History of the 85th Illinois Volunteers
Illinois Volunteer Infantry
by
Henry J. Aten

CHAPTER XXXII.
Pages 420 - 432
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     Company F was enrolled by John Kennedy at Pekin, Tazewell county, between June 15th and 21st, 1862, in anticipation of a call for additional troops. This was almost a month earlier that the enrollment of any other company in the Eighty-fifth. Unfortunately the enlistment roll of this company does not always definitely fix the birth-place of the men. At the organization of the company the following commissioned officers were elected: John Kennedy, captain; Robert A. Bowman, first lieutenant, and Richard W. Tenney, second lieutenant.
     During the three years’ service 25 of the company were struck by bullets or shell in battle, 9 of whom were killed, 7 died of wounds and 9 recovered, 4 were accidentally killed, 10 died of disease, 23, were discharged, 4 were transferred and at the final muster out there were but 30 present.
     The company was always bravely commanded, and never failed to do its full duty toward the preservation of the nation’s integrity. The following is

THE COMPANY ROSTER

CAPTAIN JOHN KENNEDY was born in Tipperary, County Limerick, Ireland, emigrated to Illinois, and was a boatman on the Illinois river, residing at Pekin, in Tazewell county, when he recruited the company. None questioned his ability to commend, and at the organization of the company he was elected captain. As an officer he was brave and enterprising, and led his company with more than usual skill. He was slightly wounded in the assault on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, but refused to leave his command. A few days later, at the battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864, he was killed instantly by a shot which passed through his head. And so he died, with his face to the foe, defending the flag of his adopted country, beloved and regretted by his associates of whatever rank. His remains are buried at No. 8832, in the hallowed ground of the national cemetery at Marietta, Ga.

FIRST LIEUTENANT ROBERT A. BOWMAN, aged forty-two, born in Genesee county, New York, was married and a boatman when he enlisted from Pekin, Ill. He was elected first lieutenant at the organization of the company and served with the command until during the siege of Chattanooga, when he resigned under date of October 17, 1863, and went home.

FIRST LIEUTENANT ANDREW J. MASON, aged thirty-seven, married, farmer; enlisted from Pekin, was chosen sergeant at the organization of the company, and was promoted first lieutenant October 17, 1863. He was commissioned captain May 27, 1865, but the company was then too small to allow his muster. He commanded the company from the death of Captain Kennedy until the close of the war and was mustered out with the regiment.

SECOND LIEUTENANT RICHARD W. TENNEY, aged twenty-one, single, clerk; enlisted from Pekin, was elected second lieutenant at the organization of the company. Served with his company until January 13, 1863, when he resigned and returned to Pekin, Ill., where he now resides.

SECOND LIEUTENANT EDWIN D. LAMPITT, aged twenty-one, single; enlisted from Pekin, was chosen first sergeant at the organization of the company, and promoted to be second lieutenant January 13, 1863. He resigned October 10, 1863, during the siege of Chattanooga, Tenn.

FIRST SERGEANT WILLIAM KELLEY, aged thirty-four, single, boatman; enlisted from Pekin, was chosen sergeant at the organization of the company, promoted first sergeant, served with his company until the close of the war and was mustered out with the regiment.

SERGEANT FRANCIS M. McCOLGAN enlisted from Pekin, single, farmer, was chosen sergeant at the organization of the company and was commissioned first lieutenant, but the company was below the minimum and he was never mustered. He was captured, shot and left for dead by his inhuman captors at Louisville, Ga., November 30, 1864, but recovered, served to the close of the war and was honorably discharged. He resides at East Las Vegas, New Mexico.

SERGEANT WILLIAM JOHNSON, aged twenty-six, single, farmer; enlisted from Pekin, was chosen sergeant at the organization of the company, served to the close of the war, and was mustered out with the regiment as a private.

SERGEANT WILLIAM DELONG, aged twenty-four, single, farmer, enlisted from Spring Bay, was chosen corporal at the organization of the company, promoted sergeant, served until the close of the war and was mustered out with the regiment.

