Corporal JOHN WALTER SMITHSON, Co. F, 86th Illinois
John Walter Smithson was born on November 29, 1834 at __________, Ohio in Highland County, the son of Edward Terrell Smithson and Elizabeth "Betsey" (Walter) Smithson. Edward Terrell Smithson was born Dec. 9, 1804, most likely in Virginia. Edward was married to Elizabeth "Betsey" Walter on December 27, 1832 in Highland Co., Ohio. Edward and Elizabeth are known to have had two children;
1. William Manson Smithson, born November 21, 1833 in Highland County, Ohio. See his Find A Grave Memorial.
2. John Walter Smithson, born on November 29, 1834 in Ohio.
The Smithson family came west to Illinois sometime between 1835 and 1838. Edward Terrell Smithson died on October 21, 1838.
After Edward died, Betsey Smithson was married to Isaiah Stevenson on October 10, 1840 in Knox County, Illinois. Elizabeth "Betsey" (Walter) Smithson Stevenson died on __________ __, 1842, probably in Knox Co., Illinois, leaving William and John orphans. After her death, Isaiah Stevenson was married to Abigail Sumner on November 23, 1843 in Knox County, Illinois.
Edward Terrell Smithson's mortal remains were laid in the Thurman Cemetery in Knox County, while Betsey (Walter) Smithson Stevenson's mortal remains were laid in the Housh Walter Sumner Cemetery in Knox County, Illinois.
At the time of the 1850 census, John Walter Smithson is found residing with Thomas R. Walter in Knox County, Illinois.
Thos R Walter M 30 Ohio
Lettice Needles F 33 Ohio
Hannah E Needles F 4 Illinois
John W Smithson M 15 Ohio
While William M. Smithson is found residing with John W. Walter at the time of the 1850 census of Knox County, Illinois;
John W Walter M 60 Virginia
Fanny Walter F 43 Virginia
Bouater Walter M 19 Ohio
Cythia Ann Walter F 17 Ohio
Richason Walter M 13 Ohio
Hannah Walter F 0 Illinois
Wm M Smithson M 10 Ohio
Emily Thurman F 16 Illinois
Harriet Thurman F 14 Illinois
Henry B Thurman M 12 Illinois
Fanny Thurman F 10 Illinois
Thomas A Thurman M 8 Illinois
Alelissa Thurman F 6 Illinois
John Walter Smithson was married Amanda F. Thurman on March 6, 1859 in Knox County, Illinois. Amanda Thurman was born on September 30, 1835 at Lancaster, Ohio in Fairfield County, the daughter of Elisha Thurman and Anna Bell (Hall) Thurman. Elisha Thurman came to Knox County by 1837, where he settled in Maquon Township. Elisha purchased a 160 acre farm along with his brother, Mark, for $500 on October 27, 1837. He farmed on this property until January 12, 1880, when he sold 159 acres it to Andrew C. Housh. The other acre being used as a cemetery, now known as the BENNINGTON or THURMAN CEMETERY, which is located 3 miles south of Maquon on Highway 97 and 100 yards west is a pasture on the North East Quarter of Section 21 in Maquon Township.
One son is known to have been born to John Walter Smithson and Amanda F. (Thurman) Smithson. He is;
1. Edward Sylvester Smithson, born October 21, 1859 at __________, Illinois.
On August 5, 1862, John W. Smithson volunteered at Maquon, Illinois to serve in a company which was being raised for service in the Union Army in Maquon, Illinois by a local Carpenter, Contractor and Businessman by the name of James L. Burhalter.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name SMITHSON, JOHN W
Rank CPL Company F Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence MAQUON, KNOX CO, IL Age 27 Height 6' Hair DARK
Eyes DARK Complexion FAIR Marital Status MARRIED Occupation FARMER
Nativity HIGHLAND CO, OH
Service Record
Joined When AUG 5, 1862 Joined Where MAQUON, IL
Joined By Whom J L BURKHALTER Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out N/A
Muster Out Where N/A Muster Out By Whom N/A
Remarks DIED OF TYPHOID FEVER AT DANVILLE KY NOV 18, 1862
When Burkhalter had about 100 volunteers, he led the Maquon company into Peoria, where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. There on August 27, 1862, he was elected by the men of the Maquon company to be their Captain and Captain Burkhalter and 93 of his volunteers were mustered in as Co. F of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. John W. Smithson was elected by the men of Co. F to serve as their 6th Corporal.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched of the gates of Camp Lyon, Capt. James L. Burkhalter leading Co. F, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, and boarded a train bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana. Three weeks later, the men of the 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 in the coming years. After the Union victory at Perryville, the Confederate Army withdrew from Kentucky and McCook's Brigade headed for Nashville, Tennessee, where they went would go into winter camp.
