(NOTE: John Eugene This probably never had his portrait taken prior to the Civil War. However, during the 10 month period that the 86th Illinois was in the Nashville, Tennessee area in 1862-63, John, like most of the Union soldiers in the Nashville area, probably took the time to sit for a portrait to send home to the loved ones that he left behind. These portraits were most often printed in the form of what was called a CDV, a paper picture glued to a heavier card stock about the size of a modern day baseball card, and the soldiers didn't just have one or two copies made. Most of the time, they had a dozen or more made, so they could swap pictures with their tentmates, messmates and for their friends, in the 86th and back home.
John survived the war and lived well into the 20th century. During his life, John probably had his picture taken dozens of times, if not hundreds of times. I would dearly love to see a copy of that CDV added to his Find A Grave site for all with an interest to see. However, at this point, I would be thrilled just to see some more pictures of him added to his Find A Grave Memorial, even ones of him as an old man. Can anyone else help me? Thanks, Baxter)
Private JOHN EUGENE THIS (THISS), Co. A, 86th Illinois
John Eugene This died on April 12, 1923 in Colfax, McLean County, Illinois. His death certificate states that he was born on February 9, 1837 in Manning France. It further states that his parents were Dominique This and Frances (Simon) This. His parents were both born in France. John's death certificate states that he was a retired farmer, that his wife was Mary A. This and that his mortal remains were laid in the Wiley Cemetery on April 14, 1923.
It is now believed that Dominque This was born in the late 1790's in France and was married to Jeanette "Jane" Frances Simon in the 1830's in France. Jeanette (Simon) This was born in the early 1800's and died on August 20, 1896 in Metamora, Woodford County, Illinois. They are believed to have had the following children;
1. John Eugene Thiss, b. February 09, 1837, Manning, France, d. April 12, 1923, Colfax, McLean County, IL.
2. Frank Thiss, b. July 04, 1838, Manning, France, d. March 23, 1913, Fairbury, Livingston County, IL.
3. Charles Thiss, b. 1839, Manning, France, d. June 27, 1864, Battle of Kennesaw Mountain, GA Civil War.
4. Victoria Thiss, b. 1842/3, Manning, France.
5. Felix "Phillip" Thiss, b. March 31, 1844/5, Manning, France, d. October 24, 1914, Colfax, McLean County, IL.
In the 1850's, Dominique and Jane brought their family to Illinois, where they settled in Woodford County. A possible brother of Dominique's, named Stephen, may have come to Woodford County during this same time as well. This is their families as they are found in the 1860 census;
In Olio Township:
Dominiqie Teus 63
Jane Teus 60
Frank Teus 21
Dominique Teus 19
Victoria Teus 17
Felix 16
In Partridge Township;
Stephen Theis 56
Mary A. Theis 58
Eugene Theis 20
Ahillista Theis 17
At the time of the 1870 census, Dominique This is found in Olio Township, Woodford County, Illinois;
Dominic This M 71y France
Jane This F 66y France
Philip This M 25y France
At the time of the 1880 census, Dominique This is found in Metamora, Woodford County, Illinois. He is listed as a retired farmer;
Self Dominique This M 83 France
Wife Jane This F 79 France
Daughter Victoria This F 37 France
Now to continue with what we know about John E. This, his service and his family;
On August 7, 1862, John, along with his brothers, Charles and Frank, all went into Eureka, Illinois, where they volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in the Eureka/El Paso area of Woodford County for service in the Union army by William S. Magarity, who was the first man elected Sheriff of Woodford County in the early 1840's.
ILLINOIS STATE ARCHIVES
Illinois Civil War Detail Report
Name THIS, JOHN Rank PVT
Company A Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence OLIO, WOODFORD CO, IL
Age 23 Height 5' 7 Hair BLACK
Eyes HAZEL Complexion DARK
Marital Status SINGLE
Occupation FARMER Nativity FRANCE
Service Record
Joined When AUG 7, 1862
Joined Where OLIO, IL
Joined By Whom CPT MAGARITY
Period 3 YRS Muster In AUG 27, 1862
Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom __________
Muster Out JUN 6, 1865
Muster Out Where WASHINGTON, DC
Muster Out By Whom LT SCROGGS
When Magarity had about 100 volunteers, he took his company across the Illinois River to Peoria, Illinois where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, 96 members of Magarity's company, including the three This brothers, were mustered into service as Co. A of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Magarity was elected Captain.
For the next two years, Privates John, Charles and Frank This served faithfully in Co. A, as the men of the 86th served in Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia. During this time, the This brothers were witness to and participants in some of the bloodiest fighting of the Western Theatre, most likely participating in the Battles of Perryville, Kentucky; Chickamauga, Georgia; Resaca, Georgia and Rome, Georgia, to name a few, and numerous skirmishes. Near the end of June of 1864, the Union Army under the command of William Tecumseh Sherman was nearing the important railroad hub of Atlanta, Georgia.
As the men of Co. A lay in the trenches on the morning of June 27, 1864 across from Cheatham Hill on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, little did they know that when the sun set on that day, Co. A would look drastically different. As the men made preparations for the assault on the Confederate fortifications on Cheatham Hill that morning, Co. A fielded 39 officers and men fit for duty. All three This brothers are believed to have been among those 39 officers and men. Thirty minutes after the assault began the men of McCook's Brigade fell back unable to breach the Confederate fortifications. During those 30 minutes, McCook's Brigade suffered over 30% casualties, over 500 men. The 86th Illinois suffered just over 100 casualties, but it was Co. A, the Eureka/El Paso, Illinois company which suffered the most. Co. A lost 11 men killed, 9 men wounded and 6 men were captured, some of whom were also severely wounded. Co. A had suffered 66% casualties. Three of those wounded or captured would die before the war was over. Among the killed was Private Charles This.
When the Union forces fell back, they were forced to leave almost all of their dead between the lines. For two days the bodies of the dead lay in the sun and the heat. The stench from the bodies became so bad that a truce was finally called so that the Federal dead could be buried. Private Charles This's body was among those buried initially right there on the battlefield. Several years later, Private Charles This's body and the rest of the Kennesaw dead were exhumed and reburied at Marietta National Cemetery in Marietta, Georgia. Today his earthly remains lie buried in Grave #9427 in Section I of the cemetery.
For John and Frank the war went on. After the fall of Atlanta, the This brothers are believed to have participated in General Sherman's "March to the Sea", the capture of Savannah, Georgia and in the spring of 1865, the final battles of the war in the Western Theatre, the Battles of Averasboro, North Carolina and Bentonville, North Carolina, after which General Johnston surrendered his Confederate army to that of General Sherman, thus ending all hope for the Confederacy.
After the war came to a close, the men of General Sherman's army marched on to Washington, D. C.. John and Frank This are believed to have been there with the rest of the 86th Illinois and what remained of McCook's Brigade, when General Sherman's army marched down Pennsylvania Avenue on the 2nd day of the Grand Review in May of 1865. The men of the 86th were then put on trains bound for Chicago, Illinois, where on June 6, 1865, they received their final pay and were discharged from the service. By the end of June of 1865, almost all of the surviving members of the 86th were back home with their families in Central Illinois.
Familysearch shows a record of the marriage of Mary Mahan to John E. Tist on December 21, 1867 in Clermont County, Ohio. This is the union of Mary A. Mahan and John E. This. Mary was born c. January __, 1843/44 in Ohio, the daughter of William Mahan, who was born c. 1801/02 in Kentucky, and Rebecca (____________) Mahan, who was born c. April __, 1815 in Ohio. William Mahan was married to Rebecca Frambers/Frombers on 26 Nov 1837 in Clermont,Ohio.
At the time of the 1850 census, the Mahan family is found in Williamsburg, Clermont County, Ohio;
William Mahan M 48 Kentucky
Rebecca Mahan F 35 Ohio
James Mahan M 11 Ohio
Malinda Mahan F 8 Ohio
Mary Mahan F 7 Ohio
Eliza Mahan F 4 Ohio
Joseph Mahan M 1 Ohio
At the time of the 1860 census, the Mahans are found in Williamsburg Township, Clermont County, Ohio;
Wm Mahan M 58 Kentucky
Rebecca Mahan F 45 Ohio
James Mahan M 20 Ohio
Melinda Mahan F 18 Ohio
Mary Mahan F 16 Ohio
Elizabeth Mahan F 8 Ohio
William Mahan M 6 Ohio
Wayland Mahan M 2 Ohio
At the time of the 1870 census, William Mahan, listed as Maham, is found in Williamsburg Township, Clermont County, Ohio, where he is farming;
William Maham M 68 Kentucky
Rebecca Maham F 55 Ohio
Elizabeth Maham F 18 Ohio
William Maham M 15 Ohio
Waylance Maham M 12 Ohio
Malinda Clark F 28 Ohio
Lilly Clark F 6 Ohio
Willie Clark M 3 Ohio
Kenny Fossitt has a copy of William Mahan's death certificate. William Mahan died on 16 December 1876 in Williamsburg Township, Clermont County, Ohio at the age of 74y 11m 4d of a Debility. His mortal remains may very well lie in the Early Settlers Burying Ground, which is also known as the Denham-Burke Cemetery or Old Settlers Cemetery in Bethel, Clermont County, Ohio. Two of William and Rebecca's infant children are buried here and it is the most logical place, though apparently no tombstone exists.
In the 1860's, some of the Mahans,with the marriages, had moved to Illinois. In the late 1870's, after the death of her husband, William, Rebecca followed her children to Illinois. At the time of the 1880 census, Rebecca Mahan is found widowed and living with her two youngest sons in Padua Township, McLean County, Illinois. She is listed as Keeping House for sons. Her father and mother are listed as having been born in New Jersey and Tennessee, respectively;
William A Mahan Self M 26 Ohio
Rebecca M Mahan Mother F 65 Ohio
Wesley W Mahan Son M 23 Ohio
William Clark Grandson M 13 Ohio
At the time of the 1900 census, Rebecca is found residing with her daughter and son-in-law, Mr. & Mrs. John E. Thiss in the village of Colfax, Martin Township, McLean County, Illinois. He is listed as a farmer;
John Thiss Head M Feb 1837 63 France
Mollie Thiss Wife F Jan 1844 56 Ohio
Frank Thiss Son M Apr 1873 27 Illinois
Rebecca Mahan Mother F Apr 1815 85 Ohio
Rebecca must have died in the early 1900's. Perhaps she is buried in McLean County, Illinois.
Now to continue on with what we know about John E. This and Mary A. (Mahan) This and their family;
Shortly after they were married, John and Mary moved to Illinois. At the time of the 1870 and 1880 census records, they are found in Woodford County and then in McLean County and their first 2 children, Henry and Allie were both born in Woodford County by 1870. Following are the children believed to have been born to John and Mary;
1. Henry This, born c. 1869 in Illinois, probably in Woodford County. Henry is believed to have died young as he is not listed in the 1880 census.
2. Allie/Hallie Mae This, born c. 1870 in Illinois, probably in Woodford County. Hallie was married to John H. Discho on May 1, 1895 in Colfax, McLean County, Illinois. The following is found on familysearch;
Name John H. Discho
Spouse's Name Hallie Mae Thiss
Event Date 01 May 1895
Event Place Colfax, Mclean, Illinois
Father's Name Peter Discho
Mother's Name Eliza Hill
Spouse's Father's Name John A. Thiss
Spouse's Mother's Name Mary A. Mahan
At the time of the 1920 census, Hallie and her family are found in Martin Township, McLean County, Illinois;
J H Discho Head M 58 New York
Hallie Discho Wife F 50 Illinois
John Thiss Father-in-law M 82 France
3. Frank C This, born c. 1872/73 in Illinois. Frank was residing in or near Colfax, Illinois in 1911.
4. Jeanette Myrtle This, born June 9, 1876 in or near Eureka, Woodford County, Illinois. Jeanette was married to Lewis Otto Chapman on November 3, 1898 in Colfax, McLean County, Illinois. The following is found on familysearch;
Name Lewis O. Chapman
Spouse's Name Jeanette M. Thiss
Event Date 03 Nov 1898
Event Place Colfax, Mclean, Illinois
Father's Name Amos Chapman
Mother's Name Nancy Amerine
Spouse's Father's Name John Thiss
Spouse's Mother's Name Mary Mahen
Jeanette and Lewis were the parents of;
a. Harold Eugene Chapman, born c. 1899/1900 in Illinois.
b. Loren Arthur Chapman, born c. 1904/05 in Illinois.
