(NOTE: John Baggs probably never sat for a portrait before his entering the service during the Civil War, and he was mostly likely injured and discharged from the service before ever getting to Nashville, Tennessee, where most of the members of the 86th took the opportunity to sit for portraits to send back home to their loved that they missed so much.
However, John Baggs survived the war and lived into the 20th Century. During this time, John must have had his picture taken dozens of times. I would love to see some pictures of John Baggs as a young man, especially in uniform from the days with the 86th, if any such pictures were taken. However, at this point, I would just love to see some pictures of John be added to his FAG site, even some of him as a 50, 60 or a 70 year old man. Can anyone help me with this? It would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Baxter)
Teamster JOHN H. BAGGS, Co. C, 86th Illinois
John H. Baggs was born on January 13, 1837 in Urbana County, Ohio, the son of Abraham Baggs and Mary (Smith) Baggs. Abraham Baggs was born c. October 17, 1796 in Kentucky or Pennsylvania, while Mary Smith was born c. 1805/06 in Ohio. Abraham and Mary were married on January 17, 1823 in Ohio, where at least seven children were born to them. The family left Ohio about 1836/37 and at the time of the 1840 census are found in Peoria County in what is called the LaSalle Precinct near what is today Chillicothe and Rome, Illinois in Peoria County. At that time he has three sons, one between 15 & 20, one between 10 & 15 and one between 0 & 5. Abraham and Mary also have five daughters at this time, one between 10 & 15, two between 5 & 10 and 2 between 0 & 5. This is what we know about the children born to John Baggs and Mary (Smith) Baggs;
1. (son) Probably David Baggs, born c. 1823/24 in Ohio; David was married to Angeline O. Meredith on March 12, 1846 in Peoria County, Illinois; At the time of the 1860 census, the Baggs family is found in Hallock Township in Peoria County, Illinois;
Baggs David 36 M Farmer 300 OH
Baggs Angeline 33 F IL
Baggs Clarissa 12 F IL
Baggs Newell 8 M IL
Barton Mary 3 F IL
At the time of the 1870 census, David and his family are found in Hallock Township of Peoria County, Illinois;
Baggs David 46 M Laborer 500 25 Ohio
Baggs Angeline 44 F Illinois
Baggs Julia 13 F Illinois
Baggs Charles 4 M Illinois
Baggs Eliza 6/12 F Illinois Dec. 1869
At the time of the 1880 census David Baggs and his family are found in Hallock Township in Peoria County, Illinois;
Self David Baggs M 56 Works on Farm Ohio
Wife Angeline Baggs F 53 Illinois
Son Charles Baggs M 14 Illinois
Daughter Eliza Baggs F 10 Illinois
David and Angeline may have both died before 1900 as neither of them can be found in that census.
2. (son) William Baggs, born c. 1826 in Ohio; William was married to Caroline S. ___________ on October 9, 1849 in Peoria County, Illinois; William died on November 2, 1855 in ____________, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in La Salle Cemetery near Rome, Peoria County, Illinois.
3. (daughter born between 1825 and 1830 in Ohio) possibly Lorina Baggs, who was born c. 18__ in ____________, __________; Lorina was married to Ezra Sprague on January 9, 1845 in Peoria County, Illinois;
4. (daughter born between 1830 and 1835 in Ohio) possibly Sophia H. Baggs, who was born c. 18__ in __________, __________; Sophia H. Baggs was married to Truman Skidmore on July 1, 1848 in Peoria County, Illinois.
5. Mary E. Baggs, born c. June __, 1831 in Ohio; Mary Baggs was married to Wesley Glaze (Mar. 1829 - ___ 19___) on December 2, 1860 in Peoria County, Illinois; At the time of the 1860 census, Wesley is found residing next to Mary's next younger brother, John H. Baggs in Medina Township;
Baggs John H. 24 M Farmer 2,500 600 OH
Baggs Lydia 29 F KY
Meridith James 12 M IL
Meridith Joseph 9 M IL
Gloze Isaac 22 M Farmer 670 IL
Gloze Minerva 21 F IL
Gloze Alice 1/12 F IL
Gloze Wesley 32 M Farmer 350 PA
At the time of the 1880 census, Wesley and Mary are found in Neponset, Bureau County, Illinois, where her sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and John S. Cleveland, are also residing at that time;
Self Wesley Glaze M 51 Pennsylvania
Wife Mrs Wesley Glaze F 45 Ohio
Son James Glaze M 16 Illinois
Son Willie Glaze M 15 Illinois
Daughter Flora Glaze F 9 Illinois
Daughter Minnie Glaze F 18 Illinois
At the time of the 1900 census, Wesley and Mary are found in Kewanee Township (excl. Kewanee city) in Henry County, Illinois;
Head Wesly Glaze M 71 Pennsylvania
Wife Mary E Glaze F 69 Ohio
Mary E. (Baggs) Glaze died on May __, 1906 in Kewanee, Illinois and her mortal remains were laid in the Neponset Cemetery in Neponset, Bureau County, Illinois.
At the time of the 1910 census, Wesley Glaze is found widowed and living in Concord, Bureau County, Illinois with his daughter and son-in-law;
Head Daniel H Hanesworth M 56 Ohio
Wife Minnie J Hanesworth F 46 Illinois
Son John W Hanesworth M 9 Illinois
Father-in-law Wesley Glaze M 81 Pennsylvania
6. Margaret Baggs, born September 8, 1834 in Ohio; Margaret Baggs was married to John S. Cleveland on February 6, 1851 in Peoria County, Illinois; Margaret and John are found in Neponset, Bureau County, Illinois at the time of the 1880 census;
Self John S Cleveland M 51 Illinois
Wife Mrs John S Cleveland F 44 Ohio
Daughter Belle Cleveland F 21 Illinois
Margaret Ann (Baggs) Cleveland died on May 4, 1926 in the village of Neponset, Bureau County, Illinois; Her birthdate is given as September 8, 1834 in Piqua, Ohio. Burial of her mortal remains occurred on 06 May 1926 in the Neponset Cemetery.
7. John H. Baggs, born January 13, 1837 in Urbana County, Ohio; See his biography below.
8. Ann M. Baggs, born c. July 24, 1840 in Ohio or Illinois; died at the age of 2 yrs, 11ms & 22 ds c. July 16, 1843 in Peoria County, Illinois and her mortal remains were laid in the La Salle Cemetery near Rome, Peoria County, Illinois
9. Minervia Baggs, born c. February 6, 1839/41 in Peoria County, Illinois; Minerva was married to Isaac K. Glaze (1837 - 1914) on February 26, 1857 in Peoria County; Issac and Minerva, as well as Wesley Glaze, very likely Isaac's older brother, are, as seen above, found residing in Medina Township, next to Mary's older brother, John H. Baggs, at the time of the 1860 census; Minervia (Baggs) Glaze died on Mar. 18, 1917 in ___________, Nebraska and her mortal remains were laid in the Prospect View Cemetery in Pierce, Pierce County, Nebraska; See her Find A Grave site for more information about her and her family.
10. James "Jim" Baggs, born c. February 14, 1841/42 in Medina Township in Peoria County, Illinois; James was married to Elizabeth S. Jordon (1840 - 1920) on December 2, 1860 in Peoria County; James served in Co. B of the 12th Illinois during the Civil War; James died on December 31, 1910 in Peoria County, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in the La Salle Cemetery near Rome, Peoria County, Illinois; See his Find A Grave site for more information about him and his family.
At the time of the 1850 census, the Baggs family is found in Peoria County, Illinois;
Bagg Abram 53 M Farmer Ky
Bagg Mary 43 F Ohio
Bagg Mary 18 F Ohio
Bagg Margaret 14 F Ohio
Bagg John 14 M Ohio
Bagg Minerva 9 F Ill
Bagg James 7 M Ill
At the time of the 1860 census, Abram and family are found in Medina Township of Peoria County;
Baggs Abram 68 M Farmer 200 PA
Baggs Mary 54 F OH
Baggs James 19 M Farm Hand IL
Abraham Baggs died on July 24, 1862 in Peoria County, Illinois, while Mary (Smith) Baggs died on __________ __, 1886 in ___________, ___________. Their mortal remains were laid in the La Salle Cemetery near Rome, Peoria County, Illinois.
