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 4*  HISTORY  **>  

OF  THE 

JEiQbtb  ITlUnotsXllmteo  States  Volunteers 

BY 

HARRY  STANTON  McCARD,  B.  S., 
HOSPITAL  STEWARD,  EIGHTH  ILLINOIS  U.  S.  VOLUNTEERS, 

AND 

HENRY  TURNLEY, 
HOSPITAL  STEWARD,  EIGHTH  ILLINOIS  U.  S.  VOLUNTEERS. 

1890. 


E.    F    HARMAN  &  CO.,   PUBLISHERS,  CHICAGO. 


Governor  John  R.  Tanner 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2014 


https://archive.org/details/historyofeighthilOOmcca 


John  R.  Tanner,  the  able  and 
fearless  executive  of  the  great  State  of  Illinois,  who  believes  and 
who  has  the  courage  of  his  convictions,  that  it  is  the  heart,  the 
brain,  the  soul,  not  the  skin,  that  go  to  determine  manhood; 
who,  acting  upon  this  belief  and  upon  the  fundamental  principle 
of  this  government  that  "  taxation  without  representation  is 
tyranny,"  had  the  manhood  to  appoint  colored  officers  to  com- 
mand a  Colored  Regiment,  this  book  is  affectionally  dedicated 

BY  THE  AUTHORS. 


Colonel  John  K.  Marshall 


COL.  JOHN  R.  MARSHALL 

JOHN  R.  MARSHALL  was  born  at  Alexandria,  Va.,  March  15,  1859.  He  was  edu- 
Qj  cated  in  the  public  schools  of  Alexandria,  Va.,  and  Washington,  D.  C.  At  the  age  of 
16  he  was  apprenticed  to  the  bricklayers  trade,  serving  four  years,  until  1879,  when  he  came  to  Chicago 
In  1 89 s  he  was  appointed  a  deputy  clerk  in  the  County  Clerk's  office  and  held  that  position  until  he 
received  his  call  to  the  front. 

Col.  Marshall  took  an  active  part  in  the  organization  of  the  Ninth  Battalion  in  1891,  be:ng  elected 
Second  Lieutenant,  Company  A  in  May,  and  First  Lieutenant  in  July  of  the  same  year.  In  1893  he  was 
chosen  Captain  of  his  Company  by  an  unanimous  vote,  and  held  that  rank  until  he  received  his  Colonel's 
commission  in  June,  1898. 

In  Cuba  he  made  an  enviable  record.  He  early  gained  the  confidence  and  respect  of  his  General 
and  soon  proved  that  this  confidence  was  not  misplaced. 

Lenient  and  just  he  has  always  been.  Always  a  Colonel,  but  never  too  busy  nor  too  dignified  to 
listen  to  complaints  of  his  soldiers.  Affectation  and  arrogance  are  entirely  foreign  to  hirh,  but  pride  for 
his  race  and  respect  for  himself  and  his  position  gave  him  a  gentlemanly,  soldierly  bearing  that  always 
found  favor  with  all  officers  of  rank  with  whom  he  came  in  contact.  He  never  knew  personal  fear,  and 
when  Governor  Tanner  submitted  the  proposition  to  him  to  send  his  regiment  to  relieve  the  First  Illinois, 
he  quickly  gave  his  consent. 

As  a  Commander  he  was  a  pronounced  success,  clearly  demonstrating  the  wisdom  of  Gov. Tanner 
in  appointing  him  to  the  Colonelcy,  justifying  the  contention  of  the  black  troops  that  they  should  be  led 
by  black  officers.  By  his  soldierly  conduct  he  has  met  all  of  the  expectations  of  his  friends  and  silenced 
the  tongues  of  his  calumniators.  He  has  performed  all  of  his  duties  with  credit  to  himself  and  honor  to 
to  his  race. 


Lieutenant  Colonel  James  H.  Johnson 


LIEUT.  COL.  JAMES  H.  JOHNSON 

JAMES  H.  JOHNSON  was  born  in  Washington,  D.  C,  where  he  received  a  good  literary 
education.  In  1880,  he  enlisted  for  five  years  in  the  Ninth  U.  S.  Cavalry,  and  during  his 
service  made  a  brilliant  record.  He  gained  a  sharpshooter's  medal,  and  here  laid  the  founda- 
tion for  his  future  success  as  a  commander.  For  several  years  succeeding  his  army  experience 
he  was  engaged  in  the  railroad  business,  and  in  1888  he  located  in  Chicago,  where  he  has 
since  resided.  In  i8o,i,he  joined  the  Ninth  Battalion  as  a  private.  Soon  after  he  became  First 
Sergeant  of  Company  A,  and  in  1892,  upon  the  recommendation  of  his  commander,  he  was 
appointed  Adjutant  of  the  Battalion.  If  in  years  to  come,  should  he  be  commissioned  a 
General  and  do  gallant  service,  he  would  still  be  called  Adjutant  Johnson,  so  brilliant  was 
his  record  while  holding  that  position.  Small  of  stature;  quiet  and  unassuming  in  appearance; 
always  methodical  and  energetic,  he  contributed  more  to  the  growth  of  the  Battalion  than 
even  his  best  friends  imagine. 

When  the  Eighth  Regiment  was  mustered  into  the  service  he  received  the  commission 
of  Lieutenant  Colonel,  a  place  conceded  to  him  by  all  factions,  and  by  all  people.  If  the 
question  be  asked,  what  is  Colonel  Johnson's  distinguishing  characteristics,  the  answer 
would  invariably  be,  "he  is  a  soldier,  and  a  man."  "Method  "  is  his  watchword,  and  perse- 
vering he  has  always  been.  As  a  tactician  he  has  few  equals,  even  in  the  regular  army. 
He  knows  the  regulations  not  to  inflict  punishment,  but  to  be  right  and  to  be  just. 


'.1 


Major  Robert  R.  Jackson 


MAJOR  ROBERT  R.  JACKSON. 

ROBERT  R.  JACKSON  was  born  Sept.  i,  1869,  in  Malta,  111.  When  but  a  year  old  he 
was  brought  to  Chicago  by  his  parents,  and  when  twelve  years  of  age  he  was  a  graduate 
of  the  grammar  school.  As  a  boy  he  held  various  positions  with  large  mercantile  and  pro- 
fessional firms,  proving  himself  competent  in  every  position  he  held.  In  December,  1888,  he 
entered  the  Postal  Service  as  a  stamper,  and  by  competitive  examinations  he  received  successive 
promotions  until  he  became  foreman  of  Station  M,  during  Colonel  Sexton's  administration. 

Various  secret  and  fraternal  societies  claim  him  as  a  member,  and  in  1896  he  was  elected 
Adjutant- General  on  the  Major-Geneial's  staff  of  the  Knights  of  Pythias.  In  1895,  the  name 
of  Private  Robert  R.  Jackson  appeared  on  the  rolls  of  Company  D  of  the  Ninth  Battalion,  but 
it  was  soon  changed  to  Captain  Robert  R.Jackson.  Upon  entering  the  United  States  service, 
he  was  commissioned  Major  of  the  Second  Battalion,  and  into  that  position  he  threw  that  zeal 
and  magnetism  which  gave  success  to  him  so  early  in  life. 

Soon  after  landing  in  Cuba  he  was  ordered  on  detached  service  to  Palma  Soriano  in 
command  of  Companies  E  and  F.  At  this  post  he  became  Major  of  the  city,  protector  of  the 
Spanish  residents  and  mediator  of  all  disputes  that  arose  amongst  the  inhabitants. 

Stationed  as  he  was,  immediately  after  the  war,  in  a  city  containing  many  Spanish  in- 
habitants and  connected  with  the  Regiment  neither  by  railroad  nor  telegsaph,  Major  Jackson's 
position  was  indeed  a  trying  one.  But  his  diplomacy  won  the  day,  and  when  the  order  came 
recalling  him  to  his  Regiment,  it  was  with  genuine  regret  that  the  men  of  his  command  and 
the  citizens  saw  him  go.  After  rejoining  the  Regiment  at  San  Luis  he  did  splendid  work, 
and  returned  to  his  home  with  nothing  but  bright  marks  on  his  record. 

11 


Maior  Franklin  A.  Denison 


MAJOR  FRANKLIN  A.  DENISON. 

F^RANKLIN  AUGUSTUS  DENISON  was  born  at  San  Antonio,  Texas,  in  1862.  He 
1  obtained  his  preliminary  education  in  the  public  schools  of  that  city,  preparing  himself 
to  enter  Lincoln  University.  He  entered  Lincoln  University  in  1883,  graduating  from  that 
institution  as  honor  man  in  1888.  His  commencement  oration  was  considered  a  gem  of  ora- 
tory. In  1888  he  entered  the  Union  College  of  Law  in  Chicago,  graduating  in  1890  as  vale- 
dictorian. Mayor  Hempstead  Washburn  appointed  him  Assistant  Prosecuting  Attorney  in 
1891,  and  was  reappointed  by  Carter  H.  Harrison,  Sr.,  John  P.  Hopkins  and  Geo.  B.  Swift. 
He  is  one  of  the  most  successful  colored  lawyers  practicing  at  the  Chicago  bar. 

During  the  major  portion  of  his  time  in  the  service  in  Cuba  he  was  one  of  the  Judges  of 
the  Court  of  Claims  sitting  at  Santiago.  General  Lawton  appointed  Major  Den i son  President 
of  a  General  Court-Martial,  being  the  only  colored  man  ever  appointed  to  such  a  position. 
He  performed  his  duties  in  such  a  dignified,  competent  manner  that  he  gained  the  praise  of 
every  one  with  whom  he  was  associated.  His  work  undoubtedly  did  a  great  deal  to  create 
among  the  officers  of  the  other  regiments,  a  favorable  opinion  of  the  colored  officers  of  the 
Eighth.  Of  noble  figure  and  commanding  voice,  Franklin  A.  Denison  wore  well  the  straps 
of  a  Major. 


13 


Major  Allen  A.  Wesley.  Surgeon 


MAJOR  ALLEN  A.  WESLEY 


SURGEON 


LLEN  ALEXANDER  WESLEY  son  of  Edward  Edrington  and  Elizabeth  Ann  (Davis) 


/  V  Wesley,  was  born  September  25,  1856,  at  Dublin,  Ind.  He  was  educated  in  the  com- 
mon schools  of  Cincinnati  ;  at  Bryant  &  Stratton's  Business  College.  Chicago  ;  and  was  graduated 
A.  B.  from  Fisk  University,  Nashville,  Tenn.,  in  1884.  He  commenced  the  study  of  medicine  in  1870, 
with  Dr.  William  Mussey  of  Cincinnati,  and  later  took  a  three  years'  course  of  study  at  the  Northwestern 
University  Medical  School  and  received  the  degree  of  M.  D.  from  the  same  in  1887. 

Dr.  Wesley  has  been  a  practitioner  in  Chicago  since  the  year  of  his  graduation.  He  was  clinical 
assistant  of  the  late  Walter  Hay,  M.  D.,  LL.  D.,  in  the  department  of  mental  and  nervous  diseases, 
Chicago  Medical  College,  1885-89;  clinical  assistant  to  Prof.  R.  N.  Isham,  in  the  department  of  surgery 
of  the  same  college,  i886-'88;  lectured  on  "Surgical  Emergencies"  in  Provident  Training  School;  district 
county  physician  for  Cook  county  in  Chicago. 

Dr.  Wesley  was  gynecologist  to  the  Provident  Hospital,  of  which  he  was  one  of  the  founders,  and 
was  appointed  surgeon-in-charge  in  1894,  and  secretary  to  the  medical  staff. 

In  May,  he  entered  the  Illinois  National  Guard,  when  it  was  certain  that  the  United  States  would 
have  war  with  Spain,  and  went  to  Springfield  with  the  Eighth  Regiment.  There  he  examined  all  who 
applied  for  enlistment  in  the  Eighth  and  Ninth  Regiments.  The  commission  of  Major  and  Surgeon  was 
given  him  July  2,  1898,  and  soon  after  his  arrival  in  Cuba  he  was  placed  in  charge  of  the  hospital  at  San 
Euis  by  General  E.  P.  Ewers  as  Acting  Brigade  Surgeon.  Later  he  was  chosen  as  one  of  a  board  of  three 
to  examine  all  medical  officers  who  should  be  called  before  it,  he  being  the  first  colored  man  who  ever  held 
such  a  position.  While  at  San  Luis  he  had  medical  charge  of  the  Eighth  Illinois,  Twenty-third  Kansas 
and  several  pack  trains  and  signal  corps. 

The  general  health  and  physical  condition  of  the  Eighth  Regiment  speak  volumes  in  praise  of  Dr. 
Wesley  as  a  surgeon. 


Lieutenant  Harvey  A.  Thompson,  Adjutant 


ADJUTANT  HARVEY  A.  THOMPSON 

THE  BEST  Adjutant  in  the  volunteer  service  was  born  in  Columbus,  Ohio,  July  24,  1863 
His  literary  education  was  obtained  in  the  public  schools,  Fisk  University,  aud  La 
Moyne  College.  His  name  is  Harvey  A.  Thompson.  In  1883,  he  enlisted  in  the  Ninth  U. 
S.  Cavalry  and  served  honorably  for  five  years.  Upon  his  discharge  he  went  to  Nashville, 
Tenn.,  and  matriculated  at  the  Meharry  Medical  College,  where  he  studied  two  years.  Chi- 
cago became  his  home  at  the  end  of  this  period,  and  he  at  once  became  prominent  in  political 
and  business  circles. 

Two  years  ago,  he  was  appointed  clerk  at  the  Desplaines  Street  Police  Station,  and 
was  making  an  excellent  record  when  he  went  to  Springfield  with  the  Eighth.  Only  one 
name  was  ever  suggested  for  the  position  of  Adjutant,  that  of  Harvey  Thompson.  A  thor- 
ough soldier,  a  splendid  bookkeeper  and  pensman,  affable  and  energetic,  the  Adjutant  of  the 
Eighth  Illinois  was  a  pronounced  success. 


IT 


Lieutenant  James  S.  Nelson,  Quartermaster 


LIEUT.  JAMES  S.  NELSON 

QUARTERMASTER 

TAMES  S.  NELSON  first  saw  the  light  in  Windsor,  Canada,  in  1S61.  He  came  to 
Q>  Chicago  shortly  after  and  was  naturalized  in  1884.  When  the  Ninth  Battalion  was 
formed,  he  became  Sergeant  Major,  and  later  Quartermaster.  In  1894,  he  married  Dr.  Ida 
Gray,  at  that  time  the  only  colored  woman  dentist  in  the  United  States. 

When  the  Eighth  was  called  to  Springfield,  Mr.  Nelson  resigned  a  splendid  position  as 
bookkeeper  in  a  city  office  to  become  Quartermaster  of  the  Regiment. 

In  1897,  James  S.  Nelson  matriculated  at  the  Chicago  College  of  Law,  and  the  train- 
ing that  he  received  here  and  over  the  city's  books  stood  him  in  good  stead  while  discharging 
the  many  trying  duties  of  his  office.  His  record  was  indeed  a  remarkable  one.  His  reports 
were  almost  invariably  correct,  and  the  regiment  was  never  without  anything  that  could  be 
obtained  by  ceaseless  effort  on  the  part  of  the  Quartermaster.  System  was  present  every 
moment  in  his  department,  and  the  regular,  constant  food  and  clothing  supplies  issued  to  the 
regiment  gave  testimony  to  that  fact. 


1!) 


Lieutenant  James  W.  Curtis.  Assistant  Surgeon 


LIEUT.  J  W.  CURTIS 

|  W.  CURTIS  was  born  in  the  town  of  Marion,  Ala.,  July  29,  1856.  He  is  the  fourth 
d)  .  son  of  A.  H.  and  Princess  Curtis.  His  father  was  one  of  the  most  prominent  men  in  the 
State  and  for  six  years  was  State  Senator.  Dr.  Curtis  was  educated  at  Lincoln  University  and 
State  Normal  School,  Mouon,  Ala.  As  a  boy  he  took  high  rank  as  a  student;  taught  school 
in  different  parts  of  the  State  for  six  years,  and  in  1879  held  a  professorship  in  his  Alma 
Mater.  In  1882  he  was  appointed  to  a  clerkship  in  the  pension  office  at  Washington,  D.  C. 
In  one  year  was  promoted  to  a  first-class  clerkship  and  in  1889-90-91  was  special  agent  for  the 
pension  office  in  Northwestern  Illinois  and  Nebraska.  During  his  stay  in  Washington  from 
1882  to  1891,  he  studied  medicine  and  graduated  from  Howard  University  in  1888.  While 
acting  as  special  agent  for  the  pension  office  in  Nebraska  in  1891,  he  resigned  for  the  purpose 
of  entering  upon  the  practice  of  his  profession.  In  October,  1891,  he  came  to  Chicago  and 
commenced  practice,  and  soon  had  a  large  clientel.  He  was  a  member  of  the  staff  of  Provi- 
dent Hospital,  and  under  the  Swift  administration  was  offered,  but  declined,  a  position  under 
the  city  health  department. 

Under  the  President's  call  for  volunteers,  he  offered  his  services;  was  appointed  by 
Gov.  Tanner  an  Assistant  Surgeon  in  the  Eighth  Illinois  Infantry.  He  went  to  Cuba  and 
was  the  medical  officer  in  charge  of  a  detachment  of  his  regiment  stationed  at  Palma  Soriana, 
Cuba.    He  enjoys  the  distinction  of  having  lost  but  one  man  during  the  whole  service. 


21 


Lieutenant  Edward  S.  Miller,  Assistant  Surgeon. 


LIEUT.  EDWARD  S.  MILLER 

EDWARD  SMITH  MILLER,  First  Lieutenant  and  Assistant  Surgeon,  was  born  on  a 
farm  in  Garrard  County,  Kentucky,  August  31,  1858.  He  received  his  early  education 
in  the  Danville  public  schools,  beginning  his  college  course  in  the  same  city.  In  1880,  he 
moved  to  Meadville,  Pa.,  to  complete  his  college  course,  taking  a  two  years'  literary  course, 
supporting  himself  at  this  time  by  his  own  labor.  He  began  his  study  of  medicine  in  a 
doctor's  office,  matriculating  in  the  Chicago  Homeopathy  Medical  College  in  1889,  graduating 
with  high  honors  in  1893. 

