This compnay was organized in Oct 1875, with 50 men. The first officers were Capt James V Grider, Lt William Hendrickson and Lt DA Davis. The company was reorganized under the present militia laws of the State in Aug 1877, with the same number of men, with Capt JV Grider, Lt William H Bundy and Lt George W Bock as the officers thereof. The next set of officers were Capt Brice Holland, Lt JR Little and Lt EE Mitchell. The latter resigned after serving about 2 years and was succeeded by John P Moore. The present officers are Capt WS Washburn, Lt WH Bentley and Lt Joseph Fozzard. 1st Lt James F Connell and 2nd Lt TJ Helton have served as such to fill vacancies. The guards are mustered as Co M 8th Regiment, 2nd Brigade, ILL National Guard. They were called in the spring of 1886 to guard property in East St Louis during the strike period. They were there in service for 15 days and had no trouble. They meet at the State Camping Ground (Camp Lincoln) every year in Aug for the purpose of receiving instructions. Capt Holland was promoted in Jul 1886, to the office of major of the regiment. Capt Washburn served as quartermaster of the 9th and 11th Regiments for 8 years prior to being elected captain of the guards.
The following condensed recapitulation shows the number of Wmson Co men mustered into the United States service during the late civil war, the same having been carefully compiled from the offical reports: Co K 18th--14 men; Co E 29th--29 men; Co C 31st--133 men; Co E 31st--32 men; Co F 31st-20 men; Co G 31st Reg--5 men; Co H 31st--2 men; Co E 56th--26 men; Co I 56th--12 men; Co K 16th--10 men; Co E 81st--31 men; Co G 81st--77 men; Co H 81st--93 men; Co D & H 109th--8 men; Co C 110th--64 men; Co G 110th--29 men; 128th Regiment--445 men, making a grand total of 1030. It has been asserted that the county seat about 2000 men into the army, and it may be claimed that the summary of the foregoing recapitulation is too smal, but any and all persons making such claims are respectfully referred to the official reports.