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A little booklet – history of events passed bye, With a record of battles, death, and name of each comrade, who defended country and liberty and sought not wealth, pleasure, nor fame. Price 99 cents. By W. P. Kremer. Author of 100 Great Battles. 19th and 20th Century Calendars. Founder of Nauvoo (Illinois,) Independent. 63 Feronia Way, Rutherford, New Jersey; 1900-1913.
This unusual publication was purchased by Mona Sarratt Knight in 2002. It is marked with library markings and inscribed in pen by the author: “To N.Y. State Historical Society, With compliments of W. P. Kremer on his 72d birthday, March 16, 1913.” (presentation copy) It is presented here in memory of those soldiers of Company I, 6th Iowa Infantry, who fought so valiantly during the Civil War, to those who died, and to those who returned home to Iowa. This transcription is prepared as the book is written. No attempt to correct any information or spelling was made. Some format changes were made as the original publication had names of deceased soldiers typeset into the format of a church steeple or cross. In addition, the author sometimes condensed the spelling of names in order to fit his artistic format.
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ROSTER OF COMPANY I, 6TH IOWA INFANTRY.
ALBRIGHT, FREDERICK. Age 21, residence Guttenberg, Iowa, born in Germany, mustered in July 18, 1861. Discharged July 16, 1864, at Roswell, Ga., at the expiration of service.
ANTROBUS, JOHN C. Age 18, residence New London, Iowa, born in Indiana, mustered in July 22, 1861, mustered out September 14, 1864, at East Point, Ga., at expiration of term of service.
BAKER, WILLIAM. Age 18, residence Burlington, born in Germany, mustered in July 18, 1861. Discharged July 16, 1864, at Roswell, Ga., at expiration of service, living in 1912.
BARBIA, CALVIN. Age 27, residence Burlington, born in Tenn., mustered in July 18, 1861. Discharged for disability August 26, 1861, at St. Louis, Missouri.
BARR, ROBERT. Age 19, residence Wapello, Iowa, born in Iowa, mustered in July 18, 1861. Re-enlisted Jan. 26, 1864, at Scottsboro, Alabama. Corporal. Mustered out July 21, 1865.
BENNETT, JOSEPH H. Age 21, residence Wapello, Iowa, born in Illinois, mustered in July 18, 1861. Re-enlisted Jan. 26, 1864, Corporal. Mustered out at close of war, July 21, 1865, at Louisville.
BOSTRAND, OSCAR. Age 19, residence Monmouth, Illinois, born in Sweden, mustered in July 24, 1861. Re-enlisted January 26, 1864. Killed in battle at Big Shanty, Georgia, June 16, 1864.
BOYD, ALEXANDER B. Age 24, residence Burlington, Iowa, born in O., mustered in July 18, 1861. Taken prisoner at Jackson, Miss., July 15, 1863. Paroled. Discharged at Roswell, July 16, 1864.
BRADLEY, STEPHEN. Age 19, residence Burlington, born in Iowa, mustered in July 18, 1861, wounded at Jackson, Miss., July 15, 1863. Discharged at Roswell, Georgia, July 16, 1864.
BRADLEY, WILLIAM. Age 21, residence Burlington, born in Ohio, mustered in September 11, 1861, re-enlisted. Mustered out at close of war, July 21, 1865, at Louisville, Ky. Living in 1912.
BRYDOLF, FABIAN. Age 42, residence Burlington, born in Sweden. Wounded in neck and lost right arm at Shiloh. Captain. Promoted to Lieut. Col. 25th Iowa Inft., September 26, 1862.
CESTINE, JACOB. Recruit said to have been wounded at the assault on Kenesaw Mountain, June 27, 1864. This probably is an error. No such name was on the company roster, 1861 to 1865.
CHASE, NEWBY. Age 20, residence Burlington, born in Ireland. Mustered in July 23, 1861. Adjutant October 24, 1863. Killed in the Battle of Big Shanty, Georgia, June 15, 1864.
CLARK, CORNELIUS. Whiskey. Age 24, residence Burlington, born in Ohio. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Moon struck, causing night blindness. Discharged November 13, 1862, at Memphis.
CLARK, GEORGE W. Regulation. Aged 29, residence Black River Falls, Wisconsin, born in New York. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Killed at the Battle of Shiloh, Tennessee, April 6, 1862.
CLARK, GEORGE W. Martha. Age 20, residence Burlington, born in Ohio. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Wounded at Edward’s Ferry, Miss., July 6, 1863, and at Griswoldville, Ga., Nov. 22, 1864. Mustered out as 1st Lieut. At close of War, July 21, 1865. Living 1912.
CLUNE, WILLIAM H. Age 28, residence Burlington, born in Vt. Transferred from Company H, Captain. Wounded at Griswoldville, Mustered out as Major at close of war in 1865.
COGAN, JOHN J. Age 18, residence Jefferson County, born in Pennsylvania, Recruit of 1864. Mustered out at the close of the war, at Louisville, Kentucky.
COFFIN, GRIFFIN. Age 21, residence Flora, Ills., born in New York. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Killed at the Battle of Shiloh, Tennessee, Sunday, April 6, 1862.