SERGEANT JOHN O’BRIEN was born in Peoria, ill., in 1845, and was a farmer when he enlisted form Princeville, in Stark county. He was chosen corporal at the organization of the company, promoted sergeant, served with his company until the close of the war, and was mustered out with the regiment. He removed to Colorado in 1872 and engaged in the livery business in Boulder. He served as county assessor, constable, and as a member of the city council. He died January 13, 1892, leaving a widow who resides at No. 1479 Pine Street, Boulder, Colo.

SERGEANT WILLIAM EARP, aged thirty-four, single, farmer, enlisted from Pekin, was promoted sergeant, served with his company until captured at Louisville, Ga., November 30, 1864, and shot down in cold blood by his inhuman captors. He died during the night.

SERGEANT HENRY AMSLER was born in Spring Bay, Woodford county, Illinois, December 4, 1838, was single and a farmer when he enlisted from his native town. He was promoted sergeant November 30, 1864, served with his company until the close of the war and was mustered out with the regiment. He returned to his former home and resumed farming, but in 1881 he removed to Pontiac, Livingston county, Illinois, where he now resides.

SERGEANT DAVID HAMILTON, son of Jonathon Hamilton and Harriet Ro, was born in Piqua county, Ohio, October 14, 1838, and with his parents removed to Iowa and settled on a farm in Louisa county in 1842. David and his brother, Reuben, were working at Brimfield, Peoria county, Illinois, when they enlisted. David was promoted to be sergeant, and served with his company until killed in the battle of Jonesboro, Ga., September 1, 1864.

CORPORAL EDWARD SCATTERGOOD, aged nineteen, enlisted from Pekin and was chosen corporal at the organization of the company, was color corporal and was carrying the battle flag when severely wounded at the battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864; fell into the hands of the enemy and died in prison at Blackshear, Ga., about December 1, 1864. He was erroneously marked mustered out with the regiment, and so appears in the adjutant general’s report.

CORPORAL NATHAN KELLOGG, aged eighteen, farmer; enlisted from Pekin, was chosen corporal at the organization of the company and served until severely wounded at the battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864. He fell into the hands of the enemy and died at Griffin, Ga. His remains are buried at No. 4249 in the national cemetery at Marietta, Ga. He, too, was erroneously reported as mustered out with the regiment.

CORPORAL DAVID STRADFORD, aged thirty-five, single, farmer; enlisted from Spring Bay, was chosen corporal at the organization of the company. Served until the close of the war and was mustered out with the regiment. Is reported dead by the pension office.

CORPORAL GEORGE DEFORD, aged eighteen, farmer; enlisted from Princeville, in Stark county, was chosen corporal at the organization of the company and served until drowned in the Tennessee river, October 19, 1863. (See Chapter XI.)

CORPORAL R. S. SCRIVENS, aged twenty-six, married, farmer; enlisted from Spring Bay, in Woodford county, was chosen corporal at the organization of the company and was discharged for disability, December 4, 1862.

CORPORAL PHILIP BECK, aged nineteen, farmer; enlisted from Pekin, was chosen corporal at the organization of the company and served until killed at the battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864.

CORPORAL LEVI CLIFTON was born in Vermillion county, Indiana, March 8, 1845, and with his parents removed to Illinois in 1849. He enlisted from Spring Bay, in Woodford county, was promoted corporal and was slightly wounded at the battle of Mission Ridge. Served to the close of the war and was mustered out with the regiment. He removed to Nebraska in 1878 and settled in Knox county, where he served two terms as county commissioner. He is now farming near Franklin, Franklin county, Nebraska.

CORPORAL WILLIAM DEAN was born in Mercer, Mercer county, Pennsylvania, in April, 1844, and removed with his parents to Illinois in 1858. HE was promoted to be corporal, was slightly wounded in the battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864, and was mustered out with the regiment. He returned to Illinois and engaged in farming, and resides at Manito, Mason county.

