From Civil War Interactive, from the May 27, 2014, Nashville Tennesseean "Nearly $3 million deal in place to secure more Civil War land" by Kevin Walters.
Reid Lovell has five ancestors who weer at the Battle of Franklin, near Nashville, on November 30, 1864. On Tuesday, May 27th, Lovell signed a contract to sell 1.6 acres of land adjacent to the focus of the battlefield, the Carter House, for $2.8 million.
Now, Franklin preservationists have a year to secure the money for the deal to go through.
Said Lovell: "We are longtime Franklin people, and we love this community. My family and I have a 150-year relationship with the property (meaning they owned it at the time of the battle.
The land is considered "core battlefield" near where Confederate General Otho Strahl was killed.
Two buildings currently on Lowell's property will be taken down if the money is raised.
Much as I am glad the battlefield is getting the land, that $2.8 million seems like a whole lot of money. Too bad Mr. Lovell didn't offer it for considerably less.
Nice Profit, Though. --Old Secesh
The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Friday, May 30, 2014
The Civil War's Last Veterans
The passing of Alfred Woolson and Walter Williams were the closing of a chapter of United States history. Starting in the 1920s and through the 1940s, the old veterans were passing away in increasing numbers, much like our World War II veterans are now doing.
The glorious reunions were coming to an end.
The GAR closed its last chapter, The famed Rebel Yell fell silent. Campfires went dark.
By the start of the 1950s, there were just 65 remaining Confederate and Union veterans. By 1955, that number was down to just six.
--Old Secesh
The glorious reunions were coming to an end.
The GAR closed its last chapter, The famed Rebel Yell fell silent. Campfires went dark.
By the start of the 1950s, there were just 65 remaining Confederate and Union veterans. By 1955, that number was down to just six.
--Old Secesh
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
The Confederacy's Last Soldier: Walter Williams-- Part 2
Walter Williams could be cantankerous as well. On his last birthday, at age 117, he had his favorite meal of barbecue pork, though a nurse and his daughter had to feed him.
He hunted with his 101-year-old son and had ridden a horse until he was 103. His last public appearance was in an Armed Forces Day parade in Houston in May 1959 where he rode in an air conditioned ambulance. As he rode past the reviewing stand, he struggled to raise an arm in salute.
--Old Secesh
He hunted with his 101-year-old son and had ridden a horse until he was 103. His last public appearance was in an Armed Forces Day parade in Houston in May 1959 where he rode in an air conditioned ambulance. As he rode past the reviewing stand, he struggled to raise an arm in salute.
--Old Secesh
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
The Confederacy's Last Soldier: Walter Washington Williams-- Part 1
In Houston, old Walter Williams sent Albert Woolson a telegram congratulating him for turning 109. "Happy birthday greetings from Colonel Walter Williams," it read.
Blind, nearly deaf and confined to a bed at his daughter's house, Williams had served as Confederate forage master for Hood's Brigade and now was much determined to be the last-living veteran. Even further, he wanted to still be alive when the Civil War's centennial arrived in 1961.
Williams said, "I'm going to wait around to see what happens."
He liked his parades as well. He was named in a presidential proclamation and Life Magazine devoted a three-page spread to him.
--Old Secesh
Blind, nearly deaf and confined to a bed at his daughter's house, Williams had served as Confederate forage master for Hood's Brigade and now was much determined to be the last-living veteran. Even further, he wanted to still be alive when the Civil War's centennial arrived in 1961.
Williams said, "I'm going to wait around to see what happens."
He liked his parades as well. He was named in a presidential proclamation and Life Magazine devoted a three-page spread to him.
--Old Secesh
Monday, May 26, 2014
It's Memorial Day: Thanks for Your Service and Sacrifice Blue and Gray
May 26th, 2014, and we would have this day to honor the nation's dead who lost their lives to keep the nation together as one.
And, in the Civil War, Confederates are given equal ranking just the same as Union soldiers, which they should be.
Fighting For What they Believed. --Old Secesh
And, in the Civil War, Confederates are given equal ranking just the same as Union soldiers, which they should be.
Fighting For What they Believed. --Old Secesh
Thursday, May 22, 2014
The Union's Last Soldier: Albert Woolson-- Part 2
Albert Woolson's grandfather served in the War of 1812. His father also served in the Union Army where he lost his leg and died. Albert was 5 and 1/2 foot tall and took his father's place. With just one year left in the war, he enlisted as a drummer boy in the First Minnesota Heavy Artillery and served in Tennessee.
One Saturday in late July 1956, Albert Woolson slipped into a coma and lingered for a week. He woke up just before he died and asked a nurse's aide for a dish of lemon sherbert.
--Old Secesh
One Saturday in late July 1956, Albert Woolson slipped into a coma and lingered for a week. He woke up just before he died and asked a nurse's aide for a dish of lemon sherbert.
--Old Secesh
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
The Union's Last Soldier: Albert Woolson of Duluth, Minnesota-- Part 1
From the November 6, 2013, Smithsonian.com "Past Imperfect: The Last Civil War Veterans Who Lived to be Over 100...Or Did They?"
