lives in Cincinnati Ohio under the name of Berkshire. I had two sons with her; one lives in Ohio—he is now about 26 years of age, the last I know from him was from North Baltimore (Wood) Ohio. My boy’s name is John Alexander Berkshire. He is a cigar maker; my other son’s name is William T. Berkshire, he is dead.” His son, John, was born 2 March 1867. Josiah died 19 January 1905. Bolin, William B.—Enlisted 12 August 1862, 18 years old, as a private in Co. H, 103rd Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’9” tall; light hair; blue eyes; born Gratiot (Muskingum) Ohio. Discharged 14 March 1863 from hospital at La Grange, Tennessee. Bolin, William B.—Civil War Pension Application, National Archives, Washington, DC: Son of Joseph Bolin and Elnore Wright, born 2 April 1844 in Licking County, Ohio. Received medical discharge for chronic nephritis and chronic diarrhea, which rendered him totally disabled. There was some correspondence about the nephritis—his family doctor declared that he did not have nephritis when he joined the Army. The Army said he did. In 1878 William Bolin described his illness “October 10, 1862 at Cold Water

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[Springs] Tenn. [Mississippi?] was taken sick with measles and when convalescing had relapse resulting in chronic diarrhea. I have not been able to work much more than one third the time up to 1877, since when I have had to stop work altogether—disease of spine having set in.” John Robbins, a neighbor and employer, stated in 1881—“That the said William Bolin worked for me in a stone quarry . . . . and was unable to perform manual labor more than one half of the time and said William Bolen could do only the light work such as chiseling holes for splitting stone and driving team for drawing of stone.” William Boyd, in 1880, stated that William Bolin had become sick “while on picket duty and unprotected from the rains and storms of the month of December 1862.” At 44 years of age, William was 5’10 ½” tall and weighed 145 pounds. Married Melvina Jane Pearson (born 7 November 1858) on 13 March 1876 at the home of Joshua Butler in Allen County, Kansas. Their children: Lloyd Earnest born 6 September 1877 and died 15 October 1900; Jessie Omer, born 22 March 1879 and living in 1915; Clemintine Olive born 12 April 1880 and living in 1915; Mollie Elenor born 26 January 1882 and died 12 August 1900; Willie Blane and Frank Logan (twins) born 22 July 1885; James Roy born 4 December 1887 and died 20 October 1900; Cary Myrtle born 13 October 1890 and living in 1915; Nathan Henry born 18 September 1893 and living in 1915. Harvey Pearson, Jane’s brother, living in Colorado Springs (El Paso) Colorado in 1919, stated, “William Bolin was not a learned man, but that he could read and write, but that his writing was poor; that very often when writing his name he would write W. M. the same size and often in this way his initials became confused and at times was set down as W. M. Bolin when he intended to sign his name Wm. Bolin.” William lived in Illinois until 1867 and then moved to Allen County, Kansas. In 1919 their address was No. 3 West Neosho Road, Iola, Kansas. William died 6 March 1919 in Iola (Allen) Kansas, and is buried in Iola.

William Bolin, Iola Cemetery, Iola (Allen) Kansas. Photograph courtesy of Judy Mayfield.

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Buck, James M.—Enlisted 25 February 1865, 45 years old, as a Sgt. in Co. I, 51st Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’7” tall; dark hair; blue eyes; hotel keeper. Mustered out 25 September 1865 at Camp Irwin, Texas. Cannon, Thomas—Enlisted 14 August 1862, 35 years old, as a private in Co. C, 103rd Infantry. Description at enlistment: 6’ tall; sandy/red hair; blue eyes; married; born in Prince William County, Virginia. Discharged 19 October 1863 for disability. Died 16 May 1909. Cannon, Thomas—Civil War Pension Application, National Archives, Washington, DC: Born August 1833 in Dant, Kansas. Married Margaret Turner in 1851 in Fulton County, Illinois. She died 3 December 1896. His second wife was Ruth Ann, married in Ipava (Fulton) Illinois on 30 October 1898. She had been previously married to Hiram Mallott in 1853. Hiram died 11 December 1881 or 1879 in Bernadotte of congestion of the lungs, stomach and bowels. Her second husband was William Long, who died 11 August 1892 or 1893. They were married in 1885. Ruth Ann was born 1 January 1837 in Lancaster, Ohio. Her sisters in 1918 were Pheby Elizabeth Davidson and Lucinda Mallissa Wolfe of Columbus, Ohio. Thomas stated he had six children living in 1898: Jasper born 1852; Franklin born 1855; Martin born 1857; Thomas Henry born 1859; Sarah born 1862; and Mary born 1869. His pension claim was based on dyspepsia, chronic diarrhea, disease of the lungs caused by exposure and improper diet. He was unfit for the Invalid Corps. After 1865 he was a farmer in Lacon (Marshall) Illinois. 1887 found him in Smithfield (Fulton) Illinois. In 1879 he lived in Muronk (Woodford) Illinois. In 1918 Ruth lived at 424 Sperry Street, Bushnell, Illinois. Thomas died 16 May 1906 at Smithfield, Illinois. Cisco, Milton S.—Enlisted 14 February 1865, 18 years old, as a private in Co. I, 51st Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’8” tall; light hair; blue eyes; born in New Jersey. Died 9 April 1865 at Indianapolis, Indiana.

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Milton S. Cisco, courtesy of Randy Vawter

Conner, Theodore K.—Enlisted 6 May 1864, 23 years old, as a private in Co. D, 132nd Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’8” tall; light hair, blue eyes; born in Fulton County, Illinois. Mustered out 17 October 1864 at Chicago, Illinois. Conner, Theodore K.--Civil War Pension Application, National Archives, Washington, DC: Married Ann E. Weaver of Bryant (Fulton) Illinois on April 8, 1863. Their children: Della May, born March 12, 1866 and Carrie Ann born March 1, 1869. His invalid pension was based on chronic rheumatism, heart disease and indigestion. Thomas died September 10, 1904. Crippen, William E.—Enlisted 13 August 1862, 27 years old, as a private in Co. K, 103rd Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’7” tall; dark hair; blue eyes; married; born in Michigan. Mustered out 21 June 1865 in Louisville, Kentucky. Crippen, William E.—Civil War Pension Application, National Archives, Washington, DC: Married Mary E. Bacon in Trenton (Gundy) Missouri on 12 August 1869. Hiram Husted knew William Crippen when Husted was a child in 1860. William and Mary were married in Husted’s house by his father. Mary was Husted’s aunt and lived with his family until she married William Crippen. Their children; Helen, born 2 June 1870; Clarence A., born 19 December 1874 and living in Kingman County, Kansas in 1915; Millerd G., born 9 May 1877. His pension application was based on rheumatism of the back, hip, knee, and left foot, pneumonia which led to lung disease; and measles which led to a back injury.

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In 1905 they lived in St. Joseph, Buchanan County, Missouri. William died 20 April 1914 at Clarence’s home of yellow jaundice. He is buried at the Cleveland Cemetery, Cleveland, Kansas. Crusen, John W.—Enlisted 30 May 1864, 18 years old, as a private in Co. D, 132nd Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’6” tall; dark hair; brown eyes; born in Newark, Ohio. Mustered out 17 October 1864 at Chicago, Illinois. Crusen, John W.—Civil War Pension Application, National Archives, Washington, DC: Stated that he was born in Licking County, Ohio. Married Nancy E. Harris 23 March 1871 in Fulton County, Illinois. Their children: William H. born 1874; Alta born 1882, and Marie born 1889. John was a butcher, and broke the middle finger of his right hand in 1905. He suffered asthma in the fall of 1871 which led to severe attack of lung fever. John Crusen died 19 August 1907 in Peoria, Illinois, of stomach cancer. Nancy died 26 April 1926. Davidson, William—Enlisted 18 March 1865, 30 years old, as a private in Co. I, 51st Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’8” tall; light hair; hazel eyes; laborer, born in Illinois. Mustered out 25 September 1865 at Camp Irwin, Texas. Davidson, William—Civil War Pension Application, National Archives, Washington, DC: Married Sarah Dunbar on 1 January 1864 in Fulton County, Illinois. He became ill with chronic diarrhea at New Orleans, Louisiana, in July 1865. He remained with his company until it was mustered out in Texas and returned with the company to Camp Butler, Illinois. At the time of final discharge he was unable to be moved, and was left in the hospital at Camp Butler where he died on 23 October 1865. He and Sarah had no children. DeFord, Thomas—Enlisted 13 August 1862, 21 years old, as a private in Co. K, 103rd Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’6 ¼” tall; light hair; blue eyes; born in Indiana. Captured 28 May 1864 at Dallas, Georgia. Listed as POW. Mustered out 21 June 1865 at Louisville, Kentucky. DeFord, Thomas—Civil War Pension Application, National Archives, Washington, DC: Born 7 March 1841 in Carroll County, Indiana, to George DeFord of Yates City (Knox) Illinois and Mary (Polly) Wolfe, who were married in LaFayette, (Tippecanoe ) Indiana on 28 August 1837. Thomas was captured at Dallas, Georgia, on 28 May 1864. John M. Pollison, a corporal in Co. K, 7th Illinois Cavalry, was a prisoner of war with Thomas. John Pollison stated in 1887 that while prisoners they were moved from Andersonville prison to Savannah, Georgia, in September 1864. The railroad cars ran off the track enroute, severely injuring DeFord. Afterward, they were moved to Camp Lawton, Georgia, where DeFord “became perfectly helpless from his injury and scurvy. On about 9 November 1864 he [Thomas DeFord] was taken from the hospital at Camp Lawton to the Dead House in a dying condition and was never heard from afterwards.”

