356.1109773 M126h HISTORY OF The Eighth Illinois U. S. V. STACKS *i u u I i 89t * X .3 9 -i ^- 5 8 5 ,3S i' || J3 il HISTORY ** OF THE irilinoisTHmte6 States Dolunteers BY HARRY ST ANTON McCARD, B. S., HOSPITAL STEWARD, EIGHTH ILLINOIS U. S. VOLUNTEERS, AND HENRY TURNLEY, HOSPITAL STEWARD, EIGHTH ILLINOIS U. S. VOLUNTEERS. 1809. ff. F HARMAH d CO., PUBLISHERS, CHICAGO. a* V I GOVERNOR-JOHN R. TANNER 3 jxCellenC, 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 R. MARSHALL COL. JOHN R. MARSHALL JOHN R. MARSHALL was born at Alexandria, Va., March 15, 1859. He was edir GJ 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 189^ 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 complanits of his soldiers. Affectation and arrogance are entirely foreign to him, 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 m 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. 7 LIBRARY 6. OF I WtBANA-CHAHP/Ufo ^** 'tiferj-ESANT COLONEL JAMES H. JOHNSON LIEUT. COL. JAMES H. JOHNSON JAMES H. JOHNSON was born iu Washington, D. C., where he received a good literary dJ 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 1891, 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. MAJOR ROBERT R. JACKSON MAJOR ROBERT R. JACKSON. P)OBERT R. JACKSON was born Sept. i, 1869, in Malta, 111. When but a year old lie IY 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 telegraph, 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 MAJOR FRANKLIN A. DENISON MAJOR FRANKLIN A. DENISON. 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 Attoyiey 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 Jutfge^ of * J the Court of Claims sitting at Santiago. General Lawton appointed Major Denison President ,jf t ''<' of a General Court-Martial, being the only colored man ever appointed to such a positio^.- 1 & 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 tfreatfe among the officers of the other regiments, a favorable opinion of the colored officers pf tljb Eighth. Of noble figure and commanding voice, Franklin A. Denison wore well the stg&ps of a Major. */ 7 ft / :/j 13 *-' / MAJOR ALLEN A. WESLEY, SURGEON MAJOR ALLEN A. WESLEY SURGEON Q 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 Luis 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. 15 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, and La Moyne College. His name is Harvey A. Thompson. In 1883, he enlisted in the Ninth U. S. Cavalry an-d 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. 17 LIEUTENANT EDWARD S. MILLER, ASSISTANT SURCEON. 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 1880, graduating with high honors in 1893. C 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 -% N and more fully fit himself for the many responsibilities of his profession^ he'toE 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 with ambition, energy and perseverence. 23 I.IF-VTENANT JAMES W. CURTIS. ASSISTANT SURGEON LIEUT. J W. CURTIS JW. CURTIS was born in the town of Marion, Ala., July 29, 1856. He is the fourth . son of A. H. and Princess Cnrtis. 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, Monon, 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, B. C. u In one year was promoted to a first-class clerkship and in 1889-90-91 was special age{ft 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 ^.fld 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 uncjer 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. . * t 21 LIEUTENANT EDWARD S. MILLER, ASSISTANT SURGEON. LIEUT. EDWARD S. MILLER EDWARD SMITH MILLER, First Lieutenant and Assistant Surgeon, was born on a _j 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 1880, graduating * * '*" with high honors in 1893. C 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'toerc a post- graduate course iu 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 with ambition, energy and perseverence. 