Albert Woolson loved parades and especially the annual Memorial Day parade in his local hometown of Duluth, Minnesota. This day was celebrated all across the North. Even the president of the United States wrote him a letter ion his birthday as he was the last surviving member of the Grand Army of the Republic, the organization of Union veterans set up after the war.
There is even a life-sized statue of him at Gettysburg Battlefield.
Deaf and often ill, he'd still be in those parades, even at the age of 109. He especially liked visiting local schools to tell the kids his war stories. Boys called him "Grandpa Al."
But, he could be very fussy. His breakfast eggs had to be scrambled and the bacon crisp. And, he continued to smoke. He probably smoked over a thousand cigars after the age of 100 and he would have a half ounce of brandy before dinner.
--Old Secesh
Albert Woolson loved parades and especially the annual Memorial Day parade in his local hometown of Duluth, Minnesota. This day was celebrated all across the North. Even the president of the United States wrote him a letter ion his birthday as he was the last surviving member of the Grand Army of the Republic, the organization of Union veterans set up after the war.
There is even a life-sized statue of him at Gettysburg Battlefield.
Deaf and often ill, he'd still be in those parades, even at the age of 109. He especially liked visiting local schools to tell the kids his war stories. Boys called him "Grandpa Al."
But, he could be very fussy. His breakfast eggs had to be scrambled and the bacon crisp. And, he continued to smoke. He probably smoked over a thousand cigars after the age of 100 and he would have a half ounce of brandy before dinner.
--Old Secesh
Monday, May 19, 2014
"Little More Than a Dead Skeleton": Civil War Prisons-- Part 3
Currently, there is much archaeological work being done on Civil War prisons. Not only is work being done at the recently located Camp Lawton in Georgia, but also at Illinois' Camp Douglas in Chicago, Johnson's Island, Ohio and Camp Asylum in Columbia, South Carolina.
Camp Lawton was only open for six weeks and was essentially lost to history. It was hurriedly abandoned with the approach of Union General Sherman's Army on his famous March to the Sea. Ten thousand Union prisoners were held here, most from Andersonville, and between 750 and 1,000 died in that time. Union soldiers were so enraged by finding unburied dead prisoners that they essential destroyed every trace of Camp Lawton.
People knew the general location of the camp, but not its exact spot.
--Old Secesh
Camp Lawton was only open for six weeks and was essentially lost to history. It was hurriedly abandoned with the approach of Union General Sherman's Army on his famous March to the Sea. Ten thousand Union prisoners were held here, most from Andersonville, and between 750 and 1,000 died in that time. Union soldiers were so enraged by finding unburied dead prisoners that they essential destroyed every trace of Camp Lawton.
People knew the general location of the camp, but not its exact spot.
--Old Secesh
"Little More Than a Dead Skeleton": Civil War Prisons-- Part 2
Facing a long tenure in Confederate prisons, John Tarsney decided he would take matters in his own hands so pinned his name and regiment on the dead man's clothing and gave his silver watch to a sergeant to keep him quiet.
He got out of Camp Lawton with a new name. he was now John Frantz of the 54th Pennsylvania. He boarded a train with the others to be exchanged and headed north to his freedom. That is one prisoner's story, but there are many others.
During the war, there were some 410,000 Americans captured and of that number, there were 56,000 deaths on both sides.
At Andersonville, 13,000 Union prisoners died in just 13 months.
--Old Secesh
He got out of Camp Lawton with a new name. he was now John Frantz of the 54th Pennsylvania. He boarded a train with the others to be exchanged and headed north to his freedom. That is one prisoner's story, but there are many others.
During the war, there were some 410,000 Americans captured and of that number, there were 56,000 deaths on both sides.
At Andersonville, 13,000 Union prisoners died in just 13 months.
--Old Secesh
Saturday, May 17, 2014
"Little More Than a Dead Skeleton": Death and Despair At Civil War Prisons-- Part 1
From the May 5, 2014, CNN--US "We did this to ourselves": Deaths and despair at Civil War prisons" by Phil Gast.
Union Private Charles Tarsney saw the body of an emaciated prisoner he had given a drink of water to the night before. "He had died during the night and was little more than a dead skeleton," he recalled.
John Tarsney was a POW at Confederate Camp Lawton near Millen, Georgia. He had been badly wounded and captured at the Battle of Gettysburg and then sent to the prison at Andersonville and now he had been moved to Camp Lawton.
He immediately came up with a scheme.
He decided to trade identities. The soldier who had died was part of a group of prisoners who were to be exchanged for Confederate prisoners.
More to Come. --Old Secesh
Union Private Charles Tarsney saw the body of an emaciated prisoner he had given a drink of water to the night before. "He had died during the night and was little more than a dead skeleton," he recalled.
John Tarsney was a POW at Confederate Camp Lawton near Millen, Georgia. He had been badly wounded and captured at the Battle of Gettysburg and then sent to the prison at Andersonville and now he had been moved to Camp Lawton.
He immediately came up with a scheme.
He decided to trade identities. The soldier who had died was part of a group of prisoners who were to be exchanged for Confederate prisoners.
More to Come. --Old Secesh
Friday, May 16, 2014
Confederate Graves Found At Old City Cemetery in Lynchburg, Va.
