Obituaries of Civil War Soldiers

from Hardin County, Illinois

Page 2


MAHAN, Gideon B., Co. K, 5th Tennessee Cavalry. (HCC BK, page 190 - Cave-in-Rock Cemetery - Gideon Mahon (Mahan), Tenn. Co. I. 57 Reg. Va. Inf. Confed. States Army. Jan. 11, 1927. Elizabeth A. Ledbetter Mahan - 1869.) From the Hardin County Independent, Jan. 27, 1927. Rev. Gideon B. Mahan was born in Tennessee July 29, 18-7; died at his home in Cave-in-Rock, Jan. 11, 1927, aged 79 yrs., 5 mos. and 13 days. He was a soldier in the Civil War, a private in Co. K 5th Tennessee Cavalry. He enlisted at Lebanon, Putman Co. Tenn., July 22, 1863, and was discharged Aug. 14, 1865 at Pulaski, Tenn. United in marriage to Miss Nancy Ann SEVERS, Oct. 4, 1866, to union was born eleven children, given according to age: William Mahan of Livengood, Alaska; Alexander Mahan of West Plains, Mo.; Charley Mahan, deceased; John Mahan of West Plains, Mo.; Gideon B. Mahan of Granburry, Texas; Thomas Mahan, deceased; Harvey J. Mahan of San Francisco, Calif.; Nancy Ann Mahan deceased; Ben--- A. Mahan, deceased; Samuel A. Mahan of San Francisco, Calif.; Ancen L. Mahan of Coamont, Colo. His first wife Nancy Ann Mahan died Jan. 25, 1896. His second marriage was to Ollie A. CALDWELL who departed this life Aug. 27, 1903, to this union was born one daughter, deceased. His third marriage was to Elizabeth LEDBETTER Jan. 23, 1906 who survived his death Converted in 1867 and ordained by a Gen. Baptist Presbytery in 1868 to preach the gospel. He was member of Keeling Hill Gen. Baptist Church and a member of the Masonic Order. Dr. S. Oxford gave the cause of death as dropsy of the heart. Service by Rev. Jonas Spivy the writer of the obit. Burial at Cave-in-Rock Cemetery. Leaves to mourn a loving companion, seven sons, eleven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and one brother, Isaac Mahan, 84 years old of Elkton, Ky.

MASON, Joseph, Co. E, 48th Illinois Infantry (HCC BK, page 173 - Cave Hill Cemetery - Joseph Mason, Pvt. 48 Ill. Infantry. 1842-1923.) From the Hardin County Independent, Jan. 24, 1924: Joseph Mason was born in Caldwell Co. Ky., in 1842. he came to Hardin Co. Ill. in 1849. When the Civil War was ensued, he volunteered his service as soon as his age would permit. He was married to Nancy Jane ROBINSON in 1863. Five children were born to them: William, Henry, Charles Albert, Mrs. Henry DOSSETT of Missouri; Joseph Frederick, and Mrs. Dan STONE of Ky. After the death of his first wife, he was married to Mrs. Nancy E. HUFSEY in 1877. Two sons, Bryant and Walter, were born to this union. His companion, five children, one step-daughter, Mrs. Charley HESS, and many other kindred ties are left to mourn his demise. By industry, wisdom and genuine helpfulness he contributed in no small measure to the establishing of the village of Cave-in-Rock and developing of the surrounding community in general. He held several public offices of trust, which he discharged with efficiency and honor. He was a distinguished citizen and business man, and occupied a unique place in the history of our country. Five years ago last August he suffered a severe paralytic stroke which incapacitated him until death. He had every attention from a faithful and loving companion and dutiful son and daughter-in-law who lived near. He died Monday, Oct. 8, 1923, and services were held at the First Baptist Church of Cave-in-Rock under auspices of the Masonic Fraternity. Funeral discourse delivered by Rev. M. F. Oxford and his body was taken to Cave Hill Cemetery. Written by request of family and pastor, by hattie M. Rittenhouse.