23 CAPTAIN JORDAN CHAVIS, CIIATI.AIN CHAPLAIN CHAVIS CHAPLAIN 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 of 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, Quincy, he made application for Chaplain of the regiment and was appointed and commissioned by Gov. Tanner, Aug. I, 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 M AVAR I, SAN Luis, CUBA. March 9, 1899. CHAPLAIN JORDON CHAVIS. Eighth Illinois Volunteers, DKAR SIR I take pleasure in stating that while you have been under my command since August 26, 1898 you have performed your duties in a faithful 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. 25 CURTIS P. SOMF.RVII.I.E Hospital Steward , WILLIAM J. BARNETT Chief Musician HKNRV TURNLKY Hospital Steward LINCOLN VALLE Quartermaster Sergeant COL. MARSHALL'S NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF HARRY STAXTON MC-CARD Hospital Steward MORRO CASTI.E PALACE, SANTIAGO EIGHTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER BAND, BASSES G. W. COOPER WM. ROBINSON ALTOS ROSCOE HOLT JNO. CRAWFORD W. BUCHANAN SYLVESTER JOHNSON (1EO. P. BROWN- DAVID MILLEN GUY WILSON JOHN COLSTON LEE WILLIAMS WATT SAUNDERS WILLIAM J. BARNETT, Chief Musician. WILLIAM COOPER, Principal Musician. SLIDE TROMBONES ADDISON ROBINSON WM. REECE EARL FRANKLIN WALTER PATTERSON BARITONES PRICE WOODS MORRIS COP-BS CORNETS \VM. COOPER HENRY REN WALTER THOMAS JNO. HUNTER CLARINETS OLIE MACK CLARENCE BOWMAN CHAS. WILLIAMS JESSE CASH, Drum Major. BUGLERS. BENJ. WOR7.ER JAS. MO3BY WM. DIAMOND SAM'L CHASE CHARLES W. HUNT, Chief Bugler. WILL TURNER BUD WATSON J. A. FOX WM. SCOTT FRED MAKERS FRED PARKER WM. HOLLIDAY JAS. LOGAN BATTERIES CURTIS RAYMOND WM. JOHNSON SAM ROBERTS FRANK ROBERTS PICCOLO NOAH T. WILLIAMS ABRAHAM EZICAH LOGAN WHITE JOHN WHITE IRA KING HORACE ALEXANDER JOHN JACKSON POST HOSPITAL, SAN Luis HOSPITAL CORPS ELMER HARRISON JAMES H. LEE WM. WEAVER WM. HAYES NOAH WILLIAMS HARRY TAYLOR CHAS. TAYLOR CLEMMIE PAYNE H. BLYTHE WM. YORK JESSIE DREXLER JOSFPH EDWARDS JACK WARD EU. THOMAS WM. EVERETT ROBERT GILLS TRAP ISAIAH LINDSAY MEMHKRS OF THE HOSPITAL CORJ'S 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 i, 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, 1892. He was elected First Lieutenant July 1 , 1894, 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, Tenn., 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 . ROOTS LlEUTKNANT 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 1860, 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. LIEUT. ARTHUR WILLIAMS A 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. LIEUT. JAMES M. RAULS JAMES M. RAULS is a natural soldier. He served five years in the regular army and was discharged as a First Sergeant. While in Cuba, Lieut. Rauls was on detached service at Palma Soriano, serving most acceptably as Post Adjutant. 