David was first married to Anna Gaffney and she was the mother of Lulu Bell and Lottie. They were married October 22, 1891. It has been said Anna died about 1896. David was next married to Winnie (Van Meter) Seago on April 25, 1897 in Green County, Illinois. She was born June 21, 1874. Winnie was a widow of Albert D. Seago and had a young son Albert. It is said David was abusive to this son and the child was never right after David hit the child with a board. Winnie and David had a son named David Henry Atwood in 1898 and were shortly there after divorced. In 1911 David marry's again to Pearl Mee Bell on April 15, 1911 in Alton, Madison County, Illinois, by James P. Thornton, Justice of the Peace. She was the daughter of John Bell and Hettie Mulkins. She was born January 29, 1891 in Louisiana, Pike County, Missouri. Sometime between 1914 and 1931 he married Mary Stamps. He was married to Mary at the time of his death in 1933. David died from injuries substained when a car fell on him on March 23, 1933.
________________
Father Elbert Atwood -Albert Atwood was a man of mystery. His life story is filled with many missing years. He was born and grew up in the Deep South in the county of Covington, Mississippi. At age 22 Albert had attained the height of 6 foot and weighed 145 pounds. He had dark hair and blue eyes. His parents John Atwood and Elizabeth Wood/Woods evidently met in Covington County and were married July 25, 1822 in the same county.
Albert was from a large family, although the final count has not been verified. He had at least two brothers John B. and James W. and possibly another brother Andrew. The sisters were more numerous: Sarah Annie, Lucy, Ann, America, Elizabeth Ann, Susan, Serintha and possibly three or four more.
Albert was a farmer as were his father and brothers. John, Sr. and John, Jr. owned 2 slaves each and it appears the family was of modest means. The extent of Albert's schooling, if any, is not know. Although he was able to sign his name.
Sometime before August in the year 1860 Albert married a young lady known only to us as M. J. She was born ca. 1844 also in the state of Mississippi. The young newlyweds lived with Albert's brother John B. and his wife Dalaphar. Sometime in 1861 or 1862 M. J. presented Albert with a son. The 1870 Federal Census list this son only by the initial J.
When the Civil War appeared to be in full swing with the South more than holding its own Albert Atwood joined in the fight. On February 22, 1862 he went to Williamsburg, the county seat of Covington County and enlisted in Company B, 6th Battalion of the Mississippi Volunteers of the Confederate Army. This company later became Company B, 46th Regiment Mississippi Infantry. He was a private and in the Battle of Port Gibson.
The Battle of Port Gibson came the day before General U. S. Grant attack Vicksburg, Mississippi. Grant was on the north side of Vicksburg and he deployed part of his men west across the Mississippi River, directing them to move south along the river. They were to cross the Mississippi again in Port Gibson and attack Vicksburg from the south. But on May 3, 1863 when Grant's 3rd Division, 17th Army Corp. crossed the river they were attacked by Albert's company. The Confederates lost the battle. Albert was captured by the Union soldiers.
Albert was transported by boat to a Union prison in Alton, Illinois. This prison had been built in 1832 and closed in 1860. According to "God's Portion" by Judy Hoffman (pg. 206) this prison was "notorious for its lack of sanitation and swualid living conditions". Although closed in 1860 it was never torn down and was reopened in February of 1862. Albert arrived there on May 18, 1863, a little over a year after it reopened. When he arrived the prison was experiencing a smallpox outbreak. While there Albert was in the prison hospital from May 22 through May 26, 1863 suffering with chronic diarrhea. He was released from prison on June 6, 1863 after signing a Oath of Allegiance which stated in part ".....solemnly swear that I will maintain the National Sovereignty paramount to that of all State, County, or Confederate powers; that I will discourage, discountenance, and forever oppose secession, rebellion and the disintegration of the Federal Union; that I disclaim and denouce all faith and fellowship with the so-called Confederate Armies, and pledge my honor, my property, and my life, to the sacred performance of this my solemn oath of allegiance to the Government of the United States of America." It was little wonder the Confederate government stamped Albert's army records with the word "deserter".