CORPORAL JOHN HODGE was born in Spring Bay, Woodford county, Illinois, January 2, 1844; enlisted from his native town, was promoted corporal, served to the close of the war and was mustered out with the regiment. After final discharge he returned to his former home, where he has been engaged in farming to the present time. HE is at present alderman of Spring Bay, Ill.

CORPORAL GEORGE PILLSBURY, aged twenty-four, single, merchant; enlisted from Pekin, and was born in Tazewell county. He was promoted corporal, served to the close of the war and was mustered out with the regiment. He is an inmate of the Soldiers’ Home at Quincy, Ill.

CORPORAL B. F. VARNUM, aged eighteen, farmer; enlisted from Pekin, was promoted corporal and was wounded in right hand at the battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864, but continued to serve with his company to the close of the war and was mustered out with the regiment.

DRUMMER ABRAHAM BURT enlisted from Spring Bay, Tazewell county, Illinois, and was made drummer. Served through the Kentucky campaign, and was discharged for disability at Nashville, Tenn., January 15, 1863. When last heard from he was residing in Peoria, Ill.

WAGONER JOHN WOLF, aged thirty-three, single, mechanic; enlisted from Pekin as wagoner and served in that capacity until his health failed. He was discharged at Jefferson barracks, Missouri, March 6, 1864, for disability.

WILLIAM BIRD, aged nineteen, miner; enlisted from Pekin. Served until the close of the war and was mustered out with the regiment. Is said to be living at Scales Mound, Jo Davies county, Illinois.

JAMES F. BURT was born in Ripley, Brown county, Ohio, December 3, 1845, and was a farmer residing at Spring Bay, Woodford county, Illinois, when he enlisted. He was wounded in the assault on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864, but recovered and served to the close of the war, and was mustered out with the regiment. Is a farmer and resides since 1889 at Litchfield, Montgomery county, Illinois.

DAVID BOYER, aged twenty-two, single, farmer; enlisted from Pekin, served through the Kentucky campaign and was discharged for disability January 19, 1863. Is said to reside near Delavan, Tazewell county, Illinois.

JOHN BAGGS, aged nineteen, farmer; enlisted from Spring Bay, Woodford county, Illinois. Served until the close of the war and was mustered out with the regiment. He is supposed to be living at Sparland, Marshall county, Illinois.

D. A. BRANDON, aged thirty-five, farmer; enlisted from Spring Bay, Woodford county, Illinois, and served with his company until killed in the assault on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864. Is buried at No. 8759 in the national cemetery at Marietta, Ga.

P. D. CLEVELAND, aged thirty-five, single, farmer; enlisted from Pekin. Served through the Kentucky campaign, but his health failed and he died February 4, 1863.

DAVID CRAIG, aged forty-one, single, boatman; enlisted from Pekin. Served until the close of the war and was mustered out with the regiment. His death is reported by the pension office under the date of July 20, 1894.

JAMES CAREY, aged thirty-eight, single; enlisted from Pekin. Served with his company until severely wounded at Buzzard Roost, Georgia, February 25, 1864, was sent to the hospital at Nashville, Tenn., where he died March 11, 1864. Is buried at No. 1490 in the national cemetery near that city.

JAMES J. CHEAL, aged --; enlisted from Pekin. Served with his company through the Kentucky campaign, and was transferred to the invalid corps at Nashville, Tenn., September 7, 1863.

JOHN J. CLARK, aged twenty-five, farmer; enlisted from Pekin. Served with his company until captured at the battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864; was held in various rebel prisons until the close of the war and was honorably discharged at Springfield, Ill., June 17, 1865.

JAMES COMBS, aged twenty-one, single, farmer; enlisted from Pekin. Served until the close of the war and was mustered out with the regiment. Is an inmate of the Soldiers’ Home at Quincy, Illinois.

ROBERT DRIVER, aged thirty, married, farmer; enlisted from Spring Bay, and died at Louisville, Ky., September 29, 1862.