However, before they left Kentucky, most likely sometime in October, Corporal John W. Smithson contracted Typhoid Fever and he was sent to the Army Hospitals at Danville, Kentucky, 10 miles or so east of Perryville. The army doctors did all they could for Corporal Smithson, however, his condition continued to get worse and on November 18, 1862, Corporal John W. Smithson succumbed to Typhoid Fever at the age of 27. His earthly remains were most likely initially buried in a Union burying ground in Danville area. But, his family is believed to have sent for his remains and today his earthly remains are believed to lie in the Thurman Cemetery in Knox County, Illinois.
After John's death, Amanda applied for a Widow's Pension and was granted this on April 8, 1863. Amanda was married second to John M. Keys on October 26, 1865 in Knox County, Illinois. #__________ children were born to John M. Keys and Amanda (Thurman) Smithson Keys. Amanda died on February 9, 1883 at __________, Illinois. Her earthly remains were laid to rest in the Thurman Cemetery south of Maquon, Illinois, near those of her first husband, Corporal John Walter Smithson.
by Baxter B. Fite III and Addie Rickey, a 2nd Cousin, three times removed, of Corporal John W. Smithson. Her email address is [email protected].
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of the Smithson family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on Corporal John W. Smithson and the Smithson family. Baxter would also love to copies of any pictures of Corporal John W. Smithson, which may have have survived the years, especially any showing him in uniform from his days in the service, added to his Find A Grave site for all to see.)
John Walter Smithson was born on November 29, 1834 at __________, Ohio in Highland County, the son of Edward Terrell Smithson and Elizabeth "Betsey" (Walter) Smithson. Edward Terrell Smithson was born Dec. 9, 1804, most likely in Virginia. Edward was married to Elizabeth "Betsey" Walter on December 27, 1832 in Highland Co., Ohio. Edward and Elizabeth are known to have had two children;
1. William Manson Smithson, born November 21, 1833 in Highland County, Ohio. See his Find A Grave Memorial.
2. John Walter Smithson, born on November 29, 1834 in Ohio.
The Smithson family came west to Illinois sometime between 1835 and 1838. Edward Terrell Smithson died on October 21, 1838.
After Edward died, Betsey Smithson was married to Isaiah Stevenson on October 10, 1840 in Knox County, Illinois. Elizabeth "Betsey" (Walter) Smithson Stevenson died on __________ __, 1842, probably in Knox Co., Illinois, leaving William and John orphans. After her death, Isaiah Stevenson was married to Abigail Sumner on November 23, 1843 in Knox County, Illinois.
Edward Terrell Smithson's mortal remains were laid in the Thurman Cemetery in Knox County, while Betsey (Walter) Smithson Stevenson's mortal remains were laid in the Housh Walter Sumner Cemetery in Knox County, Illinois.
At the time of the 1850 census, John Walter Smithson is found residing with Thomas R. Walter in Knox County, Illinois.