MCCLUSKY, John M., Co. B, 3rd New Hampshire. (HCC BK, page 49 - Stone Church Cemetery - John McClusky, Capt. Army of the 32nd Co. B. New Hampshire Regt 10 Inf. Civil War. 1848-July 22, 1922. On same stone, His wife (no name listed) 1858-1938.) From the Hardin County Independent, Sept. 14, 1923. OBIT: John McClusky born at Swanton, Vermont, July 21, 1848 and died at his home July 27, 1922, age 74 yrs. 6 das. Married Miss Lucinda O'NEAL, Sept. 11, 1879. To union born: two sons and two daughters, namely: Fred, james, Kate and Cora. Wife and children survive. Civil War Vet. Corporal of the 3rd Regiment, New Hampshire Infantry, 10th Army Corps and drew full allotment at time of his death. Member of Christ's Church at Stone Church.

MILES, John Wesley, Co. C, 48th Illinois Infantry. (HCC BK, page 11 - Florine Cemetery. John Wesley MILES, Co. C, 48th Ill. Inf. Mar. 22, 1847-July 1, 1925. Elsie J. MILES wife of J. W. Miles - July 4, 1847-Mar. 4, 1913.) From the Hardin County Independent, July 9, 1925: John Miles yielded to his fate, acknowledged his conqueror, and peacefully and quietly passed to the Great Beyond, 1st July 1925, after a long and painful struggle. He was born near Covington, Ky., Mar. 22, 1847, and died at Elizabethtown, Ill., July 1, 1925, aged 78 yrs, 3 mos., and 9 das. His widowed mother brought him here when about 8 yrs. old, and his boyhood was that of the average Hardin County boy in that early day, when none were rich, when work was honorable to all, and indolence was discreditable to any. When nearing his 17th milestone in journey of life, on Feb. 4, 1864, he entered the U.S. service as a private in Co. C, 48th Ill., Inf. Vol. in the Civil War, ans was with Gen. Sherman in his famous "March to the Sea." He was wounded in a battle before Atlanta, Ga., and was with Gen. Grant in the "Grand Review," in Washington City at the close of the war. He received honorable discharge Sept. 15, 1865, having served one year, 7 months and 11 days. We have known the decased from his boyhood, and since his marriage in 1973, the relation of families has always been most intimate and cordial. His word and promise were as good as his bond, and a friendship that began strong, grew with age. If we look to see upon what foundation his character was built we will find as its base integrity. Funeral by W. S. Hoke at Christian Church. Services by Odd Fellows. Obituary by J. A. Oxford. Judge and Will Miles of Rosiclare and Misdames Hannah HOWARD of Barret, Mo. and Mary L. (Birdie) CARLISLE of West Frankford, Ill., Mrs. Kate HILL of Harrisburg, Ill., and Mrs. Ellen MILLER of Rosiclare (the two latter being step-daughters) were all in attendance at the obsequies of their father and stepfather, J. W. Miles last Friday, July 3, 1925. He was buried at Rosiclare by side of his second wife, the mother of his children.

NOLES, B. A., Co. H, 20th Kentucky. (HCC BK, page 221 - Rutherford Cemetery - B. A. Noles Mar. 15, 1834-July 17, 1922. Arena Noles, his wife born Jan. 4, 1850-no death date.) Obit Book of Hardin County, by Jeanette Gray, pg. 49: B. A. Noles born Mar. 15, 1834, Lincoln Co. Tennessee - Died: at 4 score 8 years. Father of 11 children of which 6 are living at time of his death. Civil War Vet.)

OLDHAM, James, Co. P, 28th Illinois Infantry.