From the May 5, 2014, Lynchburg (Va) News Advance "Archaeologists map Civil War-era graves at Old City Cemetery" by Katrina Koerting.
Four archaeologists are digging a 45-ft by 10-ft trench within "Yankee Square" at Old City Cemetery using shovels and brooms and dig down ten inches. They have found Confederate graves in Yankee Square.
They want the cemetery staff to identify the boundaries of Yankee Square so they can match the site to a book that documents where soldiers were buried. Once that is done, markers will be placed to identify those buried.
The search is being funded by a $2,500 grant from the Virginia Department of Historic Records. Work began in April 2013. In the first phase, 50 graves were identified of the 180 soldiers buried in Yankee Square.
Originally, just Union soldiers were buried there, but soon Confederates soldiers who had died of disease (usually small pox) were also interred.
The whole of Yankee Square is not being searched as red clay shows where the soldiers' hear or feet were and orange clay/soil means the site was untouched by burial. The graves are aligned in rows and columns.
--Old Secesh
Four archaeologists are digging a 45-ft by 10-ft trench within "Yankee Square" at Old City Cemetery using shovels and brooms and dig down ten inches. They have found Confederate graves in Yankee Square.
They want the cemetery staff to identify the boundaries of Yankee Square so they can match the site to a book that documents where soldiers were buried. Once that is done, markers will be placed to identify those buried.
The search is being funded by a $2,500 grant from the Virginia Department of Historic Records. Work began in April 2013. In the first phase, 50 graves were identified of the 180 soldiers buried in Yankee Square.
Originally, just Union soldiers were buried there, but soon Confederates soldiers who had died of disease (usually small pox) were also interred.
The whole of Yankee Square is not being searched as red clay shows where the soldiers' hear or feet were and orange clay/soil means the site was untouched by burial. The graves are aligned in rows and columns.
--Old Secesh
Thursday, May 15, 2014
"We Righted a Wrong Today": Lewis Martin of the 29th USCT-- Part 2
Lewis Martin's great sacrifice went essentially unnoticed when he returned to Springfield. Unable to find work because of his disability, he became an alcoholic and a victim of discrimination. In 1892, he was found dead in a home on West Jefferson. He had died from excessive alcohol consumption and exposure.
The newspaper reported his drinking as much as his service, saying most of his pension went to local saloon keepers. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the paupers' section of Oak Ridge Cemetery.
Martin's grave was discovered in 2012 by Springfield historian Kathleen Heyworth who came across his name while researching Springfield's Camp Butler, where the 29th USCT passed through.
About 100 people attended the dedication of his new marker. Arnold Monuments of Springfield donated a grave stone and there is an additional marker with the famous photo that was purchased through donations.
An Overdue Honor. --Old Secesh
The newspaper reported his drinking as much as his service, saying most of his pension went to local saloon keepers. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the paupers' section of Oak Ridge Cemetery.
Martin's grave was discovered in 2012 by Springfield historian Kathleen Heyworth who came across his name while researching Springfield's Camp Butler, where the 29th USCT passed through.
About 100 people attended the dedication of his new marker. Arnold Monuments of Springfield donated a grave stone and there is an additional marker with the famous photo that was purchased through donations.
An Overdue Honor. --Old Secesh
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
"We Righted a Wrong Today": Lewis Martin of the 29th USCT-- Part 1
From the November 2, 2013, Springfield (Il) State Journal-Register "We righted a wrong today" by Lauren Leone Cross.
Lewis Martin was buried more than 120 years ago at Spring Oak Ridge Cemetery. The former slave from Arkansas was a member of the 29th USCT and so112 people were at his dedication ceremony.
In 1864, he was at the Battle of the Crater at Petersburg, Virginia where he was wounded and had his leg and arm amputated, after which he was honorably discharged.
Dr. Reed Bontecu, a surgeon based in Washington, D.C., kept a photo collection of his patients and took Martin's photo which later became an iconic symbol of the sacrifices made by black Union troops.
Sadly, that sacrifice went unnoticed when Martin returned to Springfield, Illinois.
--Old Secesh
Lewis Martin was buried more than 120 years ago at Spring Oak Ridge Cemetery. The former slave from Arkansas was a member of the 29th USCT and so112 people were at his dedication ceremony.
In 1864, he was at the Battle of the Crater at Petersburg, Virginia where he was wounded and had his leg and arm amputated, after which he was honorably discharged.
Dr. Reed Bontecu, a surgeon based in Washington, D.C., kept a photo collection of his patients and took Martin's photo which later became an iconic symbol of the sacrifices made by black Union troops.
Sadly, that sacrifice went unnoticed when Martin returned to Springfield, Illinois.
--Old Secesh
The Spiritual Struggle of War: Col. Carter Van Vleck
From the April 14, 2012, McDonough (IL.) County Voice "The Spiritual Struggle of War: Macomb's Carter Van Vleck.
Col. Carter Van Vleck is described as "the most notable Civil War figure buried in Oakwood Cemetery" in Macomb.
The book in which his letters are published is edited by Teresa K. Lehr and Philip L. Gerber.
Col. Van Vleck's best friend in the 78th Illinois, Major William L. Broaddus of Macomb, was killed at the Battle of Chiclamauga. The 78th had a lot to do with General Thomas' earning the name "Rock of Chickamauga.