CONROY, THOMAS. Age 22, residence Burlington, born in Ireland. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Wounded at Jackson, Miss., July 16, 1863. Re-enlisted. Deserted April 25, 1864.
CRICHTON, PETER F. Age 25, residence Burlington, born in Scotland. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Quartermaster. Discharged at close of war, July 21, 1865.
DEBRAY, JACOB. Age 36, residence Burlington, born in Switzerland. Mustered in July 18, 1861, re-enlisted in 1864. Discharged at close of war.
DEPPE, HENRY. Age 20, residence Wapello, born in Germany. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Discharged at Roswell, Georgia, July 16, 1864, at expiration of term of service.
DONSAYS, CHARLES F. Age 30, residence New York City, born in Germany, Mustered in September 10, 1861, re-enlisted 1864. Wounded at Griswoldville. Discharged 1865. 3 month with 1st Iowa.
DOUGHTY, WILLIAM H. Age 22, residence, Flora, Illinois, born in Maine. Mustered in July 18, 1861, and deserted June 7th 1862 after the evacuation of Corinth.
EICHOLTZ, ISADORE. Age 27, residence Waverly, born in Germany. Mustered in July 21, 1861. Re-enlisted. Discharged at close of the war July 21, 1865.
ERICKSON, CHARLES A. Age 18, residence Burlington, born in Sweden. Mustered in September 11, 1861. Re-enlisted. Discharged at the close of the war, July 21, 1865.
FALES, WARREN M. Age 21, residence Burlington, born in New York. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Discharged for disability, March 6th, 1863.
FLEMING, CHARLES H. Age 18, residence Burlington, born in Ohio. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Re-enlisted. Killed in Battle near Bentonville, North Carolina, April 20, 1865.
FULTON, HENRY. Age 28, residence Wapello, born in Penn. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Transferred to Band. Discharged for disability January 5, 1863. Printer by occupation.
HOLIDAY, JOSEPH S. Age 30, residence Burlington, born in Ohio. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Wounded at the Battle of Shiloh. Discharged on account of wound Nov. 1862. 1st Lieutenant.
HAMILTON, FRANK. Age 18, residence Kossuth, born in Ohio. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Wounded at Jackson, Miss., July 16, 1863. Re-enlisted. Discharged at close of war July 21, 1865.
HANNUM, JOHN. Age 31, residence Yellow Springs, born in Penn. Mustered in July 29th, 1861. Wounded at Missionary Ridge. Re-enlisted. Killed at Kenesaw Mountain, June 27, 1864.
HARPMAN, ANDREW. Age 21, residence Galesburg, Ill., born in Sweden. Mustered in July 18, 1864. Discharged at Roswell, Georgia, at expiration of term of service, July 16, 1864.
HARPMAN, JOHN. Age 25, residence Galesburg, born in Sweden. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Wounded at the Battle of Shiloh. Discharged at Roswell, Ga., at expiration of enlistment.
HERRON, JAMES H. Age 36, residence Guttenburg, Iowa, born in New York. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Wounded April 6, at the Battle of Shiloh, and discharged for same on March 31, 1862.
HILLS, GEORGE B. Age 27, residence Palo Alto (now Oakville) born in New York, Mustered in July 18, 1861. Died of disease June 4, 1863, at Memphis, Tennessee.
HOUTS, GEORGE. Age 21, residence Wapello, born in Ohio. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Re-enlisted. Wounded at Kenesaw Mt. Discharged at close of war July 21, 1865.
HOWARD, OLIVER F. Age 20, residence Burlington, born in Va. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Discharged October 26, 1864 at expiration of service. 2d Lieutenant. Living 1912.
HUBINER, HENRY. Age 29, residence Burlington, born in Germany. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Discharged for disability. Date and place unknown.
ISETT, JOHN H. Age 27, residence Wapello, born in Penn. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Promoted, transferred, captured and died from exposure in Rebel prisons.
JACKSON, HORATIO P. Age 29, residence Palo Alto (now Oakville) born in Ohio. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Discharged and re-enlisted. Killed in the Battle of Griswoldville, November 22, 1864.
JAMISON, MERRITT. Age 18, residence Wapello, born in Iowa. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Re-enlisted. Killed at the Battle of Peach Tree Creek, Ga., July 22, 1864.
JANGER, JOHN. Age 22, residence Henderson County, Ill., born in Germany. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Discharged at Roswell, Georgia, July 16, 1864, at expiration of term of service.
JERICHO, CHARLES. Age 29, residence Mount Pleasant, Iowa, born in Germany. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Wounded at Shiloh. Killed at the Battle of Jackson, Miss., July 16, 1863.
JOHNSON, GUSTAVE. Age 22, residence Burlington, born in Sweden. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Killed at the Battle of Shiloh, April 6, 1862.
JOLLY, GEORGE W. Age 19, residence Jollyville, Iowa, born in Iowa. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Discharged July 16, 1864, at Roswell, Ga., at expiration of term of service.
KEEVER, JOHN. Age 24, residence Toolesboro, Iowa, born in Ohio. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Discharged for disability January 13, 1862.
KEY, DAVIS. Age 10, residence Wapello, born in Iowa. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Killed at the Battle of Shiloh, April 6th, 1862.