One wonders what Albert did or where he went when released from prison. Obviously with the Civil War still raging, especially in Mississippi and having signed an Oath of Allegiance it would have been very dangerous for him to return home. But then from all evidence it appears he never returned home. The story passed down by the Mississippi branch of the Atwoods is Albert was killed at Port Gibson. What would a Southerner with a decidedly southern accent do in Union territory?
Jerseyville was a well known haven for southern sympathizers and Knights of the Golden Circle. The Golden Circle was a secret organization of insurrectionists whose members provided general aid to the Confederates. This would seem to explain why Albert shows up in Jersey County in 1865. Most likely he went there after his release from prison.
It is doubtful that he was given any money or a horse when he was released from prison. Was he accepted by the Northerners and how did he earn his living? Where did he go? We know he didn't go home to Mississippi and his family. We lose track of him for about 2 years until July of 1865.
One might assume when the war was over Albert would return to Mississippi, his wife and son. But maybe he had fallen in love. In any case on December 12, 1865 in Hardin, Calhoun County, Illinois Albert married Louisa Dunham his second wife!!(Calhoun County, Illinois Marriage Records) Second wife - how could that be, since he never divorced his first wife? So Albert became a bigamist.
Louisa Dunham was from Jersey County, Illinois and was the daughter of David and Rachel (?) Dunham. Louisa's father, who was from Virginia, died December 23, 1849 as the result of an accident. Might it be a fair assumption that Albert went to Jersey County some time after his release from prison looking for work? The fact he had been a farmer before his enlistment and Rachel Dunham was a Southerner and a widow with a farm to manage, may be how Albert met Lousia. Could Albert have worked for Mrs. Dunham?
Albert and Lousia became the parents of five known children, David Henry, Ira, Edward, Joseph Earl and Elmer. It has been assumed shortly after Lousia and Albert married they left for Missouri or Kansas. Supposedly all of their children except Elmer, who was born in Illinois, were born in Missouri or Kansas. Lousia evidently died between 1877 and 1880 since Albert appears in the 1880 census of Jersey County, Illinois as a widower with 5 boys.
What Albert did for the next few years is not known. With 5 young children he most likely would have needed help. Possibly Louisa's mother or one of her sisters help Albert with the children. We may never know how he managed.
The next time we locate Albert he has become the father of a bouncing baby girl. Her name was Ella and her mother Lydia (James) Little was Albert's third wife. (Albert sure got around!) It would be normal, but not wise in the case of Albert, to assume he and Lydia were married at least nine months before Ella was born. This would place the date of marriage sometime in the year of 1885. So far their marriage record has not been located.
Lydia's parentage is unknown. In fact, about all that is know about her, is that she was married to a man named Little and had a son Emery who was born May 4, 1882 in Jersey County, Illinois. Lydia and Albert went on to have several more children. It is believed they had a total of six.
On September 14, 1895 in Howell County, Missouri Albert married Mrs. Mary Ann Rosenbaum, his fourth wife! Mary Ann had been married before and probably was widowed. The 1900 census of Howell County, Missouri tells us Mary Ann had had 4 children 2 of which were still living. Cristina and Leonard were living with Albert and Mary Ann. Also listed in the 1900 census and living with Albert and Mary Ann was a grandson Thomas A. Cosby. it is assumed he was the son of Mary Ann's daughter and the daughter died shortly after his birth.
On December 19, 1922 after being ill for several months Albert passed away in the City Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. He was buried in St. Peters Cemetery on December 21, 1922. The death record states he was married at the time but his wife's name was not given.
The Alton prison was opened in 1833 and was replaced 25 years later by the Statesville prison in Joilet, Illinois. It was the first building in Illinois that was built with "state funds". The took up what is now an entire city block bordered by Broadway on the south, Fourth Street on the north, William Street on the east and Mill Street on the west. There were 296 cells - four feet by seven feet. The prison and its land was sold in 1857 to private citizens.
But when the two Civil War prisons in St. Louis became full they started looking for some place to put the over flow of prisoners. The owners of the Alton prison were given $450 a month and on February 9, 1862 the prison was reopened as a Union Civil War prison
________________
Father Elbert Atwood -Albert Atwood was a man of mystery. His life story is filled with many missing years. He was born and grew up in the Deep South in the county of Covington, Mississippi. At age 22 Albert had attained the height of 6 foot and weighed 145 pounds. He had dark hair and blue eyes. His parents John Atwood and Elizabeth Wood/Woods evidently met in Covington County and were married July 25, 1822 in the same county.
