(NOTE: For 87 years Private John G. Honeywell's grave went UNMARKED!!! On May 19, 2012, 87 years and one day after John's death, a Government Issue stone was dedicated on his grave site. THANKS TO JIM AND KAREN HANSEN, of the Walnut Genealogical Society, John's grave is now marked!!!
John G. Honeywell 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 G. Honeywell then 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, yet we only have one picture, a group shot, of him here on his Find A Grave Memorial. 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 help me? Thanks, Baxter)
Private JOHN GROVE HONEYWELL, Co. E, 86th Illinois
John Grove Honeywell was born on September 12, 1844 in Summit County, Ohio, the son of William Shaefer Honeywell and Athaliah M. (Grove) Honeywell. William Shaefer Honeywell was born on November 10, 1821 in Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, while, Athaliah was born on June 5, 1818 in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. Five children are known to have been born to William S. and Athaliah M. (Grove) Honeywell. They are;
1. John Grove Honeywell, born September 12, 1844.
2. William Robbins Honeywell, born c. 1846; William was married to Mary Hilly; They are believed to have had one child; George Honeywell, born August 23, 1880 and died December 23, 1881; George was buried in the Layton Township Cemetery.
3. Wallace Berthier Honeywell, born c. 1848/49; Wallace was married to Lawra __________; Wallace are known to have had at least three children, two of whom were Phil Sheridan Honeywell, born c. 1875/76, and Athaliah Honeywell, born c, 1877/78; Wallace and Lawra are known to have resided many years in Walnut and are known to have lost three young children, including probably both of these children, in a "space of three weeks" between late April and early May of 1881, at least one of whom died of Scarlet Fever. They are believed to also be buried in the Layton Township Cemetery in Walnut, Iowa, though they apparently have no markers as of 2011.
4. King S. Honeywell, born c. 1851/52.
5. Amanda A. Honeywell, a daughter known to have died in early childhood.
In the 1850 Federal Census, the Honeywells are found in Carmel, Eaton Co., Michigan;
William S. Honeywell, 29, shoemaker, personal estate $400, PA
Athaliah Honeywell, 29, PA
John Honeywell, 5, OH
William Honeywell, 3, OH
Wallace Honeywell, 2, OH
At the time of the 1860 census, the Honeywell family is found in or near Whitefield, Illinois in Whitefield Township, Marshall County, Illinois;
William S. Honeywell, 39, Farmer, Real Estate $6000, Personal Estate $600, PA
E. Honeywell, 40, PA
John Honeywell, 16, OH
William Honeywell, 13, OH
Wallace Honeywell, 11, OH
King Honeywell, 8, MI
On August 13, 1862, John G. Honeywell volunteered in Whitefield Township of Marshall County, Illinois to serve in a company which was being raised in Marshall, Stark and Bureau Counties by a local well known farmer by the name of Orlando Fountain for service in the Union Army during the Civil War. At the time he enlisted, John gave his place of residence as Whitefield Township, Marshall County, Illinois.
John's 1st cousin, Jesse Doty Honeywell, volunteered the same day in LaPrairie Township of Marshall County, to serve in the same company. Jesse was the son of John Collier Honeywell, who was the older brother of William Shaefer Honeywell, John's father.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name HONEYWELL, JOHN G
Rank PVT Company E Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence WHITEFIELD, MARSHALL CO, IL Age 18 Height 5' 9 1/4 Hair SANDY
Eyes BLUE Complexion SANDY Marital Status SINGLE Occupation FARMER
Nativity SUMMIT CO, OH
Service Record
Joined When AUG 13, 1862 Joined Where WHITEFIELD, IL
Joined By Whom O FOUNTAIN Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out JUN 6, 1865
Muster Out Where WASHINGTON, DC Muster Out By Whom LT SCROGGS
Remarks N/A
When Fountain had about 100 volunteers, he led the company on a march into Peoria, Illinois, where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park.
On August 27, 1862, Fountain and 88 of his volunteers, including now Private John G. Honeywell, were mustered in as Co. E of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Fountain was elected by the men of Co. E. Jesse Doty Honeywell was elected to serve as one of Co. E's Sergeants.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched out of the gates of Camp Lyon, with much fanfare, through the streets of Peoria to the railroad depot. There they were joined by the men of the 85th Illinois, who had been mustered into service at Camp Peoria. At the depot, the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois boarded trains bound for Camp Joe Holt in Jeffersonville, Indiana, across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky. Three weeks later the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois were in the field in Kentucky as part of Colonel Daniel McCook's Brigade in pursuit of Confederate troops.
On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those Confederate troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, suffering their first casualties. There would be many more in the next few years. After the Battle of Perryville, the Confederate troops withdrew from Kentucky and the men of McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, Tennessee, where they would go into winter camp.
During the next two and a half years, Private John G. Honeywell served faithfully in Co. E as the men of the 86th served in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina and North Carolina. During this time, John was witness to and a participant in numerous battles and skirmishes, some of the bloodiest fighting in the Western Theatre of the war, including the Battles of Chickamauga, Georgia; Resaca, Georgia; Rome, Georgia; Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia; Peach Tree Creek, Georgia; Jonesboro, Georgia; Averasboro, North Carolina; and Bentonville, North Carolina, to name a few and marched with "Sherman to the Sea". On June 6, 1865, Private John G. Honeywell was with the surviving members of the 86th Illinois when they were mustered out of service on June 6, 1865 at Washington, D.C. He then, with the surviving members of Co. E, returned to his home in Marshall County.
The following information comes from Part 12 of Andreas' History of the State of Nebraska, Adams County, that was published in 1882;
"JOHN G. HONEYWELL, proprietor of Hansen House, was born in Summit County, Ohio, in 1844, removing four years later with his parents to Eaton County, Mich., and three years later to Lawn Ridge, Marshall Co., Ill., residing with his parents until he enlisted in August, 1861, in the Forty-seventh Illinois Infantry, and served two months; on August 27, 1862, he re-enlisted in the Eighty-sixth Illinois Infantry, serving in that regiment until June, 1865. After the war, Mr. Honeywell attended the Northern University at Henry, Ill., for a year, and subsequently engaged in farming in Marshall County, Ill., for some eight years; he came to Nebraska in January, 1876, homesteading 160 acres in Hall County; was engaged in farming the same until October, 1881, when he came to Hansen and purchased his present hotel building, etc., from Samuel Louks."
John G. Honeywell was married in La Salle County, Illinois on March 29, 1868 to Frances B. Parker. One record lists her as a native of Washington County, Illinois, but this may very well actually be Washington, Tazewell County, Illinois. Frances B. Parker is believed to have been born on December 15, 1851. In 1850, the following Parker family is found in Woodford County, Illinois;
1850 Federal Census, District 56, Woodford Co., IL
James Parker, 80
Mary Parker, 65
James Parker, 30
Milldrew Parker, 25
Martin Parker, 23
There is a marriage of a James Parker to an Avey Bruce found in Woodford Co. on February 16, 1851 which may be the James Parker, age 30, of above.
Carol Dorward found the following information about the Parkers;
1860 Federal Census, Minonk, Woodford Co., IL
James Parker, 38, farmer, Real estate $7000, Personal estate $200, VA
Achsa Parker, 25, IN
Frances Parker, 8, IL
Lewis T. Parker, 7, IL
Elizabeth Parker, 4, IL
Leona Parker, 3, IL
William B. Parker, 2, IL
Oliver Parker, 4 months, IL
1870 Federal Census, Groveland, La Salle Co., IL
James Parker, 50, VA, farmer, Real estate $2800, Personal estate $600
Axcie Parker, 35, IN
Lewis T. Parker, 16, IL
Elizabeth Parker, 15, IL
Leonia L. Parker, 13, IL
Wm. B. Parker, 10, IL
James Parker, 9, IL
Mary E. Parker, 8, IL
Harvie Parker, 5, IL
Olive Parker, 2, IL
Six children are known to have been born to John and Frances. They are;
1. Reuben Honeywell, born c. 1868/69 in Illinois; apparently died before 1880 as he his not listed with the family in 1880.
2. Athaliah Honeywell, born c. 1875 in Iowa; married to __________ Brooks; residing in Oakland, California in 1925 at the time of her father's death; One of John's children is known to have gone by the nickname "Hattie" and I am wondering if this was Athaliah?
3. John G. Honeywell, born August 30, 1876 in Iowa; died February 14, 1882; buried in the Greenwood Cemetery, Adams County, Nebraska.
4. Fannie B. Honeywell, born c. 1878 in Nebraska; married to ____________ Goetchell; residing in Oakland, California i 1925 at the time of her father's death.
5. LeRoy Garfield Honeywell, born __________ __, 1880 in Hall County, Nebraska; residing in Brewster, Nebraska at the time of his father's death in 1925.
6. William R. "Willie" Honeywell, born December __, 1887 in Iowa. Residing in Brewster, Nebraska at the time of his father's death in 1925.
At the time of the 1870 census, John, Frances, their son Reuben and John's brother, William R. Honeywell, are all found residing together near Lawn Ridge, Illinois in Valley Township, Stark County, Illinois;
John G. Honeywell, 26, Farmer, Personal Estate $375, OH
Frances B. Honeywell, 18, Keeping House, IL
Reuben Honeywell, 1, IL
William R. Honeywell (brother), 24, Farmer, Personal Estate $530, OH
On June 23, 1880, John G. Honeywell began collecting a small pension for his service in the Civil War. This is known to have been increased a number of times over the years. At the time of the 1880 census, John, Frances and the four children are found residing in Martinsville, Hall County, Nebraska, where he is farming.
John Honeywell, 35, Farmer, OH, PA, PA
Frances Honeywell, 28, Keeping House, IL, VA, IN
Athaliah Honeywell, 5, IA, OH, IL
John Honeywell, 4, IA, OH, IL
Fannie Honeywell, 2, NE, OH, IL
Roy Honeywell, 2 mos, NE, OH, IL
Athaliah Honeywell (mother), 62, PA, PA, Ireland
Bennie Stetson (boarder), 26, Farmer, NY, NY, NY
Back in Iowa, John's father, William S. Honeywell bought lots in the Layton Township Cemetery in Walnut, Iowa. He bought block 19 lot 5, N1/2 on Aug. 11, 1880. On December 18, 1888, William S. Honeywell bought block 22 lot 12. William and Athaliah are known to have resided in a home located at 401 Highland in Walnut from at least 1883 to 1888.
In October of 1881, the John G. and Frances Honeywell moved to Hansen, Nebraska, where they purchased the Hansen Hotel from Samuel Loucks. John and Frances were Proprietors of "Hansen House" for a number of years. In a local history it was stated that, "He has a good barn and livery attached to the hotel, and accommodation for thirty guests." Andreas' History of the State of Nebraska states the following about the town of Hansen and about the Honeywell's arrival in Hansen.
"HANSEN.