KEY, JOHN H. Age 23, residence Wapello, born in Iowa. Mustered July 18, 1861. Wounded at Missionary Ridge and Big Shanty, June 15, 1864, Transferred. Discharged at close of war.
KINSEY, PLUMER P. Age 20, residence Wapello, born in Ohio. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Discharged for disability January 12, at Lamine River Bridge, Missouri.
KIRTLAND, JAMES N. Age 23, residence Chicago, born in Illinois. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Re-enlisted 1864. Died in Chicago, March 6th, 1865.
KLEE, HENRY. Age 21, residence Wapello, born in Germany. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Discharged at expiration of term of service, July 16, 1864, at Roswell, Georgia.
KREMER, WESLEY P. Age 20, residence Palo Alto, (now Oakville), born in Penn. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Wounded at the Battle of Shiloh. Discharged at expiration of term of service, July 16, 1864.
LINTON, HARVEY B. Age 19, residence Linton, born in Iowa. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Wounded at Kenesaw Mt., June 28, 1864. Re-enlisted. Discharged at close of war July 21, 1865. Living in 1912.
LOWERY, AUSTIN P. Age 19, residence Burlington, born in Iowa. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Wounded in head July 6, 1863. Discharged at expiration of service. Died in Burlington in 1887.
LOWERY, OSCAR W. Age 18 (probably 16), residence Desmoines Co., born in Iowa. Recruit of 1863. Wounded at Griswoldville, Ga., Nov. 22, 1964. Discharged at close of war, July 21, 1865.
LUTZ, JAMES T. Age 20, residence Burlington, born in Penn. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Not with the company much. Discharged at expiration of service July 18, 1864.
McKAY, NORVAL W. Age 23, residence Wapello, born in Ohio. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Re-enlisted January 1864. First Sergeant when discharged at close of war July 21, 1965. Living 1912.
McMULLEN, ALONZO. Age 19, residence Shockokon, born in Virginia. Recruit December 21, 1963. Died January 8, 1965, of disease enroute home.
MAHLER, HENRY. Age 21, residence New London, born in Germany. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Re-enlisted. Taken prisoner, discharged at close of war. Killed by railroad train 1895.
MANN, WILLIAM H. Age 23, residence Wapello, born in Penn. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Re-enlisted. Discharged July 3, 1965, for disability. Printer by occupation.
MARTIN, JOHN. Age 20, residence Wapello, born in Germany. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Discharged February 15, 1862, for disability.
MATHEWS, BENJAMIN. Age 27, residence Grand Rapids, Michigan, born in New Jersey. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Re-enlisted. Killed in the battle of Griswoldville, November 22, 1964.
MERRILL, ALFRED L. Age 30, residence Gardner, born in Maine. Mustered in September 10, 1861. Discharged for disability in 1864. 3 months in 1st Iowa, also with Regulars on the plains.
MILLER, JOHN. Age 35, residence Burlington, born in Germany. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Died from shock or fright on going into battle at Jackson, Mississippi, July 17, 1863.
MILLIGAN, WM. HENRY. Age 26, residence Wapello, born in Indiana. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Re-enlisted; Wounded. Discharged July 21, 1865 at close of war. Printer by occupation.
MOLINE, FREDERICK. Age 24, residence Monmouth, Illinois, born in Sweden. Mustered in September 11, 1861. Wounded. Re-enlisted. Discharged July 21, 1865 at close of war.
MONROE, JOSEPH HENRY. Age 13 (nearer 11), residence Burlington. Mustered in as Drummer Boy, July 18, 1861. Re-enlisted. Discharged at close of war July 21, 1865.
NELSON, SWAN C. Age 22, residence Burlington, born in Sweden. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Died of disease October 25, 1861, at Jefferson City, Missouri.
NESSELHOUSE, MATTHEW. Age 18, residence Burlington, born in Germany. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Discharged for disability, November 13, 1861.
OWENS, LOUIS L. Age 25, residence Wapello, born in Indiana. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Wounded at the battle of Shiloh. Discharged at expiration of enlistment, July 16, 1864.
PARK, STEPHEN D. Age 30, residence Warsaw, Wisconsin, born in Pennsylvania. Mustered in July 1861. Deserted June 7, 1862, at Corinth, Mississippi.
PATRIDGE, ANDREW. Age 24, residence Athens, Mo., born in Ireland. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Re-enlisted. Transferred from Co. H. Discharged at close of war, July 21, 1865.
PATTERSON, WILLIAM P. Age 18, residence Burlington, born in Ohio. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Re-enlisted. Wounded at Kenesaw Mt. June 28, 1864. Discharged at close of war, July 21, 1865.
PERKINS, TOBIAS. Age 34, residence Palo Alto (now Oakville) born in Ohio. Recruit of December 1863. Died of disease at Rome, Ga., October 2, 1864.
PETERSON, CHARLES M. Age 22, residence Galesburg, Illinois, born in Sweden. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Re-enlisted. Killed at the battle of Peach Tree Creek, Georgia, July 22, 1864.
PHILBROOK, CHRISTOPHER C. Age 30, residence unknown, born in Ohio. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Killed at the battle of Shiloh, Tennessee, April 6, 1862.