OXFORD, Elihu, Co. D, 48th Kentucky Infantry and Co. K, 26th Kentucky Infantry. From the Hardin County Independent, Mar. 14, 1918: Elihu Oxford born in Hardin Co. Ill. Mar. 14, 1844. Died mar. 4, 1918, 72y 11m 27d. Leaves wife and three children to mourn his death. Obit written by Mary Lee Smith. (HCC BK, page 214 - Elihu Oxford (same dates as in obit) Nancy J. Oxford, wife of Elihu Oxford, Feb. 12, 1845-Mar. 11, 1912.)

OXFORD, Riley, Co. C, 48th Illinois Infantry.

PAGE, John J., Co. C, 48th Illinois Infantry. (HCC BK, page 207 - Page Cemetery and additional information: John J. Page, Pvt. Co. C, 48 Regt. Ill. April 25, 1843-May 1, 1932. Louisa F. Page, wife of J. J. Page, April 24, 1851-Sept. 25, 1910, married 1874. Married 1st: Harriet BURTON.)

PALMER, John A., Co. A, 29th Illinois Infantry. (HCC BK, page 159 - Peters Creek Cemetery - John A. Palmer (vet) Co. A 29 Il. Inf., No dates listed.) Died Jan. 11, 1918 at his home on Peters Creek. (See further information on John A. Palmer.)

SHERIDAN, John, Co. K, 144th Indiana Infantry. (HCC BK, page 177 - Cavel Hill Cemetery. John Sheridan 1847-1918. Anna Sheridan 1865-1944.) From the Hardin County Obituary Book, by Jeanette Gray, pg. 59: John Sheridan, Sr. born Rising Sun, Indiana 1846. Died Nov. 6 1918, Cave-in-Rock. Married first, Sylvester WINDERS, 6 children. Married 2nd, Anna BELOW, in Kentucky, 5 children, 2 died in infancy.

SIMMONS, J. L., Co. A, 29th Illinois Infantry.

SIMMONS, Wesley, Co. D, 49th Illinois Infantry.

SMITH, James F., Co. K, 56th Illinois Infantry (HCC BK, page 43 - Stone Church Cemetery. Corp. James Smith, Co. K 56 Ill. Inf. Civil War. No dates given on cemetery record) From the Obituary Book of Hardin County, by Jeanette Gray, page 61: James F. SMITH, born Union Co., Kentucky, Feb. 1, 1843 - Civil War Vet. Died, Shetlerville, Apr. 7, 1926. Married Dec. 4, 1868, Anna M. KEASES. Anna born Dec. 27, 1848 and died Aug. 11, 1908. Of eleven children, those surviving are Susie HURFORD, Charles Edward, Claudie MARTIN, Maudie and Olive BALL, Roscoe.

SMOCK, Madison, Co. C, 48th Illinois Infantry. (HCC BK, page 55 - Sowd Cemetery - Madison Smock Sept. 13, 1836-Mar. 24, 1925. (same stone) Luvina Smock, his wife - Sept. 23, 1839-Apr. 28, 1898.) Additional information: Madison Martin Smock ("Uncle Matt") born Arkansas, Co. C. Reg. 48th Ill. joined Sept. 7, 1861. Died Mar. 24, 1925, age 88yrs. 6 mos. 11das. Married Vina HOLLEMAN, Aug. 4, 1859.