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As Thomas died without a wife or children, his mother and father applied for his pension. “They did not own any real estate during that year [1864] whatever, and all the property that they owned was as follows. They had one team of horses worth about $55 each, also one wagon worth $30, and two cows worth $20 each. The above is all the property they had with the exception of a little household goods, to wit, one set chairs $5, two beds and bedding $20 a piece; one cook stove $20; one clock $5; dishware valued at about $4, cooking utensils about $5. The above is all the property they owned during the year 1864, and all the income they had was what little they made from their cows by selling milch and butter and also what the Applicant’s husband made with his team by hauling and teaming about town, which did not exceed 50 cents per day on an average during the whole year 1864; this is all the income they had during the year 1864 as the applicant’s husband was crippled in his feet so that he was not able to do much manual labor. Otherwise, Mrs. Mary DeFord and her husband resided in the town of Canton, County of Fulton, Illinois, during the year 1864; applicant’s husband’s age was 49 years in the year 1864. Mrs. Mary DeFord’s age in 1864 was 46 years. I was a resident of the town of Canton and was a neighbor to Mary DeFord and husband.”--James Kennedy, 1887 George and Mary DeFord had a large family to support. Their children: Francis M. born 4 October 1851; George R. born 15 March 1854 and died 16 November 1868; Caroline born 19 July 1858; Harvey Gilbert born 13 March 1861; Mary born 7 October 1838; Phillip born 27 January 1840 and died 18 February 1887; Thomas born 7 March 1841; James born 10 April 1842; Sarah Jane born 11 June 1843; and Henry born 7 March 1848. Mary, James, Sarah and Henry died before the War. Francis M., Caroline and Harvey were alive in 1888. “At the time of Thomas’ enlistment, we were living in Kirkville, Iowa for 6-7 years. We moved from there to Canton, Ill about middle of 1864. We lived there about 1 year and moved to Yatesville, Illinois. My son Thomas worked out by the day and month, and fetched his wages home. When Thomas died, we lived in Banner Township.”—Mary DeFord Remembering George DeFord, Mr. Crutchfiled stated, “He, when here, played the fiddle some for the young folks. I have at times advanced him a little money to get tea and coffee until such time as he could repay me in garden truck or chickens.” In 1888, George DeFord stated that a mishap “burned the house, and lot and a few chickens worth maybe $350. At the time of Thomas’ death my health very poor. I had the palpitation of the heart and was crippled in both feet and have been all my lifetime. [George DeFord hurt his feet as a small child when he fell into a fire, badly burning both feet.] My son Phillip was not then living with me, he was in the service. He has helped me some since the war, but he married in 1868 and has had a family of his own to support.” George died 4 January 1893, and Mary died 11 October 1891 in Yates City (Knox) Illinois.

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Evans, George W.—Enlisted 13 August 1862, 28 years old, as a private in Co. C, 103rd Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’2” tall; brown hair; gray eyes; married, born in New York, New York. Died 5 July 1864 at Andersonville Prison, grave 2936. Flake, George W.—Enlisted 14 February 1865, 22 years old, as a private in Co. B, 151st Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’6 ½” tall; auburn; light hair; hazel eyes; born in Illinois. Mustered out 24 January 1865 at Columbus, Georgia. Ford, Thomas—Enlisted 25 February 1865, 18 years old, as a private in Co. I, 51st Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’6” tall; black hair; black eyes; born in Illinois. Mustered out 25 September 1865 at Camp Irwin, Texas. Died 20 July 1926 at Kingfisher, Oklahoma. Ford, Thomas—Civil War Pension Application, National Archives, Washington, DC: Born 30 November 1847 2 ½ miles from Fulton County, Illinois. His father was Obsen [?] Ford of Illinois. Andy and Preston Ford were two of his brothers. Thomas Ford married Amanda Ann Richard in March 1872. She died 3 August 1883 at Harper (Harper) Kansas, “while on an overland trip in a covered wagon to Chautauqua County, Kansas on a visit,” according to Thadeus G. Cuttlip in 1927. In 1868 Thomas’ parents’ family moved from Illinois to the Territory of Kansas, settling in Chatauqua County. His second wife was Mary Arthur, married on 29 October 1888 in Medicine Lodge (Barber) Kansas. Thomas’ children: Hattie born 7 December 1873, dead by 1915; Harley born 15 July 1877; Bertha born 26 June 1889; William born 17 January 1891; Clarence (Clancy) born 12 December 1893; Ethel born 29 June 1895; and Strodder born 15 July 1898. In 1890 the family moved to Oklahoma. He claimed disability based on heart trouble, catarrh of the head from La Grippe, double vision, vertigo and neuralgia. “In 1885 applied strong solution, corrosive sublimate, [prescribed by physician] all over my body for Texas itch by a mistake; which blistered me all over and have suffered from a peculiar nervous and painful condition ever since.” I hurt my back in the State of Illinois in Fulton County by a chain breaking when I was rolling logs and let the log back on me and strained my back.”—Thomas Ford, 1891. Thomas died 20 July 1926 in Kingfisher County, Oklahoma, with burial at Kingfisher Cemetery. Garrison, James W.—Enlisted 20 March 1865, 20 years old, in Co. I, 51st Infantry. Deserted 14 June 1865 at Camp Harker, Tennessee. Description at enlistment: 5’10 ½” tall; black hair; black eyes; laborer, born in Kentucky.

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Goforth, W. P.—Enlisted 3 May 1864, 19 years old, as a private in Co. D, 132nd Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’4” tall; brown hair; dark eyes; born in Fulton County, Illinois. Mustered out 17 October 1864 at Chicago, Illinois. Groenendyke, Garrett G.—Enlisted 13 March 1865, 25 years old, as a private in Co. I, 51st Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’4 ½” tall; light hair; gray eyes; born in Illinois. Died 6 August 1865 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Groenendyke, Garrett G.—Civil War Pension Application, National Archives, Washington, DC: His widow, Josephine, was 21 years old in 1865. They had no children. He died 6 August 1865 at a hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana, of lung fever or typhoid pneumonia, contracted while in line of duty. Hackett, Clayton S.—Enlisted 11 August 1862, 45 years old, as a private in Co. C, 103rd Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’10” tall; black hair; blue eyes; born in Kent County, Delaware. Mustered out 21 June 1865. Hackett, Clayton S.—Civil War Pension Application, National Archives, Washington, DC: Near Bridgeport, Alabama, on November 10, 1863, he was crippled in the left foot by straining his foot marching over a stony ridge on a forced march between Florence and Bridgeport, Alabama. He claimed loss of hearing in the left ear at the Battle of Kenesaw Mountain on June 15, 1864 by heavy cannonading. He claimed he was totally deaf since that time. Clayton lived in Buckheart until August 1875, then moved to Ambray (Johnson) Kansas. He returned to Buckheart, Illinois. Hackett, George M.—Enlisted 11 August 1862, 18 years old, as a private in Co. C, 103rd Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’10” tall; sandy hair; blue eyes; born in Buckheart (Fulton) Illinois. Mustered out 21 June 1865 at Louisville, Kentucky. Died 7 December 1924 at Cuba (Fulton) Illinois. Burial at Cuba Cemetery, Cuba (Fulton) Illinois. Hackett, George M.—Civil War Pension Application, National Archives, Washington, DC: Born 30 April 1844 in Bryant, Buckheart Township (Fulton) Illinois in a log cabin. George was unmarried and had no children. When asked in 1915 to state his wife’s full name and her maiden name, he replied, “han’t found her yet.” In June of 1864 he “received a gunshot wound of the right side of the head above the ear, fracturing the skull causing pieces of the skull to be taken out and now [1870] causing severe pains over both eyes and in hot weather Hackett suffers severely from its effects preventing him from labor. Received gunshot wound at Hope Church, Georgia in skirmish while supporting the skirmish line in front of New Hope Church.” George fell in 1924 and hurt his hip and knee. Since 1865 he lived in Kansas and Fulton County, Illinois. Lived in Crab Orchard, Nebraska until 1881. In 1889 he was in Knoxville (Knox) Illinois. In 1924 he stated that he did truck gardening and strip mining.