Now to continue with the biography of John Baggs;
John Baggs was married to Lydia A. Gill on November 18, 1857 in Peoria County. John was her 2nd husband. Lydia was married at the age of 15 to Enos H. Meredith on January 17, 1847 in Peoria County. Enos died in California before 1857, leaving her with the two young sons. At the time of the 1850 census, Enos and Lydia are found in Peoria County, very close to the Baggs family;
Meredith Enos 25 M Blsmith 600 Ill
Meredith Lydia 21 F KY
Meredith Jas. W. 3 M Ill
Meredith Joseph 6/12 M Ill
Meredith Joseph 51 M Farmer Va
Lydia A. Gill was born c. March 7, 1831 in Washington, Kentucky, though her tombstone says she was born in 1833, the youngest child of James Gill and Elizabeth (Moss) Gill. While still in infancy both her parents died with in an hour and she was cared for by an older brother until early girlhood when she came to Peoria to make her home with an uncle, Samuel Moss. Lydia also had an aunt living there is Peoria. Her name was Lydia (Moss) Bradley, who was eventually a wealthy bank president and philanthropist notable for her philanthropic works. She founded Bradley Polytechnic Institute in Peoria, Illinois, in 1897.
One son was born to John Baggs and Lydia A. (Gill) Meredith Baggs;
1. William "Willie" Baggs, born __________ __, 1858; died __________ __, 1859; his mortal remains were laid in the Mount Prospect Section of Springdale Cemetery in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois.
At the time of the 1860 census, John and Lydia, as seen above, reside in Medina Township in Peoria County, Illinois.
On August 13, 1862, John Baggs went into Chillicothe, Illinois where he volunteered to serve as a Teamster for a company which was being raised in Chillicothe, Illinois, and in the townships immediately north and west of Chillicothe, including Halleck Township in Peoria County and LaPrairie and Saratoga Townships in Marshall County. This company was being raised by John H. Batchelder, who operated the Ferry at Chillicothe, and Dr. Joseph Thomas, a Chillicothe area Physician. When he volunteered, John gave his residence as Medina Township in Peoria County.
ILLINOIS STATE ARCHIVES
Illinois Civil War Detail Report
Name BAGGS, JOHN Rank TEAM
Company C Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence MEDINA, PEORIA CO, IL
Age 23 Height 5' 7 1/2 Hair BLACK
Eyes BLACK Complexion LIGHT
Marital Status MARRIED Occupation FARMER
Nativity URBANA, LOGAN CO, OH
Service Record
Joined When AUG 13, 1862
Joined Where CHILLICOTHE, IL
Joined By Whom J H BATCHELDER
Period 3 YRS Muster In AUG 27, 1862
Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom _____ Muster Out _____
Muster Out Where _____ Muster Out By Whom _____
Remarks DISCHARGED JAN 26, 1863 AT LOUISVILLE KY
When Batchelder and Thomas had almost 100 volunteers, they led the Chillicothe area company into Peoria where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, Batchelder, Thomas and 87 of their volunteers were mustered into service as Co. C of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Dr. Thomas was elected by the men of Co. C to serve as their Captain, while Batchelder was elected to serve as their 1st Lieutenant.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched out the gates of Camp Lyon, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, down to the railroad depot. There they were joined by the men of the 85th Illinois, who had been mustered into service at Camp Peoria. Together, at the depot, the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois boarded trains bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana, located across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky. By early October, the men of the 85th & 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, in pursuit of Confederate troops. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more to come. After the Battle of Perryville, the Confederate troops withdrew from Kentucky and the men of McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, Tennessee where they would go into winter camp.
That first winter in the field was difficulty, to say the least, on the green troops, the new diet and new lifestyle were not conducive to good health. Even before the men of McCook's Brigade left the Jeffersonville/Louisville area, men were having difficulty with their health and many were left behind sick in the hospitals when they pulled out. After the Battle of Perryville, on their march to Nashville, still more were left behind sick in makeshift hospitals in Bowling Green, Kentucky and in Gallatin, Tennessee. And during that 1862/63 winter in Nashville, the hospitals were full to overflowing with sick soldiers and today, hundreds of Union soldiers lie buried in the Nashville National Cemetery who died during that 1st winter in Nashville.
From a biography, seen below, that was published years after the war, we now know that Teamster John Baggs was injured in some way during his first few months in the service. This injury may have occurred even before the 86th left Louisville, Kentucky. Or it may have occurred sometime between there and Nashville, or even in Nashville. Where ever it occurred, he probably spent much, if not all, of the month of January of 1863 there in Louisville. What ever the case, doctors decided that the injury was going to prevented John Baggs from being of further service to his company, so on January 26, 1863 Teamster John Baggs was discharged from the service and sent home.
After returning home from the service, John Baggs sold his farm, moved into the city of Peoria and became a Veterinary Surgeon. At the time of the 1870 census, John and Lydia are found in what is called Ward 5 of the City of Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois;
Baggs John 34 M horse doctor 3,000 100 Ohio
Baggs Lydia A. 38 F keeps house Kentucky
At the time of the 1880 census, John and Lydia (Gill) Baggs are found in Peoria Township, Peoria County, Illinois, where he is a Veterinary Surgeon;
John Baggs Self M 44 Ohio, United States
Lydia A Baggs Wife F 47 Kentucky, United States
At the time of the 1900 census, John and Lydia at what is identified as 103 Moss Avenue in what is called the 5th Ward of the City of Peoria;
Baggs John Head M Jan 1836 64 M 40 Ohio Ohio Virginia
Baggs Lydia Wife F Mch 1835 65 M 40 5 1 Kentucky Virginia Virginia
Dr. John Baggs, of Co. C of the 86th Illinois, died on March 23, 1909. His mortal remains were laid in the Springdale Cemetery near those of his only son, Willie.
At the time of the 1910 census, Lydia Baggs is found residing at what is identified as 201 Moss Avenue in the 5th Ward of Peoria, Illinois;
BAGGS Lydia Head F 73 WD 2 1 Kentucky Virginia Kentucky
In 1912, the following biography of John Baggs was published in the History of Peoria, City and County, Illinois, that was written by James M. Rice, pages 29-30.
"JOHN BAGGS, D. V. S.
Dr. John Baggs was one of Peoria's pioneer residents and for many years was an interested witness of the growth and progress of the city. Here he engaged in business and followed his profession of veterinary surgery to the later years of his life, when he retired and spent his remaining days in the enjoyment of well earned rest. He was born in Urbana, Ohio, January 13, 1837, and passed away March 23, 1909, having attained the ripe old age of seventy-two years. His parents were Abraham and Mary Baggs, also natives of Ohio, who removed westward to Illinois in 1838. Peoria was then a town of but a few hundred inhabitants and the entire countryside was largely wild and undeveloped. The father secured a tract of land and became a prominent pioneer farmer, converting his place into rich and productive fields and thus aiding greatly in the agricultural development of the community.
Dr. Baggs was only a year old when brought by his parents to this state. The educational advantages which Peoria offered in that early day constituted the extent of his education. In his youth he assisted his father on the home farm and early became familiar with the arduous task of developing and cultivating new land. He carefully saved his earnings and at the age of twenty years was himself the owner of a good farm, which he continued to cultivate successfully until 1861. At the time of the outbreak of the Civil war, however, all business and personal considerations were put aside that he might respond to the country's call for aid. He enlisted in the Eighty-sixth Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry, which was organized and commanded by Colonel D. D. Irons, and later by Colonel McGee. He was on active duty until injuries sustained at the front caused him to be honorably discharged and he returned home with a most creditable military record.
About that time Dr. Baggs disposed of his farm and took up his abode in the city. Here he became a veterinary surgeon and practiced his profession successfully for many years, his ability in that direction making his services in constant demand. In 1905 he retired from all active business, having in the years of his previous labor acquired a competence sufficient to supply him with all the necessities and comforts and many of the luxuries of life.
On the 17th of November, 1858, Dr. Baggs was united in marriage to Lydia Meredith Gill, a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Moss) Gill, the latter a representative of the Moss family that figured prominently in the early history of Virginia. Her grandfather, a member of that family, served in the Revolutionary war. Unto Dr. and Mrs. Baggs was born one son, William, who is now deceased.
Dr. Baggs was preeminently a home man and found his greatest happiness at his own fireside. He was very hospitable and greatly enjoyed entertaining company in his own home. He also manifested a marked fondness for music and literature and these added greatly to the joys of his life. His political allegiance was always given to the republican party from the time that age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He believed it to be the party of reform and progress and recognized the fact that it was the defense of the Union in the dark days of the Civil war. In manner he was quiet and unassuming but his genuine personal worth gained him recognition and won him many friends. He was deeply interested and closely associated with the pioneer development of this part of the state and mention should be made of him in a history of Peoria county's upbuilders and promoters."
In her later years, Lydia A. (Gill) Meredith Baggs would spend many hours with Lydia (Moss) Bradley and would be her assistant at many things through the years. Lydia A. (Gill) Meredith Baggs died on __________ __, 1914 at ___________, Illinois. Her mortal remains were laid next to those of her husband of 51 years, Dr. John Baggs, in Springdale Cemetery. See her Find A Grave site for more information about her and her life.
by Baxter B. Fite III
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of the Baggs family, who might be able to add to the biographical information that we have on John Baggs and the Baggs family. Baxter would also love to see copies of any photographs of John Baggs, which may have survived the years, added to his Find A Grave site for all to see.)
