DeKalb County, Illinois Civil War Monument-- Part 1

From the March 2024 Northwest Quarterly magazine.

DEKALB COUNTY CIVIL WAR MONUMENT

133 West State St., 

Sycamore, Illinois

An estimated 2,391 DeKalb County residents enlisted in 14 military units during the Civil War.  Their sacrifices were formally recognized three decades after the war ended when a monument was dedicated to honor all of the county's residents.  (Sad that this is the reason those Confederate monuments in front of courthouses were dedicated.)

The 50-foot monument, dedicated in1897, now stands in front of the DeKalb County Courthouse. At the top of the stone obelisk stands a Union soldier with a long coat and cap.  He holds a sword in one hand and bears a flag in the other.

--Old Secesh

Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument in Woodstock

Same source as previous post.

SOLDIERS' and SAILORS' MONUMENT

Stands in the center of the City Park (now referred  to as Woodstock Square).  Erected by members of the Woodstock Woman's Relief Corps (part of the Grand Army of the Republic, GAR) in 1909.

Cost $3,000.  The money was raised over several years.  One year the Relief Corps had a restaurant at the McHenry County Fair which fed hundreds of people morning, noon and night.

The committee in charge:

Mrs. Martha Rose, Mrs. Lucy H. Renich, Mrs. Lena B. Seiler, Mrs. Nettie Judd, Mrs. Mabel Hanaford Monroe  (chairman), Mrs. Anna Ackley, Miss Emily Whitson, George Eckert, A. Sill, F.E. Hanaford, C.D. Judd and Fred Eppel.

(There was also a Hanaford in the previous post.  Wonder if they're one and the same?)

--Old Secesh

Nottaway County (Virginia) Confederate Monument

I figured I'd better wrote about some of these monuments before they're gone.

From HMdb

It is located on the lawn at the Nottaway County  Court House, Virginia.

Erected 1893 by the Ladies Memorial Association, Nottaway.

Inscription:

"Erected by the Ladies Memorial Association of Nottaway July 20, 1893.

"Jeffress Artillery C.S.A., Co. G 18th VA Regt. A.N.V., Nottaway Reserves C.S.A.,  Co. E3 VA Cavalry A.N.V."

"This monument  bears the names of several hundred men from Nottaway County who served in the Confederate Army."

--Old Secesh

The Matthews and Middlesex County (Virginia) Confederate Monuments and Capt. Sally L. Thompkins Marker

From the November 3, 2021, Daily Press (Virginia)  "Virginia counties vote overwhelmingly  to keep Confederate monuments" by Dave Ress.

The Matthews County monument was erected in 1912, after a six-year fund-raising  effort by the Lane-Diggs Camp of the United Confederate Veterans, the Matthews Monument Association and the United Daughters of the Confederacy.

There is also a state marker near the statue for Captain Sally  L. Thompkins, CSA 1833-1916. It reads:  

"Sally Thompkins, born at Poplar Grove, 3 miles  south of here, was the only woman granted a commission in the Army  of the Confederacy.  'Captain Sally' founded and directed Robertson Hospital in Richmond, where over 1300 Confederate  soldiers were cared for  between 1861 and 1865.

"Her grave and monument are located  in Christ Church Cemetery on Williams Wharf Road two miles to the south."

Middlesex erected its United Daughters of the Confederacy monument in 1910.  The inscription on it reads:  "To commemorate the valor and patriotism of the men, and the devotion and sacrifice of the women of Middlesex in defense of their liberties and their homes."

--Old Secesh

The Civil War Monument at Chicago's Bohemian National Cemetery-- Part 1

From the Czech and Slovak American Genealogy Society of Illinois "Bohemian National Cemetery: The Civil War 18."

On December 5, 1888, a committee representing many Bohemian organizations, met to begin discussions to authorize the building of a monument to commemorate Czechs who served in the military.

On July 28, 1889, thousands gathered for the laying of of the cornerstone of that monument.  One of the names used to describe it was "Bohemian Soldiers and Sailors Monument."

The sculptor of the monument was Joseph Klir.

Om May 29, 1892, thousands again gathered and paraded to celebrate the  unveiling of the new monument.

Cost of the monument  was $5,035.

There is a commemorative plaque on it that was added in 1940 listing the names of 18 veterans who are buried in the cemetery.  But, there are more Civil War veterans buried there as well.

