irish Posted August 23, 2014 Share #1 Posted August 23, 2014 This grouping of items belonged to a 97th Illinois veteran named Josiah Elliott. He enlisted in the Army from Cumberland County, Illinois in August of 1862. This is in East Central Illinois close to the Indiana border. Josiah would serve 3 years with Co D. of the 97th Ill. The 97th mustered in at Camp Butler, Springfield Illinois. Camp Butler in now a National Cemetery. Following training the unit would travel to Covington Kentucky and from there to Louisville Kentucky. The 97th Illinois would fight down the Mississippi River ending up in Mobile Alabama and participating in one of the last battles of the Civil War at Fort Blakely Alabama. From what I understand the surrender at Appamattox had been signed but the news did not get to Mobile until a day or two later and hence the fighting continued. Josiah Elliott was wounded in this battle. Another interesting bit of history pertaining to 97th Illinois is that their commander Colonel Victor Vifquain had been involved in 2 attempts at capturing Jefferson Davis. The first attempt was early in the war when he was involved in a plan to kidnap Jefferson Davis in Richmond. The second was late in the war when an attempt was made to intercept his train while the government of the Confederacy was moving west. There is a book written about the kidnap plot taken from Colonel Vifquains memoirs. Victor Vifquain would go on after the war in government and eventually become the Ambassador to Panama which at the time was part of Colombia South America. There are some items related to Vifquain in this group The 97th was attached to: Gearys' Brigade, Smith's Division, 13th Corps, Army of the Mississippi. The battles and skirmishes that the 97th Illinois participated in are, Chickasaw Bluffs, Fort Hinman, Grand Gulf, Port Gibson, Champion Hills, Big Black River, Siege of Vicksburg and Jackson Mississippi, Atchafalaya Bayou Louisiana, Siege of Mobile and the capture of Fort Blakely Alabama. Josiah Elliott was discharged at Galveston Texas on July 29th, 1865. Josiah was active in the 97th Illinois Veterans organizations and reunions as well as the GAR where he was Commander of the Hall Wilson Post # 424 in Toledo Illinois.. He lived to a ripe old age of 79, marrying three times as he outlived 2 of his wives. These items were sold at a garage sale here about 5 years ago. Two different individuals had purchased various parts of the group, I ran them both down and put it all back together. . Hope you enjoy. To start with is a silhouette of Josiah taken in Terre Haute Indiana during a Reunion of North and South Veterans. He looks to have been wearing his GAR Campaign Hat during the sitting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
irish Posted August 23, 2014 Author Share #2 Posted August 23, 2014 Continued Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
irish Posted August 23, 2014 Author Share #3 Posted August 23, 2014 Contd. the 2 buttons at the bottom are of Victor Vifquain Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
irish Posted August 23, 2014 Author Share #4 Posted August 23, 2014 A letter and card from Victor Vifquain regarding his planned attendance at a 97th Illinois reunion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
irish Posted August 23, 2014 Author Share #5 Posted August 23, 2014 Josiah Elliotts Civil War discharge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
irish Posted August 23, 2014 Author Share #6 Posted August 23, 2014 A fancy certificate of service. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
irish Posted August 23, 2014 Author Share #7 Posted August 23, 2014 An article about Victor Vifquains arrival for the 97th Illinois reunion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
irish Posted August 23, 2014 Author Share #8 Posted August 23, 2014 His wife was involved with GAR activities also. Her member medal was in the post above containing ribbons etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
irish Posted August 23, 2014 Author Share #9 Posted August 23, 2014 Lastly a rememberance at his passing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grovb Posted August 24, 2014 Share #10 Posted August 24, 2014 that is one beatuiful and complete group to a soldier from Illinois. Glad to see you were able to keep it all together. thanks for showing. Brandyn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
irish Posted August 25, 2014 Author Share #11 Posted August 25, 2014 Thanks Brandyn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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