Before his death, the 100th Illinois Infantry had presented a sword to Col. Bartleson. It is believed that he had it with him when he was killed.
After the war, the Joliet Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Post 6 was named after him. His widow, Kate, presented the sword to them and it was kept in a glass display case. She also presented them with a framed photo of him.
They also had a remnant of the regimental flag from the Battle of Stones River.
It is known that in 1901, the post was meeting at the Masonic Temple. In 1914, they met at Castle Hall at 314 Van Buren Street. IN 1827, they were at Knapp Hall at 311 Van Buren Street. Both of the last two locations are now part of Joliet High School's campus.
I was unable to find out how the sword came to be at the Joliet Historical Society where it is today, but hopefully will be able to find out something during the Route 66 Association of Illinois' Motor Tour this June.
Col. Bartleson's record shows he was a leader of the highest order.
A Real Hero. --Old B-R'er
1 comment:
Hello-
I'm sure by now you've found out how Colonel Bartleson's sword and portrait ended up at the Joliet Area Historical Museum.
Those items, along with his engraved silver snuff box, was given to me by my father, James F. King on or about 1988. They were given to him by his father, Gordon Bartleson King, a grand-nephew of Colonel Bartleson.
Somewhere around 2005 I researched Colonel Bartleson and learned that there was a search for his sword. I contacted Walter Keener, then curator of JAHM, and the rest is history.
I'm so his belongings are back in his home town of Joliet, IL.
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