PHILLIPS, SAMUEL B. Age 24, residence Burlington, born in Pennsylvania. Mustered in July 18, 1861, as Second Lieutenant. Resigned January 3, 1863. Printer by occupation.
PIKE, HARMUS. Age 22, residence Wapello, born in Ohio. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Discharged for disability Sept. 29, 1861.
PRATT, GEORGE W. Age 18, residence Wapello, born in Pennsylvania. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Killed at the battle of Missionary Ridge, November 25, 1863.
PURSELL, WILLIAM A. Age 22, residence Burlington, born in Ohio. Mustered in July 18,1 861. Wounded at New Hope Church, May 27, 1864. Discharged at Roswell, July 16, ex. Of service.
RAMSEY, DAVID. Age 21, residence Burlington, born in Scotland. Mustered in September 11, 1861. Discharged for disability April 13, 1864. Living in 1912.
RANDALL, JAMES M. Age 21, residence Burlington, born in Ohio. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Discharged for disability Sept. 19, 1861.
REID, SAMUEL A. Age 22, residence Burlington, born in Indiana. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Discharged for disability, Jan. 1, 1862.
RUSSELL, JAMES R. Age 29, residence unknown, born in England. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Died of disease June 17, 1862.
SALA, JOHN A. G. Age 18, residence Toolesboro, Iowa, born in Ills. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Wounded at New Hope Church, discharged at expiration of service, July 16, 1864.
SEARCY, BEVERLY. Age 37, residence Albia, born in Kentucky. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Lieutenant, resigned May 22, 1862.
SEXTON, JAMES B. Age 23, residence Burlington, born in Ohio. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Discharged for disability Nov. 13, 1862.
SHERM, JOHN . Age 39, residence Warsaw, Mo., born in Germany. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Wounded at the battle of Missionary Ridge, Nov. 25, 1863. Discharged July 16, 1864.
SHIPMAN, CHARLES B. Age 21, residence Wapello, born in Penn. Mustered in July 1861. Re-enlisted. Killed in battle, July 22, 1864.
SILVERSMITH, DAVIS. Age 28, residence Burlington, born in Germany. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Wounded. Discharged July 16, 1864.
SMILEY, GEORGE S. Age 31, residence Burlington, born in Maine. Mustered in July 18, 1861. 1st Lieutenant. Drunk or cowardly at the battle of Jackson. Cashiered for same July 16, 1863.
SMITH, DANIEL J. Age 20, residence Desmoines Co., born in Iowa. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Wounded at Missionary Ridge. Discharged July 16, 1864 at expiration of enlistment.
SMITH, SAMUEL. Age 28, residence Oquawka, born in Penn. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Re-enlisted. Wounded at New Hope Church May 28, 1864. Discharged July 21, 1865. Living in 1912.
STEWART, CHARLES. Age 24, residence unknown, born in Maine. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Died of disease February 26, 1862.
SWANK, WESLEY F. Age 19, residence Huron Township, born in Iowa. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Died of disease December 1, 1861.
SUTHERLAND, WILLIAM H. Age 20, residence Kossuth, born in Indiana. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Killed at Jackson, Miss., July 16, 1863.
SWARTZ, LOUIS. Age 34, residence Burlington, born in Germany. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Re-enlisted. Dis. July 21, 1865.
TAYLOR, HARRY H. Age 19, residence Wapello, born in Ohio. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Discharged for disability Sept. 29, 1961.
THOMAS, JACOB B. Age 18, residence Belleville, Ill., born in Germany. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Wounded at Missionary Ridge. Reenlisted. Taken prisoner Aug. 1864. Dis. June 30, 1965.
THOMAS, ZACHARIAH. Age 22, born in Penn. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Re-enlisted. Wounded at Griswoldville. Discharged July 21, 1865.
THORNTON, SILAS. Age 20, residence, Huron, born in Ills. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Discharged July 16, 1864. Living in 1912.
TURNER, JAMES. Age 22, residence Wapello, born in England. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Wounded July 6, 1863, and again June 28, 1864. Re-enlisted. Captain when discharged, July 1865.
ULRICH, ALBERT. Age 20, residence St. Louis, born in Germany. Mustered in Sept. 10, 1861. Re-enlisted. Discharged July 21, 1865.
ULRICH, TOBIAS. Age 25, residence Burlington, born in Penn. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Re-enlisted. Killed by lightning, May 11, ’65.
WADSWORTH, NOYES W. Age 52, residence Burlington, born in Conn. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Fifer. Killed at the battle of Shiloh, 1862.
WAGONER, DAVID. Age 24, residence La Cross, Wis., born in Penn. Mustered July 18, 1861. Taken prisoner 1863. Discharged July 1964.
WENTWORTH, ALBERT. Age 20, residence Burlington, born in Indiana. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Killed at the battle of Shiloh, 1862.
WESTFALL, JOHN W. Age 19, residence Hoppers Mill, Ills. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Deserted in 1863, returned and deserted in 1964.
WILLIAMS, JAMES S. Age 18, residence Burlington, born in Michigan. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Re-enlisted. Discharged July 1965.
YATTER, (or JETTER) JACOB. Age 40, residence Farmington, born in Germany. Mustered in July 18, 1861. Discharged for disability Jan. ’62.