After  graduation,  Dr.  Miller  located  in  Chicago,  and  at  the  time  of  entering  the  service 
was  enjoying  a  large  and  lucrative  practice.  To  broaden  his  knowledge  of  the  medical  science 
and  more  fully  fit  himself  for  the  many  responsibilities  of  his  profession,  he  took  a  post- 
graduate course  in  the  Harvey  Medical  College  in  1897.  During  the  service  in  Cuba,  Dr. 
Miller  had  the  care  of  the  greater  part  of  the  regiment.  How  well  he  succeeded  is  attested 
by  the  high  esteem  in  which  he  is  held  by  both  officers  and  men,  and  by  the  wonderful  health 
of  the  regiment. 

Dr.  Miller  is  a  Mason,  Knight  Templar  and  Knight  of  Pythias.  He  was  romantically 
and  happily  married  on  the  eve  of  his  departure  for  Cuba  to  Miss  Mamie  Evans  of  Winchester, 
Ky.  His  career  is  a  shining  example  of  what  a  young  man  can  do  w  ith  ambition,  energy 
and  perseverence. 


23 


Captain  Jordan  Ghavis>  Chaplain 


CHAPLAIN  CHAVIS 

HAPLAIN  CHAVIS  was  born  in   Massac  County,  Illinois,   February   16,  1856.  He 


attended  the  common  school  in  Metropolis,  Illinois.  In  1870,  he  moved  with  his  parents  to 
Mississippi,  entered  Alcona  University  in  1872,  and  graduated  from  a  normal  course  in  1876.  He  was 
ordained  a  minister  in  the  Baptist  denomination  the  same  year.  He  taught  school  and  pastored  in  the 
South  until  1880,  then  coming  north,  marrying  Miss  Hattie  Marshall  at  Metropolis,  111.  He  was  pastor  at 
the  Pisgah  Baptist  Church,  Bloomington,  two  years,  and  was  pastor  r  f  Bethesda  Church  in  Chicago,  three 
years.  From  Chicago  he  was  called  to  Quincy,  where  he  pastored  Eighth  Street  Church  for  nearly  ten 
years.  When  the  Hispano-American  war  broke  out,  the  Reverend  watched  the  proceedings  closely,  and 
was  one  of  the  first  outside  of  Chicago,  to  assist  in  raising  a  company  for  the  Eighth  Regiment.  After 
assisting  in  raising  Company  I,  Ouincy,  he  made  application  for  Chaplain  of  the  regiment  and  was 
appointed  and  commissioned  by  Gov.  Tanner,  Aug.  1,  1898.  He  went  to  Cuba  with  the  regiment,  where 
he  did  volunteer  service  for  several  months,  effecting  a  church  organization  in  the  regiment  of  over  one 
hundred  members,  and  kept  in  existence  a  live  Christian  Endeavor  and  Sunday  School  the  entire  time' 
He  built  a  church  and  baptized  twelve  soldiers  in  Cuban  waters,  which  was  the  first  Protestant  baptism 
in  that  province. 

He  was  of  inestimable  value  in  caring  for  the  sick  and  burying  the  dead,  nothing  escaping  his 
attention  that  was  to  the  interest  of  the  regiment.  He  also  learned  to  be  a  soldier,  often  drilling  with 
the  regiment  as  a  private  and  could  be  frequently  seen  on  the  firing  line  at  target  practice,  becoming  an 
exceptionally  good  shot.    He  returned  with  the  regiment  and  remained  at  his  post  until  mustered  out. 

Following  is  a  letter  received  from  Brig.  Gen.  Ewers  commanding  at  San  Luis  de  Cuba.  : 
HEADQUARTERS  DISTRICT  OF  MAYARI, 


Chaplain  Jordon  Cuavis.  Kighth  Illinois  Volunteers, 

DEAR  Sir — I  take  pleasure  in  stating  that  while  you  have  been  under  my  command — since  August  26,  1S9S — you  have  performed 
your  duties  in  a  faith t ul  manner  and  with  credit  to  your  profession.  I  recommend  you  as  an  energetic  and  zealous  christian  and  one 
worthy  in  every  way  of  the  position  you  hold  in  your  regiment.       Very  respectfully,  E.  P.  EWERS.  Brigadier  General,  Commanding. 


San  Luis,  Cuba. 


March  9,  1899. 


•j:> 


Lincoln  Yalle 
Quartermaster  Sergeant 


Cm..  Marshall's 
Non-Commissioned  Stake 


Henry  Ti  rnt.ev 

Hospital  Steward 


Harrv  Stanton  McCard 
Hospital  Steward 


Mokro  Castle 


EIGHTH  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEER  BAND. 


WILLIAM  J.  BARNETT,  Chief  Musician. 
WILLIAM   COOPER,  Principal  Musician. 


BASSES 

G.  W.  COOPER 
WM.  ROBINSON 

ALTOS 

ROSCOE  HOLT 
J  NO.  CRAWFORD 
W.  BUCHANAN 
SYLVESTER  fOHNSON 


SLIDE  TROMBONES 

ADDISON  ROBINSON 
WM.  REECE 
KARL  FRANK  I.I  N 
WALTER  PATTERS*  >N 

BARITONES 

PRICE  WOODS 
M(  IRRIS  COBBS 


CORNETS 

WM.  COOPER 
HENRY  REN 
WALTER  THOMAS 
JNQ.  HUNTER 

CLARINETS 

OKIE  MACK 
CLARENCE  BOWMAN 
CHAS.  WILLIAMS 


BATTERIES 

CURTIS  RAYMOND 
WM.  JOHNSON 
SAM  ROBERTS 
FRANK  ROBERTS 


PICCOLO 

NOAH  T.  WILLIAMS 


JESSE  CASH,  Drum  Major. 


GEO.  P.  BROWN 
DAVID  MILL-EN 
GUY  WILSON 
JOHN  COLSTON 
LEE  WILLIAMS 
WATT  SAUNDERS 


BUGLERS. 

CHARLES  W 


BEN  J.  WORZER 
J  AS.  M05BY 
WM.  DIAMOND 
SAM'L  CFIASE 
FR  El  >  MAKERS 
FRED  PARK FR 


HUNT,  Chief  Bugler. 

WILL  TURNER 
BUD  WATSON 
J.  A.  FOX 
WM.  SCOT  T 
WM.  HOLLIDAY 
JAS.  LOGAN 


ABRAHAM  EZICAH 
LOO  AN  WHITE 
JOHN  WHITE 
IRA  KING 

HORACE  ALEXANDER 
JOHN  JACKSON 


29 


Tost  Hospital,  San  Luis 


HOSPITAL  CORPS 

«^ 

ELMER  HARRISON 
JAMES  H.  LEE 
WM.  WEAVER 
WM.  HAYES 
NOAH  WILLIAMS 
HARRY  TAYLOR 
CHAS.  TAYLOR 
CLEM  M  IF.  PAYNE 
H.  BLYTHE 
WM.  YORK 
JESSIE  DKEXLER 
JOSFPH  EDWARDS 
JACK  WARD 
ED.  THOMAS 
WM.  EVERETT 
ROBERT  GILLSTRAP 
ISAIAH  LINDSAY 


MEMBERS   OF  THE  HOSPITAL  CORPS 

Chas.  Taylor  Noah  T.  Williams  Charles  Williams 

William  Hayes 


Lieutenant  John  W.  Allison 


Captain  Theodore  Van  Pelt 


Lieutenant  Stewart  Betts 


-  CAPT.  THEODORE  R.  VAN  PELT. 

"THEODORE  R.  VAN  PELT  was  born  at  Glens  Falls,  Warren  County,  N.  Y. ,  Sept.  29,  1857.  He 
received  his  early  training  and  education  in  the  Empire  State,  removing  to  the  State  of  Illinois  twenty- 
five  years  ago.  Capt.  Van  Pelt  was  one  of  the  first  to  be  enrolled  upon  the  roster  of  the  Ninth  Battalion 
at  the  very  beginning  of  that  organization.  Enlisting  as  a  Private  in  Company  A  June  1,  1890,  he  was 
appointed  Sergeant  Oct.  I,  1891  .  His  enthusiastic  work  and  strict  attention  to  duty  won  for  him  the 
election  to  the  Second  Lieutenancy  Dec.  7,  1 892.  He  was  elected  First  Lieutenant  July  1 ,  1 894,  continuously 
holding  that  rank  until  he  succeeded  Colonel  Marshall  as  Captain  of  Company  A  upon  the  latter  gentle- 
man's promotion.  Capt.  Van  Pelt  is  a  barber  by  trade,  having  owned  the  most  popular  shop  in  the  city 
of  Chicago.  He  also  stands  high  in  the  civic  organizations,  being  a  past  officer  in  the  famous  St.  George 
Commandery.  Capt.  Van  Pelt  was  not  only  a  soldier  in  the  time  of  peace  but  a  soldier  in  the  time  of 
war.  When  the  President  sounded  the  war  tocsin,  Capt.  Van  Pelt  was  one  of  the  first  to  offer  his  sword 
in  the  service  of  the  country.    At  the  front  he  made  a  record  that  would  gladden  the  heart  of  any  man . 

LIEUT.  JOHN  W.  ALLISON 

IN  the  days  of  the  old  battalion,  Sergt.  Allison  was  reputed  to  be  about  the  best  drill  instructor  in  the 
companies.  He  is  a  native  of  Collierville,  Term.;,  and  is  34  years  of  age.  When  he  came  to 
Chicago  in  1892,  one  of  his  first  acts  was  to  join  the  Ninth  Battalion.  Since  his  commission  with  the 
Eighth,  he  has  made  a  splendid  reputation,  a  great  deal  of  the  time  having  charge  of  Company  A,  while 
Capt.  Van  Pelt  was  in  charge  of  the  Second  Battalion. 

LIEUT.  STEWART  A.  BETTS 

CTEVVARD  A.  BETTS  was  born  in  the  "  Buckeye  State"  in  1873.     At  an  early  age  he  came  to 
Chicago.     I-n  1896,  he  joined  the  Ninth  Battalion,  and  when  the  Governor  called  out  the  Eighth 
he  was  a  First  Sergeant.     By  merit,  he  won  the  position  of  Lieutenant. 


:::: 


Camp  Marshall,  near  San  Luis 


Company  A,  Eighth  Illinois  Volunteer  Infantry. 

Captain,  Theodore  R.  Van  Pelt.  First  Lieutenant,  John  W.  Allison. 

Second  Lieutenant,  Stewart  A.  Betts. 


SERGEANTS 

WILLIAM  II.  PAYNE,  1st.  Sergeant 
ABRAHAM   L.  BALDON 
JAMES  I).  DU PORTE 
ALFRED  BALDWIN 
WILLIAM  H.  THOMPSON 
ISAAC  IIAVDEN 


CORPORALS 

JAMES  T.  BREWINGTON, 
LESLIE  CALDWELL 
EUGENE  COMPSON 
WALTER  JUDD 
PERRY  B.  KOPPERL 
HUGH  MOSBY 
JOSEPH  NORRIS 
WILLIAM  H.  RHODEN 
WILLIAM  WHITTAKER 
JOHN  MASON 
ARCHIE  FARMER 
W  ALTER  J.  NEWMAN 

OSCAR  GREAR,  Artifice* 
ROLAND  L.  FERGUSON,  Wagoner 
HENRY  K.  HURLEY,  Musician 
SAMUEL  CHASE,  Musician 
FRANK  BURKS,  Cook 


PRIVATES 

ALLEN,  FRANK  W 
BATEMAN.  JOHN 
BELL,  JUDGE  II 
BREWINGTON,  LAW  REN CE 
BURKS,  FRANK 
BURNS,  SMITH 
CASH,  TESSE  M 
CLAY,  "JOSEPH  D 
COLEMAN,  JAMES 
CUDGEL,  GEORGE 
DABNEY,  THOMAS 
DEVONSHIRE,  JOHN 
DORSEY,  WARREN 
DRAIN.  VINCENT  S 
DURGAINS,  GEORGE 
DURST,  ALONZO  C 
DYER,  STRATFORD 
CADDY,  DANIEL  ' 
GRANT,  JOHN 
GRIFFIN,  HENRY  T 
HAGANS,  JOHN 
HANCOCK,  WILLIAM 
HARPER,  WADE 
HARRIS,  ABE 
HOLMES,    GEORGE  A 
HOLMES,  OSSIE  W 
HUBBARD,  JOHN  B 
ISABEL,  GEORGE 
JACKSON,  FRANK  A 

jackson,  tohn 
Jackson,  John  r 
jackson.  theodore  b 
iarvis,  robert  m 
"tohnson,  alfonzo 
johnson,  isaac 
tohnson.  james  w 
jones,  william  e 
long,  wallace 


KING,  TOHN  H 
MALIC'HI,  GEORGE 
MAY,  JOSEPH 
MOODY,  THOMAS 
MITCHELL,  JOHN  R 
MITCHELL,  PETER 
MITCHELL,  WILLIAM  R 
MURRAY  WILLIAM 
McFADDEN,  GEORGE 

Mcpherson,  clark 
oliver,  william 
pettiford,  norwood 
reed,  george 
reynolds,  mose 
rice,  john 
robinson,  abe 
sanders,  william 
sandford,  richard 
shaver,  lee 
shaw,  edward 
smith,  edward  p 
smith,  elbert  j 
smith,  tohn 
stanley,  reuben 
sykes,  otis 
taylor,  albert 
taylor,  james  b 
taylor,  oliver 
tidwell.  edward  a 
tucker,  taylor 
twtttv.  robert 
ward,  thomas 
whitehead,  frederick 

WHITEHEAD,  TOSEPPi 

whitehead,  William 
woodfolk,  anderson 
woolfolk,  bentamin 

WILKERSON,  TOfiE 

HENRY  C.  WILSON  from  A.  to  G. 

ISAAC  JOHNSON,  from  L.  to  A. 


Lieutenant  George  T,  Baker 


Captain  Adolphus  Thomas 


Lieutenant  G.  A.  Nevels 


CAPT.  ADOLPHUS  THOMAS 

/^APTAIN  ADOLPHUS  THOMAS  was  born  thirty-seven  years  ago  in  Hancock  County,  Georgia. 
^  In  1872,  he  was  attending  the  public  schools  at  Atlanta,  and  in  1882  he  joined  the  National  Guard 
of  Georgia  as  a  Sergeant  in  his  Company.  In  1885,  Sergeant  Thomas,  at  the  national  competitive  drill, 
received  the  high  honor  of  being  the  best  drilled  man  on  the  field,  and  that  fall  he  was  elected  First 
Lieutenant  of  his  company.  His  military  experience  in  the  West  began  as  a  Sergeant  in  Company  R 
of  the  Ninth  Battalion.  In  1892,  he  was  elected  First  Lieutenant  and  became  Captain  in  1893.  Captain 
Thomas  is  naturally  a  commander  of  men.  Many  times  in  Cuba,  during  the  absence  of  a  Major,  he 
has  had  command  of  a  battalion,  and  well  did  he  handle  it. 

GEO.  T.  BAKER 

f~*  EO .  T.   BAKER,  First  Lieutenant  of  Company  B,  was  born  in  New  Orleans,  La.,  Dec.  15,  1863. 

He  spent  the  early  years  of  his  life  in  New  Orleans,  La.,  and  Natchez,  Miss.,  learning  the  trade  of 
cracker  baker.  His  military  career  began  at  the  early  age  of  eighteen,  when  he  became  a  member  of 
the  Lynch  Guards  of  Natchez,  Miss.,  holding  the  commission  of  First  Lieutenant.  Upon  reaching  his 
majority,  he  joined  the  Knights  of  Pythias  and  was  elected  First  Lieutenant  in  G.  F.  Bowles'  Division, 
No.  18,  K.  of  P .  He  came  to  Chicago  in  1888  and  joined  the  Ninth  Battalion  in  1891  He  was  made 
a  Corporal  in  1892,  a  First  Sergeant  in  1893,  and  on  Nov.  5,  1895,  he  was  elected  to  the  office  of  First 
Lieutenant  of  Company  B. 

LIEUT.  G.  A.  NEVELS 

J  IEUT.  NEVELS  was  born  in  Washington,  Mo.,  in  1867.  From  boyhood  he  was  characterized  by  a 
steadfastness  of  purpose  that  knew  no  defeat.  Seeking  a  wide  field  for  himself  he  came  to  Chicago, 
in  1887,  soon  taking  a  leading  position  among  his  fellow-citizens.  He  joined  the  Ninth  Battalion  as 
Hospital  Steward  Nov.  4,  1895,  and  held  that  position  until  he  was  commissioned  a  Lieutenant  by  Gov. 
Tanner,  July  21,  1898.  He  was  on  detached  service  a  great  portion  of  the  time  while  at  the  front — at 
one  time  filling  the  position  of  Adjutant  General  on  Brig.  Gen.  Ewers'  staff.  At  another  time  he  was 
Acting  Brigade  Quartermaster. 

37 


Company  B. 


Company  B,  Eighth  Illinois  Volunteer  Infantry. 


Captain,  Adolph  Thomas.  First  Lieutenant,  Geo.  T.  Baker. 

Second  Lieutenant,  Gustavus  Nevels. 