Thos R Walter M 30 Ohio
Lettice Needles F 33 Ohio
Hannah E Needles F 4 Illinois
John W Smithson M 15 Ohio
While William M. Smithson is found residing with John W. Walter at the time of the 1850 census of Knox County, Illinois;
John W Walter M 60 Virginia
Fanny Walter F 43 Virginia
Bouater Walter M 19 Ohio
Cythia Ann Walter F 17 Ohio
Richason Walter M 13 Ohio
Hannah Walter F 0 Illinois
Wm M Smithson M 10 Ohio
Emily Thurman F 16 Illinois
Harriet Thurman F 14 Illinois
Henry B Thurman M 12 Illinois
Fanny Thurman F 10 Illinois
Thomas A Thurman M 8 Illinois
Alelissa Thurman F 6 Illinois
John Walter Smithson was married Amanda F. Thurman on March 6, 1859 in Knox County, Illinois. Amanda Thurman was born on September 30, 1835 at Lancaster, Ohio in Fairfield County, the daughter of Elisha Thurman and Anna Bell (Hall) Thurman. Elisha Thurman came to Knox County by 1837, where he settled in Maquon Township. Elisha purchased a 160 acre farm along with his brother, Mark, for $500 on October 27, 1837. He farmed on this property until January 12, 1880, when he sold 159 acres it to Andrew C. Housh. The other acre being used as a cemetery, now known as the BENNINGTON or THURMAN CEMETERY, which is located 3 miles south of Maquon on Highway 97 and 100 yards west is a pasture on the North East Quarter of Section 21 in Maquon Township.
One son is known to have been born to John Walter Smithson and Amanda F. (Thurman) Smithson. He is;
1. Edward Sylvester Smithson, born October 21, 1859 at __________, Illinois.
On August 5, 1862, John W. Smithson volunteered at Maquon, Illinois to serve in a company which was being raised for service in the Union Army in Maquon, Illinois by a local Carpenter, Contractor and Businessman by the name of James L. Burhalter.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name SMITHSON, JOHN W
Rank CPL Company F Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence MAQUON, KNOX CO, IL Age 27 Height 6' Hair DARK
Eyes DARK Complexion FAIR Marital Status MARRIED Occupation FARMER
Nativity HIGHLAND CO, OH
Service Record
Joined When AUG 5, 1862 Joined Where MAQUON, IL
Joined By Whom J L BURKHALTER Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out N/A
Muster Out Where N/A Muster Out By Whom N/A
Remarks DIED OF TYPHOID FEVER AT DANVILLE KY NOV 18, 1862
When Burkhalter had about 100 volunteers, he led the Maquon company into Peoria, where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. There on August 27, 1862, he was elected by the men of the Maquon company to be their Captain and Captain Burkhalter and 93 of his volunteers were mustered in as Co. F of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. John W. Smithson was elected by the men of Co. F to serve as their 6th Corporal.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched of the gates of Camp Lyon, Capt. James L. Burkhalter leading Co. F, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, and boarded a train bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana. Three weeks later, the men of the 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 in the coming years. After the Union victory at Perryville, the Confederate Army withdrew from Kentucky and McCook's Brigade headed for Nashville, Tennessee, where they went would go into winter camp.
However, before they left Kentucky, most likely sometime in October, Corporal John W. Smithson contracted Typhoid Fever and he was sent to the Army Hospitals at Danville, Kentucky, 10 miles or so east of Perryville. The army doctors did all they could for Corporal Smithson, however, his condition continued to get worse and on November 18, 1862, Corporal John W. Smithson succumbed to Typhoid Fever at the age of 27. His earthly remains were most likely initially buried in a Union burying ground in Danville area. But, his family is believed to have sent for his remains and today his earthly remains are believed to lie in the Thurman Cemetery in Knox County, Illinois.
After John's death, Amanda applied for a Widow's Pension and was granted this on April 8, 1863. Amanda was married second to John M. Keys on October 26, 1865 in Knox County, Illinois. #__________ children were born to John M. Keys and Amanda (Thurman) Smithson Keys. Amanda died on February 9, 1883 at __________, Illinois. Her earthly remains were laid to rest in the Thurman Cemetery south of Maquon, Illinois, near those of her first husband, Corporal John Walter Smithson.
by Baxter B. Fite III and Addie Rickey, a 2nd Cousin, three times removed, of Corporal John W. Smithson. Her email address is [email protected].
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of the Smithson family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on Corporal John W. Smithson and the Smithson family. Baxter would also love to copies of any pictures of Corporal John W. Smithson, which may have have survived the years, especially any showing him in uniform from his days in the service, added to his Find A Grave site for all to see.)
