James H. McCoy

Company A, 115th Illinois Volunteer Infantry

Sgt. JAMES H. McCOY was born in New Philadelphia. Ohio, April 13, 1837, being a son of Dr. V. C. McCoy and a grandson of Rev. James McCoy of Jefferson Countv, Ohio. His mother's father, Hon. Horatio Hunt, was a soldier in the war of 1812 and a prominent politician. Sergeant McCoy received a public school education and spent some time at Oberlin College. Having removed to Illinois, he enlisted in Company A at its formation, and was appointed corporal, and in April, 1863, was made sergeant. He was present in every march and battle, and was never in hospital or absent from the regiment except on duty. His wife and two children remained at home and did not see him during that time. After the war he farmed a while, but his health failing he engaged in mercantile business for a time. In 1882 he lost his sight and since then has been totally blind, residing in Pana, Ill., where he is always glad to receive a call from his comrades.

Source: History of 115th Reg ILL Vol. Infantry
By: Isaac Henry Clay Royse
2nd Lt. Co. E
Published 1900 Windsor & Kenfield Pub. Co. Chicago
Library # 973.7473R892
Terre Haute, IN. July 1900

Submitted by William Baran