At the time of the 1910 census, the Chapmans are found in Bloomington Ward 1, McLean County, Illinois;
Louis O Chapman Head M 34 Illinois
Jeanette M Chapman Wife F 33 Illinois
Harold E Chapman Son M 10 Illinois
Loren A Chapman Son M 5 Illinois
Jennie Ryburn Roomer F 50 Illinois
Floyd Thompson Roomer M 26 Illinois
Jeanette Myrtle (This) Chapman died on 21 Jul 1911 in Bloomington, McLean County, Illinois. Her mortal remains were laid in the Wiley Cemetery in Colfax, McLean County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial #32069198.
5. Daisy Aerl This, born June 5, 1880 in Colfax Township, McLean County, Illinois.
from Illinois Births and Christenings
Name Daisy Aerl This
Gender Female
Event Type Birth
Event Date 05 Jun 1880
Event Place Colfax, McLean, Illinois
Father's Name John E. This
Mother's Name Mary Mahan
Daisy was married to James E. Davison in the late 1890's. At the time of the 1920 census, Daisy and her family are found in Ward 5 of the city of Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois;
James E Davison Head M 42 Illinois
Daisy Davison Wife F 39 Illinois
Claude Davison Son M 19 Illinois
Harry Davison Son M 15 Illinois
Louise Davison Daughter F 12 Illinois
Katheryn Davison Daughter F 5 Illinois
Daisy Aerl (This) Davison died on 3 Dec 1963 in Riverside, Riverside County, California and her mortal remains were laid in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, Los Angeles County, California. See her Find A Grave Memorial #85376946.
Now to continue with what we know about John Eugene This and his family;
At the time of the 1870 census, John and his family are found in Olio Township, Woodford County, Illinois, where he is farming;
John This M 33 France Farmer
Mary This F 30 Illinois
Henry This M 1 Illinois
At the time of the 1880 census, John and his family are found in Martin Township, McLean County, Illinois, where the family is farming;
John E This Self M 43 France Farmer
Mary This Wife F 36 Ohio
Allie M This Daughter F 10 Illinois
Frank C This Son M 7 Illinois
Janet M This Daughter F 4 Illinois
John A Smith Boarding M 21 Illinois Farm Laborer
In 1887, the surviving members of the 86th Illinois organized a reunion of the old 86th that was held in Peoria, Illinois during the week of August 27, 1887, the 25th Anniversary of the mustering of the 86th. John E. This was not able to attend that first reunion, but for the next 36 years, reunions were held every year on that anniversary. The first reunion that John E. This was able to attend was the 1889 reunion. Over the years, he was able to attend 8 reunions, the last being in 1922, when he was one of only 25 veterans of the 86th, who were able to attend.
At the time of the 1900 census, John and his family are found residing in the village of Colfax, Martin Township, McLean County, Illinois. He is listed as a farmer;
John Thiss Head M Feb 1837 63 France
Mollie Thiss Wife F Jan 1844 56 Ohio
Frank Thiss Son M Apr 1873 27 Illinois
Rebecca Mahan Mother F Apr 1815 85 Ohio
At the time of the 1910 census, John and Mary are found residing at what is identified as 189 West Cooper Street in Martin, McLean County, Illinois. Their name was misread as Fhiss;
John Fhiss Head M 72 France
Mary A Fhiss Wife F 66 France
Mary A. (Mahan) This died on December __, 1911 and her mortal remains were laid in the Colfax Cemetery.
The following notice appeared in the The Metamora Herald, Metamora, IL, December 22, 1911, Page 7, Column 4;
Miss Victoria and Chas. Conrard left for Colfax Tuesday to attend the funeral of their aunt, Mrs. John This, who died at that place. The funeral was held Wednesday.
The following obituary appeared in the Colfax Press, Colfax, IL, December 21, 1911;
"DEATH OF MRS. JOHN THISS.
To the one who has lived an upright and noble life, death has no terror, and so with Mrs. John Thiss, who passed away at her home on North Center street at 6:30 o'clock Monday evening, in the fulness of years and with a desire on her lips to meet her Saviour, having told her relatives and friends that she was anxious to go and meet her Saviour, and during all these years exemplifying the true faith in her Lord. The funeral was held at the house yesterday afternoon at two o'clock, conducted by her pastor, Rev. Geo. R. Southgate, the house being crowded with sympathizing friends. The minister spoke words of encouragement to those present of the noble life that has passed out to the other world, and at the close of the service the remains were conveyed to the Wiley cemetery to await the resurrection of the just.
Mary A. Mahan was one of the six children of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Mahan, there being three sons and three daughters, she being the third from the eldest. She was born near Laurel, Claremont county, Ohio, January 20, 1844. She made her home with her parents until she was past twenty years of age, teaching school in the vicinity of her native town. She made a visit to Eureka, Ill., about 1865, and while on this visit she met John Thiss. After a year-s stay at Eureka she and Mr. Thiss returned to Lauarel, Ohio, and were married at the home of her parents on December 21, 1866. They returned to Eureka and went to housekeeping on the groom's farm near there, where they remained until 1878 when they came to Colfax and took up their residence on a farm of 160 acres just at the southeast edge of Colfax which Mr. Thiss purchased and which is now rented to B. F. Satchwell. They remained on the farm until 1903 when they moved to town, purchasing the property now occupied by Wm. Gaddis, which they later sold to Mr. Gaddis. They spent one winter in Colorado and moved to their present home about five years ago. To this happy union of lives were born four children—Mrs. J. H. Discho and Frank C. Thiss of Colfax, Mrs. L. O. Chapman, who passed away after a lingering illness last July, and Mrs. J. E. Davison of Saybrook. The three living children were present during the last week's of their mother's illness to comfort the father in his severe trial.
The illness of the deceased dates back about fifteen months, when she began suffering with a cancer of the liver, being serious at times and causing her family much alarm, but she rallied from the first attacks, and her last and fatal attack being just sixteen weeks prior to her death, she having been confined in her bed all that time, and the end was almost daily expected for several weeks. Two weeks ago last Friday it was thought that she could not survive the night, and she seemed to realize it, and she called in about thirty of her intimate friends and talked to them and told all good-by, but the grim reaper did not claim her until Monday night, as above stated. Mrs. Thiss realized her condition and had made all the funeral arrangements. She united with the Christ church at Versailles, near Eureka, in 1875, and lived a faithful christian life. Her favorite songs were sung at the funeral service, being "Beckoning Hands," "Looking This Way," "Pass me Not," and "Beautiful City." The songs were sung by Mrs. J. P. Arnold, Mrs. R. N. Puett, R. N. Puett and E. E. Meharry. The pall bearers were the son, Frank Thiss, the sons-in-law, J. H. Discho, L. O. Chapman and J. E. Davison, and F. J. Harris and C. C. Evans. All the above funeral arrangements were ca[r]ried out as she planned.
Besides the husband she is survived by the following: J. A. Mahan, a brother, of Anderson, Indiana; Mrs. Melinda Hallam, a sister, of Eureka, Ill.; W. A. and W. W. Mahan, brothers, of Houston, Texas, and Mrs. Felix Thiss of Colfax, a sister; three children, Mrs. Discho, Frank Thiss and Mrs. Davison, and five grand-children.
Those present at the funeral from a distance were Mr. Chas. Conrard and sister, Miss Victoria, both of Metamora, being nephew and niece of Mr. Thiss; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Thiss of Fairbury; Mrs. Melinda Hallam of Eureka; L. O. Chapman and two sons of Bloomington, and J. E. Davison and family of Saybrook, and Miss Mildred Wiley of Bloomington."
At the time of the 1920 census, John E. This is found, widowed, and living with his daughter and son-in-law in Martin Township, McLean County, Illinois;
J H Discho Head M 58 New York
Hallie Discho Wife F 50 Illinois
John Thiss Father-in-law M 82 France
Seven months after attending the 1922 reunion, John E. This died on April 23, 1923. At the 1923 reunion, which proved to be the last that was held, the name of John E. Thiss, of Colfax, Illinois, was on the list of nineteen 86th Illinois veterans, who were known to have passed away in the previous year, whose names were read during the reunion.
The following obituary that appeared in the 1923 86th Illinois Reunion Booklet for the reunion of that year. It was the last reunion held by the surviving members of the 86th.
"John E. Thiss Is Buried at Colfax Cemetery
Mr. Thiss passed at the home of his daughter, Mrs. J. H. Discho, of Colfax, on Thursday afternoon at 5 o'clock, following an illness of seventeen days duration. On March 27, he suffered a paralytic stroke from which he never rallied.
He was born in Manning, France on February 9, 1837, and came to this country with his parents when 9 years of age, settling at Spring Bay, Ill. In 1850, they moved to Eureka where they resided until 1862 when he and two of his brothers, Charles and Frank, enlisted for service in the Civil War, being members of Co. A, Eighty-sixth Illinois regiment and he was in active service for three years. Being in a number of battles, he was one of the number who marched with Sherman from Atlanta to the sea. His brother, Charles, was killed in the battle at Kenesaw mountain. At the close of the war, he and his brother, Frank returned to Eureka neither being wounded or injured in anyway."
The following obituary appeared in the Metamora Herald, Metamora, IL, April 20, 1923, Page 8, Column 1:
"JOHN THISS, FORMER RESIDENT, PASSES ON
DIED AT HOME OF DAUGHTER IN COLFAX LAST THURSDAY AFTERNOON
Uncle of Members of Conrard Family, Who Attended Funeral Saturday—Came Here From France at Age of 9 Years
----------
Charles and Miss Victoria Conrard, Mr. and Mrs. Jos. D. Conrard and A. J. Mason and son, Howard, attended the funeral in Colfax Saturday of the late John E. Thiss, uncle of the members of the Conrard family, and an old-time resident of Woodford county. Deceased was a brother of the late Mrs. H. Conrard of Metamora, and spent his early life in Woodford county, first in the country northwest of Metamora, where the family settled on coming to the United States from France, and later for many years on a farm east of Eureka.
The services were held in the home at 2 p.m., Rev. Osceola McNemar, pastor of the Colfax Christian church, and former pastor at Secor, officiating.
Mr. Thiss passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. J. H. Discho, of Colfax on Thursday afternoon at 5 o'clock following an illness of seventeen days duration. On March 27 he suffered a paralytic stroke form which he never rallied.
He was born in Manning, France February 9, 1837 and came to this country with his parents when 9 years of age, settling at Spring Bay, Ill. In 1850, they moved to Eureka where they resided until 1862 when he and his two brothers, Charles and Frank, enlisted for service in the Civil war, being members of Co. A., Eighty-sixth Illinois regiment and he was in active service for three years. Being in a number of battles, he was one of the number who marched with Sherman from Atlanta to the sea. His brother, Charles, was killed in the battle at Kenesaw mountain. At the close of war, he with his brother Frank returned to Eureka neither being wounded or injured in anyway.
On December 21, Mr. Thiss was united in marriage to Mary A. Mahan of Laurel, O. They began housekeeping on his farm, four miles east of Eureka, where they remained until 1878, when they disposed of their farm, coming to McLean county. They bought the farm adjoining Colfax on the south, which he sold to James Havens several years ago. In 1903 they left the farm and moved to town to reside.