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. BROWN 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 CHAVIS, BERT COLLINS, BUD DAVENPORT, HARRY DORSEY, EMORY DREXTER, JESSE M EDWARDS, MATTHEW EMBRY, JORDAN A EVANS, FRANK T FERRILL, 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 JACKSON, JESSE JARVIS, JESSE JASPER, GRANDSON JOHNSON, AARON E JOHNSON, WILLIAM JONES, JOHN LANKINS, JAMES A LEVENS, PETE LUNKE, HOWARD LEE, JOHN G McCONNELL, GEORGE McGILL, ROY McHENRY, JOE McKINNEY, JULIAN McNEIL, CHARLES MOBLEY, JULIUS MOSBY. CHARLES MATSON, GEORGE MATTHEWS, CHARLES MORRIS, GEORGE W NICKENS, IRVIN PETTIT, WILLIAMS PITNER, HERBERT w PORTER, EDWARD T gUARLES, WILLIAM ANSOME, MADISON ROBSON, JULIUS B ROYAL, CHARLES SCOTT, JOHN SMITH. BERT STROTHER, CHARLES SUTPHEN, CHARLES TAYLOR, HARRY C WATSON, JASPER WILKES, THOMAS WILDER, FRANK WILIAMS, GEORGE WILLIAMS, GUS WILLIAMS, LEE WONZER, P.ENJAMIN YOUNG, FRED 51 UBRARY UNIVERSITY OF 1LLWCK COMPANY F. CAPT. WM. B. AKERS WM. B. AKERS was born in Columbia, Mo. in 1871. To secure the advantage of the free public 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 tTust 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 poJiticion 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 Company F during the whole time the company was in service. LIEUT. CLINTON L. HILL ' I 'HERE is no more popular man in Chicago than Clinton L. Hill. He was born in Joliet 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. JOHN MCDONALD JOHN MCDONALD gained his military experience by ten years' service in the regular army. He ^ has made a very efficient officer. 53 SPANISH TROOPS 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 CHAS. A. BROWN RICHARD B. BONZELL CORPORALS WM. TURNER, HOWARD GARDNER GEO. W. WOOD GEO. H. GRIFFIN MARCELLUS W. McCALL JARIOT McLEMORE EDWARD BURNETT JAMES A KURT CHAS. LINDSAY I.'H'JS PEARMAN EMORY SNOWDON GEO. STROTHER, Cook JAMES A. FOX, Musician WM. L. 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 DROWN, 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 JONES, ALONZO J LANE, TAMES LANE, SILAS LEEK, EDWARD LEWIS, CLAYBORNE G LIVERMAN, GEO MCDONALD, WALTER McGOWAN, JACOB MITCHELL, JOE MORGAN, TAMES A MORRIS, SAMUEL MOSBY. FRANK C NUNN, MOSES T C PHILLIPS, SCHUYLER PRATHER, FRED RANDOLPH, PAYTON W RUDD, JAMES H SCOTT, ALBERT STARKS, CLYDE W STEWART, JOHN P STEWARr 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 WOLLRIDGE. WM H AMBROSE, CHARLES, discharged Jan. 27, i?09. PARKS, ALONZO, deceased at Palma So- rtana, Feb. 4, 1899. CAPTAIN JULIUS C. WITHERSI-OON UIEUTENA-NT CHARLES M. REECE CAPT. JULIUS WITHERSPOON F~) 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 j-jENRYW. JAMESON left the ministry to join the Eighth Illinois. Lieut. Jameson obtained his ' ' 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. 'ti$j^gj^$ LIEUT. CHARLES M. REECE /'"HAS. M. REECE was born at Bowling Green, Mo., in 1858, 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. WAGGENER CORPORALS WILLIAM T. JORDAN DELMAR E. LEE CASH G. TOLIVER LEWIS LIVINGSTON WILLIAM K. CLARK JAMES H. SIMONS NOBLE D. LAMB JKREMIAH PROSER HARRY D. RODGERS EUGENE THOMAS JOHN H. H. HAWKINS HENRY C. WILSON CHARLES HARDIN, Cook JOSEPH G. WILSON, Musician SAMUEL HARDIMAN, Artificer EKED MURPHY, Wagoner PRIVATES ANDERSON, CHARLES S BELL, SHIRLEY D BELL, WILLIAM BLAKE. F1NUS BROWN, BLAND BROWN, EMMANUEL W S BROWNER, JAMES BURNETT, HAYES BURNS, MERRILL BRYANT. WILLIAM BOYD. WILLIAM CROUSE, WILLIAM P DAVIS, FRANK L DAVIS, TOSEPH DUNN, JOHN EARLY, DANIEL FEARS, A. M GIBBS. DAVID GAINES, TOSEPH B GLASSCO, CHARLES H GRAYER, FRANK GRISLE, GRANDVILLB HARDIN, JAMES HARDIN, WILLIAM HENRY, ED HOBBS, DAVIE G HOLLY. JOHN HUBBARD, ALBERT JACOBS. CASSIDY JACKSON, LEBERT JOHNSON, WILLIAM D JONES, CHARLIE TONES, WILLIAM M KEMP, CHARLIE KNIGHT, NOBLE LANE, TOHN LEE, JAMES H LEWIS, NATHANIEL LEWIS, PHILIP MADISON, SIDNEY MARTIN, CHARLES E MCDONALD, VIRGIL M1LOM, HART MYERS, CHARLES NICKENS, WARDNER 1'ATTON, JAMES N 1'ENNIX, 