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George Hackett died 7 December 1924 in Cuba, Illinois. Harper, John W.—Enlisted 13 August 1862, 23 years old, as a private in Co. K, 103rd Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’8” tall; dark hair; brown eyes; born in Illinois. Mustered out 21 June 1865 in Louisville, Kentucky. Died 6 August 1921 in Canton, Illinois. Burial at Greenwood Cemetery, Canton (Fulton) Illinois. Harper, John W.—Civil War Pension Application, National Archives, Washington, DC: Born 12 May 1839 in Licking County, Ohio. Married Elizabeth Fisher in Canton, Illinois, on 29 January 1867. Children living in 1898: Altha born 25 March 1868, and Cora born 22 March 1870. He claimed rheumatism and heart disease on his pension application. In Jackson, Tennessee, in January 1863, he “took sciatic rheumatism which disease attacked his kidneys.” “Got disease of spine in hospital at Jackson, Tenn from spell of typhoid fever. Was cupped for back troubles during this time.” In 1923 Elizabeth lived at 263 S. Second Street, Canton, Illinois. John died 6 August 1921 in Canton, Illinois. Hoblit, Alvin B.—Enlisted 13 October 1864, 20 years old, as a private in Co. B, 8th Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’ 9” tall; black hair; black eyes; dry goods clerk; born in Illinois. Substitute for William W. Shryrock. Discharged in New Orleans on 12 October 1865 as term of service expired. Died 6 June 1920 in Bloomington, Illinois. Hoblit, Alvin B.--Civil War Pension Application, Department of Veterans Affairs, Baltimore, Maryland: Born 10 March 1844 in Canton, Illinois. His father was Malton Hoblit. Married Annie E. Keys on 7 December 1876. She died on 22 January 1890 during childbirth. Their children: Edward M. born 25 July 1878, and Harry Keys born 10 August 1882. Married Sarah (Sadie) Coolidge White on 19 October 1892 in Bloomington (McLean) Illinois. Her first husband was Ezra W. White, who died in Burnett (Burnett) Texas on 16 September 1884, with burial at the Old Cemetery at Burnett. Ezra W. White practiced law in Springfield, Illinois. He left Springfield in 1882, moving to Burnett, Texas on account of his health. His widow returned to Springfield after his death. Since discharge Alvin lived in Atlanta, Illinois; Springfield, Illinois in 1873; Pekin, Illinois from 1873 until 1878, and Bloomington, Illinois since July 1878. Residence in 1915: 315 E. Chestnut Street, Bloomington, Illinois. Alvin Hoblit was president of the State National Bank. Edward M. Hoblit, his son, was a cashier at the State Bank of Bloomington in 1921. Harris K. Hoblit lived at 1318 E. Grove Street, Bloomington, Illinois in 1920. Alvin Hoblit died 6 June 1920 in Bloomington (McLean) Illinois, with burial at the Bloomington Cemetery. Sarah died 30 June 1952 in Bloomington (McLean) Illinois.

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Their home, 315 E. Chestnut Street, Bloomington, Illinois (circa 1884) is registered with the Franklin Square National Register Historic District in Bloomington, Illinois.

Alvin B. Hoblit, courtesy of V. Chernock

Jones, James—Enlisted 25 February 1865, 21 years old, as a private in Co. I, 51st Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’7” tall; brown hair; blue eyes; student; born in Kentucky. Mustered out 25 September 1865 in Camp Irwin, Texas. Died 5 January 1916 in Quincy, Illinois. Jones, James—Civil War Pension Application, National Archives, Washington, DC: Born 8 September 1843 in Calhoun, Hardin or Crawford Counties, Kentucky. His mother died when he was eight years old. He worked as a clerk for Albert P. Lamphere. From 1858 until enlistment in April of 1864 he lived with John and Elizabeth Speer near Canton doing farm work. In October 1864 he returned to their house and lived there until reenlisting in February 1865. He again returned in October 1865 ill with chronic diarrhea. He could hardly stand, was confined to his bed for 7 months.

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He married Nancy Catharine Hulick in Lee Township (Fulton) Illinois on 8 April 1869. Their children: Isaac Albert born 2 March 1870 and died 25 July 1890; Jennie Florence born 4 September 1872; Nora Bell born 5 July 1874; and Emma Mae born 9 February 1880. One of his daughters married B. L. Wakely. In 1907 he lived at 160 West First Street, Galesburg (Knox) Illinois. James died 5 January 1916 at the Soldiers and Sailors Home at Quincy, Illinois. Krider, John—Enlisted 15 February 1864, 22 years old, as a private in Co. H, 17th Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’4 ½” tall; light hair; blue eyes; born in Rockingham County, Virginia. Transferred to Co. D, 8th Infantry. Died 29 June 1917 in Fargo, Oklahoma. Burial at Fargo Cemetery, Fargo (Ellis) Oklahoma. Krider, John—Civil War Pension Application, National Archives, Washington, DC: Born 29 October 1841 in Harrisburg (Rockingham) Virginia. Married Alminah Brooks on 6 September 1869. She died 28 July 1877. He then married Charity Goforth Jackson on 4 December 1877. Charity was born on 17 November 1843 in Stoddard County, Missouri. She had previously been married to William Jackson, who died of dropsy on 4 November 1875 in Stoddard County, Missouri, after 15 years of marriage. John Krider’s children: Amanda Catharine born 1 January 1871; Mary Jane born 25 April 1872; Mattie C. born 31 December 1878; and Laura Zena born 21 August 1881. After the war, John returned to Illinois and moved to Missouri in 1872. Returned to Illinois in 1883, moved to Kansas and then to Oklahoma in 1893. In 1917 they were in Fargo (Ellis) Oklahoma. John died 29 June 1917 in Fargo (Ellis) Oklahoma, and Charity died 15 June 1924.

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Pages from John Krider’s family Bible, courtesy Janet Turnbull

Laws, Spencer—Enlisted 3 May 1864, 12 years old, as a private in Co. D. 132nd Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’7” tall; brown hair; blue eyes; born in Hopewell, Ohio. Mustered out 17 October 1864 at Chicago, Illinois. Died 19 September 1901. Laws, Spencer—Civil War Pension Application, National Archives, Washington, DC: Married Alvina Vandyke. They were divorced in Marshalltown, Iowa, in 1878. Married Alma H. Fosel or Ford on 30 November 1893. Spencer’s children: Frank M., born 1868 in Lewistown (Fulton) Illinois; and Forest E. born in Marshall County, Iowa. Spencer died 19 September 1901, and is buried at Elmwood Cemetery, Warren (Jo Daviess) Illinois. Alma was living in Osasa, Iowa in 1910. Long, John M.—Enlisted 14 February 1865, 18 years old, as a musician in Co. B, 151st Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’3 ½” tall; auburn hair; gray eyes; laborer; born in Wisconsin. Died 28 March 1865 of disease in a hospital at Chattanooga or Nashville, Tennessee. Long, John M.—Civil War Pension Application, National Archives, Washington, DC: Born 17 September 1849. His mother was Nancy Jordan. John’s parents were married in