Mr. Thiss was preceded in death by his wife and one daughter, Mrs. Jeannette Chapman, both dying in 1911. He is survived by the following children: Hallie M. Discho, of Co[l]fax; Frank C. Thiss, of Casper, Wyo., and Mrs. Daisy Davison, of Peoria. There are six grandchildren, Harold E. Chapman, of Chicago, Loren A. Chapman, of Bloomington; Claude, Harry, Louise and Kathryn Davison, of Peoria. He also leaves one brother, N. F. Thiss, of Minneapolis, Minn.
by Baxter B. Fite III and Find A Grave Contributor: Kenny Fossitt (47720950) • [email protected]
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of the This family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on John E. This and the This family. Baxter would also love to see copies of any photographs of John E. This, which may 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 survived the war and lived well into the 20th century. During his life, John probably had his picture taken dozens of times, if not hundreds of times. I would dearly love to see a copy of that CDV added to his Find A Grave site for all with an interest to see. However, at this point, I would be thrilled just to see some more pictures of him added to his Find A Grave Memorial, even ones of him as an old man. Can anyone else help me? Thanks, Baxter)
Private JOHN EUGENE THIS (THISS), Co. A, 86th Illinois
John Eugene This died on April 12, 1923 in Colfax, McLean County, Illinois. His death certificate states that he was born on February 9, 1837 in Manning France. It further states that his parents were Dominique This and Frances (Simon) This. His parents were both born in France. John's death certificate states that he was a retired farmer, that his wife was Mary A. This and that his mortal remains were laid in the Wiley Cemetery on April 14, 1923.
It is now believed that Dominque This was born in the late 1790's in France and was married to Jeanette "Jane" Frances Simon in the 1830's in France. Jeanette (Simon) This was born in the early 1800's and died on August 20, 1896 in Metamora, Woodford County, Illinois. They are believed to have had the following children;
1. John Eugene Thiss, b. February 09, 1837, Manning, France, d. April 12, 1923, Colfax, McLean County, IL.
2. Frank Thiss, b. July 04, 1838, Manning, France, d. March 23, 1913, Fairbury, Livingston County, IL.
3. Charles Thiss, b. 1839, Manning, France, d. June 27, 1864, Battle of Kennesaw Mountain, GA Civil War.
4. Victoria Thiss, b. 1842/3, Manning, France.
5. Felix "Phillip" Thiss, b. March 31, 1844/5, Manning, France, d. October 24, 1914, Colfax, McLean County, IL.
In the 1850's, Dominique and Jane brought their family to Illinois, where they settled in Woodford County. A possible brother of Dominique's, named Stephen, may have come to Woodford County during this same time as well. This is their families as they are found in the 1860 census;
In Olio Township:
Dominiqie Teus 63
Jane Teus 60
Frank Teus 21
Dominique Teus 19
Victoria Teus 17
Felix 16
In Partridge Township;
Stephen Theis 56
Mary A. Theis 58
Eugene Theis 20
Ahillista Theis 17
At the time of the 1870 census, Dominique This is found in Olio Township, Woodford County, Illinois;
Dominic This M 71y France
Jane This F 66y France
Philip This M 25y France
At the time of the 1880 census, Dominique This is found in Metamora, Woodford County, Illinois. He is listed as a retired farmer;
Self Dominique This M 83 France
Wife Jane This F 79 France
Daughter Victoria This F 37 France
Now to continue with what we know about John E. This, his service and his family;
On August 7, 1862, John, along with his brothers, Charles and Frank, all went into Eureka, Illinois, where they volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in the Eureka/El Paso area of Woodford County for service in the Union army by William S. Magarity, who was the first man elected Sheriff of Woodford County in the early 1840's.
ILLINOIS STATE ARCHIVES
Illinois Civil War Detail Report
Name THIS, JOHN Rank PVT
Company A Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence OLIO, WOODFORD CO, IL
Age 23 Height 5' 7 Hair BLACK
Eyes HAZEL Complexion DARK
Marital Status SINGLE
Occupation FARMER Nativity FRANCE
Service Record
Joined When AUG 7, 1862
Joined Where OLIO, IL
Joined By Whom CPT MAGARITY
Period 3 YRS Muster In AUG 27, 1862
Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom __________
Muster Out JUN 6, 1865
Muster Out Where WASHINGTON, DC
Muster Out By Whom LT SCROGGS
When Magarity had about 100 volunteers, he took his company across the Illinois River to Peoria, Illinois where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, 96 members of Magarity's company, including the three This brothers, were mustered into service as Co. A of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Magarity was elected Captain.
For the next two years, Privates John, Charles and Frank This served faithfully in Co. A, as the men of the 86th served in Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia. During this time, the This brothers were witness to and participants in some of the bloodiest fighting of the Western Theatre, most likely participating in the Battles of Perryville, Kentucky; Chickamauga, Georgia; Resaca, Georgia and Rome, Georgia, to name a few, and numerous skirmishes. Near the end of June of 1864, the Union Army under the command of William Tecumseh Sherman was nearing the important railroad hub of Atlanta, Georgia.
As the men of Co. A lay in the trenches on the morning of June 27, 1864 across from Cheatham Hill on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, little did they know that when the sun set on that day, Co. A would look drastically different. As the men made preparations for the assault on the Confederate fortifications on Cheatham Hill that morning, Co. A fielded 39 officers and men fit for duty. All three This brothers are believed to have been among those 39 officers and men. Thirty minutes after the assault began the men of McCook's Brigade fell back unable to breach the Confederate fortifications. During those 30 minutes, McCook's Brigade suffered over 30% casualties, over 500 men. The 86th Illinois suffered just over 100 casualties, but it was Co. A, the Eureka/El Paso, Illinois company which suffered the most. Co. A lost 11 men killed, 9 men wounded and 6 men were captured, some of whom were also severely wounded. Co. A had suffered 66% casualties. Three of those wounded or captured would die before the war was over. Among the killed was Private Charles This.
When the Union forces fell back, they were forced to leave almost all of their dead between the lines. For two days the bodies of the dead lay in the sun and the heat. The stench from the bodies became so bad that a truce was finally called so that the Federal dead could be buried. Private Charles This's body was among those buried initially right there on the battlefield. Several years later, Private Charles This's body and the rest of the Kennesaw dead were exhumed and reburied at Marietta National Cemetery in Marietta, Georgia. Today his earthly remains lie buried in Grave #9427 in Section I of the cemetery.
For John and Frank the war went on. After the fall of Atlanta, the This brothers are believed to have participated in General Sherman's "March to the Sea", the capture of Savannah, Georgia and in the spring of 1865, the final battles of the war in the Western Theatre, the Battles of Averasboro, North Carolina and Bentonville, North Carolina, after which General Johnston surrendered his Confederate army to that of General Sherman, thus ending all hope for the Confederacy.
After the war came to a close, the men of General Sherman's army marched on to Washington, D. C.. John and Frank This are believed to have been there with the rest of the 86th Illinois and what remained of McCook's Brigade, when General Sherman's army marched down Pennsylvania Avenue on the 2nd day of the Grand Review in May of 1865. The men of the 86th were then put on trains bound for Chicago, Illinois, where on June 6, 1865, they received their final pay and were discharged from the service. By the end of June of 1865, almost all of the surviving members of the 86th were back home with their families in Central Illinois.
Familysearch shows a record of the marriage of Mary Mahan to John E. Tist on December 21, 1867 in Clermont County, Ohio. This is the union of Mary A. Mahan and John E. This. Mary was born c. January __, 1843/44 in Ohio, the daughter of William Mahan, who was born c. 1801/02 in Kentucky, and Rebecca (____________) Mahan, who was born c. April __, 1815 in Ohio. William Mahan was married to Rebecca Frambers/Frombers on 26 Nov 1837 in Clermont,Ohio.
At the time of the 1850 census, the Mahan family is found in Williamsburg, Clermont County, Ohio;
William Mahan M 48 Kentucky
Rebecca Mahan F 35 Ohio
James Mahan M 11 Ohio
Malinda Mahan F 8 Ohio
Mary Mahan F 7 Ohio
Eliza Mahan F 4 Ohio
Joseph Mahan M 1 Ohio
At the time of the 1860 census, the Mahans are found in Williamsburg Township, Clermont County, Ohio;
Wm Mahan M 58 Kentucky
Rebecca Mahan F 45 Ohio
James Mahan M 20 Ohio
Melinda Mahan F 18 Ohio
Mary Mahan F 16 Ohio
Elizabeth Mahan F 8 Ohio
William Mahan M 6 Ohio
Wayland Mahan M 2 Ohio
At the time of the 1870 census, William Mahan, listed as Maham, is found in Williamsburg Township, Clermont County, Ohio, where he is farming;
William Maham M 68 Kentucky
Rebecca Maham F 55 Ohio
Elizabeth Maham F 18 Ohio
William Maham M 15 Ohio
Waylance Maham M 12 Ohio
Malinda Clark F 28 Ohio
Lilly Clark F 6 Ohio
Willie Clark M 3 Ohio
Kenny Fossitt has a copy of William Mahan's death certificate. William Mahan died on 16 December 1876 in Williamsburg Township, Clermont County, Ohio at the age of 74y 11m 4d of a Debility. His mortal remains may very well lie in the Early Settlers Burying Ground, which is also known as the Denham-Burke Cemetery or Old Settlers Cemetery in Bethel, Clermont County, Ohio. Two of William and Rebecca's infant children are buried here and it is the most logical place, though apparently no tombstone exists.
In the 1860's, some of the Mahans,with the marriages, had moved to Illinois. In the late 1870's, after the death of her husband, William, Rebecca followed her children to Illinois. At the time of the 1880 census, Rebecca Mahan is found widowed and living with her two youngest sons in Padua Township, McLean County, Illinois. She is listed as Keeping House for sons. Her father and mother are listed as having been born in New Jersey and Tennessee, respectively;
William A Mahan Self M 26 Ohio
Rebecca M Mahan Mother F 65 Ohio
Wesley W Mahan Son M 23 Ohio
William Clark Grandson M 13 Ohio
At the time of the 1900 census, Rebecca is found residing with her daughter and son-in-law, Mr. & Mrs. John E. Thiss in the village of Colfax, Martin Township, McLean County, Illinois. He is listed as a farmer;
John Thiss Head M Feb 1837 63 France
Mollie Thiss Wife F Jan 1844 56 Ohio
Frank Thiss Son M Apr 1873 27 Illinois
Rebecca Mahan Mother F Apr 1815 85 Ohio
Rebecca must have died in the early 1900's. Perhaps she is buried in McLean County, Illinois.
Now to continue on with what we know about John E. This and Mary A. (Mahan) This and their family;
Shortly after they were married, John and Mary moved to Illinois. At the time of the 1870 and 1880 census records, they are found in Woodford County and then in McLean County and their first 2 children, Henry and Allie were both born in Woodford County by 1870. Following are the children believed to have been born to John and Mary;
1. Henry This, born c. 1869 in Illinois, probably in Woodford County. Henry is believed to have died young as he is not listed in the 1880 census.
2. Allie/Hallie Mae This, born c. 1870 in Illinois, probably in Woodford County. Hallie was married to John H. Discho on May 1, 1895 in Colfax, McLean County, Illinois. The following is found on familysearch;
Name John H. Discho
Spouse's Name Hallie Mae Thiss
Event Date 01 May 1895
Event Place Colfax, Mclean, Illinois
Father's Name Peter Discho
Mother's Name Eliza Hill
Spouse's Father's Name John A. Thiss
Spouse's Mother's Name Mary A. Mahan
At the time of the 1920 census, Hallie and her family are found in Martin Township, McLean County, Illinois;
J H Discho Head M 58 New York
Hallie Discho Wife F 50 Illinois
John Thiss Father-in-law M 82 France
3. Frank C This, born c. 1872/73 in Illinois. Frank was residing in or near Colfax, Illinois in 1911.
4. Jeanette Myrtle This, born June 9, 1876 in or near Eureka, Woodford County, Illinois. Jeanette was married to Lewis Otto Chapman on November 3, 1898 in Colfax, McLean County, Illinois. The following is found on familysearch;
Name Lewis O. Chapman
Spouse's Name Jeanette M. Thiss
Event Date 03 Nov 1898
Event Place Colfax, Mclean, Illinois
Father's Name Amos Chapman
Mother's Name Nancy Amerine
Spouse's Father's Name John Thiss
Spouse's Mother's Name Mary Mahen
Jeanette and Lewis were the parents of;
a. Harold Eugene Chapman, born c. 1899/1900 in Illinois.
b. Loren Arthur Chapman, born c. 1904/05 in Illinois.
