Charles Trainer, born on July 4, 1839, in Lower Canada, was a Civil War veteran who later became a successful farmer in Ashton Township, Lee County, Illinois. The son of Irish immigrants John Trainer and Ann Hagan, Charles enlisted in the 60th New York Infantry in 1861, serving in key battles like Gettysburg and during Sherman’s “March to the Sea.” After the war, he settled in Illinois, where he farmed 240 acres of land. Married to Emily L. Plantz, they had five children. Trainer was active in local politics and a respected member of the G.A.R. (Grand Army of the Republic).
Charles Trainer. All honor is due to the brave veterans of the late war, who have since done good service in peaceful pursuits in various walks of life, and have helped to increase the wealth and prosperity of the country saved by their valor. Our subject was one of that great and glorious army that preserved the Union, devoting some of the best years of his early manhood to fighting for the Government under whose flag he has spent most of his life. He is a farmer by occupation and has a farm on section 22, Ashton Township, that compares in all respects with the best in its vicinity.
Mr. Trainer was born in Lower Canada, July 4, 1839, a son of John Trainer, who was a native of Ireland. After coming to this country, he had settled in that part of Canada where his son was born, and he subsequently started for California in the days of the excitement over the discovery of gold, and it is supposed that he died on the way, as he was never heard from again. His wife, whose maiden name was Ann Hagan, and who was also of Irish birth, died in Brandon, Vt.
Our subject passed his boyhood in his Canadian home, whence in 1856 he crossed the border into New York, and when the Civil War broke out he was living in St. Lawrence County. In October of that year he offered his services to his adopted country, enlisting in Company H, Sixtieth New York Infantry, and he served with credit throughout the remainder of the strife, a period of nearly four long and weary years. His efficiency as a soldier and his courage were put to the test in the big battles of Gettysburg and Chancellorsville, in many skirmishes with the enemy, and in the numerous engagements in Gen. Sherman’s famous “March to the Sea.” He was often on detached service in the brigade pioneers, and from Atlanta to the sea was a brigade forager.
After his experience of life on Southern battlefields, Mr. Trainer returned to St. Lawrence County, N.Y., and after remaining there a few months, came to Ogle County, Ill., in the spring of 1866. A year later he removed to Lee County, and has since been a resident of Ashton Township, with the exception of four years spent in Ogle County. His life work has always been farming, and he has made a success of it. He has two hundred and forty acres of excellent land, which is in a fine condition as to tillage, and is amply provided with suitable buildings and all the conveniences for carrying on agriculture. He is a busy man, is proficient in his calling, is a good manager, and stands well in his township as to his credit in money matters and his reputation in general. He has taken an active part in political affairs since he came here to make his home and has thrown his influence on the side of the Republican party. His war record is commemorated by his connection with the Gen. Hewitt Post, G. A. R., of Franklin Grove, as one of its most respected members. He has taken part in the management of local affairs as Highway Commissioner of Ashton Township.
During his residence in Ogle County, it was Mr. Trainer’s good fortune to secure a most excellent wife by his marriage with Miss Emily L. Plantz, a native of Nashua Township, Light House Point, Ogle County, Ill., and a daughter of one of its pioneer families. These five children have been born of their pleasant wedded life: John E., Ruth E., Frank (who died when about three years old), Minnie A., and Nellie A.