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 VVRIGHT, CHESTER YANCEY, WILLIAM YARBERY, FRANK YOUNG, CHARLES H 59 L f I LIEUTENANT RICHARD C. Ross CAPTAIN WILLIAM L). HODGE LIEUTENANT WALTER J. JACKSON CAPT. WILLIAM D. HODGE APT A IN WILLIAM DARRELL HODGE has the distinction of being the youngest Captain in the Eighth Regiment. He first saw the lipht of day in Quincy, 111., 1875. In 1879, his parents moved to Springfield, III., which place has been his home ever since. His father was a veteran of the Civil War and much of the mattial 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 1891; 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 r? ALTIMORE, MD., is the birthplace of Walter Jackson. He is twenty-nine years old. In 1895 he L^ 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. fit 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 IOSEPH 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, HELTON BROWN, DANIEL BURKS, WALTER BURTON, MILUS BURTON, GEORGE BENNETT, ROBERT CALHOUN, RALPH CARTER, GILES DICKENS, HARRY DIXON, JAMES DONNEGAN, WILLIAM EDWARDS, JOSEPH ENSAW. CHARLES FARMER, JOHN JR FORD. FRANK GIOYI-.K. LOUIS C.RfilCXLEAF, EJ.HAH GII..KS. DAVID HAT I., T>V,]-;UT HARDIN, ANDREW HATCHER, ELLIS HICKS, \\ I'.,LIAM HI 1,1.. HENRY HOLMAN, RALPH 11C-GAN, CHARLES HUBBARD. TAMES JOHNSON, ALBERT TONES, 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 QUARELLS, GEORGE RAGLAND, WILLIAM RAY, GRANVILLE REDEN. NEUMAN RICKETT, BENJAMIN 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 WORML'EY, EDWARD YORK, WILLIAM WALTON, JAMES C 63 LIEUTENANT WILLIAM H. DALLAS CAPTAIN FREDERICK J. BALL, JK. LIEUTENANT ROBERT F. RADCLIFFE CAPT. FREDERICK BALL, JR. FREDERICK BALL, JR., was born in Ouincy, 111., Dec. 5111,1865. 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 Ball. 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. w LIEUT. ROBERT RATCLIFFE ' I "HE 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. 05 APPROACH 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. PETERSOii SAMUEL DUNCAN WILLIAM W. PERKINS JOSEPH W. JORDAN CORPORALS JAMES DENNING SOLOMON L. LESTER THOMAS W. ROBINSON TAMES W. CROPP HERBERT WILLIAMS BAILEY BUTLER JCHN 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 H BELL, WILLIAM F BLUE. WILLIAM BLACKBURN, JOHN W BRU1NGTON, BAANA BRUINGTON, LEMUEL BROWN, WILLIAM A BUCKNER, BEN IH'RRKLL, HENRY M HUTLF.R, SMITH BUSH, EDWARD BALL, WILLIAM W CLARK, JOSEPH J COMBS, JOHN A COBY, WILLIAM DAVIS, MORTON DEAN, HONOR DOUGLAS, THOMAS DOTSON, WILLIAM HORSEY, JOHN H ELLIS. ARTHUR FOSTER, ERNEST L FlNLEY, WALTER R GASKIN, SIMON GASKIN, CHARLES D GILSTRAP, ROBERT GIBSON, ROBERT GREEN, SAMUEL HARRISON, JOHN H HARRISON, ELMER HARRISON, HENRY HARRIS, ROBERT HARVEY, ANTHONY J HICKS. ALBERT L HENRY, HERMAN D JACKSON. LORENZY JEFFERSON, ARNOLD JEFFERSON, JESSE JOWLS, CHARLES A TOHNSON, WILLIAM JOHNSON, GEORGE W LONGMEYER, JOHN MAXWELL, CHARLIE MARSHALL, JOHN E McCRAY, JOHN McWILLIAMS. GEORGK MARTIN, EDWARD MORRIS, WILLIAM MOORE, FRANK MITCHELL, HARRY H MERRITT, DAVID MILLER, EDWARD NEWBOLT, HENRY PARRISH, SIMON P PERKINS, JOHN H. JR 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 SIMINGTON, CHARLES THOMPSON, ANDY THOMPSON, WILLIAM W WARD, FRED WASHINGTON. WILLTAM WALKER, JOHN M LIEUTENANT WILLIAM CARTER CAPTAIN LEON \V. DENISON LIEUTENANT JAMES WASHINGTON CAPT. LEON W. DENISON I 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 LIEUT. 