The Wilsons & the Civil War

My second ggrandfather, William White Wilson enlisted in company A., Fourteenth Illinois cavalry during the Civil War.

For a long time, I've wanted to follow that company and see where they fought and some of the details. Years ago, the Paulson brothers, of Clear Lake, WI, shared a document concerning this Company, but it's been misplaced. I've written and asked for another copy. Until then Jack Stevens has been very helpful in this regard.

From the 1881 History of Taylor County, Iowa: Wilson, W.W...."Was with Shackleford on his raid after Morgan through Indiana and Ohio. Also with Stoneman on his raid to Macon and with Thomas at the Battle of Nashville, when on account of sickness, and the war being over, he (William) was discharged. He enlisted as a sergeant and was promoted to the rank of quartermaster sergeant of his regiment."

William's younger brothers John Fletcher Frank Wilson and Joseph M. Wilson enlisted with company F, 86th Illinois Infantry in 1862. Joseph was killed in action, with John Fletcher at his side, in 1864, at Kenesaw Mountain, Georgia. Joseph was 18 years old when he enlisted, 5' 9" tall, dark hair, and gray eyes. This last information was shared by Gloria Van Sickle of Washington state.

Morgan's Raid is named after Confederate Brigadier Gen. John Hunt Morgan. The raid (taking place from June 11-July 26, 1863), coincided with the Vicksburg Campaign and the Gettysburg Campain. "It served to draw the attention of tens of thousands of Federal troops away from their normal duties and strike fear in the civilian population of several Northern states (including northern Ohio)." After many battles, during which thousands of Union soldiers were captured, most of Morgan's men were captured on July 19 and spent the rest of the war in the infamous Camp Douglas Prisoner of War camp in Chicago. Morgan surrendered on July 26. There is an interesting account of his escape from the Ohio Penitentiary by digging a tunnel and ascending a wall with a rope made from bunk coverlets and a bent poker iron. The story doesn't stop here and makes interesting reading.

I'm checking out the Battle of Nashville, and hope to learn about both units that the Wilson brothers fought under.

Jack also noticed an error on William's grave marker. On his GAR marker it shows "INF" (infantry) and should show "CAV".

My knowledge of the Civil War is very limited. Over the next few months, perhaps that will change.