With the Union Army forced to retreat to Chattanooga, they had to leave the major's body on the battlefield where he was buried in a mass grave.
Col. Van Vleck came back to that battlefield a few months later and along with sixty men, found the grave near where Broaddus had fallen and dug into it and after an extensive and difficult search through the remains, found the major's body. It was then sent back to Macomb for burial.
After Van Vleck was mortally wounded, a telegram was sent to his wife Patty, who came to visit him before his death and returned to Macomb where a huge funeral was held in early September.
--Old Secesh
Col. Carter Van Vleck is described as "the most notable Civil War figure buried in Oakwood Cemetery" in Macomb.
The book in which his letters are published is edited by Teresa K. Lehr and Philip L. Gerber.
Col. Van Vleck's best friend in the 78th Illinois, Major William L. Broaddus of Macomb, was killed at the Battle of Chiclamauga. The 78th had a lot to do with General Thomas' earning the name "Rock of Chickamauga.
With the Union Army forced to retreat to Chattanooga, they had to leave the major's body on the battlefield where he was buried in a mass grave.
Col. Van Vleck came back to that battlefield a few months later and along with sixty men, found the grave near where Broaddus had fallen and dug into it and after an extensive and difficult search through the remains, found the major's body. It was then sent back to Macomb for burial.
After Van Vleck was mortally wounded, a telegram was sent to his wife Patty, who came to visit him before his death and returned to Macomb where a huge funeral was held in early September.
--Old Secesh
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Col. Carter Van Vleck: "Immense Amt. of Study to Learn Well the Art of Killing..."
IUniverse has a 284 page book about the colonel: "Emerging Leader: The Letters of Carter Van Vleck to His Wife, Patty (1862-1864).
Taken from his October 19, 1862 letter to his wife and daughter. This was concerning his learning how to lead his command.
"It takes an immense amt. of study to learn well the art of killing people, without getting killed yourself And that is the great secret of war, to kill & cripple the enemy to the greatest degree with the least possible damage to those under your command it is fearful yet a very pleasant study I like it better than I expected to & much better than anything else I ever studied or practiced.
"How I would like the sad realities of war, or how I should demean myself in actual fight, of course I have as little idea as anyone else that knows me I might disgrace myself & family forever or might win honors worthy to be won."
He was actually enjoying learning the art of war, but didn't know how he would do in an actual battle. Would he be brave or a coward?
--Old Secesh
Taken from his October 19, 1862 letter to his wife and daughter. This was concerning his learning how to lead his command.
"It takes an immense amt. of study to learn well the art of killing people, without getting killed yourself And that is the great secret of war, to kill & cripple the enemy to the greatest degree with the least possible damage to those under your command it is fearful yet a very pleasant study I like it better than I expected to & much better than anything else I ever studied or practiced.
"How I would like the sad realities of war, or how I should demean myself in actual fight, of course I have as little idea as anyone else that knows me I might disgrace myself & family forever or might win honors worthy to be won."
He was actually enjoying learning the art of war, but didn't know how he would do in an actual battle. Would he be brave or a coward?
--Old Secesh
Col. Carter Van Vleck-- Part 2: "I Have Been True to My God..."
From the Sackett Family Association. Col. Guy Carter Van Vleck.
Born 11 June 1830. Died 23 August 1864. Lawyer. Entered the Union Army as a Lt.Col. August 1862 and soon became colonel of the 78th Illinois Infantry Regiment.
He was shot by a Confederate sharpshooter outside of Atlanta while on his way to rejoin his regiment after a short stay in the hospital for sickness. He was on horseback and his men were happy to have him back and thronged around him, making him a target.
He was mortally wounded in the forehead, but remained conscious for ten days. He died on the 12th. During that time he sent for his wife in Macomb by telegraph, arranged his business affairs and remarked to his friends, "I have been true to my God, to my country and to my family."
It should be an interesting talk tonight at the McHenry Civil War Round Table meeting in Woodstock, Illinois.
--Old Secesh
Born 11 June 1830. Died 23 August 1864. Lawyer. Entered the Union Army as a Lt.Col. August 1862 and soon became colonel of the 78th Illinois Infantry Regiment.
He was shot by a Confederate sharpshooter outside of Atlanta while on his way to rejoin his regiment after a short stay in the hospital for sickness. He was on horseback and his men were happy to have him back and thronged around him, making him a target.
He was mortally wounded in the forehead, but remained conscious for ten days. He died on the 12th. During that time he sent for his wife in Macomb by telegraph, arranged his business affairs and remarked to his friends, "I have been true to my God, to my country and to my family."
It should be an interesting talk tonight at the McHenry Civil War Round Table meeting in Woodstock, Illinois.
--Old Secesh
Monday, May 12, 2014
Colonel Carter Van Vleck-- Part 1
From Find-A-Grave.
Born: June 11, 1830 in Penner, New York. Died: August 23, 1864 at Atlanta, Georgia.
Commanded the 78th Illinois Infantry Regiment and mortally wounded before Atlanta.
Buried Oakwood Cemetery in Macomb, Illinois.
--Old Secesh
Born: June 11, 1830 in Penner, New York. Died: August 23, 1864 at Atlanta, Georgia.