SERGEANTS 

DURRAND  B.  DAVIS,  ist.  Sergeant. 
FRANK  HARTSF1ELD 
STUART  ALEXANDER 
ROBERT  VV.  GULLY 
THOMAS  F.  TYLER 
CHAS.  E.  L.  HENDERSON 


CORPORALS 

JOHN  BRADLEY 
VVM.  L.  SETTLES 
ROBERT  P.  HURD 
\VM.  JONES 
ROBERT  CARTER 
JAMES  L.  HUNTER 
LOUIS  C.  TORBERT 
OLONZO  V.  CURRY 
WM.  J.  ELLISON 
CLARENCE  LOVE 
WM.  M.  WEBSTER 
JAMES  LOVE 

FREDERICK  MAKENS.  Musician 
HENRY  HOLLIDAY,  Musician 
WM.  D.  PORTER,  Artificer 
BRAD.  HUMPHRIES,  Wagoner 
HENRY  J.  MOORE,  Cook 


PRIVATES 

ANDERSON,  THOMAS 
BRINN,  LUCIUS 
BROWN,  ARTHUR 
BUTLER,  ANTHONY  F 
CARTER,  WM 
CRAWFORD,  WM 


DAVIS,  TIMOTHY 
DAVIS,  JACOB 
DUNSON,  JACOB 
DILLYHAY,  JAMES 
DOWNS,  ROBERT 
DREWERY,  WILLBON 
EDWARDS,  CHAS  H 
FRYE,  JESSE 
GREEN,  WM  H 
GRIFFIN,  WM  H 
GWIN,  WALTER 
HALL,  JOHN  H 
HILL,  TOHNNIE 
HASKTNS,  FRANK 
HOWARD  WM 
JEFFERSON,  HARRY 
JACKSON,  ROBERT 
JOINER,  JOHN 
KELLY.  THOMAS 
LAWSON,  ROY 
LINDSAY,  ISAIAH 
LEE,  ISAAC 
MAZE,  TAMES 
McDOUGAL,  ADDOUN 
McFERRIN, IESSE  L 
MOORE,  WM  M 
NORRIS,  EDWARD 
OWSLEY,  JESSE 
PARKS,  FRANK 
PARKS,  JOHN 
PAYNE,  ALBERT 
PAYNE,  HENRY  L 
PETERSON,  WM  H 
PHILLIPS.  JOSEPH  A 
ROSS,  THEOPHILUS 
SHANNON,  JOHN  W 
SMITH,  AUGUSTUS  R 
SMITH,  HENRY 
STALLCUP,  CHAS.  H 
TALBERT,  FRANK  J 


TERRY,  JOHN  M 
THOMAS,  GEO.  S 
THOMAS,  WALTER 
TRACEY,  ROBERT  B 
TRAVEIS,  WM  H 
TRIBUE,  JOHN  E 
TRIBUNE,  JOHN  E 
TURNER,  OWSLEY 
UPCHURCH,  GEO 
VAN,  WM 
WALKER,  SAMUEL 
WALKER,  LEMUEL 
WASHINGTON,  JOSEPH  S 
WHITE,  WM 
WILSON,  WM 
WILLIAMS,  MARTIN 
WILLIAMS,  WM  H 
WYATT,  WM 
YOUNG,  GEO 
YOUNG,  JOHN  C 


DISCHARGED 

Corp.  JACOB  D.  TURNER 

PROMOTED 

Corp.  GEO.  D.  WHITE,  to  S.  M. 


DECEASED 

Private  WALLACE  JOHNSON 
Private  PAUL  SMITH 
Private  SAMUEL  NICKENS 
Private  SYLVESTER  JOHNSON 
Private  SIMON  B.  PETERS 
Private  GEO.  FARRIS 


Captain  Charles  L.  Hunt 


Lieutenant  John  W. 


Shreeves 


CAPT.  C.  L.  HUNT 

/^HARLES  L.  HUNT  was  born  June  29,  1862,  in  Chicago.  He  received  his  early  education  in 
what  is  now  the  heart  of  Chicago.  He  learned  his  A  B  C's  in  the  Jones  School  and  completed  his 
education  in  the  Dearborn  School  which  stood  at  the  time  opposite  to  the  present  site  of  McVicker's 
Theater.  His  early  ambition  was  to  be  a  soldier.  Asa  mere  boy  he  joined  the  Hannibal  Zouaves, 
remaining  with  them  when  they  became  Company  A,  Sixteenth  Battalion,  I.  N.  G.  He  joined  Com 
pany  B  of  the  Ninth  Battalion,  June  17,  1891,  and  on  May  3,  1892,  was  elected  Second  Lieutenant, 
holding  this  office  until  Sept.  28,  1895,  when  he  was  elected  First  Lieutenant.  He  was  first  put  in 
command  of  Company  C,  being  finally  elected  and  commissioned  Captain  of  Company  C  Nov.  4,  1895. 
Hunt's  Coyote's  were  one  of  the  most  famous  companies  in  the  regiment  and  had  the  opportnnity  pre- 
sented itself  they  would  undoubtedly  have  proven  themselves  great  fighters. 

LIEUT.  JOHN  W.  SHREEVES 

JOHN  W.  SHREEVES  was  born  in  New  Bedford,  Mass.,  in  1866,  receiving  a  fine  education  in  the 
public  schools,  he  prepared  himself  for  the  government  service.  He  occupied  a  position  for  three 
and  a  half  years  in  the  Bureau  of  Engraving  and  Printing  at  Washington,  D.  C.  In  1890,  he  moved 
West  to  Chicago  to  grow  up  with  the  country.  He  joined  the  Ninth  Battalion  as  a  private  in  1894  and 
by  successive  promotions  he  reached  the  rank  of  First  Lieutenant  in  1898.  While  on  duty  at  the  front, 
he  was  Provost  Marshal  in  San  Luis. 

LIEUT.  FREDERICK  D.  SEARLES 

I    IEUT.  SEARLES   is  a   native  of  Chicago,  and  received   his   education  in    the   public  schools. 

"*  He  is  one  of  the  most  versatile  young  men  in  the  city  of  Chicago,  and  has  held  many 
positions  requiring  trust  and  skill.  He  is  now  an  electrical  mechanic — one  of  the  very  few  to  be  found 
among  our  race.  At  one  time  he  was  storekeeper  at  the  Dunning  Institute;  at  another  a  deputy  in  the 
County  Agent's  office.  He  was  one  of  the  organizers  of  the  Ninth  Battalion,  holding  a  Lieutenant's 
commission  in  1892.  While  at  the  front  he  was  Inspector  of  Rifle  Practice,  with  the  rank  of  Captain, 
He  is  an  Odd  Fellow,  also  a  Knight  of  Pythias. 

41 


Company  C, 


Company  C,  Eighth  Illinois  Volunteer  Infantry. 


Captain,  Chas.  L.  Hunt. 


First  Lieutenant,  John  W.  Shreeves. 


Second  Lieutenant,  Fred  D.  Searles. 


SERGEANTS 

CAPP  HADLEY,  ist  Sergeant 
SAMUEL  P.  MOTTLEY 
JESSE  BUTLER 
JAMES  D.  SHREEVES 
Clio.  W.  II.  SAWYER 
ALBERT  JOHNSON 

CORPORALS 

WM.  L.  BROWN, 
CLARENCE  E.  HOWARD 
A.  1).  JACKSON 
FRANK  C.  JONES 
CHAS.  KINNER 
JOHN  H.  LUCKEY 
WM.  H.  LUCKEY 
FREDERICK  T.  NICKELS 
ALBERT  TAYLOR 
JOHN  THOMAS 
CHAS.  W.  F.  B.  WHITE 
RANSOM  W.  WF.STRERRY 

ALLEN  O.  PATTEN,  Cook 
WM.  N.  FUSNFR,  Musician 
NORFLAT  WATSON,  Musician 
JOSEPH  S.  SHREEVES,  Artificer 
NATHAN  M.  WATSON,  Wagoner 


PRIVATES 

AKERS,  FRANK 
ANDERSON,  WM.  H 
BENJAMIN,  LEWIS 
BERRY,  WM  E 
BROOKS,  GUS  M 
BROWN,  HASTINGS 
BROWN,  SAMUEL  H 
CARTER,  JUSTIN  E 
CAVE,  TAMES  T 
CHAPPLE,  JERRY 
CLAXTON,  SAMUEL  D 
COLLIER,  LEVI 
CRAIG,  WILLIAM  T 
CRIM,  JACOB  L 
DAVIDSON,  JOHN  W 
DULE,  FREDERICK 
DYER,  CLIFFORD 
FLOWERS,  MONROE 
FORD  HERSCHEL 
FORKNER,  HENRY 
FREEMAN,  HOMER  A 
FREEMAN,  FRANK  W 
GARDNER  WM  M 
GAINES,  JOHN  A 
HARDAWAY,  HARRY  B 
HARDISON,  AARON 
HART,  WINGFIELD  S 
HARRIS,  WM  R 
HENRY,  EARL 
HIGHTOWER,  FELIX 
HOBSON,  MORGAN 
HOGAN,  EDWARD 
TACKSON,  LAWRENCE 
JACKSON.  GEORGE  W 
JOHNSON,  JERRY 
JOHNSON.  LEMUEL 
T<  (IINSTON,  LOUIS  H 


LEWIS,  DAVID  P 
MARSHALL,  GEORGE  A 
MAY,  CHARLES  A 
MAY,  ERNEST  R 
McGOWAN.  SAMUEL  H 
McNARY,  THOMAS 
MITCHELL,  WALTER  B 
MORGAN,  GEORGE  L.  O 
MUMPHUS,  MOSES  S 
N(  •  LAND,  GARLAND 
NORTON.  PERCY 
PEAKE,  GUS 
PIERCE,  ALBERT 
POLK,  OLIVER  M 
POLK,  WALTER  H 
PRYOR,  CLARENCE  P 
REED,  LIONEL 
REEVES,  ALEXANDER 
RICHARDSON,  WILLIAM  K 
ROBINSON,  GUS 
ROBINSON,  LEWIS 
ROSS,  HARRISON  B 
SCALES,  FRANK 
SHARP,  WILLIAM 
SLEET.  TAMES  W 
SMITH,  BOLAN  P 
STREADRICK,  JOSEPH  T 
TAYLOR  CHARLES  H 
TAYLOR,  GEORGE  H 
TERRELL,  ROBERT 
THOMAS,  HENRY 
THOMAS,  WALTER 
THOMASSON,  RALPH  E 
UPCHURCH,  BAILEY 
WILLIAMS,  JAMES 
WILSON.  JACOB 
WISE,  RUFUS 
WHITE,  GRANT 


4:; 


CAPT.  W.  T.  JEFFERSON 

/^APT.  W.  T.  JEFFERSON  was  born  in  Washington,  D.  C,  Aug.  4,  1864,  living  there  but  a  few 
years,  when  his  parents  moved  to  Derby,  Conn.  He  obtained  his  early  education  in  the  public 
schools  of  that  place;  at  the  age  of  18  he  began  an  apprenticeship  in  a  local  dental  parlor  and  continued 
in  this  work  eight  years.  In  1 889,  he  decided  to  make  dentistry  his  life's  profession,  and  in  the  fall  of  1889 
he  entered  the  Dental  School  of  Howard  University  of  Washington,  D.  C.  He  took  but  one  year  at 
Howard;  coming  to  Chicago  in  March,  1890,  he  entered  the  American  College  of  Dental  Surgery  and 
graduated  March  24,  1891.  He  immediately  entered  upon  the  practice  of  his  profession  and  continued 
his  successful  practice  until  his  country  called  him  to  arms.  He  early  joined  the  Knights  of  Pythias 
and  rapidly  rose  in  favor  in  the  most- respected  order.  He  joined  Company  D  of  the  Ninth  Battalion, 
April  1,  1895,  and  was  elected  Second  Lieutenant  May  1,  1895,  when  the  Battalion  became  a  part  of  the 
State  Militia.  In  November,  1895,  he  was  unanimously  elected  First  Lieutenant  of  the  company  he  now 
commands.     As  an  officer,  he  is  the  peer  of  any  Captain  in  the  volunteer  service. 

LEUT.  HOWARD  LOVE 

J  IEUT.  HOWARD  LOVE  is  34  years  old.  His  birthplace  was  Urbana,  Ohio,  where  he  lived  for 
'  fifteen  years.  He  came  to  Chicago  in  1885,  and  joined  the  Ninth  Battalion  at  its  inception  in  1891. 
He  soon  was  appointed  a  Sergeant,  and  was  elected  Second  Lieutenant  in  1897.  When  the  regiment 
was  mustered  in  at  Springfield,  he  received  a  First  Lieutenant's  commissson,  and  soon  afterwards  was 
detailed  as  Regiment  Ordnance  Officer,  which  position  he  most  acceptably  filled  until  he  was  mustered 
out.     Quiet  and  unassuming,  Howard  Love  has  made  friends  and  has  done  his  duty. 

THADDEUS  W.  STEPP 

A  GOOD  record  in  the  Ninth  Battalion,  coupled  with  a  good  ability,  placed  a  Second  Lieutenant's 
commission  in  the  hands  of  Sergt.  Thaddeus  Stepp  at  Springfield.  He  has  resided  in  Chicago 
since  1887,  and  joined  the  Ninth  Battalion  at  its  chartering,  when  26  years  of  age.  For  several  years 
he  has  been  head  janitor  of  Plymouth  Congregational  Church.  Aside  from  his  regular  duties  in  Cuba 
Lieut.  Stepp  did  some  splendid  work  in  photography,  and  brought  home  with  him  views  of  many  inter 
esting  Cuban  scenes. 


Group  of  Officers  at  Tatter  sall's 


Company  D,  Eighth  Illinois  Volunteer  Infantry. 

Captain,  William  T.  Jefferson.  First  Lieutenant,  Howard  Love 

Second  Lieutenant,  Thaddeus  Stepp. 


SERGEANTS 

CHARLES  J.  FIELDING,  ist.  Sergeant 
MOSES  HOPKINS 
ROBERT  P.  KING 
GEORGE  H.  SMITH 
EUGENE  WASHINGTON 
BENJAMIN  TINKNEY 

CORPORALS 

JAMES  P. R EWER 
JOSEPH  FIELDEN 
FLOYD  LEWIS 
THOMAS  DUNCAN 
THOMAS  PETTIS 
THOMAS  TURPIN 
ROBERT  S.  TROUTMAN 
RICHARD  A.  BOONE 
WILLIAM  SPARKS 
LESTER  HENDERSON 
CARL  GRANGER 
TIMOTHY  TYLER 
ANDREW  McGEE,  Cook 
ROBERT  TINGSLEY,  Artificer 
CHARLES  WHITE,  Wagoner 
DAVID  A.  MILLEN,  Musician 
EDWARD  ROBINSON,  Musician 


PRIVATES 

ACRES,  FRED 
BANKS,  JAMES 
BLAKNEY,  JOHN 
BROOKS,  WALTER 
BROWN,  ALBERT  L 
BROWN,  WILLIAM 
BLAND,  FRANK 
BYRD,  WILLIAM 
CHEERS,  ARTHUR 
CLAY,  WALTER 
COLWELL,  EUGENE 
CONSTANT,  GEORGE  1 
CONWAY,  JOHN  F 
CONWAY,  WILLIAM 
DOUGLAS,  WILLIAM 
DOZIER,  ISRAEL 
FRAZIER,  JOSEPH 
FARMER,  OSBORNE  P 
GARLAND,  EUGENE 
GARNETT,  WILLIAM  W 
GIBSON,  ARTHUR 
GRAYTON,  WILLIAM 
HALL,  WILLIAM 
HART,  JOHN  W 
HAMPTON,  JOHN 
HAMILTON,  CHARLES  E 
HARPER,  IRA 
HARRIS,  ARTHUR 
HAYES,  FRANCIS  E 
HIGHTOWER,  JOHN 
HUNTER,  PEARLE 
JACKSON,  HARTIE 
JACKSON,  THOMAS 
TOHNSON,  CHARLES  W 


OHNSON,  JOSEPH  H 
OHNSON,  WILLIAM 
TONES,  JOHN  W 
JORDON,  JOHN  H 
LYNTHECON,  OWEN 
McGEE,  WILLIAM 
McOUINEY,  JAMES  L 
MARSHALL,  ALEXANDER 
MOHR.  WILLIAM  H 
MILLER,  DANIEL  B 
PAGE,  CHARLES 
PATTERSON,  GEORGE 
PAYNE,  ALEXANDER 
PEARMAN,  HENRY 
PRUDEN,  WILLIAM  H 
REED,  ARTHUR  E 
RICHARDSON,  WILLIAM  I 
RILEY,  JOHN 
ROBINSON,  JAMES 
ROBINSON  WILLIAM  fc- 
ROSS,  CHARLES  J 
ROWLAND,  ROBERT  E 
SEALS  ROBERT  W 
STANFORD,  JOHN  G 
STEWART.  CLARENCE 
THATCHER,  WILLIAM 
TOWNSEND,  JAMES 
TURNER.  CHARLES 
WILLIAMS,  NOAH  T 
WEBSTER,  JAMES  L 
WILLIAMS,  EDWARD 
WILLIAMS,  GEORGE  W 
WILSON,  JOHN 
WILLIAMS,  CHARLES 
YOUNG,  HARVEY  T 


47 


Captain  Richard  P.  Roots 


Lieutenant  Arthur  Williams 


CAPT.  RICHARD  P.  ROOTS 


HEN  Major  Jackson  was  relieved  as  post  commander  at  Palma  Soriano,  he  was  succeeded  by  Capt, 


*  Roots,  who  brought  to  the  position  an  experience  gained  in  the  regular  army  with  the  Twenty- 
fifth  Infantry.  Richard  Roots  was  b  rn  in  Tuscaloosa,  Ala.,  in  i860,  and  attended  school  in  Tennessee. 
He  came  to  Chicago  in  1884,  and  has  held  important  positions  in  the  Post  Office  of  that  city.  Gentle- 
ness, marked  by  decision,  is  Capt.  Roots'  predominating  characteristic,  and  he  has  always  been  a 
commander  who  could  completely  control  his  men  and  retain  their  love  and  respect.  At  Palma,  he  was 
a  most  painstaking  commandante.  To  his  lot  fell  the  investigation  of  numerous  crimes  committed  by 
Cubans  and  Spaniards,  and  to  his  credit  he  invariably  reached  correct  conclusions.  Capt.  Roots  points 
with  pride  to  the  record  made  by  his  company  in  Cuba — not  a  man  was  lost  by  death,  or  by  marriage 
with  a  Cuban  senorita. 


RTHUR  WILLIAMS  was  born  in  Athens,  Ga. ,  in  1870,  and  attended  the  public  schools  in  that 


city  until  he  reached  the  age  of  15.  He  then  moved  to  Atlanta.  He  enlisted  in  the  Ninth  U.  S. 
Cavalry,  being  stationed  at  Jefferson  Barracks.  He  reached  the  rank  of  Sergeant,  acting  as  drill 
master  for  eight  years.  He  then  came  to  Chicago,  and  when  war  was  declared  assisted  in  enlisting 
Company  E. 


as  a  First  Sergeant.  While  in  Cuba,  Lieut.  Rauls  was  on  detached  service  at  Palma  Soriano, 
serving  most  acceptably  as  Post  Adjutant. 