At the time of the 1910 census, the Chapmans are found in Bloomington Ward 1, McLean County, Illinois;
Louis O Chapman Head M 34 Illinois
Jeanette M Chapman Wife F 33 Illinois
Harold E Chapman Son M 10 Illinois
Loren A Chapman Son M 5 Illinois
Jennie Ryburn Roomer F 50 Illinois
Floyd Thompson Roomer M 26 Illinois
Jeanette Myrtle (This) Chapman died on 21 Jul 1911 in Bloomington, McLean County, Illinois. Her mortal remains were laid in the Wiley Cemetery in Colfax, McLean County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial #32069198.
5. Daisy Aerl This, born June 5, 1880 in Colfax Township, McLean County, Illinois.
from Illinois Births and Christenings
Name Daisy Aerl This
Gender Female
Event Type Birth
Event Date 05 Jun 1880
Event Place Colfax, McLean, Illinois
Father's Name John E. This
Mother's Name Mary Mahan
Daisy was married to James E. Davison in the late 1890's. At the time of the 1920 census, Daisy and her family are found in Ward 5 of the city of Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois;
James E Davison Head M 42 Illinois
Daisy Davison Wife F 39 Illinois
Claude Davison Son M 19 Illinois
Harry Davison Son M 15 Illinois
Louise Davison Daughter F 12 Illinois
Katheryn Davison Daughter F 5 Illinois
Daisy Aerl (This) Davison died on 3 Dec 1963 in Riverside, Riverside County, California and her mortal remains were laid in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, Los Angeles County, California. See her Find A Grave Memorial #85376946.
Now to continue with what we know about John Eugene This and his family;
At the time of the 1870 census, John and his family are found in Olio Township, Woodford County, Illinois, where he is farming;
John This M 33 France Farmer
Mary This F 30 Illinois
Henry This M 1 Illinois
At the time of the 1880 census, John and his family are found in Martin Township, McLean County, Illinois, where the family is farming;
John E This Self M 43 France Farmer
Mary This Wife F 36 Ohio
Allie M This Daughter F 10 Illinois
Frank C This Son M 7 Illinois
Janet M This Daughter F 4 Illinois
John A Smith Boarding M 21 Illinois Farm Laborer
In 1887, the surviving members of the 86th Illinois organized a reunion of the old 86th that was held in Peoria, Illinois during the week of August 27, 1887, the 25th Anniversary of the mustering of the 86th. John E. This was not able to attend that first reunion, but for the next 36 years, reunions were held every year on that anniversary. The first reunion that John E. This was able to attend was the 1889 reunion. Over the years, he was able to attend 8 reunions, the last being in 1922, when he was one of only 25 veterans of the 86th, who were able to attend.
At the time of the 1900 census, John and his family are found residing in the village of Colfax, Martin Township, McLean County, Illinois. He is listed as a farmer;
John Thiss Head M Feb 1837 63 France
Mollie Thiss Wife F Jan 1844 56 Ohio
Frank Thiss Son M Apr 1873 27 Illinois
Rebecca Mahan Mother F Apr 1815 85 Ohio
At the time of the 1910 census, John and Mary are found residing at what is identified as 189 West Cooper Street in Martin, McLean County, Illinois. Their name was misread as Fhiss;
John Fhiss Head M 72 France
Mary A Fhiss Wife F 66 France
Mary A. (Mahan) This died on December __, 1911 and her mortal remains were laid in the Colfax Cemetery.
The following notice appeared in the The Metamora Herald, Metamora, IL, December 22, 1911, Page 7, Column 4;
Miss Victoria and Chas. Conrard left for Colfax Tuesday to attend the funeral of their aunt, Mrs. John This, who died at that place. The funeral was held Wednesday.
The following obituary appeared in the Colfax Press, Colfax, IL, December 21, 1911;
"DEATH OF MRS. JOHN THISS.
To the one who has lived an upright and noble life, death has no terror, and so with Mrs. John Thiss, who passed away at her home on North Center street at 6:30 o'clock Monday evening, in the fulness of years and with a desire on her lips to meet her Saviour, having told her relatives and friends that she was anxious to go and meet her Saviour, and during all these years exemplifying the true faith in her Lord. The funeral was held at the house yesterday afternoon at two o'clock, conducted by her pastor, Rev. Geo. R. Southgate, the house being crowded with sympathizing friends. The minister spoke words of encouragement to those present of the noble life that has passed out to the other world, and at the close of the service the remains were conveyed to the Wiley cemetery to await the resurrection of the just.
Mary A. Mahan was one of the six children of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Mahan, there being three sons and three daughters, she being the third from the eldest. She was born near Laurel, Claremont county, Ohio, January 20, 1844. She made her home with her parents until she was past twenty years of age, teaching school in the vicinity of her native town. She made a visit to Eureka, Ill., about 1865, and while on this visit she met John Thiss. After a year-s stay at Eureka she and Mr. Thiss returned to Lauarel, Ohio, and were married at the home of her parents on December 21, 1866. They returned to Eureka and went to housekeeping on the groom's farm near there, where they remained until 1878 when they came to Colfax and took up their residence on a farm of 160 acres just at the southeast edge of Colfax which Mr. Thiss purchased and which is now rented to B. F. Satchwell. They remained on the farm until 1903 when they moved to town, purchasing the property now occupied by Wm. Gaddis, which they later sold to Mr. Gaddis. They spent one winter in Colorado and moved to their present home about five years ago. To this happy union of lives were born four children—Mrs. J. H. Discho and Frank C. Thiss of Colfax, Mrs. L. O. Chapman, who passed away after a lingering illness last July, and Mrs. J. E. Davison of Saybrook. The three living children were present during the last week's of their mother's illness to comfort the father in his severe trial.
The illness of the deceased dates back about fifteen months, when she began suffering with a cancer of the liver, being serious at times and causing her family much alarm, but she rallied from the first attacks, and her last and fatal attack being just sixteen weeks prior to her death, she having been confined in her bed all that time, and the end was almost daily expected for several weeks. Two weeks ago last Friday it was thought that she could not survive the night, and she seemed to realize it, and she called in about thirty of her intimate friends and talked to them and told all good-by, but the grim reaper did not claim her until Monday night, as above stated. Mrs. Thiss realized her condition and had made all the funeral arrangements. She united with the Christ church at Versailles, near Eureka, in 1875, and lived a faithful christian life. Her favorite songs were sung at the funeral service, being "Beckoning Hands," "Looking This Way," "Pass me Not," and "Beautiful City." The songs were sung by Mrs. J. P. Arnold, Mrs. R. N. Puett, R. N. Puett and E. E. Meharry. The pall bearers were the son, Frank Thiss, the sons-in-law, J. H. Discho, L. O. Chapman and J. E. Davison, and F. J. Harris and C. C. Evans. All the above funeral arrangements were ca[r]ried out as she planned.
Besides the husband she is survived by the following: J. A. Mahan, a brother, of Anderson, Indiana; Mrs. Melinda Hallam, a sister, of Eureka, Ill.; W. A. and W. W. Mahan, brothers, of Houston, Texas, and Mrs. Felix Thiss of Colfax, a sister; three children, Mrs. Discho, Frank Thiss and Mrs. Davison, and five grand-children.
Those present at the funeral from a distance were Mr. Chas. Conrard and sister, Miss Victoria, both of Metamora, being nephew and niece of Mr. Thiss; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Thiss of Fairbury; Mrs. Melinda Hallam of Eureka; L. O. Chapman and two sons of Bloomington, and J. E. Davison and family of Saybrook, and Miss Mildred Wiley of Bloomington."
At the time of the 1920 census, John E. This is found, widowed, and living with his daughter and son-in-law in Martin Township, McLean County, Illinois;
J H Discho Head M 58 New York
Hallie Discho Wife F 50 Illinois
John Thiss Father-in-law M 82 France
Seven months after attending the 1922 reunion, John E. This died on April 23, 1923. At the 1923 reunion, which proved to be the last that was held, the name of John E. Thiss, of Colfax, Illinois, was on the list of nineteen 86th Illinois veterans, who were known to have passed away in the previous year, whose names were read during the reunion.
The following obituary that appeared in the 1923 86th Illinois Reunion Booklet for the reunion of that year. It was the last reunion held by the surviving members of the 86th.
"John E. Thiss Is Buried at Colfax Cemetery
Mr. Thiss passed at the home of his daughter, Mrs. J. H. Discho, of Colfax, on Thursday afternoon at 5 o'clock, following an illness of seventeen days duration. On March 27, he suffered a paralytic stroke from which he never rallied.
He was born in Manning, France on February 9, 1837, and came to this country with his parents when 9 years of age, settling at Spring Bay, Ill. In 1850, they moved to Eureka where they resided until 1862 when he and two of his brothers, Charles and Frank, enlisted for service in the Civil War, being members of Co. A, Eighty-sixth Illinois regiment and he was in active service for three years. Being in a number of battles, he was one of the number who marched with Sherman from Atlanta to the sea. His brother, Charles, was killed in the battle at Kenesaw mountain. At the close of the war, he and his brother, Frank returned to Eureka neither being wounded or injured in anyway."
The following obituary appeared in the Metamora Herald, Metamora, IL, April 20, 1923, Page 8, Column 1:
"JOHN THISS, FORMER RESIDENT, PASSES ON
DIED AT HOME OF DAUGHTER IN COLFAX LAST THURSDAY AFTERNOON
Uncle of Members of Conrard Family, Who Attended Funeral Saturday—Came Here From France at Age of 9 Years
----------
Charles and Miss Victoria Conrard, Mr. and Mrs. Jos. D. Conrard and A. J. Mason and son, Howard, attended the funeral in Colfax Saturday of the late John E. Thiss, uncle of the members of the Conrard family, and an old-time resident of Woodford county. Deceased was a brother of the late Mrs. H. Conrard of Metamora, and spent his early life in Woodford county, first in the country northwest of Metamora, where the family settled on coming to the United States from France, and later for many years on a farm east of Eureka.
The services were held in the home at 2 p.m., Rev. Osceola McNemar, pastor of the Colfax Christian church, and former pastor at Secor, officiating.
Mr. Thiss passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. J. H. Discho, of Colfax on Thursday afternoon at 5 o'clock following an illness of seventeen days duration. On March 27 he suffered a paralytic stroke form which he never rallied.
He was born in Manning, France February 9, 1837 and came to this country with his parents when 9 years of age, settling at Spring Bay, Ill. In 1850, they moved to Eureka where they resided until 1862 when he and his two brothers, Charles and Frank, enlisted for service in the Civil war, being members of Co. A., Eighty-sixth Illinois regiment and he was in active service for three years. Being in a number of battles, he was one of the number who marched with Sherman from Atlanta to the sea. His brother, Charles, was killed in the battle at Kenesaw mountain. At the close of war, he with his brother Frank returned to Eureka neither being wounded or injured in anyway.
On December 21, Mr. Thiss was united in marriage to Mary A. Mahan of Laurel, O. They began housekeeping on his farm, four miles east of Eureka, where they remained until 1878, when they disposed of their farm, coming to McLean county. They bought the farm adjoining Colfax on the south, which he sold to James Havens several years ago. In 1903 they left the farm and moved to town to reside.
Mr. Thiss was preceded in death by his wife and one daughter, Mrs. Jeannette Chapman, both dying in 1911. He is survived by the following children: Hallie M. Discho, of Co[l]fax; Frank C. Thiss, of Casper, Wyo., and Mrs. Daisy Davison, of Peoria. There are six grandchildren, Harold E. Chapman, of Chicago, Loren A. Chapman, of Bloomington; Claude, Harry, Louise and Kathryn Davison, of Peoria. He also leaves one brother, N. F. Thiss, of Minneapolis, Minn.
by Baxter B. Fite III and Find A Grave Contributor: Kenny Fossitt (47720950) • [email protected]
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of the This family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on John E. This and the This family. Baxter would also love to see copies of any photographs of John E. This, which may 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.)