However, John Baggs survived the war and lived into the 20th Century. During this time, John must have had his picture taken dozens of times. I would love to see some pictures of John Baggs as a young man, especially in uniform from the days with the 86th, if any such pictures were taken. However, at this point, I would just love to see some pictures of John be added to his FAG site, even some of him as a 50, 60 or a 70 year old man. Can anyone help me with this? It would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Baxter)
Teamster JOHN H. BAGGS, Co. C, 86th Illinois
John H. Baggs was born on January 13, 1837 in Urbana County, Ohio, the son of Abraham Baggs and Mary (Smith) Baggs. Abraham Baggs was born c. October 17, 1796 in Kentucky or Pennsylvania, while Mary Smith was born c. 1805/06 in Ohio. Abraham and Mary were married on January 17, 1823 in Ohio, where at least seven children were born to them. The family left Ohio about 1836/37 and at the time of the 1840 census are found in Peoria County in what is called the LaSalle Precinct near what is today Chillicothe and Rome, Illinois in Peoria County. At that time he has three sons, one between 15 & 20, one between 10 & 15 and one between 0 & 5. Abraham and Mary also have five daughters at this time, one between 10 & 15, two between 5 & 10 and 2 between 0 & 5. This is what we know about the children born to John Baggs and Mary (Smith) Baggs;
1. (son) Probably David Baggs, born c. 1823/24 in Ohio; David was married to Angeline O. Meredith on March 12, 1846 in Peoria County, Illinois; At the time of the 1860 census, the Baggs family is found in Hallock Township in Peoria County, Illinois;
Baggs David 36 M Farmer 300 OH
Baggs Angeline 33 F IL
Baggs Clarissa 12 F IL
Baggs Newell 8 M IL
Barton Mary 3 F IL
At the time of the 1870 census, David and his family are found in Hallock Township of Peoria County, Illinois;
Baggs David 46 M Laborer 500 25 Ohio
Baggs Angeline 44 F Illinois
Baggs Julia 13 F Illinois
Baggs Charles 4 M Illinois
Baggs Eliza 6/12 F Illinois Dec. 1869
At the time of the 1880 census David Baggs and his family are found in Hallock Township in Peoria County, Illinois;
Self David Baggs M 56 Works on Farm Ohio
Wife Angeline Baggs F 53 Illinois
Son Charles Baggs M 14 Illinois
Daughter Eliza Baggs F 10 Illinois
David and Angeline may have both died before 1900 as neither of them can be found in that census.
2. (son) William Baggs, born c. 1826 in Ohio; William was married to Caroline S. ___________ on October 9, 1849 in Peoria County, Illinois; William died on November 2, 1855 in ____________, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in La Salle Cemetery near Rome, Peoria County, Illinois.
3. (daughter born between 1825 and 1830 in Ohio) possibly Lorina Baggs, who was born c. 18__ in ____________, __________; Lorina was married to Ezra Sprague on January 9, 1845 in Peoria County, Illinois;
4. (daughter born between 1830 and 1835 in Ohio) possibly Sophia H. Baggs, who was born c. 18__ in __________, __________; Sophia H. Baggs was married to Truman Skidmore on July 1, 1848 in Peoria County, Illinois.
5. Mary E. Baggs, born c. June __, 1831 in Ohio; Mary Baggs was married to Wesley Glaze (Mar. 1829 - ___ 19___) on December 2, 1860 in Peoria County, Illinois; At the time of the 1860 census, Wesley is found residing next to Mary's next younger brother, John H. Baggs in Medina Township;
Baggs John H. 24 M Farmer 2,500 600 OH
Baggs Lydia 29 F KY
Meridith James 12 M IL
Meridith Joseph 9 M IL
Gloze Isaac 22 M Farmer 670 IL
Gloze Minerva 21 F IL
Gloze Alice 1/12 F IL
Gloze Wesley 32 M Farmer 350 PA
At the time of the 1880 census, Wesley and Mary are found in Neponset, Bureau County, Illinois, where her sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and John S. Cleveland, are also residing at that time;
Self Wesley Glaze M 51 Pennsylvania
Wife Mrs Wesley Glaze F 45 Ohio
Son James Glaze M 16 Illinois
Son Willie Glaze M 15 Illinois
Daughter Flora Glaze F 9 Illinois
Daughter Minnie Glaze F 18 Illinois
At the time of the 1900 census, Wesley and Mary are found in Kewanee Township (excl. Kewanee city) in Henry County, Illinois;
Head Wesly Glaze M 71 Pennsylvania
Wife Mary E Glaze F 69 Ohio
Mary E. (Baggs) Glaze died on May __, 1906 in Kewanee, Illinois and her mortal remains were laid in the Neponset Cemetery in Neponset, Bureau County, Illinois.
At the time of the 1910 census, Wesley Glaze is found widowed and living in Concord, Bureau County, Illinois with his daughter and son-in-law;
Head Daniel H Hanesworth M 56 Ohio
Wife Minnie J Hanesworth F 46 Illinois
Son John W Hanesworth M 9 Illinois
Father-in-law Wesley Glaze M 81 Pennsylvania
6. Margaret Baggs, born September 8, 1834 in Ohio; Margaret Baggs was married to John S. Cleveland on February 6, 1851 in Peoria County, Illinois; Margaret and John are found in Neponset, Bureau County, Illinois at the time of the 1880 census;
Self John S Cleveland M 51 Illinois
Wife Mrs John S Cleveland F 44 Ohio
Daughter Belle Cleveland F 21 Illinois
Margaret Ann (Baggs) Cleveland died on May 4, 1926 in the village of Neponset, Bureau County, Illinois; Her birthdate is given as September 8, 1834 in Piqua, Ohio. Burial of her mortal remains occurred on 06 May 1926 in the Neponset Cemetery.
7. John H. Baggs, born January 13, 1837 in Urbana County, Ohio; See his biography below.
8. Ann M. Baggs, born c. July 24, 1840 in Ohio or Illinois; died at the age of 2 yrs, 11ms & 22 ds c. July 16, 1843 in Peoria County, Illinois and her mortal remains were laid in the La Salle Cemetery near Rome, Peoria County, Illinois
9. Minervia Baggs, born c. February 6, 1839/41 in Peoria County, Illinois; Minerva was married to Isaac K. Glaze (1837 - 1914) on February 26, 1857 in Peoria County; Issac and Minerva, as well as Wesley Glaze, very likely Isaac's older brother, are, as seen above, found residing in Medina Township, next to Mary's older brother, John H. Baggs, at the time of the 1860 census; Minervia (Baggs) Glaze died on Mar. 18, 1917 in ___________, Nebraska and her mortal remains were laid in the Prospect View Cemetery in Pierce, Pierce County, Nebraska; See her Find A Grave site for more information about her and her family.
10. James "Jim" Baggs, born c. February 14, 1841/42 in Medina Township in Peoria County, Illinois; James was married to Elizabeth S. Jordon (1840 - 1920) on December 2, 1860 in Peoria County; James served in Co. B of the 12th Illinois during the Civil War; James died on December 31, 1910 in Peoria County, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in the La Salle Cemetery near Rome, Peoria County, Illinois; See his Find A Grave site for more information about him and his family.
At the time of the 1850 census, the Baggs family is found in Peoria County, Illinois;
Bagg Abram 53 M Farmer Ky
Bagg Mary 43 F Ohio
Bagg Mary 18 F Ohio
Bagg Margaret 14 F Ohio
Bagg John 14 M Ohio
Bagg Minerva 9 F Ill
Bagg James 7 M Ill
At the time of the 1860 census, Abram and family are found in Medina Township of Peoria County;
Baggs Abram 68 M Farmer 200 PA
Baggs Mary 54 F OH
Baggs James 19 M Farm Hand IL
Abraham Baggs died on July 24, 1862 in Peoria County, Illinois, while Mary (Smith) Baggs died on __________ __, 1886 in ___________, ___________. Their mortal remains were laid in the La Salle Cemetery near Rome, Peoria County, Illinois.
Now to continue with the biography of John Baggs;
John Baggs was married to Lydia A. Gill on November 18, 1857 in Peoria County. John was her 2nd husband. Lydia was married at the age of 15 to Enos H. Meredith on January 17, 1847 in Peoria County. Enos died in California before 1857, leaving her with the two young sons. At the time of the 1850 census, Enos and Lydia are found in Peoria County, very close to the Baggs family;
Meredith Enos 25 M Blsmith 600 Ill
Meredith Lydia 21 F KY
Meredith Jas. W. 3 M Ill
Meredith Joseph 6/12 M Ill
Meredith Joseph 51 M Farmer Va
Lydia A. Gill was born c. March 7, 1831 in Washington, Kentucky, though her tombstone says she was born in 1833, the youngest child of James Gill and Elizabeth (Moss) Gill. While still in infancy both her parents died with in an hour and she was cared for by an older brother until early girlhood when she came to Peoria to make her home with an uncle, Samuel Moss. Lydia also had an aunt living there is Peoria. Her name was Lydia (Moss) Bradley, who was eventually a wealthy bank president and philanthropist notable for her philanthropic works. She founded Bradley Polytechnic Institute in Peoria, Illinois, in 1897.