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June 8, 1837, and his father died 8 June 1852. Nancy Jordan remarried Joseph Jordan on 17 March 1857. By 1858 Jordan was sick and unable to support the family. When John Long enlisted, there were 3 other siblings under 16 years of age at home: James born 17 September 1849 and died 26 July 1870; Nancy, born 22 January 1851; and Ranthan, who Nancy wrote died in the same service. Matney, Daniel—Enlisted 11 August 1862, 25 years old, as a private in Co. H, 103rd Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’11” tall; dark hair; black eyes; born in Brown County, Indiana. Discharged for wounds 14 May 1864. Died 13 January 1899 in Fairfax (Atchison) Missouri. Matney, Daniel—Civil War Pension Application, National Archives, Washington, DC: Received a gunshot wound to the right shoulder at Mission Ridge, Tennessee on November 25, 1864. Married Sarah Jane Cahill 3 October 1877 in McComb, Illinois. Their children: Luverna, born 29 September 1883 in Nishnabotna, Missouri; Roy born 14 January 1988 in Nishnabotna, Missouri; Lula J. born 23 June 1893 in Aspincoall, Nebraska; and Ada Myrtle born 20 November 1895 in St. Deroin, Nebraska. Daniel died 13 January 1899, and Sarah married Giles C. Hunter. They were divorced in 1906. Sarah Jane was denied reinstatement on the pension rolls, because she had remarried after Daniel’s death. Daniel is buried at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Fairfax (Atchison) Missouri. Matzke, Julius—Enlisted 7 February 1865, 35 years old, as a private in Co. B, 151st Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’3 ½” tall; light hair; blue eyes; born in Pennsylvania. Mustered out 24 January 1865 at Columbus, Georgia. McCarty, David—Enlisted 9 August 1862, 21 years old, as a private in Co. H, 103rd Infantry. Description at enlistment: 6’ 1 ¾” tall; black hair; black eyes; married; born in Washington County, Pennsylvania. Died 22 July 1863. McCarty, David—Civil War Pension Application, National Archives, Washington, DC: Married Elizabeth McIntire on 2 December 1860 at Buckheart (Fulton) Illinois. No children. David died of intermittent fevers on 22 July 1863 in Washington Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee Oatman, Jacob—Enlisted 25 February 1865, 23 years old, as a private in Co. I, 51st Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’8” tall, black hair; hazel eyes; born in Ohio. Mustered out 25 September 1865 in Camp Irwin, Texas. Died 15 December 1913. Burial Greenwood Cemetery, Canton (Fulton) Illinois. Oatman, Jacob—Civil War Pension Application, National Archives, Washington, DC: Born 12 April 1837 in Licking County, Ohio. Married Sarah Sims or Simes in Bryant, Illinois, on 2 September 1869. She died 15 September 1937. Their children: Albert George born 12 January 1870; Kate born 1872; Mary born 25 December 1876; Jennie born 12 October 1878; George born 25 July 1883; Melvin born 12 March 1885; and

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Grace born 25 February 1889. The family Bible was burned in a house fire in Breeds, Illinois, in 1887. Jacob died 15 December 1913 in Canton, Illinois. His pension claim was based on a hernia and lung disease from measles. Provard, Charles W.—Enlisted 21 February 1865, 18 years old, as a private in Co. I, 51st Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’6” tall; light hair; hazel eyes; born in Ohio. Died 2 April 1865 at Camp Butler, Illinois. Provard, Charles W.—1860 Federal Census, Buckheart Township, Fulton County, Illinois: Charles is 12 years old and born in Ohio. His parents, Robert (44) and Isabel (38) were born in Pennsylvania. Their children: James (10); John (8); [all born in Ohio]; and Mary (6); Dibbie (1) both born in Illinois. Provard, Charles W.—Civil War Pension Application, National Archives, Washington, DC: Charles died 2 April 1865 at the US General Hospital at Camp Butler, Illinois, of measles. His parents, Isabella and Robert Provard, were married on 7 December 1848. In 1883, Isabella lived in Carson (Pottawatomie) Iowa. Provard, Jacob—Enlisted 14 August 1862, 38 years old, as a private in Co. K, 103rd Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’7” tall; black hair; black eyes; married, born in Illinois. Died 15 May 1863 of disease at St. Louis, Missouri. Provard, Jacob—1860 Federal Census, Buckheart Township, Fulton Co., Illinois: Jacob is 36 years old and born in Pennsylvania. His wife, Fannie, is 38 and also born in Pennsylvania. Their children, all born in Ohio: John (11); Sarah (9); Charles (8); Amanda (4); Mathew (2) and Jacob (1). Provard, Jacob—Civil War Pension Application, National Archives, Washington, DC: Married the widow Fanny Chond Mann on 17 April 1845 at Fayetteville (Franklin) Pennsylvania. Their children younger than 16 in 1863: John William, 14 years old in 1863; Charles Oliver born 10 December 1852; Amanda Jane born 19 March 1855; Matthew born 9 January 1857; Jacob born 27 March 1859; Alfred Z. born 30 May 1862; Sarah Elizabeth born 25 October 1850. Charles and Josiah Mann attested to ages of the children. Also Isabella Provard. Fanny died 14 May 1904. Her last address was 155 S.5th Avenue, Canton (Fulton) Illinois. Provard, Robert—Enlisted 25 February 1865, 44 years old, as a private in Co. I, 51st Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’8” tall; dark hair; blue eyes; born in Pennsylvania. Mustered out 9 August 1865 at Springfield, Illinois. Ramsey, William—Enlisted 15 February 1865, 32 years old, as a private in Co. B, 151st Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’11” tall; brown hair; gray eyes; miner; born in Pennsylvania. Mustered out 21 August 1865 in Springfield, Illinois.

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Ramsey, William—1860 Federal Census, Buckheart Township, Fulton County, Illinois: William is 25 years old, born in Pennsylvania, and living with Samuel McCaskell, a printmaker. Also living with them is Rebecca, 18 years old. Ramsey, William—Civil War Pension Application, National Archives, Washington, DC: Married Rebecca Bush in Sugar Lilly, Banner Township, Fulton County, Illinois. Rebecca died by January 1898. Their child: William T. Ramsey, born July 4, 1865. In 1880 the family lived in Breed’s (Fulton) and in 1887 were in Liverpool (Fulton) Illinois. William [Sr.] died October 8, 1902 in the Soldiers and Sailors Home in Quincy (Adams) Illinois. Riley/Rilea, Henry—Enlisted 11 August 1862, 20 years old, as a private in Co. C, 103rd Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’10” tall; black hair; black eyes; born in Ohio. Discharged 30 May 1863 at St. Louis, Missouri, for disability. Rilea, Henry—1860 Federal Census, Buckheart Township, Fulton County, Illinois: 26 years old son of James and Cathrine Rilea. James is 69 years old born in Ohio. Cathrine is 63 and born in Pennsylvania. Their other children: George (24) born Ohio; Nancy (21) born Ohio; and Sarah (18) born Illinois. Riley, Henry—Civil War Pension Application, National Archives, Washington, DC: Riley is also spelled “Rilea” in the records. Henry mentions a brother, George, of Co. C, 39th Illinois Infantry, and a sister, Sarah Elen Ball, wife of David Ball of St. David (Fulton) Illinois. Henry’s first wife was “Rhoddy.” He was unable to remember when she died. His second wife was Daisy Wright, married in Havana, Illinois, on 7 December 1894. Henry claimed sore eyes and chronic diarrhea on his pension application. There was an investigation of his sore eyes claim, which was finally rejected by the government. He did get a pension for the problems associated with chronic diarrhea. Henry stated in 1886, “We were transferred from Columbus, Kentucky during the last part of October to Bolivar, Tenn, and on the route from Columbus to Bolivar I was transported with others in a boxcar with the side doors open and the smoke and dust from our engine affected my eyes so that I could not get around.” “I lived in about 2 miles of his father’s in 1862. . . at and prior to his enlistment, his eyes were sound and free from disease . . . the whole family had small ‘squinty’ eyes, but I do not remember of them ever being troubled with sore eyes.”—Josiah Lingenfelter, 1886. “He was a kind of sleepy, worthless kind of a fellow and I never hired him when I could do any better . . . . there was no life or vitality in the man . . . I don’t think he had any venereal disease . . . I never knew him to run after bad women, and don’t think he was inclined that way.”—A. L. Colman, 1886

