Civil War
Mrs. P. T. Chapman published the following discussion of the Civil War. She followed with an extensive list of Johnson county Civil War soldiers, which can be found on pages 178 through 196 in her 1925 History of Johnson County.
It is not an easy task to search out the names of the soldiers of this war, but the task was done willingly since our obligation to those old and now fast passing veterans can never be discharged. We want to revere their memory and honor those who are still among us. The only regret is, that by mistake some of the names may be omitted in this list. There were 1,678 men subject to duty in Johnson County in 1861. They were scattered in different regiments of Infantry in the following companies 8th, 9th, 11th, 18th, 20th, 29th, 31st, 48th, 56th, 60th, 65th. 72nd, 81st, 88th, 90th, 91st, 109th, 110th, 120th, 123rd, 127th, 128th, 136th, and 145th; Cavalry 1st, 5th, 6th, 9th, 13th, 14th, 15th, and Battery K Light Artillery. Those containing the largest number of men were the 31st Regiment, organized by John A. Logan and composed mostly of men from Southern Illinois except companies I and K. They were mustered into service September 8, 1861. Their first major engagement was at Belmont; some other battles were Ft. Donelson, Thompson's Hill, Champion Hill, many skirmishes and other duties falling to the lot of the soldier whose term of service was as long as theirs. They participated in the siege of Vicksburgh, receiving the place of honor at its capitulation.
The 60th was organized at Anna, February 17, 1862, engaged in the Sieges of Corinth and Nashville, battles of Murfreesboro, Chattanooga, Buzzard Roost, Kennesaw Mountain, Peachtree Creek, and many smaller battles and skirmishes. They participated in the Grand Review at Washington, D. C. The 120th contained more men than any other regiment from this county and was organized by Colonel John G. Hardy of Vienna. It was composed of companies A, B, C, E, G, I, and K. They went into camp at Vienna August 13, 1862 and were mustered into service the following October. This company lost many men during the fall and winter with Small Pox, Measles and Pneumonia. Their campaign was waged mainly in Tennessee and Mississippi. They did guard duty in many sections of the south, also taking part in many minor battles and skirmishes. Many of their men served long terms in rebel prisons. There principal battle was Guntown, Miss.
The 145th was mustered in at Camp Butler and belonged to what was known
as the 100 day men. Illinois with Ohio, Indiana and Iowa tendered the
Government a volunteer force of 85,000 men to relieve the veteran soldiers
of guard duty at Forts, Arsenals and elsewhere which was so necessary now
that the government had control of so much territory. Illinois furnished
thirteen regiments and two battalions. Governor Yates, among other things,
said of these men, "Our regiments under this call performed indispensable
and invaluable services in Kentucky, Tennessee and Missouri; relieving
veteran troops, taking part in the Atlanta campaign and contributing to our
success in Virginia, and Georgia. To the timely organization and efficient
service of the 100 day men we owe a debt of gratitude."
The 14th Cavalry was recruited and organized in the fall of 1862 with
headquarters at Peoria, equipped in March, 1863 and entered active service
in the following April at Celind, Ky. They pursued Morgan on his raid of
2100 miles until he was captured, taking part in many battles and skirmishes
on this flying campaign. They participated in the battle of Cumberland Gap,
routed the enemy in many places, capturing men and supplies in the east
Tennessee campaign. The Siege of Knoxville, Bean Station, Dandridge, the
famous Macon raid were also part of their duties. After the surrender of
Stoneman at the battle of Sunshine Church, the cavalry undertook to cut
their way out of the enemy's country. They were surprised by the enemy after
seven days and nights in the saddle, many were captured and the command was
badly demoralized. They were re-equipped at Waynesboro, Ky., in time to take
part in the battle of Nashville and assist in crushing Hood's Army.
Extracted 30 Apr 2016 by Norma Hass from 1925 History of Johnson County written by Mrs. P. T. Chapman, pages 176-178.