Albert was from a large family, although the final count has not been verified. He had at least two brothers John B. and James W. and possibly another brother Andrew. The sisters were more numerous: Sarah Annie, Lucy, Ann, America, Elizabeth Ann, Susan, Serintha and possibly three or four more.
Albert was a farmer as were his father and brothers. John, Sr. and John, Jr. owned 2 slaves each and it appears the family was of modest means. The extent of Albert's schooling, if any, is not know. Although he was able to sign his name.
Sometime before August in the year 1860 Albert married a young lady known only to us as M. J. She was born ca. 1844 also in the state of Mississippi. The young newlyweds lived with Albert's brother John B. and his wife Dalaphar. Sometime in 1861 or 1862 M. J. presented Albert with a son. The 1870 Federal Census list this son only by the initial J.
When the Civil War appeared to be in full swing with the South more than holding its own Albert Atwood joined in the fight. On February 22, 1862 he went to Williamsburg, the county seat of Covington County and enlisted in Company B, 6th Battalion of the Mississippi Volunteers of the Confederate Army. This company later became Company B, 46th Regiment Mississippi Infantry. He was a private and in the Battle of Port Gibson.
The Battle of Port Gibson came the day before General U. S. Grant attack Vicksburg, Mississippi. Grant was on the north side of Vicksburg and he deployed part of his men west across the Mississippi River, directing them to move south along the river. They were to cross the Mississippi again in Port Gibson and attack Vicksburg from the south. But on May 3, 1863 when Grant's 3rd Division, 17th Army Corp. crossed the river they were attacked by Albert's company. The Confederates lost the battle. Albert was captured by the Union soldiers.
Albert was transported by boat to a Union prison in Alton, Illinois. This prison had been built in 1832 and closed in 1860. According to "God's Portion" by Judy Hoffman (pg. 206) this prison was "notorious for its lack of sanitation and swualid living conditions". Although closed in 1860 it was never torn down and was reopened in February of 1862. Albert arrived there on May 18, 1863, a little over a year after it reopened. When he arrived the prison was experiencing a smallpox outbreak. While there Albert was in the prison hospital from May 22 through May 26, 1863 suffering with chronic diarrhea. He was released from prison on June 6, 1863 after signing a Oath of Allegiance which stated in part ".....solemnly swear that I will maintain the National Sovereignty paramount to that of all State, County, or Confederate powers; that I will discourage, discountenance, and forever oppose secession, rebellion and the disintegration of the Federal Union; that I disclaim and denouce all faith and fellowship with the so-called Confederate Armies, and pledge my honor, my property, and my life, to the sacred performance of this my solemn oath of allegiance to the Government of the United States of America." It was little wonder the Confederate government stamped Albert's army records with the word "deserter".
One wonders what Albert did or where he went when released from prison. Obviously with the Civil War still raging, especially in Mississippi and having signed an Oath of Allegiance it would have been very dangerous for him to return home. But then from all evidence it appears he never returned home. The story passed down by the Mississippi branch of the Atwoods is Albert was killed at Port Gibson. What would a Southerner with a decidedly southern accent do in Union territory?
Jerseyville was a well known haven for southern sympathizers and Knights of the Golden Circle. The Golden Circle was a secret organization of insurrectionists whose members provided general aid to the Confederates. This would seem to explain why Albert shows up in Jersey County in 1865. Most likely he went there after his release from prison.
It is doubtful that he was given any money or a horse when he was released from prison. Was he accepted by the Northerners and how did he earn his living? Where did he go? We know he didn't go home to Mississippi and his family. We lose track of him for about 2 years until July of 1865.
One might assume when the war was over Albert would return to Mississippi, his wife and son. But maybe he had fallen in love. In any case on December 12, 1865 in Hardin, Calhoun County, Illinois Albert married Louisa Dunham his second wife!!(Calhoun County, Illinois Marriage Records) Second wife - how could that be, since he never divorced his first wife? So Albert became a bigamist.