In the northeast part of the county, one-half mile from the Hall County and six miles west of the Clay County lines, is the village of Hansen. It is beautifully located in a rolling prairie, surrounded by fine and well-cultivated farms. The place, having been recently started, has not, as yet, attained to any considerable size, having only a population of thirty-two.
Hansen was laid out in 1879, by A. B. Ideson and J. J. Wemple, on grounds purchased from Charles and William Haines. The first building to mark the new town site was that erected by the railroad company for a station and telegraph office. This was in the fall of 1879, and, during the same fall, and in order of time, S. L. Loucks built a hotel, the Hansen House; J. L. Evans put up a storeroom, in which he placed a small stock of goods, consisting of general merchandise and B. F. Ford also put up a storehouse and engaged in the sale of groceries and hardware. Some time afterward, Ford sold out his stock to Evans. The next business establishment was a lumber-yard, started by James McGregor, in the interests of Paine Brothers, of Wisconsin, lumbermen.
In April of 1880, B. F. Fisher erected a shop, carrying on the trade of a blacksmith; but Fisher's sojourn in the town was extremely brief; he, and also his wife, becoming dissatisfied and homesick, soon after returned to the scenes of their childhood in Illinois. In the following spring, Fisher was succeeded in the business of blacksmithing by Jacob Countryman. Previous to this, and in the fall of 1880, W. L. Baker took charge of the grain elevator belonging to O. Oliver, of Hastings, and, in November of the last year, also took charge of the elevator built by Hansen, Gregg & Co., in August, 1879.
During the next fall, John Honeywell came and took possession of the Hansen House, in place of Loucks, who removed to Iowa. Directly following, Honeywell's father and brother came. His father opened a small grocery store, and the brother started a shoe-shop."
Betweem 1880 and 1882, John and Frances moved the family to Adams County, Nebraska, where they resided in West Blue Township. John is listed in the 1885 Nebraska State Census as follows;
Age 40
Birth Year: About 1845
Birth Place: Ohio
Census Date: 1 June 1885
Census Location: West Blue Tp., Adams Co., Nebraska
Between 1885 and 1887, John and Frances returned to Iowa, where their last child, "Willie", was born and where they took up residence in Walnut, Iowa in Pottawattamie County near his parents. John's mother, Athaliah M. (Grove) Honeywell died in her home located at 401 Highland in Walnut, Iowa on December 8, 1888 after apparently accidentally drinking indelible ink.
It was also most likely in or near Walnut, Iowa that Frances B. (Parker) Honeywell died on March 8, 1889. Her earthly remains were laid to rest in the Layton Township Cemetery in Walnut, Iowa. John's father, William S. Honeywell, died on October 22, 1901 and his earthly remains were also laid in the Layton Township Cemetery beside those of Athaliah's.
On August 27, 1887, the 25th Anniversary of the mustering in of the men of the 86th Illinois, the surviving members of the 86th held a reunion. More than 100 surviving members of the regiment attended this first reunion. They would continue to hold reunions on that anniversary until 1923. During this time every effort was made to locate all of the surviving members of the regiment and ascertain what became of the members who were deceased. At the reunion of 1923, only 22 men out of the 992 who had served in the regiment were physically & financially able to attend this reunion. The youngest of these was a 14 year old musician who was now 75 years of age. The 22 old veterans tearfully decided that this should be the last reunion. The last time the 86th published a mailing address for John Grove Honeywell was in the 1910 Reunion Booklet. They apparently had not heard from him for several years and still had him in Hansen, Nebraska. John had not resided in Hansen for years. John Grove Honeywell was never able to attend an 86th Illinois Reunion.
On February 4, 1899, John Grove Honeywell was married to Abbie Knight (Berry) Davis. She is believed to have been previously married to Charles H. Davis. According to the 1900 census, Abbie was born in July of 1841. She was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, the daughter of James Berry and Elizabeth (Halsell) Berry. Charles and Abbie are known to have had at least four children. At the time of the 1880 census, Charles and Abbie are found residing in South Boston, Boston, Suffolk, Massachusetts;
Charles H. Davis 50 Maine Machinist
Abbie K. Davis 40 Louisiana
Fred H. Davis 18 Florida
William F. Davis 14 CUBA
Melville C. Davis 8 Maine
Charles E. Davis 7 Maine
Abbie's place of residence at the time of the marriage application in 1899 was Cambridge Massachusetts and she was 58. This was her 2nd marriage. They were married by Elder David Brewster of Harlan & married at Harlan, Iowa.
1900 Federal Census, Harlan, Shelby Co., IA
John Honneywell, 55, Sep 1844, Marriage 2, Married 1 yr, IL, PA, PA, brick mason
Abbie Honneywell, 57, Jul 1841, Marriage 2, Married 1 yr, Louisiana, Maine, PA, 5 children/3 living
Willie Honneywell, 12, Dec 1887, IA, IL, OH, at school
William Honneywell (father), 78, Sep 1821, Widowed, PA, NJ, NJ
[Note should be made that William R. and wife (Mary) Honeywell are also in Harlan, Shelby Co., IA. I believe this is John's brother, William. Brother, Wallace, and wife (Laura) are located in Logan, Harrison Co., IA.]
At the time of the 1905, 1910 and 1915 census', John Grove Honeywell and Abbie Knight Honeywell are found residing in the City of Harlan in Shelby County, Iowa.
1910 Federal Census, Harlan, Shelby Co., IA
John Grove Honeywell, 66, Marriage 2, Married 11 years, OH, US, US, Brick mason, buildings
Abbie Knight Honeywell, 69, Marriage 2, Married 11years, Louisiana, Maine, PA, Seven children/4 living.
About 1920, John is known to have moved to Davenport, Iowa, but it is not known from where he moved. He spent the last five years of his life as a resident of Davenport, Iowa, residing much of this time with his brother, King. Karen and Jim Hansen found John and King Honeywell in the 1925 census. John Grove Honeywell and King S. Honeywell are residing together in Ward 2 at 2107 Lombard Street in Davenport, Iowa in Scott County. This is West Lombarde Street today. The census list them both as being divorced. It appears that they were still working at the ages of 80 and 73;
John G. Honeywell 80
King S. Honeywell 73
Karen Hansen, of the Walnut Genealogical Society, found John's obituary on microfilm in the May 28, 1925 edition of the Walnut newspaper;
FORMER RESIDENT BURIED HERE THURSDAY
------------------------------------
John Honeywell Died at Davenport,
At Age of 80 Years.
------------------------------------
John Garve Honeywell was born in Ohio on September 12, 1844, and passed away Monday morning, May 18, 1925 at the Mercy Hospital in Davenport, Iowa, at the age of 80 years, 8 months, and 6 days.
The deceased was a former resident of Walnut. He had made his home at Davenport during the past five years. He served during the Civil War in the 89th (should have read 86th) Illinois regiment and was a member of the G.A.R. at Oakland, Cal., and a member of the Church of God.
Surviving are one brother, King F. Honeywell if Davenport, Ia., and four children, Mrs. A. A. Brooks and Mrs. Fanny Goetchell, of Oakland, Cal, William R. and Leroy G. Honeywell of Brewster, Nebr.
Funeral services, conducted by Rev. C. K. Gillum, were held at the E. A. Horrigan & Son funeral parlors in Davenport on Wednesday, May 20th, and the remains shipped to Walnut for burial.
They arrived here Thursday morning, accompanied by his brother, King F. Honeywell, and short services conducted by Rev. James Wilkins, assisted by the G.A.R. of Harlan, were held at the grave, and interment made in the family lot in the Walnut cemetery."
Private John G. Honeywell's pension card also states that he died in Davenport, Iowa on May 18, 1925. His earthly remains were returned to Walnut, Iowa where they were laid to rest beside those of his wife of over 20 years in the Layton Township Cemetery.
Private John Grove Honeywell is known to have been a member of the J. A. Dix G.A.R. Post #408 at Walnut, Iowa, He was also apparently a member of a G.A.R. post in Oakland, California for some years. His daughters resided in Oakland, California. Did he reside out there near his daughters sometime between 1889, after his first wife's death, and 1905, when he and his second wife, Abbie, are found in the City of Harlan in Shelby County, Iowa?
Or is it possible he resided out there sometime between 1915, when he and Abbie are found in the Harlan, Iowa and 1920, when he is known to have moved to Davenport, Iowa. Perhaps the 1900 or 1920 census records can help answer these questions or perhaps a family member will help us one of these days.
In March of 2012, Karen Hansen came across a interesting article which appeared in the February 5, 1922 edition of the Davenport Democrat and Leader. It reads;
"CIVIL WAR VET AND 77 YEARS OLD MARRIED
---------------------------------------
John G. Honeywell and Mrs. M. Nesham United in Wedlock
---------------------------------------
John G. Honeywell, 77 years old and a veteran of the Civil War, was married to to Mrs. Marie Nesham at the home of the bride's daughter, Mrs. F. E. Schwerdsferger, 718 Charlotte avenue, at 6 o'clock Saturday night. The bride is 64 years old.
Mr. Honeywell is the oldest bridgegroom of the year. He formerly lived in Donafin, Nebraska, where he served for 15 years as a justice of the peace. The couple was attended by the son and daughter of the bride, Mrs. F. E. Schwerdsferger and C. Nesham. The ceremony was performed in the parlor of the daughter's home, Justice of the Peace, W. W. Scott, officiating.
A wedding supper was served to about 30 friends and relatives."
So we see that John Grove Honeywell was married to Marie Nesham on the evening of February 4, 1922 in Davenport, Iowa. Marie Nesham was Marie Evaline (Wilkinson) Nesham, who was born on July __, 1858 in ___________, Illinois. She was previously married to John Phillip Nesham on November 2, 1875 in La Cross, Wisconsin. John P. Nesham was born on Feb. 1, 1854, died on Feb. 6, 1914 and his mortal remains were laid in the Oak Grove Cemetery in La Crosse, La Crosse County, Wisconsin. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 88243321.
Familysearch has the following record;
Name John G. Honeywell
Event Type Marriage
Event Date 04 Feb 1922
Event Place Davenport, Iowa, United States
Gender Male
Age 77
Birth Year (Estimated) 1845
Father's Name Wm S. Honeywell
Mother's Name Athalih Grove
Spouse's Name Marie Wilkinson Nesham
Spouse's Gender Female
Spouse's Age 64
Spouse's Birth Year (Estimated) 1858
Spouse's Father's Name Norman Barber Wilkinson
Spouse's Mother's Name Mary Cotton
John and Marie are believed to have resided in Davenport, Iowa, however, they were apparently divorced before the 1925 census, as the census lists John as being divorced at that time.
After John's death, because they were divorced, it is not know whether Marie would have been eligible to collect his pension after his death or not. Marie Evaline (Wilkinson) Nesham Honeywell died on June 5, 1933 in Rock Island, Illinois. Her earthly remains were laid to rest in the Oakdale Memorial Gardens in Davenport, Iowa.
by Baxter B. Fite III and Karen Hansen, of the Walnut, Iowa Genealogical Society, and Carol Dorward.