Commanded the 78th Illinois Infantry Regiment and mortally wounded before Atlanta.
Buried Oakwood Cemetery in Macomb, Illinois.
--Old Secesh
MCCWRT to Hear About Col. Carter Van Vleck of the 78th Illinois
Tomorrow, May 13th, the McHenry County Civil War Round Table (founded in 1998) will hear a presentation about Carter Van Vleck, colonel of the 78th Illinois Infantry regiment at the Woodstock (Illinois) Public Library at 440 West Judd Street.
The presenter will be Jerry Allen and the meeting starts at 7:30 PM.
I will be there ( despite the Black Hawks playing) and will join the organization as well.
--Old Secesh
Col. Marsh's Report On the Loss of Lt.Col. William Erwin at Fort Donelson
"My lieutenat colonel, William Erwin, was killed quite early in the action, being struck in the breast by a round shot from one of the enemy's guns. A cool, brave officer, a noble man, he gloriously fell in the execution of his duty, adding in his death new laurels he long sinjce won on the bloody field of Buena Vista." Buena Vista referring to Erwin's service on the Mexican War.
Marsh also added in his report that color sergeant Newton and his entire color guard, except one corporal, were killed or wounded.
--Old Secesh
Marsh also added in his report that color sergeant Newton and his entire color guard, except one corporal, were killed or wounded.
--Old Secesh
Colonel C.C. Marsh, 20th Illinois Infantry
An early engagement of the 20th Illinois and Colonel C.C. Marsh was in October 1861 at the Battle of Ferdericktown, Missouri where they with Plummer's Command with the 17th Illinois.
He commanded the 20th Illinois at Fort Donelson, also under General Grant.
Colonel C.C. Marsh was at the Battle of Shiloh with the Army of the Tennessee, again under General U.S.Grant. He commanded the 2nd Brigade which consisted of the 11th, 20th, 45th and 48th Illinois regiments.
--Old Secesh
He commanded the 20th Illinois at Fort Donelson, also under General Grant.
Colonel C.C. Marsh was at the Battle of Shiloh with the Army of the Tennessee, again under General U.S.Grant. He commanded the 2nd Brigade which consisted of the 11th, 20th, 45th and 48th Illinois regiments.
--Old Secesh
Saturday, May 10, 2014
Follow Up on Camp Goodell
I did find the name of a Roswell Eaton Goodell, who evidently was the father of Lt. Col. William Erwin's wife Althea L. Goodell. But I wasn't able to find out anything else about him.
Also, I found that there is an Ingalls Park town that is a suburb of Joliet, Illinois, with a 2010 population of 3,314. I had been thinking that Ingalls Park was a regular park.
Digging Deeper. --Old Secesh
Also, I found that there is an Ingalls Park town that is a suburb of Joliet, Illinois, with a 2010 population of 3,314. I had been thinking that Ingalls Park was a regular park.
Digging Deeper. --Old Secesh
Friday, May 9, 2014
Lt. Col. William Erwin, 20th Illinois
From Find-a-Grave.
Buried at Ottawa Avenue Cemetery in Ottawa, LaSalle County, Illinois. His wife, Althea L. Goodell, b. Feb. 21, 1828, d. Oct. 24, 1915, is buried with him.
William Erwin was born July 20, 1821. Killed at the Battle of Fort Donelson while with the 20th Illinois Infantry Regiment.
It is kind of interesting to note the last name of his wife, Goodell. Was her father the one that Camp Goodell was named after?
Connections? --Old Secesh
Buried at Ottawa Avenue Cemetery in Ottawa, LaSalle County, Illinois. His wife, Althea L. Goodell, b. Feb. 21, 1828, d. Oct. 24, 1915, is buried with him.
William Erwin was born July 20, 1821. Killed at the Battle of Fort Donelson while with the 20th Illinois Infantry Regiment.
It is kind of interesting to note the last name of his wife, Goodell. Was her father the one that Camp Goodell was named after?
Connections? --Old Secesh
Joliet's Camp Goodell-- Part 5: Camp Goodell Renamed Camp Erwin
The 20th Illinois fought in some early skirmishes and was at the battle of Fort Donelson in Tennessee where six members were killed, including Lt. Col. Erwin whose body was escorted by Frederick Bartleson back to Joliet for burial. .
The war continued and President Lincoln made a call for another 300,000 troops. Will County was eager to do its part and the county supervisors appropriated $60,000 in order to pay each volunteer $60, or, if they chose, $5 monthly to his family.
Camp Goodell was renamed Camp Erwin in honor of the fallen gallant officer. Again, it had military activity when the 100tgh Illinois was organized there. Major Frederick A. Bartleson, evidently the one who had escorted Erwin's body back, was elected colonel.
The 100th Illinois suffered casualties at Stone River, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Missionary Ridge, Kennesaw Mountain and Atlanta. Colonel Bartleson was killed at the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain.
--Old Secesh
The war continued and President Lincoln made a call for another 300,000 troops. Will County was eager to do its part and the county supervisors appropriated $60,000 in order to pay each volunteer $60, or, if they chose, $5 monthly to his family.