Corporal JOHN WALTER SMITHSON, Co. F, 86th Illinois
John Walter Smithson was born on November 29, 1834 at __________, Ohio in Highland County, the son of Edward Terrell Smithson and Elizabeth "Betsey" (Walter) Smithson. Edward Terrell Smithson was born Dec. 9, 1804, most likely in Virginia. Edward was married to Elizabeth "Betsey" Walter on December 27, 1832 in Highland Co., Ohio. Edward and Elizabeth are known to have had two children;
1. William Manson Smithson, born November 21, 1833 in Highland County, Ohio. See his Find A Grave Memorial.
2. John Walter Smithson, born on November 29, 1834 in Ohio.
The Smithson family came west to Illinois sometime between 1835 and 1838. Edward Terrell Smithson died on October 21, 1838.
After Edward died, Betsey Smithson was married to Isaiah Stevenson on October 10, 1840 in Knox County, Illinois. Elizabeth "Betsey" (Walter) Smithson Stevenson died on __________ __, 1842, probably in Knox Co., Illinois, leaving William and John orphans. After her death, Isaiah Stevenson was married to Abigail Sumner on November 23, 1843 in Knox County, Illinois.
Edward Terrell Smithson's mortal remains were laid in the Thurman Cemetery in Knox County, while Betsey (Walter) Smithson Stevenson's mortal remains were laid in the Housh Walter Sumner Cemetery in Knox County, Illinois.
At the time of the 1850 census, John Walter Smithson is found residing with Thomas R. Walter in Knox County, Illinois.
Thos R Walter M 30 Ohio
Lettice Needles F 33 Ohio
Hannah E Needles F 4 Illinois
John W Smithson M 15 Ohio
While William M. Smithson is found residing with John W. Walter at the time of the 1850 census of Knox County, Illinois;
John W Walter M 60 Virginia
Fanny Walter F 43 Virginia
Bouater Walter M 19 Ohio
Cythia Ann Walter F 17 Ohio
Richason Walter M 13 Ohio
Hannah Walter F 0 Illinois
Wm M Smithson M 10 Ohio
Emily Thurman F 16 Illinois
Harriet Thurman F 14 Illinois
Henry B Thurman M 12 Illinois
Fanny Thurman F 10 Illinois
Thomas A Thurman M 8 Illinois
Alelissa Thurman F 6 Illinois
John Walter Smithson was married Amanda F. Thurman on March 6, 1859 in Knox County, Illinois. Amanda Thurman was born on September 30, 1835 at Lancaster, Ohio in Fairfield County, the daughter of Elisha Thurman and Anna Bell (Hall) Thurman. Elisha Thurman came to Knox County by 1837, where he settled in Maquon Township. Elisha purchased a 160 acre farm along with his brother, Mark, for $500 on October 27, 1837. He farmed on this property until January 12, 1880, when he sold 159 acres it to Andrew C. Housh. The other acre being used as a cemetery, now known as the BENNINGTON or THURMAN CEMETERY, which is located 3 miles south of Maquon on Highway 97 and 100 yards west is a pasture on the North East Quarter of Section 21 in Maquon Township.
One son is known to have been born to John Walter Smithson and Amanda F. (Thurman) Smithson. He is;
1. Edward Sylvester Smithson, born October 21, 1859 at __________, Illinois.
On August 5, 1862, John W. Smithson volunteered at Maquon, Illinois to serve in a company which was being raised for service in the Union Army in Maquon, Illinois by a local Carpenter, Contractor and Businessman by the name of James L. Burhalter.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name SMITHSON, JOHN W
Rank CPL Company F Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence MAQUON, KNOX CO, IL Age 27 Height 6' Hair DARK
Eyes DARK Complexion FAIR Marital Status MARRIED Occupation FARMER
Nativity HIGHLAND CO, OH
Service Record
Joined When AUG 5, 1862 Joined Where MAQUON, IL
Joined By Whom J L BURKHALTER Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out N/A
Muster Out Where N/A Muster Out By Whom N/A
Remarks DIED OF TYPHOID FEVER AT DANVILLE KY NOV 18, 1862
When Burkhalter had about 100 volunteers, he led the Maquon company into Peoria, where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. There on August 27, 1862, he was elected by the men of the Maquon company to be their Captain and Captain Burkhalter and 93 of his volunteers were mustered in as Co. F of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. John W. Smithson was elected by the men of Co. F to serve as their 6th Corporal.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched of the gates of Camp Lyon, Capt. James L. Burkhalter leading Co. F, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, and boarded a train bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana. Three weeks later, the men of the 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 in the coming years. After the Union victory at Perryville, the Confederate Army withdrew from Kentucky and McCook's Brigade headed for Nashville, Tennessee, where they went would go into winter camp.