LIEUT.  ARTHUR  WILLIAMS 


charged 


49 


Company  E. 


Company  E,  Eighth  Illinois  Volunteer  Infantry. 


Captain,  Richard  P.  Roots. 


First  Lieutenant,  Arthur  Williams. 


Second  Lieutenant,  James  M.  Rauls. 


SERGEANTS 

OLIVER  M.  DAVIS,  ist.  Sergeant 
JULIUS  H.  JOHNSON 
ARTHUR  H.  CROWN 
FRANK  L.  ARMSTRONG 
CHARLES  A.  HARPER 


CORPORALS 

GUILFORD  E.  CAMPBELL, 
JOSEPH  B.  JOHNSON, 
DAVID  LOCKETT 
WILLIAM  RADFORD 
EGBERT  R.  WILLIAMS 
AMOS  JORDAN 
FRANK  VERNON 
BURTON  WHITE 
BERT  COLEMAN 
EDWARD  D.  BARBER 
GEORGE  EDWARDS 
JOHN  COLES 
MINCER  O.  SMITH 

SAMUEL  C.  SMITH,  Cook 
JOHN  B.  COLSTON,  Musician 
WATT  A.  SANDERS,  Musician 
FRANK  SMITH,  Artificer 
HENRY  BROWN,  Wagoner 


PRIVATES 

ABBOTT,  CLIFFORD 
ADAMS.  GEORGE  E 
ALEXANDER,  WICKIE 
ARNOLD,  THOMAS  B 
BERRY,  EDDIE  W 
BLACK,  HENRY 
BOSLEY,  EDWARD 
BRANSOME,  JUNIOR 
BROWN,  ALEXANDER 
BROWN,  GEORGE  P 
BROWN,  LAWSON 
BROWN,  THADDEUS 
COOK,  ISAIAH 
CARPENTER,  JEFFERSON 
CARROLL,  ALEXANDER 
CHAPPLE,  CHARLES 
CHAV1S,  BERT 
COLLINS,  BUD 
DAVENPORT,  HARRY 
DORSEY,  EMORY 
DREXTER,  JESSE  M 
EDWARDS,  MATTHEW 
EMBRY,  TORDAN  A 
EVANS,  FRANK  J 
FKRRILL,  LOUIS 
FIELDS,  ALFRED 
GARNETT,  JOHN 
GASH,  WARNIR 
GREEN,  ERNEST 
GRAY,  TOM 
HANNAH,  THOMAS 
HARDY,  EDWARDS  F 
HERRING,  GEORGE  W 
HUBBARD,  GEORGE 
HUNDLEY,  GEORGE 
JACKSON,    DAVID  B 
1ACKSON,  JESSE 
'IARVIS,  TESSE 


JASPER,  GRANDSON 
JOHNSON,  AARON  E 
JOHNSON,  WILLIAM 
(ONES,  JOHN 
LANKINS,  JAMES  A 
LEVENS,  PETE 
LUNKE,  HOWARD 
LEE,  JOHN  G 
McCOKNELL,  GEORGE 
McGILL,  ROY 
McHENRY,  JOE 
McKINNEY,  JULIAN 
McNEIL,  CHARLES 

mobley,  tulius 
m<  isby,  charles 
matson,  george 
matthews,  charles 
morris,  george  w 
nickens,  irvin 
pettit,  williams 
pitner,  herbert  w 
porter,  edward  j 
quarles,  william 
ransome,  madison 
robson,  tulius  b 
royal,  charles 
scott,  john 
smith,  bert 
strother,  charles 
sutphen,  charles 
taylor,  harry  c 
watson,  tasper 
wilkes,  Thomas 
wilder,  frank 
wiliams,  george 
williams,  gus 
williams,  lee 
wonzer,  bentamtn 
young,  fred" 


51 


*  "  school  system  of  Chicago,  he  moved  to  that  city  in  1886.  He  entered  the  public  schools  and  grad- 
uated from  the  North  Division  High  School  in  1891.  In  the  public  school,  he  showed  such  marked  abil- 
ity that  everyone  interested  in  him  advised  him  to  study  law.  He  entered  the  Law  School  of  Lake 
Forest  University  in  1892,  graduating  in  1894.  He  immediately  entered  practice  in  Chicago 
and  rapidly  rose  in  his  profession.  He  has  occupied  many  positions  of  trust  and  has  filled  them  all 
with  great  credit.  For  nineteen  months  he  was  discount  clerk  in  the  Water  Office  of  the  City  of  Chicago, 
and  served  as  U.  S.  Custom  Inspector  of  the  World  s  Fair  Grounds  from  Feb.  1893,  until  March  1894. 
Capt.  Akers  has  a  peculiar  fitness  for  politics  and  is  the  leading  colored  politicion  on  the  North  Side. 
When  the  call  to  arms  was  made,  Capt.  Akers  had  a  lucrative  law  practice  which  he  left  to  take  up  the 
practice  of  arms.  He  organized  and  captained  C  ompany  F  during  the  whole  time  the  company  was  in 
service. 


HERF  is  no  more  popular  man  in  Chicago  than  Clinton  L.  Hill.     He  was  born  in  Juliet  in  1867; 


at  the  age  of  five  years  he  moved  to  Galesburg,  and  then  in  a  few  years  to  Bloomington.  He 
attended  the  Normal  University  at  Bloomington  for  a  number  of  years  and  then  removed  to  Chicago  in 
1882.  Lieutenant  Hill  is  a  Knight  of  Pythias  of  very  high  standing,  at  the  present  time  holding  the 
position  of  Adjutant-General  of  that  order.  He  assisted  in  the  enlistment  of  Company  F  and  was  elected 
First  Lieutenant  of  that  company.  He  was  Post  Quartermaster  at  tht  Palma  Soriano,  Cuba,  filling  the 
position  to  the  satisfaction  of  all.     "Clint"  is  the  most  popular  dancing  master  in  the  city  of  Chicago. 


LIEUT.  CLINTON  L.  HILL 


ears'  service  in  the  regular  army.  He 


Company  F,  Eighth  Illinois  Volunteer  Infantry. 


Captain,  Wm.  B.  Akers. 


First  Lieutenant,  Clinton  L.  Hill. 


Second  Lieutenant,  John  McDonald. 


SERGEANTS 

AUGUSTUS  RANTUS,"  ist.  Sergeant 
THEODORE  HAWKINS 
VARIES  A.  DAVIS 
HERMAN  HECTOR 
(.'HAS.  A.  BROWN 
RICHARD  B.  BONZELE 

CORPORALS 

WM.  TURNER, 
HOWARD  GARDNER 
GEO.  W.  WOOD 
GEO.  H.  GRIFFIN 
MARCELLUS  VV.  McCAEL 
JARIOT  McEEMORE 
EDWARD  BURNETT 
JAMES  A  BURT 
CH AS.  LINDSAY 
LOUIS  PEARMAN 
EMORY  SNOWDON 
GEO.  STROTIIER,  Cook 
JAMES  A.  FOX,  Musician 
WM.  E.  SCOTT,  Musician 
ALEX.  ALFORD,  Artificei 
JOSEPH  W.  BROWN,  Wagoner 

PRIVATES 

ANDERSON,  ADOLPH  F 
ANDERSON,  BERT 
BEAN,  GEO.  W 


BERRY,  JOHN  H 
BERRY,  JOHN  T 
BLAKES,  FRED 
BISHOP,  CHAS 
BOWDEN,  JOHN  F 
BOYD,  SAM 
BRENT.  BERTRAND 
BROWN,  JOSEPH  J 
BROWN,  JOHN  R 
BRYANT,  GEO.  H 
COBB.  GEO 
COREY,  WM.  H 
CORRUTHERS,  OSCAR  o 
DOUGLASS,  WM 
FIELDS,  MOSES 
FOX,  JAMES  D 
FOSTER,  WESLEY  S 
FRAZIER,  JAMES  H 
GRAY,  GEO  W 
GOODE,  WM.  T 
HADLEY,  JOHN 
HALL,  GEO 
HAYES,  WM.  F 
HAYWOOD,  GEO  W 
HOLLOWAY,  FRANK 
HUMPHREY,  JAMES  G 
HYDE,  JOHN 
HAWKINS,  GUS 
JACKSON,  JOHN 
JACKSON,  JOHN  A 
TACKSON,  MALCOLM 
JENKINS,  FRANK 
JOHNSON.  THOMAS  W 
TONES,  ALONZO  J 
LANE,  JAMES 
LANE,  SILAS 
LEEK.  EDWARD 
LEWIS,  CLAYBORNE  G 


l1verman,  geo 
Mcdonald,  walter 

McGOWAN,  JACOB 
MITCHELL,  JOE 
MORGAN,  TAMES  A 
MORRIS,  SAMUEL 
MOSBY.  FRANK  C 
NUNN,  MOSES  J  C 
PHILLIPS,  SCHUYLER 
PRATHER,  FRED 
RANDOLPH,  PAYTON  W 
RUDD.  JAMES  H 
SCOTT,  ALBERT 
STARKS,  CLYDE  W 
STEWART,  JOHN  P 
STEWART  WM  E 
STODDARD,  CHAS  W 
STONE,  THOMAS  E 
SYKES,  GEO 
TABORNE,  LAFAYETTE 
THOMPSON,  ARTHUR 
TURNER,  ROBERT 
WARFIELD,  HAYDEN 
WEAVER,  WM 
WHITTAKER,  WESLEY 
WHITE,  THADDEUS  M 
WILLIAMS,  CHAS  H 
WILLIAMS,  SAMUEL 
WILLIAMS,  WM  W 
WILKINS.  PEYTON  B 
WOODALL,  PRINCE  E 
\V<  (LLRIDGE,  WM  H 

AMBROSE,  CHARLES,  discharged  Jan.  27, 
1809. 

PARKS,  ALONZO,  deceased  at   Palma  So- 
riana,  Feb.  4,  1899. 


5o 


Captain  Julius  C.  Withersj'oon 


Lieutenant  Charles  M.  Reece 


CAPT.  JULIUS  WITHERSPOON 

[")  ROB  ABLY   no  man  in  the  regiment  has  had  a  more  varied  career  than  Captain  Julius  Witherspoon. 

He  was  born  at  Archidelphia,  Ark.,  1859,  receiving  his  education  and  early  business  training  in 
that  town.  After  spending  twenty-four  years  in  his  native  home,  he  decided  to  go  out  into  the  world 
and  seek  his  fortune.  He  came  to  Bloomington  in  1884  and  began  his  new  career  as  a  farmer,  working 
for  O.  Barnard,  the  largest  agriculturist  of  that  section  of  the  State.  He  left  the  employ  of  Mr.  Barnard 
to  enter  that  of  the  great  stock  dealer,  I.  H.  Light.  He  enjoyed  the  entire  confidence  of  both  of  these 
gentlemen  and  soon  rose  to  the  position  of  confidential  man  in  both  places.  When  war  was  declared, 
he  was  a  policeman  in  the  City  of  Bloomington. 

LIEUT.  H.  W.  JAMESON 

HENRY  W.  JAMESON  left  the  ministry  to  join  the  Eighth  Illinois.  Lieut.  Jameson  obtained  his 
'  I  literary  education  at  Knox  College,  and  then  bent  his  energies  towards  the  study  of  theology.  For 
the  past  few  years,  he  has  made  a  distinct  success  in  the  newspaper  and  publishing  lines,  and  was  early 
selected  for  a  commission  when  the  regiment  was  being  formed.  In  Cuba,  as  Judge  Advocate,  his  work 
met  the  commendation  of  his  superior  officers. 

LIEUT.  CHARLES  M.  REECE 

/^"HAS.  M.  REECE  was  born  at  Bowling  Green,  Mo.,  in  1 858,  receiving  his  early  education  and  learn- 
ing the  trade  of  barber  in  his  old  home.  He  left  Bowling  Green  in  1888,  coming  to  Jacksonville, 
111.  He  is  a  tonsorial  artist  of  wide  repute  in  his  community,  but  the  confinement  of  the  occupation  was 
injurious  to  his  health.  When  he  enlisted  in  the  volunteer  service  he  was  employed  as  messenger  at  the 
Railway  and  Warehouse  Commission  at  Springfield  . 

57 


Company  G. 


Company  Q,  Eighth  Illinois  Volunteer  Infantry. 

Captain,  Julius  C.  Witherspoon.  First  Lieutenant,  Henry  W.  Jameson. 

Second  Lieutenant,  Charles  M.  Reece. 


SERGEANTS 

AUGUSTUS  G.  SMITH,  1st.  Sergeant 

JAMES  M..  COURTNEY 

WICKLIFFE  SMITH 

DAIVD  H.  MOORE 

IRA  O.  GUY 

JESSE  H.  VVAGGENER 

CORPORALS 

WILLIAM  T.  JORDAN 
DELMAR  E.  LEE 
CASH  G.  TOLIVER 
LEWIS  LIVINGSTON 
WILLIAM  R.  CLARK 
JAMES  H.  SIMONS 
NOBLE  D.  LAMB 
JEREMIAH  PROSER 
HARRY  D.  RODGERS 
EUGENE  THOMAS 
JOHN  H.  H.  HAWKINS 
HENRY  C.  WILSON 

CHARLES  HARDIN,  Cook 
JOSEPH  G.  WILSON,  Musician 
SAMUEL  HARDIMAN,  Artificer 
FRED  MURPHY,  Wagoner 


PRIVATES 

ANDERSON,  CHARLES  S 
BELL,  SHIRLEY  D 
BELL,  WILLIAM 
BLAKE,  FINUS 
BROWN,  BLAND 
BROWN,  EMMANUEL  W  S 
BROWNER,  JAMES 
BURNETT,  HAYES 
BURNS,  MERRILL 
BRYANT.  WILLIAM 
liOYD,  WILLIAM 
CROUSE,  WILLIAM  P 
DAVIS,  FRANK  L 
DAVIS,  JOSEPH 
DUNN,  JOHN 
EARLY,  DANIEL 
FEARS,  A.  M 
GIBBS,  DAVID 
GAINES,  TOSEPH  B 
GLASSCO",  CHARLES 
GRAYER,  FRANK 
GRISLE,  GRANDVILLE 
HARDIN,  JAMES 
HARDIN,  WILLIAM 
HENRY,  ED 
HOBBS,  DAVIE  G 
HOLLY,  TOHN 
HUBBARD,  ALBERT 
JACOBS,  CASSIDY 
JACKSON,  LEBERT 
JOHNSON,  WILLIAM 
TONES,  CHARLIE 
TONES,  WILLIAM  M 
KEMP,  CHARLIE 


H 


Ii 


knight,  noble 
lane,  tohn 
lee,  james  h 
lewis,  nathaniel 
lewis,  philip 
madison,  sidney 
martin,  charles  e 
McDonald,  virgil 
m1lom,  hart 
myers,  charles 
n1ckens,  wardner 
patton,  james  n 
pennix,  john 
rollins,  william  p 
riley,  hardin 
roberts,  hayes  l 
robertson,  william 
smith,  arthur 
smith,  william 
stipes,  joseph 
sublett,  samuel 
samuels,  geo.  w 
samuels,  james  a 
thomas,  everett 
ticknor,  jed 
turner,  mike 
walker,  nelson 
watson,  william  a 
white,  samuel  f 
wiley,  willie 
williams,  wather 
williams,  spencer 
wright,  chester 
yancey,  william 
yarbery,  frank 
young,  charles  h 


59 


CAPT.  WILLIAM  D.  HODGE 

APTAIN  WILLIAM  DARRELL  HODGE  has  the  distinction  of  being  the  youngest  Captain  in 
the  Eighth  Regiment.  He  first  saw  the  light  of  day  in  Ouincy,  111.,  1875.  In  1879,  his  parents 
moved  to  Springfield,  111.,  which  place  has  been  his  home  ever  since.  His  father  was  a  veteran  of  the 
Civil  W  ar  and  much  of  the  maitial  spirit  of  the  father  was  inherited  by  the  son.  He  was  the  organizer 
of  the  Sons  of  Veterans  Corps  of  Springfield,  joining  as  a  private  in  189 1;  by  steadfastness  of  purpose 
and  devotion  to  duty,  he  rose  to  the  rank  of  Captain  in  1894.  Captain  Hodge  by  diligent  work,  aided 
by  able  assistants,  succeeded  in  making  Company  H  one  of  the  "crack"  companies  of  the  regiment. 

LIEUT.  RICHARD  C.  ROSS 

A  LTON,  ILL.,  is  the  birthplace  of  Richard  C.  Ross.     Born  in  1870,  he  lived  in  his  native  city  until 
he   reached  the   age   of  17,   then    removing  to  Springfield.     At  the   time  of  his  enlistment,  he 
was  the  second  cook  at  the  Leland  Hotel  of  that  city.     He  is  such  a  trustworthy  man  that  in  times  of 
emergency  he  has  been  given  full  charge  of  the  house.     He  is  also    First  Lieutenant  in  the  Sons  of 
Veterans'  Corps  of  Springfield. 

LIEUT.  WALTER  J.  JACKSON 

H?  ALTIMORE,  MD.,  is  the  birthplace  of  Walter  Jackson.    He  is  twenty-nine  years  old.    In  1895  he 
'    joined  the  Ninth  Battalion  as  a  private,  and  when  the  regiment  was  called  to  Springfield  he  wore  the 
stripes  of  a  Sergeant.    He  was  mustered  in  as  Second  Lieutenant,  and  has  done  faithful  and  consistent 
service. 


in 


Company  H. 


Company  H,  Eighth  Illinois  Volunteer  Infantry. 


Captain,  William  D.  Hodge.  First  Lieutenant,  Richard  C.  Ross. 

Second  Lieutenant,  Walter  J.  Jackson. 