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially members of the Honeywell family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on Private John G. Honeywell and the Honeywell family. Baxter would also love to see copies of any photographs of Private John G. Honeywell that 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 G. Honeywell 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 G. Honeywell then 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, yet we only have one picture, a group shot, of him here on his Find A Grave Memorial. 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 help me? Thanks, Baxter)
Private JOHN GROVE HONEYWELL, Co. E, 86th Illinois
John Grove Honeywell was born on September 12, 1844 in Summit County, Ohio, the son of William Shaefer Honeywell and Athaliah M. (Grove) Honeywell. William Shaefer Honeywell was born on November 10, 1821 in Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, while, Athaliah was born on June 5, 1818 in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. Five children are known to have been born to William S. and Athaliah M. (Grove) Honeywell. They are;
1. John Grove Honeywell, born September 12, 1844.
2. William Robbins Honeywell, born c. 1846; William was married to Mary Hilly; They are believed to have had one child; George Honeywell, born August 23, 1880 and died December 23, 1881; George was buried in the Layton Township Cemetery.
3. Wallace Berthier Honeywell, born c. 1848/49; Wallace was married to Lawra __________; Wallace are known to have had at least three children, two of whom were Phil Sheridan Honeywell, born c. 1875/76, and Athaliah Honeywell, born c, 1877/78; Wallace and Lawra are known to have resided many years in Walnut and are known to have lost three young children, including probably both of these children, in a "space of three weeks" between late April and early May of 1881, at least one of whom died of Scarlet Fever. They are believed to also be buried in the Layton Township Cemetery in Walnut, Iowa, though they apparently have no markers as of 2011.
4. King S. Honeywell, born c. 1851/52.
5. Amanda A. Honeywell, a daughter known to have died in early childhood.
In the 1850 Federal Census, the Honeywells are found in Carmel, Eaton Co., Michigan;
William S. Honeywell, 29, shoemaker, personal estate $400, PA
Athaliah Honeywell, 29, PA
John Honeywell, 5, OH
William Honeywell, 3, OH
Wallace Honeywell, 2, OH
At the time of the 1860 census, the Honeywell family is found in or near Whitefield, Illinois in Whitefield Township, Marshall County, Illinois;
William S. Honeywell, 39, Farmer, Real Estate $6000, Personal Estate $600, PA
E. Honeywell, 40, PA
John Honeywell, 16, OH
William Honeywell, 13, OH
Wallace Honeywell, 11, OH
King Honeywell, 8, MI
On August 13, 1862, John G. Honeywell volunteered in Whitefield Township of Marshall County, Illinois to serve in a company which was being raised in Marshall, Stark and Bureau Counties by a local well known farmer by the name of Orlando Fountain for service in the Union Army during the Civil War. At the time he enlisted, John gave his place of residence as Whitefield Township, Marshall County, Illinois.
John's 1st cousin, Jesse Doty Honeywell, volunteered the same day in LaPrairie Township of Marshall County, to serve in the same company. Jesse was the son of John Collier Honeywell, who was the older brother of William Shaefer Honeywell, John's father.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name HONEYWELL, JOHN G
Rank PVT Company E Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence WHITEFIELD, MARSHALL CO, IL Age 18 Height 5' 9 1/4 Hair SANDY
Eyes BLUE Complexion SANDY Marital Status SINGLE Occupation FARMER
Nativity SUMMIT CO, OH
Service Record
Joined When AUG 13, 1862 Joined Where WHITEFIELD, IL
Joined By Whom O FOUNTAIN Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out JUN 6, 1865
Muster Out Where WASHINGTON, DC Muster Out By Whom LT SCROGGS
Remarks N/A
When Fountain had about 100 volunteers, he led the company on a march into Peoria, Illinois, where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park.
On August 27, 1862, Fountain and 88 of his volunteers, including now Private John G. Honeywell, were mustered in as Co. E of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Fountain was elected by the men of Co. E. Jesse Doty Honeywell was elected to serve as one of Co. E's Sergeants.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched out of the gates of Camp Lyon, with much fanfare, through the streets of Peoria to the railroad depot. There they were joined by the men of the 85th Illinois, who had been mustered into service at Camp Peoria. At the depot, the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois boarded trains bound for Camp Joe Holt in Jeffersonville, Indiana, across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky. Three weeks later the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois were in the field in Kentucky as part of Colonel Daniel McCook's Brigade in pursuit of Confederate troops.
On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those Confederate troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, suffering their first casualties. There would be many more in the next few years. After the Battle of Perryville, the Confederate troops withdrew from Kentucky and the men of McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, Tennessee, where they would go into winter camp.
During the next two and a half years, Private John G. Honeywell served faithfully in Co. E as the men of the 86th served in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina and North Carolina. During this time, John was witness to and a participant in numerous battles and skirmishes, some of the bloodiest fighting in the Western Theatre of the war, including the Battles of Chickamauga, Georgia; Resaca, Georgia; Rome, Georgia; Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia; Peach Tree Creek, Georgia; Jonesboro, Georgia; Averasboro, North Carolina; and Bentonville, North Carolina, to name a few and marched with "Sherman to the Sea". On June 6, 1865, Private John G. Honeywell was with the surviving members of the 86th Illinois when they were mustered out of service on June 6, 1865 at Washington, D.C. He then, with the surviving members of Co. E, returned to his home in Marshall County.
The following information comes from Part 12 of Andreas' History of the State of Nebraska, Adams County, that was published in 1882;
"JOHN G. HONEYWELL, proprietor of Hansen House, was born in Summit County, Ohio, in 1844, removing four years later with his parents to Eaton County, Mich., and three years later to Lawn Ridge, Marshall Co., Ill., residing with his parents until he enlisted in August, 1861, in the Forty-seventh Illinois Infantry, and served two months; on August 27, 1862, he re-enlisted in the Eighty-sixth Illinois Infantry, serving in that regiment until June, 1865. After the war, Mr. Honeywell attended the Northern University at Henry, Ill., for a year, and subsequently engaged in farming in Marshall County, Ill., for some eight years; he came to Nebraska in January, 1876, homesteading 160 acres in Hall County; was engaged in farming the same until October, 1881, when he came to Hansen and purchased his present hotel building, etc., from Samuel Louks."
John G. Honeywell was married in La Salle County, Illinois on March 29, 1868 to Frances B. Parker. One record lists her as a native of Washington County, Illinois, but this may very well actually be Washington, Tazewell County, Illinois. Frances B. Parker is believed to have been born on December 15, 1851. In 1850, the following Parker family is found in Woodford County, Illinois;
1850 Federal Census, District 56, Woodford Co., IL
James Parker, 80
Mary Parker, 65
James Parker, 30
Milldrew Parker, 25
Martin Parker, 23
There is a marriage of a James Parker to an Avey Bruce found in Woodford Co. on February 16, 1851 which may be the James Parker, age 30, of above.
Carol Dorward found the following information about the Parkers;
1860 Federal Census, Minonk, Woodford Co., IL
James Parker, 38, farmer, Real estate $7000, Personal estate $200, VA
Achsa Parker, 25, IN
Frances Parker, 8, IL
Lewis T. Parker, 7, IL
Elizabeth Parker, 4, IL
Leona Parker, 3, IL
William B. Parker, 2, IL
Oliver Parker, 4 months, IL
1870 Federal Census, Groveland, La Salle Co., IL
James Parker, 50, VA, farmer, Real estate $2800, Personal estate $600
Axcie Parker, 35, IN
Lewis T. Parker, 16, IL
Elizabeth Parker, 15, IL
Leonia L. Parker, 13, IL
Wm. B. Parker, 10, IL
James Parker, 9, IL
Mary E. Parker, 8, IL
Harvie Parker, 5, IL
Olive Parker, 2, IL
Six children are known to have been born to John and Frances. They are;
1. Reuben Honeywell, born c. 1868/69 in Illinois; apparently died before 1880 as he his not listed with the family in 1880.
2. Athaliah Honeywell, born c. 1875 in Iowa; married to __________ Brooks; residing in Oakland, California in 1925 at the time of her father's death; One of John's children is known to have gone by the nickname "Hattie" and I am wondering if this was Athaliah?
3. John G. Honeywell, born August 30, 1876 in Iowa; died February 14, 1882; buried in the Greenwood Cemetery, Adams County, Nebraska.
4. Fannie B. Honeywell, born c. 1878 in Nebraska; married to ____________ Goetchell; residing in Oakland, California i 1925 at the time of her father's death.
5. LeRoy Garfield Honeywell, born __________ __, 1880 in Hall County, Nebraska; residing in Brewster, Nebraska at the time of his father's death in 1925.
6. William R. "Willie" Honeywell, born December __, 1887 in Iowa. Residing in Brewster, Nebraska at the time of his father's death in 1925.
At the time of the 1870 census, John, Frances, their son Reuben and John's brother, William R. Honeywell, are all found residing together near Lawn Ridge, Illinois in Valley Township, Stark County, Illinois;
John G. Honeywell, 26, Farmer, Personal Estate $375, OH
Frances B. Honeywell, 18, Keeping House, IL
Reuben Honeywell, 1, IL
William R. Honeywell (brother), 24, Farmer, Personal Estate $530, OH
On June 23, 1880, John G. Honeywell began collecting a small pension for his service in the Civil War. This is known to have been increased a number of times over the years. At the time of the 1880 census, John, Frances and the four children are found residing in Martinsville, Hall County, Nebraska, where he is farming.
John Honeywell, 35, Farmer, OH, PA, PA
Frances Honeywell, 28, Keeping House, IL, VA, IN
Athaliah Honeywell, 5, IA, OH, IL
John Honeywell, 4, IA, OH, IL
Fannie Honeywell, 2, NE, OH, IL
Roy Honeywell, 2 mos, NE, OH, IL
Athaliah Honeywell (mother), 62, PA, PA, Ireland
Bennie Stetson (boarder), 26, Farmer, NY, NY, NY
Back in Iowa, John's father, William S. Honeywell bought lots in the Layton Township Cemetery in Walnut, Iowa. He bought block 19 lot 5, N1/2 on Aug. 11, 1880. On December 18, 1888, William S. Honeywell bought block 22 lot 12. William and Athaliah are known to have resided in a home located at 401 Highland in Walnut from at least 1883 to 1888.
In October of 1881, the John G. and Frances Honeywell moved to Hansen, Nebraska, where they purchased the Hansen Hotel from Samuel Loucks. John and Frances were Proprietors of "Hansen House" for a number of years. In a local history it was stated that, "He has a good barn and livery attached to the hotel, and accommodation for thirty guests." Andreas' History of the State of Nebraska states the following about the town of Hansen and about the Honeywell's arrival in Hansen.
"HANSEN.
In the northeast part of the county, one-half mile from the Hall County and six miles west of the Clay County lines, is the village of Hansen. It is beautifully located in a rolling prairie, surrounded by fine and well-cultivated farms. The place, having been recently started, has not, as yet, attained to any considerable size, having only a population of thirty-two.