Louisa Dunham was from Jersey County, Illinois and was the daughter of David and Rachel (?) Dunham. Louisa's father, who was from Virginia, died December 23, 1849 as the result of an accident. Might it be a fair assumption that Albert went to Jersey County some time after his release from prison looking for work? The fact he had been a farmer before his enlistment and Rachel Dunham was a Southerner and a widow with a farm to manage, may be how Albert met Lousia. Could Albert have worked for Mrs. Dunham?
Albert and Lousia became the parents of five known children, David Henry, Ira, Edward, Joseph Earl and Elmer. It has been assumed shortly after Lousia and Albert married they left for Missouri or Kansas. Supposedly all of their children except Elmer, who was born in Illinois, were born in Missouri or Kansas. Lousia evidently died between 1877 and 1880 since Albert appears in the 1880 census of Jersey County, Illinois as a widower with 5 boys.
What Albert did for the next few years is not known. With 5 young children he most likely would have needed help. Possibly Louisa's mother or one of her sisters help Albert with the children. We may never know how he managed.
The next time we locate Albert he has become the father of a bouncing baby girl. Her name was Ella and her mother Lydia (James) Little was Albert's third wife. (Albert sure got around!) It would be normal, but not wise in the case of Albert, to assume he and Lydia were married at least nine months before Ella was born. This would place the date of marriage sometime in the year of 1885. So far their marriage record has not been located.
Lydia's parentage is unknown. In fact, about all that is know about her, is that she was married to a man named Little and had a son Emery who was born May 4, 1882 in Jersey County, Illinois. Lydia and Albert went on to have several more children. It is believed they had a total of six.
On September 14, 1895 in Howell County, Missouri Albert married Mrs. Mary Ann Rosenbaum, his fourth wife! Mary Ann had been married before and probably was widowed. The 1900 census of Howell County, Missouri tells us Mary Ann had had 4 children 2 of which were still living. Cristina and Leonard were living with Albert and Mary Ann. Also listed in the 1900 census and living with Albert and Mary Ann was a grandson Thomas A. Cosby. it is assumed he was the son of Mary Ann's daughter and the daughter died shortly after his birth.
On December 19, 1922 after being ill for several months Albert passed away in the City Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. He was buried in St. Peters Cemetery on December 21, 1922. The death record states he was married at the time but his wife's name was not given.
The Alton prison was opened in 1833 and was replaced 25 years later by the Statesville prison in Joilet, Illinois. It was the first building in Illinois that was built with "state funds". The took up what is now an entire city block bordered by Broadway on the south, Fourth Street on the north, William Street on the east and Mill Street on the west. There were 296 cells - four feet by seven feet. The prison and its land was sold in 1857 to private citizens.
But when the two Civil War prisons in St. Louis became full they started looking for some place to put the over flow of prisoners. The owners of the Alton prison were given $450 a month and on February 9, 1862 the prison was reopened as a Union Civil War prison
David was first married to Anna Gaffney and she was the mother of Lulu Bell and Lottie. They were married October 22, 1891. It has been said Anna died about 1896. David was next married to Winnie (Van Meter) Seago on April 25, 1897 in Green County, Illinois. She was born June 21, 1874. Winnie was a widow of Albert D. Seago and had a young son Albert. It is said David was abusive to this son and the child was never right after David hit the child with a board. Winnie and David had a son named David Henry Atwood in 1898 and were shortly there after divorced. In 1911 David marry's again to Pearl Mee Bell on April 15, 1911 in Alton, Madison County, Illinois, by James P. Thornton, Justice of the Peace. She was the daughter of John Bell and Hettie Mulkins. She was born January 29, 1891 in Louisiana, Pike County, Missouri. Sometime between 1914 and 1931 he married Mary Stamps. He was married to Mary at the time of his death in 1933. David died from injuries substained when a car fell on him on March 23, 1933.
________________
Father Elbert Atwood -Albert Atwood was a man of mystery. His life story is filled with many missing years. He was born and grew up in the Deep South in the county of Covington, Mississippi. At age 22 Albert had attained the height of 6 foot and weighed 145 pounds. He had dark hair and blue eyes. His parents John Atwood and Elizabeth Wood/Woods evidently met in Covington County and were married July 25, 1822 in the same county.
Albert was from a large family, although the final count has not been verified. He had at least two brothers John B. and James W. and possibly another brother Andrew. The sisters were more numerous: Sarah Annie, Lucy, Ann, America, Elizabeth Ann, Susan, Serintha and possibly three or four more.