JOHN DUBOIS, aged nineteen; enlisted from Spring Bay. Served through the Kentucky campaign and was transferred to the invalid corps at Nashville, Tenn., September 7, 1863.

WILLIAM DEFORD, aged twenty-one, farmer; enlisted from Spring Bay. Served through the Kentucky campaign, and died at Nashville, Tenn., April 18, 1863.

LEANDER DEVALL deserted October 20, 1862.

JAMES FRANK, aged twenty-one, farmer; enlisted from Pekin. No record after muster-in.

JOSEPH FORNER, aged thirty, single, boatman; enlisted from Pekin. Served with his company until killed at Buzzard Roost, Georgia, February 25, 1864. He was born in France.

NICHOLAS FULTZ, born in Germany. Deserted October 11, 1862.

PHILIP GABRIEL, aged eighteen, farmer; enlisted from Spring Bay. Served with his company until the close of the war and was mustered out with the regiment.

ANDREW GABRIEL, aged twenty-one, single, farmer; enlisted from Spring Bay. Served through the Kentucky campaign, and was discharged at Nashville, Tenn., for disability, January 20, 1863.

HUGH GEHAGAN, aged twenty-nine, single, farmer; enlisted from Spring Bay; served with his company until the close of the war and was mustered out with the regiment. He fell overboard just below Cincinnati and was drowned in the Ohio river. (See Chapter XXV.)

ROBERT GRIG or GREGG, aged thirty-six, married, farmer; enlisted from Spring Bay. Served through the Kentucky campaign and was discharged for disability at Nashville, Tenn., March 31, 1863. Reported dead by the pension office.

JAMES HANKS, aged twenty-five, single, farmer; enlisted from Pekin. Served through the Kentucky campaign, and was killed by guerrillas near Nashville, Tenn., February 9, 1863.

HASARD HODGE, aged eighteen, farmer; enlisted from Spring Bay. Served through the Kentucky campaign, and was discharged at Nashville, Tenn., for disability, January 17, 1863.

GEORGE HODGE, aged eighteen, farmer; enlisted from Spring Bay. Served through the Kentucky campaign, and died at Nashville, Tenn., June 17, 1863. Is buried at No. 3546 in the national cemetery near the city.

ALEXANDER HODGE, aged eighteen, farmer; enlisted from Spring Bay and served with his company until killed in the assault on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864.

REUBEN HAMILTON was born in Piqua county, Ohio, April 11, 1834, and removed with his parents, Jonathan Hamilton and Harriet Ro, to Iowa in 1842 and settled on a farm in Louisa county. He enlisted from Brimfield in Peoria county, Illinois, and served with his company to the close of the war and was mustered out with the regiment. He was wounded in the right leg and left thigh at the battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia, but returned to duty in time for the battle of Jonesboro, Ga., where is brother, Sergeant David Hamilton, was killed. He is a blacksmith, but unable to work at his trade, and for several years has been an inmate of the Soldiers’ Home at Quincy, Ill.

HENRY HENFLING, aged twenty, farmer; enlisted from Spring Bay. His health failed early in the Kentucky campaign, and he died at Harrodsburg, Ky., October 24, 1862.

F. S. HENFLING, aged twenty-two, married, farmer; enlisted from Spring Bay. Served in the Kentucky campaign until accidentally wounded near Crab Orchard. How the accident occurred none ever knew. A gun was discharged, Henfling was shot through the leg and sent to the hospital at Danville, where he died November 1, 1862. Is buried at No. 80 in the national cemetery at Danville, Ky.,

AMERICUS HINSEY, aged twenty-two, single, farmer; enlisted from Groveland. Served with his company until severely wounded in the battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864. His left leg was broken by a gun shot and amputated and he was discharged for wounds from the hospital at Chicago, Ill., soon after the close of the war. When last heard from he was an inmate of the Soldiers’ Home in Dayton, Ohio.

LEVI HORTON appears to have enlisted June 21 and to have been mustered in August 27, 1862, and there the record ends in his case.