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“He worked for me along about 1859 or 60 at that time his eyes were bad. They were sore and inflamed . . . He could not see any distance,”—Samuel Willson, 1886. “He was the second best shot in his company. I have seen him shooting several times and was judge at one time and he was regarded as one of the best shots in our company until his eyes got sore.”—Abner Garreau, 1886. “[He] had the sore eyes for a long time about 1853 or 54, we all had the sore eyes at the same time. We all thought we would lose the sight of our eyes when we first took the sore eyes. The lids of my brother Johns’ eyes were ‘drawn’ so that they were ‘squinted’ worse than the Claimant.”—Sarah Ball, Henry’s sister, 1886. “He lives by himself. He is married—has no child or children—never did. He and his wife do not live together. They were married bout 10 to 12 years ago. They have not lived together except a month or two for 10 years. She is now in Chicago, Ill. She has one child aged about 7 or 8 years. She had this child about two years after they parted. He contributes nothing to their support. My opinion is he might do some labor if he wanted to. He has 5 acres of land with a house on it.”—George Riley, Henry’s brother, 1887. “My wife is in Chicago in hospital. I got a letter to that effect last Saturday. When she comes to see me she leaves more than she takes away. The county helped me twice. The year once to $4.00 and one to $5.00. My woman got the five dollars the county gave me.”—Henry Riley, 1887. “The sick wife the claimant speaks of is a prostitute to whom he was married 12 to 14 years ago.”—T. F. Hensley, special examiner for Pension Bureau, 1887 In 1906 Henry Riley was admitted in poor condition to the Jacksonville, Illinois State Hospital for the Insane. “Mr. Riley was practically a stranger when he came here, no one seeming to know much of him, and he lived alone in the country.”—J. B. Henry, MD 1921. David Aylesworth of Lewistown, Illinois, was appointed conservator for Mr. Riley. Right before Riley’s death on 15 March 1920, Aylesworth disappeared with Riley’s pension money, according to Glenn Ratcliff, Law Offices of Atherton & Ratcliff, Lewistown, Illinois 1923. “Upon examination, I find him suffering with granulated lids, the effects of a severe attack of conjunctivitis contracted while in the service. I find this disease in both eyes alike and keeping up a constant irritation.”—William E. Schen, Jr., examining surgeon, 1882. Scrivner, Leander—Enlisted 20 March 1865, 18 years old, as a private in Co. I, 51st Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’11” tall; brown hair; blue eyes; born in Illinois. Mustered out 25 September 1865 in Camp Irwin, Texas.

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Siever, Jacob—Enlisted 1 February 1864, 18 years old, as a private in Co. E, 8th Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’9” tall; light hair; black eyes; born in Rockingham, Virginia. Mustered out 4 May 1866 at Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Siever, Jacob—Civil War Pension Application, National Archives, Washington, DC: Born in Virginia. Married Mary Elizabeth Littlejohn in Fulton County, Illinois, on 30 October 1867. She was born 7 September 1847 and died suddenly at the home of her sister, Mrs. M. Hilgen, in Smithfield, Illinois, on 25 March 1913. Jacob and Mary’s children were Ola born 2 November 1872 and Ed born 2 April 1876. His pension claim was based on a broken right wrist which resulted in a deformity and inability to use his arm and hand. He also claimed slight deafness in both ears, rheumatism and heart disease. O. H. Anderson, 1891 stated, “The claimant was with me and while riding on West Dupeloe in Chicago Avenue in that city, Jacob Siever fell out of the wagon and on his right wrist and broke it. I was driving the wagon and struck the horses with a whip making them move forward too suddenly and threw the claimant out. This happened in June 1888 in Kansas.” Jacob was a rural mail carrier. In 1890 they lived in Goddard (Sedgwick) Kansas. He died 17 April 1906 of pneumonia in Sedgwick, Kansas. His widow sold the team of horses to pay for his funeral. Shortness, Charles—Enlisted 12 August 1862, 30 years old, as a private in Co. H, 103rd Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’6” tall; dark hair; hazel eyes; born in Licking County, Ohio. Discharged for wounds at Quincy, Illinois, on 7 January 1865. Shortness, Charles—Civil War Pension Application, National Archives, Washington, DC: Married Nancy Weidemhammer in Adams County, Illinois, on 31 December 1865. Their children: William Henry born 21 October 1866, and Charles L. born 3 August 1869. He suffered from lung disease as a result of exposure at Kenesaw Mountain. This worsened until his death on 8 March 1869. “The soldier was wounded in right hand, 2 metatarsal bones destroyed and hand totally unfit for any use. It may improve slightly.”—R. R. McDowell, M.D. 1865. Charles’ hand was so painful he was unable to use the hand or the arm, or even move the fingers.

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Charles Shortness’ injured hand from a tintype included in his pension file. Notice the

rope around his wrist. Photograph courtesy of Janet Turnbull. In 1879, Nancy was living in Quincy (Adams) Illinois. Slaughter, Philip W.—Captain, 34 years old, of Co. B, 151st Infantry. Description at enlistment: 6’ tall; black hair; gray eyes; born in Gallia County, Ohio. Slaughter, Philip W.—1860 Federal Census, Buckheart Township, Fulton County, Illinois: Philip is 29, born in Ohio. Nancy is 30, also born in Ohio. Slaughter, Philip W.—Civil War Pension Application, National Archives, Washington. DC: Married Nancy Bates, who died in 1892. No children were living in 1898. His occupation before entering the Army was that of a farmer in Buckheart Township (Fulton) Illinois, where he had lived for 10 years before enlistment. After his military service he worked as a stock dealer and postmaster. In 1880 he stated that he jumped into a river to save Col. F. B. Woodall from drowning, that after coming out of the water he took a violent cold which resulted in lung disease, kidney and liver disease. Smith, Aurelius “Reil”—Enlisted 2 February 1864, 19 years old, as a private in Co. H, 17th Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’10 ½” tall; light hair; blue eyes; born in Fulton County, Illinois. 2 February 1864 transferred to Co. D, 8th Infantry. Discharged 24 May 1865 at New Orleans, Louisiana.

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Smith, Aurelius “Reil”—Civil War Pension Application, National Archives, Washington, DC: Married Anna Catharine Kent on 21 September 1865 in Fulton County, Illinois. R. H. Hadley was a first cousin. Jasper Smith was a brother. His children under 16 years of age in 1887: Olive May born 22 February 1872, died in 1885; Iness L. born 14 January 1876—married Frank Littlejohn of Lewistown (Fulton) Illinois; Ethel J. born 15 May 1878—married Frank Cramblet of Lewistown (Fulton) Illinois. Angeline Scrivner stated in 1897: I am 61 years of age occupation housekeeper, residence Polk Twp, Taylor County, Iowa and PO address Hopkins Nodaway Co., Mo. I am the identical Angeline Scrivener who testified in the claim of Ann C. Smith. I have known Ann C. Smith ever since she was 6 or 7 years old. I knew Aurelius Smith four or five years before the war intimately, although I might say I knew him all his life. Before he went into the service he was a great worker and could do as big a days work as anyone. My husband had him employed a part of one summer and he stated that he never had a better hand in his life. He was tall and slender but never lost much time from his work. At the time he enlisted we lived about three miles apart and had opportunity of knowing his physical condition. I lived between Lewistown and Canton, Illinois….When he returned from service he came home coughing, was pale and sickly. About 25 years ago we moved to Taylor Co. Iowa. A few years afterward Mr. Smith and his family came to our immediate neighborhood from Illinois . . . . He rented a farm from Luther Hayes two or three years when he moved down into Nodaway Co. Mo.” Anna Smith, June 1897: “When Aurelius Smith enlisted he was 19 years of age. He was unmarried then. He was a farmer lived at home with his parents at Bryant Ill. He had lived there all his life. He was a big strong hearty boy then . . . His father died of softening of the brain. His mother is living at St. Katharine (Lynn) Missouri. His brothers and sisters are all living except those who died in childhood of scarlet fever. He had no uncles or aunts on his father’s or mother’s side who died of consumption. . . . [During the war] he never would say that he was sick in his letters but neither his mother nor I heard from him for about 4 months while he was in the hospital. Then when he got better he got his bunkmate Silas Kent to write for him. He had taught this man to write after they enlisted and so their writing was very much alike . . . . He was never able to return to his regiment. He was first taken sick while on the march somewhere and there was kind of a marsh or swamp and they cut brush to lay in and the next morning they were covered with snow. He took cold and lost his voice so he could not talk above a whisper. . . . At discharge he returned to his father’s at Bryant, Ill. I hardly recognized him when I saw him. He looked very badly. He was a larger man for his age. His hair had all come out and his eyes were sunken and his checks hollow.” Aurelius died 15 August 1887, of consumption, and Anna died 4 September 1897. Snyder, Peter—Enlisted as a private in Co. F, 103rd Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’8” tall; dark hair; gray eyes; born in Joshua, Fulton County, Illinois.