Hansen was laid out in 1879, by A. B. Ideson and J. J. Wemple, on grounds purchased from Charles and William Haines. The first building to mark the new town site was that erected by the railroad company for a station and telegraph office. This was in the fall of 1879, and, during the same fall, and in order of time, S. L. Loucks built a hotel, the Hansen House; J. L. Evans put up a storeroom, in which he placed a small stock of goods, consisting of general merchandise and B. F. Ford also put up a storehouse and engaged in the sale of groceries and hardware. Some time afterward, Ford sold out his stock to Evans. The next business establishment was a lumber-yard, started by James McGregor, in the interests of Paine Brothers, of Wisconsin, lumbermen.
In April of 1880, B. F. Fisher erected a shop, carrying on the trade of a blacksmith; but Fisher's sojourn in the town was extremely brief; he, and also his wife, becoming dissatisfied and homesick, soon after returned to the scenes of their childhood in Illinois. In the following spring, Fisher was succeeded in the business of blacksmithing by Jacob Countryman. Previous to this, and in the fall of 1880, W. L. Baker took charge of the grain elevator belonging to O. Oliver, of Hastings, and, in November of the last year, also took charge of the elevator built by Hansen, Gregg & Co., in August, 1879.
During the next fall, John Honeywell came and took possession of the Hansen House, in place of Loucks, who removed to Iowa. Directly following, Honeywell's father and brother came. His father opened a small grocery store, and the brother started a shoe-shop."
Betweem 1880 and 1882, John and Frances moved the family to Adams County, Nebraska, where they resided in West Blue Township. John is listed in the 1885 Nebraska State Census as follows;
Age 40
Birth Year: About 1845
Birth Place: Ohio
Census Date: 1 June 1885
Census Location: West Blue Tp., Adams Co., Nebraska
Between 1885 and 1887, John and Frances returned to Iowa, where their last child, "Willie", was born and where they took up residence in Walnut, Iowa in Pottawattamie County near his parents. John's mother, Athaliah M. (Grove) Honeywell died in her home located at 401 Highland in Walnut, Iowa on December 8, 1888 after apparently accidentally drinking indelible ink.
It was also most likely in or near Walnut, Iowa that Frances B. (Parker) Honeywell died on March 8, 1889. Her earthly remains were laid to rest in the Layton Township Cemetery in Walnut, Iowa. John's father, William S. Honeywell, died on October 22, 1901 and his earthly remains were also laid in the Layton Township Cemetery beside those of Athaliah's.
On August 27, 1887, the 25th Anniversary of the mustering in of the men of the 86th Illinois, the surviving members of the 86th held a reunion. More than 100 surviving members of the regiment attended this first reunion. They would continue to hold reunions on that anniversary until 1923. During this time every effort was made to locate all of the surviving members of the regiment and ascertain what became of the members who were deceased. At the reunion of 1923, only 22 men out of the 992 who had served in the regiment were physically & financially able to attend this reunion. The youngest of these was a 14 year old musician who was now 75 years of age. The 22 old veterans tearfully decided that this should be the last reunion. The last time the 86th published a mailing address for John Grove Honeywell was in the 1910 Reunion Booklet. They apparently had not heard from him for several years and still had him in Hansen, Nebraska. John had not resided in Hansen for years. John Grove Honeywell was never able to attend an 86th Illinois Reunion.
On February 4, 1899, John Grove Honeywell was married to Abbie Knight (Berry) Davis. She is believed to have been previously married to Charles H. Davis. According to the 1900 census, Abbie was born in July of 1841. She was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, the daughter of James Berry and Elizabeth (Halsell) Berry. Charles and Abbie are known to have had at least four children. At the time of the 1880 census, Charles and Abbie are found residing in South Boston, Boston, Suffolk, Massachusetts;
Charles H. Davis 50 Maine Machinist
Abbie K. Davis 40 Louisiana
Fred H. Davis 18 Florida
William F. Davis 14 CUBA
Melville C. Davis 8 Maine
Charles E. Davis 7 Maine
Abbie's place of residence at the time of the marriage application in 1899 was Cambridge Massachusetts and she was 58. This was her 2nd marriage. They were married by Elder David Brewster of Harlan & married at Harlan, Iowa.
1900 Federal Census, Harlan, Shelby Co., IA
John Honneywell, 55, Sep 1844, Marriage 2, Married 1 yr, IL, PA, PA, brick mason
Abbie Honneywell, 57, Jul 1841, Marriage 2, Married 1 yr, Louisiana, Maine, PA, 5 children/3 living
Willie Honneywell, 12, Dec 1887, IA, IL, OH, at school
William Honneywell (father), 78, Sep 1821, Widowed, PA, NJ, NJ
[Note should be made that William R. and wife (Mary) Honeywell are also in Harlan, Shelby Co., IA. I believe this is John's brother, William. Brother, Wallace, and wife (Laura) are located in Logan, Harrison Co., IA.]
At the time of the 1905, 1910 and 1915 census', John Grove Honeywell and Abbie Knight Honeywell are found residing in the City of Harlan in Shelby County, Iowa.
1910 Federal Census, Harlan, Shelby Co., IA
John Grove Honeywell, 66, Marriage 2, Married 11 years, OH, US, US, Brick mason, buildings
Abbie Knight Honeywell, 69, Marriage 2, Married 11years, Louisiana, Maine, PA, Seven children/4 living.
About 1920, John is known to have moved to Davenport, Iowa, but it is not known from where he moved. He spent the last five years of his life as a resident of Davenport, Iowa, residing much of this time with his brother, King. Karen and Jim Hansen found John and King Honeywell in the 1925 census. John Grove Honeywell and King S. Honeywell are residing together in Ward 2 at 2107 Lombard Street in Davenport, Iowa in Scott County. This is West Lombarde Street today. The census list them both as being divorced. It appears that they were still working at the ages of 80 and 73;
John G. Honeywell 80
King S. Honeywell 73
Karen Hansen, of the Walnut Genealogical Society, found John's obituary on microfilm in the May 28, 1925 edition of the Walnut newspaper;
FORMER RESIDENT BURIED HERE THURSDAY
------------------------------------
John Honeywell Died at Davenport,
At Age of 80 Years.
------------------------------------
John Garve Honeywell was born in Ohio on September 12, 1844, and passed away Monday morning, May 18, 1925 at the Mercy Hospital in Davenport, Iowa, at the age of 80 years, 8 months, and 6 days.
The deceased was a former resident of Walnut. He had made his home at Davenport during the past five years. He served during the Civil War in the 89th (should have read 86th) Illinois regiment and was a member of the G.A.R. at Oakland, Cal., and a member of the Church of God.
Surviving are one brother, King F. Honeywell if Davenport, Ia., and four children, Mrs. A. A. Brooks and Mrs. Fanny Goetchell, of Oakland, Cal, William R. and Leroy G. Honeywell of Brewster, Nebr.
Funeral services, conducted by Rev. C. K. Gillum, were held at the E. A. Horrigan & Son funeral parlors in Davenport on Wednesday, May 20th, and the remains shipped to Walnut for burial.
They arrived here Thursday morning, accompanied by his brother, King F. Honeywell, and short services conducted by Rev. James Wilkins, assisted by the G.A.R. of Harlan, were held at the grave, and interment made in the family lot in the Walnut cemetery."
Private John G. Honeywell's pension card also states that he died in Davenport, Iowa on May 18, 1925. His earthly remains were returned to Walnut, Iowa where they were laid to rest beside those of his wife of over 20 years in the Layton Township Cemetery.
Private John Grove Honeywell is known to have been a member of the J. A. Dix G.A.R. Post #408 at Walnut, Iowa, He was also apparently a member of a G.A.R. post in Oakland, California for some years. His daughters resided in Oakland, California. Did he reside out there near his daughters sometime between 1889, after his first wife's death, and 1905, when he and his second wife, Abbie, are found in the City of Harlan in Shelby County, Iowa?
Or is it possible he resided out there sometime between 1915, when he and Abbie are found in the Harlan, Iowa and 1920, when he is known to have moved to Davenport, Iowa. Perhaps the 1900 or 1920 census records can help answer these questions or perhaps a family member will help us one of these days.
In March of 2012, Karen Hansen came across a interesting article which appeared in the February 5, 1922 edition of the Davenport Democrat and Leader. It reads;
"CIVIL WAR VET AND 77 YEARS OLD MARRIED
---------------------------------------
John G. Honeywell and Mrs. M. Nesham United in Wedlock
---------------------------------------
John G. Honeywell, 77 years old and a veteran of the Civil War, was married to to Mrs. Marie Nesham at the home of the bride's daughter, Mrs. F. E. Schwerdsferger, 718 Charlotte avenue, at 6 o'clock Saturday night. The bride is 64 years old.
Mr. Honeywell is the oldest bridgegroom of the year. He formerly lived in Donafin, Nebraska, where he served for 15 years as a justice of the peace. The couple was attended by the son and daughter of the bride, Mrs. F. E. Schwerdsferger and C. Nesham. The ceremony was performed in the parlor of the daughter's home, Justice of the Peace, W. W. Scott, officiating.
A wedding supper was served to about 30 friends and relatives."
So we see that John Grove Honeywell was married to Marie Nesham on the evening of February 4, 1922 in Davenport, Iowa. Marie Nesham was Marie Evaline (Wilkinson) Nesham, who was born on July __, 1858 in ___________, Illinois. She was previously married to John Phillip Nesham on November 2, 1875 in La Cross, Wisconsin. John P. Nesham was born on Feb. 1, 1854, died on Feb. 6, 1914 and his mortal remains were laid in the Oak Grove Cemetery in La Crosse, La Crosse County, Wisconsin. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 88243321.
Familysearch has the following record;
Name John G. Honeywell
Event Type Marriage
Event Date 04 Feb 1922
Event Place Davenport, Iowa, United States
Gender Male
Age 77
Birth Year (Estimated) 1845
Father's Name Wm S. Honeywell
Mother's Name Athalih Grove
Spouse's Name Marie Wilkinson Nesham
Spouse's Gender Female
Spouse's Age 64
Spouse's Birth Year (Estimated) 1858
Spouse's Father's Name Norman Barber Wilkinson
Spouse's Mother's Name Mary Cotton
John and Marie are believed to have resided in Davenport, Iowa, however, they were apparently divorced before the 1925 census, as the census lists John as being divorced at that time.
After John's death, because they were divorced, it is not know whether Marie would have been eligible to collect his pension after his death or not. Marie Evaline (Wilkinson) Nesham Honeywell died on June 5, 1933 in Rock Island, Illinois. Her earthly remains were laid to rest in the Oakdale Memorial Gardens in Davenport, Iowa.
by Baxter B. Fite III and Karen Hansen, of the Walnut, Iowa Genealogical Society, and Carol Dorward.
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially members of the Honeywell family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on Private John G. Honeywell and the Honeywell family. Baxter would also love to see copies of any photographs of Private John G. Honeywell that 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: For 87 years Private John G. Honeywell's grave went UNMARKED!!! On May 19, 2012, 87 years and one day after John's death, a Government Issue stone was dedicated on his grave site. THANKS TO JIM AND KAREN HANSEN, of the Walnut Genealogical Society, John's grave is now marked!!!