STACEY, Britton, Co. A, 29th Illinois Infantry. (HCC BK, page 132 - Empire Cemetery, Britton STACEY, Ill Pvt Co. A 29 Regt. Inf., May 1, 1844-Sept. 7, 1910). Britton Stacey was born near Gainsboro, Jackson Co, Tenn., 1 May 1844, and died at his home, 7 Sept 1910, Elizabethtown, very suddenly of heart failure. When two years old his parents removed to Kentucky and in 1852 to Illinois, locating on the farm some 10 miles north of Elizabethtown. Grew to manhood working on the farm and attending public school in winter. On 13 Aug 1862 he enlisted as a private in Co. F, 131st Illinois Infantry and was mustered in at Metropolis Nov. 13 of same year. Engaged in military operations on Yazoo River, fought at Haines' Bluff Arkansas Post and the Siege of Vicksburg. After fall of Vicksburg was taken ill with typhoid fever and sent to St. Louis hospital and remained seven months. Rejoined his command at Paducah, Ky. and soon afterward (Nov. 14, 1863) the regiment was consolidated with the 29th Inf. and Mr. Stacey was assigned to Co. A of that regiment. Next eleven months he was at Natchez on guard duty, then New Orleans, Daulphins Island at the Battle of Spanish Fort and in numerous other skirmishes. At the Battle of Spanish Fort, 27 Mar 1865, he was severely wounded by the explosion of a shell, his left arm being so badly lacerated that it had to be taken off above the elbow. Seventeen of the company were killed and wounded by the (part of paper missing). On Mar 22 (year not readable) he married Miss Emma J. TINSLEY, who survives him. No children blessed this union. After his marriage he engaged in farming until 1881, when he moved to Elizabethtown where since resided. Mr. Stacey served 12 years as deputy sheriff, having previously served eight years as constable while living on the farm. Served on town board and one term as Mayor of Elizabethtown. Charter member of Alexander Ragan Post, G.A.R. and been commander. Member IOOF and Knights of Honor. Serving second term as County Commissioner at time of death. Buried Odd Fellows' Cemetery.

TINSLEY, Elijah S., Private, Co. C, 9th Kentucky Infantry, member of Alexon Ragon Post #265 GAR, 28 Aug 1840-25 Aug 1908. Buried at Tinsley Cemetery

TOLBERT, B. Carroll, Co. C, 48th Illinois Infantry, 25 Jan 1844-16 Jul 1924. Buried at Central Cemetery. B. C. Tolbert was born 25 Jan 1844. From the Hardin County Independent: Died at home of his son-in-law, W. P. IRBY, July 16, 1924, aged 80 yrs. 5 mons. 16 das. Uncle Carrol as he was generally called was married three times. By his first marriage two children were born, Will and Rich Tolbert, by the second wife one child was born, named John, who died in the hospital at Rosiclare a few years ago, by the third marriage 3 children were born, Ernest, living at the old home, engaged in the mercantile business, Mrs. W. P. IRBY living on Big Creek and Mrs. Rebecca ROBERTS of Herrin, Ill., all of the children present when the end came. Uncle Carrol was a Civil War soldier, he was mustered into the service in 1861, a private in Co. C, 48th Illinois Infantry. Serving his country 3 years 6 months and 2 days. His remains laid to rest in the Central Cemetery.

TUCKER, John B., Co. E, 15th Kentucky Cavalry. (HCC BK, page 200 - Mt. Zion Cemetery - Rev. John B. Tucker, B. Co. E. 15 Ky Cav. Civil War, no dates listed.)

TWITCHELL, LaFayette, Co. A, 29th Illinois Infantry. (HCC BK, page 134 - Empire Cemetery - LaFayette Twitchell, (vet) Ill. Capt. Co. D. 131 Ill. Inf. Civil War - Feb. 26, 1829-Sept. 22, 1908. On same stone, Angie Twitchell, June 1, 1836-Nov. 6, 1915.)

VINYARD, Thomas J., Co. C, 48th Illinois Infantry. (HCC BK, page 86 - Vinyard #1 Cemetery - Sgt. Thomas J. Vinyard, Co. C. 48 Regt. Ill. July 10, 1837 or 1838-April 15, 1929.) From the Hardin County Independent: From column ITEMS FROM ANYWHERE by ROXIE. Uncle Jeff Vinyard, perhaps the oldest Civil War soldier in Hardin Co. passed away Sunday was a week ago at his nome near Karbers Ridge, Apr. 7, 1929, at the advanced age of nearly 91 years. He married soon after the Civil War to a Miss COLBERT, a beautiful and intelligent young woman highly qualified to perform the duties of wife and mother in the home of a hustling young farmer, who soon became one of the leading and well-to-do farmers of Hardin Co. He and wife not only ranked high in the Presbyterian Church of which they were leading members, but both stood high in the Masonic order of which they were members at Karbers Ridge also; for many years, before senile disability and finally death prevented him and his first wife, the mother of a large family of children, from taking a leading part in all social gatherings of that day, which however were few and far between. We beg to extend our heartfelt sympathy to their surviving children and many near relatives for the loss of the head of a family for whom we have regarded a storng personal friend for years. ROXIE