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Snyder, Jacob—Enlisted 15 February 1865, 21 years old, as a private in Co. B, 151st Infantry, using the alias of Richard D. Snyder. Description at enlistment: 5’10” tall; brown hair; hazel eyes; born in Tennessee. Mustered out 24 January 1865 at Columbus, Georgia, as corporal. Died 16 February 1919 in Joliet, Illinois. Snyder, Jacob.—Civil War Pension Application, National Archives, Washington, DC: Born 26 March 1843. His brother is John H. Snyder of Maple Mills (Fulton) Illinois in 1889. Richard married Emma Jane Reese in Joliet, Illinois, on 10 February 1868. While at Dalton, Georgia, in April 1865, ‘I took sick. I was doing guard duty around the town. I took the mumps and fever about the same time, and the diarrhea came on me when I was first taken down. I was in the hospital about 2 months. I returned to duty but never did anything but light duty, such as posting the guard at the provost marshalls office afterward. When I got up I found I was paralyzed in my left leg and arm and had a weakness in my lungs and also had the diarrhea.” His pension application was investigated because he lied to the officer by saying that he had only served in Co. B, 151st Infantry. He omitted two previous enlistments. “I enlisted under the name of Jacob Snyder in Co. A, 127th Ill Vols. The Co. was raised at Oswego. I served till Jan 1863. [He was ill, was sent to various hospitals, and ultimately home to Canton, Illinois, on a furlough for recovery.] I still had the ague and fever every other day and when the leave was out I was unable to go back because my parents would not let me, and all of us were ignorant of the necessity for reporting. The roads were all frozen up and travel was stopped for several weeks and when I got well enough to travel I was afraid to go back to the hospital and I did not know where my Regt. and Co. were. I had enlisted in this service for 3 years. I never got my discharge from it. I was ashamed to have people know it when I made my statement and said nothing about it.” “I had entirely recovered before I enlisted again. I enlisted again under the name of Richard D. Snyder the 9th of May 1864 in Co. E, 132nd Ill Vols. to serve 100 days and served my time out and got my discharge. This company was raised in Fulton Co., Ill. . . . discharged at Chicago. I remained with my brother Jno. H. Snyder 4 months before I again reenlisted and remained about Canton Ill all the time. Richard D. Snyder is not my name and I don’t know why it was recorded.” Residences: From 1875 until 1888 lived 4 ½ miles south of Gardner (Grundy) Illinois. When he enlisted in Co. B, 151st Infantry on 15 February 1865, he received a $400 bounty paid by the county or town. When he finished service in Co. A, 127th Infantry “I received company order for $70 and sold it for $40.” Stoner, Michael C.—Enlisted 16 September 1864 as 2nd Lt. in Co. G, 146th Infantry. Promoted to 1st Lt. 21 September 1864. Description at enlistment: 5’6 ¾” tall; blue eyes; dark hair; married; blacksmith; born in Rockingham, Virginia. Also served in Co. D, 70th Infantry. Mustered out 8 July 1865.

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Stoner, Michael C.—Civil War Pension Application, National Archives, Washington, DC: Born 19 October 1828 in Rockingham County, Virginia. Married Dulcina Bowman on 22 August 1850 in Montgomery County, Ohio. Dulcina died in Cuba (Fulton) Illinois on 17 March 1854. Their child was Elizabeth Ellen, known as Addie, born 20 June 1851. Addie’s married name was Mrs. Addie Holly of Des Moines (Polk) Iowa in 1901. Michael’s second wife was Sarah Willis, married 14 June 1855 in Cuba (Fulton) Illinois. Sarah’s first husband had disappeared, and she obtained a divorce. Michael and Sarah had a daughter, Sarah Isabel, born 13 February 1862. Sarah Willis Stoner died 13 August 1876. Michael’s third wife was Nancy Burket, married 19 September 1880 in Fredonia (Wilson) Kansas. She had previously been married to Joel Burket at Rushville (Schuyler) Illinois in 1869. They were later divorced in Kansas. Michael’s children with Nancy: Lula born 11 November 1881 and Rhel C. born 31 August 1894. Benjamin F. Willis stated in 1910: That he is the son of John and Sarah Willis. That his father, John Willis, left his home and family, who resided at Cuba, in Fulton County and State of Illinois, in the month of February 1849, bound for the gold mines of California; he reached his destination and for a period thereafter, corresponded with his wife, Sarah, and his children, at Cuba, Illinois, when his letters ceased to arrive, and no word of information concerning him could be obtained from any source, nor has he ever been heard from by any member of his family since the year 1850, or thereabouts. In the year 1855 his (affiant’s) mother, Sarah Willis, was re-married to Michael C. Stoner, the soldier above named, with whom she lived, as his lawful wife, and was not divorced up to the date of her death, which occurred at Neodesha in Wilson County, and State of Kansas, on the fourteenth day of August A.D. 1876. Said marriage occurred at Cuba, in Fulton County, Illinois, on the fourteenth day of June 1855, when the affiant became the step-son of said soldier Michael C. Stoner, and resided in his family during the early years of his life . . . and continued to the date of the soldier’s death, which occurred at Neodesha, Kansas, near midnight, of the nineteenth day of November, 1910. Michael had been a blacksmith before enlistment. Speaking of his injury, he stated in 1886, “That about 65 miles above Cairo in Jackson Co., Illinois, while enforcing the second draft, I was detailed by Captain E. F. Moulton of my company and regiment to take 5 guerilla prisoners to the military prison at Cairo, Illinois, and while in march I was on horseback and in advance of the guards and prisoners, my horse breaking through the floor of the bridge throwing me forward on the horn of the saddle so violently it caused a rupture on the left side.” In response to questioning, Michael clarified, “The saddle that I was riding was one of these large farmer saddles with a horn on it; it was not a military saddle. The horse and saddle belonged to a farmer. The prisoners and guards were in wagons. I was the only one on horseback and I was riding up ahead.” This happened at night. The horse “only fell through with his forefoot and sprung up again.” In 1870 Michael Stoner had to quit blacksmithing, because of the painful rupture. He kept a hotel, ran a boarding house, and was marshal of Neodesha, Kansas.