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Names of Comrades of Company I who died of disease during the war period. In my diary I have a note of the death of Alfred Merrill. The War Department reports him discharged in 1864. Perhaps he was dead before the discharge reached him.
Swan C. Nelson John H. Miller Tobias Perkins James Kirtland John H. Isett Lafayette Antrobus Geo. B. Hills Wesley Swank Chas. Stewart Alonzo McMullen James R. Russel
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Names of 65 comrades of the Sixth Iowa Infantry Killed at the Battle of Shiloh.
Orin S. Medcalf D. Key G. Lock G. Reed W. Davis G. Reedy F. W. Weed H. M. Howe Geo. Reed Rich White Geo. W. Hess David J. Hays Sol. Kellogg George Knuck Frank T. Scott John M. Weaver Walter Smith Zeph F. Delany Albert M. Smith George W. Clark Nathaniel Carter George W. Willsey John W. Armstrong William T. Hufford Archibald Conners Noyes W. Wadsworth Albert J. Wentworth Capt. Daniel Iseminger Christo’r C. Philbrook Jas Hight Wm. Delap Dav. McGee O.P. Evans Jas. Cackly Wm. Sheets H. L. Kills G. W. Sharp C. J. Cheeney Gus. Johnson G. R. Vincent S. W. Bowers Jack Wiggins Mat. Mitchell W. B. Crawford Jas. H. Sparling Thos. McKissick David Moreland Hy. Young H. W. Smith J. B. Duncan C. J. Payne J. M. Sayer Wm. Swayng W. H. Waugh O. B. Miller M. E. Harding R. Crawford L. D. Prather O. P. Atkinson Jno. Lockhard Jas. Calhoun J. L. Harrison Zar M. Lansing Jno. Boardman Ths. Fullerton Company A 8 Company B 10 Company C 4 Company D 4 Company E 12 Company F 6 Company G 5 Company H 5 Company I 7 Company K 4
They were killed in the din of battle Where the bullets were flying thick and fast, They were buried by comrades in hallowed graves As our National heroes, while time shall last.
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COMPANY I The Company was organized in Burlington, Iowa, after the first call for troops in 1861, and went into camp (Fair Grounds) early in July and on the 18th of July was mustered into the United States service as Company I, Sixth Iowa Infantry.
As we assembled in the line for muster, In the makeup, the company was cosmopolitan. They were born in many different Union States And one was from the Isle of Man, There were Irish patriots from the Shannon River, Galway and the Killarney lakes as well Sprightly Swiss from the white snow capped Alps, Crags and peaks – the haunts of William Tell.
There were Austrians, dwellers along the Blue Danube, Germans from Bingen, yes, Bingen on the Rhine And Swedes from Stockhold, on the Baltic Sea, Others from the north – beyond the Arctic line, England too, gave us some valiant warlike sons As ever slept beneath the gentle falling dew, And Scotland’s highland lads were as brave As the “Thin Red Line” that fought at Waterloo.
There were those who fought in other wars: Swartz was in the great army in Europe That fought the French at Magenta and Solferino, While Merrill with the Regulars on the plains Had skirmished with the Indians – Apache and Navajho, Turner at Sebastopol heard the guns at Inkerman Wadsworth played our National airs at Vera Cruz, Brydolf fought with Taylor along the Rio Grande.
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THE SIXTH IOWA INFANTRY The Regiment was composed of ten companies from the following towns with the number of men as shown:
MARCHES OF THE SIXTH IOWA
BROTHERS IN THE COMPANY The Antrobus boys were brothers, also the Bradley boys; Fleming had a brother in the 25th Iowa and another in a Rebel Alabama regiment. Charles was my playmate and schoolmate in boyhood, bunkmate during my service and was killed in a skirmish after the Battle of Bentonville, and after the surrender of the Rebel Army; the two Harpman boys were brothers; David and John Key were brothers; their father and another brother were in a Rebel Texas regiment and were captured at Vicksburg; the three Lowery boys were brothers and each received a severe wound. Linton had a brother in Company K, who was killed at the Battle of Peach Tree Creek.
RELIGION IN THE ARMY A great number of the boys were not affiliated with any church and perhaps had no preference. Silversmith and Jericho were Jews. Jericho was wounded and later killed; Silversmith was wounded. Conroy and Eicholtz were Catholics. Conroy was timid and deserted. Eicholtz always prayed during violent thunder storms, and when going into battle, would pray and cross himself vigorously, after which
“He was there when the scrap begun, And was there when the scrap was done.”
Pratt was a Methodist and was killed at Missionary Ridge. His father, chaplain of a regiment, was killed at Helena, Ark., a few months before. Jackson was a Methodist, a cannon ball beheaded him at Griswoldville. Philbrook was a Universalist – a believer in the salvation of all mankind. He was among the slain at Shiloh. Clark was an Atheist – a disbeliever in the existence of a God, devil heaven, hell or a rational life beyond the grave, and the writer has always entertained similar views. Clark went to eternity at Shiloh when the shower of death struck the regiment on the fateful April 6th.
ILLITERACY AND EDUCATION There was no illiteracy in the Company. Every member could do the stunt of “readin, writtin and rithmetic.” They had all attended school two or three months a year and most of them in one of the early National civilizers – the log school house. High Schools and Colleges were unknown to them. But they were all familiar with firearms and could shoot with unerring and deadly effect.
