Taken from: History of Tazewell County, Chicago, Chas.C. Chapman & Co., 1879, p.351-2
7th Infantry
The 7th is claimed to be the first regiment in the state, under the first call of the President for the three months' troops. The 8th also claims the same honor. The 7th was mustered in at Camp Yates, April 25, 1861; was forwarded to Alton and then to Mound City, where it remained during its three months' service.
It was re- organized for three years service, July 25, 1861; moved to Fort Holt, Kentucky, where it went into winter quarters; was with the reconnoitering expedition under Gen. Grant, in the rear of Columbus, Kentucky. On February 3d it embarked for Fort Henry and on the 12th for Fort Donelson, taking part in the siege and investment of the place. At Donelson the regiment was commanded by Lieutenant- Colonel Babock; loss 3 killed, including the gallant Captain Mendell of Company I and 19 wounded.
The 7th was engaged continually April 6th and 7th, at the battle of Shiloh, losing 2 officers and 15 men killed and 79 wounded.
At the battle of Corinth, October 3 and 4, 1862, the regiment was engaged both days entire, Colonel Babcock commanding. Loss at Corinth, 2 officers and 6 men killed and 46 wounded, also 21 prisoners.
After the battle of Corinth, the 7th was engaged in scouting and guarding railroads through Tennessee and Mississippi, taking part in a number of expeditions and having some brisk skirmishes, capturing many prisoners, etc.
December 22, 1863, the regiment re- enlisted as veterans and January 7, 1864 started to Springfield, Illinois, for veteran furlough. It was mustered out July 9, 1865 at Louisville, Kentucky; arrived at Camp Butler, July 12, 1865, for final payment and discharge.