(NOTE: John Eugene This probably never had his portrait taken prior to the Civil War. However, during the 10 month period that the 86th Illinois was in the Nashville, Tennessee area in 1862-63, John, like most of the Union soldiers in the Nashville area, probably took the time to sit for a portrait to send home to the loved ones that he left behind. These portraits were most often printed in the form of what was called a CDV, a paper picture glued to a heavier card stock about the size of a modern day baseball card, and the soldiers didn't just have one or two copies made. Most of the time, they had a dozen or more made, so they could swap pictures with their tentmates, messmates and for their friends, in the 86th and back home.
John survived the war and lived well into the 20th century. During his life, John probably had his picture taken dozens of times, if not hundreds of times. I would dearly love to see a copy of that CDV added to his Find A Grave site for all with an interest to see. However, at this point, I would be thrilled just to see some more pictures of him added to his Find A Grave Memorial, even ones of him as an old man. Can anyone else help me? Thanks, Baxter)
Private JOHN EUGENE THIS (THISS), Co. A, 86th Illinois
John Eugene This died on April 12, 1923 in Colfax, McLean County, Illinois. His death certificate states that he was born on February 9, 1837 in Manning France. It further states that his parents were Dominique This and Frances (Simon) This. His parents were both born in France. John's death certificate states that he was a retired farmer, that his wife was Mary A. This and that his mortal remains were laid in the Wiley Cemetery on April 14, 1923.
It is now believed that Dominque This was born in the late 1790's in France and was married to Jeanette "Jane" Frances Simon in the 1830's in France. Jeanette (Simon) This was born in the early 1800's and died on August 20, 1896 in Metamora, Woodford County, Illinois. They are believed to have had the following children;
1. John Eugene Thiss, b. February 09, 1837, Manning, France, d. April 12, 1923, Colfax, McLean County, IL.
2. Frank Thiss, b. July 04, 1838, Manning, France, d. March 23, 1913, Fairbury, Livingston County, IL.
3. Charles Thiss, b. 1839, Manning, France, d. June 27, 1864, Battle of Kennesaw Mountain, GA Civil War.
4. Victoria Thiss, b. 1842/3, Manning, France.
5. Felix "Phillip" Thiss, b. March 31, 1844/5, Manning, France, d. October 24, 1914, Colfax, McLean County, IL.
In the 1850's, Dominique and Jane brought their family to Illinois, where they settled in Woodford County. A possible brother of Dominique's, named Stephen, may have come to Woodford County during this same time as well. This is their families as they are found in the 1860 census;
In Olio Township:
Dominiqie Teus 63
Jane Teus 60
Frank Teus 21
Dominique Teus 19
Victoria Teus 17
Felix 16
In Partridge Township;
Stephen Theis 56
Mary A. Theis 58
Eugene Theis 20
Ahillista Theis 17
At the time of the 1870 census, Dominique This is found in Olio Township, Woodford County, Illinois;
Dominic This M 71y France
Jane This F 66y France
Philip This M 25y France
At the time of the 1880 census, Dominique This is found in Metamora, Woodford County, Illinois. He is listed as a retired farmer;
Self Dominique This M 83 France
Wife Jane This F 79 France
Daughter Victoria This F 37 France
Now to continue with what we know about John E. This, his service and his family;
On August 7, 1862, John, along with his brothers, Charles and Frank, all went into Eureka, Illinois, where they volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in the Eureka/El Paso area of Woodford County for service in the Union army by William S. Magarity, who was the first man elected Sheriff of Woodford County in the early 1840's.
ILLINOIS STATE ARCHIVES
Illinois Civil War Detail Report
Name THIS, JOHN Rank PVT
Company A Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence OLIO, WOODFORD CO, IL
Age 23 Height 5' 7 Hair BLACK
Eyes HAZEL Complexion DARK
Marital Status SINGLE
Occupation FARMER Nativity FRANCE
Service Record
Joined When AUG 7, 1862
Joined Where OLIO, IL
Joined By Whom CPT MAGARITY
Period 3 YRS Muster In AUG 27, 1862
Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom __________
Muster Out JUN 6, 1865
Muster Out Where WASHINGTON, DC
Muster Out By Whom LT SCROGGS
When Magarity had about 100 volunteers, he took his company across the Illinois River to Peoria, Illinois where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, 96 members of Magarity's company, including the three This brothers, were mustered into service as Co. A of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Magarity was elected Captain.
For the next two years, Privates John, Charles and Frank This served faithfully in Co. A, as the men of the 86th served in Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia. During this time, the This brothers were witness to and participants in some of the bloodiest fighting of the Western Theatre, most likely participating in the Battles of Perryville, Kentucky; Chickamauga, Georgia; Resaca, Georgia and Rome, Georgia, to name a few, and numerous skirmishes. Near the end of June of 1864, the Union Army under the command of William Tecumseh Sherman was nearing the important railroad hub of Atlanta, Georgia.
As the men of Co. A lay in the trenches on the morning of June 27, 1864 across from Cheatham Hill on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, little did they know that when the sun set on that day, Co. A would look drastically different. As the men made preparations for the assault on the Confederate fortifications on Cheatham Hill that morning, Co. A fielded 39 officers and men fit for duty. All three This brothers are believed to have been among those 39 officers and men. Thirty minutes after the assault began the men of McCook's Brigade fell back unable to breach the Confederate fortifications. During those 30 minutes, McCook's Brigade suffered over 30% casualties, over 500 men. The 86th Illinois suffered just over 100 casualties, but it was Co. A, the Eureka/El Paso, Illinois company which suffered the most. Co. A lost 11 men killed, 9 men wounded and 6 men were captured, some of whom were also severely wounded. Co. A had suffered 66% casualties. Three of those wounded or captured would die before the war was over. Among the killed was Private Charles This.
When the Union forces fell back, they were forced to leave almost all of their dead between the lines. For two days the bodies of the dead lay in the sun and the heat. The stench from the bodies became so bad that a truce was finally called so that the Federal dead could be buried. Private Charles This's body was among those buried initially right there on the battlefield. Several years later, Private Charles This's body and the rest of the Kennesaw dead were exhumed and reburied at Marietta National Cemetery in Marietta, Georgia. Today his earthly remains lie buried in Grave #9427 in Section I of the cemetery.
For John and Frank the war went on. After the fall of Atlanta, the This brothers are believed to have participated in General Sherman's "March to the Sea", the capture of Savannah, Georgia and in the spring of 1865, the final battles of the war in the Western Theatre, the Battles of Averasboro, North Carolina and Bentonville, North Carolina, after which General Johnston surrendered his Confederate army to that of General Sherman, thus ending all hope for the Confederacy.
After the war came to a close, the men of General Sherman's army marched on to Washington, D. C.. John and Frank This are believed to have been there with the rest of the 86th Illinois and what remained of McCook's Brigade, when General Sherman's army marched down Pennsylvania Avenue on the 2nd day of the Grand Review in May of 1865. The men of the 86th were then put on trains bound for Chicago, Illinois, where on June 6, 1865, they received their final pay and were discharged from the service. By the end of June of 1865, almost all of the surviving members of the 86th were back home with their families in Central Illinois.
Familysearch shows a record of the marriage of Mary Mahan to John E. Tist on December 21, 1867 in Clermont County, Ohio. This is the union of Mary A. Mahan and John E. This. Mary was born c. January __, 1843/44 in Ohio, the daughter of William Mahan, who was born c. 1801/02 in Kentucky, and Rebecca (____________) Mahan, who was born c. April __, 1815 in Ohio. William Mahan was married to Rebecca Frambers/Frombers on 26 Nov 1837 in Clermont,Ohio.
At the time of the 1850 census, the Mahan family is found in Williamsburg, Clermont County, Ohio;
William Mahan M 48 Kentucky
Rebecca Mahan F 35 Ohio
James Mahan M 11 Ohio
Malinda Mahan F 8 Ohio
Mary Mahan F 7 Ohio
Eliza Mahan F 4 Ohio
Joseph Mahan M 1 Ohio
At the time of the 1860 census, the Mahans are found in Williamsburg Township, Clermont County, Ohio;
Wm Mahan M 58 Kentucky
Rebecca Mahan F 45 Ohio
James Mahan M 20 Ohio
Melinda Mahan F 18 Ohio
Mary Mahan F 16 Ohio
Elizabeth Mahan F 8 Ohio
William Mahan M 6 Ohio
Wayland Mahan M 2 Ohio
At the time of the 1870 census, William Mahan, listed as Maham, is found in Williamsburg Township, Clermont County, Ohio, where he is farming;
William Maham M 68 Kentucky
Rebecca Maham F 55 Ohio
Elizabeth Maham F 18 Ohio
William Maham M 15 Ohio
Waylance Maham M 12 Ohio
Malinda Clark F 28 Ohio
Lilly Clark F 6 Ohio
Willie Clark M 3 Ohio
Kenny Fossitt has a copy of William Mahan's death certificate. William Mahan died on 16 December 1876 in Williamsburg Township, Clermont County, Ohio at the age of 74y 11m 4d of a Debility. His mortal remains may very well lie in the Early Settlers Burying Ground, which is also known as the Denham-Burke Cemetery or Old Settlers Cemetery in Bethel, Clermont County, Ohio. Two of William and Rebecca's infant children are buried here and it is the most logical place, though apparently no tombstone exists.
In the 1860's, some of the Mahans,with the marriages, had moved to Illinois. In the late 1870's, after the death of her husband, William, Rebecca followed her children to Illinois. At the time of the 1880 census, Rebecca Mahan is found widowed and living with her two youngest sons in Padua Township, McLean County, Illinois. She is listed as Keeping House for sons. Her father and mother are listed as having been born in New Jersey and Tennessee, respectively;
William A Mahan Self M 26 Ohio
Rebecca M Mahan Mother F 65 Ohio
Wesley W Mahan Son M 23 Ohio
William Clark Grandson M 13 Ohio
At the time of the 1900 census, Rebecca is found residing with her daughter and son-in-law, Mr. & Mrs. John E. Thiss in the village of Colfax, Martin Township, McLean County, Illinois. He is listed as a farmer;
John Thiss Head M Feb 1837 63 France
Mollie Thiss Wife F Jan 1844 56 Ohio
Frank Thiss Son M Apr 1873 27 Illinois
Rebecca Mahan Mother F Apr 1815 85 Ohio
Rebecca must have died in the early 1900's. Perhaps she is buried in McLean County, Illinois.
Now to continue on with what we know about John E. This and Mary A. (Mahan) This and their family;
Shortly after they were married, John and Mary moved to Illinois. At the time of the 1870 and 1880 census records, they are found in Woodford County and then in McLean County and their first 2 children, Henry and Allie were both born in Woodford County by 1870. Following are the children believed to have been born to John and Mary;
1. Henry This, born c. 1869 in Illinois, probably in Woodford County. Henry is believed to have died young as he is not listed in the 1880 census.
2. Allie/Hallie Mae This, born c. 1870 in Illinois, probably in Woodford County. Hallie was married to John H. Discho on May 1, 1895 in Colfax, McLean County, Illinois. The following is found on familysearch;
Name John H. Discho
Spouse's Name Hallie Mae Thiss
Event Date 01 May 1895
Event Place Colfax, Mclean, Illinois
Father's Name Peter Discho
Mother's Name Eliza Hill
Spouse's Father's Name John A. Thiss
Spouse's Mother's Name Mary A. Mahan
At the time of the 1920 census, Hallie and her family are found in Martin Township, McLean County, Illinois;
J H Discho Head M 58 New York
Hallie Discho Wife F 50 Illinois
John Thiss Father-in-law M 82 France
3. Frank C This, born c. 1872/73 in Illinois. Frank was residing in or near Colfax, Illinois in 1911.
4. Jeanette Myrtle This, born June 9, 1876 in or near Eureka, Woodford County, Illinois. Jeanette was married to Lewis Otto Chapman on November 3, 1898 in Colfax, McLean County, Illinois. The following is found on familysearch;
Name Lewis O. Chapman
Spouse's Name Jeanette M. Thiss
Event Date 03 Nov 1898
Event Place Colfax, Mclean, Illinois
Father's Name Amos Chapman
Mother's Name Nancy Amerine
Spouse's Father's Name John Thiss
Spouse's Mother's Name Mary Mahen
Jeanette and Lewis were the parents of;
a. Harold Eugene Chapman, born c. 1899/1900 in Illinois.
b. Loren Arthur Chapman, born c. 1904/05 in Illinois.