John G. Honeywell 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 G. Honeywell then 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, yet we only have one picture, a group shot, of him here on his Find A Grave Memorial. 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 help me? Thanks, Baxter)
Private JOHN GROVE HONEYWELL, Co. E, 86th Illinois
John Grove Honeywell was born on September 12, 1844 in Summit County, Ohio, the son of William Shaefer Honeywell and Athaliah M. (Grove) Honeywell. William Shaefer Honeywell was born on November 10, 1821 in Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, while, Athaliah was born on June 5, 1818 in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. Five children are known to have been born to William S. and Athaliah M. (Grove) Honeywell. They are;
1. John Grove Honeywell, born September 12, 1844.
2. William Robbins Honeywell, born c. 1846; William was married to Mary Hilly; They are believed to have had one child; George Honeywell, born August 23, 1880 and died December 23, 1881; George was buried in the Layton Township Cemetery.
3. Wallace Berthier Honeywell, born c. 1848/49; Wallace was married to Lawra __________; Wallace are known to have had at least three children, two of whom were Phil Sheridan Honeywell, born c. 1875/76, and Athaliah Honeywell, born c, 1877/78; Wallace and Lawra are known to have resided many years in Walnut and are known to have lost three young children, including probably both of these children, in a "space of three weeks" between late April and early May of 1881, at least one of whom died of Scarlet Fever. They are believed to also be buried in the Layton Township Cemetery in Walnut, Iowa, though they apparently have no markers as of 2011.
4. King S. Honeywell, born c. 1851/52.
5. Amanda A. Honeywell, a daughter known to have died in early childhood.
In the 1850 Federal Census, the Honeywells are found in Carmel, Eaton Co., Michigan;
William S. Honeywell, 29, shoemaker, personal estate $400, PA
Athaliah Honeywell, 29, PA
John Honeywell, 5, OH
William Honeywell, 3, OH
Wallace Honeywell, 2, OH
At the time of the 1860 census, the Honeywell family is found in or near Whitefield, Illinois in Whitefield Township, Marshall County, Illinois;
William S. Honeywell, 39, Farmer, Real Estate $6000, Personal Estate $600, PA
E. Honeywell, 40, PA
John Honeywell, 16, OH
William Honeywell, 13, OH
Wallace Honeywell, 11, OH
King Honeywell, 8, MI
On August 13, 1862, John G. Honeywell volunteered in Whitefield Township of Marshall County, Illinois to serve in a company which was being raised in Marshall, Stark and Bureau Counties by a local well known farmer by the name of Orlando Fountain for service in the Union Army during the Civil War. At the time he enlisted, John gave his place of residence as Whitefield Township, Marshall County, Illinois.
John's 1st cousin, Jesse Doty Honeywell, volunteered the same day in LaPrairie Township of Marshall County, to serve in the same company. Jesse was the son of John Collier Honeywell, who was the older brother of William Shaefer Honeywell, John's father.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name HONEYWELL, JOHN G
Rank PVT Company E Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence WHITEFIELD, MARSHALL CO, IL Age 18 Height 5' 9 1/4 Hair SANDY
Eyes BLUE Complexion SANDY Marital Status SINGLE Occupation FARMER
Nativity SUMMIT CO, OH
Service Record
Joined When AUG 13, 1862 Joined Where WHITEFIELD, IL
Joined By Whom O FOUNTAIN Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out JUN 6, 1865
Muster Out Where WASHINGTON, DC Muster Out By Whom LT SCROGGS
Remarks N/A
When Fountain had about 100 volunteers, he led the company on a march into Peoria, Illinois, where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park.
On August 27, 1862, Fountain and 88 of his volunteers, including now Private John G. Honeywell, were mustered in as Co. E of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Fountain was elected by the men of Co. E. Jesse Doty Honeywell was elected to serve as one of Co. E's Sergeants.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched out of the gates of Camp Lyon, with much fanfare, through the streets of Peoria to the railroad depot. There they were joined by the men of the 85th Illinois, who had been mustered into service at Camp Peoria. At the depot, the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois boarded trains bound for Camp Joe Holt in Jeffersonville, Indiana, across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky. Three weeks later the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois were in the field in Kentucky as part of Colonel Daniel McCook's Brigade in pursuit of Confederate troops.
On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those Confederate troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, suffering their first casualties. There would be many more in the next few years. After the Battle of Perryville, the Confederate troops withdrew from Kentucky and the men of McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, Tennessee, where they would go into winter camp.
During the next two and a half years, Private John G. Honeywell served faithfully in Co. E as the men of the 86th served in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina and North Carolina. During this time, John was witness to and a participant in numerous battles and skirmishes, some of the bloodiest fighting in the Western Theatre of the war, including the Battles of Chickamauga, Georgia; Resaca, Georgia; Rome, Georgia; Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia; Peach Tree Creek, Georgia; Jonesboro, Georgia; Averasboro, North Carolina; and Bentonville, North Carolina, to name a few and marched with "Sherman to the Sea". On June 6, 1865, Private John G. Honeywell was with the surviving members of the 86th Illinois when they were mustered out of service on June 6, 1865 at Washington, D.C. He then, with the surviving members of Co. E, returned to his home in Marshall County.
The following information comes from Part 12 of Andreas' History of the State of Nebraska, Adams County, that was published in 1882;
"JOHN G. HONEYWELL, proprietor of Hansen House, was born in Summit County, Ohio, in 1844, removing four years later with his parents to Eaton County, Mich., and three years later to Lawn Ridge, Marshall Co., Ill., residing with his parents until he enlisted in August, 1861, in the Forty-seventh Illinois Infantry, and served two months; on August 27, 1862, he re-enlisted in the Eighty-sixth Illinois Infantry, serving in that regiment until June, 1865. After the war, Mr. Honeywell attended the Northern University at Henry, Ill., for a year, and subsequently engaged in farming in Marshall County, Ill., for some eight years; he came to Nebraska in January, 1876, homesteading 160 acres in Hall County; was engaged in farming the same until October, 1881, when he came to Hansen and purchased his present hotel building, etc., from Samuel Louks."
John G. Honeywell was married in La Salle County, Illinois on March 29, 1868 to Frances B. Parker. One record lists her as a native of Washington County, Illinois, but this may very well actually be Washington, Tazewell County, Illinois. Frances B. Parker is believed to have been born on December 15, 1851. In 1850, the following Parker family is found in Woodford County, Illinois;
1850 Federal Census, District 56, Woodford Co., IL
James Parker, 80
Mary Parker, 65
James Parker, 30
Milldrew Parker, 25
Martin Parker, 23
There is a marriage of a James Parker to an Avey Bruce found in Woodford Co. on February 16, 1851 which may be the James Parker, age 30, of above.
Carol Dorward found the following information about the Parkers;
1860 Federal Census, Minonk, Woodford Co., IL
James Parker, 38, farmer, Real estate $7000, Personal estate $200, VA
Achsa Parker, 25, IN
Frances Parker, 8, IL
Lewis T. Parker, 7, IL
Elizabeth Parker, 4, IL
Leona Parker, 3, IL
William B. Parker, 2, IL
Oliver Parker, 4 months, IL
1870 Federal Census, Groveland, La Salle Co., IL
James Parker, 50, VA, farmer, Real estate $2800, Personal estate $600
Axcie Parker, 35, IN
Lewis T. Parker, 16, IL
Elizabeth Parker, 15, IL
Leonia L. Parker, 13, IL
Wm. B. Parker, 10, IL
James Parker, 9, IL
Mary E. Parker, 8, IL
Harvie Parker, 5, IL
Olive Parker, 2, IL
Six children are known to have been born to John and Frances. They are;
1. Reuben Honeywell, born c. 1868/69 in Illinois; apparently died before 1880 as he his not listed with the family in 1880.
2. Athaliah Honeywell, born c. 1875 in Iowa; married to __________ Brooks; residing in Oakland, California in 1925 at the time of her father's death; One of John's children is known to have gone by the nickname "Hattie" and I am wondering if this was Athaliah?
3. John G. Honeywell, born August 30, 1876 in Iowa; died February 14, 1882; buried in the Greenwood Cemetery, Adams County, Nebraska.
4. Fannie B. Honeywell, born c. 1878 in Nebraska; married to ____________ Goetchell; residing in Oakland, California i 1925 at the time of her father's death.
5. LeRoy Garfield Honeywell, born __________ __, 1880 in Hall County, Nebraska; residing in Brewster, Nebraska at the time of his father's death in 1925.
6. William R. "Willie" Honeywell, born December __, 1887 in Iowa. Residing in Brewster, Nebraska at the time of his father's death in 1925.
At the time of the 1870 census, John, Frances, their son Reuben and John's brother, William R. Honeywell, are all found residing together near Lawn Ridge, Illinois in Valley Township, Stark County, Illinois;
John G. Honeywell, 26, Farmer, Personal Estate $375, OH
Frances B. Honeywell, 18, Keeping House, IL
Reuben Honeywell, 1, IL
William R. Honeywell (brother), 24, Farmer, Personal Estate $530, OH
On June 23, 1880, John G. Honeywell began collecting a small pension for his service in the Civil War. This is known to have been increased a number of times over the years. At the time of the 1880 census, John, Frances and the four children are found residing in Martinsville, Hall County, Nebraska, where he is farming.
John Honeywell, 35, Farmer, OH, PA, PA
Frances Honeywell, 28, Keeping House, IL, VA, IN
Athaliah Honeywell, 5, IA, OH, IL
John Honeywell, 4, IA, OH, IL
Fannie Honeywell, 2, NE, OH, IL
Roy Honeywell, 2 mos, NE, OH, IL
Athaliah Honeywell (mother), 62, PA, PA, Ireland
Bennie Stetson (boarder), 26, Farmer, NY, NY, NY
Back in Iowa, John's father, William S. Honeywell bought lots in the Layton Township Cemetery in Walnut, Iowa. He bought block 19 lot 5, N1/2 on Aug. 11, 1880. On December 18, 1888, William S. Honeywell bought block 22 lot 12. William and Athaliah are known to have resided in a home located at 401 Highland in Walnut from at least 1883 to 1888.
In October of 1881, the John G. and Frances Honeywell moved to Hansen, Nebraska, where they purchased the Hansen Hotel from Samuel Loucks. John and Frances were Proprietors of "Hansen House" for a number of years. In a local history it was stated that, "He has a good barn and livery attached to the hotel, and accommodation for thirty guests." Andreas' History of the State of Nebraska states the following about the town of Hansen and about the Honeywell's arrival in Hansen.
"HANSEN.
In the northeast part of the county, one-half mile from the Hall County and six miles west of the Clay County lines, is the village of Hansen. It is beautifully located in a rolling prairie, surrounded by fine and well-cultivated farms. The place, having been recently started, has not, as yet, attained to any considerable size, having only a population of thirty-two.