WALKER, M. L., Co. A, 29th Illinois Infantry. (HCC BK, page 48, Stone Church Cemetery - M. L. Walker, Co. A 29th Ill. Vol. May 22, 1838-Mar. 12, 1930. Sara Walker (his wife) Aug. 4, 1915, age 79 years.)

WALTON, James, 8th Tennessee Battalion.

WESTON, Charles W., Co. K, 56th Illinois Infantry. (HCC BK, page 128 - Empire Cemetery - Charles W. Weston, (vet) Co. K 56 Ill. Inf. Civil War. No dates listed.) From the Hardin County Independent, Dec. 24, 1925. A CIVIL WAR SOLDIER HAS PASSED AWAY - Charles W. Weston, the subject of this sketch, was born in Kent County, east of London, England, april 11, 1844, and died at Dorrisville, Ill. (Harrisburg, Saline Co. Ill.), Nov. 3, 1925, at age of 81 years 6 mos. and 22 das. He came to America with his parents, Henry and Sarah Weston, and Thomas, a younger brother, in his boyhood days. The mother died, survived by husband two small sons, Charles and Thos. The father enlisted in the mexican War, leaving his two sons in the guardianship and care of a man by the name of Sharpe, in Hamilton Co., Ill., and followed Gen. Taylor's Division into Mexico, where he was killed in battle. Sharpe, learning of the father's death, betrayed his trust by appropriating to himself the means of his wards (which were ample), thus leaving the boys pennyless. Frederick Weston, an uncle of the boys, learing from a passing traveler of conditions, drove to Hamilton Co. in a buggy and kidnapped Thomas, making arrangements with Charles, (the subject of this sketch) to follow at night, which he did, finding them waiting for him at Raleigh. They were follwed by Sharpe who tried to force their return and after some sharp caviling was driven away by the boys' uncle. The boys lived with their uncle several years, and were treated kindly and charitably by him and his good wife. Charles William Weston enlisted in the Civil War at the age of 17 years, and was honorably discharged after rending honorable and competent service. He joined the Masonic Order at the age of 21 years, and lived a true and faithful member until death. At the age of 26 years he was married to Miss Margaret Jane ROSE, who departed this life July 13, 1902, 7 children having blessed this union, 5 girls and 2 boys, namely, Mrs. Lilly SLYE, Mrs. Sarah TWITCHELL, Charles F. WESTON, Daisy LEONBERGER, Mrs. Ella ASHFORD, and Katherine WESTON, also a boy who died at 5 years old. Deceased was converted in 1883 under preaching of Rev. Burlin Ledbetter and united with Bethany Church of Gen. Baptist as a charter member, and served as deacon 40 years. He loved his church, his lodge and he loved his country and her flag and was regular attendant of patriotic meetings in honor of both. He also loved music, books, flowers and truth. Died Nov. 3, 1925, at the home of Miss Katherine Weston, Dorrisville, Ill., where a brief funeral was conducted by Rev. Joe Raise. Remains brought to Mrs. Daisy Leonberger's at Elizabethtown, where another brief funeral was conducted by Rev. Jonas Spivy, after which Masonic Order, conveyed the body to the Odd Fellows Cemetery. Obit by a Friend. His wife is buried: Rose #2 Cemetery - pg. 75 of HCC BK. Jane Weston wife of Charles W. Weston, May 10, 1848-July 13, 1902.