EDWARD JONES deserted December 13, 1862.

MAURICE LANDERER, aged thirty, single, farmer, born in Germany and enlisted from Peoria. Served with his company until killed at the battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864.

CLINTON LOGAN, aged twenty-eight, single, farmer; enlisted from Spring Bay, and served with his company until accidentally killed by a guard at Atlanta, Ga., September 9, 1864. His remains are buried at No. 1162 in the national cemetery at Marietta, Ga.

JAMES McCABE, aged twenty-nine, single, boatman; enlisted from Pekin. Served with his company until the close of the war, and was discharged with the regiment. He was a native of Ireland, and is reported to have died December 19, 1888.

PHILLIP McCABE was born in Ireland, October 31, 1845, emigrated to Illinois with his parents in May, 1857, and was a farmer when he enlisted from Pekin. He served with his company until the close of the war, and was mustered out with the regiment. He is an optician and resided at Delavan, Tazewell county, Illinois.

JOHN MALONEY, aged twenty-one, single, farmer; enlisted from Pekin. Served through the Kentucky campaign, and died at Nashville, Tenn., January 9, 1863. Is buried at No. 5957 in the national cemetery near that city.

JOHN McQUIN, aged twenty-six, single, farmer; enlisted from Pekin. Served until the close of the war and was honorably discharged May 17, 1865.

BARNHART NOBLACK, aged twenty, farmer; enlisted from Spring Bay and served with his company until severely wounded in the assault on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864. He was removed to the hospital at Nashville, Tenn., where he died September 9, 1864. Is buried at No. 14175 in the national cemetery near that city.

FRED W. NEWMAN, aged twenty-five, single, shoemaker, born in Germany; enlisted from Spring Bay, Ill., and was discharged for disability, November 21, 1862. He is reported to have died April 2, 1896.

JOSEPH ORANGE, aged twenty-three, single, farmer, born in Germany and enlisted from Spring Bay, Ill. He served with his company until his health failed and died at McAfee Church, Ga., March 28, 1864. Is buried at No. 11140 in the national cemetery at Chattanooga, Tenn.

MIKE OUR, aged thirty-eight, single, farmer, born in Germany; enlisted from Spring Bay, Ill. Served through the Kentucky campaign, and died at Nashville, Tenn., February 8, 1863. His remains are buried at No. 6557 in the national cemetery at Nashville, Tenn.

WILLIAM PHILLIPS, aged twenty-seven, single, farmer; enlisted from Spring Bay. Served with his company until the close of the war and was mustered out with the regiment. He was reported living at Newport, Jackson county, Arkansas, but a letter directed to that address was returned unclaimed.

ISAAC PHILLIPS, aged twenty-nine, married, farmer; enlisted from Spring Bay and was discharged for disability January 30, 1863.

THOMAS PHILLIPS, aged twenty-nine, married, farmer; enlisted from Spring Bay. Served with his company until the close of the war and was mustered out with the regiment.

H. B. PARKS, aged thirty, single, farmer; enlisted from Spring Bay and was discharged fro disability, January 16, 1863.

WILLIAM QUINLIN, aged twenty-nine, single, farmer; enlisted from Peoria. Served in the Kentucky campaign until the command reached Bowling Green, when he was sent to the hospital. He was discharged for disability from that place, May 21, 1863. After the close of the war he returned to Ireland, the land of his birth, and died there October 1, 1894.

MATTHEW RILEY, aged forty, single, farmer; enlisted from Pekin, and served with his company until killed in the assault on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864. He was born in Ireland; was of fine appearance, and made a splendid soldier.

MARTIN RYAN, aged twenty-five, married, farmer; enlisted from Pekin. He deserted September 8, 1862.

MICHAEL RHOADES, aged twenty-five, married, farmer; enlisted from Pekin. Served with his company until drowned in the Tennessee river, October 19, 1863. (See Chapter XI.) His remains were recovered and are buried at No. 11830, in the national cemetery at Chattanooga, Tenn.