Camp Goodell was renamed Camp Erwin in honor of the fallen gallant officer. Again, it had military activity when the 100tgh Illinois was organized there. Major Frederick A. Bartleson, evidently the one who had escorted Erwin's body back, was elected colonel.
The 100th Illinois suffered casualties at Stone River, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Missionary Ridge, Kennesaw Mountain and Atlanta. Colonel Bartleson was killed at the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain.
--Old Secesh
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Joliet's Camp Goodell-- Part 4
From History of Joliet, Illinois.
Camp Goodell was established at the old fairgrounds, named after "a highly respected, local citizen." I was unable to find out for sure who that person was. It received troops from throughout the Congressional District.
By mid-May 1861, a regiment had gathered, including two companies from Will County. They elected C.C. Marsh as colonel and was accepted into federal service. On June 13, 1861, they were mustered into military service as the 20th Regiment Illinois Infantry and a few days later marched from the camp to the railroad depot where "a tremendous gathering of friends and relatives cheered and wept in what for many was their final farewell."
Those left at home attended war meetings, contributed to war funds and anxiously awaited letters and reports from the field.
--Old Secesh
Camp Goodell was established at the old fairgrounds, named after "a highly respected, local citizen." I was unable to find out for sure who that person was. It received troops from throughout the Congressional District.
By mid-May 1861, a regiment had gathered, including two companies from Will County. They elected C.C. Marsh as colonel and was accepted into federal service. On June 13, 1861, they were mustered into military service as the 20th Regiment Illinois Infantry and a few days later marched from the camp to the railroad depot where "a tremendous gathering of friends and relatives cheered and wept in what for many was their final farewell."
Those left at home attended war meetings, contributed to war funds and anxiously awaited letters and reports from the field.
--Old Secesh
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Joliet's Camp Goodell-- Part 3
From the Will County H.Gen Web Project.
Camp Goodell was near present day Ingalls park; established 1861-1862, as a Civil War training camp.
I haven't been able to determine if this is the name of a city park in Joliet or a neighborhood/suburb of Joliet.
--Old Secesh
Camp Goodell was near present day Ingalls park; established 1861-1862, as a Civil War training camp.
I haven't been able to determine if this is the name of a city park in Joliet or a neighborhood/suburb of Joliet.
--Old Secesh
Joliet's Camp Goodell-- Part 2
The May 18, 1861, Joliet True democrat reported: "Camp Godell-- Affairs appear to be moving along quite smoothly as Camp Goodell (spelled it two different ways, perhaps an error). The soldiers are all comfortably quartered and in good spirits."
This group of soldiers and their officers became the 20th Illinois Infantry Regiment.
The article continued: "Regimental officers were elected last Tuesday. Col. C.C. Marsh of Chicago. Lt.Col. Wm. Erwin of Joliet. Major J.W. Goodwin of Wilmington.
"Of Col. Marsh, we know but little, but he is said to be an efficient soldier, and a young gentleman of fair reputation and acquirement. He is now in the position to make for himself, an honorable name.
"Lt.Co. Erwin is known to all our citizens, having been for some years a resident among us. He will adorn the position to which he has been promoted, possessing, as he does, all the elements of the gentleman and scholar.
"Major Goodwin, as Lt. in the Union Greys, proved himself an excellent officer, and his promotion is a deserved compliment to his superior military acquirement."
By the end of May, companies arrived from other counties and the 20th Ill. Vol. Infantry was born in Will County with 24 officers and 314 enlisted men.
Get That Training On. --Old Secesh
This group of soldiers and their officers became the 20th Illinois Infantry Regiment.
The article continued: "Regimental officers were elected last Tuesday. Col. C.C. Marsh of Chicago. Lt.Col. Wm. Erwin of Joliet. Major J.W. Goodwin of Wilmington.
"Of Col. Marsh, we know but little, but he is said to be an efficient soldier, and a young gentleman of fair reputation and acquirement. He is now in the position to make for himself, an honorable name.
"Lt.Co. Erwin is known to all our citizens, having been for some years a resident among us. He will adorn the position to which he has been promoted, possessing, as he does, all the elements of the gentleman and scholar.
"Major Goodwin, as Lt. in the Union Greys, proved himself an excellent officer, and his promotion is a deserved compliment to his superior military acquirement."
By the end of May, companies arrived from other counties and the 20th Ill. Vol. Infantry was born in Will County with 24 officers and 314 enlisted men.
Get That Training On. --Old Secesh
Monday, May 5, 2014
Joliet's Camp Goodell-- Part 1
From Will County Historical Society.
While researching for information on Camp Fry in Chicago, I came across Camp Goodell in Joliet. Being a place I've never heard of before, I did more research. Plus, Joliet is on Route 66 and i do research on places along the old road which had Civil War ties. And, there are more than you'd expect...no battles, of course, but plenty of GAR posts and cemeteries.
in May 1861, the fairgrounds west of Joliet were chosen to be training grounds for soldiers mustering in for Will and surrounding counties. Buildings were already in place which could be used for offices, a spring that provided drinking water and a magnificent grove of oak trees for shade were already there.
It became known as Camp Godell. This is the only time I saw it called Godell. Everywhere else it is referred to as Camp Goodell. I also came across it being named for a prominent citizen of the town, but couldn't come across anything else on the man.