Hansen was laid out in 1879, by A. B. Ideson and J. J. Wemple, on grounds purchased from Charles and William Haines. The first building to mark the new town site was that erected by the railroad company for a station and telegraph office. This was in the fall of 1879, and, during the same fall, and in order of time, S. L. Loucks built a hotel, the Hansen House; J. L. Evans put up a storeroom, in which he placed a small stock of goods, consisting of general merchandise and B. F. Ford also put up a storehouse and engaged in the sale of groceries and hardware. Some time afterward, Ford sold out his stock to Evans. The next business establishment was a lumber-yard, started by James McGregor, in the interests of Paine Brothers, of Wisconsin, lumbermen.
In April of 1880, B. F. Fisher erected a shop, carrying on the trade of a blacksmith; but Fisher's sojourn in the town was extremely brief; he, and also his wife, becoming dissatisfied and homesick, soon after returned to the scenes of their childhood in Illinois. In the following spring, Fisher was succeeded in the business of blacksmithing by Jacob Countryman. Previous to this, and in the fall of 1880, W. L. Baker took charge of the grain elevator belonging to O. Oliver, of Hastings, and, in November of the last year, also took charge of the elevator built by Hansen, Gregg & Co., in August, 1879.
During the next fall, John Honeywell came and took possession of the Hansen House, in place of Loucks, who removed to Iowa. Directly following, Honeywell's father and brother came. His father opened a small grocery store, and the brother started a shoe-shop."
Betweem 1880 and 1882, John and Frances moved the family to Adams County, Nebraska, where they resided in West Blue Township. John is listed in the 1885 Nebraska State Census as follows;
Age 40
Birth Year: About 1845
Birth Place: Ohio
Census Date: 1 June 1885
Census Location: West Blue Tp., Adams Co., Nebraska
Between 1885 and 1887, John and Frances returned to Iowa, where their last child, "Willie", was born and where they took up residence in Walnut, Iowa in Pottawattamie County near his parents. John's mother, Athaliah M. (Grove) Honeywell died in her home located at 401 Highland in Walnut, Iowa on December 8, 1888 after apparently accidentally drinking indelible ink.
It was also most likely in or near Walnut, Iowa that Frances B. (Parker) Honeywell died on March 8, 1889. Her earthly remains were laid to rest in the Layton Township Cemetery in Walnut, Iowa. John's father, William S. Honeywell, died on October 22, 1901 and his earthly remains were also laid in the Layton Township Cemetery beside those of Athaliah's.
On August 27, 1887, the 25th Anniversary of the mustering in of the men of the 86th Illinois, the surviving members of the 86th held a reunion. More than 100 surviving members of the regiment attended this first reunion. They would continue to hold reunions on that anniversary until 1923. During this time every effort was made to locate all of the surviving members of the regiment and ascertain what became of the members who were deceased. At the reunion of 1923, only 22 men out of the 992 who had served in the regiment were physically & financially able to attend this reunion. The youngest of these was a 14 year old musician who was now 75 years of age. The 22 old veterans tearfully decided that this should be the last reunion. The last time the 86th published a mailing address for John Grove Honeywell was in the 1910 Reunion Booklet. They apparently had not heard from him for several years and still had him in Hansen, Nebraska. John had not resided in Hansen for years. John Grove Honeywell was never able to attend an 86th Illinois Reunion.
On February 4, 1899, John Grove Honeywell was married to Abbie Knight (Berry) Davis. She is believed to have been previously married to Charles H. Davis. According to the 1900 census, Abbie was born in July of 1841. She was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, the daughter of James Berry and Elizabeth (Halsell) Berry. Charles and Abbie are known to have had at least four children. At the time of the 1880 census, Charles and Abbie are found residing in South Boston, Boston, Suffolk, Massachusetts;
Charles H. Davis 50 Maine Machinist
Abbie K. Davis 40 Louisiana
Fred H. Davis 18 Florida
William F. Davis 14 CUBA
Melville C. Davis 8 Maine
Charles E. Davis 7 Maine
Abbie's place of residence at the time of the marriage application in 1899 was Cambridge Massachusetts and she was 58. This was her 2nd marriage. They were married by Elder David Brewster of Harlan & married at Harlan, Iowa.
1900 Federal Census, Harlan, Shelby Co., IA
John Honneywell, 55, Sep 1844, Marriage 2, Married 1 yr, IL, PA, PA, brick mason
Abbie Honneywell, 57, Jul 1841, Marriage 2, Married 1 yr, Louisiana, Maine, PA, 5 children/3 living
Willie Honneywell, 12, Dec 1887, IA, IL, OH, at school
William Honneywell (father), 78, Sep 1821, Widowed, PA, NJ, NJ
[Note should be made that William R. and wife (Mary) Honeywell are also in Harlan, Shelby Co., IA. I believe this is John's brother, William. Brother, Wallace, and wife (Laura) are located in Logan, Harrison Co., IA.]
At the time of the 1905, 1910 and 1915 census', John Grove Honeywell and Abbie Knight Honeywell are found residing in the City of Harlan in Shelby County, Iowa.
1910 Federal Census, Harlan, Shelby Co., IA
John Grove Honeywell, 66, Marriage 2, Married 11 years, OH, US, US, Brick mason, buildings
Abbie Knight Honeywell, 69, Marriage 2, Married 11years, Louisiana, Maine, PA, Seven children/4 living.
About 1920, John is known to have moved to Davenport, Iowa, but it is not known from where he moved. He spent the last five years of his life as a resident of Davenport, Iowa, residing much of this time with his brother, King. Karen and Jim Hansen found John and King Honeywell in the 1925 census. John Grove Honeywell and King S. Honeywell are residing together in Ward 2 at 2107 Lombard Street in Davenport, Iowa in Scott County. This is West Lombarde Street today. The census list them both as being divorced. It appears that they were still working at the ages of 80 and 73;
John G. Honeywell 80
King S. Honeywell 73
Karen Hansen, of the Walnut Genealogical Society, found John's obituary on microfilm in the May 28, 1925 edition of the Walnut newspaper;
FORMER RESIDENT BURIED HERE THURSDAY
------------------------------------
John Honeywell Died at Davenport,
At Age of 80 Years.
------------------------------------
John Garve Honeywell was born in Ohio on September 12, 1844, and passed away Monday morning, May 18, 1925 at the Mercy Hospital in Davenport, Iowa, at the age of 80 years, 8 months, and 6 days.
The deceased was a former resident of Walnut. He had made his home at Davenport during the past five years. He served during the Civil War in the 89th (should have read 86th) Illinois regiment and was a member of the G.A.R. at Oakland, Cal., and a member of the Church of God.
Surviving are one brother, King F. Honeywell if Davenport, Ia., and four children, Mrs. A. A. Brooks and Mrs. Fanny Goetchell, of Oakland, Cal, William R. and Leroy G. Honeywell of Brewster, Nebr.
Funeral services, conducted by Rev. C. K. Gillum, were held at the E. A. Horrigan & Son funeral parlors in Davenport on Wednesday, May 20th, and the remains shipped to Walnut for burial.
They arrived here Thursday morning, accompanied by his brother, King F. Honeywell, and short services conducted by Rev. James Wilkins, assisted by the G.A.R. of Harlan, were held at the grave, and interment made in the family lot in the Walnut cemetery."
Private John G. Honeywell's pension card also states that he died in Davenport, Iowa on May 18, 1925. His earthly remains were returned to Walnut, Iowa where they were laid to rest beside those of his wife of over 20 years in the Layton Township Cemetery.
Private John Grove Honeywell is known to have been a member of the J. A. Dix G.A.R. Post #408 at Walnut, Iowa, He was also apparently a member of a G.A.R. post in Oakland, California for some years. His daughters resided in Oakland, California. Did he reside out there near his daughters sometime between 1889, after his first wife's death, and 1905, when he and his second wife, Abbie, are found in the City of Harlan in Shelby County, Iowa?
Or is it possible he resided out there sometime between 1915, when he and Abbie are found in the Harlan, Iowa and 1920, when he is known to have moved to Davenport, Iowa. Perhaps the 1900 or 1920 census records can help answer these questions or perhaps a family member will help us one of these days.
In March of 2012, Karen Hansen came across a interesting article which appeared in the February 5, 1922 edition of the Davenport Democrat and Leader. It reads;
"CIVIL WAR VET AND 77 YEARS OLD MARRIED
---------------------------------------
John G. Honeywell and Mrs. M. Nesham United in Wedlock
---------------------------------------
John G. Honeywell, 77 years old and a veteran of the Civil War, was married to to Mrs. Marie Nesham at the home of the bride's daughter, Mrs. F. E. Schwerdsferger, 718 Charlotte avenue, at 6 o'clock Saturday night. The bride is 64 years old.
Mr. Honeywell is the oldest bridgegroom of the year. He formerly lived in Donafin, Nebraska, where he served for 15 years as a justice of the peace. The couple was attended by the son and daughter of the bride, Mrs. F. E. Schwerdsferger and C. Nesham. The ceremony was performed in the parlor of the daughter's home, Justice of the Peace, W. W. Scott, officiating.
A wedding supper was served to about 30 friends and relatives."
So we see that John Grove Honeywell was married to Marie Nesham on the evening of February 4, 1922 in Davenport, Iowa. Marie Nesham was Marie Evaline (Wilkinson) Nesham, who was born on July __, 1858 in ___________, Illinois. She was previously married to John Phillip Nesham on November 2, 1875 in La Cross, Wisconsin. John P. Nesham was born on Feb. 1, 1854, died on Feb. 6, 1914 and his mortal remains were laid in the Oak Grove Cemetery in La Crosse, La Crosse County, Wisconsin. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 88243321.
Familysearch has the following record;
Name John G. Honeywell
Event Type Marriage
Event Date 04 Feb 1922
Event Place Davenport, Iowa, United States
Gender Male
Age 77
Birth Year (Estimated) 1845
Father's Name Wm S. Honeywell
Mother's Name Athalih Grove
Spouse's Name Marie Wilkinson Nesham
Spouse's Gender Female
Spouse's Age 64
Spouse's Birth Year (Estimated) 1858
Spouse's Father's Name Norman Barber Wilkinson
Spouse's Mother's Name Mary Cotton
John and Marie are believed to have resided in Davenport, Iowa, however, they were apparently divorced before the 1925 census, as the census lists John as being divorced at that time.
After John's death, because they were divorced, it is not know whether Marie would have been eligible to collect his pension after his death or not. Marie Evaline (Wilkinson) Nesham Honeywell died on June 5, 1933 in Rock Island, Illinois. Her earthly remains were laid to rest in the Oakdale Memorial Gardens in Davenport, Iowa.
by Baxter B. Fite III and Karen Hansen, of the Walnut, Iowa Genealogical Society, and Carol Dorward.
