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History of Fayette County
and the Civil War

Civil War History

It was not until the civil war that Fayette County proved its true mettle. The lists that follow show, in a measure, what the Union owes to Fayette County and it’s brave men. Many of those who went out never returned, dying on the battle fields or in the terrible southern prisons. Others did live to get home, but died soon thereafter from injuries inflicted, or fatal diseases contracted. There were still others who dragged out a painful existence for many years, harassed constantly by the ills that were the result of their unflinching bravery and willingness to sacrifice themselves for their country.

Fayette has its list of veterans of the Civil War, but unfortunately the ranks grow thinner with each succeeding year. While any remain, let all honor and glory be accorded them. Let the young be taught to venerate these remnants of the "Boys in Blue," for in giving them their just dues, will the spirit of patriotism be cherished in the hearts of those who some day may be called upon to respond to the call of flag and country.

Companies Made Up in the County. - - Those who went out from Fayette County enlisted in the following companies:

All these Regiments were under three year enlistment’s. Other organizations, in whole or in part from Fayette County, were: While these companies were not entirely made up from Fayette County, representatives from this locality were in each one mentioned above, and all the Fayette soldiers, whether officers or in the ranks, did their full duty, and made a record of which the county is extremely proud.

McIlwain Post No. 173, - - Grand Army of the Republic, numbers among its members many veterans who take an active interest in the encampment and re-unions. Connection with this Post are the Woman’s Relief Corps, and the Ladies of the G. A. R., both of which are taken up more fully in another part of this work.

When the Rebellion started, Fayette County was the first in the field with recruits. It responded to the first call, and then stood by the flag when three-year volunteers were called for, following the three-months’ enlistment. There was no apathy shown; the whole county was a recruiting ground, and Vandalia was the center of all the excitement. In all no less than fifteen companies were organized and sent to the front from Vandalia. The city was simply an armed camp during the entire recruiting period.

Officers from Fayette County, - - Some of the men who went from Vandalia attained a national reputation. Colonel Thomas E. G. Ransom, who was the Illinois Central agent at Farina when hostilities began, enlisted in the Eleventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, soon became Colonel, and afterwards Major General. Other distinguished men in the Union cause were:

All of Vandalia. Few counties surpassed Fayette in establishing a record for high patriotism when the occasion presented itself.

The following is a complete list of the companies, with the names of the Captains:

McIlwain Post, G. A. R., - - McIlwain Post No. 273, Grand Army of the Republic, was organized June 11, 1883, with forty-five charter members. Some of the early commanders of the Post were: The Post is in a flourishing condition and has a nice hall, which is well furnished. The sick members are cared for, those who die are buried with military honors, and memorial services are held each Decoration day. On the Sunday preceding Decoration Day union services are held I one of the churches, and the Post, Corps and Circle attend in a body, to listen to a memorial sermon preached by some minister designated by the post. The present Commander of the Post is Robert W. Ross.

McIlwain Woman’s Relief Corps, No. 221, auxiliary to McIlwain Post, G. A. R., was instituted January 2, 1893, with twenty-one charter members, which during the first year were increased to sixty-eight. Mrs. Alice VanDorston was the first President.

Florence Nightingale Circle, No. 60, Ladies of the G. A. R. , was organized April 19 1902. Its object is much the same as that of the Woman’s Relief Corps but an applicant for membership must be a blood relative of a soldier who served in the Civil War.

Company I, I. N. G. - - Fayette County can well afford to look with pride upon its home guard. Company I was first organized in 1884, and mustered into the service by Colonel R. M. Smith, then Colonel of the Eighth Regiment, to which this company was assigned. The men were sworn in and company officers elected and appointed that same evening in the old bank building in Vandalia.

Jerome G. Wills was elected Captain, H. J. Gochenour and B. F. Martin were elected Lieutenants. The non-commissioned officers appointed at that time were, and are today, among the best business men of the county. Captain Wills remained with the company one year, and was succeeded by J. B. Washburn, who was promoted to rank of Captain. Captain Washburn served in that capacity until 1887, when he resigned on account of business affairs, and was succeeded by Captain F. L. Fehren. In 1888 the latter resigned, and by request Captain Washburn came back and was commissioned Captain the second time. In 1892 he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and later on the Colonel of the present Fourth Regiment.

Col. Washburn commanded the latter at Camp Tanner at the beginning of the Spanish-American War, when friction occurred between him an Governor Tanner, which resulted in Colonel Washburn’s resignation.

Company I has served the State of Illinois in all labor troubles from the time of its organization to the present time. During the great railroad strike of 1886 in East St. Louis, it served there for five weeks; was also at the Pullman strike in Chicago, in 1894; at the coal mine strikes of Centralia, Carterville and Cairo, and was at Mounds during the railroad troubles. It was also present at East St. Louis after the cyclone, and at Springfield, Ill., during the race riot, August 15-19, 1908.

No company in the State has been called out more often than Company I, and while they have always complied with orders from the Commander-in-chief, their wok has not been to maim and kill but to protect property and promote peace.

Upon several occasions Company I has been considered one of the ‘crack’ companies of the State, and from the time of its organization up to the present time many of the best citizens of Fayette have been connected directly or indirectly with the company.

At one time, Dr. R. E. Beach was connected with this regiment as Assistant Surgeon, and would probably have remained many years longer had his large practice permitted him to do so. Dr. Higinbotom also acted in the same capacity. Dr. R. T. Higgins earned the title of Colonel by acting on Governor Tanner’s staff.

The following is the list of those who have served as Captains and Lieutenants of Company I:

And present Officers: (At the time this book was published in 1910) Source: "Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Fayette County", published in 1910 - Pages 705 thru 708.

  
 

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