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Obituary of Michael C. Stoner, Wilson County Citizen, Fredonia, Kansas, Friday. November 25, 1910: M.C. Stoner, who shot himself with suicidal intent last Friday, died of his wound Saturday night, November 19th, a short time before midnight. Saturday forenoon the Sun was told over the phone by Mrs. Stoner that Mr. Stoner was improving, and the Sun so stated in Saturday’s paper, but his condition was serious all Saturday afternoon. The bullet had passed through one of his kidneys, which fact was not known when the report was published the day of the tragedy, and this was probably what made the wound fatal. The facts which have developed show that Mr. Stoner had had the suicide idea for a long time, more than a year in fact, and that the result of the election, his being defeated for justice of the peace, had nothing to do with it. More than a year ago he wrote letters to be read after his death which were found by Constable Shurtleff in a room adjoining the justice office. There were a number of letters to members of his family, the undertaker and to Mr. Shurtleff. Mr. Shurtleff turned the letters over to relatives of Mr. Stoner at the time. After due consideration they decided that as two months had elapsed since the letters were written before they were found, and Mr. Stoner had evidently intended to destroy them, he had undoubtedly changed his mind and would do nothing rash. These letters were destroyed a few weeks ago. Friday night after the shooting Mr. Stoner told Albert Kiddoo, his son-in-law, that he had thought about suicide steadily for six months, often rehearsing when alone in his office just how he would shoot the fatal shot. He wanted it made public that he blamed nobody. His only desire was to end this life before he became a burden to his wife and children and he planned to make just as little trouble as possible, having written four letters with full instructions as to his business affairs. One letter was to Lewis Arthur, undertaker; one to S. Peavy, pension agent; one to Mayor Geiser or Commissioner Deardorff (an envelope containing keys to his office and desk) and one to A. V. Sharpe, attorney. Before dying Mr. Stoner gave oral instructions to members of his family as to business affairs and met death calmly and peacefully. He made an ante-mortem statement to aid his widow in securing a pension. Mr. Stoner was a man of strong constitution and splendid physique in his younger days. By trade he was a blacksmith. His native home was Rockingham Co. Va., Shenandoah Valley, where he was born October 9, 1828, being a little over 82 years at his death. In 1840 he moved, with his parents to Ross Co., Ohio. Here in 1850 he married Miss Dulcina Bowman, who died four years later in Cuba, Ill., leaving one daughter, now Mrs. Ella Owens of Denver, Colo. While living in Illinois, in 1855 Mrs. Stoner married Mrs. Sarah Willis. She died in Neodesha August 14, 1876 after bearing his five children, two of whom are living. Miss Sarah Isabelle Stoner of Parsons, Kansas, and Mrs. Addie Holley of Des Moines, Iowa. In 1880 in Neodesha Mr. Stoner married Mrs. Nancy Burkett, who survives him with a son, Rehl, aged 16, both of this city. Besides his own children Mr. Stoner was a stepfather to the children of Mrs. Willis and Mrs. Burkett and they have looked upon him as father. Those residing in this city are the daughters of the present Mrs. Stoner, Mrs. S. P. Shipley and Mrs. Ed. P. Moulton. Mr. Stoner served in two regiments during the Civil War, first as a private in Company D, 70th Illinois Infantry, and later as 1st Lieutenant in Company F, 146th Illinois Infantry, being mustered out at the close of the war with an honorable record. Soon after the close of the war, in 1870, Mrs. Stoner moved to Kansas and settled east of Neodesha on a claim, since which time Neodesha and vicinity has been his home. During all his long life Mr. Stoner had been an honored and respected citizen.. His going of his own volition is not the violent

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and tragical act it would have been had he been a younger man, but is merely the passing beyond of one who had the determination, the courage and the will to die when, as he thought, he had outlived his usefulness. In this idea Mr. Stoner was probably mistaken, as he seemed good for many years yet, but when in a despondent mood he carried out his well laid plans, much to the regret of all who knew him. Funeral services were held this afternoon at the Christian church, conducted by Rev. W. H. Mulvaney. Interment in the Neodesha cemetery.

Michael C. Stoner, Neodesha Cemetery, Kansas Michael C. Stoner. Courtesy of Courtesy of Judy Mayfield Patricia Leibham Turner, John J.—Enlisted 8 February 1865, 20 years old, as a private in Co. B, 151st Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’6 1/2” tall; auburn hair; blue eyes; born in Illinois. Mustered out 24 January 1866 at Columbus, Georgia. Died 7 March 1930 in Seymour (Wayne) Iowa. Turner, John J.—Civil War Pension Application, Department of Veterans Affairs Baltimore, Maryland: Born 29 March 1844 in Canton (Fulton) Illinois to Orin and Mary Wilson Turner. Married Sarah E. Duskin at her home in Corydon (Wayne) Iowa on 28 September 1871. Sarah Duskin Turner was born in North Carolina. Their only child, Amee E., was born 11 January 1884 in Walnut (Wayne) Iowa. After discharge from the army they lived in Canton until the fall of 1869 when he moved to Wayne County, Iowa. In 1890 he lived in Kniffin (Wayne) Iowa. John J. Turner died in Seymour (Wayne) Iowa on 7 March 1930. Sarah Turner predeceased him on 29 December 1929. Mr. W. O. Jamison became the guardian for Amee Turner, who was declared incompetent in 1930. “I was the family physician and was occasionally in the home. I noticed that her mentality was deficient by the

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expression on her face when I talked to her. During the number of times I was in the home I observed that she did none of the cooking or detailed housework, her mother doing all of this. I would state that her mentality was that of a child about eight years of age from the time she reached maturity and has remained so since then.”—W.H. Earnest, M.D., 1940. Since Amee was older than 16 at the time of her father’s death, she was ineligible for a survivor’s pension. By 1940 John‘s estate was exhausted, and Amee’s guardian applied for a special pension, which was denied. As a result, U.S. House of Representatives Bill 1251 was passed [undated]. “Amee Turner, aged 57 years, whose post office address is Seymour, Iowa, is the helpless and dependent daughter of John J. Turner, late a private, Company B, One Hundred and Fifty-first Regiment Illinois Infantry, from February 8, 1865 to February 8, 1866, who was a pensioner under certificate No. 642786, now XC2902417, at the rate of $65 per month and who died March 7, 1930. The parents of his applicant were married September 28, 1871, and the mother died December 29, 1929. Applicant has no title to pension under existing laws because she attained the age of 16 years prior to the veteran’s death. The medical and other evidence filed in support of this bill indicates that applicant is the legitimate daughter of the veteran and that she has required the regular aid and attendance of another person all her life by reason of imbecility. She has no means or property or income from any source. The veteran left some property which was sufficient to support her until recently, since which time she has been dependent on charity for sustenance and shelter. No one is legally bound for her support. It is recommended that her name be placed on the pension rolls at the rate of $20 per month.” Wander, Albert—Enlisted 12 August 1862, 31 years old, as a private in Co. K, 103rd Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’6” tall; black hair; blue eyes; born in Germany. Accidentally killed 6 June 1863 at LaGrange, Tennessee, by falling off a railroad car. Ward, Eugene L.—Enlisted 18 M arch 1865, 18 years old, in Co. I, 51st Infantry as a private. Description at enlistment: 5’8” tall; hazel eyes; born in Illinois. Mustered out 15 September 1865 at Springfield, Illinois. Weaver, Jr., Alfred—Enlisted 4 May 1864, 22 years old, as a private in Co. D, 132nd Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’11” tall; brown hair; blue eyes; born in Fulton County, Illinois. Mustered out 17 October 1864 at Chicago, Illinois. Died 28 December 1918 in Prairie City, Illinois. Weaver, Alfred Jr.—Civil War Pension Application, National Archives, Washington, DC: Born 18 February 1841 in Lewistown (Fulton) Illinois. Married Mary Ellen Feagans on 1 January 1871 in Bryant (Fulton) Illinois. Their children: Hattie Elizabeth born 8 July 1875; Adia Gertrude born 13 January 1872 and died 30 April 1893; Eleanor Corella born 10 May 1879; Myrtle Maud born 13 August 1882; Jennie Pearl born 8 March 1885; Jessie born 23 January 1887; Arthur Keeling born 26 February 1890. Alfred stated that all 6 children were married.

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Residences: 1893 through 1912 Manley (Bushnell) Illinois. Alfred died 28 December 1918 at the Soldiers Home in Quincy, Illinois.

Alfred Weaver, Prairie City Cemetery (McDonough) Illinois Photograph Courtesy of cj at findagrave.com Weaver, Robert G.—Enlisted 1 February 1864, 18 years old, as a private in Co. H, 17th Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’10” tall; light hair; blue eyes; born in Fulton County, Illinois. Transferred to Co D, 8th Infantry. Weaver, Robert G.—Civil War Father’s Pension Application, National Archives, Washington, DC: Robert G. Weaver was unmarried. He died 11 December 1864 of chronic diarrhea while home on furlough. Alfred Weaver of Bryant’s Station is his brother. His father was Alfred Weaver, who died on 20 May 1899. His mother was Louisa Weaver, who died 14 June 1868, and is buried at Wrights Church churchyard cemetery in Lewistown (Fulton) Illinois. In 1889, Jackson Carter, 74 years old of Lewistown, Illinois, stated: “I have been acquainted with claimant Alfred Weaver since the year 1843. He was at that time a very poor man lived within 2 miles of claimant from about 1857 to 1865, then claimant moved a father way but moved to the same place in 1870. Claimant was always in debt. He never did own any real estate in fee in the years 1864 and 1865. Claimant did not make anymore than a living for his family and from the year 1865 Claimant’s personal property began to gradually decrease and for several years past has not been able to make a comfortable living.” “Claimant lived on a farm of 80 acres of land in Buckheart Township, Fulton County, Illinois and was farming the same. I think he owns 4 horses and a few hogs and cattle”—Elisha O. Bryant, 1889. “In 1889 claimant’s house and household goods was destroyed by fire and no insurance on the same (the house was a rented one). The neighbors made up a small amount to enable him to purchase some household goods. Claimant has not farmed on an average more than 25 acres of land for years since the year 1883 and has each year had to give 1/3