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially members of the Honeywell family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on Private John G. Honeywell and the Honeywell family. Baxter would also love to see copies of any photographs of Private John G. Honeywell that 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 G. Honeywell 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 G. Honeywell then 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, yet we only have one picture, a group shot, of him here on his Find A Grave Memorial. 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 help me? Thanks, Baxter)
Private JOHN GROVE HONEYWELL, Co. E, 86th Illinois
John Grove Honeywell was born on September 12, 1844 in Summit County, Ohio, the son of William Shaefer Honeywell and Athaliah M. (Grove) Honeywell. William Shaefer Honeywell was born on November 10, 1821 in Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, while, Athaliah was born on June 5, 1818 in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. Five children are known to have been born to William S. and Athaliah M. (Grove) Honeywell. They are;
1. John Grove Honeywell, born September 12, 1844.
2. William Robbins Honeywell, born c. 1846; William was married to Mary Hilly; They are believed to have had one child; George Honeywell, born August 23, 1880 and died December 23, 1881; George was buried in the Layton Township Cemetery.
3. Wallace Berthier Honeywell, born c. 1848/49; Wallace was married to Lawra __________; Wallace are known to have had at least three children, two of whom were Phil Sheridan Honeywell, born c. 1875/76, and Athaliah Honeywell, born c, 1877/78; Wallace and Lawra are known to have resided many years in Walnut and are known to have lost three young children, including probably both of these children, in a "space of three weeks" between late April and early May of 1881, at least one of whom died of Scarlet Fever. They are believed to also be buried in the Layton Township Cemetery in Walnut, Iowa, though they apparently have no markers as of 2011.
4. King S. Honeywell, born c. 1851/52.
5. Amanda A. Honeywell, a daughter known to have died in early childhood.
In the 1850 Federal Census, the Honeywells are found in Carmel, Eaton Co., Michigan;
William S. Honeywell, 29, shoemaker, personal estate $400, PA
Athaliah Honeywell, 29, PA
John Honeywell, 5, OH
William Honeywell, 3, OH
Wallace Honeywell, 2, OH
At the time of the 1860 census, the Honeywell family is found in or near Whitefield, Illinois in Whitefield Township, Marshall County, Illinois;
William S. Honeywell, 39, Farmer, Real Estate $6000, Personal Estate $600, PA
E. Honeywell, 40, PA
John Honeywell, 16, OH
William Honeywell, 13, OH
Wallace Honeywell, 11, OH
King Honeywell, 8, MI
On August 13, 1862, John G. Honeywell volunteered in Whitefield Township of Marshall County, Illinois to serve in a company which was being raised in Marshall, Stark and Bureau Counties by a local well known farmer by the name of Orlando Fountain for service in the Union Army during the Civil War. At the time he enlisted, John gave his place of residence as Whitefield Township, Marshall County, Illinois.
John's 1st cousin, Jesse Doty Honeywell, volunteered the same day in LaPrairie Township of Marshall County, to serve in the same company. Jesse was the son of John Collier Honeywell, who was the older brother of William Shaefer Honeywell, John's father.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name HONEYWELL, JOHN G
Rank PVT Company E Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence WHITEFIELD, MARSHALL CO, IL Age 18 Height 5' 9 1/4 Hair SANDY
Eyes BLUE Complexion SANDY Marital Status SINGLE Occupation FARMER
Nativity SUMMIT CO, OH
Service Record
Joined When AUG 13, 1862 Joined Where WHITEFIELD, IL
Joined By Whom O FOUNTAIN Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out JUN 6, 1865
Muster Out Where WASHINGTON, DC Muster Out By Whom LT SCROGGS
Remarks N/A
When Fountain had about 100 volunteers, he led the company on a march into Peoria, Illinois, where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park.
On August 27, 1862, Fountain and 88 of his volunteers, including now Private John G. Honeywell, were mustered in as Co. E of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Fountain was elected by the men of Co. E. Jesse Doty Honeywell was elected to serve as one of Co. E's Sergeants.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched out of the gates of Camp Lyon, with much fanfare, through the streets of Peoria to the railroad depot. There they were joined by the men of the 85th Illinois, who had been mustered into service at Camp Peoria. At the depot, the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois boarded trains bound for Camp Joe Holt in Jeffersonville, Indiana, across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky. Three weeks later the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois were in the field in Kentucky as part of Colonel Daniel McCook's Brigade in pursuit of Confederate troops.
On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those Confederate troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, suffering their first casualties. There would be many more in the next few years. After the Battle of Perryville, the Confederate troops withdrew from Kentucky and the men of McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, Tennessee, where they would go into winter camp.
During the next two and a half years, Private John G. Honeywell served faithfully in Co. E as the men of the 86th served in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina and North Carolina. During this time, John was witness to and a participant in numerous battles and skirmishes, some of the bloodiest fighting in the Western Theatre of the war, including the Battles of Chickamauga, Georgia; Resaca, Georgia; Rome, Georgia; Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia; Peach Tree Creek, Georgia; Jonesboro, Georgia; Averasboro, North Carolina; and Bentonville, North Carolina, to name a few and marched with "Sherman to the Sea". On June 6, 1865, Private John G. Honeywell was with the surviving members of the 86th Illinois when they were mustered out of service on June 6, 1865 at Washington, D.C. He then, with the surviving members of Co. E, returned to his home in Marshall County.
The following information comes from Part 12 of Andreas' History of the State of Nebraska, Adams County, that was published in 1882;
"JOHN G. HONEYWELL, proprietor of Hansen House, was born in Summit County, Ohio, in 1844, removing four years later with his parents to Eaton County, Mich., and three years later to Lawn Ridge, Marshall Co., Ill., residing with his parents until he enlisted in August, 1861, in the Forty-seventh Illinois Infantry, and served two months; on August 27, 1862, he re-enlisted in the Eighty-sixth Illinois Infantry, serving in that regiment until June, 1865. After the war, Mr. Honeywell attended the Northern University at Henry, Ill., for a year, and subsequently engaged in farming in Marshall County, Ill., for some eight years; he came to Nebraska in January, 1876, homesteading 160 acres in Hall County; was engaged in farming the same until October, 1881, when he came to Hansen and purchased his present hotel building, etc., from Samuel Louks."
John G. Honeywell was married in La Salle County, Illinois on March 29, 1868 to Frances B. Parker. One record lists her as a native of Washington County, Illinois, but this may very well actually be Washington, Tazewell County, Illinois. Frances B. Parker is believed to have been born on December 15, 1851. In 1850, the following Parker family is found in Woodford County, Illinois;
1850 Federal Census, District 56, Woodford Co., IL
James Parker, 80
Mary Parker, 65
James Parker, 30
Milldrew Parker, 25
Martin Parker, 23
There is a marriage of a James Parker to an Avey Bruce found in Woodford Co. on February 16, 1851 which may be the James Parker, age 30, of above.
Carol Dorward found the following information about the Parkers;
1860 Federal Census, Minonk, Woodford Co., IL
James Parker, 38, farmer, Real estate $7000, Personal estate $200, VA
Achsa Parker, 25, IN
Frances Parker, 8, IL
Lewis T. Parker, 7, IL
Elizabeth Parker, 4, IL
Leona Parker, 3, IL
William B. Parker, 2, IL
Oliver Parker, 4 months, IL
1870 Federal Census, Groveland, La Salle Co., IL
James Parker, 50, VA, farmer, Real estate $2800, Personal estate $600
Axcie Parker, 35, IN
Lewis T. Parker, 16, IL
Elizabeth Parker, 15, IL
Leonia L. Parker, 13, IL
Wm. B. Parker, 10, IL
James Parker, 9, IL
Mary E. Parker, 8, IL
Harvie Parker, 5, IL
Olive Parker, 2, IL
Six children are known to have been born to John and Frances. They are;
1. Reuben Honeywell, born c. 1868/69 in Illinois; apparently died before 1880 as he his not listed with the family in 1880.
2. Athaliah Honeywell, born c. 1875 in Iowa; married to __________ Brooks; residing in Oakland, California in 1925 at the time of her father's death; One of John's children is known to have gone by the nickname "Hattie" and I am wondering if this was Athaliah?
3. John G. Honeywell, born August 30, 1876 in Iowa; died February 14, 1882; buried in the Greenwood Cemetery, Adams County, Nebraska.
4. Fannie B. Honeywell, born c. 1878 in Nebraska; married to ____________ Goetchell; residing in Oakland, California i 1925 at the time of her father's death.
5. LeRoy Garfield Honeywell, born __________ __, 1880 in Hall County, Nebraska; residing in Brewster, Nebraska at the time of his father's death in 1925.
6. William R. "Willie" Honeywell, born December __, 1887 in Iowa. Residing in Brewster, Nebraska at the time of his father's death in 1925.
At the time of the 1870 census, John, Frances, their son Reuben and John's brother, William R. Honeywell, are all found residing together near Lawn Ridge, Illinois in Valley Township, Stark County, Illinois;
John G. Honeywell, 26, Farmer, Personal Estate $375, OH
Frances B. Honeywell, 18, Keeping House, IL
Reuben Honeywell, 1, IL
William R. Honeywell (brother), 24, Farmer, Personal Estate $530, OH
On June 23, 1880, John G. Honeywell began collecting a small pension for his service in the Civil War. This is known to have been increased a number of times over the years. At the time of the 1880 census, John, Frances and the four children are found residing in Martinsville, Hall County, Nebraska, where he is farming.
John Honeywell, 35, Farmer, OH, PA, PA
Frances Honeywell, 28, Keeping House, IL, VA, IN
Athaliah Honeywell, 5, IA, OH, IL
John Honeywell, 4, IA, OH, IL
Fannie Honeywell, 2, NE, OH, IL
Roy Honeywell, 2 mos, NE, OH, IL
Athaliah Honeywell (mother), 62, PA, PA, Ireland
Bennie Stetson (boarder), 26, Farmer, NY, NY, NY
Back in Iowa, John's father, William S. Honeywell bought lots in the Layton Township Cemetery in Walnut, Iowa. He bought block 19 lot 5, N1/2 on Aug. 11, 1880. On December 18, 1888, William S. Honeywell bought block 22 lot 12. William and Athaliah are known to have resided in a home located at 401 Highland in Walnut from at least 1883 to 1888.
In October of 1881, the John G. and Frances Honeywell moved to Hansen, Nebraska, where they purchased the Hansen Hotel from Samuel Loucks. John and Frances were Proprietors of "Hansen House" for a number of years. In a local history it was stated that, "He has a good barn and livery attached to the hotel, and accommodation for thirty guests." Andreas' History of the State of Nebraska states the following about the town of Hansen and about the Honeywell's arrival in Hansen.
"HANSEN.
In the northeast part of the county, one-half mile from the Hall County and six miles west of the Clay County lines, is the village of Hansen. It is beautifully located in a rolling prairie, surrounded by fine and well-cultivated farms. The place, having been recently started, has not, as yet, attained to any considerable size, having only a population of thirty-two.