TEMPERANCE AND THE DRINK HABIT Whiskey drinking among soldiers was common, though not always to the extent of being drunkards. Whiskey was furnished at times as daily rations. The writer and Tobias Ulrich were the only total abstainers in the company and the writer is still standing in the same thin line. One of the worst drunks in the company is still living and frisky at the gold old age of seventy-nine.
MARRIED MEN This was a company of boys with only a few married men. Brydolf, Jackson and Parkins were the only married men in the company. But you ought to have heard the wedding bells the year following the close of the war!
COWARDICE IN TIME OF BATTLE There were some cowards in the company, more common among officers than in the ranks, and whiskey was a great factor in that line. At Jackson, Miss., July 16, Lieutenant Smiley was in command of the company and had been drinking and singing lively until the battle opened when he called for Sergt. Sutherland to take “command as he was completely petered out.” Sutherland was killed a few minutes later and Smiley was dismissed and never appeared with the company again. At the Battle of New Hope Church, May 28th, 1864, the writer with H. B. Linton were occupying an advanced picket post, and curiosity led me some distance in front of the picket line until I came in full view of the Rebel fortifications. While watching thus I noticed a large force of men jump over their works and form in line. I knew what it meant, and yelled at the top of my voice for the boys “to run for their lives as the whole Rebel army was coming.” I discharged my rifle at the advancing foe when I too lit out with fleeting footsteps for our lines. When I arrived I found ever available inch of space in the hastily constructed breastworks occupied by lying, kneeling and standing troopers with guns pointed forward. It would have been folly and death to remain on the outside and by walking on the shoulders and bodies of the lying troops I effected a crossing to the rear. I thus became an involuntary spectator instead of a participant. There were three or four others standing on the bank with me. We did not have to wait only a few moments when the Rebel force emerged from the underbrush and with terrific yells jumped on a six gun battery, (1st Iowa) some fifty feet in front of the regiment, and while both sides were pulling at the cannons the infantry support consisting of the 6th Iowa, 46th Ohio, 100 Indiana and the 103d Illinois opened fire with deadly effect. At this juncture I heard a loud voice (not from heaven) shouting, “Run, Captain Clune, you damn cowardly son of a bitch.” Turning to the read I saw Captain Clune disappear in the woods, and the voice came from Norval W. McKay, who was standing by my side. The battle was soon over when Captain Clune returned and shaking his fist at McKay’s face, said: “McKay, those were harsh words you used to me.” And the intrepid McKay replied: “They were, and they were true.” This ended the controversy. McKay, later, was appointed Sergeant and Clune was promoted to Lieut. Colonel of the Regiment. McKay resides at Wapello, Iowa. Clune is dead. He died of yellow fever at Galveston, Texas, two years after the war. His Farewell Address to the regiment at the close of the war is a master piece of that period. It has but few equals and no superiors, except perhaps, Van Dorn’s address before the Court Martial at Holly Springs, Miss.
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CASUALTIES IN THE COMPANY 1861-5
ALL ACCOUNTED FOR AT WAR CLOSE
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KINDLY GAVE A BLACK DIAMOND RATTLER A BITE. After the capture of Jackson, Mississippi, the army returned to Vicksburg for a short rest. Started on the return trip July 23d, and marched mainly after night and rested during the day so as to avoid the dust and heat. On the 24th we camped near Queen Hill, after a tedious night march of fourteen miles, and the company was detailed and sent out on picket duty a mile north of the regular camp. George Jolly, Merritt Jamison and myself were left at a certain point in an open woods for duty. We immediately began operations for cooking some green corn for breakfast. Not far from our post was a pile of poles, some fifteen feet long, evidently intended for fencing. We appropriated them for fuel and soon had a good fire and water boiling. While this was going on Jamison, who had gone a short distance from us shouted: “Come quick with a club, here’s the biggest rattle snake you ever saw!” I was on my feet in a moment and scanning the ground for something useful for that purpose, my eyes turned to the fire when I noticed that some of the poles had burn in two in the middle. I grabbed one of these and ran to the rescue. I had no trouble locating Mr. Rattler. He was in plain sight and was working his rattle box vigorously. My first impulse was to hit him a whack and kill him immediately, but just than my good nature prevailed on me to give him a show for his life, and knowing how dearly the rattler loved to bite, I concluded to gratify his desire. With that object in view I began moving the red hot fire brand toward him, which seemed to delight him from the manner he worked his rattle end, and when the pole had reached the proper place, according to his idea, he sprang and hit the red hot fire brand with terrific force. I expect he bit hard, but he did not bit long, and the next moment he seemed to have forgotten that he had a rattle box, and was beating the ground with both ends and performing more jimnastytricks in a minute than a High School boy could do in a life time. I offered it to him for a second bite, but he was too busy with his own sad self to notice the tempter. I than hit him a rap and smashed his head. He was five feet long, of the black diamond species, and a beauty – if a rattle snake can be called a thing of beauty.