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of crops as rent . . . land farmed by claimant was low and flat and of wet seasons but little could be raised on the same.”—James F. France, 1889 “The deceased soldier worked for his father on rented lands from the time he was old enough to work until he went into the army and was a good boy to work. This I know personally and the labor went for the support of his father’s family.”—Abigail Newton, 1889 “I have been acquainted with claimant Alfred Weaver from boyhood. We were raised in Madison County in State of Old Virginia . . . Claimant was married to Louiza Kirtley in the year 1832. Claimant and his wife came with me from Madison County, Old Virginia to Fulton County, Illinois, in the fall of 1835.”—Newton Walker, 85 years old in 1889. Transcription from family bible: Alfred Weaver and Louisa Kertley married 13 September 1832 Alfred Weaver born 10 October 1814 Louisa Weaver was born June 7, 1816 Elizabeth Weaver, daughter of Alfred and Louisa was born June 27, 1833 Abram M. Weaver, son of Alfred and Louisa was born June 7, 1835 Thomas W. October 23, 1837 James N. May 27, 1839 Alfred J. February 18, 1841 Ann E. March 16, 1843 Robert G. April 30, 1845 Barton C. July 1, 1850 Sylvester B. June 12, 1852 Hettie Amelia December 12, 1860 and died November 3, 1865 Sarah H. September 20, 1854 Mother Weaver born October 23, 1772 Eleanor Weaver January 6, 1773 Larkin Weaver December 3, 1792 Josha May 9, 1799 Joel June 28, 1801 Fanny March 28, 1805 Elijah February 28, 1808 James 1809 [unreadable] 1809 Sarah May and Simeon (twins) May 15, 1812 Alfrom and Elizabeth (twins) October 10, 1814 Louisa June 7, 1816 Elizabeth June 27, 18_9 Abraham 7 June 1835 Thomas M. October 23, 1837

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Wells, Samuel R.—Enlisted 3 May 1864, 19 years old, as a private in Co. D, 132nd Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’10” tall; dark hair; blue eyes; born in Fulton County, Illinois. Mustered out 17 October 1864 at Chicago, Illinois. Died 19 December 1927. Wells, Samuel R.—Civil War Pension Application, National Archives, Washington, DC: Born 11 January 1845 in Lewistown (Fulton) Illinois. Married Lydia Ellen Moore on 11 September 1873 in Fulton County, Illinois. Their children: Mary Bell born 10 July 1874 (married name Mrs. Mercer); Frank Ellsworth born 26 June 1876; Albert Henry born 1 October 1879; Rachel Eliza born 5 April 1882 (married name Mrs. J. H. Hadley); Edward Turner born 30 September 1886; and Bessy Maud born 4 August 1889 (married name Mrs. W. K. Kendrick). Samuel claimed sunstroke while guarding government cattle in 1864 near Tennessee River. He was sent to the hospital and then home with another soldier to help him travel. His occupation was a wagon maker. From his affidavit of 1884: “worked on a farm as a farm hand in the summer and went to school in the winter from about 1859 to 1861. In years 1862 and 1863 worked on a brickyard in summer and helped slaughter hogs and sawed wood in the winter. Since being discharged from the army has worked at the trade of wagon making which trade I learned from my father. But during the first two years after my discharge I was unable to do any labor of any kind.” In 1912 he was admitted to Battle Mountain Sanitarium National Home in Hot Springs, South Dakota. By 1927 he suffered from kidney disease and catarrh, deafness, walked with a cane, resided with his son and needed personal care. His wife, Lydia, died 25 May 1890 and Samuel died 19 December 1927. Wheeler, William A.—Enlisted 7 February 1865, 19 years old, as a corporal in Co. B, 151st Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’8” tall; light hair; light eyes; born in New York. Deserted 21 August 1865 at Columbus, Georgia. Wilcoxen, William H.—Enlisted 25 February 1865, 33 years old, as a private in Co. I, 51st Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’5” tall; light hair; blue eyes; sawyer; born in Tennessee. Mustered out 25 September 1865 at Camp Irwin, Texas. Wilcoxen, William H.—Civil War Pension Application, National Archives, Washington, DC: Married Louisa Murphy 12 October 1856 in Fulton County, Illinois. His pension application was based on diseases of the stomach and bowels, diarrhea, nervous system shattered. William died of a cerebral hemorrhage on 13 January 1897 in Lewistown (Fulton) Illinois. Louisa died 6 April 1915. Willis, Benjamin F.—Enlisted 1 February 1864, 23 years old, as a private in Co. H, 17th Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’6” tall; brown hair; blue eyes; born in Franklin, Ohio. Transferred to Co. F, 8th Infantry. Died 25 November 1912 in Nowata, Oklahoma.

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Willis, Benjamin F.—Civil War Pension Application, National Archives, Washington, DC: Born in Columbus, Ohio. “I moved to Cuba as a small boy and grew up there. Parents John and Sarah Willis.” Married Mary J. Downing (born 22 January 1842 in Canton (Fulton) Illinois) on 31 December 1869 in Canton. Her sister is Victoria Seaton of Canton, Albert C. Downing is Mary’s brother. Mary died 25 July 1917. In 1908 he stated that his mother was dead, and he had not heard from his father for years—he supposed he was dead too. He has 2 sisters and 3 half-sisters. His mother remarried Michael C. Stoner. My sisters are Angeline Willis of Iola, Kansas, and Adeline Driscoll, who is a widow and lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His half sisters are Belle Stoner of Parsons, Kansas; Addie Stoner of Parsons, Kansas, and Ollie Stoner now dead [in 1908]. “When I first came from the army I stayed a while with my stepfather and mother at Bryant Station, but was not employed there and soon went to work for Major Horatio Nelson a mile from Canton, Ill. He had sons at home then named Ernest and Horatio and Reginald. I stayed with Major Nelson until I got married (New Year’s Eve, December 31, 1869) and then I rented Jo Hall’s farm 2 miles northwest of Canton, Ill and farmed it one season but after gathering my crop we moved in with my wife’s parents, Abraham and Margaret (I think it is Margaret) Downing a mile south of Canton Ill.”—Benjamin Willis In the “. . . spring of 1871 came to Kansas to this county and have lived in this county ever since, except for 16 years, 1889 to 1905, that I lived in the Indian Territory. The first ten years I lived on the ranch of James Randall, a Delaware Indian, 10 miles northeast of Nowata and the other 6 years I lived on the widow Carey’s place 11 miles southeast of Nowata. My sons, Alvin and Frank—no, Paul and Harry and Lester were with me and did the farming.”—Benjamin Willis Benjamin’s children: Harry born 17 October 1883; Lena E; born 10 October 1870; Alvin W. born 26 November 1872; Frank born 7 July 1874; Nellie born 10 November 1876; Paul D. born 13 May 1878; and Lester born 31 October 1881. He claimed disease of the lungs and rheumatism. Residences: near Canton until 1869; near Nedosha (Wilson) Kansas in 1888; near Nowata, Indian Territory until 1904; Nedosha, Kansas until February 1912; and Nowata, Oklahoma after 1912. Benjamin died 25 November 1925 at Coffeyville, Kansas, at Good Samaritan Hospital of heart disease. Wood, Benjamin F.—Enlisted 4 August 1862, 27 years old, as a 1st Sgt. in Co. E, 103rd Infantry. Description at enlistment: 5’11 ½” tall; brown hair; blue eyes; teacher. Born in Buckheart, Fulton County, Illinois. Reduced to Sgt. Died 9 July 1863 at Snyders Bluff, Mississippi.

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Wood, Benjamin F.—1860 Federal Census, Buckheart Township, Fulton County, Illinois: Son of Thomas (54) born in Virginia and Racheal (5) and also born in Virginia. Benjamin is a 24 year old school teacher. His sister is Saba (22).