--Old Secesh

The Civil War Veterans Monument at Chicago's Bohemian National Cemetery: 'Pro Nouvou Vlast'

I have been writing about this cemetery in my Cooter's History Thing blog.  Click on that blog to the right of this under My Blogs.  You can find out about Cubs fans, a Spanish-American War monument, Wanda Stropa, Anton Cermak and the SS Eastland Disaster.

From the October 11, 2020, Chicago Tribune "Inside Bohemian National Cemetery with 'Cemetery Lady' Helen Sclair" by Kori Rumore.

This 124-acre cemetery was set up to bury people from Bohemia in the present day Czech Republic.  Today the Chicago cemetery has over 120,000 burials.

One of the places in the cemetery is the Civil War Veterans Monument.

It features a bronze statue of a private soldier in fatigues holding a color staff in one hand and a bayoneted musket in the other and represents Czech immigrants who fought for their adopted country during the Civil War.

The inscription underfoot reads, "Pro nouvou vlast," meaning "For our new country."

A plaque at ground level includes the names of 18 Bohemian veterans of the Civil War buried u=in the cemetery.

An estimated 5,000 people turned out for the commemoration of the monument -- said to be the first Bohemian soldiers' monument in America -- on May 29, 1892, which was the first Memorial Day observed at the Bohemian cemetery.

--Old Secesh

Presidential Visits to Antietam Battlefield-- Part 5: William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt

Continued from June 3.

President McKinley returned to Antietam Battlefield  on May 30, 1900, Memorial Day, to deliver  an address at the unveiling of the Maryland State Monument.  Interestingly, among McKinley's guests of honor  were Mr. and Mrs James Longstreet.

The next president to visit was  McKinley's successor, the old Rough Rider himself, Theodore Roosevelt.  Born in 1858, he was obviously too young to serve in the Civil War, but he did vividly remember watching the Lincoln funeral procession making its way through the streets of New York from his parents' bedroom window in April 1865.

Roosevelt visited Antietam Battlefield on September 17, 1903, to deliver a speech at the dedication of New Jersey's state monument.

--Old Secesh

Confederate Defenders of Charleston-- Part 4: The Four Young Ladies

The monument was unveiled by four young ladies, all descendants of members of the Confederate Defenders of Fort Sumter:

**  The granddaughter of Colonel Alfred Rhett, the first commanding officer of Fort Sumter.  (Alicia Rhett)

**  The granddaughter of Captain Thomas A. Hueguenin,  the last Confederate commander of Fort Sumter

**  The grandniece of Major Stephen Elliott, the second in command under Colonel Rhett

**  The granddaughter of Major John Johnson, a member of the Confederate Engineers and author of "The Defense of Charleston."

Two ushers placed on the monument the last Confederate flag that flew over Fort Sumter.

"The young ladies," the News & Courier reported, "then placed on the base of the monument  two wreaths of red and white carnations."

--Old Secesh

Monument Proposed for Nebraska Soldiers-- Part 3: A Major Accomplishment at Fort Donelson

The 1st Nebraska played a significant role in Grant's capture of Fort Donelson, Tennessee, in February 1862.  It was well fortified with a large garrison.  Union troops also faced the additional problems of it being around ten degrees and with a lack of supplies such as tents, blankets or coats.

A first attempt to break through the Confederate lines failed and Union General Lew Wallace ordered the 1st up to block a Confederate counterattack.  They formed a defensive line and charged, driving the enemy back into their fortifications and they soon surrendered.

After the battle, Lew Wallace complimented the Nebraskans saying:  "Their conduct was splendid.  They alone repelled the charge."

His victory here led to U.S. Grant's name recognition throughout the country.  Had the 1st Nebraska, led by Col. Thayer, not stopped that charge the battle might have been lost.

Hope They Get the Monument.  I Also Hope They Get a Monument on the Capitol Grounds.  --Old Secesh

Monument Proposed for Nebraska Soldiers at Fort Donelson-- Part 2

The bill would also direct the Nebraska Secretary of State to request the U.S. Secretary of the Interior to authorize the placement  of the monument and create a monument construction committee.  This monument will be privately funded, with no public money going to it.

Steve Guenzel and Gayla Koerting, members of the Nebraska Civil War Round Table, testified at the hearing for the bill which has no opposition.