--Old Secesh
While researching for information on Camp Fry in Chicago, I came across Camp Goodell in Joliet. Being a place I've never heard of before, I did more research. Plus, Joliet is on Route 66 and i do research on places along the old road which had Civil War ties. And, there are more than you'd expect...no battles, of course, but plenty of GAR posts and cemeteries.
in May 1861, the fairgrounds west of Joliet were chosen to be training grounds for soldiers mustering in for Will and surrounding counties. Buildings were already in place which could be used for offices, a spring that provided drinking water and a magnificent grove of oak trees for shade were already there.
It became known as Camp Godell. This is the only time I saw it called Godell. Everywhere else it is referred to as Camp Goodell. I also came across it being named for a prominent citizen of the town, but couldn't come across anything else on the man.
--Old Secesh
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Chicago's Camp Fry
From Chicago: Its History and Its Builders.
Camp Fry was established later in the war on the north side of Chicago in an area known as "Wright's Grove" at the corner of N. Clark and Diversey. It was noted for its stand of original white oak.
It was only used for the assembling and mustering in of recruits who then marched south on Clark Street to Wells and then to Lake Street (which was paved) and from then to the Illinois Central Railroad depot. People remember it as being quite a parade as units moved through the city.
Throughout the war, there was much moving a troops came and went through Chicago.
Camp Fry never attained the status of the bigger Camp Douglas on Chicago's South Side.
--Old Secesh
Camp Fry was established later in the war on the north side of Chicago in an area known as "Wright's Grove" at the corner of N. Clark and Diversey. It was noted for its stand of original white oak.
It was only used for the assembling and mustering in of recruits who then marched south on Clark Street to Wells and then to Lake Street (which was paved) and from then to the Illinois Central Railroad depot. People remember it as being quite a parade as units moved through the city.
Throughout the war, there was much moving a troops came and went through Chicago.
Camp Fry never attained the status of the bigger Camp Douglas on Chicago's South Side.
--Old Secesh
OK, Came Across Camp Goodell in Joliet, Illinois
Looking for information on Camp Fry, I came across a Camp Goodell, in Joliet, Illinois, that was a training camp located near present day Ingalls Park. Being a big Route 66 fan, as well as Civil War buff, and Joliet being on the old Route 66, I just had to do some research.
Well, that took some time.
Like I Said, That's Why It Takes So Long To Do These Blogs. --Old Secesh
Well, that took some time.
Like I Said, That's Why It Takes So Long To Do These Blogs. --Old Secesh
Some of Those Later Illinois Civil War Regiments Trained at Camp Fry
The 129th Illinois organized in Pontiac, Illinois. (I am a big Route 66 fan and also like Pontiac.)
132nd Illinois. Organized at Camp Fry, Chicago June 1, 1864 for a 100-day enlistment.
134th Illinois Organized Camp Fry May 1864 for 100 day enlistment
147th Illinois Organized Camp Fry in February 1865 for 1-year enlistment
153rd Illinois Organized Camp Fry on February 27, 1865 for one year enlistment
The United States obviously knew the war was approaching its end by 1865, so enlistments were shortened to just a year for the last two regiments. I am not sure why there were the two 100-day regiments. Must have been some sort of emergency.
--Old Secsh
132nd Illinois. Organized at Camp Fry, Chicago June 1, 1864 for a 100-day enlistment.
134th Illinois Organized Camp Fry May 1864 for 100 day enlistment
147th Illinois Organized Camp Fry in February 1865 for 1-year enlistment
153rd Illinois Organized Camp Fry on February 27, 1865 for one year enlistment
The United States obviously knew the war was approaching its end by 1865, so enlistments were shortened to just a year for the last two regiments. I am not sure why there were the two 100-day regiments. Must have been some sort of emergency.
--Old Secsh
Friday, May 2, 2014
Chicago's Camp Fry-- Part 2
Some more information (and there isn't a lot about it):
The 134th Illinois trained there also.
The 12th Illinois reorganized there.
The 140th Illinois was ordered there.
The North America Forts site says CAMP FRY (1864-1865). A training camp then used as a POW camp at the Broadway, Clark Street Avenue intersection in Chicago.
--Old Secesh
The 134th Illinois trained there also.
The 12th Illinois reorganized there.
The 140th Illinois was ordered there.
The North America Forts site says CAMP FRY (1864-1865). A training camp then used as a POW camp at the Broadway, Clark Street Avenue intersection in Chicago.
--Old Secesh
Chicago's Camp Fry-- Part 1
From American Civil War Sites in Illinois.
When I was writing about the 153rd Illinois, I saw that they were organized at Camp Fry in Chicago. While I am very aware of Camp Douglas, which had earlier served as a training camp for Illinois soldiers (and later the infamous prison of the same name), I had never heard of a Camp Fry. More research was in order.
I found a map of the current city that showed the location on Chicago's North Side, by W. Diversey Parkway by N. Clark Street and N. Broadway. It was a short distance northwest of Chicago's Lincoln Park.
I also came across mention of a Camp Fry YMCA. Perhaps that was named after the Camp Fry in question if it is located near the original. Eventually, I found out the YMCA Camp Fry is in Naperville, a western Chicago suburb, so kind of doubt it.