At the time of the 1910 census, the Chapmans are found in Bloomington Ward 1, McLean County, Illinois;
Louis O Chapman Head M 34 Illinois
Jeanette M Chapman Wife F 33 Illinois
Harold E Chapman Son M 10 Illinois
Loren A Chapman Son M 5 Illinois
Jennie Ryburn Roomer F 50 Illinois
Floyd Thompson Roomer M 26 Illinois
Jeanette Myrtle (This) Chapman died on 21 Jul 1911 in Bloomington, McLean County, Illinois. Her mortal remains were laid in the Wiley Cemetery in Colfax, McLean County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial #32069198.
5. Daisy Aerl This, born June 5, 1880 in Colfax Township, McLean County, Illinois.
from Illinois Births and Christenings
Name Daisy Aerl This
Gender Female
Event Type Birth
Event Date 05 Jun 1880
Event Place Colfax, McLean, Illinois
Father's Name John E. This
Mother's Name Mary Mahan
Daisy was married to James E. Davison in the late 1890's. At the time of the 1920 census, Daisy and her family are found in Ward 5 of the city of Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois;
James E Davison Head M 42 Illinois
Daisy Davison Wife F 39 Illinois
Claude Davison Son M 19 Illinois
Harry Davison Son M 15 Illinois
Louise Davison Daughter F 12 Illinois
Katheryn Davison Daughter F 5 Illinois
Daisy Aerl (This) Davison died on 3 Dec 1963 in Riverside, Riverside County, California and her mortal remains were laid in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, Los Angeles County, California. See her Find A Grave Memorial #85376946.
Now to continue with what we know about John Eugene This and his family;
At the time of the 1870 census, John and his family are found in Olio Township, Woodford County, Illinois, where he is farming;
John This M 33 France Farmer
Mary This F 30 Illinois
Henry This M 1 Illinois
At the time of the 1880 census, John and his family are found in Martin Township, McLean County, Illinois, where the family is farming;
John E This Self M 43 France Farmer
Mary This Wife F 36 Ohio
Allie M This Daughter F 10 Illinois
Frank C This Son M 7 Illinois
Janet M This Daughter F 4 Illinois
John A Smith Boarding M 21 Illinois Farm Laborer
In 1887, the surviving members of the 86th Illinois organized a reunion of the old 86th that was held in Peoria, Illinois during the week of August 27, 1887, the 25th Anniversary of the mustering of the 86th. John E. This was not able to attend that first reunion, but for the next 36 years, reunions were held every year on that anniversary. The first reunion that John E. This was able to attend was the 1889 reunion. Over the years, he was able to attend 8 reunions, the last being in 1922, when he was one of only 25 veterans of the 86th, who were able to attend.
At the time of the 1900 census, John and his family are found residing in the village of Colfax, Martin Township, McLean County, Illinois. He is listed as a farmer;
John Thiss Head M Feb 1837 63 France
Mollie Thiss Wife F Jan 1844 56 Ohio
Frank Thiss Son M Apr 1873 27 Illinois
Rebecca Mahan Mother F Apr 1815 85 Ohio
At the time of the 1910 census, John and Mary are found residing at what is identified as 189 West Cooper Street in Martin, McLean County, Illinois. Their name was misread as Fhiss;
John Fhiss Head M 72 France
Mary A Fhiss Wife F 66 France
Mary A. (Mahan) This died on December __, 1911 and her mortal remains were laid in the Colfax Cemetery.
The following notice appeared in the The Metamora Herald, Metamora, IL, December 22, 1911, Page 7, Column 4;
Miss Victoria and Chas. Conrard left for Colfax Tuesday to attend the funeral of their aunt, Mrs. John This, who died at that place. The funeral was held Wednesday.
The following obituary appeared in the Colfax Press, Colfax, IL, December 21, 1911;
"DEATH OF MRS. JOHN THISS.
To the one who has lived an upright and noble life, death has no terror, and so with Mrs. John Thiss, who passed away at her home on North Center street at 6:30 o'clock Monday evening, in the fulness of years and with a desire on her lips to meet her Saviour, having told her relatives and friends that she was anxious to go and meet her Saviour, and during all these years exemplifying the true faith in her Lord. The funeral was held at the house yesterday afternoon at two o'clock, conducted by her pastor, Rev. Geo. R. Southgate, the house being crowded with sympathizing friends. The minister spoke words of encouragement to those present of the noble life that has passed out to the other world, and at the close of the service the remains were conveyed to the Wiley cemetery to await the resurrection of the just.
Mary A. Mahan was one of the six children of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Mahan, there being three sons and three daughters, she being the third from the eldest. She was born near Laurel, Claremont county, Ohio, January 20, 1844. She made her home with her parents until she was past twenty years of age, teaching school in the vicinity of her native town. She made a visit to Eureka, Ill., about 1865, and while on this visit she met John Thiss. After a year-s stay at Eureka she and Mr. Thiss returned to Lauarel, Ohio, and were married at the home of her parents on December 21, 1866. They returned to Eureka and went to housekeeping on the groom's farm near there, where they remained until 1878 when they came to Colfax and took up their residence on a farm of 160 acres just at the southeast edge of Colfax which Mr. Thiss purchased and which is now rented to B. F. Satchwell. They remained on the farm until 1903 when they moved to town, purchasing the property now occupied by Wm. Gaddis, which they later sold to Mr. Gaddis. They spent one winter in Colorado and moved to their present home about five years ago. To this happy union of lives were born four children—Mrs. J. H. Discho and Frank C. Thiss of Colfax, Mrs. L. O. Chapman, who passed away after a lingering illness last July, and Mrs. J. E. Davison of Saybrook. The three living children were present during the last week's of their mother's illness to comfort the father in his severe trial.
The illness of the deceased dates back about fifteen months, when she began suffering with a cancer of the liver, being serious at times and causing her family much alarm, but she rallied from the first attacks, and her last and fatal attack being just sixteen weeks prior to her death, she having been confined in her bed all that time, and the end was almost daily expected for several weeks. Two weeks ago last Friday it was thought that she could not survive the night, and she seemed to realize it, and she called in about thirty of her intimate friends and talked to them and told all good-by, but the grim reaper did not claim her until Monday night, as above stated. Mrs. Thiss realized her condition and had made all the funeral arrangements. She united with the Christ church at Versailles, near Eureka, in 1875, and lived a faithful christian life. Her favorite songs were sung at the funeral service, being "Beckoning Hands," "Looking This Way," "Pass me Not," and "Beautiful City." The songs were sung by Mrs. J. P. Arnold, Mrs. R. N. Puett, R. N. Puett and E. E. Meharry. The pall bearers were the son, Frank Thiss, the sons-in-law, J. H. Discho, L. O. Chapman and J. E. Davison, and F. J. Harris and C. C. Evans. All the above funeral arrangements were ca[r]ried out as she planned.
Besides the husband she is survived by the following: J. A. Mahan, a brother, of Anderson, Indiana; Mrs. Melinda Hallam, a sister, of Eureka, Ill.; W. A. and W. W. Mahan, brothers, of Houston, Texas, and Mrs. Felix Thiss of Colfax, a sister; three children, Mrs. Discho, Frank Thiss and Mrs. Davison, and five grand-children.
Those present at the funeral from a distance were Mr. Chas. Conrard and sister, Miss Victoria, both of Metamora, being nephew and niece of Mr. Thiss; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Thiss of Fairbury; Mrs. Melinda Hallam of Eureka; L. O. Chapman and two sons of Bloomington, and J. E. Davison and family of Saybrook, and Miss Mildred Wiley of Bloomington."
At the time of the 1920 census, John E. This is found, widowed, and living with his daughter and son-in-law in Martin Township, McLean County, Illinois;
J H Discho Head M 58 New York
Hallie Discho Wife F 50 Illinois
John Thiss Father-in-law M 82 France
Seven months after attending the 1922 reunion, John E. This died on April 23, 1923. At the 1923 reunion, which proved to be the last that was held, the name of John E. Thiss, of Colfax, Illinois, was on the list of nineteen 86th Illinois veterans, who were known to have passed away in the previous year, whose names were read during the reunion.
The following obituary that appeared in the 1923 86th Illinois Reunion Booklet for the reunion of that year. It was the last reunion held by the surviving members of the 86th.
"John E. Thiss Is Buried at Colfax Cemetery
Mr. Thiss passed at the home of his daughter, Mrs. J. H. Discho, of Colfax, on Thursday afternoon at 5 o'clock, following an illness of seventeen days duration. On March 27, he suffered a paralytic stroke from which he never rallied.
He was born in Manning, France on February 9, 1837, and came to this country with his parents when 9 years of age, settling at Spring Bay, Ill. In 1850, they moved to Eureka where they resided until 1862 when he and two of his brothers, Charles and Frank, enlisted for service in the Civil War, being members of Co. A, Eighty-sixth Illinois regiment and he was in active service for three years. Being in a number of battles, he was one of the number who marched with Sherman from Atlanta to the sea. His brother, Charles, was killed in the battle at Kenesaw mountain. At the close of the war, he and his brother, Frank returned to Eureka neither being wounded or injured in anyway."
The following obituary appeared in the Metamora Herald, Metamora, IL, April 20, 1923, Page 8, Column 1:
"JOHN THISS, FORMER RESIDENT, PASSES ON
DIED AT HOME OF DAUGHTER IN COLFAX LAST THURSDAY AFTERNOON
Uncle of Members of Conrard Family, Who Attended Funeral Saturday—Came Here From France at Age of 9 Years
----------
Charles and Miss Victoria Conrard, Mr. and Mrs. Jos. D. Conrard and A. J. Mason and son, Howard, attended the funeral in Colfax Saturday of the late John E. Thiss, uncle of the members of the Conrard family, and an old-time resident of Woodford county. Deceased was a brother of the late Mrs. H. Conrard of Metamora, and spent his early life in Woodford county, first in the country northwest of Metamora, where the family settled on coming to the United States from France, and later for many years on a farm east of Eureka.
The services were held in the home at 2 p.m., Rev. Osceola McNemar, pastor of the Colfax Christian church, and former pastor at Secor, officiating.
Mr. Thiss passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. J. H. Discho, of Colfax on Thursday afternoon at 5 o'clock following an illness of seventeen days duration. On March 27 he suffered a paralytic stroke form which he never rallied.
He was born in Manning, France February 9, 1837 and came to this country with his parents when 9 years of age, settling at Spring Bay, Ill. In 1850, they moved to Eureka where they resided until 1862 when he and his two brothers, Charles and Frank, enlisted for service in the Civil war, being members of Co. A., Eighty-sixth Illinois regiment and he was in active service for three years. Being in a number of battles, he was one of the number who marched with Sherman from Atlanta to the sea. His brother, Charles, was killed in the battle at Kenesaw mountain. At the close of war, he with his brother Frank returned to Eureka neither being wounded or injured in anyway.
On December 21, Mr. Thiss was united in marriage to Mary A. Mahan of Laurel, O. They began housekeeping on his farm, four miles east of Eureka, where they remained until 1878, when they disposed of their farm, coming to McLean county. They bought the farm adjoining Colfax on the south, which he sold to James Havens several years ago. In 1903 they left the farm and moved to town to reside.
