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From Commemorative Biographical Record of the Counties of Rock, Green, Grant, Iowa and Lafayette, Wisconsin, publ. 1901- page 424-426

JOHN DRAGGS, of Fennimore, Grant county, a veteran soldier of the war of the Rebellion, and an early settler of that town, was born in Westmoreland county, Penn., April 10, 1841, a son of James and Elizabeth DRAGGS, both of whom died when their child, the subject of this sketch, was a small boy.

About 1856 John DRAGGS came to Grant county with the family of CLINGER, with whom he had lived after the death of his parents, and continued with them for two years when he entered the employ of a Mr. WALKER. When he was about eighteen John DRAGGS entered the family of the well-known pioneer, Abner DYER, and lived with them until he started out in life for himself. Much of his success in life Mr. DRAGGS attributes to the sage advice and kindly friendship of this good man, who practiced what he preached, and set an example of sterling honesty and uprightness.

While our subject was yet a boy the war cloud burst, and he felt stirring within his breast the voice of duty, bidding him to offer himself to his country. Accordingly, in August, 1861, he enrolled in Company H, 7th Wis. V.I., which became a part of the famous Iron brigade, whose record for gallantry and effective service is unexcelled. Mr. DRAGGS remained with his regiment from the time of organization until June, 1862, when he was taken sick and sent to Washington. When he had sufficiently recovered he was given charge of a ward in the hospital as nurse. The hospitals at that time were overflowing, and good nurses difficult to obtain, and although Mr. DRAGGS desired to return to the front, his efficiency as a nurse kept him in the hospital in that capacity until the fall of 1863. At this time he again joined his comrades, and continued with the regiment, sharing in all its battles and marches, until the engagement of Haymarket, Va., Oct. 19, 1863, when he and many others were captured, and for the remainder of the war languished in Southern prisons. For a few months, Mr. DRAGGS was confined at Belle Isle, Va., and was then transferred to the notorious stockade at Andersonville, Ga., where he remained until the close of the struggle threw open the doors of the prison. John DRAGGS was among the first squad of prisoners sent from Belle Isle to Andersonville, and there, during the weary days of the spring and summer of 1864, and the winter of 1864-65, he, with thousands of others, suffered from heat, thirst, starvation, and the cruel treatment of those in charge. When the squad to which he belonged arrived at the prison it was not yet completed, but all were carefully guarded, and their sufferings never lessened. It is not surprising that men died by the thousands, like cattle, in this infamous place; the wonder is that any possessed endurance to bear them through such a terrible trial. The courage and loyalty that could survive such treatment is of a loftier order than that demanded in action, although both are of a value beyond price. Still, those who did survive to march forth, conquerors of their captors, have borne with them ever since traces of those days of horror that no care or nursing will ever remove, and which are as honorable as bullet hole or saber scar.

Amid rejoicing and thanksgiving these heroic and almost helpless prisoners were transferred to Vicksburg, Miss., but scarcely had they reached a haven of safety when the sad news of the death of the beloved President came to them. As soon as they were able to bear the journey the prisoners were transferred to Benton barracks, at St. Louis, Mo., and there John DRAGGS drew one hundred and thirty-six dollars from the government, and invested fifty dollars of it in a suit of ready-made clothes. Arrayed in them, on the 10th of May, 1865, he reached the home of his former employer and kind friend, Abner DYER, with whom he continued to reside until his marriage, in 1868.

Soon after his return from the army John DRAGGS purchased 160 acres of land, eighty acres of which were in Section 1, in the town of Little Grant, and eighty in Lancaster. Later he bought 120 acres more, in the town of Little Grant, and he also owned forty acres in Section 6. After purchasing the land Mr. DRAGGS entered at once upon its improvement, and eventually became one of the most successful farmers, and stock raisers in the northern part of Grant county. In 1884 he sold the old homestead, and bought eighty acres near the village of Fennimore. This he improved until 1895, when he practically retired from active business, and his son now owns the farm.

In 1868 John DRAGGS married Miss Elizabeth BEETHAM, daughter of John BEETHAM, and six children blessed their union: Anna is the wife of Henry ROTHE, of the town of Fennimore; Harry lives on the farm; Bert is a farmer of the town of Mount Ida; Edith and Amy are at home. The eldest, Cora, who died in 1888, at the age of nineteen, was a graduate of the high school at Fennimore, a successful teacher, and a most estimable young lady; she was sincerely mourned by all who knew her. On Sept. 12, 1893, Mrs. DRAGGS died, leaving a blank which can never be filled. To her encouraging advice, economical efforts, and wise management Mr. DRAGGS feels that he owes much of his success. John DRAGGS enjoys the esteem of his fellow townsmen, and has been honored by them in various ways, being chosen chairman of his town for three years in succession; also a member of the county board for several years; and school treasurer of the village of Fennimore the first year of his residence there, which office he has since held. In politics Mr. DRAGGS is a stanch Republican, and takes an active interest in the workings of his party. Although a member of no religious body, he takes a lively interest in all matters pertaining to church work, and gives liberally to various organizations. He is an honored member of Sam Monteith Post, No. 173, G.A.R., and was commander of same for three years. In recognition of his services as a soldier, Mr. DRAGGS was appointed, Sept. 17, 1897, aide-de-camp on the staff of Gen. Palmer when the latter became governor of Illinois.

Beginning life a poor, orphan boy, without a dollar, Mr. DRAGGS has worked his way upward on the ladder of fortune, and often states that the highest remuneration he ever received for his services was thirteen dollars a month. Still, by careful investment, and the strictest economy, he managed to acquire a sufficiency for himself and his children after him. Mr. DRAGGS and his two youngest daughters reside at their pleasant home in Fennimore, where they dispense hospitality to their friends, and enjoy the confidence and respect of the entire community.



This biography generously submitted by Carol Holmbeck