History of the 85th Illinois Volunteers
Illinois Volunteer Infantry
by
Henry J. Aten
1901
CHAPTER XXXIV.
Pages 450 - 469

CAPTAIN NATHANIEL McCLELLAND was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, January 25, 1826, and with his parents removed to Illinois in 1830 and settled on a farm near Astoria, in Fulton county. He was a farmer, a ready speaker and frequently occupied the pulpit of the Methodist church in Astoria and vicinity. He assisted in recruiting the company and at its organization was elected captain. An elder brother, William, was chosen captain of Company G, and a younger brother, Captain Thomas G., had but recently lost his life while in command of Company H, Third Illinois cavalry. Captain McClelland served through the Kentucky campaign, participating in the battle of Perryville, October 8, 1862, but failing health forced him to resign his commission, which was accepted November 12, 1862, and returned home. He engaged in farming from several years near Astoria, but afterward removed to Plymouth, in Hancock county, where he died January 14, 1878. His widow and at least one son now reside at Plymouth, Ill.

Recruiting for Company H was commenced on July 31st, and by the 6th of August, 1862, the first of two companies enlisted at Astoria had been enrolled. As with Company G, this company stands on the record as having been enrolled by the FHon. S. P. Cummings. At the organization of the company the following commissioned officers were elected: Nathaniel McClelland, captain, Luke Elliot, first lieutenant, and William Cohren, second lieutenant.

During the three years' service 29 of this company were hit with shot or shell, 4 of whom were killed action , 1 died of wounds, 24 received wounds from which they recovered or were discharged, 6 officers resigned, 11 men died of disease, 24 were discharged, 6 were transferred, and 45 were present at the final muster out.

Of Company H it may be fairly said that it performed its full measure of duty, bore its full share of hardships and suffered it full proportion of loss. The record of the regiment was made brighter by its harmonious action in camp and field, by its steady, soldierly bearing in battle, and its prompt and intelligent response to every call for duty.