Mr. Thiss was preceded in death by his wife and one daughter, Mrs. Jeannette Chapman, both dying in 1911. He is survived by the following children: Hallie M. Discho, of Co[l]fax; Frank C. Thiss, of Casper, Wyo., and Mrs. Daisy Davison, of Peoria. There are six grandchildren, Harold E. Chapman, of Chicago, Loren A. Chapman, of Bloomington; Claude, Harry, Louise and Kathryn Davison, of Peoria. He also leaves one brother, N. F. Thiss, of Minneapolis, Minn.
by Baxter B. Fite III and Find A Grave Contributor: Kenny Fossitt (47720950) • [email protected]
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of the This family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on John E. This and the This family. Baxter would also love to see copies of any photographs of John E. This, which may 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 survived the war and lived well into the 20th century. During his life, John probably had his picture taken dozens of times, if not hundreds of times. I would dearly love to see a copy of that CDV added to his Find A Grave site for all with an interest to see. However, at this point, I would be thrilled just to see some more pictures of him added to his Find A Grave Memorial, even ones of him as an old man. Can anyone else help me? Thanks, Baxter)
Private JOHN EUGENE THIS (THISS), Co. A, 86th Illinois
John Eugene This died on April 12, 1923 in Colfax, McLean County, Illinois. His death certificate states that he was born on February 9, 1837 in Manning France. It further states that his parents were Dominique This and Frances (Simon) This. His parents were both born in France. John's death certificate states that he was a retired farmer, that his wife was Mary A. This and that his mortal remains were laid in the Wiley Cemetery on April 14, 1923.
It is now believed that Dominque This was born in the late 1790's in France and was married to Jeanette "Jane" Frances Simon in the 1830's in France. Jeanette (Simon) This was born in the early 1800's and died on August 20, 1896 in Metamora, Woodford County, Illinois. They are believed to have had the following children;
1. John Eugene Thiss, b. February 09, 1837, Manning, France, d. April 12, 1923, Colfax, McLean County, IL.
2. Frank Thiss, b. July 04, 1838, Manning, France, d. March 23, 1913, Fairbury, Livingston County, IL.
3. Charles Thiss, b. 1839, Manning, France, d. June 27, 1864, Battle of Kennesaw Mountain, GA Civil War.
4. Victoria Thiss, b. 1842/3, Manning, France.
5. Felix "Phillip" Thiss, b. March 31, 1844/5, Manning, France, d. October 24, 1914, Colfax, McLean County, IL.
In the 1850's, Dominique and Jane brought their family to Illinois, where they settled in Woodford County. A possible brother of Dominique's, named Stephen, may have come to Woodford County during this same time as well. This is their families as they are found in the 1860 census;
In Olio Township:
Dominiqie Teus 63
Jane Teus 60
Frank Teus 21
Dominique Teus 19
Victoria Teus 17
Felix 16
In Partridge Township;
Stephen Theis 56
Mary A. Theis 58
Eugene Theis 20
Ahillista Theis 17
At the time of the 1870 census, Dominique This is found in Olio Township, Woodford County, Illinois;
Dominic This M 71y France
Jane This F 66y France
Philip This M 25y France
At the time of the 1880 census, Dominique This is found in Metamora, Woodford County, Illinois. He is listed as a retired farmer;
Self Dominique This M 83 France
Wife Jane This F 79 France
Daughter Victoria This F 37 France
Now to continue with what we know about John E. This, his service and his family;
On August 7, 1862, John, along with his brothers, Charles and Frank, all went into Eureka, Illinois, where they volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in the Eureka/El Paso area of Woodford County for service in the Union army by William S. Magarity, who was the first man elected Sheriff of Woodford County in the early 1840's.
ILLINOIS STATE ARCHIVES
Illinois Civil War Detail Report
Name THIS, JOHN Rank PVT
Company A Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence OLIO, WOODFORD CO, IL
Age 23 Height 5' 7 Hair BLACK
Eyes HAZEL Complexion DARK
Marital Status SINGLE
Occupation FARMER Nativity FRANCE
Service Record
Joined When AUG 7, 1862
Joined Where OLIO, IL
Joined By Whom CPT MAGARITY
Period 3 YRS Muster In AUG 27, 1862
Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom __________
Muster Out JUN 6, 1865
Muster Out Where WASHINGTON, DC
Muster Out By Whom LT SCROGGS
When Magarity had about 100 volunteers, he took his company across the Illinois River to Peoria, Illinois where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, 96 members of Magarity's company, including the three This brothers, were mustered into service as Co. A of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Magarity was elected Captain.
For the next two years, Privates John, Charles and Frank This served faithfully in Co. A, as the men of the 86th served in Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia. During this time, the This brothers were witness to and participants in some of the bloodiest fighting of the Western Theatre, most likely participating in the Battles of Perryville, Kentucky; Chickamauga, Georgia; Resaca, Georgia and Rome, Georgia, to name a few, and numerous skirmishes. Near the end of June of 1864, the Union Army under the command of William Tecumseh Sherman was nearing the important railroad hub of Atlanta, Georgia.
As the men of Co. A lay in the trenches on the morning of June 27, 1864 across from Cheatham Hill on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, little did they know that when the sun set on that day, Co. A would look drastically different. As the men made preparations for the assault on the Confederate fortifications on Cheatham Hill that morning, Co. A fielded 39 officers and men fit for duty. All three This brothers are believed to have been among those 39 officers and men. Thirty minutes after the assault began the men of McCook's Brigade fell back unable to breach the Confederate fortifications. During those 30 minutes, McCook's Brigade suffered over 30% casualties, over 500 men. The 86th Illinois suffered just over 100 casualties, but it was Co. A, the Eureka/El Paso, Illinois company which suffered the most. Co. A lost 11 men killed, 9 men wounded and 6 men were captured, some of whom were also severely wounded. Co. A had suffered 66% casualties. Three of those wounded or captured would die before the war was over. Among the killed was Private Charles This.
When the Union forces fell back, they were forced to leave almost all of their dead between the lines. For two days the bodies of the dead lay in the sun and the heat. The stench from the bodies became so bad that a truce was finally called so that the Federal dead could be buried. Private Charles This's body was among those buried initially right there on the battlefield. Several years later, Private Charles This's body and the rest of the Kennesaw dead were exhumed and reburied at Marietta National Cemetery in Marietta, Georgia. Today his earthly remains lie buried in Grave #9427 in Section I of the cemetery.
For John and Frank the war went on. After the fall of Atlanta, the This brothers are believed to have participated in General Sherman's "March to the Sea", the capture of Savannah, Georgia and in the spring of 1865, the final battles of the war in the Western Theatre, the Battles of Averasboro, North Carolina and Bentonville, North Carolina, after which General Johnston surrendered his Confederate army to that of General Sherman, thus ending all hope for the Confederacy.
After the war came to a close, the men of General Sherman's army marched on to Washington, D. C.. John and Frank This are believed to have been there with the rest of the 86th Illinois and what remained of McCook's Brigade, when General Sherman's army marched down Pennsylvania Avenue on the 2nd day of the Grand Review in May of 1865. The men of the 86th were then put on trains bound for Chicago, Illinois, where on June 6, 1865, they received their final pay and were discharged from the service. By the end of June of 1865, almost all of the surviving members of the 86th were back home with their families in Central Illinois.
Familysearch shows a record of the marriage of Mary Mahan to John E. Tist on December 21, 1867 in Clermont County, Ohio. This is the union of Mary A. Mahan and John E. This. Mary was born c. January __, 1843/44 in Ohio, the daughter of William Mahan, who was born c. 1801/02 in Kentucky, and Rebecca (____________) Mahan, who was born c. April __, 1815 in Ohio. William Mahan was married to Rebecca Frambers/Frombers on 26 Nov 1837 in Clermont,Ohio.
At the time of the 1850 census, the Mahan family is found in Williamsburg, Clermont County, Ohio;
William Mahan M 48 Kentucky
Rebecca Mahan F 35 Ohio
James Mahan M 11 Ohio
Malinda Mahan F 8 Ohio
Mary Mahan F 7 Ohio
Eliza Mahan F 4 Ohio
Joseph Mahan M 1 Ohio
At the time of the 1860 census, the Mahans are found in Williamsburg Township, Clermont County, Ohio;
Wm Mahan M 58 Kentucky
Rebecca Mahan F 45 Ohio
James Mahan M 20 Ohio
Melinda Mahan F 18 Ohio
Mary Mahan F 16 Ohio
Elizabeth Mahan F 8 Ohio
William Mahan M 6 Ohio
Wayland Mahan M 2 Ohio
At the time of the 1870 census, William Mahan, listed as Maham, is found in Williamsburg Township, Clermont County, Ohio, where he is farming;
William Maham M 68 Kentucky
Rebecca Maham F 55 Ohio
Elizabeth Maham F 18 Ohio
William Maham M 15 Ohio
Waylance Maham M 12 Ohio
Malinda Clark F 28 Ohio
Lilly Clark F 6 Ohio
Willie Clark M 3 Ohio
Kenny Fossitt has a copy of William Mahan's death certificate. William Mahan died on 16 December 1876 in Williamsburg Township, Clermont County, Ohio at the age of 74y 11m 4d of a Debility. His mortal remains may very well lie in the Early Settlers Burying Ground, which is also known as the Denham-Burke Cemetery or Old Settlers Cemetery in Bethel, Clermont County, Ohio. Two of William and Rebecca's infant children are buried here and it is the most logical place, though apparently no tombstone exists.
In the 1860's, some of the Mahans,with the marriages, had moved to Illinois. In the late 1870's, after the death of her husband, William, Rebecca followed her children to Illinois. At the time of the 1880 census, Rebecca Mahan is found widowed and living with her two youngest sons in Padua Township, McLean County, Illinois. She is listed as Keeping House for sons. Her father and mother are listed as having been born in New Jersey and Tennessee, respectively;
William A Mahan Self M 26 Ohio
Rebecca M Mahan Mother F 65 Ohio
Wesley W Mahan Son M 23 Ohio
William Clark Grandson M 13 Ohio
At the time of the 1900 census, Rebecca is found residing with her daughter and son-in-law, Mr. & Mrs. John E. Thiss in the village of Colfax, Martin Township, McLean County, Illinois. He is listed as a farmer;
John Thiss Head M Feb 1837 63 France
Mollie Thiss Wife F Jan 1844 56 Ohio
Frank Thiss Son M Apr 1873 27 Illinois
Rebecca Mahan Mother F Apr 1815 85 Ohio
Rebecca must have died in the early 1900's. Perhaps she is buried in McLean County, Illinois.
Now to continue on with what we know about John E. This and Mary A. (Mahan) This and their family;
Shortly after they were married, John and Mary moved to Illinois. At the time of the 1870 and 1880 census records, they are found in Woodford County and then in McLean County and their first 2 children, Henry and Allie were both born in Woodford County by 1870. Following are the children believed to have been born to John and Mary;
1. Henry This, born c. 1869 in Illinois, probably in Woodford County. Henry is believed to have died young as he is not listed in the 1880 census.
2. Allie/Hallie Mae This, born c. 1870 in Illinois, probably in Woodford County. Hallie was married to John H. Discho on May 1, 1895 in Colfax, McLean County, Illinois. The following is found on familysearch;
Name John H. Discho
Spouse's Name Hallie Mae Thiss
Event Date 01 May 1895
Event Place Colfax, Mclean, Illinois
Father's Name Peter Discho
Mother's Name Eliza Hill
Spouse's Father's Name John A. Thiss
Spouse's Mother's Name Mary A. Mahan
At the time of the 1920 census, Hallie and her family are found in Martin Township, McLean County, Illinois;
J H Discho Head M 58 New York
Hallie Discho Wife F 50 Illinois
John Thiss Father-in-law M 82 France
3. Frank C This, born c. 1872/73 in Illinois. Frank was residing in or near Colfax, Illinois in 1911.
4. Jeanette Myrtle This, born June 9, 1876 in or near Eureka, Woodford County, Illinois. Jeanette was married to Lewis Otto Chapman on November 3, 1898 in Colfax, McLean County, Illinois. The following is found on familysearch;
Name Lewis O. Chapman
Spouse's Name Jeanette M. Thiss
Event Date 03 Nov 1898
Event Place Colfax, Mclean, Illinois
Father's Name Amos Chapman
Mother's Name Nancy Amerine
Spouse's Father's Name John Thiss
Spouse's Mother's Name Mary Mahen
Jeanette and Lewis were the parents of;
a. Harold Eugene Chapman, born c. 1899/1900 in Illinois.
b. Loren Arthur Chapman, born c. 1904/05 in Illinois.