SERGEANTS 

ROBERT  BLAKEMAN,  ist.  Sergeant 

HENRY  WILLIAMS 

OLIVER  CURTIS 

HENRY  A.  BROADY 

FRANK  L.  LEWIS 

JOSEPH  RICHARDSON 


CORPORALS 

JOSEPH  MORGAN, 
HARRY  ROSS 
WILLIAM  FARMER 
ELIAS  KIRBY 
JAMES  HATCHER 
DAVID  EDWARDS 
CHARLES  ROSE 
LUTHER  KING 
GEORGE  BEARD 
FRANK  BURNS 
ABRAHAM  L.  MORGAN 
EVERTT  WATTS 


GEORGE  HARRIS,  Cook 
FREDERICK  PARKER,  Musician 
IRA  KING,  Musician 
CHARLES  HOLMAN,  Artificer 
JOSEPH  WELLS,  Wagoner 


PRIVATES 

ADAMS,  ROBERT 
ALEXANDRA,  GEORGE 
BLACKFORD,  WILLIAM 
BLAND,  AUBRY 


BRABOY,  KIT 
BISHOP,  CHARLES 
BROWN,  ALLEN 
BROWN,  BELTON 
BROWN,  DANIEL 
BURKS,  WALTER 
BURTON,  MILUS 
BURTON,  GEORGE 
BENNETT,  ROBERT 
CALHOUN,  RALPH 
CARTER,  GILES 
DICKENS,  HARRY 
DIXON,  JAMES 
DONNEGAN,  WILLIAM 
EDWARDS,  JOSEPH 
EN  SAW.  CHaRLLS 
FARMER,  JOHN  JR 
FORD.  FRANK 
G[  OYER,  LOUIS 
GRF.EXLE AF,  El. UAH 
GILF.S.  DAVID 
HAT  L,  ROBERT 
HARDIN,  ANDREW 
HATCHER,  ELLIS 
HICKS,  WILLIAM 
HIIX.  HENRY 
HOLMAN,  RALPH 
IK  GAN.  CH VRLES 
HUBBARD.  'AiviES 

johnson,  Albert 
jones,  john 
Johnson,  arthur  d 
kirby,  paul 
lacey,  george 
loomis,  george 
loomis,  william 
lucas,  tames 
mahr.  David 
marshall,  george 


MEREDITH,  AMOS 
MILLER,  HENRY 
MINNARD,  HARDY 
MOORE,  CHARLES 
MARSHALL,  WESLEY 
MAHR,  MAJOR 
MARSHALL,  LENARD 
ORENDORF,  ELIJAH 
POLLARD,  WILLIAM 
PETTIT,  WILLIAM 
PEYTON,  WILLIAM 
PARKER,  LORENZA 
OUARELLS,  GEORGE 
RAGLAND,  WILLIAM 
RAY,  GRANVILLE 
REDEN,  NEUMAN 
RICKETT,  BENTAMIN 
ROBINSON,  JAMES 
ROSS,  CHARLES 
RUCKER,  ELECK 
SMITH,  WILLIAM 
SETTLERS,  SAMUEL 
SANDERS,  JOSEPH 
THOMPSON,  ALBERT 
TABORN.  JOHN 
VERNON,  FRANK 
WILLIAMS,  JOHN 
WILLIAMS,  LOUIS 
WILLIAMS,  NOAH 
WILLIAMS,  REUBEN 
WRIGHT,  ROBERT 
WASHINGTON,  ALEXANDRA 
WASHINGTON,  ROBERT 
WASHINGTON.  FREDERICK 
WATKINS,  CHARLES 
WEBB,  TAMES 
WORMLEY,  EDWARD 
YORK,  WILLIAM 
WALTON,  JAMES  C 


63 


CAPT.  FREDERICK  BALL,  JR. 

[FREDERICK  BALL,  JR.,  was  born  in  Ouincy,  111.,  Dec.  5th,  1865.  In  1883,  he  was  graduated  from 
the  city  high  school,  and  soon  afterwards  commenced  the  study  of  law.  After  a  complete  course 
in  the  Chaddock  Law  College  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  November,  1895.  He  built  up  a  splendid 
practice,  and  soon  became  the  leading  colored  citizen  in  that  section.  When  Col.  Marshall  was  casting 
about  for  a  suitable  man  to  recruit  a  company  in  Quincy,  his  choice  naturally  fell  upon  Frederick  Rail. 
In  securing  recruits,  he  was  particularly  fortunate,  and  Capt.  Ball's  company  soon  became  a  company  of 
soldiers. 

LIEUT.  WILLIAM  H.  DALLAS 

\./ILLIAM  DALLAS  was  born  in  Ouincy,  111.,  in   1877.     He  attended  the  public  schools  of  that 
city,   afterwards  learning  the  butcher's  trade.     He  was  working  at  his  trade  when  the  call  for 
troops  was  made.     Entering  the  service  as  a  Sergeant,  Lieutenant  Dallas  received  more  promotions 
than  any  man  in  the  regiment — two  commissions  coming  to  him  in  less  than  two  months. 


LIEUT.  ROBERT  RATCLIFFE 

"THE  Second  Lieutenant  of  Company  I  won  his  commission  in  the  service.  He  enlisted  as  Sergeant 
*  Major,  performed  his  duties  most  acceptably,  and  was  rewarded  with  a  promotion.  In  Chicago, 
Lieutenant  Ratcliffe  held  an  important  position  in  the  Postoffice,  which  has  been  held  open  for  him  during 
his  absence.  During  the  temporary  absences  of  Adjutant  Thompson,  Lieut.  Ratcliffe  performed  exceed- 
ingly well  the  duties  of  that  important  office. 


65 


PROACH  TO  MORRO  CASTLE 


Company  I,  Eighth  Illinois  Volunteer  Infantry. 


Captain,  Frederick  Ball,  Jr.  First  Lieutenant,  William  H.  Dallas. 

Second  Lieutenant,  Robert  F.  Ratcliffe. 


SERGEANTS 

CHARLES  S.  S.  MORRISON,  ist.  Sergeant 

CHARLES  O.  ROBINSON 

CHARLES  H.  PETERSOu 

SAMUEL  DUNCAN 

WILLIAM  W.  PERKINS 

JOSEPH  W.  JORDAN 


CORPORALS 

JAMES  DENNING 
SOLOMON  L.  LESTER 
THOMAS  W.  ROBINSON 
JAMES  W.  CROPP 
HERBERT  \\  I  I,  LI  A. MS 
BA  I LEY  BUTLER 
JOHN  W.  BALL 
JOHN  W.  GRIFFIN 
WILLIAM  GRIFFY 
EDWARD  H.  JOHNSON 
JOHN  GLOVER 
WILLIAM  WARD 

WILLIAM  E.  WOODS,  Cook 
JAMES  A.  MOSBY,  Musician 
WILLIAM  DIAMOND,  Musician 
TAYLOR  WHEELER.  Artificer 
ROBERT  CROCKETT.  Wagoner 


PRIVATES 

ARTIS,  SILAS 
BARNES,  BERTIE 
BERNARD,  LOUIS  II 
BELL,  WILLIAM  F 
BLUE.  WILLIAM 
BLACKBURN,.  JOHN  W 
BRUINGTON,  BAANA 
BRUINGTON.  LEMUEL 
BROWN,  WILLIAM  A 
BUCKNER,  BEN 
BURRELL,  HENRY  M 
BUTLER,  SMITH 
BUSH,  EDWARD 
BALL,  WILLIAM  W 
CI. ARK,  TOSEI'H  I 
COMBS,  JOHN  A  ' 
COBY,  WILLIAM 
DAVIS,  MORTON 
DEAN,  HONOR 
DOUGLAS,  THOMAS 
DOTSON,  WILLIAM 
DORSEY,  JOHN  II 
El. I. IS,  ARTHUR* 
FOSTER,  ERNEST  L 
FIX  LEY,  WALTER  R 
GASKIN,  SIMON 
GASKIN,    CHARLES  D 
GII.STRAP,  ROBERT 
GTBSON,  ROBERT 
GREEN,  SAMUEL 
HARRISON,  JOHN  H 
HARRISON,  ELMER 
HARRISON,  HENRY 
HARRIS,  ROBERT 
HARVEY,  ANTHONY  T 
HICKS,  ALBERT  L 
HENRY,  HERMAN  D 


JACKSON.  LORENZY 
JEFFERSON,  ARNOLD 
JEFFERSON,  JESSE 
JOWLS,  CHARLES  A 
JOHNSON,  WILLIAM 
JOHNSON,  GEORGE  W 
LONGMEYER,  JOHN 
MAXWELL,  CHARLIE 
MARSHALL,  JOHN  E 
McCRAY,  JOHN 
McWILLIAMS,  GEORGE 
MARTIN,  EDWARD 
MORRIS,  WILLIAM 
MOORE,  FRANK 
MITCHELL,  HARRY  H 
MERRITT,  DAVID 
MILLER,  EDWARD 
NEWBOLT,  HENRY 
PARRISH,  SIMON  P 
I'ERKIXS.  InllX  II.  IK 
PHIPPS,  EDGAR 
PHOENIX,  WILLIAM 
PENIX,  ROBERT  L 
PLUMMER,  CHARLEY 
PRIDE,  JOHN  A 
RELEFORD,  WILLIAM  A 
RICHARDSON,  PHILIP 
ROLAND,  JOHN 
SHAW,  MILLARD  A 
SANSBURRY,  WILLIAM 
SMITH,  AARON  D 
SMITH,  TYSON  H 
SPENCER,  MARION 
SIM!  NGTON,  CHARLES 
THOMPSON,  ANDY 
THOMPSON.  WILLIAM  W 
WARD,  FRED 
WASHINGTON.  WILIJAM 
WALKER,  JOHN  M 


67 


Lieutenant  William  Carter 


Captain  Leon  W.  Denison 


Lieutenant  James  Washington 


CAPT.  LEON  W.  DENISON 

J  EON  W.  DENISON,  brother  of  Major  Frank  Denison,  was  born  in  San  Antonio,  Tex.  He 
— '  prepared  for  the  University  of  Michigan  in  the  public  schools  of  his  home.  Captain  Denison  spent 
two  years  in  the  University  of  Michigan,  taking  a  special  course  in  history,  logic  and  rhetoric  preparatory 
to  the  study  of  law.  He  entered  the  Chicago  College  of  Law  in  1896,  and  at  the  time  of  his  enlistment 
was  a  senior  in  that  institution.  He  enlisted  as  a  private  in  the  Eighth  Regiment  and  was  unexpectedly 
appointed  Captain  of  Company  K  by  the  Governor.  He  took  a  green  company,  and  by  skill  and  per- 
sistence formed  it  into  one  of  the  best  companies  of  the  regiment.  Leon  Denison  is  one  of  the  most 
able  and  popular  young  men  in  the  city  of  Chicago  He  lays  no  claims  to  being  a  politician,  but  stands 
high  in  the  councils  of  both  city  and  county  politicians. 

LIEUT.  WILLIAM  CARTER 

IEUT.  WILLIAM  CARTER,  the  smallest  and  best-natured  officer  in  the  regiment,  was  born  forty- 
' — '  eight  years  ago  in  the  Old  Dominion.  In  1863,  he  moved  to  Litchfield,  111.,  entered  the  field  of 
business,  and  made  a  pronounced  success.  During  the  formation  of  the  Eighth  Regiment,  no  man  was 
more  active,  or  more  successful,  in  securing  recruits  than  Lieut.  Carter.  A  capable  officer,  genial,  courte- 
ous, and  at  all  times  a  credit  to  his  uniform  is  the  record  of  Lieut.  Carter. 

LIEUT.  JAMES  W.  WASHINGTON 

JAMES  W.  WASHINGTON,  the  fighting  parson,  was  born  at  La  Grange,  Mo.,  in  1863.  He 
received  his  early  education  in  his  native  city.  At  that  time,  it  was  his  highest  aim  to  be  a  minister 
of  the  gospel  and  a  leader  of  his  people.  He  was  ordained  a  Baptist  minister  at  Davenport,  Iowa,  Oct. 
15,  1886.  Lieut.  Washington  was  Chief  City  Oil  Inspector  for  two  and  a  half  years  at  Monmouth,  111.; 
leaving  that  position,  he  became  editor  and  publisher  of  the  Douglas  Optic,  the  first  colored  paper 
ever  published  in  Knox  County,  Illinois.  This  field  becoming  too  narrow  for  a  man  of  his  abilities, 
he  moved  in  1896  to  Rock  Island,  111.  He  took  an  active  part  in  the  enlistment  of  his  company,  and 
afterwards  as  a  Lieutenant  met  all  the  requirements  of  a  soldier.  While  located  at  San  Luis,  he  filled 
the  position  of  Provost  Marshal  with  great  distinction. 

69 


Company  K 


Company  K,  Eighth  Illinois  Volunteer  Infantry. 


Captain.  Leon  Denison. 


First  Lieutenant,  William  Carter. 


Second  Lieutenant,  J.  W.  Washington. 


SERGEANTS 

GEO.  D.  CARTER,  ist.  Sergeant 
WILLIAMS,  WILLIAM 
WELLINGTON  CROCKETT 
DANIEL  LUCAS 
SMITH  HALL 
SOLOMON  WILLIAMS 


CORPORALS 

PHILLIP  DAVIS 
JOSEPH  YEAGER 
RUFUS  YEAGER 
GRANT  WARD 
JOHN  SPEARMAN 
WILLIAM  JONES 
GEORGE  HAYES 
WILLIAM  REDMOND 
FRED  HOLMES 
JOSEPH  WILSON 
EDWARD  LEE 
ALEXANDER  BUSH 


HENRY  BOWENS,  Cook 
HARRISON  PORTER,  Artificer 
SYLVESTER  McALLISTER,  Wagoner 
JOHN  JACKSON,  Musician 
HORACE  ALEXANDER  .Musician 


privates 

albritton,  tolbert 
allen,  christopher 
anderson,  harry 
baker,  george 
baker,  james 
bell,  john 
bell,  william 
birch,  william 
bailey,  lafayette 
branch,  frederick 
bramm,  james 
brown,  cornelius 
brown,  fremont 
o'bryant.  henry 
butler,  george 
carper,  martin 
collins,  ross 
cooper,  chester 
curtis,  benjamin 
curtis,  toel 
eaves,  George 
edens.  james 
edwards,  benjamin 
evans,  walter 
fergusson,  john 
gordon,  chaylon 
grant.  james 
harris,  tames 
hayes,  robert 
hunter,  george 
hyatt,  richard 
jackson,  andrew 
tackson,  james 
johnson,  a  w 
johnson,  tohn 
Johnson,  'william 
John,  tilton 
tones,  frank 


ri 


JAMES,  JOSEPH  L 
KEELING,  JOHN 
KNOX,  JOSEPH 
KNIGHT,  LUCIUS 
LEE,  ERNEST 
LEE.  EDWARD 
LETCHER,  EDDIE 
LEWIS,  WILLIAM 
LOGAN,  FRANK 
MAYS,  JOHN 
McKANE,  NEUT 
MITCHEL,  FREDRICK 
MOORE,  FRANK 
OWENS,  C.  W. 
PEAIR,  TONIE 
RAYMOND,  HUGH 
REDMOND,  EVERETTL 
ROSS,  W.  A. 
RUSH,  GRANT 
SCOTT,  WILLIAM 
SUMMERS,  EARL 
SMITH,  WILLIAM 
SMITH,  T.  T. 
STANLEY,  LEONARD 
TAGGART,  HENRY 
TERRELL,  EDWARD 
TERRY,  HENRY 
TITSWORTH,  DAVID 
VANDERMUS,  ANDREW" 
WADDLE,  AARON 
WALKER,  WILLIS 
WHITE.  JOSEPH 
WILSON,  WASHINGTON 
WALLACE,  TAMES 
VALENTINE,  IRA 
PENDLETON,  ELMER 
THOMAS,  TOHN  R 
CLAYPOOL,  AUSTIN 
COEFIELD,  EDWARD 
NORTH.  TOHN 


Lieutenant  John  W.  W.  Laden  Lieutenant  Horace  G.  Burke 


CAPT.  GEORGE  V.  LANE 

EORGE  V.  LANE  is  reputed  to  be  the  handsomest  officer  in  the  regiment.    When  Capt.  Lane  left 
his  home  to  lead  his  company  to  the  front,  he  was  serving  his  third  term  as  County  Commissioner. 
By  profession  the  captain  is  a  lawyer. 

LIEUT.  JOHN  W.  W.  LADEN 

IOHN  W.  W.  LADEN  was  born  in  Mound  City,  111.,  in  1873.     He  received  his  early  education  in  the 
schools  of  his  native  city,  afterwards  attending  the  high  school  at  Metropolis.    He  left  the  Metropo- 
lis High  School  to  complete  his  course  at  the  Evanston  High  School  preparatory  to  a  collegiate  course 
in  Northwestern  University.     When  war  was  declared  he  was  working  on  a  farm  to  replenish  his  funds 
in  order  that  he  might  complete  his  university  course. 

LIEUT.  H.  G.  BURKE 

ORACE  G.  BURKE  was  born  July  4,  1872,  at  Houston,  Tex.  He  passed  the  early  years  of  his 
life  in  his  native  State,  moving  to  Metropolis,  111.,  in  January,  1883.  He  enlisted  in  Company  L 
at  the  first  organization  of  that  company,  leaving  a  thriving  and  remunerative  live  stock  business  for 
the  defense  of  his  country.  He  enlisted  as  a  First  Sergeant  and  was  promoted  on  the  field  in  Cuba  to 
Second  Lieutenant.  He  proved  himself  to  be  an  efficient  officer  in  every  respect,  discharging,  his  duties 
in  such  a  gentlemanly  manner  that  he  won  the  esteem  of  the  entire  regiment.  He  has  always  been  a 
prominent  figure  in  the  southern  part  of  the  State,  and  bids  fair  to  become  one  of  the  leaders  of  his  race. 


73 


Company  L,  Eighth  Illinois  Volunteer  Infantry 


Captain,  Geo.  V  Lane. 


First  Lieutenant,  John  W.  W.  Laden-. 


Second  Lieutenant,  Horace  G.  Burke. 