One son was born to John Baggs and Lydia A. (Gill) Meredith Baggs;
1. William "Willie" Baggs, born __________ __, 1858; died __________ __, 1859; his mortal remains were laid in the Mount Prospect Section of Springdale Cemetery in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois.
At the time of the 1860 census, John and Lydia, as seen above, reside in Medina Township in Peoria County, Illinois.
On August 13, 1862, John Baggs went into Chillicothe, Illinois where he volunteered to serve as a Teamster for a company which was being raised in Chillicothe, Illinois, and in the townships immediately north and west of Chillicothe, including Halleck Township in Peoria County and LaPrairie and Saratoga Townships in Marshall County. This company was being raised by John H. Batchelder, who operated the Ferry at Chillicothe, and Dr. Joseph Thomas, a Chillicothe area Physician. When he volunteered, John gave his residence as Medina Township in Peoria County.
ILLINOIS STATE ARCHIVES
Illinois Civil War Detail Report
Name BAGGS, JOHN Rank TEAM
Company C Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence MEDINA, PEORIA CO, IL
Age 23 Height 5' 7 1/2 Hair BLACK
Eyes BLACK Complexion LIGHT
Marital Status MARRIED Occupation FARMER
Nativity URBANA, LOGAN CO, OH
Service Record
Joined When AUG 13, 1862
Joined Where CHILLICOTHE, IL
Joined By Whom J H BATCHELDER
Period 3 YRS Muster In AUG 27, 1862
Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom _____ Muster Out _____
Muster Out Where _____ Muster Out By Whom _____
Remarks DISCHARGED JAN 26, 1863 AT LOUISVILLE KY
When Batchelder and Thomas had almost 100 volunteers, they led the Chillicothe area company into Peoria where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, Batchelder, Thomas and 87 of their volunteers were mustered into service as Co. C of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Dr. Thomas was elected by the men of Co. C to serve as their Captain, while Batchelder was elected to serve as their 1st Lieutenant.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched out the gates of Camp Lyon, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, down to the railroad depot. There they were joined by the men of the 85th Illinois, who had been mustered into service at Camp Peoria. Together, at the depot, the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois boarded trains bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana, located across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky. By early October, the men of the 85th & 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, in pursuit of Confederate troops. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more to come. After the Battle of Perryville, the Confederate troops withdrew from Kentucky and the men of McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, Tennessee where they would go into winter camp.
That first winter in the field was difficulty, to say the least, on the green troops, the new diet and new lifestyle were not conducive to good health. Even before the men of McCook's Brigade left the Jeffersonville/Louisville area, men were having difficulty with their health and many were left behind sick in the hospitals when they pulled out. After the Battle of Perryville, on their march to Nashville, still more were left behind sick in makeshift hospitals in Bowling Green, Kentucky and in Gallatin, Tennessee. And during that 1862/63 winter in Nashville, the hospitals were full to overflowing with sick soldiers and today, hundreds of Union soldiers lie buried in the Nashville National Cemetery who died during that 1st winter in Nashville.
From a biography, seen below, that was published years after the war, we now know that Teamster John Baggs was injured in some way during his first few months in the service. This injury may have occurred even before the 86th left Louisville, Kentucky. Or it may have occurred sometime between there and Nashville, or even in Nashville. Where ever it occurred, he probably spent much, if not all, of the month of January of 1863 there in Louisville. What ever the case, doctors decided that the injury was going to prevented John Baggs from being of further service to his company, so on January 26, 1863 Teamster John Baggs was discharged from the service and sent home.
After returning home from the service, John Baggs sold his farm, moved into the city of Peoria and became a Veterinary Surgeon. At the time of the 1870 census, John and Lydia are found in what is called Ward 5 of the City of Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois;
Baggs John 34 M horse doctor 3,000 100 Ohio
Baggs Lydia A. 38 F keeps house Kentucky
At the time of the 1880 census, John and Lydia (Gill) Baggs are found in Peoria Township, Peoria County, Illinois, where he is a Veterinary Surgeon;
John Baggs Self M 44 Ohio, United States
Lydia A Baggs Wife F 47 Kentucky, United States
At the time of the 1900 census, John and Lydia at what is identified as 103 Moss Avenue in what is called the 5th Ward of the City of Peoria;
Baggs John Head M Jan 1836 64 M 40 Ohio Ohio Virginia
Baggs Lydia Wife F Mch 1835 65 M 40 5 1 Kentucky Virginia Virginia
Dr. John Baggs, of Co. C of the 86th Illinois, died on March 23, 1909. His mortal remains were laid in the Springdale Cemetery near those of his only son, Willie.
At the time of the 1910 census, Lydia Baggs is found residing at what is identified as 201 Moss Avenue in the 5th Ward of Peoria, Illinois;
BAGGS Lydia Head F 73 WD 2 1 Kentucky Virginia Kentucky
In 1912, the following biography of John Baggs was published in the History of Peoria, City and County, Illinois, that was written by James M. Rice, pages 29-30.
"JOHN BAGGS, D. V. S.
Dr. John Baggs was one of Peoria's pioneer residents and for many years was an interested witness of the growth and progress of the city. Here he engaged in business and followed his profession of veterinary surgery to the later years of his life, when he retired and spent his remaining days in the enjoyment of well earned rest. He was born in Urbana, Ohio, January 13, 1837, and passed away March 23, 1909, having attained the ripe old age of seventy-two years. His parents were Abraham and Mary Baggs, also natives of Ohio, who removed westward to Illinois in 1838. Peoria was then a town of but a few hundred inhabitants and the entire countryside was largely wild and undeveloped. The father secured a tract of land and became a prominent pioneer farmer, converting his place into rich and productive fields and thus aiding greatly in the agricultural development of the community.
Dr. Baggs was only a year old when brought by his parents to this state. The educational advantages which Peoria offered in that early day constituted the extent of his education. In his youth he assisted his father on the home farm and early became familiar with the arduous task of developing and cultivating new land. He carefully saved his earnings and at the age of twenty years was himself the owner of a good farm, which he continued to cultivate successfully until 1861. At the time of the outbreak of the Civil war, however, all business and personal considerations were put aside that he might respond to the country's call for aid. He enlisted in the Eighty-sixth Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry, which was organized and commanded by Colonel D. D. Irons, and later by Colonel McGee. He was on active duty until injuries sustained at the front caused him to be honorably discharged and he returned home with a most creditable military record.
About that time Dr. Baggs disposed of his farm and took up his abode in the city. Here he became a veterinary surgeon and practiced his profession successfully for many years, his ability in that direction making his services in constant demand. In 1905 he retired from all active business, having in the years of his previous labor acquired a competence sufficient to supply him with all the necessities and comforts and many of the luxuries of life.
On the 17th of November, 1858, Dr. Baggs was united in marriage to Lydia Meredith Gill, a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Moss) Gill, the latter a representative of the Moss family that figured prominently in the early history of Virginia. Her grandfather, a member of that family, served in the Revolutionary war. Unto Dr. and Mrs. Baggs was born one son, William, who is now deceased.
Dr. Baggs was preeminently a home man and found his greatest happiness at his own fireside. He was very hospitable and greatly enjoyed entertaining company in his own home. He also manifested a marked fondness for music and literature and these added greatly to the joys of his life. His political allegiance was always given to the republican party from the time that age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He believed it to be the party of reform and progress and recognized the fact that it was the defense of the Union in the dark days of the Civil war. In manner he was quiet and unassuming but his genuine personal worth gained him recognition and won him many friends. He was deeply interested and closely associated with the pioneer development of this part of the state and mention should be made of him in a history of Peoria county's upbuilders and promoters."
In her later years, Lydia A. (Gill) Meredith Baggs would spend many hours with Lydia (Moss) Bradley and would be her assistant at many things through the years. Lydia A. (Gill) Meredith Baggs died on __________ __, 1914 at ___________, Illinois. Her mortal remains were laid next to those of her husband of 51 years, Dr. John Baggs, in Springdale Cemetery. See her Find A Grave site for more information about her and her life.
by Baxter B. Fite III
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of the Baggs family, who might be able to add to the biographical information that we have on John Baggs and the Baggs family. Baxter would also love to see copies of any photographs of John Baggs, which may have survived the years, added to his Find A Grave site for all to see.)