There is already a marker recognizing the 1st Nebraska's role at the Battle of Fort Donelson, but it is not much according to Mr. Guenzel.  He visited the fort and was expecting to see some sort of grand granite thing, but was disappointed that it was just a metal sign.

--Old Secesh

Monument for Nebraska Soldiers Proposed for Fort Donelson-- Part 1

From the March 23, 2020, Omaha (Neb) World Herald  "Monument proposed for Nebraska soldiers who helped  win a crucial Civil War battle" by Mia Azizah.

A picture of Colonel John M. Thayer, who led the 1st Nebraska Volunteer Infantry at the Battle of Fort Donelson in February 1862.  Thayer would later be governor of Nebraska and represent the state in the U.S. senate.

Sounds a lot like Francis E. Warren in Wyoming.

Nebraska was only a territory during he warm but her soldiers were instrumental in a major Union victory at Fort Donelson, which led to the fall of Nashville, Tennessee, the first capital to fall.

Senator Patty Pansing Brooks of Lincoln thinks they should be honored with a monument and has introduced Legislative Bill 850, which would create a monument to honor the 1st Nebraska at Fort Donelson National Battlefield in Tennessee.

This is actually the first I've ever heard of Nebraska military units in the Civil War.

Completely in Favor of a Monument for Them.  --Old Secesh

The 44th New York at the Battle of Gettysburg

From the New York Unit History Project.

The inscription of the Gettysburg monument:

"The 44th under Freeman Conner held position about 100 feet in front of the monument from about 5 p.m. July 2 to about 11 a.m. July 3, 1863.

"313 engaged-  killed 2 officers, 24 enlisted; wounded 5 officers (one died) and 75 enlisted of which ten died.  Total loss 106.

"At noon July 3 placed in reserve where they remained to the end of the battle."

A Hard Fight.  --Old Secesh

Upcoming Protest Calls for Removal of Confederate Mound in Oak Woods Cemetery-- Part 1

From the April 18, 2019, Chicago Weekly Citizen by Katherine Newman.

The Camp Douglas Camp #516 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans (which is named after the Union prison in Chicago in which some 6,000 Confederates died during the war) will hold a memorial service on April 22 at the Confederate Mound, where at least 4,000 victims are buried, in Oak Woods Cemetery. 

They will be met by a group calling themselves Smash White Supremacy.

Matthew Evans, the commander of the SCV group said:  We gather to honor the 6,000 men buried at Confederate Mound, who suffered through harsh winters, extreme summer temperature, starvation, human cruelty by the hands of Federal guards, only to die in a prison camp and never return home."

Both groups are planning a peaceful event near each other on April 22.

--Old Secesh

Last Year It Was A Planned Confrontation At the Confederate Monument in Chicago

The Camp Douglas  Camp #516 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, with members throughout Chicagoland, has been holding a memorial service at the Confederate Mound in Oak Woods Cemetery in Chicago for many years and, until last year, there has never been a problem, even though this cemetery is located deep within a black neighborhood.

It has been a peaceful commemoration with much solemnity.  That is, until last year.  At that time a group arrived on the scene, supposedly to have a service at the grave of Ida B. Wells, but in reality the reason they were there was to break up the Confederate service and provoke a confrontation.

They had never been there before and neither Ida B. Wells' birthday or death occurs in April.  They had loudspeakers and were chanting right in the middle of the Confederate proceedings.  Strange that it would happen in this time and age.

But, if you read my three previous posts before yesterday, you will see it is all part of the bigger movement to bury and disgrace all things Confederate.  It is so sad that some people can not allow  others to commemorate their heritage.

And, I also believe that Ida B. Wells deserves to be better known than she is.  She was one brave woman to go after the horrible lynchings that took place in the South during her time.  And the fact that she was a black person and a woman, made her going to the South a very dangerous trip.  I'd support a statue at the cemetery or on a public space.

It is too bad that it took the opportunity to cause a confrontation to get the other group fired up enough to go out and do something for a real hero, Ida B. Weells.

--Old Secesh

Community Organizers Want Confederate Monument Removed From Chicago's Oak Woods Cemetery

From the April 7, 2019, Chicago Sun-Times  by Rachel Hinton.

Two black groups want the monument removed because such black notables as Ida B. Wells, Jesse Owens and Chicago's first black mayor, Harold Washington are buried in the cemetery.  About a dozen protested.  They would like to have a monument to Ida B. Wells.  (At one time there was a monument to this remarkable woman in the form of the Ida B. Wells Housing Project.)