SERGEANTS 

JOEL  T.  LLOYD,  ist.  Sergeant 
HARLAN D  A.  HOARD 
ROBERT  T.  SIMS 
WM.  T.  STEPHENS 
CLARENCE  E.  THOMPSON 
BEN  J.  ROLLINS 

CORPORALS 

ROB  GLOVER 
J.  W.  PARKS 
GEO.  W.  HUGHES 
WM.  MOORE 
WALTER  I.  LIPSCOMK 
ARTHUR  CARR 
FLEMIN  FISHER 
JAMES  MEALS 
JOHN  W.  PASCHEL 
FELIX  DAILY 
GEO.  G.  ANDERSON 
ALEX.  JOHNSON 


EDW  ARD  PIDDLE,  Cook 
THOMAS  HARMON,  Artificer 
HJLMON  DAVIS,  Wagoner 
JOHN  WHITNER,  Musician 
WM.  G.  LLOYD,  Musician 


PRIVATES 

ADAMS,  Ed  H. 
ADAMS.  JOSEPH 
ALLEN,  lOHN  D 
ALLEN,  WALTER 
BLITHE,  JAMES  H 
BRADLEY.  ANTHONY 
BROWN,  WM.  D 
BROWN,  Geo 
BURROWS,  GEO 
COUSINS.  WM.  E. 
CROCKET,  REUBEN 
DALTON  CHAS.  R 
DUNNING,  THOMAS 
EDWARDS,  ROB  A 
EDWARDS,  TOHN 
EVANS,  HY" 
FLAKES,  FATE 
GIBSON,  SAMUEL 
GORDAN,  ELIJAH  A 
GRAHAM,  WM.  G 
HAYES,  GEO  H 
HAGLER,  WILEY  A 
HENRY,  FELIX  H 
HENDERSON,  OTRESS  II 
HYNES,  EMERSON  F, 
HOFFMAN,  SAMUEL 
HUGHES,  ALFRED 
JOHNSON,  THOMAS 
JONES,  JESSE 
KING,  EMERSON 
KIRBY,  HY 
KIMBALL,  TOHN 
LISHMAN,  "BENJAMIN 
LONG,  HY 
LANE,  JR.,  GEO  V 
McCRACKIN,  WALLACE 


McCURRY,  SONEV 
McCURRY,  GEO 
McKAY,  SAMUEL 
MANN,  TOE 
MILES, 'WM 
MORGAN,  JAMES  G 
MOORE,  PORTER 
MILLER.  WILSON 
MILLER,  FRANK 
NOBLE,  WM 
NEW  SON,  JESSE 
OR]  NGTON,  CLARENCE 
PAYNE,  CLEMNIE  E' 
POLLARD,  TUDGE 
REEDE,  RO'LLAND 
REEDE.  WM 
ROBINSON,  JOE 
ROBINSON,  JAMES  M 
ROLLINS,  TOHN 
SMITH,  TOllN  W 
SMITH,  GUS 
SMITH,  ARTHUR 
SMOOT,  JOHN  F 
STEWARD,  ULYSSES 
TURNER,  JEFF 
TAYLOR,  ELIAS 
THOMPSON,  GEO 
THOMPSON.  HARRY  E 
THOMAS,  CHAS 
TILLER,  WM 
UZZELL,  McRac 
WATERS,  LEWIS 
WEBSTER,  HORACE 
WHITE,  TOHN 
WHITNER,  ELIJAH 
W  ILSON.  LEVY 
WILSON,  PETER 
WILLIAMS,  EDDIE  T 


G 


70 


Lieutenant  William  A.  Donaldson  Captain  Joseph  W.  MgAdoo  Liu  tknast  Nathan  Davis 


CAPT.  JOSEPH  W.  McADOO 

IOSLPH    W.  McADOO  was  born  in  Gibson  County,  Kentucky,  in  1869.    For  the  last  fifteen  years 
Cairo  has  been  his  home,  and  he  by  reason  of  his  natural  strength  of  character  and  energy,  was  early 
selected  to  be  one  of  the  officers  in  Company  M.  In  the  field,  Captain  McAdoo  was  a  good  tactician  and 
a  thorough  <jentleman.   His  company  is  noted  for  lack  of  friction,  and  the  comradeship  so  general  amongst 
his  men. 

LIEUT.  WM.  DONALDSON 

/7^NE  of  the   quietest,   most  willing  officers   of  the  line   is    Lieut.    Donaldson.      He    served  his 
military  apprenticeship  in  the  24th  U.  S.   Infantry,  and  was  well  fitted  for  the  more  important 
duties  with  the  Eighth.     One  of  his  superior  officers  said  of  him:  "Whenever  everyone  else  was  worn 
out  and  reach'  to  rest,  Lieut.  Donaldson  was  always  ready  to  carry  out  orders." 

LIEUT.  NATHAN  DAVIS 

j\  1ALHAN  DAVIS  was  born  in  Pittsylvania  County,  Va.,  in  1865.  He  moved  to  Cairo,  111.,  in  1887, 
*  and  immediately  took  a  leading  place  among  the  men  of  his  race.  Lieut.  Davis  is  a  self-made 
man  in  the  fullest  sense  of  the  word.  By  the  hardest  knocks,  he  was  enabled  to  reach  the  enviable 
position  he  now  holds.  He  has  always  been  a  lover  of  his  race,  and  any  measure  that  would  advance 
the  interests  of  the  race,  he  advocated  with  all  his  great  soul.  He  has  always  been  true  to  himself  and 
to  his  friends — that  is  the  secret  of  his  success.  He  took  an  active  part  in  recruiting  Company  M  and 
the  improvement  of  that  company,  and  thereby  the  regiment  has  been  his  greatest  delight.  His  gentle- 
manly and  soldierly  ways  have  endeared  him  to  both  officers  and  men. 


Company  M,  Eighth  Illinois  Volunteer  Infantry. 


Captain,  Joseph  W.  McAdoo.  First  Lieutenant,  William  H.  Donaldson. 

Second  Lieutenant,  Nathan  Davis 


SERGEANTS 

WILLIAM   M.  WATSON,   ist.  Sergeant 

HENRY  D.  DOUGLAS 

CHARLEY  TRUELOCK 

WILLIAM  BUCKNER 

JAMES  W.  MOSS 

GEORGE  H.  LANE 


CORPORALS 

SAMUEL  PHILLIPS 
JUDGE  J.  PHINNESSEE 
GEORGE  CLEMONS 
JOSEPH  J.  WINBISH 
JAMES  A.  WILSON 
BENJAMIN  H.  SHANKLIN 
ALFRED  THOMAS 
MAJOR  WILLI  FORD 
DEMPSY  SUMNER 
EDWARD  PATTERSON 
ISAIAH  C.  DILLARD 
JEFFERSON  SMITH 
FRANK  NEAL 


LOGAN  WHITE,  Musician 
ABRAHAM   EZICAH,  Musician 
EDW  ARD  WRIGHT,  Artificer 
JOSEPH   DAVIS,  Wagoner 


PRIVATES 

ALLEN,  ELMORE 
AMOS,  RICHARD 
HAKER,  WILLIAM 
BRADSHAW,  CHARLEY 
BIRDSONG,  DENNA 
BRIDGES,  CLIFTON 
BROWN,  JOHN  M 
BAKER,  LAWSON 
BURNETT,  RICHARD 
BRACY,  RICHARD 
BUCKHANON,  WILLIAM 
COMBS,  DELACY 
COOK,  HEZ1CAII 
CLARK,  JOHN 
COLE,  RUFUS  W 
CARTER,  WILLIS 
DUDLY,  FRANK 
DOUGLAS,  JAMES  D 
DUEPREE,  WILLIAM 
ELLIOTT,  SIMON 
EVERETT.  WILLIAM 
EWING.  IRA 
DENNIS,  FARROW 
DENNIS,  FAGAN 
FIELDS,  TOHN 
FREEMAN,  PETER 
FOULTZ,  WILLEY 
GREER.  SAMUEL 
GASKIN,  STEPHEN 
GATEN,  DAVID 
HERRON,  ALBERT 
H ILL,  TOHN 
HAYNES,  ROBERT 
HOLLY.  PLESS 
TACK  SON,  ANDREW 
TOYNER.  THOMAS 
JOHNSON,  ALBERT 
JOHNSON,  WALTER 


JONES,  WALTON  F 
kNoVVLES,  HARDY'  L 
KNOWLES  JOHN  B 
LAMBERT,  EDWARD 
LEACH,  WILLIAM 
McKISIC,  THOMAS 
MITCHELL,  WILLIAM 
MITCHELL,  TiDWARD 
AloSBY,  GEORGE  B. 
MOPPINS,  TOHN 
MORRIS,  MITCHELL 
MORRIS,  NEPP 
MARTIN,  WALTER 
MARTIN,  TOHN  H 
MATHES,  'SIMON 
MOSS,  ALEX. 
NOONAN,  ALLIE 
NEWTON,  ALEX 
NEWSOME,  FRANK 
OWENS,  CHARLEY 
PILLAR,  ALLEN 
PEARSON,  HENRY 
RIST.  TAMES 
ROSS,  JAMES 
RILES,  TOHN  R 
SMITH,'  EDWARD 
SMITH,  JOHN  T 
SCAGGS.  JAMES 
SI  LV  ]•:  RS."  NAT  1 1 A  X  I  E  L 
ST EV E RSON.  WILLI  A  N> 
THOMAS,  EDWARD 
TUCKER.  SIDNEY' 
THOMPSON.  JOSEPH 
TANCIL,  CHARLEY 
WATKTNS.  EDWARD 
WADE.  GEORGE 
WASHINGTON.  TAMES  W 
W  \RD.  TACK 
WHITE.'  TOSEPIT 
WTI.LTA.MS.  REECY 


79 


Company  II  Breaking  Camp  at  San  Luis 
Cuban  Hoys  in  the  Foreground 


HISTORY. 


A  history  of  the  Eighth  Illinois  Volunteers  is  an 
epoch  in  the  history  of  the  negro  in  America. 

Ever  since  Crispus  Attucks,  the  world  has 
known  that  the  black  man  has  undaunted  courage  ; 
that  he  is  obedient  to  command ;  and  that  he  pos- 
sesses,— thanks  to  his  unfortunate  ancestors, — a 
hearty  constitution,  and  the  faculty  of  being  satis- 
fied with  an  humble  diet.  In  a  word  he  is  the  ideal 
private  soldier. 

Sherman  and  Sheridan  have  testified  to  this  fact ; 
after  Appomattox,  Lee  averred  that  without  the  aid 
of  the  negro  soldiers,  the  North  could  never  have 
conquered  him  ;  and  Gen.  McClellan  said,  ''Give  me 
an  army  of  black  men.  and  I  will  defy  the  world." 

Negroes  as  officers  would  be  an  experiment. 
Theirs,  heretofore,was  to  obey,  not  to  command.  They 


were  always  to  be  led,  never  to  lead.  Though  his  shoul- 
ders were  broad,  they  were  too  narrow  to  bear  the 
gilded  shoulder  straps.  Though  his  hands  were 
strong,  they  were  too  brawny  to  wield  the  comman- 
der's glittering  sword. 

They  possessed  that  enthusiasm  which  led  to 
noble  deeds,  but  they  had  not  yet  learned  to  com- 
mand, or  to  be  commanded  by  members  of  their  own 
race. 

Prejudice,  rank  and  insurmountable  had  con- 
tinually barred,  to  the  colored  youth,  the  doors  of 
the  nation's  great  military  academy.  Laws,  enacted 
in  the  post  bellum  days,  absolutely  forbade,  in  the 
negro  regiments  in  the  regular  army, — the  promo- 
tion which  merit  or  valor  might  deserve. 

Only  one  avenue  leading  to  the  upper  grades  re- 
mained to  him, — the  state  militia.   In  various  states, 


companies  and  battalions  were  organized,  and  in 
1891  the  afterwards  celebrated  Ninth  Battalion  of 
Chicago  was  formed.  Up  this  single  avenue  il 
marched,  storming  citadels  of  opposition,  leaping 
trenches  of  spiteful  intrigue,  repelling  newspaper 
and  legislative  attacks,  but  always  on  the  way 
upward. 

For  seven  years  the  Ninth  Battalion  was  the 
negroes'  West  Point.  Nothing  marked  their  Fresh- 
man, Sophomore  and  Junior  years  save  many  nights 
of  hard  drill,  several  brilliant  parades,  and  now  and 
then  a  solemn  march  when  a  comrade  was  borne  to 
his  final  resting  place.  But  political  events  were 
shaping  themselves  to  give  these  soldier  students  a 
memorable  senior  year, — a  senior  year  that  was  to 
end  with  a  commencement  that  was  indeed  a  begin- 
ning of  greater  things. 

In  the  spring  of  1898,  the  world  was  expecting 
Congress  to  declare  war  with  Spain.  Diplomacy 
had  utterly  failed  to  gain  for  the  tottering  Cubans 
a  single  tangible  concession  of  liberty,  or  the  right 
to  live. 


The  press  was  clamoring  for  war ;  the  pulpit 
prayed  for  intervention  ;  and  the  people  regarded 
every  strong  voiced  jingo  as  a  defender  of  the  down- 
trodden, and  an  exponent  of  liberty.  War  was  ine- 
vitable and  the  citizen  soldiery  was  preparing  for  it. 

(  )n  April  23rd,  Congress  declared  that  "a  state 
of  war  existed  between  the  United  States  and 
Spain,"  and  the  students  in  the  West  Point  of  the 
Negroes  thought  that  their  day  of  graduation  was 
at  hand.  They  knew  that  they  belonged  to  the  state 
militia  and  that  it  was  upon  the  state  militia  that  the 
government  relied  for  its  first  soldiers.  At  last,  the 
experiment  was  to  be  made, — negro  troops,  with  ne- 
gro officers  were  to  be  called  into  the  service.  At 
last,  the  American  negro  was  to  be  given  a  chance  to 
fight  for  his  less  fortunate  kinsmen  in  Cuba. 

April  24th,  the  President's  proclamation  calling 
for  175,000  troops  was  issued',  and  under  the  allot- 
ment to  States,  Illinois  was  to  furnish  seven  regi- 
ments of  infantry  and  one  regiment  of  cavalry, — no 
battalion  was  mentioned.  The  state's  seven  regi- 
ments departed  for  Springfield,  and  every  militiaman 


in  the  state  who  was  willing  to  fight  for  his  conn- 
try,  except  those  of  the  Ninth  Battalion,  was  to  be 
given  a  musket.  Was  it  misfortune,  or  was  it  preju- 
dice? Popular  opinion  chose  the  latter,  but  devel- 
opments showed  that  it  was  the  former. 

The  dav  following  the  issuance  of  the  call,  a  com- 
mittee composed  of  John  R.  Marshall,  Robert  R. 
Jackson,  Franklin  Denison,  E.  H.  Wright,  Rev.  R. 
C.  Ransom,  Rev.  J.  W.  Thomas  and  S.  B.  Turner 
proceeded  to  Springfield  to  ascertain  from  Governor 
Tanner  why  the  Battalion  had  not  been  included 
in  the  call.  The  Governor  explained  the  situation. 
Seven  regiments  had  been  called,  and  there  were 
seven  complete  regiments  in  the  state  service,  leaving 
no  place  for  an  unattached  battalion.  "However," 
he  said,  "if  a  second  call  be  issued,  I  will  give  you 
the  opportunity  to  recruit  the  battalion  to  a  regi- 
ment, and  will  call  that  regiment  first  into  the  serv- 
ice. Furthermore  I  will  promise  you  that  every  offi- 
cer in  that  regiment  will  be  a  colored  man."  How 
fully  and  well  he  kept  this  promise  the  world  knows. 

Then  came  the  trying  days.  Two  new  companies 


were  being  formed  in  Chicago,  one  in  Quincy.  one 
each  in  Springfield,  Cairo,  Mound  City,  Litchfield 
and  Bloomington,  and  men  for  these  companies 
were  coming  in  from  all  the  surrounding  towns  and 
villages.  In  some  companies,  election  of  officers 
were  held  and  drilling  was  commenced  ;  in  other  en- 
thusiasm was  the  predominating  feature.  Recruits 
were  easily  obtained, but  were  just  as  easily  lost  after 
they  had  grown  weary  of  weeks  of  waiting.  New 
men  to  take  their  places  were  found  by  the  tireless 
recruiting  officers,  despite  the  ever  increasing  cry 
that  "the  Eighth  will  never  be  called."  Men  who 
had  given  up  their  positions  preparatory  to  going  to 
the  front,  got  them  back  again,  or  began  to  grumble 
at  the  long  delay.  Pessimists,  and  that  class  of  men 
who  discourage  every  enterprise,  now  loudly  pro- 
claimed that  the  government  had  no  use  for  the  ne- 
gro soldier,  and  on  the  surface  their  cry  appeared  to 
be  a  sorrowful  truth.  Splendid  specimens  of  man- 
hood applied  at  the  recruiting  stations  of  the  regu- 
lar army  only  to  be  told  that  they  could  not  be  en- 
listed except  for  service  in  the  kitchen,  or  as  order- 


lies.  Applicants  at  the  naval  recruiting  stations  re- 
ceived similar  replies,  hut  the  new  Eighth  Regi- 
ment bided  its  time. 

It  was  at  this  time  that  Capt.  John  R.  Mar- 
shall of  Company  A  of  the  Battalion  showed  his 
splendid  ability  as  an  organizer.  Aided  and  coun- 
selled at  every  turn  by  Capt.  James  H.  Johnson, 
Adjutant  of  the  battalion,  and  reinforced  and  assisted 
by  Capt.  Robert  Jackson  of  Company  D.,  his  every 
movement  tended  to  lend  strength  and  centraliza- 
tion to  the  widely  scattred  groups  of  men  who  were 
fast  becoming  discouraged  waiting  for  a  chance  to 
defend  their  flag,  and  to  fight  for  their  people.  In 
Chicago  beds  and  food  were  supplied  at  the  Armory 
for  those  who  had  come  to  the  city  with  but  little 
money,  and  who  had  expended  it  during  the  long 
wait.  Frequent  messages  of  encouragement  were 
sent  out  through  the  state  to  the  various  recruiting 
officers,  and  meanwhile  the  war  progressed. 

The  25th  day  of  May,  President  McKinley issued 
his  second  proclamation  calling  for  75,000  men,  and 
twenty  days  later,  Governor  Tanner  issued  the  order. 


commanding  the  Eighth  and  Ninth  Regiments  to 
proceed  to  Camp  Tanner  to  prepare  for  service  at 
the  front. 