(NOTE: John Baggs probably never sat for a portrait before his entering the service during the Civil War, and he was mostly likely injured and discharged from the service before ever getting to Nashville, Tennessee, where most of the members of the 86th took the opportunity to sit for portraits to send back home to their loved that they missed so much.
However, John Baggs survived the war and lived into the 20th Century. During this time, John must have had his picture taken dozens of times. I would love to see some pictures of John Baggs as a young man, especially in uniform from the days with the 86th, if any such pictures were taken. However, at this point, I would just love to see some pictures of John be added to his FAG site, even some of him as a 50, 60 or a 70 year old man. Can anyone help me with this? It would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Baxter)
Teamster JOHN H. BAGGS, Co. C, 86th Illinois
John H. Baggs was born on January 13, 1837 in Urbana County, Ohio, the son of Abraham Baggs and Mary (Smith) Baggs. Abraham Baggs was born c. October 17, 1796 in Kentucky or Pennsylvania, while Mary Smith was born c. 1805/06 in Ohio. Abraham and Mary were married on January 17, 1823 in Ohio, where at least seven children were born to them. The family left Ohio about 1836/37 and at the time of the 1840 census are found in Peoria County in what is called the LaSalle Precinct near what is today Chillicothe and Rome, Illinois in Peoria County. At that time he has three sons, one between 15 & 20, one between 10 & 15 and one between 0 & 5. Abraham and Mary also have five daughters at this time, one between 10 & 15, two between 5 & 10 and 2 between 0 & 5. This is what we know about the children born to John Baggs and Mary (Smith) Baggs;
1. (son) Probably David Baggs, born c. 1823/24 in Ohio; David was married to Angeline O. Meredith on March 12, 1846 in Peoria County, Illinois; At the time of the 1860 census, the Baggs family is found in Hallock Township in Peoria County, Illinois;
Baggs David 36 M Farmer 300 OH
Baggs Angeline 33 F IL
Baggs Clarissa 12 F IL
Baggs Newell 8 M IL
Barton Mary 3 F IL
At the time of the 1870 census, David and his family are found in Hallock Township of Peoria County, Illinois;
Baggs David 46 M Laborer 500 25 Ohio
Baggs Angeline 44 F Illinois
Baggs Julia 13 F Illinois
Baggs Charles 4 M Illinois
Baggs Eliza 6/12 F Illinois Dec. 1869
At the time of the 1880 census David Baggs and his family are found in Hallock Township in Peoria County, Illinois;
Self David Baggs M 56 Works on Farm Ohio
Wife Angeline Baggs F 53 Illinois
Son Charles Baggs M 14 Illinois
Daughter Eliza Baggs F 10 Illinois
David and Angeline may have both died before 1900 as neither of them can be found in that census.
2. (son) William Baggs, born c. 1826 in Ohio; William was married to Caroline S. ___________ on October 9, 1849 in Peoria County, Illinois; William died on November 2, 1855 in ____________, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in La Salle Cemetery near Rome, Peoria County, Illinois.
3. (daughter born between 1825 and 1830 in Ohio) possibly Lorina Baggs, who was born c. 18__ in ____________, __________; Lorina was married to Ezra Sprague on January 9, 1845 in Peoria County, Illinois;
4. (daughter born between 1830 and 1835 in Ohio) possibly Sophia H. Baggs, who was born c. 18__ in __________, __________; Sophia H. Baggs was married to Truman Skidmore on July 1, 1848 in Peoria County, Illinois.
5. Mary E. Baggs, born c. June __, 1831 in Ohio; Mary Baggs was married to Wesley Glaze (Mar. 1829 - ___ 19___) on December 2, 1860 in Peoria County, Illinois; At the time of the 1860 census, Wesley is found residing next to Mary's next younger brother, John H. Baggs in Medina Township;
Baggs John H. 24 M Farmer 2,500 600 OH
Baggs Lydia 29 F KY
Meridith James 12 M IL
Meridith Joseph 9 M IL
Gloze Isaac 22 M Farmer 670 IL
Gloze Minerva 21 F IL
Gloze Alice 1/12 F IL
Gloze Wesley 32 M Farmer 350 PA
At the time of the 1880 census, Wesley and Mary are found in Neponset, Bureau County, Illinois, where her sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and John S. Cleveland, are also residing at that time;
Self Wesley Glaze M 51 Pennsylvania
Wife Mrs Wesley Glaze F 45 Ohio
Son James Glaze M 16 Illinois
Son Willie Glaze M 15 Illinois
Daughter Flora Glaze F 9 Illinois
Daughter Minnie Glaze F 18 Illinois
At the time of the 1900 census, Wesley and Mary are found in Kewanee Township (excl. Kewanee city) in Henry County, Illinois;
Head Wesly Glaze M 71 Pennsylvania
Wife Mary E Glaze F 69 Ohio
Mary E. (Baggs) Glaze died on May __, 1906 in Kewanee, Illinois and her mortal remains were laid in the Neponset Cemetery in Neponset, Bureau County, Illinois.
At the time of the 1910 census, Wesley Glaze is found widowed and living in Concord, Bureau County, Illinois with his daughter and son-in-law;
Head Daniel H Hanesworth M 56 Ohio
Wife Minnie J Hanesworth F 46 Illinois
Son John W Hanesworth M 9 Illinois
Father-in-law Wesley Glaze M 81 Pennsylvania
6. Margaret Baggs, born September 8, 1834 in Ohio; Margaret Baggs was married to John S. Cleveland on February 6, 1851 in Peoria County, Illinois; Margaret and John are found in Neponset, Bureau County, Illinois at the time of the 1880 census;
Self John S Cleveland M 51 Illinois
Wife Mrs John S Cleveland F 44 Ohio
Daughter Belle Cleveland F 21 Illinois
Margaret Ann (Baggs) Cleveland died on May 4, 1926 in the village of Neponset, Bureau County, Illinois; Her birthdate is given as September 8, 1834 in Piqua, Ohio. Burial of her mortal remains occurred on 06 May 1926 in the Neponset Cemetery.
7. John H. Baggs, born January 13, 1837 in Urbana County, Ohio; See his biography below.
8. Ann M. Baggs, born c. July 24, 1840 in Ohio or Illinois; died at the age of 2 yrs, 11ms & 22 ds c. July 16, 1843 in Peoria County, Illinois and her mortal remains were laid in the La Salle Cemetery near Rome, Peoria County, Illinois
9. Minervia Baggs, born c. February 6, 1839/41 in Peoria County, Illinois; Minerva was married to Isaac K. Glaze (1837 - 1914) on February 26, 1857 in Peoria County; Issac and Minerva, as well as Wesley Glaze, very likely Isaac's older brother, are, as seen above, found residing in Medina Township, next to Mary's older brother, John H. Baggs, at the time of the 1860 census; Minervia (Baggs) Glaze died on Mar. 18, 1917 in ___________, Nebraska and her mortal remains were laid in the Prospect View Cemetery in Pierce, Pierce County, Nebraska; See her Find A Grave site for more information about her and her family.
10. James "Jim" Baggs, born c. February 14, 1841/42 in Medina Township in Peoria County, Illinois; James was married to Elizabeth S. Jordon (1840 - 1920) on December 2, 1860 in Peoria County; James served in Co. B of the 12th Illinois during the Civil War; James died on December 31, 1910 in Peoria County, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in the La Salle Cemetery near Rome, Peoria County, Illinois; See his Find A Grave site for more information about him and his family.
At the time of the 1850 census, the Baggs family is found in Peoria County, Illinois;
Bagg Abram 53 M Farmer Ky
Bagg Mary 43 F Ohio
Bagg Mary 18 F Ohio
Bagg Margaret 14 F Ohio
Bagg John 14 M Ohio
Bagg Minerva 9 F Ill
Bagg James 7 M Ill
At the time of the 1860 census, Abram and family are found in Medina Township of Peoria County;
Baggs Abram 68 M Farmer 200 PA
Baggs Mary 54 F OH
Baggs James 19 M Farm Hand IL
Abraham Baggs died on July 24, 1862 in Peoria County, Illinois, while Mary (Smith) Baggs died on __________ __, 1886 in ___________, ___________. Their mortal remains were laid in the La Salle Cemetery near Rome, Peoria County, Illinois.
