Civil War Archives – Illinois Genealogy

Biography of Hon. John Dawson Crabtree of Dixon

Hon. John Dawson Crabtree, born November 19, 1837, in Nottingham, England, was a distinguished figure in Illinois as a Civil War veteran, lawyer, and judge. After emigrating to the U.S. in 1848, Crabtree settled in Dixon, Illinois, and later joined the Union Army in 1861, earning the rank of Major. Post-war, he pursued law, becoming County Judge in 1869 and later Circuit Judge in 1888. A staunch Republican, he briefly served as a State Senator before focusing on his judicial career. Crabtree was known for his legal acumen, fairness, and dedication to public service. He was married twice, fathering seven children.

Biography of John W. Wingert of Nachusa Township

John W. Wingert, born on July 18, 1831, in Greencastle, Pennsylvania, was a Civil War veteran and prominent farmer in Nachusa Township, Lee County, Illinois. In 1852, he moved to Illinois with his family, and in 1877, he acquired a 200-acre farm along Franklin Creek, where he raised livestock and cultivated the land. Wingert enlisted in the 75th Illinois Infantry in 1862, participating in significant battles such as Perryville and Stone River. He married Hannah M. Hittle in 1869, and together they raised six children. Wingert was an active member of the Methodist Church and the G.A.R.

Biography of Charles Trainer of Ashton Township

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).

Biography of Ernest Wernick of Dixon Township

Ernest Wernick, born July 8, 1832, in Prussia, settled in Dixon Township, Lee County, Illinois, in 1848. A Civil War veteran and self-made man, he transformed his modest beginnings into a successful farming operation, now encompassing 514 acres. Ernest first married Mary Page, with whom he had three children: Henry, Anna, and Mary. After her death, he married Catherine Helfrich, and they had eight children: George, Minnie, Wesley, Oscar, Carrie, Vernon, Bert, and Stanley. A devout Lutheran and Republican, Ernest is renowned for his industrious spirit and significant contributions to the local community.

Biography of Simon Rhodes of South Dixon Township

Simon Rhodes, born January 12, 1839, in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, is a respected farmer and Civil War veteran in Lee County, Illinois. After serving in the One Hundred and Thirty-third Pennsylvania Infantry, participating in battles such as Antietam and Fredericksburg, he moved to Lee County in 1865. In 1868, he purchased a 120-acre farm in South Dixon Township, which he improved and cultivated successfully. Simon married Mary Moore, originally from Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, and they had six children: Emma, William, Hattie, Fred, Frank, and George (deceased). Simon is a devoted member of the Evangelical Church and a staunch Republican.

Biography of John Mensch of Palmyra Township

John Mensch, born May 29, 1846, in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, served in the One Hundred Fortieth Illinois Infantry during the Civil War at seventeen. After the war, he returned to Whiteside County, Illinois, and later settled in Palmyra Township in 1880. He became a respected farmer and stock-raiser on his eighty-acre farm. John married Lydia Gruver, also from Pennsylvania, and they had eight children: Charles, Mary, Harry, Mabel, Kate, Edward, Evaline, and Iva. Both John and Lydia were active members of the Lutheran Church. John’s parents, Christian and Peggy (Cromley) Mensch, were early settlers in Illinois.

The Burke Family of Cherry Valley

The Burke family, originally from Ireland, settled in Cherry Valley, Illinois, with Luke Burke, born August 20, 1842. Luke served in the Union Army during the Civil War from 1861 to 1864. He married Catherine McGrath on November 25, 1846, and they lived at 202 Grove Street, now home to their grandson Emmett Burke. Luke, a village blacksmith, died in 1897, and Catherine in 1939. Their children included Mamie, Harry, George, and Emmett. Harry ran a dry goods store, while George lived on Genoa Road. The Burke family has significantly contributed to Cherry Valley’s community and history, spanning multiple generations.

Biography of William B. Page

William B. Page of Lee County represented the Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Co., a global enterprise with factories in Europe and the United States, including in Dixon, Illinois, where Page managed the successful local branch. Born to pioneer settlers, Page thrived in a family distinguished for enterprise: his brother George H. Page managed the company’s growth into a multi-million dollar entity; his brother Charles A. Page gained fame as a journalist and war correspondent, later contributing to the company’s international expansion until his death; and David S. Page assisted general management in Europe. William’s own international experience in condensed milk production led to a flourishing Dixon facility. Married to Catherine Buckle, he resided in Dixon with their four children.

Biography of Charles A. Becker

Charles A. Becker was a pioneering settler in Palmyra Township, arriving in 1839 and remaining until his passing in 1859. Born in 1810 in Prussia, Charles fled compulsory military service and immigrated to the United States, where he practiced as a jeweler and clock-maker. Married to Mary Kessler, he ultimately settled in Lee County with her. Charles was an enterprising jeweler and the first in his trade west of Chicago, establishing a thriving farm which his widow later expanded. The Beckers were a well-regarded family in their community; many of their children married and settled nearby, contributing variously as farmers, soldiers, and professionals.

Biography of Col. Alex. P. Dysart

Col. Alex. P. Dysart, a respected military officer and legislator, has made significant contributions to his community in Illinois. Born in Pennsylvania in 1826 to a family with noteworthy ancestors, Dysart relocated to Illinois in 1845 and became an accomplished agriculturist and stock-raiser. Holding various local offices, he was also a Civil War volunteer and was honorably discharged as a Colonel. Dysart served two terms in the General Assembly, where he was influential in agricultural policy. Widely known for his integrity in both public and private life, he had a distinguished military career and is recognized for his leadership and service. Dysart, a widower with six living children, resides in Nachusa Township, where he has created a beautiful home noted for its lush grove.

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