WILLIAM SPILLMAN was born in Switzerland, May 14, 1836, emigrated to Illinois, and was a farmer in Woodford county when he enlisted from Spring Bay. He served with his company through all the campaigns in which the regiment was engaged, and was mustered out with the regiment. He returned to his former home at Spring Bay and resumed farming. Has been president of the school board for nine years, and also served as tax collector. His address is Spring Bay, Woodford county, Illinois.

HENRY STALDER, aged twenty, farmer, born in Germany, and enlisted from Spring Bay, Ill. He died in Louisville, Ky., October 12, 1862.

JOHN THOMPSON, aged forty-one, married, farmer, born in England, and enlisted from Pekin, ill. He was discharged for disability at Louisville, Ky., March 7, 1863.

JOEL F. TERRY, aged eighteen, farmer; enlisted from Spring Bay. Served with his company until captured at the battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia. He was held in various rebel prisons until the close of the way, and was honorably discharged June 17, 1865. Is supposed to be living at Oronoque, Norton county, Kansas.

ANTOINE TONEY, aged forty, single, farmer; enlisted from Spring Bay, and after muster in, the record is silent concerning him.

BENJAMIN TANGARD, aged twenty-four, married, farmer; enlisted from Groveland. Served with his company until the close of the war, and was mustered out with the regiment. Is supposed to be living at Western, Saline county, Nebraska.

MATTHEW L. WRIGLEY was born in Saybrook, Middlesex county, Connecticut, August 9, 1842; removed to Illinois, and was a farmer when he enlisted from Pekin, Ill. He served with his company until captured in the battle of Chickamauga, Ga., September 20, 1863; was held in various rebel prisons until the close of the war, and was honorably discharged July 22, 1865. He returned to Illinois, but removed to Missouri in 1867, and to Oklahoma at the opening. He has been postmaster at Alvaretta, and is at present a merchant of that place. His address is Alvaretta, Woods county, Oklahoma.

FITZHUGH WESTNOUR, aged twenty-one, farmer; enlisted from Peoria, and served with his company until April 1, 1865, when he was transferred to the invalid corps. He was honorably discharged from that organization, at Washington, D. C., June 28, 1865.

EDWARD WARNER, aged eighteen, farmer; enlisted from Spring Bay. Served with his company until near the close of the war, but was sick in the hospital at Chicago, Ill., when the regiment was mustered out. He was honorably discharged a few days later.

W. WARNER, aged thirty-three; appears on the roll, but now further record has been found.

WILLIAM WHITNEY, aged twenty-four; enlisted June 18, and was mustered in August 27, 1862, but beyond these facts no record can be found.

ALEXANDER WOODCOCK, aged thirty-three, married, farmer; enlisted from Spring Bay, and died at New Albany, Ind., October 11, 1862. Is buried at No. 1096, in the national cemetery near that city.

G. H. WILSON, aged twenty-nine; enlisted June 21, and was mustered in with the regiment, and here the record stops.

JACOB WHITTAKER, aged eighteen, farmer; enlisted from Pekin, Ill. Served with his company until wounded at Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864. He recovered so as to return to duty and was mustered out with the regiment. He removed to California and settled at Clear Creek, Butte county, where he died several years since, from the effect of his wound. His remains are buried in the cemetery at Clear Creek, Cal.

JOHN BASS, recruit supposed to have belonged to the company, but the record is silent beyond this statement that he enlisted from Pekin.

PHILLIP BRICKEL, recruit that seems to have belonged to the company, and who was transferred by border of the secretary of war, May 18, 1865, to Company C, Sixteenth Illinois infantry, and mustered out with that regiment July 8, 1865. He is supposed to be living at Alexandria, Thayer county, Nebraska.

WILLIAM EHART, deserted on the same day he was mustered into the service.

JAMES ROSS, recruit; no date of enlistment or muster. Killed by guerrillas near Nashville, Tenn., February 8, 1863.

JOHN TURNER, died at Louisville, Ky., October 12, 1862.
    

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