Now to continue with the biography of John Baggs;
John Baggs was married to Lydia A. Gill on November 18, 1857 in Peoria County. John was her 2nd husband. Lydia was married at the age of 15 to Enos H. Meredith on January 17, 1847 in Peoria County. Enos died in California before 1857, leaving her with the two young sons. At the time of the 1850 census, Enos and Lydia are found in Peoria County, very close to the Baggs family;
Meredith Enos 25 M Blsmith 600 Ill
Meredith Lydia 21 F KY
Meredith Jas. W. 3 M Ill
Meredith Joseph 6/12 M Ill
Meredith Joseph 51 M Farmer Va
Lydia A. Gill was born c. March 7, 1831 in Washington, Kentucky, though her tombstone says she was born in 1833, the youngest child of James Gill and Elizabeth (Moss) Gill. While still in infancy both her parents died with in an hour and she was cared for by an older brother until early girlhood when she came to Peoria to make her home with an uncle, Samuel Moss. Lydia also had an aunt living there is Peoria. Her name was Lydia (Moss) Bradley, who was eventually a wealthy bank president and philanthropist notable for her philanthropic works. She founded Bradley Polytechnic Institute in Peoria, Illinois, in 1897.
One son was born to John Baggs and Lydia A. (Gill) Meredith Baggs;
1. William "Willie" Baggs, born __________ __, 1858; died __________ __, 1859; his mortal remains were laid in the Mount Prospect Section of Springdale Cemetery in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois.
At the time of the 1860 census, John and Lydia, as seen above, reside in Medina Township in Peoria County, Illinois.
On August 13, 1862, John Baggs went into Chillicothe, Illinois where he volunteered to serve as a Teamster for a company which was being raised in Chillicothe, Illinois, and in the townships immediately north and west of Chillicothe, including Halleck Township in Peoria County and LaPrairie and Saratoga Townships in Marshall County. This company was being raised by John H. Batchelder, who operated the Ferry at Chillicothe, and Dr. Joseph Thomas, a Chillicothe area Physician. When he volunteered, John gave his residence as Medina Township in Peoria County.
ILLINOIS STATE ARCHIVES
Illinois Civil War Detail Report
Name BAGGS, JOHN Rank TEAM
Company C Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence MEDINA, PEORIA CO, IL
Age 23 Height 5' 7 1/2 Hair BLACK
Eyes BLACK Complexion LIGHT
Marital Status MARRIED Occupation FARMER
Nativity URBANA, LOGAN CO, OH
Service Record
Joined When AUG 13, 1862
Joined Where CHILLICOTHE, IL
Joined By Whom J H BATCHELDER
Period 3 YRS Muster In AUG 27, 1862
Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom _____ Muster Out _____
Muster Out Where _____ Muster Out By Whom _____
Remarks DISCHARGED JAN 26, 1863 AT LOUISVILLE KY
When Batchelder and Thomas had almost 100 volunteers, they led the Chillicothe area company into Peoria where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, Batchelder, Thomas and 87 of their volunteers were mustered into service as Co. C of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Dr. Thomas was elected by the men of Co. C to serve as their Captain, while Batchelder was elected to serve as their 1st Lieutenant.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched out the gates of Camp Lyon, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, down to the railroad depot. There they were joined by the men of the 85th Illinois, who had been mustered into service at Camp Peoria. Together, at the depot, the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois boarded trains bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana, located across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky. By early October, the men of the 85th & 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, in pursuit of Confederate troops. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more to come. After the Battle of Perryville, the Confederate troops withdrew from Kentucky and the men of McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, Tennessee where they would go into winter camp.
That first winter in the field was difficulty, to say the least, on the green troops, the new diet and new lifestyle were not conducive to good health. Even before the men of McCook's Brigade left the Jeffersonville/Louisville area, men were having difficulty with their health and many were left behind sick in the hospitals when they pulled out. After the Battle of Perryville, on their march to Nashville, still more were left behind sick in makeshift hospitals in Bowling Green, Kentucky and in Gallatin, Tennessee. And during that 1862/63 winter in Nashville, the hospitals were full to overflowing with sick soldiers and today, hundreds of Union soldiers lie buried in the Nashville National Cemetery who died during that 1st winter in Nashville.
From a biography, seen below, that was published years after the war, we now know that Teamster John Baggs was injured in some way during his first few months in the service. This injury may have occurred even before the 86th left Louisville, Kentucky. Or it may have occurred sometime between there and Nashville, or even in Nashville. Where ever it occurred, he probably spent much, if not all, of the month of January of 1863 there in Louisville. What ever the case, doctors decided that the injury was going to prevented John Baggs from being of further service to his company, so on January 26, 1863 Teamster John Baggs was discharged from the service and sent home.
After returning home from the service, John Baggs sold his farm, moved into the city of Peoria and became a Veterinary Surgeon. At the time of the 1870 census, John and Lydia are found in what is called Ward 5 of the City of Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois;
Baggs John 34 M horse doctor 3,000 100 Ohio
Baggs Lydia A. 38 F keeps house Kentucky
At the time of the 1880 census, John and Lydia (Gill) Baggs are found in Peoria Township, Peoria County, Illinois, where he is a Veterinary Surgeon;
John Baggs Self M 44 Ohio, United States
Lydia A Baggs Wife F 47 Kentucky, United States
At the time of the 1900 census, John and Lydia at what is identified as 103 Moss Avenue in what is called the 5th Ward of the City of Peoria;
Baggs John Head M Jan 1836 64 M 40 Ohio Ohio Virginia
Baggs Lydia Wife F Mch 1835 65 M 40 5 1 Kentucky Virginia Virginia
Dr. John Baggs, of Co. C of the 86th Illinois, died on March 23, 1909. His mortal remains were laid in the Springdale Cemetery near those of his only son, Willie.
At the time of the 1910 census, Lydia Baggs is found residing at what is identified as 201 Moss Avenue in the 5th Ward of Peoria, Illinois;
BAGGS Lydia Head F 73 WD 2 1 Kentucky Virginia Kentucky
In 1912, the following biography of John Baggs was published in the History of Peoria, City and County, Illinois, that was written by James M. Rice, pages 29-30.
"JOHN BAGGS, D. V. S.
Dr. John Baggs was one of Peoria's pioneer residents and for many years was an interested witness of the growth and progress of the city. Here he engaged in business and followed his profession of veterinary surgery to the later years of his life, when he retired and spent his remaining days in the enjoyment of well earned rest. He was born in Urbana, Ohio, January 13, 1837, and passed away March 23, 1909, having attained the ripe old age of seventy-two years. His parents were Abraham and Mary Baggs, also natives of Ohio, who removed westward to Illinois in 1838. Peoria was then a town of but a few hundred inhabitants and the entire countryside was largely wild and undeveloped. The father secured a tract of land and became a prominent pioneer farmer, converting his place into rich and productive fields and thus aiding greatly in the agricultural development of the community.
Dr. Baggs was only a year old when brought by his parents to this state. The educational advantages which Peoria offered in that early day constituted the extent of his education. In his youth he assisted his father on the home farm and early became familiar with the arduous task of developing and cultivating new land. He carefully saved his earnings and at the age of twenty years was himself the owner of a good farm, which he continued to cultivate successfully until 1861. At the time of the outbreak of the Civil war, however, all business and personal considerations were put aside that he might respond to the country's call for aid. He enlisted in the Eighty-sixth Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry, which was organized and commanded by Colonel D. D. Irons, and later by Colonel McGee. He was on active duty until injuries sustained at the front caused him to be honorably discharged and he returned home with a most creditable military record.
About that time Dr. Baggs disposed of his farm and took up his abode in the city. Here he became a veterinary surgeon and practiced his profession successfully for many years, his ability in that direction making his services in constant demand. In 1905 he retired from all active business, having in the years of his previous labor acquired a competence sufficient to supply him with all the necessities and comforts and many of the luxuries of life.
On the 17th of November, 1858, Dr. Baggs was united in marriage to Lydia Meredith Gill, a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Moss) Gill, the latter a representative of the Moss family that figured prominently in the early history of Virginia. Her grandfather, a member of that family, served in the Revolutionary war. Unto Dr. and Mrs. Baggs was born one son, William, who is now deceased.
Dr. Baggs was preeminently a home man and found his greatest happiness at his own fireside. He was very hospitable and greatly enjoyed entertaining company in his own home. He also manifested a marked fondness for music and literature and these added greatly to the joys of his life. His political allegiance was always given to the republican party from the time that age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He believed it to be the party of reform and progress and recognized the fact that it was the defense of the Union in the dark days of the Civil war. In manner he was quiet and unassuming but his genuine personal worth gained him recognition and won him many friends. He was deeply interested and closely associated with the pioneer development of this part of the state and mention should be made of him in a history of Peoria county's upbuilders and promoters."
In her later years, Lydia A. (Gill) Meredith Baggs would spend many hours with Lydia (Moss) Bradley and would be her assistant at many things through the years. Lydia A. (Gill) Meredith Baggs died on __________ __, 1914 at ___________, Illinois. Her mortal remains were laid next to those of her husband of 51 years, Dr. John Baggs, in Springdale Cemetery. See her Find A Grave site for more information about her and her life.
by Baxter B. Fite III
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of the Baggs family, who might be able to add to the biographical information that we have on John Baggs and the Baggs family. Baxter would also love to see copies of any photographs of John Baggs, which may have survived the years, added to his Find A Grave site for all to see.)