At the time of the 1910 census, the Chapmans are found in Bloomington Ward 1, McLean County, Illinois;
Louis O Chapman Head M 34 Illinois
Jeanette M Chapman Wife F 33 Illinois
Harold E Chapman Son M 10 Illinois
Loren A Chapman Son M 5 Illinois
Jennie Ryburn Roomer F 50 Illinois
Floyd Thompson Roomer M 26 Illinois
Jeanette Myrtle (This) Chapman died on 21 Jul 1911 in Bloomington, McLean County, Illinois. Her mortal remains were laid in the Wiley Cemetery in Colfax, McLean County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial #32069198.
5. Daisy Aerl This, born June 5, 1880 in Colfax Township, McLean County, Illinois.
from Illinois Births and Christenings
Name Daisy Aerl This
Gender Female
Event Type Birth
Event Date 05 Jun 1880
Event Place Colfax, McLean, Illinois
Father's Name John E. This
Mother's Name Mary Mahan
Daisy was married to James E. Davison in the late 1890's. At the time of the 1920 census, Daisy and her family are found in Ward 5 of the city of Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois;
James E Davison Head M 42 Illinois
Daisy Davison Wife F 39 Illinois
Claude Davison Son M 19 Illinois
Harry Davison Son M 15 Illinois
Louise Davison Daughter F 12 Illinois
Katheryn Davison Daughter F 5 Illinois
Daisy Aerl (This) Davison died on 3 Dec 1963 in Riverside, Riverside County, California and her mortal remains were laid in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, Los Angeles County, California. See her Find A Grave Memorial #85376946.
Now to continue with what we know about John Eugene This and his family;
At the time of the 1870 census, John and his family are found in Olio Township, Woodford County, Illinois, where he is farming;
John This M 33 France Farmer
Mary This F 30 Illinois
Henry This M 1 Illinois
At the time of the 1880 census, John and his family are found in Martin Township, McLean County, Illinois, where the family is farming;
John E This Self M 43 France Farmer
Mary This Wife F 36 Ohio
Allie M This Daughter F 10 Illinois
Frank C This Son M 7 Illinois
Janet M This Daughter F 4 Illinois
John A Smith Boarding M 21 Illinois Farm Laborer
In 1887, the surviving members of the 86th Illinois organized a reunion of the old 86th that was held in Peoria, Illinois during the week of August 27, 1887, the 25th Anniversary of the mustering of the 86th. John E. This was not able to attend that first reunion, but for the next 36 years, reunions were held every year on that anniversary. The first reunion that John E. This was able to attend was the 1889 reunion. Over the years, he was able to attend 8 reunions, the last being in 1922, when he was one of only 25 veterans of the 86th, who were able to attend.
At the time of the 1900 census, John and his family are found residing in the village of Colfax, Martin Township, McLean County, Illinois. He is listed as a farmer;
John Thiss Head M Feb 1837 63 France
Mollie Thiss Wife F Jan 1844 56 Ohio
Frank Thiss Son M Apr 1873 27 Illinois
Rebecca Mahan Mother F Apr 1815 85 Ohio
At the time of the 1910 census, John and Mary are found residing at what is identified as 189 West Cooper Street in Martin, McLean County, Illinois. Their name was misread as Fhiss;
John Fhiss Head M 72 France
Mary A Fhiss Wife F 66 France
Mary A. (Mahan) This died on December __, 1911 and her mortal remains were laid in the Colfax Cemetery.
The following notice appeared in the The Metamora Herald, Metamora, IL, December 22, 1911, Page 7, Column 4;
Miss Victoria and Chas. Conrard left for Colfax Tuesday to attend the funeral of their aunt, Mrs. John This, who died at that place. The funeral was held Wednesday.
The following obituary appeared in the Colfax Press, Colfax, IL, December 21, 1911;
"DEATH OF MRS. JOHN THISS.
To the one who has lived an upright and noble life, death has no terror, and so with Mrs. John Thiss, who passed away at her home on North Center street at 6:30 o'clock Monday evening, in the fulness of years and with a desire on her lips to meet her Saviour, having told her relatives and friends that she was anxious to go and meet her Saviour, and during all these years exemplifying the true faith in her Lord. The funeral was held at the house yesterday afternoon at two o'clock, conducted by her pastor, Rev. Geo. R. Southgate, the house being crowded with sympathizing friends. The minister spoke words of encouragement to those present of the noble life that has passed out to the other world, and at the close of the service the remains were conveyed to the Wiley cemetery to await the resurrection of the just.
Mary A. Mahan was one of the six children of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Mahan, there being three sons and three daughters, she being the third from the eldest. She was born near Laurel, Claremont county, Ohio, January 20, 1844. She made her home with her parents until she was past twenty years of age, teaching school in the vicinity of her native town. She made a visit to Eureka, Ill., about 1865, and while on this visit she met John Thiss. After a year-s stay at Eureka she and Mr. Thiss returned to Lauarel, Ohio, and were married at the home of her parents on December 21, 1866. They returned to Eureka and went to housekeeping on the groom's farm near there, where they remained until 1878 when they came to Colfax and took up their residence on a farm of 160 acres just at the southeast edge of Colfax which Mr. Thiss purchased and which is now rented to B. F. Satchwell. They remained on the farm until 1903 when they moved to town, purchasing the property now occupied by Wm. Gaddis, which they later sold to Mr. Gaddis. They spent one winter in Colorado and moved to their present home about five years ago. To this happy union of lives were born four children—Mrs. J. H. Discho and Frank C. Thiss of Colfax, Mrs. L. O. Chapman, who passed away after a lingering illness last July, and Mrs. J. E. Davison of Saybrook. The three living children were present during the last week's of their mother's illness to comfort the father in his severe trial.
The illness of the deceased dates back about fifteen months, when she began suffering with a cancer of the liver, being serious at times and causing her family much alarm, but she rallied from the first attacks, and her last and fatal attack being just sixteen weeks prior to her death, she having been confined in her bed all that time, and the end was almost daily expected for several weeks. Two weeks ago last Friday it was thought that she could not survive the night, and she seemed to realize it, and she called in about thirty of her intimate friends and talked to them and told all good-by, but the grim reaper did not claim her until Monday night, as above stated. Mrs. Thiss realized her condition and had made all the funeral arrangements. She united with the Christ church at Versailles, near Eureka, in 1875, and lived a faithful christian life. Her favorite songs were sung at the funeral service, being "Beckoning Hands," "Looking This Way," "Pass me Not," and "Beautiful City." The songs were sung by Mrs. J. P. Arnold, Mrs. R. N. Puett, R. N. Puett and E. E. Meharry. The pall bearers were the son, Frank Thiss, the sons-in-law, J. H. Discho, L. O. Chapman and J. E. Davison, and F. J. Harris and C. C. Evans. All the above funeral arrangements were ca[r]ried out as she planned.
Besides the husband she is survived by the following: J. A. Mahan, a brother, of Anderson, Indiana; Mrs. Melinda Hallam, a sister, of Eureka, Ill.; W. A. and W. W. Mahan, brothers, of Houston, Texas, and Mrs. Felix Thiss of Colfax, a sister; three children, Mrs. Discho, Frank Thiss and Mrs. Davison, and five grand-children.
Those present at the funeral from a distance were Mr. Chas. Conrard and sister, Miss Victoria, both of Metamora, being nephew and niece of Mr. Thiss; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Thiss of Fairbury; Mrs. Melinda Hallam of Eureka; L. O. Chapman and two sons of Bloomington, and J. E. Davison and family of Saybrook, and Miss Mildred Wiley of Bloomington."
At the time of the 1920 census, John E. This is found, widowed, and living with his daughter and son-in-law in Martin Township, McLean County, Illinois;
J H Discho Head M 58 New York
Hallie Discho Wife F 50 Illinois
John Thiss Father-in-law M 82 France
Seven months after attending the 1922 reunion, John E. This died on April 23, 1923. At the 1923 reunion, which proved to be the last that was held, the name of John E. Thiss, of Colfax, Illinois, was on the list of nineteen 86th Illinois veterans, who were known to have passed away in the previous year, whose names were read during the reunion.
The following obituary that appeared in the 1923 86th Illinois Reunion Booklet for the reunion of that year. It was the last reunion held by the surviving members of the 86th.
"John E. Thiss Is Buried at Colfax Cemetery
Mr. Thiss passed at the home of his daughter, Mrs. J. H. Discho, of Colfax, on Thursday afternoon at 5 o'clock, following an illness of seventeen days duration. On March 27, he suffered a paralytic stroke from which he never rallied.
He was born in Manning, France on February 9, 1837, and came to this country with his parents when 9 years of age, settling at Spring Bay, Ill. In 1850, they moved to Eureka where they resided until 1862 when he and two of his brothers, Charles and Frank, enlisted for service in the Civil War, being members of Co. A, Eighty-sixth Illinois regiment and he was in active service for three years. Being in a number of battles, he was one of the number who marched with Sherman from Atlanta to the sea. His brother, Charles, was killed in the battle at Kenesaw mountain. At the close of the war, he and his brother, Frank returned to Eureka neither being wounded or injured in anyway."
The following obituary appeared in the Metamora Herald, Metamora, IL, April 20, 1923, Page 8, Column 1:
"JOHN THISS, FORMER RESIDENT, PASSES ON
DIED AT HOME OF DAUGHTER IN COLFAX LAST THURSDAY AFTERNOON
Uncle of Members of Conrard Family, Who Attended Funeral Saturday—Came Here From France at Age of 9 Years
----------
Charles and Miss Victoria Conrard, Mr. and Mrs. Jos. D. Conrard and A. J. Mason and son, Howard, attended the funeral in Colfax Saturday of the late John E. Thiss, uncle of the members of the Conrard family, and an old-time resident of Woodford county. Deceased was a brother of the late Mrs. H. Conrard of Metamora, and spent his early life in Woodford county, first in the country northwest of Metamora, where the family settled on coming to the United States from France, and later for many years on a farm east of Eureka.
The services were held in the home at 2 p.m., Rev. Osceola McNemar, pastor of the Colfax Christian church, and former pastor at Secor, officiating.
Mr. Thiss passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. J. H. Discho, of Colfax on Thursday afternoon at 5 o'clock following an illness of seventeen days duration. On March 27 he suffered a paralytic stroke form which he never rallied.
He was born in Manning, France February 9, 1837 and came to this country with his parents when 9 years of age, settling at Spring Bay, Ill. In 1850, they moved to Eureka where they resided until 1862 when he and his two brothers, Charles and Frank, enlisted for service in the Civil war, being members of Co. A., Eighty-sixth Illinois regiment and he was in active service for three years. Being in a number of battles, he was one of the number who marched with Sherman from Atlanta to the sea. His brother, Charles, was killed in the battle at Kenesaw mountain. At the close of war, he with his brother Frank returned to Eureka neither being wounded or injured in anyway.
On December 21, Mr. Thiss was united in marriage to Mary A. Mahan of Laurel, O. They began housekeeping on his farm, four miles east of Eureka, where they remained until 1878, when they disposed of their farm, coming to McLean county. They bought the farm adjoining Colfax on the south, which he sold to James Havens several years ago. In 1903 they left the farm and moved to town to reside.
Mr. Thiss was preceded in death by his wife and one daughter, Mrs. Jeannette Chapman, both dying in 1911. He is survived by the following children: Hallie M. Discho, of Co[l]fax; Frank C. Thiss, of Casper, Wyo., and Mrs. Daisy Davison, of Peoria. There are six grandchildren, Harold E. Chapman, of Chicago, Loren A. Chapman, of Bloomington; Claude, Harry, Louise and Kathryn Davison, of Peoria. He also leaves one brother, N. F. Thiss, of Minneapolis, Minn.
by Baxter B. Fite III and Find A Grave Contributor: Kenny Fossitt (47720950) • [email protected]
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of the This family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on John E. This and the This family. Baxter would also love to see copies of any photographs of John E. This, which may 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.)
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