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 JAMKS W. WASHINGTON, the fighting parson, was born at La Grange, Mo., in 1863. He Gl 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, JOEL EAVES, GEORGE EDENS, TAMES EDWARDS, BENJAMIN EVANS, WALTER FERGUSSON, JOHN GORDON, CHAYLON GRANT, JAMES HARRIS, JAMES HAYES, ROBERT HUNTER, GEORGE HYATT, RICHARD JACKSON, ANDREW JACKSON, JAMES TOHNSON, A \V JOHNSON, TOHN JOHNSON. 'WILLIAM TOHN. TILTON TONES, FRANK 71 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, EVERETTE ROSS, W. A. RUSH, GRANT SCOTT, WILLIAM SUMMERS, EARL SMITH, WILLIAM SMITH, T. T. STANLEY, LEONARD TAGGART, HENRY TERRELL, EDWARD TERRY. HENRY TITSW6RTH, DAVID VANDERMUS. ANDRE\V WADDLE, AARON WALKER, WILLIS WHITE. JOSEPH WILSON, WASHINGTON WALLACE, JAMES VALENTINE, IRA PENDLETON, ELMER THOMAS, JOHN R CLAYPOOL, AUSTIN COEFIELD, EDWARD NORTH. JOHN LIEUTENANT JOHN W. W. LADETN LIEUTENANT HORACE G. BURKE CAPT. GEORGE V. LANE EORGE V. LANE is reputed to be the handsomest officer in the fegiment. 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 JOHN 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 [HORACE 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, III., 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 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 HARLAND A. HOARD ROBERT T. SIMS WM. T. STEPHENS CLARENCE E. THOMPSON BEN J. HOLLINS CORPORALS ROB GLOVER J. W. PARKS GEO. W. HUGHES WM. MOORE WALTER I. LIPSCOME ARTHUR CARR FLEMIN FISHER JAMES MEALS JOHN W. PASCIIEL FELIX DAILY GEO. G. ANDERSON .-fLEX. JOHNSON EDWARD P.IDDLE, Cook THOMAS" HARMON, Artificer HILMON DAVIS, Wagoner JOHN WHITNER, Musician WM. G. LLOYD, Musician PRIVATES ADAMS, Ed H. ADAMS. JOSEPH ALLEN; JOHN 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, ROI! 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 E HOFFMAN, SAMUEL HUGHES. ALFRED JOHNSON. THOMAS TONES, JESSE KING, EMERSON KIRBY, HY KIMBALL, TOHN LISHMAN, "BENJAMIN LONG, HY LANE, JR., GEO V McCRACKIN, WALLACE L McCURRY, SONEY McCURRY, GEO McKAY, SAMUEL MANN, TOE MILES, "WM MORGAN, JAMES G MOORE, PORTER MILLER. WILSON MILLER, FRANK NOBLE, WJI NEWSON, JESSE ORINGTON, CLARENCE PAYNE, CLEMNIK E POLLARD, TUDGE REEDE, RO'LLAND REEDE, WM ROBINSON, JOE ROBINSON, JAMES M ROLLINS, TOHN SMITH, TOHN W SMITH, GUS SMITH, ARTHUR G SMOOT. JOHN F STEWARD, ULYSSES TURNER, JEFF TAYLOR, ELIAS THOMPSON, GEO THOMPSON, HARRY K THOMAS, CHAS TILLER, WM UZZELL, McRae WATERS, LEWIS WEBSTER, HORACE WHITE, JOHN WHITNER, ELIJAH WILSON, LEVY WILSON, PETER WILLIAMS, EDDIE T 75 LIEUTENANT WILLIAM A. DONALDSON CAPTAIN JOSEPH W. McAuoo LlKl'TENANT NATHAN DAVIS CAPT. JOSEPH W. McADOO JOSEPH 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 gentleman. His company is noted for lack of friction, and the comradeship so general amongst his men. LIEUT. WM. DONALDSON E 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 ready to rest, Lieut. Donaldson was always ready to carry out orders." LIEUT. NATHAN DAVIS M-ATHAN 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. 77 COMPANY M Company M, Eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. CAPTAIN, JOSEPH W. McAooo. 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 WILLIFORD DEMPSY SUMNER EDWARD PATTERSON ISAIAH C. D1LLARD 1EFFERSON SMITH FRANK NEAL LOGAN WHITE, Musician ABRAHAM EZICAH, Musician EDWARD WRIGHT, Artificer JOSEPH DAVIS, Wagoner PRIVATES ALLEN, ELMORE AMOS, RICHARD BAKER, WILLIAM liRADSHAW, CHARLEY BIRDSONG, DENNA BRIDGES, CLIFTON BROWN, JOHN M BAKER, LAWSON BURNETT, RICHARD BRACY. RICHARD BUCKHANON, WILLIAM COMBS, DELACY COOK, H EZICAH CLARK, JOHN COLE, RUFUS W CARTER, WILLIS DUDLY, FRANK DOUGLAS, TAMES D DUEPREE, WILLIAM ELLIOTT, SIMON EVERETT. WILLIAM EWING. IRA DENNIS, FARROW DIJNN'VS, PAGAN FIELDS, JOHN