However, John Baggs survived the war and lived into the 20th Century. During this time, John must have had his picture taken dozens of times. I would love to see some pictures of John Baggs as a young man, especially in uniform from the days with the 86th, if any such pictures were taken. However, at this point, I would just love to see some pictures of John be added to his FAG site, even some of him as a 50, 60 or a 70 year old man. Can anyone help me with this? It would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Baxter)
Teamster JOHN H. BAGGS, Co. C, 86th Illinois
John H. Baggs was born on January 13, 1837 in Urbana County, Ohio, the son of Abraham Baggs and Mary (Smith) Baggs. Abraham Baggs was born c. October 17, 1796 in Kentucky or Pennsylvania, while Mary Smith was born c. 1805/06 in Ohio. Abraham and Mary were married on January 17, 1823 in Ohio, where at least seven children were born to them. The family left Ohio about 1836/37 and at the time of the 1840 census are found in Peoria County in what is called the LaSalle Precinct near what is today Chillicothe and Rome, Illinois in Peoria County. At that time he has three sons, one between 15 & 20, one between 10 & 15 and one between 0 & 5. Abraham and Mary also have five daughters at this time, one between 10 & 15, two between 5 & 10 and 2 between 0 & 5. This is what we know about the children born to John Baggs and Mary (Smith) Baggs;
1. (son) Probably David Baggs, born c. 1823/24 in Ohio; David was married to Angeline O. Meredith on March 12, 1846 in Peoria County, Illinois; At the time of the 1860 census, the Baggs family is found in Hallock Township in Peoria County, Illinois;
Baggs David 36 M Farmer 300 OH
Baggs Angeline 33 F IL
Baggs Clarissa 12 F IL
Baggs Newell 8 M IL
Barton Mary 3 F IL
At the time of the 1870 census, David and his family are found in Hallock Township of Peoria County, Illinois;
Baggs David 46 M Laborer 500 25 Ohio
Baggs Angeline 44 F Illinois
Baggs Julia 13 F Illinois
Baggs Charles 4 M Illinois
Baggs Eliza 6/12 F Illinois Dec. 1869
At the time of the 1880 census David Baggs and his family are found in Hallock Township in Peoria County, Illinois;
Self David Baggs M 56 Works on Farm Ohio
Wife Angeline Baggs F 53 Illinois
Son Charles Baggs M 14 Illinois
Daughter Eliza Baggs F 10 Illinois
David and Angeline may have both died before 1900 as neither of them can be found in that census.
2. (son) William Baggs, born c. 1826 in Ohio; William was married to Caroline S. ___________ on October 9, 1849 in Peoria County, Illinois; William died on November 2, 1855 in ____________, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in La Salle Cemetery near Rome, Peoria County, Illinois.
3. (daughter born between 1825 and 1830 in Ohio) possibly Lorina Baggs, who was born c. 18__ in ____________, __________; Lorina was married to Ezra Sprague on January 9, 1845 in Peoria County, Illinois;
4. (daughter born between 1830 and 1835 in Ohio) possibly Sophia H. Baggs, who was born c. 18__ in __________, __________; Sophia H. Baggs was married to Truman Skidmore on July 1, 1848 in Peoria County, Illinois.
5. Mary E. Baggs, born c. June __, 1831 in Ohio; Mary Baggs was married to Wesley Glaze (Mar. 1829 - ___ 19___) on December 2, 1860 in Peoria County, Illinois; At the time of the 1860 census, Wesley is found residing next to Mary's next younger brother, John H. Baggs in Medina Township;
Baggs John H. 24 M Farmer 2,500 600 OH
Baggs Lydia 29 F KY
Meridith James 12 M IL
Meridith Joseph 9 M IL
Gloze Isaac 22 M Farmer 670 IL
Gloze Minerva 21 F IL
Gloze Alice 1/12 F IL
Gloze Wesley 32 M Farmer 350 PA
At the time of the 1880 census, Wesley and Mary are found in Neponset, Bureau County, Illinois, where her sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and John S. Cleveland, are also residing at that time;
Self Wesley Glaze M 51 Pennsylvania
Wife Mrs Wesley Glaze F 45 Ohio
Son James Glaze M 16 Illinois
Son Willie Glaze M 15 Illinois
Daughter Flora Glaze F 9 Illinois
Daughter Minnie Glaze F 18 Illinois
At the time of the 1900 census, Wesley and Mary are found in Kewanee Township (excl. Kewanee city) in Henry County, Illinois;
Head Wesly Glaze M 71 Pennsylvania
Wife Mary E Glaze F 69 Ohio
Mary E. (Baggs) Glaze died on May __, 1906 in Kewanee, Illinois and her mortal remains were laid in the Neponset Cemetery in Neponset, Bureau County, Illinois.
At the time of the 1910 census, Wesley Glaze is found widowed and living in Concord, Bureau County, Illinois with his daughter and son-in-law;
Head Daniel H Hanesworth M 56 Ohio
Wife Minnie J Hanesworth F 46 Illinois
Son John W Hanesworth M 9 Illinois
Father-in-law Wesley Glaze M 81 Pennsylvania
6. Margaret Baggs, born September 8, 1834 in Ohio; Margaret Baggs was married to John S. Cleveland on February 6, 1851 in Peoria County, Illinois; Margaret and John are found in Neponset, Bureau County, Illinois at the time of the 1880 census;
Self John S Cleveland M 51 Illinois
Wife Mrs John S Cleveland F 44 Ohio
Daughter Belle Cleveland F 21 Illinois
Margaret Ann (Baggs) Cleveland died on May 4, 1926 in the village of Neponset, Bureau County, Illinois; Her birthdate is given as September 8, 1834 in Piqua, Ohio. Burial of her mortal remains occurred on 06 May 1926 in the Neponset Cemetery.
7. John H. Baggs, born January 13, 1837 in Urbana County, Ohio; See his biography below.
8. Ann M. Baggs, born c. July 24, 1840 in Ohio or Illinois; died at the age of 2 yrs, 11ms & 22 ds c. July 16, 1843 in Peoria County, Illinois and her mortal remains were laid in the La Salle Cemetery near Rome, Peoria County, Illinois
9. Minervia Baggs, born c. February 6, 1839/41 in Peoria County, Illinois; Minerva was married to Isaac K. Glaze (1837 - 1914) on February 26, 1857 in Peoria County; Issac and Minerva, as well as Wesley Glaze, very likely Isaac's older brother, are, as seen above, found residing in Medina Township, next to Mary's older brother, John H. Baggs, at the time of the 1860 census; Minervia (Baggs) Glaze died on Mar. 18, 1917 in ___________, Nebraska and her mortal remains were laid in the Prospect View Cemetery in Pierce, Pierce County, Nebraska; See her Find A Grave site for more information about her and her family.
10. James "Jim" Baggs, born c. February 14, 1841/42 in Medina Township in Peoria County, Illinois; James was married to Elizabeth S. Jordon (1840 - 1920) on December 2, 1860 in Peoria County; James served in Co. B of the 12th Illinois during the Civil War; James died on December 31, 1910 in Peoria County, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in the La Salle Cemetery near Rome, Peoria County, Illinois; See his Find A Grave site for more information about him and his family.
At the time of the 1850 census, the Baggs family is found in Peoria County, Illinois;
Bagg Abram 53 M Farmer Ky
Bagg Mary 43 F Ohio
Bagg Mary 18 F Ohio
Bagg Margaret 14 F Ohio
Bagg John 14 M Ohio
Bagg Minerva 9 F Ill
Bagg James 7 M Ill
At the time of the 1860 census, Abram and family are found in Medina Township of Peoria County;
Baggs Abram 68 M Farmer 200 PA
Baggs Mary 54 F OH
Baggs James 19 M Farm Hand IL
Abraham Baggs died on July 24, 1862 in Peoria County, Illinois, while Mary (Smith) Baggs died on __________ __, 1886 in ___________, ___________. Their mortal remains were laid in the La Salle Cemetery near Rome, Peoria County, Illinois.
Now to continue with the biography of John Baggs;
John Baggs was married to Lydia A. Gill on November 18, 1857 in Peoria County. John was her 2nd husband. Lydia was married at the age of 15 to Enos H. Meredith on January 17, 1847 in Peoria County. Enos died in California before 1857, leaving her with the two young sons. At the time of the 1850 census, Enos and Lydia are found in Peoria County, very close to the Baggs family;
Meredith Enos 25 M Blsmith 600 Ill
Meredith Lydia 21 F KY
Meredith Jas. W. 3 M Ill
Meredith Joseph 6/12 M Ill
Meredith Joseph 51 M Farmer Va
Lydia A. Gill was born c. March 7, 1831 in Washington, Kentucky, though her tombstone says she was born in 1833, the youngest child of James Gill and Elizabeth (Moss) Gill. While still in infancy both her parents died with in an hour and she was cared for by an older brother until early girlhood when she came to Peoria to make her home with an uncle, Samuel Moss. Lydia also had an aunt living there is Peoria. Her name was Lydia (Moss) Bradley, who was eventually a wealthy bank president and philanthropist notable for her philanthropic works. She founded Bradley Polytechnic Institute in Peoria, Illinois, in 1897.