However, before they left Kentucky, most likely sometime in October, Corporal John W. Smithson contracted Typhoid Fever and he was sent to the Army Hospitals at Danville, Kentucky, 10 miles or so east of Perryville. The army doctors did all they could for Corporal Smithson, however, his condition continued to get worse and on November 18, 1862, Corporal John W. Smithson succumbed to Typhoid Fever at the age of 27. His earthly remains were most likely initially buried in a Union burying ground in Danville area. But, his family is believed to have sent for his remains and today his earthly remains are believed to lie in the Thurman Cemetery in Knox County, Illinois.
After John's death, Amanda applied for a Widow's Pension and was granted this on April 8, 1863. Amanda was married second to John M. Keys on October 26, 1865 in Knox County, Illinois. #__________ children were born to John M. Keys and Amanda (Thurman) Smithson Keys. Amanda died on February 9, 1883 at __________, Illinois. Her earthly remains were laid to rest in the Thurman Cemetery south of Maquon, Illinois, near those of her first husband, Corporal John Walter Smithson.
by Baxter B. Fite III and Addie Rickey, a 2nd Cousin, three times removed, of Corporal John W. Smithson. Her email address is [email protected].
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of the Smithson family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on Corporal John W. Smithson and the Smithson family. Baxter would also love to copies of any pictures of Corporal John W. Smithson, which may have have survived the years, especially any showing him in uniform from his days in the service, added to his Find A Grave site for all to see.)
John Walter Smithson was born on November 29, 1834 at __________, Ohio in Highland County, the son of Edward Terrell Smithson and Elizabeth "Betsey" (Walter) Smithson. Edward Terrell Smithson was born Dec. 9, 1804, most likely in Virginia. Edward was married to Elizabeth "Betsey" Walter on December 27, 1832 in Highland Co., Ohio. Edward and Elizabeth are known to have had two children;
1. William Manson Smithson, born November 21, 1833 in Highland County, Ohio. See his Find A Grave Memorial.
2. John Walter Smithson, born on November 29, 1834 in Ohio.
The Smithson family came west to Illinois sometime between 1835 and 1838. Edward Terrell Smithson died on October 21, 1838.
After Edward died, Betsey Smithson was married to Isaiah Stevenson on October 10, 1840 in Knox County, Illinois. Elizabeth "Betsey" (Walter) Smithson Stevenson died on __________ __, 1842, probably in Knox Co., Illinois, leaving William and John orphans. After her death, Isaiah Stevenson was married to Abigail Sumner on November 23, 1843 in Knox County, Illinois.
Edward Terrell Smithson's mortal remains were laid in the Thurman Cemetery in Knox County, while Betsey (Walter) Smithson Stevenson's mortal remains were laid in the Housh Walter Sumner Cemetery in Knox County, Illinois.
At the time of the 1850 census, John Walter Smithson is found residing with Thomas R. Walter in Knox County, Illinois.