FREEMAN, PETER FOULTZ, WILLEY GREER, SAMUEL GASKIN, STEPHEN GATEN, DAVID HERRON, ALBERT HILL, TOHN HAYNES, ROBERT HOLLY. PLESS JACKSON, ANDREW TOYNER, THOMAS TOHNSON, ALBERT JOHNSON, WALTER JONES, WALTON F KNOVVLES, HARDY L KNOWLtb JOHN B LAMBERT, EDWARD LEACH, WILLIAM McKISIC. THOMAS MITCHELL, WILLIAM MITCHELL, EDWARD MOSBY, GEORGE B. MOPPINS, JOHN MORRIS, MITCHELL MORRIS, NEPP MARTIN, WALTER MARTIN, JOHN H MATHES, SIMON MOSS, ALEX. NOONAN, ALLIE NEWTON, ALEX NEWSOME, FRANK OWENS, CHARLEY PILLAR, ALLEN PEARSON, HENRY RIST, JAMES ROSS. JAMES RILES. JOHN R SMITH, EDWARD SMITH, JOHN T SPAGGS, JAMES SILVERS. NATHANIEL STEVERSON. WILLIAM THOMAS, EDWARD TUCKER, SIDNEY THOMPSON. JOSEPH TANCIL. CHARLEY WATKINS. EDWARD WADE. GEORGE WASHINGTON, TAMES W WARD. TACK WHITE." JOSEPH WILLIAMS, REECY 79 COMPANY II BREAKI.NC CAMP AT SAN I.ris CUBAN BOYS 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 Sheridarr have testified to this fact ; after Appomattox, I.ee 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 toobey,nottocommand. 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, 81 companies and battalions were organized, and in 1891 the afterwards celebrated Ninth Battalion of * Chicago was formed. Up this single avenue it inarched, 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. On 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 iii the state who was willing to fight for his coun- 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 day 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.lsavhig 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, but 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 3Oth, 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 nighi, 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 3Oth saw the entire regiment on the road to Springfield. From Chicago went seven hundred, from Cairo one hundred and twenty- five ; from Quincy 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 84 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 i8th 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 an d ?6 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- 85 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:' H-e 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 cjth 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 coffee, 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 City. 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 i ith, 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 I4th, 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 88 with a foot of water. The government guide, seeing the condition of this spot, marched on until he passed through what seemed to he the gates of a park, high and dry on a hill. Shelter tents were pitched and a comfortable night was passed, but uneasiness \vas 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 ijth, 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 u 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 P. Roots and Company F.. Capt. William H. Akers, with Lieut. Curtis as medical officer, formed his command. 1'alma. 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 Palma, 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 were 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 close 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 91 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- able for an invalid. 