Albert was a farmer as were his father and brothers. John, Sr. and John, Jr. owned 2 slaves each and it appears the family was of modest means. The extent of Albert's schooling, if any, is not know. Although he was able to sign his name.
Sometime before August in the year 1860 Albert married a young lady known only to us as M. J. She was born ca. 1844 also in the state of Mississippi. The young newlyweds lived with Albert's brother John B. and his wife Dalaphar. Sometime in 1861 or 1862 M. J. presented Albert with a son. The 1870 Federal Census list this son only by the initial J.
When the Civil War appeared to be in full swing with the South more than holding its own Albert Atwood joined in the fight. On February 22, 1862 he went to Williamsburg, the county seat of Covington County and enlisted in Company B, 6th Battalion of the Mississippi Volunteers of the Confederate Army. This company later became Company B, 46th Regiment Mississippi Infantry. He was a private and in the Battle of Port Gibson.
The Battle of Port Gibson came the day before General U. S. Grant attack Vicksburg, Mississippi. Grant was on the north side of Vicksburg and he deployed part of his men west across the Mississippi River, directing them to move south along the river. They were to cross the Mississippi again in Port Gibson and attack Vicksburg from the south. But on May 3, 1863 when Grant's 3rd Division, 17th Army Corp. crossed the river they were attacked by Albert's company. The Confederates lost the battle. Albert was captured by the Union soldiers.
Albert was transported by boat to a Union prison in Alton, Illinois. This prison had been built in 1832 and closed in 1860. According to "God's Portion" by Judy Hoffman (pg. 206) this prison was "notorious for its lack of sanitation and swualid living conditions". Although closed in 1860 it was never torn down and was reopened in February of 1862. Albert arrived there on May 18, 1863, a little over a year after it reopened. When he arrived the prison was experiencing a smallpox outbreak. While there Albert was in the prison hospital from May 22 through May 26, 1863 suffering with chronic diarrhea. He was released from prison on June 6, 1863 after signing a Oath of Allegiance which stated in part ".....solemnly swear that I will maintain the National Sovereignty paramount to that of all State, County, or Confederate powers; that I will discourage, discountenance, and forever oppose secession, rebellion and the disintegration of the Federal Union; that I disclaim and denouce all faith and fellowship with the so-called Confederate Armies, and pledge my honor, my property, and my life, to the sacred performance of this my solemn oath of allegiance to the Government of the United States of America." It was little wonder the Confederate government stamped Albert's army records with the word "deserter".
One wonders what Albert did or where he went when released from prison. Obviously with the Civil War still raging, especially in Mississippi and having signed an Oath of Allegiance it would have been very dangerous for him to return home. But then from all evidence it appears he never returned home. The story passed down by the Mississippi branch of the Atwoods is Albert was killed at Port Gibson. What would a Southerner with a decidedly southern accent do in Union territory?
Jerseyville was a well known haven for southern sympathizers and Knights of the Golden Circle. The Golden Circle was a secret organization of insurrectionists whose members provided general aid to the Confederates. This would seem to explain why Albert shows up in Jersey County in 1865. Most likely he went there after his release from prison.
It is doubtful that he was given any money or a horse when he was released from prison. Was he accepted by the Northerners and how did he earn his living? Where did he go? We know he didn't go home to Mississippi and his family. We lose track of him for about 2 years until July of 1865.
One might assume when the war was over Albert would return to Mississippi, his wife and son. But maybe he had fallen in love. In any case on December 12, 1865 in Hardin, Calhoun County, Illinois Albert married Louisa Dunham his second wife!!(Calhoun County, Illinois Marriage Records) Second wife - how could that be, since he never divorced his first wife? So Albert became a bigamist.
Louisa Dunham was from Jersey County, Illinois and was the daughter of David and Rachel (?) Dunham. Louisa's father, who was from Virginia, died December 23, 1849 as the result of an accident. Might it be a fair assumption that Albert went to Jersey County some time after his release from prison looking for work? The fact he had been a farmer before his enlistment and Rachel Dunham was a Southerner and a widow with a farm to manage, may be how Albert met Lousia. Could Albert have worked for Mrs. Dunham?
Albert and Lousia became the parents of five known children, David Henry, Ira, