Born in 1913, Otto spent every year of his life learning, thinking and growing. From an early age, he was mentored by a man named Jacob Siler, who taught him the importance of asking the right questions. Otto credited Jacob Siler as one of the most important influences of his life. Siler served in the Illinois 38th Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War, then went to the Illinois Soldiers College in Fulton Illinois, and then moved to Saint Louis Missouri where he became friends with Otto’s father and a mentor for all the Schmitt children. Although he lost his left arm at the Battle of Chickamauga in September of 1863, he kept active in a wide range of areas, including making his own patent medicines, using electricity for medicinal purposes, and photography. He collected over three thousand books about history, medicine, science, and religion. He also photographed many people and sites in Missouri, Illinois and other places. When Siler died in 1925, his will specifically said Otto had first choice for 100 of his books. Otto kept those books his entire life as well as many of Siler’s diaries, letters, notes, and glass photo plates. Over 27 boxes of these artifacts have been donated to the Missouri Historical Society and can now be viewed at their facility in Saint Louis, Missouri.

Jacob Siler excerpt from
“Otto Herbert Schmitt-The Early Years Biography”
Researched and Written by Ken Young circa 1999
Edited by Tom Young in April 2004

And there was another unique person who has his own story and who played a very significant role in the life of Otto H. Schmitt.

Jacob Siler was born in Suncburghlee, Germany, in 1846. He came to the United States, enrol1ed in the Illinois Volunteers as a Private on Aug. 2, 1861. In the course of the Civil War he became a spy for the Union and apparently rendered outstanding service. He lost an arm in battle and was discharged on Aug. 30, 1864. Details are not available but Siler became a learned man, knowledgeable in many fields, an expert photographer. He was the publisher of Siler’s Historic Photos and one of three men recognized for good portrait photography in the St. Louis area, around the turn of the century. He accumulated a large library of books on all subjects and hundreds of plates of excellent photographs of impor­tant buildings, landscapes, people, and so on. He remained single all his life, lived a very frugal life. He had a special love for dogs.

This man, Jacob Siler, was sitting beneath Eads Bridge beside the Mississippi River, perhaps about 1890, when teenaged Otto F. Schmitt encountered older youths throwing a dog into the river. He heard Otto warn them not to throw the dog in again. He witnessed their taunting response and then Otto’s reaction. He was impressed when Otto threw them in. He introduced himself and he and Otto F. became good friends and apparently met often after that. Again, details are not available but Siler became more and more an invalid and Otto F. befriended him the rest of his life. Otto F. was named Trustee of Siler’s assets and received some money and all the photo plates when Siler died at the age of 79 on July 8, 1925. Siler was buried with full honors at Jefferson Barracks Cemetery in St. Louis. Otto F. was entrusted with the care of Siler’s Dog Joe and a seven page set of instructions for Joe’s care and future burial.

The story of Siler is important here because Siler became very significant in Otto Junior’s life. There is little reference to Frank and Siler. But Jacob Siler obviously took special interest in Otto even though Siler was 67 when Otto was born. It is likely he observed the unique abilities and promise in this precocious child and perhaps his circumstances at the time were such that he could give him special attention.

The year is not definite - Otto was seven, eight, nine, or ten - but Siler sent the boy an invitation by postcard that he “would welcome your presence to discuss scientific and philosophical topics.”’ Otto and his parents agreed. On many Saturday afternoons at 3 PM from then on Otto went to Siler’s little run-down home at 1006 Seventh Street. There they discussed all sorts of topics. There was a different theme each week. Siler taught Otto photography including how to take pictures, develop them, make plates, etc. Siler taught Otto all about microscopes, explained how to use one and then gave him an old one he no longer wanted. When Otto was nine or ten Siler taught him how to use a rotary rheotome and saline pads, applying them to the place where Siler's arm had been amputated, to relieve phantom limb pains. Today this is called transcutaneaus electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Siler once talked about money and savings and then gave Otto a $ 100 bond if he would be willing to take it home and begin a savings account. They discussed chemistry, physics, religion, one subject after another. Siler fed Otto information about all sorts of things; perhaps more important, he stimulated his curiosity even more regarding the world about him. As an adult Otto was still continually asking penetrating questions, with an open mind probing, searching for explanations, wanting to be convinced and then going on to the next subject. Jacob Siler played a vital part in Otto’s childhood development although he dealt with him only a few years as a child. Otto was only twelve when Siler died in 1925. But Siler’s will directed that Otto be given the first choice and be allowed to select one hundred books from Siler’s library. Otto kept some of these books all his life as well as many photo plates and other memorabilia or artifacts.

Learning’s directly taught by Siler and indirectly by brother Frank helped Otto get into more mischief than most boys his age, certainly more complex and sophisticated. Always curious, always fun-loving, always ready to experiment, Otto had some hilarious childhood escapades. Several examples follow. Probably the first one happened when Otto was 8. Siler had introduced him to electricity. Frank, now in college, talked at the dinner table about how muscles could be stimulated electrically. Otto obtained an auto spark coil. He had what he called a lab underneath the kitchen table. A customer occasionally brought in rabbits for the Schmitt’s to eat. Uncle John skinned them in the kitchen. Then Carrie Schnell, the housekeeper, prepared and cooked them. The day came when Otto was in his lab; Uncle John skinned the rabbits and left them on the table for Carrie. Otto wired an electrical connection. Carrie came to work on the rabbits. Otto threw the switch, made the connection. Electricity does stimulate The dead rabbit jumped: Carrie jumped Presumably Otto ran. Otto was fascinated with electricity all his life, always ready to experiment with it, eager for learnings for himself and others.

Siler’s Missing Arm is Found!
October 2004 Update.

Siler’s Missing Arm is Found!
In one of those “News of the Weird” moments, Jacob Siler’s amputated, and presumed missing forever, arm has been found preserved at a museum in Washington DC.

Jacob Siler, born in 1842, was the childhood mentor to Dr. Otto H. Schmitt. In 1861, Siler joined the Union Army in the Illinois 38th Regiment, Company E. In 1862 the US Army started the Army Medical Museum to study and improve medical conditions during the American Civil War by collecting anatomical specimens for the training of its field doctors in combat trauma and disease pathology. Thousands of human parts were collected and included the effects of a cannon ball hitting a human leg, shrapnel to the torso, and bullets thru arms. In 1863, Siler was injured at the Battle of Chickamauga, and his left arm was amputated. It was presumed discarded and lost forever. In 1913, Otto
Herbert Schmitt was born. In the early 1920’s, Siler mentored Otto Schmitt in a number of areas, including science, history, therapeutic use of electricity, religion, and philosophy. In 1925, Siler died and was buried in Saint Louis MO.

Later, the Army Medical Museum changed its name to the National Museum of Health and Medicine (NMHM). In 1998, Schmitt died and was buried in Saint Louis MO. In 2003, discussions began re: the National Museum of Health and Medicine obtaining some artifacts of Dr. Schmitt’s laboratory for their collection. In August of 2004, the Pavek Museum of Broadcasting published a biographical newsletter about Dr. Schmitt, which included a large amount about his childhood mentor of Jacob Siler. In September of 2004, Staff at NMHM read this newsletter and the name Jacob Siler was recognized. It was confirmed that this was the same Jacob Siler who had “donated” an arm back in 1863. In October of 2004, artifacts from the laboratory of Dr. Schmitt joined the arm of Jacob Siler in the collections of the NMHM.

Siler was probably unaware that his arm was saved. We have no doubt that this would have been something that would have met with his deepest approval, as he would call himself an “Amateur Historian” on printed business cards during his photographer years from about 1880 to 1905. The attending doctor was Dr. Peter Preston, and the humerus bone is NMHM Catalog # 1002818. It may be viewed by appointment only. Anatomical specimens like this formed the basis for the “Medical and Surgical History of the War of the Rebellion”, a six volume book set of the collection and tabulation of this anatomical collection published in 1879-1885 by the Washington Government Printing Office. Siler’s painful story is on page 776 of Chapter 9 of Part 2 Volume 2. For further information about the Civil War anatomical collection of the National Museum of Health and Medicine, the assistant curator Lenore Barbian may be reached at 202/782-2208 or barbian@afip.osd.mil.
To see more photographs of and by Jacob Siler and his Dog Joe, please go to the Missouri Historical Society in Saint Louis MO.

Miscellaneous Notes on Jacob Siler by Tom Young Fall 2002
Please send any updates or further information to Region1Manager@hotmail.com

Jacob Siler was born 30 October 1842 in Underwalch Germany.

He immigrated thru New York as a child. In the 1870’s spring flowers reminded him of the time he arrived after a “long sea voyage” and smelled the sweetness of budding. Possibly relatives in Rochester New York.

In the 1870 diaries while now living in Vandalia Illinois, he frequently refers to going back “to the old place” to pick peaches and wander among the oak trees. Refers to an Uncle Jo. Williams that he visits once in the area. Vandalia was the terminus of the Cumberland Gap road, and was founded by Germans in the 1820s.

He joined the Union Army in 1861, into Company E which meant he was from Mattoon Illinois at that time, or at least registered from there. He was in the Union Army, Company E of the 38th regiment of the Illinois Volunteer Infantry (National Park Service website itd.npg.gov/cwss/regiments). KY has a list of the battles he was in. The NPS website links also listed the battles the Regiment was in. Shot in thru the left arm with a .58 caliper ball that landed in his right lateral forearm. Shot on 19 September 1863 at the Battle of Chickamauga in Georgia. Cared for at a house near Crayfish Springs. Confederates took all remaining Unions doctors and wounded there as prisoners at “3pm 20 October 1863” in a letter from Siler to Thomas Davis. Davis is listed as entering as a private and leaving as a 2nd Lieutenant by the NPS. This explains why Siler’s letter begins “Dear Sir”. Siler was one of 9756 Union injured that day (The Civil War Volume 2 by Shelby Foote page 758). Six weeks later the left arm had to be amputated. Residual pain in the stump and the damaged right arm would bother Siler the rest of his life.

About 1875, Siler writes of looking at a picture of very happy times May _ 1869? of the graduating class at the Illinois Soldiers College in Fulton IL. After graduating he moved to Vandalia-not Mattoon. May have gotten a BS degree. This college much later became Northern Illinois University in DeKalb-a teaching college.

In 1878 Siler is living on Broadway Ave in Saint Louis.

He wrote to a Henry Shaler in Madison WI, addressed him as Uncle, and wanted information about the family in New York and in Germany. He asked Shaler to provide the names in English-as he no longer wrote or read German. This letter was dated __________________ and returned for incorrect address.

In 1888, Otto F. Schmitt ran away from his new home in Illinois to Saint Louis. Met Siler at some point after running away on the banks of the MR-dog throwing story. They became best friends and traveled together. Otto F. “ran away with the gypsies and learned horse training from them”. Those gypsies no doubt included Siler, now prying his trade as Jacob Siler-Amateur Photographer of Historic Towns and Places. A very few pictures show Siler and Otto F at about 16-17 years old. Many of the places he went back to photograph were the battle sites he fought in during the war. In 1894 he went back to Chickamauga for the dedication of many new monuments-including the Wilder Brigade Monument and he aimed to photographed the very spot where he was shot. (Davis letter). A letter to Siler from ___________ indicates that some of his war time buddies included the ‘singer’ ____________, and musings by the author about the whereabouts of _____________________________________. Otto F. may well have traveled with him for about up to a decade before settling down in Saint Louis.

Quite a few Photo logs exist of travels to various locales, mostly southern, until about 1905 when Siler would have been 62 years old. He based out of several locations in Saint Louis, principally on Broadway Ave, 6th street and 7th Street. Otto F Schmitt meanwhile had settled down and married in 1900. On 17 February 1901, Siler placed an ad in the Sunday Saint Louis Post Dispatch in the “Matrimony” section as a “gentleman looking for a working girl to marry”. Siler kept track of his responses-55 letters came back from about 8 different states! He probably was looking for love, his diary of 1877 talks of a Katie he describes as “truly one of the earth Angels” with hopes for the future (1877 diary). This diary also shows the exactness of Siler: each day was allotted exactly ½ of a page so the whole year would fit in one book.

Siler also sold herbs and liver pills to fix any ailment, and considered himself an inventor. He also became a self styled expert on counterfeit money and sold spotting sheets to various banks around the Midwest.

He became quite fond of small mixed breed dogs in his later years. Always named Dog Joe” or “Dog Jo” he wanted them to be remembered and had quite elaborate plans in case of their death or his! (see Siler “Dog Joe Agreement” and Post Dispatch article and photo circa March 1925) .

In about 1920, he became a trusted tutor and mentor to Otto H. Schmitt, inventor of the Schmitt Trigger. Otto H. fondly recalled him in an interview that was done for Alumni magazine in 1993. A transcript of Otto’s recollection of Siler follows. The original tape can now be found in the University of Minnesota Archives in box SF 63.

(insert transcript here)

Siler died in 1925. A 2002 analysis of the path of ball of 1863 by experienced paramedics familiar with ballistics shows that he literally missed death by inches. He was “capping to prime” so his arms would have been as pictured. His death would have changed our family forever-no influence on Otto F., no influence on either Francis O. or Otto H., no Schmitt Trigger, no computers in the modern world.

Jacob Siler Known Time Line
Born 30 October 1842 in Underwalech Germany (Siler self portrait and self caption)
Appears to have immigrated thru New York
Enlisted in 1861 in the Union Army in Company E of the 38th Regiment of the Illinois Volunteer Infantry. (multiple sources)
Wounded at Chickamauga GA on 19 September 1863 (Davis letter)
POW the next day (Davis letter)
Circa 1 November 1863 Left arm amputated
Circa 1888-1892 meets Otto F. Schmitt at the MR bank
April 1891 moves to 1006 7th St in Saint Louis (Davis letter)
September 1894 at monument dedication ceremonies at Chickamauga GA (Davis letter)
Various photo travels
[Detail here]
17 February 1901 places “gentleman seeking” ad multiple letters from ‘candidates’
A Dog Joe dies in 1915. Large monument placed in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Circa 1919-20 tutors Otto H. Schmitt on being a dutiful thinker, inventor, scholar of all subjects
Dies 1925
Dog Joe dies 1927

Actions of the 38th Illinois Voluntary Infantry in the Civil War
Jacob Siler was a volunteer in this regiment.
All of this was from information on the Illinois Secretary of State website or links from there. Information initially edited on 26 October 2002.

The THIRTY-EIGHTH INFANTRY ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS was organized at Camp Butler, Illinois, in September 1861, by Colonel William P. Carlin. September 20, 1861, was ordered to Pilot Knob, Missouri, receiving its arms en route. Colonel Carlin was placed in command of the post.

October 20, marched to Fredericktown, and 21st was engaged in the battle of that place with the enemy under Jeff. Thompson. The Regiment remained at Pilot Knob during the winter.

March 3, 1862, moved to Reeves' Station, on Black River, arriving on the 10th. Here the troops, consisting of Twenty-first, Thirty-third and Thirty-eighth Illinois Infantry, Eleventh Wisconsin Infantry, Fifth, Seventh and Ninth Illinois Cavalry, First Indiana Cavalry, and Sixteenth Ohio Battery, were organized into the Division of South-east Missouri, under command of Brigadier General F. Steele. First Brigade, Colonel Carlin commanding, consisted of Twenty-first and Thirty-eighth Illinois Infantry, Fifth Illinois Cavalry, and Sixteenth Ohio Battery.

March 31, moved from Reeves' Station to Doniphan. April 17, crossed Current River. 21st, reached Pocahontas, Arkansas.

April 30, marched for Jacksonport, Arkansas, arriving May 4.

May 10, the Twenty-first and Thirty-eighth were ordered to Cape Girardeau, Missouri, 220 miles distant. This march was made in ten days, a day and a half of which time was spent in ferrying Black and Current Rivers. May 24, arrived at Hamburg Landing. Moved to the front, and were before Corinth during the last days of the siege - in Second Brigade Fourth Division, Left Wing Army of Mississippi, Colonel Carlin commanding Brigade, Brigadier General Jeff. C. Davis commanding Division, and Major General John Pope commanding Army of the Mississippi.

Marched to Danville, Booneville, back to Corinth, and to Jacinto. During the last of June,
marched to Ripley, and returned by forced marches, arriving July 4, 1862. Remained in camp till August 14, when marched with the Division to join the Army of the Ohio, under General Buell. Passing through Iuka, Mississippi, crossed the Tennessee at Eastport; thence marched via Florence, Alabama, Lawrenceburge, Mt. Pleasant, Columbia, Franklin, Murfreesboro and Nashville, Tennessee, Bowling Green, Mumfordsville, Elizabethtown, and West Point, Kentucky, arriving at Louisville, Kentucky, September 26, 1862, having marched, night and day, about 500 miles.

October 1, marched from Louisville, in the Thirty-third Brigade, Ninth Division, Army of the Ohio - Colonel Carlin commanding Brigade, and General Robert B. Mitchell commanding Division.

October 8, engaged in battle of Perryville, Major D. H. Gilmer commanding and captured an ammunition train, two caissons and about 100 prisoners. Was honorably mentioned in General Mitchell's report of the battle. Joined in pursuit of Bragg as far as Crab Orchard, and then marched through Lancaster, Danville, Lebanon and Bowling Green, to Edgefield Junction, near Nashville, arriving November 9.

Went on a scout to Harpeth Shoals with Fifteenth Wisconsin Volunteer, and returned November 20, having destroyed a large quantity of salt, and captured a rebel wagon trail and one hundred horses and mules.

Advanced from Nashville, December 26, 1862, and with the Brigade (Second Brigade, First Division, Right Wing of Army of Cumberland), charged a battery at Knob Gap, near Nolensville, capturing two guns. Regimental loss, 3 killed and 8 wounded.

Engaged in the battle of Stone River, from December 30, 1862, to January 4, 1863. December 31, the Brigade was heavily engaged, repulsed three heavy charges, and held the position until the enemy, having driven Johnson's Division, came heavily on the flank and forced the line to retire. Regiment lost in this engagement, 34 killed, 109 wounded, and 34 missing.

Encamped at Murfreesboro until June. Meantime the Right Wing was changed to the Twentieth Army Corps.

When the enemy advanced on Tullahoma, the Twentieth Army Corps moved on Liberty Gap, and engaged the enemy, June 24, 25 and 26. On the 25th, the Thirty-eighth was ordered to relieve the Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania, of General Willich's Brigade of General Johnson's Division, who were hotly pressured by the enemy. The Thirty-eighth charged across a plowed field, under heavy fire, and drove the enemy from their works, capturing the flag of the Second Arkansas.

June 26, skirmished with the enemy all day, losing 3 killed and 19 wounded. That night the enemy withdrew.

Marched through Manchester, and camped at Winchester, Tennessee. August 17, 1863, crossed the Cumberland Mountains to Stevenson, Alabama. 30th, crossed the Tennessee River, at Caperton's Ferry. Crossed Sand Mountain, and camped in Will's Valley. September 9, crossed Lookout Mountain, and camped in Broomtown Valley, about 50 miles south of Chattanooga.

September 13 and 14, re-crossed Lookout Mountain to Will's Valley. 16th, ascended Lookout Mountain, and marched 25 miles, on the top, to Stevens' Gap, in Pigeon Mountains. 17th, at dark, moved to the left, to Pond Springs. 19th, marched past Crawfish Springs, and entered the battle of Chickamauga, near Gordon's Mills. Double quickening, a line was formed, under fire, and was hotly engaged till dark. September 20, was moved to the left. Went into position at 10 A.M., and was heavily engaged. The enemy, pressing through a gap made by the withdrawal of General Woods' Division, forced the line back, and the Brigade narrowly escaped capture. Was re-formed on the hills, in the rear of the battle ground, and marched toward McFarland's farm. Was then marched toward the right, where General Thomas was continuing the fight. After dark, returned to McFarland's farm. Loss, Lieutenant Colonel D. H. Gilmer, killed, and Major Alden severely wounded. Of 301 men who entered the fight, 180 were killed, wounded or missing. Jacob Siler was in this group of wounded. He reports being taken POW by the Confederates for a short time before being sent to a Union hospital where his arm was amputated in November.

The rest of the regiments history follows.

September 21, Captain W. C. Haris, being relieved from Brigadier General Carlin's staff, took command of the Regiment. 22d, moved into Chattanooga, and remained till the last of October, working of fortifications, etc. The Twentieth Army Corps was broken up, and Twenty-first and Thirty-eighth Illinois, One Hundred and First Ohio and Eighty-first Indiana were assigned to First Brigade, First Division, Fourth Army Corps.
October 25, 1863, marched to Bridgeport, Alabama, and went into winter quarters.
January 26, 1864, moved, through Chattanooga, to Ooltawah. On the night of February 17, moved out with a detachment of Fourth Michigan Cavalry, and, at daylight, surprised and captured a rebel outpost, a few miles from Dalton, Georgia, and returned to camp in the afternoon.
February 29, 1864 the Regiment re-enlisted, and was mustered March 16, 1864. Started for Illinois, March 28. Arrived at Springfield, Illinois, April 8. Rendezvoused at Mattoon.

May 14, moved from Mattoon, via Indianapolis, to Louisville. Lieutenant Colonel W. T.
Chapman took command of the Regiment at Louisville, May 17. Arrived at Nashville, 21st.

22d, a train bearing part of the Regiment was thrown from the track, by a torpedo, and several men injured.

May 27, left Chattanooga with a drove of cattle, which at Resaca was increased to 1,700 head, and arrived at Ackworth, June 8. On the 9th, re-joined the Brigade. 10th, moved upon the enemy at Pine Top. Engaged near Pine Top, till 18th, and at Kenesaw Mountain until July 3.

3d, passed through Marietta. 4th, were engaged at Smyrna. July 5, reached the Chattahoochie River. 12th, crossed the Chattahoochie, at Power's Ferry. 20th, crossed Peach Tree Creek. 21st, engaged at outer lines before Atlanta. 22d, threw up works before Atlanta. 26th, moved to works protecting rear and left of the lines. August 1, the Corps relieved the Twenty-third Corps, on the left. August 25, withdrew from the lines in the night. 26th, Regiment was rear guard, and had a brisk skirmish. 31st, on railroad below Rough and Ready. September 1, engaged in the battle of Jonesboro. September 2, moved to Lovejoy, and threw up works on the left of the lines. 8th, camped at Atlanta.
Loss of the Thirty-eighth, in the campaign, 4 killed, 36 wounded, 3 missing.
October 3, marched in pursuit of Hood, via Marietta, Ackworth and Allatoona, to Kingston, thence to Rome, Resaca, Ship's Gap, Summerville, to Gaylorsville, Alabama, and after halting a few days, marched to Chattanooga, arriving October 30, 1864.
October 31, the First Brigade started, as escort to wagon train of Fourth Corps, for Huntsville, the remainder of the Corps going by rail. Passing through Shell Mound, Bridgeport and Stevenson, crossed Cumberland Mountain at Tantallon. Passed through Cowan, Dechard, Winchester, Salem, and Fayetteville, rejoining the Corps at Pulaski, Tennessee, November 12, 1864.

November 23, Lieutenant Colonel Chapman died, and the command devolved upon Captain A. M. Pollard.

Arrived at Columbia, Tennessee, November 24. November 25 and 26, threw up works, and skirmished with the enemy. 27th, crossed Duck River in the night. 28th, threw up works opposite the ford. 29th, moved, and threw up works on the left flank. Withdrew in the night, and marched through Spring Hill, passing a large rebel camp. Marched alongside the train to Franklin, with rebel cavalry on the flanks.

30th, entered Franklin. About half past four the enemy advanced, driving in our skirmishers, but were driven back by the main line. Withdrew, at midnight, and crossed the Harpeth River, reached Nashville. December 1, occupied in building fortifications and doing outpost duty. 15th, was placed in position near the Hardin pike, and at four o'clock P.M., were in the charge on Montgomery Hill, and among the first to enter the enemy's works. 16th, was in the reserve line, and joined in pursuit, when the enemy's line was broken. Was in pursuit to Lexington, Alabama.

Marched to Huntsville, arriving January 5, 1865. Remained at Huntsville until March 13, 1865 –Lieutenant Colonel Ed. Colyer taking command February 1.
March 13, proceeded, by rail, to Strawberry Plains, East Tennessee; 24th, moved to Lick Creek, near Bull's Gap. April 3, Brigade was ordered on an expedition to Ashville, North Carolina.

Returned 11th. 20th, took cars for Nashville. June 7, the non-veteran Regiments having been mustered out, the Twenty-first and Thirty-eighth Illinois were assigned to Second Brigade, First Division, Fourth Army Corps, the Brigade also containing Ninth, Thirtieth and Thirty-fifth Indiana Veteran Volunteers, Colonel J. C. B. Leeman, commanding Brigade.

June 17, moved to Johnsonville. 19th embarked on Steamer Palestine. 20th, passed Cairo. 25th, landed at New Orleans. July 12, embarked on Steamer Clinton, and landed at Indianola, Texas, 15th. 17th, marched to Green Lake. August 8 and 9, marched through Victoria, and camped on the Guadeloupe River.

December 31, 1865, Regiment stationed at Victoria, Texas. Regiment mustered out of United States service and ordered to Springfield, Illinois, for final payment and discharge.

[All of this was from information on the Illinois Secretary of State website or links from there. Information initially edited on 26 October 2002.]