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 ols^e of 93 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. After 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 played 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. On 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 be 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 ? \Youkl 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 tar 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 loth, 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 i6th, the boat 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 i8th, 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 exoeriment is now an assured success. DINNER AT TATTERS ALL'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, 1898. PAUL SMITH, Company B. Killed on Rousseau's Hill, San Luis, August 19, 1898. LAWRENCE MICHEAUX. Company C. Died, San Luis, September 14, 1898. WILLIS GARRETT, Company K. Died, San Luis, September 16, 1898. BYRON L. LAKEMAN, Company I. Died, San Luis, October 3, 1898. 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 kiUedhimself, Palnia, December i, 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, Palnia 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 n, 1899 GENERAL HOSPITAL, SANTIAGO XoN-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS 1 Cl.UB, 1'ALMA 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-COMMISSIONED 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 SOMEKVILLE, HOSPITAL STEWARD, HARRY S. McCARD. HOSPITAL STEWARD, HENRY TURNLEY. 80 Northeast Corner State St. and Jackson Blvd. THE STORE WITH THE 4'LEAF CLOVER ABOVE THE ENTRANCE. THE PEOPLE'S STORE. iireater valves for less money We keep in repair FREE FOR ONE "YEAR all clothing SPECIAL ITEMS: This greatest value- giving store, devoted exclu- sively to Men's and Boys' Clothing, Hats and Furnishings, is in its second year. It proved a great success from the start, from the very fact that it gives than any clothing store in the city of Chicago. We cater to people's wishes in every detail. bought here. COME AND INVESTIGATE. We quote a few 7.50 Special Hat Value. We give the best values in hats for the money. This Special Value is in both Derby and Fedora Styles, the very latest correct styles and all shades this is positively a $3.00 hat, Our Special Price $1.90 Men's Nobby Suits, in new and stylish fabrics of all-wool, smooth-finished cassimeres, blue and black unfinished worsteds, beautifully tailored throughout, perfect fit guar- anteed, sizes to suit everybody they cannot be found else- where for less than jti2 Our special price $7.5O. Men's Very Stylish Top Coats, all this setson's productions, in new and nobby double-twist and smooth-fin- ished covert cloths, plain or strapped seams, perfect fit guaranteed this really a $12 garment, the price else where- -Our special price $7.5O. Our Finest Top Coats and Suits were selected with the utmost care. The Suits in single and double breasted sacks, 3-button cutaways and stylish Prince Alberts. The Top Coats in the swell box and regular styles many exclusive designs, according to our own specifications. We positively guarantee you a saving of at least 25 per cent, at our prices Special Shirt Value. We carry the best line of Men's Furnish- ings in Chicago. Special Colored Dress Shirts not to be found elsewhere 24 new patterns to select from 2 standing collars to match and one pair cuffs positively sold for $1.75 and $2 oo but here for $1.25 na double breasted sacks, 3-button $15 TO $35 E. A. Armstrong Mfg. Co. 3OO-3O4 Wabash Avenue Next to Auditorium ^ CHICAGO J*J* Military Outfitters Armstrong's Celebrated Uniforms and Uquip- ments g * I DEARBORN STREET^^t CHICAGO. UNIVERSITY OF ILUNOI9-URBANA 30112041965333