Hansen was laid out in 1879, by A. B. Ideson and J. J. Wemple, on grounds purchased from Charles and William Haines. The first building to mark the new town site was that erected by the railroad company for a station and telegraph office. This was in the fall of 1879, and, during the same fall, and in order of time, S. L. Loucks built a hotel, the Hansen House; J. L. Evans put up a storeroom, in which he placed a small stock of goods, consisting of general merchandise and B. F. Ford also put up a storehouse and engaged in the sale of groceries and hardware. Some time afterward, Ford sold out his stock to Evans. The next business establishment was a lumber-yard, started by James McGregor, in the interests of Paine Brothers, of Wisconsin, lumbermen.
In April of 1880, B. F. Fisher erected a shop, carrying on the trade of a blacksmith; but Fisher's sojourn in the town was extremely brief; he, and also his wife, becoming dissatisfied and homesick, soon after returned to the scenes of their childhood in Illinois. In the following spring, Fisher was succeeded in the business of blacksmithing by Jacob Countryman. Previous to this, and in the fall of 1880, W. L. Baker took charge of the grain elevator belonging to O. Oliver, of Hastings, and, in November of the last year, also took charge of the elevator built by Hansen, Gregg & Co., in August, 1879.
During the next fall, John Honeywell came and took possession of the Hansen House, in place of Loucks, who removed to Iowa. Directly following, Honeywell's father and brother came. His father opened a small grocery store, and the brother started a shoe-shop."
Betweem 1880 and 1882, John and Frances moved the family to Adams County, Nebraska, where they resided in West Blue Township. John is listed in the 1885 Nebraska State Census as follows;
Age 40
Birth Year: About 1845
Birth Place: Ohio
Census Date: 1 June 1885
Census Location: West Blue Tp., Adams Co., Nebraska
Between 1885 and 1887, John and Frances returned to Iowa, where their last child, "Willie", was born and where they took up residence in Walnut, Iowa in Pottawattamie County near his parents. John's mother, Athaliah M. (Grove) Honeywell died in her home located at 401 Highland in Walnut, Iowa on December 8, 1888 after apparently accidentally drinking indelible ink.
It was also most likely in or near Walnut, Iowa that Frances B. (Parker) Honeywell died on March 8, 1889. Her earthly remains were laid to rest in the Layton Township Cemetery in Walnut, Iowa. John's father, William S. Honeywell, died on October 22, 1901 and his earthly remains were also laid in the Layton Township Cemetery beside those of Athaliah's.
On August 27, 1887, the 25th Anniversary of the mustering in of the men of the 86th Illinois, the surviving members of the 86th held a reunion. More than 100 surviving members of the regiment attended this first reunion. They would continue to hold reunions on that anniversary until 1923. During this time every effort was made to locate all of the surviving members of the regiment and ascertain what became of the members who were deceased. At the reunion of 1923, only 22 men out of the 992 who had served in the regiment were physically & financially able to attend this reunion. The youngest of these was a 14 year old musician who was now 75 years of age. The 22 old veterans tearfully decided that this should be the last reunion. The last time the 86th published a mailing address for John Grove Honeywell was in the 1910 Reunion Booklet. They apparently had not heard from him for several years and still had him in Hansen, Nebraska. John had not resided in Hansen for years. John Grove Honeywell was never able to attend an 86th Illinois Reunion.
On February 4, 1899, John Grove Honeywell was married to Abbie Knight (Berry) Davis. She is believed to have been previously married to Charles H. Davis. According to the 1900 census, Abbie was born in July of 1841. She was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, the daughter of James Berry and Elizabeth (Halsell) Berry. Charles and Abbie are known to have had at least four children. At the time of the 1880 census, Charles and Abbie are found residing in South Boston, Boston, Suffolk, Massachusetts;
Charles H. Davis 50 Maine Machinist
Abbie K. Davis 40 Louisiana
Fred H. Davis 18 Florida
William F. Davis 14 CUBA
Melville C. Davis 8 Maine
Charles E. Davis 7 Maine
Abbie's place of residence at the time of the marriage application in 1899 was Cambridge Massachusetts and she was 58. This was her 2nd marriage. They were married by Elder David Brewster of Harlan & married at Harlan, Iowa.
1900 Federal Census, Harlan, Shelby Co., IA
John Honneywell, 55, Sep 1844, Marriage 2, Married 1 yr, IL, PA, PA, brick mason
Abbie Honneywell, 57, Jul 1841, Marriage 2, Married 1 yr, Louisiana, Maine, PA, 5 children/3 living
Willie Honneywell, 12, Dec 1887, IA, IL, OH, at school
William Honneywell (father), 78, Sep 1821, Widowed, PA, NJ, NJ
[Note should be made that William R. and wife (Mary) Honeywell are also in Harlan, Shelby Co., IA. I believe this is John's brother, William. Brother, Wallace, and wife (Laura) are located in Logan, Harrison Co., IA.]
At the time of the 1905, 1910 and 1915 census', John Grove Honeywell and Abbie Knight Honeywell are found residing in the City of Harlan in Shelby County, Iowa.
1910 Federal Census, Harlan, Shelby Co., IA
John Grove Honeywell, 66, Marriage 2, Married 11 years, OH, US, US, Brick mason, buildings
Abbie Knight Honeywell, 69, Marriage 2, Married 11years, Louisiana, Maine, PA, Seven children/4 living.
About 1920, John is known to have moved to Davenport, Iowa, but it is not known from where he moved. He spent the last five years of his life as a resident of Davenport, Iowa, residing much of this time with his brother, King. Karen and Jim Hansen found John and King Honeywell in the 1925 census. John Grove Honeywell and King S. Honeywell are residing together in Ward 2 at 2107 Lombard Street in Davenport, Iowa in Scott County. This is West Lombarde Street today. The census list them both as being divorced. It appears that they were still working at the ages of 80 and 73;
John G. Honeywell 80
King S. Honeywell 73
Karen Hansen, of the Walnut Genealogical Society, found John's obituary on microfilm in the May 28, 1925 edition of the Walnut newspaper;
FORMER RESIDENT BURIED HERE THURSDAY
------------------------------------
John Honeywell Died at Davenport,
At Age of 80 Years.
------------------------------------
John Garve Honeywell was born in Ohio on September 12, 1844, and passed away Monday morning, May 18, 1925 at the Mercy Hospital in Davenport, Iowa, at the age of 80 years, 8 months, and 6 days.
The deceased was a former resident of Walnut. He had made his home at Davenport during the past five years. He served during the Civil War in the 89th (should have read 86th) Illinois regiment and was a member of the G.A.R. at Oakland, Cal., and a member of the Church of God.
Surviving are one brother, King F. Honeywell if Davenport, Ia., and four children, Mrs. A. A. Brooks and Mrs. Fanny Goetchell, of Oakland, Cal, William R. and Leroy G. Honeywell of Brewster, Nebr.
Funeral services, conducted by Rev. C. K. Gillum, were held at the E. A. Horrigan & Son funeral parlors in Davenport on Wednesday, May 20th, and the remains shipped to Walnut for burial.
They arrived here Thursday morning, accompanied by his brother, King F. Honeywell, and short services conducted by Rev. James Wilkins, assisted by the G.A.R. of Harlan, were held at the grave, and interment made in the family lot in the Walnut cemetery."
Private John G. Honeywell's pension card also states that he died in Davenport, Iowa on May 18, 1925. His earthly remains were returned to Walnut, Iowa where they were laid to rest beside those of his wife of over 20 years in the Layton Township Cemetery.
Private John Grove Honeywell is known to have been a member of the J. A. Dix G.A.R. Post #408 at Walnut, Iowa, He was also apparently a member of a G.A.R. post in Oakland, California for some years. His daughters resided in Oakland, California. Did he reside out there near his daughters sometime between 1889, after his first wife's death, and 1905, when he and his second wife, Abbie, are found in the City of Harlan in Shelby County, Iowa?
Or is it possible he resided out there sometime between 1915, when he and Abbie are found in the Harlan, Iowa and 1920, when he is known to have moved to Davenport, Iowa. Perhaps the 1900 or 1920 census records can help answer these questions or perhaps a family member will help us one of these days.
In March of 2012, Karen Hansen came across a interesting article which appeared in the February 5, 1922 edition of the Davenport Democrat and Leader. It reads;
"CIVIL WAR VET AND 77 YEARS OLD MARRIED
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John G. Honeywell and Mrs. M. Nesham United in Wedlock
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John G. Honeywell, 77 years old and a veteran of the Civil War, was married to to Mrs. Marie Nesham at the home of the bride's daughter, Mrs. F. E. Schwerdsferger, 718 Charlotte avenue, at 6 o'clock Saturday night. The bride is 64 years old.
Mr. Honeywell is the oldest bridgegroom of the year. He formerly lived in Donafin, Nebraska, where he served for 15 years as a justice of the peace. The couple was attended by the son and daughter of the bride, Mrs. F. E. Schwerdsferger and C. Nesham. The ceremony was performed in the parlor of the daughter's home, Justice of the Peace, W. W. Scott, officiating.
A wedding supper was served to about 30 friends and relatives."
So we see that John Grove Honeywell was married to Marie Nesham on the evening of February 4, 1922 in Davenport, Iowa. Marie Nesham was Marie Evaline (Wilkinson) Nesham, who was born on July __, 1858 in ___________, Illinois. She was previously married to John Phillip Nesham on November 2, 1875 in La Cross, Wisconsin. John P. Nesham was born on Feb. 1, 1854, died on Feb. 6, 1914 and his mortal remains were laid in the Oak Grove Cemetery in La Crosse, La Crosse County, Wisconsin. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 88243321.
Familysearch has the following record;
Name John G. Honeywell
Event Type Marriage
Event Date 04 Feb 1922
Event Place Davenport, Iowa, United States
Gender Male
Age 77
Birth Year (Estimated) 1845
Father's Name Wm S. Honeywell
Mother's Name Athalih Grove
Spouse's Name Marie Wilkinson Nesham
Spouse's Gender Female
Spouse's Age 64
Spouse's Birth Year (Estimated) 1858
Spouse's Father's Name Norman Barber Wilkinson
Spouse's Mother's Name Mary Cotton
John and Marie are believed to have resided in Davenport, Iowa, however, they were apparently divorced before the 1925 census, as the census lists John as being divorced at that time.
After John's death, because they were divorced, it is not know whether Marie would have been eligible to collect his pension after his death or not. Marie Evaline (Wilkinson) Nesham Honeywell died on June 5, 1933 in Rock Island, Illinois. Her earthly remains were laid to rest in the Oakdale Memorial Gardens in Davenport, Iowa.
by Baxter B. Fite III and Karen Hansen, of the Walnut, Iowa Genealogical Society, and Carol Dorward.
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially members of the Honeywell family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on Private John G. Honeywell and the Honeywell family. Baxter would also love to see copies of any photographs of Private John G. Honeywell that 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.)
Gravesite Details
For 85 years John's grave went UNMARKED!!! On May 19, 2012, 85 years and one day after John's death, a Government Issue stone was dedicated on his grave site. THANKS TO JIM & KAREN HANSEN, of the Walnut Genealogical Society, his grave is marked
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