One son was born to John Baggs and Lydia A. (Gill) Meredith Baggs;
1. William "Willie" Baggs, born __________ __, 1858; died __________ __, 1859; his mortal remains were laid in the Mount Prospect Section of Springdale Cemetery in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois.
At the time of the 1860 census, John and Lydia, as seen above, reside in Medina Township in Peoria County, Illinois.
On August 13, 1862, John Baggs went into Chillicothe, Illinois where he volunteered to serve as a Teamster for a company which was being raised in Chillicothe, Illinois, and in the townships immediately north and west of Chillicothe, including Halleck Township in Peoria County and LaPrairie and Saratoga Townships in Marshall County. This company was being raised by John H. Batchelder, who operated the Ferry at Chillicothe, and Dr. Joseph Thomas, a Chillicothe area Physician. When he volunteered, John gave his residence as Medina Township in Peoria County.
ILLINOIS STATE ARCHIVES
Illinois Civil War Detail Report
Name BAGGS, JOHN Rank TEAM
Company C Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence MEDINA, PEORIA CO, IL
Age 23 Height 5' 7 1/2 Hair BLACK
Eyes BLACK Complexion LIGHT
Marital Status MARRIED Occupation FARMER
Nativity URBANA, LOGAN CO, OH
Service Record
Joined When AUG 13, 1862
Joined Where CHILLICOTHE, IL
Joined By Whom J H BATCHELDER
Period 3 YRS Muster In AUG 27, 1862
Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom _____ Muster Out _____
Muster Out Where _____ Muster Out By Whom _____
Remarks DISCHARGED JAN 26, 1863 AT LOUISVILLE KY
When Batchelder and Thomas had almost 100 volunteers, they led the Chillicothe area company into Peoria where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, Batchelder, Thomas and 87 of their volunteers were mustered into service as Co. C of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Dr. Thomas was elected by the men of Co. C to serve as their Captain, while Batchelder was elected to serve as their 1st Lieutenant.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched out the gates of Camp Lyon, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, down to the railroad depot. There they were joined by the men of the 85th Illinois, who had been mustered into service at Camp Peoria. Together, at the depot, the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois boarded trains bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana, located across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky. By early October, the men of the 85th & 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, in pursuit of Confederate troops. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more to come. After the Battle of Perryville, the Confederate troops withdrew from Kentucky and the men of McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, Tennessee where they would go into winter camp.
That first winter in the field was difficulty, to say the least, on the green troops, the new diet and new lifestyle were not conducive to good health. Even before the men of McCook's Brigade left the Jeffersonville/Louisville area, men were having difficulty with their health and many were left behind sick in the hospitals when they pulled out. After the Battle of Perryville, on their march to Nashville, still more were left behind sick in makeshift hospitals in Bowling Green, Kentucky and in Gallatin, Tennessee. And during that 1862/63 winter in Nashville, the hospitals were full to overflowing with sick soldiers and today, hundreds of Union soldiers lie buried in the Nashville National Cemetery who died during that 1st winter in Nashville.
From a biography, seen below, that was published years after the war, we now know that Teamster John Baggs was injured in some way during his first few months in the service. This injury may have occurred even before the 86th left Louisville, Kentucky. Or it may have occurred sometime between there and Nashville, or even in Nashville. Where ever it occurred, he probably spent much, if not all, of the month of January of 1863 there in Louisville. What ever the case, doctors decided that the injury was going to prevented John Baggs from being of further service to his company, so on January 26, 1863 Teamster John Baggs was discharged from the service and sent home.
After returning home from the service, John Baggs sold his farm, moved into the city of Peoria and became a Veterinary Surgeon. At the time of the 1870 census, John and Lydia are found in what is called Ward 5 of the City of Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois;
Baggs John 34 M horse doctor 3,000 100 Ohio
Baggs Lydia A. 38 F keeps house Kentucky
At the time of the 1880 census, John and Lydia (Gill) Baggs are found in Peoria Township, Peoria County, Illinois, where he is a Veterinary Surgeon;
John Baggs Self M 44 Ohio, United States
Lydia A Baggs Wife F 47 Kentucky, United States
At the time of the 1900 census, John and Lydia at what is identified as 103 Moss Avenue in what is called the 5th Ward of the City of Peoria;
Baggs John Head M Jan 1836 64 M 40 Ohio Ohio Virginia
Baggs Lydia Wife F Mch 1835 65 M 40 5 1 Kentucky Virginia Virginia
Dr. John Baggs, of Co. C of the 86th Illinois, died on March 23, 1909. His mortal remains were laid in the Springdale Cemetery near those of his only son, Willie.
At the time of the 1910 census, Lydia Baggs is found residing at what is identified as 201 Moss Avenue in the 5th Ward of Peoria, Illinois;
BAGGS Lydia Head F 73 WD 2 1 Kentucky Virginia Kentucky
In 1912, the following biography of John Baggs was published in the History of Peoria, City and County, Illinois, that was written by James M. Rice, pages 29-30.
"JOHN BAGGS, D. V. S.
Dr. John Baggs was one of Peoria's pioneer residents and for many years was an interested witness of the growth and progress of the city. Here he engaged in business and followed his profession of veterinary surgery to the later years of his life, when he retired and spent his remaining days in the enjoyment of well earned rest. He was born in Urbana, Ohio, January 13, 1837, and passed away March 23, 1909, having attained the ripe old age of seventy-two years. His parents were Abraham and Mary Baggs, also natives of Ohio, who removed westward to Illinois in 1838. Peoria was then a town of but a few hundred inhabitants and the entire countryside was largely wild and undeveloped. The father secured a tract of land and became a prominent pioneer farmer, converting his place into rich and productive fields and thus aiding greatly in the agricultural development of the community.
Dr. Baggs was only a year old when brought by his parents to this state. The educational advantages which Peoria offered in that early day constituted the extent of his education. In his youth he assisted his father on the home farm and early became familiar with the arduous task of developing and cultivating new land. He carefully saved his earnings and at the age of twenty years was himself the owner of a good farm, which he continued to cultivate successfully until 1861. At the time of the outbreak of the Civil war, however, all business and personal considerations were put aside that he might respond to the country's call for aid. He enlisted in the Eighty-sixth Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry, which was organized and commanded by Colonel D. D. Irons, and later by Colonel McGee. He was on active duty until injuries sustained at the front caused him to be honorably discharged and he returned home with a most creditable military record.
About that time Dr. Baggs disposed of his farm and took up his abode in the city. Here he became a veterinary surgeon and practiced his profession successfully for many years, his ability in that direction making his services in constant demand. In 1905 he retired from all active business, having in the years of his previous labor acquired a competence sufficient to supply him with all the necessities and comforts and many of the luxuries of life.
On the 17th of November, 1858, Dr. Baggs was united in marriage to Lydia Meredith Gill, a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Moss) Gill, the latter a representative of the Moss family that figured prominently in the early history of Virginia. Her grandfather, a member of that family, served in the Revolutionary war. Unto Dr. and Mrs. Baggs was born one son, William, who is now deceased.
Dr. Baggs was preeminently a home man and found his greatest happiness at his own fireside. He was very hospitable and greatly enjoyed entertaining company in his own home. He also manifested a marked fondness for music and literature and these added greatly to the joys of his life. His political allegiance was always given to the republican party from the time that age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He believed it to be the party of reform and progress and recognized the fact that it was the defense of the Union in the dark days of the Civil war. In manner he was quiet and unassuming but his genuine personal worth gained him recognition and won him many friends. He was deeply interested and closely associated with the pioneer development of this part of the state and mention should be made of him in a history of Peoria county's upbuilders and promoters."
In her later years, Lydia A. (Gill) Meredith Baggs would spend many hours with Lydia (Moss) Bradley and would be her assistant at many things through the years. Lydia A. (Gill) Meredith Baggs died on __________ __, 1914 at ___________, Illinois. Her mortal remains were laid next to those of her husband of 51 years, Dr. John Baggs, in Springdale Cemetery. See her Find A Grave site for more information about her and her life.
by Baxter B. Fite III
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of the Baggs family, who might be able to add to the biographical information that we have on John Baggs and the Baggs family. Baxter would also love to see copies of any photographs of John Baggs, which may have survived the years, added to his Find A Grave site for all to see.)
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