The monument stands atop what is called the Confederate Mound at the cemetery and is the site of the graves of over 4,000 Confederate soldiers who died at Camp Douglas prison during the Civil War.  It was a Union prison noted for its harsh conditions.

The cemetery is located at 1035 E. 67th Street in Chicago's Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood.

The Confederate Mound monument is administered by the Federal Veterans Administration and overseen by the Abraham Lincoln National cemetery in Elwood, Illinois (near Joliet).

Matthew Evans, the camp commander of the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV) Camp Douglas Camp #516, says there is little they can do because the site is owned by the Veterans Administration.

Personally, I would like to have monuments to the three people mentioned in the first paragraph as long as they are privately funded.  They were all remarkable people whose memories should never be forgotten.

--Old Secesh

Ed Bearss On Illinois In the Civil War, Vicksburg

Illinois has the biggest monument at Vicksburg Battlefield.  It is a copy of the Pantheon in Rome.  William Le Baron Jenney was the architect   During the Civil War, he served as the Chief Engineer of the 15th Corps and designed the world;s first skyscraper in Chicago, the Leiter Building.

Illinois has the biggest monument because that state furbished the most troops to the Vicksburg Campaign.  The monument has 49 steps which represent the 49 days of the siege.

U.S. Grant's son, Frederick Dent Grant, was with his father at Vicksburg and on the general's staff.  He was struck by a shell fragment when the fleet ran by Vicksburg.s defenses.

--Old Secesh

Col. Lucien Greathouse-- Part 6: Monument Inscription

Continuing with the inscriptions on his grave monument at Old City/State Cemetery in Vandalia, Illinois.:

"He led the command in forty hard pitched battles and was killed with the flag of his country in his hands standing upon the breast works of the enemy before the city of Atlanta, GA in the memorable fight of July 22, 1864.  May God and his country deal justly."

"Born Carlinville, Illinois 7th Day of June 1842 A.D. and was killed at the head of his regiment aged 22 years one month and fifteen days."

"WE CAN NOT WIN HIM BACK    You shall not mourn, oh daughters and sons, for the noble cause of liberty comes with a price of the supreme sacrifice of the gallant, the brave, and the best that one day all men may be free."

--Old Secesh

Col. Lucien P. Greathouse-- Part 5: Buried at Old City Cemetery in Vandalia.

It was reported that he had  been promoted to brigadier general  two days before his death.  The promotion was in the mail.

His body was returned to Vandalia and buried at Old City Cemetery (also called Old State Cemetery as Vandalia at one time was the capital of Illinois).  A sixteen-foot monument was erected at his grave with the 40 battles he fought in inscribed on one side.

Other inscriptions on it read "His example was worth a thousand men," General J.A. Logan.  "The bravest man in the army of the Tennessee,"  Gen. W.T. Sherman.

--Old Secesh

The 44th and 12th New York Regiments At Gettysburg-- Part 2: 44th Casualties 111 of 460.

This is quite an impressive monument by looking at pictures of it.

The 4th New York was commanded at Gettysburg by Colonel James C, Rice who then took over command of the brigade at the battle.Freeman Conner then took command of the 44th.  It brought 460 men into the battle, losing 26 killed, 82  wounded and 3 missing.

Two companies of the 12th New York were in action at the battle:  Companies D and E and brought 116 men onto  the field, suffering no casualties.  Commander of the 12th was Captain Henry W. Ryder

--Old Secesh

The 44th and 12th New York Regiments At Gettysburg-- Part 1: A Butterfield Connection

From the Battle of Gettysburg site.

There is a monument to the 12th and 44th New York Infantry Regiments on the Little Round Top.  The castle-like structure was dedicated in 1893.  It is the largest regimental monument on the battlefield.

It was designed by Daniel Butterfield, the original commander of the 12th New York who was Meade's Chief of Staff at the battle.  Butterfield is the man who either wrote or rewrote the tune "Taps" for bugles which is so often played at funerals.

The monument is 44 feet high and 12 feet wide and has a spiral staircase going to the second floor observation deck.  The tower is not open these days.

There is a Maltse Cross on the monument which is the symbol of the Union's Fifth Army Corps.
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--Old SeceshTaps