WINDERS, Henry M., Co. D, 48th Kentucky. (HCC BK, page 129 - Empire Cemetery - H. M. Winders April 14, 1848-Mar. 28, 1915.) From the Hardin County Independent, Apr. 8, 1915: Henry M. Winders was born in the eastern part of Hardin Co. Ill., on Apr. 14, 1848, and died at his home in Elizabethtown, Ill., Mar. 28, 1915, nearing his 67th milestone. He early qualified himself and won a second grade certificate, and began teaching school, and obtained a first grade and soon ranked among the foremost teachers in the County. At the age of 18 yrs., he entered the Civil War. He enlisted in Co. D. 48 Ky. Mtd. Inf. Vols., and served a little more than 16 months. Honorably discharged. He first married Mary J. COLTRIN, nee DUNN, from whom he separated after a few years of unhappy married life, and later, about the year 1875, she obtained a divorce from him. On Nov. 12, 1876, he was married to Mrs. Mary F. IRIONS, who, with her two daughters, Mrs. Mary Belle PRICE and Mrs. Dora WEAVER, survive him. The second marriage proved more congenial and they lived 9 years in Battery Rock near Lamb, and then moved to Elizabethtown where he began study of law and practiced before the justices of the peace. Soon after he came to town he was admitted to the bar, and he has since practiced in all the courts. He was made deputy Assessor and deputy Sheriff, and was elected and served 4 years as deputy County Clerk. A desire to round out his legal and professional life with a term as Co. Judge, he offered for that office last fall and was elected by large majority. Unfortunately he was never able to discharge any of his duties. Funeral at residence and interment in the I.O.O.F. Obit by J. A. Oxford.

WINTERS, George, Co. I, 118th Illinois Infantry. (HCC BK, page 156 - Hobbs Cemetery - Pvt. George Winters, Co. I, 118 Inf. Died Aug. 2, 1907.)


Many thanks to H. C. Davis who submitted the obituaries above.

Williams, James C. - James C. Williams born in Lawrence Co., TN, Dec. 15, 1823, departed this life at his home in the village of Karbers Ridge April 24, 1902. He was married to Elizabeth Gray in 1846. Seven children blessed this union, three sons and four daughters James J. Williams, Sarah J., John H., Mary F., Marion W., Lovenia Ann, Margaret Eveline. His companion and two children, Mary Francis and Margaret Eveline preceded him to the spirit world. In 1861 he enlisted in the service of his country and continued faithfully to battle against the "Great Rebellion" till his discharge in 1864. In 1865 he married Anna Curry, widow of the late John Curry, who was also a union soldier. Six children were given to brother Williams by his last marriage; one of whom died quite young. The other five, Thomas M., Charles L., Robert E., Belle, wife of Jonas Spivey and Milas, still live to mourn the loss which no human power can restore. But thanks be to our father, they "Sorrow not even as others which have no hope" for brother Williams professed saving faith in Christ and united with the M.E. Church in Tennessee while quite young, and in 1886 he joined the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Karbers Ridge, and was ordained a ruling elder. When the church there disorganized, brother Williams attached himself to the same denomination at Central, and lived a faithful member until the Lord called him from labor to reward. A short time before life death, he told his companion that he did not fear to die, for his way was clean; and when his daughter, Belle, came to see him, not with standing his feeble condition he even shouted praises to GOD for sparing him to see to her once more in this life. A few minutes before he died he told Robert E. Williams, his son, that he was going home and wanted him to go with him. The funeral was preached by the writer at Central to a large and attentive audience and he was interred in the adjoining cemetery on Friday, April 23, 1902. May God's grace be with the bereaved-ones, and turn this stroke of divine providence to the salvation of those yet unsaved. By: Ira E. Driver.


Many thanks to Denise Gibbs Kneifel who submitted the obituary above. She has a home page at http://members.aol.com/DeniseK322/index.html


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