Grand Army of the Republic Potter Post No. 12
Grand Army of the Republic Potter Post No. 12 was the name given the DeKalb County branch of an organization of survivors of the Civil War.
Topic: Civil War
Stephen French and Family
“Stephen French and Family” by Mrs. J.E. Merritt, 1906, is a historical account of the French family’s early pioneering days in Prince’s Grove, Illinois. The story chronicles the challenges faced by Stephen and Anna French as they settled in the area and the hardships they endured, including sickness, wolves, and encounters with wild Indians. The French family’s legacy is also highlighted, with emphasis on their hospitable and kind-hearted nature towards all, as well as their tragic losses, including the death of Captain John French during the Civil War. The article provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the early settlers of Prince’s Grove.
Biography of James R. Cottle of Princeton, Illinois
James R. Cottle, Princeton, was born February 26, 1835, in Singapore, East India. His father, Richard Cottle, is a native of England, and yet resides in Bristol. In early life he was a carriage trimmer, but is now Government Inspector of the Great Western Railroad. James R. Cottle, Sr. the father of Richard Cottle, was a gentleman of leisure; he was formerly a Government Collector. The mother of our subject was Eliza (Betterridge) Cottle, a native of Thatchan, Berkshire, England. She died in Bristol. She was the mother of nine children, of whom six are now living, but none in … Read more
Biography of Calvin Cooper of Mineral, Illinois
Calvin Cooper, Mineral, is a native of Killingly, Windham County, Connecticut, born March 20, 1810. His parents were of English descent, the father being a Baptist clergyman. Calvin learned the carpenter and joiner trade when a young man, which furnished him employment for a number of years. August 26, 1833, he married Miss Harriet Kies, a native also of Windham County. She was born December 23, 1812. They resided in Connecticut until the fall of 1854, when they came to Illinois, stopping in Stephenson County until the following spring, when they settled on a farm in Bureau County. At the … Read more
Biographical Sketch of Marshall Paul Ayers
Ayers, Marshall Paul, (deceased), pioneer of Morgan County and banker, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, February 27, 1823, and died in Jacksonville, Illinois, September 30, 1902. He was a son of David B. and Eliza (Freitag) Ayers. The Ayers family was founded in America in 1632 by English ancestors who, in that year landed at Plymouth Rock. The family in succeeding generations became quite numerous, and many of its representatives have distinguished themselves in the various walks of life. One of them, a grand-uncle of David B. Ayers, served in New Jersey troops during the Revolutionary War, and two members … Read more
9th Illinois Infantry
On the 24th day of April, the NINTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS was mustered into the service at Springfield for the term of three months. It was one of the six regiments organized under the first call of the President, at the commencement of the war of the rebellion. Six companies – A, B, C, D, E and F – were from St. Clair county; G, I and K, from Madison, and H from Montgomery. The regiment was ordered to Cairo, where it was stationed, doing garrison duty until the close of the term of service, July 26, 1861, when it … Read more
7th Illinois Infantry
7th Illinois Infantry Illinois having sent six regiments to the Mexican war, by courtesy the numbering of the regiments which took part in the war for the Union began with number seven. A number of regiments which responded to the first call of the President for troops claimed to be the first regiment in the field, but the honor of being the first was finally accorded to Col. John Cook, and hence his regiment was numbered seven. The Seventh regiment was recruited as follows: Company A from Elgin and vicinity; Company B, Mattoon and vicinity; Company C, Aurora and vicinity; … Read more
8th Illinois Infantry
8th Illinois Infantry On the 25th day of April 1861, the Regiment was organized at Springfield, and mustered in for three months’ service. Richard J. Oglesby, of Decatur, was appointed Colonel. The regiment was immediately sent to Cairo. Companies A and D, in command of Capt. Isaac Pugh, were sent to Big Muddy river, to guard the railroad bridge, as there was danger of its destruction by rebel sympathizers, to prevent the transportation of troops and supplies. Relieved by other troops, these companies rejoined the regiment at Cairo. The regiment remained at Cairo during its term of service, when it … Read more
24th Illinois Infantry
24th Illinois Infantry The TWENTY-FOURTH INFANTRY OF ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS, known as the First Hecker Regiment (the Eighty-second being the Second), was organized at Chicago, with two companies, to-wit: the Union Cadets and the Lincoln Rifles, from the three months service in June 1861, and mustered in July 8, 1861, by Captain T. G. Pitcher. It left Chicago early in July, under orders to report at Alton, Ill., whence it moved to St. Charles, Mo., and thence to Mexico, Mo. It remained at Mexico until the 28th of July, when it was ordered to Ironton, Mo., where it joined Gen. Prentiss’ … Read more
25th Illinois Infantry
25th Illinois Infantry The TWENTY-FIFTH INFANTRY was composed of volunteers from the counties of Kankakee, Iroquois, Ford, Vermilion, Douglas, Coles, Champaign and Edgar. At the organization W. N. Coler, of Urbana, Illinois, was commissioned Colonel, J. S. McClelland, of Vermilion county, Lieutenant Colonel, and R. H. Nodine, of Urbana, Major. The Regiment rendezvoused at the U.S. Arsenal Park, St. Louis, Mo., August 2, 1861, and was mustered into the service for three years August 4, 1861. August 23, left St. Louis for Jefferson City. September 25, left Jefferson City marching via Otterville and Sedalia, crossing the LaMine, Osage and Pomme … Read more