Thos R Walter M 30 Ohio
Lettice Needles F 33 Ohio
Hannah E Needles F 4 Illinois
John W Smithson M 15 Ohio
While William M. Smithson is found residing with John W. Walter at the time of the 1850 census of Knox County, Illinois;
John W Walter M 60 Virginia
Fanny Walter F 43 Virginia
Bouater Walter M 19 Ohio
Cythia Ann Walter F 17 Ohio
Richason Walter M 13 Ohio
Hannah Walter F 0 Illinois
Wm M Smithson M 10 Ohio
Emily Thurman F 16 Illinois
Harriet Thurman F 14 Illinois
Henry B Thurman M 12 Illinois
Fanny Thurman F 10 Illinois
Thomas A Thurman M 8 Illinois
Alelissa Thurman F 6 Illinois
John Walter Smithson was married Amanda F. Thurman on March 6, 1859 in Knox County, Illinois. Amanda Thurman was born on September 30, 1835 at Lancaster, Ohio in Fairfield County, the daughter of Elisha Thurman and Anna Bell (Hall) Thurman. Elisha Thurman came to Knox County by 1837, where he settled in Maquon Township. Elisha purchased a 160 acre farm along with his brother, Mark, for $500 on October 27, 1837. He farmed on this property until January 12, 1880, when he sold 159 acres it to Andrew C. Housh. The other acre being used as a cemetery, now known as the BENNINGTON or THURMAN CEMETERY, which is located 3 miles south of Maquon on Highway 97 and 100 yards west is a pasture on the North East Quarter of Section 21 in Maquon Township.
One son is known to have been born to John Walter Smithson and Amanda F. (Thurman) Smithson. He is;
1. Edward Sylvester Smithson, born October 21, 1859 at __________, Illinois.
On August 5, 1862, John W. Smithson volunteered at Maquon, Illinois to serve in a company which was being raised for service in the Union Army in Maquon, Illinois by a local Carpenter, Contractor and Businessman by the name of James L. Burhalter.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name SMITHSON, JOHN W
Rank CPL Company F Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence MAQUON, KNOX CO, IL Age 27 Height 6' Hair DARK
Eyes DARK Complexion FAIR Marital Status MARRIED Occupation FARMER
Nativity HIGHLAND CO, OH
Service Record
Joined When AUG 5, 1862 Joined Where MAQUON, IL
Joined By Whom J L BURKHALTER Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out N/A
Muster Out Where N/A Muster Out By Whom N/A
Remarks DIED OF TYPHOID FEVER AT DANVILLE KY NOV 18, 1862
When Burkhalter had about 100 volunteers, he led the Maquon company into Peoria, where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. There on August 27, 1862, he was elected by the men of the Maquon company to be their Captain and Captain Burkhalter and 93 of his volunteers were mustered in as Co. F of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. John W. Smithson was elected by the men of Co. F to serve as their 6th Corporal.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched of the gates of Camp Lyon, Capt. James L. Burkhalter leading Co. F, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, and boarded a train bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana. Three weeks later, the men of the 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 in the coming years. After the Union victory at Perryville, the Confederate Army withdrew from Kentucky and McCook's Brigade headed for Nashville, Tennessee, where they went would go into winter camp.
However, before they left Kentucky, most likely sometime in October, Corporal John W. Smithson contracted Typhoid Fever and he was sent to the Army Hospitals at Danville, Kentucky, 10 miles or so east of Perryville. The army doctors did all they could for Corporal Smithson, however, his condition continued to get worse and on November 18, 1862, Corporal John W. Smithson succumbed to Typhoid Fever at the age of 27. His earthly remains were most likely initially buried in a Union burying ground in Danville area. But, his family is believed to have sent for his remains and today his earthly remains are believed to lie in the Thurman Cemetery in Knox County, Illinois.
After John's death, Amanda applied for a Widow's Pension and was granted this on April 8, 1863. Amanda was married second to John M. Keys on October 26, 1865 in Knox County, Illinois. #__________ children were born to John M. Keys and Amanda (Thurman) Smithson Keys. Amanda died on February 9, 1883 at __________, Illinois. Her earthly remains were laid to rest in the Thurman Cemetery south of Maquon, Illinois, near those of her first husband, Corporal John Walter Smithson.
by Baxter B. Fite III and Addie Rickey, a 2nd Cousin, three times removed, of Corporal John W. Smithson. Her email address is [email protected].
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of the Smithson family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on Corporal John W. Smithson and the Smithson family. Baxter would also love to copies of any pictures of Corporal John W. Smithson, which may have have survived the years, especially any showing him in uniform from his days in the service, added to his Find A Grave site for all to see.)
Inscription
Age 27 yr 1 mo 20 days
Family Members
Siblings
Half Siblings
Children
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