--Old Secesh
When I was writing about the 153rd Illinois, I saw that they were organized at Camp Fry in Chicago. While I am very aware of Camp Douglas, which had earlier served as a training camp for Illinois soldiers (and later the infamous prison of the same name), I had never heard of a Camp Fry. More research was in order.
I found a map of the current city that showed the location on Chicago's North Side, by W. Diversey Parkway by N. Clark Street and N. Broadway. It was a short distance northwest of Chicago's Lincoln Park.
I also came across mention of a Camp Fry YMCA. Perhaps that was named after the Camp Fry in question if it is located near the original. Eventually, I found out the YMCA Camp Fry is in Naperville, a western Chicago suburb, so kind of doubt it.
--Old Secesh
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Why It Takes So Long to Do This Blog
Last week, i started writing about blacks in the Union Army from McHenry County, Illinois. I am still not finished with what I heard at that meeting of the McHenry County Civil War Round Table.
Since them, I have researched the 153rd Illinois Infantry Regiment, Private Adam S. Jackson and the 29th USCT. I saw that the 153rd Illinois had organized at a Camp Fry in Chicago. I've heard a lot about a Camp Douglas, but never heard of Camp Fry so that really caused me to spend a lot of time as there is not much about Camp Fry.
I also, while researching Camp Fry, came across a Camp Goodell in Joliet, Illinois, that had some sort of a Civil War connection and even a Camp Rheinberg (or Reinberg) in Palatine, Illinois, which was a training facility during World War I. When I was in junior high, we used to go for nature outings at a Camp Rheinberg. Looks like that calls for some more research.
One Thing Leads to Another, As They Say. --Old Secesh
Since them, I have researched the 153rd Illinois Infantry Regiment, Private Adam S. Jackson and the 29th USCT. I saw that the 153rd Illinois had organized at a Camp Fry in Chicago. I've heard a lot about a Camp Douglas, but never heard of Camp Fry so that really caused me to spend a lot of time as there is not much about Camp Fry.
I also, while researching Camp Fry, came across a Camp Goodell in Joliet, Illinois, that had some sort of a Civil War connection and even a Camp Rheinberg (or Reinberg) in Palatine, Illinois, which was a training facility during World War I. When I was in junior high, we used to go for nature outings at a Camp Rheinberg. Looks like that calls for some more research.
One Thing Leads to Another, As They Say. --Old Secesh
29th USCT-- Part 3
War losses of the 29th USCT came to three officers and 43 enlisted killed or mortally wounded. Another 188 died of disease for a total loss of 234.
Company F was mostly made up of blacks from Wisconsin and there is a living history group representing them.
At the Siege of Petersburg, the 29th's officers were Lt. Col. John A. Bross, Lt.Col. Charles J. Wright (of the 27th USCT) and Major T. Jefferson Brown.
--Old Secesh
Company F was mostly made up of blacks from Wisconsin and there is a living history group representing them.
At the Siege of Petersburg, the 29th's officers were Lt. Col. John A. Bross, Lt.Col. Charles J. Wright (of the 27th USCT) and Major T. Jefferson Brown.
--Old Secesh
29th USCT-- Part 2
In November, the 29th USCT were based at Bermuda Hundred with Butler's Army. They evidently did not accompany the troops from here who participated in the attacks on Fort Fisher.
From March 28th to April 9th, they were in the Appomattox Campaign which led to Lee's surrender.
They were then transferred to the Rio Grande River in Texas. Mustering out came November 5, 1865.
--Old Secesh
From March 28th to April 9th, they were in the Appomattox Campaign which led to Lee's surrender.
They were then transferred to the Rio Grande River in Texas. Mustering out came November 5, 1865.
--Old Secesh
29th USCT-- Part 1
From Dyer's Regimental Histories.
^The 29th United States Colored Troops Infantry Regiment was organized in Quincy, Illinois on April 24, 1864 and in May was defending the approaches to Washington, D.C.. Two McHenry County men were in it: Anthony Stepp and Lewis Ellsworth.
From June to August they were at the Siege of Petersburg and they are listed to have been at the famous Mine Explosion on July 30, 1864. (But I was able to find out if they took part in the ill-fated charge. I do know that black regiments played a major part in the attack.)
From August 18-21 they were involved in operations around the Weldon Railroad. From September 29 to October 1st, they were at Poplar Grove Church, then Oct. 27-28 at Boydtown Plank Road at Hatcher's Run.
--Old Secesh
^The 29th United States Colored Troops Infantry Regiment was organized in Quincy, Illinois on April 24, 1864 and in May was defending the approaches to Washington, D.C.. Two McHenry County men were in it: Anthony Stepp and Lewis Ellsworth.
From June to August they were at the Siege of Petersburg and they are listed to have been at the famous Mine Explosion on July 30, 1864. (But I was able to find out if they took part in the ill-fated charge. I do know that black regiments played a major part in the attack.)
From August 18-21 they were involved in operations around the Weldon Railroad. From September 29 to October 1st, they were at Poplar Grove Church, then Oct. 27-28 at Boydtown Plank Road at Hatcher's Run.
--Old Secesh
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)