The  day  and  night  of  June  30th.  1899  will  long 
be  remembered  in  Chicago.  Everywhere  during 
the  day,  could  be  seen  soldiers  loaded  with  luggage 
centering  to  the  Armory  at  Michigan  Ave.  and 
Thirteenth  St.  That  nigra,  authenticated  rumor 
said  as  it  had  often  said  before — the  "boys"  would 
surely  leave  for  Springfield,  and  this  time  rumor 
was  right. 

The  night  of  June  30th  saw  the  entire  regiment 
on  the  road  to  Springfield.  From  Chicago  went 
seven  hundred,  from  Cairo  one  hundred  and  twenty- 
five  ;  from  Ouincy  a  full  company  ;  and  from  Mound 
City,  Metropolis  and  Litchfield  came  smaller  num- 
bers, while  nearly  a  full  company  from  Springfield 
was  already  at  the  State  Fair  Grounds,  now  called 
Camp  Tanner. 

The  Adjutant's  report  for  July  2nd  showed  about 
one  thousand  men  in  camp —and  also  showed  that 


active  recruiting  was  necessary.  Franklin  A.  Deni- 
son,  Maj.  Robert  R.  Jackson  and  Liuet.  John 
Hawkins  were  dispatched  to  various  cities  as  re- 
cruiting officers,  and  within  a  few  days  the  required 
number  were  obtained. 

Then  came  the  days  of  organization,  equaliza- 
tion and  preparation.  The  United  States  Mustering 
Officer,  Lieut.  Ballou,  was  on  the  ground  ready 
and  anxious  to  transform  the  citizens  into  soldiers, 
and  the  surgeons  of  the  Eighth  and  Ninth  were  con- 
ducting the  physical  examinations  with  all  possible 
speed.  On  July  18th  Company  A.  was  sworn  in  amid 
the  cheers  of  the  entire  body  of  volunteers.  Daily, 
thereafter,  one,  or  more  companies  took  the  oath 
and  at  eleven  o'clock  of  the  morning  of  July  23rd, 
John  R.  Marshall  swore  to  perform  faithfully  the 
duties  as  Colonel,  and  the  long-looked-for,  and  the 
long-hoped-for,  experiment  was  under  way.  The 
muster  roll  showed  1,195  men  ar>d  76  officers,  every 
man  of  them  of  African  descent  with  but  a  single 
exception, — a  private  in  one  of  the  Chicago  com- 
panies. 


Tented  on  the  same  camp  grounds  was  the  Ninth 
Illinois  under  Col.  Campbell,  the  junior  of  the 
Eighth  in  theory,  but  in  fact  its  senior  since  it  was 
ordered  to  Springfield  first.  Early  in  August,  the 
Ninth  received  orders  to  prepare  to  move  to  a  south- 
ern camp  en  route  for  Cuba.  Great  was  the  rejoic- 
ing in  that  camp,  and  great  was  the  sorrow  in  the 
camp  of  the  Eighth  at  being  left  behind.  The  Ninth 
left,  and  again  was  heard  that  same  old  pessimistic 
cry  that  had  been  so  prominent  in  Chicago, — that 
the  government  did  not  want  colored  soldiers. 

At  this  stage  Gov.  Tanner  visited  the  camp 
and  in  a  speech  said,  "even  from  the  very  doors  of 
the  White  House  have  I  received  letters  asking  and 
advising  me  not  to  officer  this  regiment  with  col- 
ored men,  but  I  promised  to  do  so,  and  I  have  done 
it.  I  shall  never  rest  until  I  see  this  regiment, — my 
regiment,- — on  the  soil  of  Cuba,  battling  for  the 
right,  and  for  its  kinsmen." 

The  echoes  of  his  voice  had  hardly  died  away 
before  the  misfortunes,  in  Cuba,  of  one  of  the  fav- 


orite  regiments  of  Illinois  gave  these  colored  sol- 
diers a  chance  to  prove  again  to  the  world  that  when 
the  needs  of  their  country  called  them,  their  per- 
sonal safety  was  not  to  be  considered  for  a  moment. 

The  First  Illinois,  the  ''Dandy  First"  of  Chicago, 
was  melting  away  before  the  onslaughts  of  the  ter- 
rible Cuban  fevers  in  the  trenches  around  Santiago. 
Drenching  daily  tropical  rains  had  transformed  their 
camp  streets  into  rushing  streams.  Constant  ex- 
posure, with  insufficient  food  supply,  had  changed 
almost  every  tent  into  a  sick  room,  and  the  dead 
march  was  more  often  heard  than  the  mess  call. 
Death  was  staring  every  man  in  the  face  and  every 
man  in  the  regiment  realized  it. 

Col.  Henry  L.  Turner  implored  Gov.  Tanner 
ner  "to  use  all  influence  possible  at  Washington  to 
secure  the  'immediate  recall  of  the  First  Illinois.'' 
He  said  that  a  much  longer  stay  would  result  in 
nothing  short  of  a  calamity.  Tried,  they  had  like 
brave  men  to  do  their  duty  without  complaining, 
but  to  die  as  though  swept  by  a  pestilence,  without 


making  effort  for  self-preservation  ;  to  attempt  to 
stand  without  a  cry  what  their  material  bodies  could 
not  stand,  was  not  to  be  expected,  and  they  asked 
that  something  be  done  at  once  to  relieve  them. 

But  what  could  be  done?  The  rain  would  fall 
equally  as  hard  upon,  and  the  fever  would  burn  just 
as  savagely  in  any  one  who  might  be  sent  to  suc- 
ceed them.  At  this  juncture.  Gov.  Tanner  con- 
sulted Col.  Marshall  and  requested  him  to  ascer- 
tain the  sentiment  of  his  officers  and  men  in  regard 
to  being  sent  to  relieve  the  First.  Unanimously 
they  said,  "let's  go"  and  the  following  message  was 
sent  to  Washington  : 

Springfield,  Aug.  4. 
H.  C.  Corbin,  Adjutant  General : — 

"I  called  the  officers  of  the  Eighth 
Illinois,  colored,  in  conference  and  they 
are  unanimously  and  enthusiastically 
in  favor  of  being  sent  to  relieve  the 
First  Illinois  at  Santiago." 


This  message  was  sent  in  a  full  realization  of  its 
import, — the  Eighth^was  volunteering  to  be  sent  to 
the  exact  spot  where  their  old  companions  in  arms 
were  dying  like  sheep  in  a  plague,  and  not  a  man 
objected  to  the  dispatch  of  that  message. 

The  next  day,  the  Adjutant  General  sent  this 
answer : 

"The  Secretary  of  War  appreciates 
very  much  the  offer  of  the  Eighth  Illi- 
nois Volunteer  Infantry  for  duty  in 
Santiago,  and  has  directed  that  the 
regiment  be  sent  there  by  steamer 
Yale,  leaving  New  York  next  Tues- 
day. The  main  trouble  with  our 
troops  now  in  Cuba  is  that  they  are  suf- 
fering from  exhaustion  and  exposure 
incident  to  one  of  the  most  trying  cam- 
paigns to  which  soldiers  have  ever 
been  subjected."  H.  C.  CORBIN, 
Adjutant  General. 


On  Saturday,  the  9th  of  August  the  order  to 
break  camp  and  to  proceed  to  New  York  was  re- 
ceived, and  joy  reigned  again  in  Camp  Tanner. 

The  regiment  departed  from  Springfield  in  four 
sections,  each  composed  of  Pullman  and  Wagner 
palace  sleeping  cars,  and  attended  by  porters. 
Travel  rations  had  been  provided,  but  few  of  them 
were  ever  used — so  frequently  were  lunches  supplied 
by  patriotic  people  along  the  line. 

The  citizens  of  Ohio  were  particularly  generous 
and  demonstrative.  Not  a  man  in  the  regiment  will 
ever  forgot  the  people  of  Greenfield,  Chillicothe  and 
Athens.  At  those  cities  hot  cofTee,  sandwiches,  cake 
and  fruit  were  supplied  without  limit  by  the  citi- 
zens, and  so  warm  was  their  reception  that  it  only 
served  to  make  more  prominent  the  half-hearted 
welcome  and  Godspeed  of  the  people  in  Dixie's 
Land  the  next  two  days. 


Arriving  in  Jersey  City,  the  regiment  was 
marched  to  the  ferry  and  thence  directly  to  the  Yale 


which  was  lying  at  dock  in  New  York  Citv.  Before 
embarking  the  following  sick  and  injured  were  sent 
to  the  New  York  Emergency  Hospital : — Drum 
Major  James  Rudd,  Private  George  Baker,  Com- 
pany D.,  who  soon  died  there,  and  Privates  George- 
Walls  and  Charles  Ambrose  of  Company  F.,  both 
of  whom  had  sustained  severe  injuries  byfalling  from 
the  train  while  it  was  in  motion. 

Early  in  the  afternoon  of  August  nth,  the  Yale 
cast  off  and  proceeded  down  the  bay  amidst  a  per- 
fect beldam  of  cheers  from  the  passengers,  and 
shrieks  from  the  whistles  of  the  many  steamboats 
on  the  bay.  When  off  Sandy  Hook,  a  signal  from 
the  government  station  situated  there  stopped  the 
boat  to  wait  for  a  tug  to  bring  out  a  large  number 
of  soldiers  and  officers  who,  wandering  too  far  from 
the  dock,  had  been  left  in  New  York. 

The  first  real  taste  of  the  privations  of  a  soldier 
was  experienced  on  this  voyage.  For  the  first  two 
days,  it  was  almost  impossible  for  the  soldiers  to 
obtain  any  kind  of  food,  and  cool  water  was  entirely 


OUt  of  the  question.  The  men  slept  on  the  open 
decks,  a  pleasant  place  at  that  season  of  the  year. 

On  the  morning  of  August  14th,  Cuba  was  first 
sighted  looming  up  in  the  distance,  rugged  and  bar- 
ren. For  hours,  the  Yale  steamed  along  the  coast 
without  passing  a  city  or  a  hamlet  until  the  beautiful 
bay  of  Guatanamo,  filled  with  American  war  ships, 
came  into  view.  The  next  day  Morro  Castle  was 
the  center  of  all  attention,  and  immediately  off  from 
this  historic  point  the  Yale  anchored  for  the  night. 

The  next  morning  lighters  came  out  from  San- 
tiago and  carried  the  regiment  to  the  docks  a  dis- 
tance of  four  miles,  every  inch  of  which  teems  with 
interest  to  an  American.  The  half  sunken  Reina 
Mercedes,  the  staff  of  the  Merrimac,  and  the  masked 
batteries  of  Socapa  were  all  in  sight.  About  five 
o'clock  in  the  evening,  the  companies  were  landed, 
and  began  a  march  to  their  first  Cuban  camping 
ground.  The  roads  were  in  terrible  condition,  no 
means  of  transporting  rations  or  baggage  were  at 
hand,  and  the  site  selected  for  a  camp  was  covered 


with  a  foot  of  w  ater.  The  government  guide,  seeing 
the  condition  of  this  spot,  marched  on  until  he 
passed  through  what  seemed  to  be  the  gates  of  a  park, 
high  and  dry  on  a  hill.  Shelter  tents  were  pitched 
and  a  comfortable  night  was  passed,  but  uneasiness 
was  common  the  next  morning  when  it  was  discov- 
ered that  the  camp  was  in  the  yard  of  the  Spanish 
yellow  fever  hospital. 

Bright  and  early  on  the  morning  of  August  17th, 
the  First  Battalion  under  Lieut.  Colonel  Johnson 
took  train  for  San  Luis  to  take  charge  of  a  large 
number  of  Spanish  prisoners  of  war.  Emaciated 
and  hungry  were  these  Castilians,  living  on  the 
bounty  of  Uncle  Sam.  The  famous  Mauser  rifles 
were  all  taken  away  and  sent  to  Santiago,  and  in  a 
few  days  the  prisoners  themselves  followed. 

As  soon  as  Colonel  Marshall  arrived  with  the 
other  battalions,  he  was  appointed  Governor  of  the 
province  of  San  Luis,  and  commander  of  the  post. 

While  encamped  on  a  hill  near  San  Luis  the  regi- 
ment had  a  ludicrous,  yet  sad,  experience.  The  Cu- 


bans had  shown  some  signs  of  discontent,  and  the 
regiment  was  sleeping  on  its  arms  prepared  for  any 
emergency.  About  eleven  o'clock  a  shot  awakened 
the  whole  camp,  and  in  an  instant,  almost,  every 
company  was  in  battle  front.  The  sentry's  cry  of 
'"halt"  was  not  heeded  by  the  approaching  objects 
and  several  shots  followed.  Soon  the  firing  became 
general,  but  was  quickly  stopped  by  vigorous  work  on 
the  part  of  some  of  the  officers.  It  was  then  discov- 
ered that  the  approach  of  a  Cuban  in  an  ox  cart  had 
been  the  innocent  cause  of  all  the  excitement.  The 
next  morning  the  body  of  poor  Paul  Smith,  a  pop- 
ular member  of  Company  B.  was  found,  cold  and 
stiff,  lying  just  outside  of  his  quarters.  A  stray  bul- 
let,— and  a  promising  existence  was  cut  short. 

The  policy  of  the  government  was  to  station 
American  troops  in  every  Cuban  city  of  any  im- 
portance, to  protect  the  weak,  be  they  Spanish  or 
Cuban,  and  to  assist  and  instruct  in  the  formation 
of  a  municipal  government.  Colonel  Marshall  was 
ordered  to  send  a  detachment  to  Palma  Soriano, 
seventeen  miles  away,  for  this  purpose,  and  to  com- 


mand  this  post  he  made  the  happy  selection  of  Maj. 
Robert  R.  Jackson,  Company  E.,  Capt.  Richard  I'. 
Roots  and  Company  F..  Capt.  William  B.  Akers. 
with  Lient.  Curtis  as  medical  officer,  formed  his 
command. 

Raima,  owing  to  its  great  number  of  Spanish 
inhabitants,  was  known  as  "Little  Spain,"  and  a 
master  hand  was  needed  to  keep  the  two  old  enemies 
from  clashing.  Major  Jackson  succeeded  in  doing 
this  very  well,  so  well,  in  fact,  that  Cubans  and 
Spaniards  alike  expressed  regret  when  the  "Com- 
mandante"  was  ordered  to  return  to  the  regiment 
at  San  Luis. 

Captain  Roots  succeeded  him  as  commander  of 
the  post  and  how  well  he  performed  his  duties  is 
attested  by  a  petition  signed  by  all  the  leading  citi- 
zens sent  to  the  General,  asking  that  Capt.  Roots 
be  retained  at  that  post  when  it  had  been  rumored 
that  he  and  his  command  were  to  be  ordered  to  the 
hills  outside  the  city. 


At  Raima,  this  command  passed  a  quiet,  rather 
uneventful  period,  marked  by  no  serious  disturb- 
ances, saddened  only  twice  by  death,  and  gladdened 
several  times  by  marriages,  with  soldier  grooms  and 
Cuban  girls  as  brides. 

The  sad  death  of  Sergt.  George  Patterson  of 
Company  F.  early  in  December,  cast  a  gloom  over 
the  entire  detachment.  Resentment  and  revenge 
we're  the  first  sentiments  that  stirred  his  comrades 
when  his  dead  body  was  found,  for  it  was  at  first 
thought  that  he  had  been  shot  by  a  Cuban  or  a 
Spaniard.  Investigation  showed,  however,  that  he 
had  accidentally  killed  himself  while  hunting  alliga- 
tors. 

During  this  time  history  was  fast  making 
with  the  regiment  at  San  Luis.  Colonel  Marshall 
possessed  the  full  confidence  of  the  general  com- 
manding and  great  power  was  given  into  his  hand. 
For  months,  the  regiment  was  camped,  about  a 
mile  from  San  Luis,  on  a  hill  called  by  the  boys, 
"Bull  Run."   This  name  dated  from  the  night  when 


the  Cuban  in  his  ox  cart  created  so  much  excite- 
ment and  shooting,  during  which  one  of  the  oxen 
was  shot  to  pieces. 

For  the  sake  of  better  quarters,  after  it 
became  known  that  a  long  stay  was  in  store 
for  the  Eighth,  Col.  Marshall  moved  the  regiment 
into  the  old  Spanish  barracks  and  arsenal  within 
the  limits  of  the  city.  Then,  he  proceeded  to  give 
the  natives  a  lesson  in  the  American  idea  of  munici- 
pal government.  He  caused  the  streets,  the  yards, 
in  fact,  the  entire  city,  to  be  cleaned.  He  allowed 
the  Cubans  to  enter  the  lines  to  trade  and  sell,  and, 
in  a  short  time,  they  became  veritable  Jews  as  trad- 
ers. 

Pay  days  came  regularly  and  often,  and  large 
amounts  were  spent  amongst  the  merchants,  so  that 
in  a  short  time,  listlessness  and  stagnation  gave 
way  to  activity  and  life. 

The  store  keepers  commenced  to  put  on  their 
shelves  delicacies  and  foods  that  would  tickle  only 
an  American's  palate.    American  beer  was  soon  to 


be  had  on  every  hand.  When  one  visited  Santiago, 
he  was  approached  every  moment  either  by  a  boot- 
black who  would  say,  "you,  shine,"  or  by  a  news- 
boy with  papers  two  weeks  old. 

Shortly  after  the  Eighth  became  settled  in  bar- 
racks, the  Ninth  United  States  Volunteers,  a  negro 
regiment  with  white  officers,  camped  on  the  out- 
skirts of  the  city.  They  soon  became  involved  in  a 
difficulty  which  unfortunately  was  reported  to  have 
been  participated  in  by  the  Eighth..  It  was  soon 
learned  that  a  most  base  plot  was  on  foot  amongst 
those  clo'se  to  headquarters  at  Santiago,  to  discredit 
if  possible  the  Eighth  Illinois — or  rather,  the  colored 
officers  of  the  Eighth  Illinois.  Officers  high  in 
authority  saw  that  the  experiment  was  about  to  be 
a  success,  and  tried  through  unprincipled  tools  to 
so  distort  facts, and  to  so  conceal  the  truth  that 
another  century  would  pass  before  a  negro  Colonel 
should  again  head  a  regiment. 