COMPANY DOG JEFF On our return from Springfield, Mo., in November 1861, our drummer boy astonished the company one night when going into comp by pulling an ugly looking brindle pump from his haversack. The pup was about six weeks old and the boy named him Jeff Davis, in contempt, rather than admiration of that individual. The boy carried the pup in his haversack, 100 miles, to Sedalia, where were went into winter quarters. The pup was always playful, eat anything in the food line set before him. In March when the regiment went to Tennessee, Jeff went with us and was with us in the Battle of Shiloh. The next summer he showed his usefulness and willingness to help the boys catch a hog or chicken whenever called upon. He was with us at the Battles of Big Black River and Jackson, and in the assault on Missionary Ridge he ran, barking, in front of the colors and on reaching the fortifications, with a fearless bound he landed on top of the works and fell dead at the same instant. That night, after the battle, the writer got his body and had it buried in the trench beside the boys killed that day.
SINGERS IN THE COMPANY There were a number of good singers in the company. Merrill could entertain the regiment all night long with is comic songs. Charles Shipman had an endless variety of Negro Melodies which he could render in a charming manner. John Isett was one of the world’s sweet singers. He arranged the tune and sang for the first time “When Sherman Marched down to the Sea.” At that time Isett was in a Rebel prison and the guards were so well pleased with the song that they called him out several times to repeat.
GENERALS IN THE ARMY As soldiers we had opportunities to see Generals and study them at close range. And those observations became a conviction, not a prejudice through life. The write has ever regarded Halleck as the master military spirit of the age. His short campaign before Corinth taught all our generals that if they only moved a few rods to fortify and hold it. In open field battles, it afterwards became an important factor. Grant seemed fond of show and displaying his horsemanship by riding a horse as fast as he could go when reviewing troops or going through camp. One could not see Fremont but to admire him; he was a gem plucked from the halls of enchantment. Thomas was always grand, Pope was superb and McPherson was magnificent. But the most striking figure in the army, was, perhaps, John A. Logan. With black hair hanging around his shoulders and a mustache near a foot long, made an impression not easily forgotten. The writer in his life time recalls seeing no one more striking attractive in appearance, except (Wild) Bill Hickock, the hero of the plains. The writer saw Blair, Sherman, Lew Wallace, Hooker, Sheridan, Custer and Kit Carson who was the grandson of the great Daniel Boone, and the first white man to lead an expedition across the pathless Rock Mountains. The three men from Burlington who became Generals, the writer knew before the war. FitzHenry Warren and Jacob Lauman were Nature’s Noblemen. Whenever they met the Sixth Iowa they would dismount in front of Company I, take off their hats and shake hands with every member of the company. No one in the Burlington company was beneath their notice. Corse was an arrogant snob.
BATTLES ENGAGED IN The Sixth Iowa left Burlington on August 3, for the seat of war and on August 5, we lined up for battle at Athens, Missouri, to help repel a Rebel force that was threatening the invasion of Iowa. We than went to St. Louis and during the fall took part in the campaign in Southwest Missouri. In March 1862, we joined the army at Pittsburg Landing, on the Tennessee. On April 6th and 7th we participated in the battle there, better known as the Battle of Shiloh. The regiment had 65 killed, and 217 wounded. (See names of the killed on another page). The battle was one of the fiercest known in the history of wars. We buried over 4,000 dead Rebels on the battle field, which was a thousand more than they had killed during the Chickahominy Campaign, and 1,500 more than they had killed at Gettyusburg. We took part in the Big Black River engagement and lead the assault on the Rebel works at Jackson, Miss. We also lead the assaults at Missionary Ridge, Big Shanty and Kenesaw Mountain, and the writer points with pride to the fact he and a comrade from Company E, were the only Union soldiers to reach the Rebel works and returned unharmed at Kenesaw Mountain. At the Battle of Peach Tree Creek the regiment lost heavily; during the entire Atlanta Campaign, it rarely missed a day without being under fire. In the March to the Sea, it engaged a force of ten times its number at Griswoldville, and held them in check until the rest of the Brigade come in from a two mile run to their relief. It was present at the capture of Savannah; the march through the Carolinas, participated in the Battles of Averasborough and Bentonville, and in Washington in the final or “Grand Review” at which time it bore on its flag the inscription “100 Days in Battle.”
OLDEST SURVIVOR NOW LIVING Is Captain Washington Galland of Montrose, Iowa. He is now rounding out the last decade of his century. He is known as the first white child born in the territory now comprising the State of Iowa. He was a lad when the first steamboat ascended the Mississippi River. He saw the Mormons under Joseph Smith land on the opposite side of the river and build a great city and a magnificent Temple. The Mormons are gone and the Temple, long ago lit up the surrounding country with the light of its destruction.
THE AUTHOR OF THIS BOOKLET Was a soldier during the war period and carried a Springfield Rifle, and is proud to say that he is not a descendent of any king, queen, or other sprig of monarchal nobility. His ancestors were good German people, who landed in Philadelphia, from the ship Palatines, October 10, 1749. My grandfather was born December 6, 1773. One of his uncles perished of hardship at Valley Forge, and another was killed at the Battle of Germantown and a third one was in the Indian troubles that culminated in the historic “Massacre of Wyoming.”