A  member  of  the  Ninth  Immunes  became  in- 
volved in  a  quarrel  with  a  member  of  the  Cuban 


police  and  was  shot  dead.  A  general  fight  resulted 
with  the  Cubans  on  one  side  and  the  Ninth  Regi- 
ment on  the  other.  The  Eighth,  meanwhile  was  a 
mile  distant.  But  the  Colonel  of  the  Eighth,  with 
his  accustomed  energy,  and  with  matchless  courage, 
as  soon  as  he  heard  the  firing,  rode  to  that  point, 
recognized  at  a  glance  the  state  of  affairs,  spurred 
directly  up  to  the  house  from  which  the  Cubans 
were  firing,  and  put  an  end  to  the  shooting.  Gen. 
Ewers,  as  soon  as  he  was  informed  of  the  affair, 
placed  Colonel  Marshall  in  charge  of  the  Ninth,  and 
that  night  the  "news"  was  flashed  to  America  that 
the  Ninth  Immunes  and  the  Eighth  Illinois  had 
killed  five  Cubans. 

As  a  result  of  the  unfortunate  affair,  however, 
it  became  the  policy  at  headquarters  to  remove  the 
troops  from  the  city,  and  Camp  Marshall,  three 
miles  from  San  Luis,  became  the  home  of  the  regi- 
ment. Tragic  and  historical  events  were  few  at  this 
point,  but  here  was  developed  one  of  the  finest  vol- 
unteer regiments  that  was  ever  in  a  field.  For  mili- 
tary precision  and  cleanliness,  Gen.  Ewers  said  that 


the  camp  of  the  Eighth  was  the  first  on  the  island. 
The  planning  of  the  camp,  and  the  execution  of  its 
details  was  the  handiwork  of  Lieut.  Colonel  John- 
son. 

Battalion  and  company  drills  in  the  morning 
were  followed  in  the  evening  by  regimental  parade. 
Guard  duty  came  to  each  soldier  about  once  every 
ten  days,  and  in  the  intervals  between  these  duties, 
the  men  were  free  to  follow  their  own  inclinations. 
By  some,  this  time  was  employed  visiting  the  Cuban 
girls ;  by  others  in  playing  base  ball,  foot  ball  or 
cards  ;  others  devoted  their  time  to  the  study  of  tac- 
tics and  individual  drill. 

The  post  hospital  at  San  Luis,  for  the  reception 
of  patients  from  the  23rd  Kansas  and  the  Eighth 
Illinois  consisting  of  several  large  buildings  erected 
by  the  Spaniards,  was  directly  under  the  charge  of 
Maj.  Allen  A.  Wesley.  A  corps  of  more  than 
forty  well  trained  men  looked  out  for  the  wants  of 
the  patients,  and  administered  the  medicines  pre- 
scribed by  the  surgeons.   At  the  camp,  the  field  hos- 


pital  was  in  charge  of  Lieut.  E.  S.  Miller,  and 
at  times  more  than  three  hundred  men  were  treated 
every  morning. 

If  the  Eighth  were  given  a  chance  to  testify,  it 
would  say  that  Uncle  Sam  takes  splendid  care  of  his 
soldiers. 

They  never,  for  any  length  of  time,  needed  any- 
thing allowed  to  a  soldier  by  regulations.  Clothing, 
of  good  quality,  was  almost  always  on  hand.  After 
the  first  two  months,  the  most  fastidious  could  not 
consistently  complain  of  the  rations  issued.  Fresh 
American  beef  was  received  daily  from  Santiago, 
and  fresh  bread  was  baked  every  day  in  the  regi- 
mental bakery.  Beans,  peas,  tomatoes,  rice,  hominy, 
bacon,  dried  apples,  salmon,  Irish  potatoes,  and 
sweet  potatoes  were  supplied  in  sufficient  quantities. 

Of  course,  after  a  time,  the  diet  became  monoto- 
nous, but  it  was  nevertheless  entirely  wholesome 
and  all  that  could  be  expected,  except  in  the  case  of 
the  sick  in  the  hospital.  At  first  the  government 
did  not  supply  any  delicacies,  or  articles  of  diet,  suit- 


ablefor  aninvalid.  These  facts  were  known  in  Chicago 
and  the  following  committee  represented  the  Auxil- 
iary in  the  raising  and  disbursing  of  funds  ;  Mrs. 
Emma  Phelphs,  Mrs.  John  R.  Marshall,  Mrs.  Rob- 
ert Jackson  and  Mrs.  Harvey  Thompson.  Mr  James 
Gilbert,  of  the  Garden  City  National  Bank,  acted  as 
treasurer  and  contributed  aid  to  the  enterprise. 

By  steady  and  consistent  efforts,  the  auxiliary 
raised  over  $600.00  and  expended  it  in  the  purchase 
of  hospital  supplies,  such  as  oatmeal,  condensed 
milk,  canned  fruits,  canned  soups,  castile  soap,  co- 
coa, beef  extract  and  nightshirts. 

Thanksgiving  morning,  William  T.  Taylor,  the 
druggist,  departed  for  San  Luis  in  charge  of  the 
supplies. 

No  one,  not  connected  with  the  hospital,  can 
ever  imagine  the  incalculable  amount  of  good  that 
these  supplies  did.  Before  their  arrival,  the  fever 
stricken  boys  were  compelled  to  eat  the  regular 
army  rations  which  were  hardy  for  even  a  well  man. 
Clam  broths  and  chicken  soups  took  the  olsre  of 


beans  and  hard  tack,  and  the  cool,  clean  nightshirts 
supplanted  the  hot,  regulation  blue. 

Many  a  blessing  was  called  down  by  the  pa- 
tients upon  the  Auxiliary,  and  all  who  contributed 
to  the  funds,  and  the  efforts  of  the  surgeons  were 
materially  aided  by  the  use  of  the  foods. 

Alter  Christmas,  the  regiment  settled  down  to 
speculation  upon  the  return  home.  Reveille  blew 
every  morning  and  taps  every  night  for  months  and 
months,  every  day  of  which  was  just  like  the  other. 

Pay  days  came  and  passed ;  inspections  were  or- 
dered and  carried  out ;  drills  followed  drills  and  the 
regiment  improved  day  by  day.  Cubans  were  be- 
coming every  day  more  friendly.  Several  marriages 

resulted  from  this  increased  friendship,  and  the  lit- 
tle god  plaved  some  of  his  most  peculiar  pranks. 
Men  married  girls  to  whom  they  couldn't  say  a 
dozen  words  ;  the  interpreter  was  an  absolute  neces- 


sity at  every  marriage,  and  households  were  set  up 
that  were  destined  soon  to  be  torn  down. 

( )n  the  first  day  of  February  the  camp  was  in 
an  uproar.  Drills  were  broken  up.  guards  left  their 
posts,  meals  were  forgotten,  and  the  cheering  could 
bo  heard  a  mile.  News  had  just  come  that  the 
tiansport  Chester  would'be  in  Santiago  on  the  twen- 
tieth to  carry  the  regiment  home.  Officers  and  men 
alike  joined  in  a  general  thanksgiving,  for  they  were 
all  going  back  to  America.  The  days  dragged  slowly 
by  :  the  twentieth  came  and  passed,  but  no  orders  to 
move  came  with  it.  Early  the  next  Sunday  morn- 
ing the  order  was  given  out  to  prepare  for  general 
inspection. 

At  last  the  great  day  had  arrived, — the  success  of 
the  experiment  which  meant  so  much  to  the  officers, 
the  regiment  and  the  colored  people  in  general,  was 
about  to  be  tested.  Had  the  Eighth  done  all  that 
the  government  expected  it  to?  Were  the  men  well 
drilled,  and  was  the  camp  both  military  and  sani- 
tary?  Would  the  officers  prove  equal  to  their  task, 


and  would  the  men  to-day,  on  this  day  of  all  days, 
prove  to  the  United  States  government  that  negro 
soldiers  can  become  as  military  under  negro  offi- 
cers as  they  ever  became  under  white  officers  ? 

These  questions  were  uppermost  in  the  minds 
of  all,  and  when  the  sun  went  down  that  night  it 
shed  its  rays  on  a  regiment  that  was,  as  Gen. 
Breckinridge,  the  inspecting  officer,  said,  "as  fine 
a  volunteer  regiment  as  was  ever  mustered  into  the 
service." 

General  Breckenridge  complimented  Col.  Mar- 
shall very  highly  upon  the  splendid  showing  that 
the  Eighth  had  made,  and  stated  that  it  was  "a  shame 
to  muster  out  of  service  such  an  excellent  regi- 
ment." Capt.  R.  S.  Woodson,  Medical  Director,  in- 
spected the  hospital  and  in  his  report  said,  "the  two 
wards  were  in  excellent  sanitary  condition  ;  *  *  * 
the  medicines  were  dispensed  from  carefully  written 
prescriptions." 

This  day  marked  the  death  of  the  old  stalking 
horse  that  negroes  were  unable  to  command  their 


own  race.  Gen.  Breckenridge  and  Capt.  Woodson 
told  the  world  that  the  broad  shoulders  of  the  ne- 
groes were  not  too  narrow  for  the  shoulder  straps. 
That  beautiful  Sunday  in  far  off  Cuba,  placed  the 
negro  as  an  officer  on  the  same  high  plane  that  he 
had  heretofore  occupied  as  a  private. 

Now  the  Eighth  was  ready  to  go  home,  the  mis-, 
sion  was  accomplished.  Many  a  man  had  left  his 
home  and  his  family  with  this  one  thought  urging 
him  on, — if  this  regiment  is  a  success,  the  last  bar- 
rier that  stands  between  my  race  and  complete  free- 
dom will  be  swept  away. 

The  day  of  repatriation  was  again  set,  and  on  the 
morning  of  March  ioth,  the  regiment  marched  gaily 
into  San  Luis,  its  colors  flying  and  the  band  playing, 
"There'll  Be  a  Hot  Time,"  and  "Honey,  Let  Me 
Bring  My  Clothes  Back  Home."  The  journey  by 
rail  to  Santiago  was  a  short  one,  and  by  evening  the 
entire  command  was  aboard  the  Sedgwick  waiting 
for  the  morrow. 

The  passage  on  the  Sedgwick  was  much  better 
in  every  respect  than  had  been  the  one  on  the  Yale, 


and  Thursday  morning,  March  16th,  the  hoat 
dropped  anchor  off  shore  from  Newport  News,  Va. 
A  tragic  and  sorrowful  incident  of  the  trip  was  the 
death  of  the  baby  daughter  of  Major  and  Mrs. 
Robert  Jackson.  Of  feeble  health  in  Cuba,  the 
change  of  climate  as  the  boat  steamed  north- 
ward, hastened  the  death  that  had  been  pending  for 
some  time.  The  little  one  was  buried  at  Newport 
News. 

Through  Virginia  and  Kentucky  the  train  sped. 
Indiana  was  crossed  with  but  few  stops,  and  Satur- 
day afternon,  March  18th,  the  Eighth  Illinois  is  in 
Chicago.  Home  at  last,  and  a  true  Chicago  wel- 
come it  received.  A  magnificent  ovation  all  along  the 
line  of  parade ;  a  glorious  banquet ;  a  mammoth  re- 
ception, and  the  tedious  work  of  mustering  out  was 
begun. 

But  twenty  noble  souls  had  already  been  mus- 
tered out.  Twenty  young  lives  had  been  given  up 
far  from  home  and  friends  that  the  cause  of  justice 
and  freedom  might  live  forever.   The  Great  Muster- 


ing Officer  had  already  received  their  records  and 
said,  -well  done,  thou  good  and  faithful  servants." 
Glorious  death  in  battle  was  not  theirs,  but  no  less 
glorious  was  their  death,  for  they  died  for  their 
Hag  and  for  their  country. 

***** 

Maj.  George  Pickett  paid  the  last  private  in 
Company  M.  late  on  the  third  of  April.  Eighteen 
Hundred  and  Ninety-nine,  and  the  Eighth  Illinois 
United  States  Volunteers  ceased  to  exist. 

Tattersall's.  in  Chicago,  which  had  been  the  bar- 
lacks  of  the  regiment  since  its  arrival  in  Chicago, 
was  the  scene  of  this  historic  event. 

President  McKinley  said  when  the  Eighth 
volunteered  to  relieve  the  fever-stricken  First,  "that 
it  was  the  proudest  moment  of  his  life."  Now  that 
the  Eighth  has  served,  and  has  been  mustered  out 
with  a  most  excellent  record,  his  pride  is  shared  by 
all  who  know  of  the  regiment,  and  what  was  once 
an  experiment  is  now  an  assured  success. 


Dinner  at  Tatteksai.l's 


Spanish  Block  House 


OBITUARY. 

THE  HEROES  OF  THE  EIGHTH. 


WALLACE  JOHNSON, 

Company  B.  Died,  Springfield,  111.,  August 
I,  1898. 

JAMES  BAKER, 

Company  D.    Died,  New  York  City,  August 

15,  1S98. 
PAUL  SMITH, 

Company  B.    Killed  on  Rousseau's  Hill,  San 

Luis,  August  19,  1898. 
LAWRENCE  MICHEAUX, 

Company  C.    Died,  San  Luis,  SeDteniber  14, 

1898. 

WILLIS  GARRETT, 

Company  K.  Died,  San  Luis,  September  16, 
1898. 

BYRON  L.  LAKEMAN, 

Company  I.    Died,  San  Luis,  October  3,  1S98. 

SAMUEL  NICKENS, 

Company  B.    Died,  San  Luis,  October  7,  1898. 

SYLVESTER  JOHNSON, 

Band.    Died,  San  Luis,  October  22,  1898. 
BURT  WITHWORTH, 

Company  G.  Died,  San  Luis,  October  31,  1898. 
WILLIAM  THOMAS, 

Company  K.  Died,  San  Luis,  November  27,  1898. 


GEORGE  PATTERSON, 

Company  F.  Accidentally  killed  himself,  Palma, 
December  1,  1898. 

FRANK  RICHARDS, 

Company  G.  Died,  San  Luis,  December  26, 
1898. 

SIMON  B.  PETERS, 

Company  B.    Died,  San  Luis,  January  20,  1899. 

GEORGE  FARRIS, 

Company  B.    Died,  San  Luis,  January  21,  1899. 

ALONZO  PARKS, 

Company  F.  Died,  Palma  Soriano,  February 
4,  1899. 

CHARLES  EARLY, 

Company  G.  Killed  by  Cuban,  Santiago,  Feb- 
ruary 17,  1899. 

WILLIAM  JONES, 

Company  A.   Died  San  Luis,  February  17,  1899. 

WILLIAM  SPARKS, 

Company  A.    Died,  San  Luis,  March  2,  1899. 

BENJAMIN  HOLLINS, 

Company  L.    Died,  San  Luis,  March  2,  1899. 

JOHN  COMBS, 

Company  I.    Died  San  Luis,  March  11,  1S99. 


General  Hospital,  Santiago 


Non-Commissioned  Officers'  Club,  Talma 


ROSTER   OF  STAFF 


COLONEL,  JOHN  R.  MARSHALL. 

LIEUTENANT  COLONEL,  JAMES  H.  JOHNSON. . 


MAJOR,  ROBERT  R.  JACKSON. 
MAJOR,  FRANKLIN  A.  DENISON. 
MAJOR,  ALLEN  A.  WESLEY. 
ADJUTANT,  HARVEY  A.  THOMPSON. 


QUARTERMASTER,  JAMES  S.  NELSON. 
ASSISTANT  SURGEON,  JAMES  WEBB  CURTIS. 
ASSISTANT  SURGEON,  EDWARD  S.  MILLER. 
CHAPLAIN,  JORDAN  CHAVIS. 


NON-COMM ISSIONED  STAFF 


SERGEANT  MAJOR,  GEORGE  L.  WHITE. 
QUARTERMASTER  SERGEANT,  LINCOLN  VALLEY. 
CHIEF  MUSICIAN,  WILLIAM  BARNETT. 
CHIEF  TRUMPETER,  CHARLES  HUNT. 


PRINCIPAL  MUSICIAN,  WILLIAM  COOPER. 
HOSPITAL  STEWARD,  CURTIS  SOMERVILLE, 
HOSPITAL  STEWARD,  HARRY  S.  McCARD. 
HOSPITAL  STEWARD,  HENRY  TURNLEY. 


SO 


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CHICAGO 


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Enlarged  Open  Sundays 


^  '/S?  223^ 


Military  ^ 

Tailors  d£  S 


174  EAST  MADISON  STREET 
CHICAGO 


G.  F.  FOSTER,  SON  &  CO. 


MANUFACTURERS  OF 


All  Military  Equipments,  Flags, 
Banners  and  Badges   ±h  -m  %h 


MAKERS  OF 


Uniforms  for  All  Purposes  <m  %h 
Secret  Society  Goods,  Etc.  <m  %h 


C.  T.  Mackay  &  V.  M.  Mackay 

419  36th  Street,  Chicago. 

Tailors  and  Drapers 


CLEANING,  DYEING  and  PRESSING 
A  SPECIALTY 

Ladies'  Garments  Altered  Latest  Style  J* 

Work  Called  for  and  Delivered 


'Phone,  South  1003 


Trunks  To  and  From 
All  Depots  jt  Jt 


J.  H.  COLEMAN'S 

Laundry  and  Express 
Company 

Moving,  Packing  and  Shipping 

STORAGE  Jtjtjt  2540  STATE  STREET 

CHICAGO 


NOW,  when  we  get  chicken  we  don't  get  bone, 
They  are  all  glad  to  see  us  bring  our  clothes  back  home. 
We  always  get  what  we  like  best, 
That  is  why  we  get  our  Shoes  at 


Holden's 


In  BLACK  and  TAN 


at  $2.98 


225-227-229- 
231  State  st. 

Chicago. 


The  Elite  Buffet 


1 


is 


T.  Garner  Up  W.  H.  Weller 

3030  State  Street 


Fine  Wines,  Liquors 
and  Cigars 


jfijfi  CHICAGO 


m 

E.  F.  HARMAN  &  CO.,  W 

Experts  in  jj^ 

Typography.  * 

WE  DO  J 

A  GENERAL  LINE  OF  CATALOG  ^ 
AND  COMMERCIAL  PRINTING. 

to 

A\n  DEARBORN  \i/ 

~r  >  /  streets  yiif 

CHICAGO.  {if 

to 


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1899