After the war the write crossed the continent, and had several skirmishes with the Indians were on the war path in 1866, 1867, and 1868, and returned via Panama to New York. In 1873, with Edward H. Thomas, a master printer, we started the Nauvoo, Illinois Independent, which is now conducted by George Baumert & Bro. George was with us and helped on the first issue, and under his careful management it has flourished ever since like a “Green Bay Tree.” While conducting that paper the writer published the first article ever printed on the subject of using the falls as a great water power. The project will be finished in 1813 after an expenditure of $20,000,000 and forty years delay.
In historic Nauvoo, the writer remembers seeing the great Mormon Temple in 1847. It was destroyed by fire October 8 and 9, 1848. He also is pleased to state that he has dined at the table set by Mrs. Emma Bidamon, who was the only wife of Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormon religion; that he knew Judge Sharp who was tried for leading the mob that broke into the jail and killed Joseph and Hyrum Smith, two unarmed prisoners.
KIND FRIENDS AND READERS My task is nearly done. The most of my comrades have passed to the great divide. Those living have passed the mountain summit and are descending with rapid footsteps toward the setting sun of eternity. A few more years and the brave boys of 1861 will rest in their silent graves and history; and now ---
Hark! I hear the bugles sounding, Calling the aged and tottering into line, For their last great earthly rally, Before plunging into the wilderness of time. And even now I see the gathering, On the banks of the unknown stream Quietly waiting the approaching darkness, And the last ray of the sun-light’s gleam.
While our footsteps are unsteady, And our hair is snowy white Let us approach the grim destroyer, Cheering, with smiles and faces bright. Soon with others we will assemble On the banks of the darkened shore, Father, mother, sisters and departed comrades With the countless millions gone before.
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Names of 156 soldiers of the Sixth Iowa Infantry killed in Battle, years 1861 to 1865. Arranged by W. P. Kremer.
J. W. Armstrong Robert Allison O. P. Atkinson John Broadman Sam’l W. Bowers John W. Brown William Brown Buck. Hamilton Fran. P. Baldwin George Black Daniel J. Boyles John B. Brown Henry M. Benner Thomas J. Barrows John M. Bigham Thos. B. Baker Benjmin Bixby Chas J. Cheeny Olivr Boardman Oscar Bostrand Harrison Craig Geo. Babington William H. Barr Albert Callen Noah Carmach Nathan Carter Wm. B. Crawford James Calhoun Jacob Chapman Newby Chase George W. Clark Archi’d Conner James Cackley Robt. Crawrord William Delap James B. Duncan Zeph. F. Delany Robert B. Davis William Davis Michael Ditto Duane Dupont Alexan. Dalton Uriah M. Davis Thomas J. Ennis Thos. J. Elrick Oliver P. Evans Tho. Fullerton George W. Ford Charls Fleming Frank M. Ferree New. J. Gordon Chas. H. Greggs Alonzo F. Gale D. Gladfelder John F. Grimes William E. Hall Henry M. Howe Monroe Harden John Hubler Wm. M. Hughes Fran. B. Hunnel Jno. L. Harrison David J. Hays James B. Hickcox Thomas Hinton Samuel Hart George W. Hess James W. Hight Timot’y Holmes Austin A. Hull Wm. T. Hufford John Hannum Danl Iseminger William A. Jones John A. Jones Hora. P. Jackson Merrit Jamison Charl’s Jericho Gustav Johnson Willi’m Kellogg Solomn Kellogg Mat. W. Kemper Hillas L. Kills Lib. H. Kennedy George J. Knuck David Key, Co. I Zara M. Lanning John Lockhard Geo. A. Loonain Grundy M. Lock Ira Linton, Co. K David F. McGee Thos. McKissick Matt. Mitchell Robrt Mitchell Oliver B. Miller Nathan B. Moore James M. Mardis David Moreland Benj. Mathews Robt. H. Osborn Char’s J. Payne John N. C. Potts Lor. D. Prather George W. Pratt Chs. M. Peterson C.C. Philbrook George H. Reed George F. Reedy W. A. Richardson John C. Rogers J. A. Robertson G. M. Sharp D. A. Sleight Jno. M. Sayer Wm. Sheets J. Spaulding G. W. Hibbard Geo. F. Scott Waltr Smith A.W. Surles Chs. Stevens C. H. Stratton Hickenloper Sam. Summer R. F. Stewart Wm. Swayne Dav Shearer Wm. Stewart Frank Scott Al. M. Smith Hy. W. Smith C.B. Shipman Al. R. Savage Wm. D. Tull Js. W. Travis H. L. Tucker Tobis Ulrich G.R. Vincent Frd. F. Weed G. Wightman G.H. Willsey J.W. Weaver W.H. Waugh Jac. Wiggins C.H. Wright Wadsworth Wentworth R.E. White G.A. Miller W.H. Willsey Henry Young C.H. Loomis D. Musselman Sutherland O.S. Metcalf 4 wounded in Battle, and Missing; most probably Killed.
********** (photograph) W. P. KREMER Five feet ten inches high. Weight 175 pounds. Born near Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania, March 16, 1841. But ---
I was reared along the Mississippi River, Where its water was deep and wide And I sported in the virgin forests That lined its bank on either side. As I look backward on my childhood, No brighter spot on earth I know, Than the pathless forests along the river As I saw them sixty years ago.
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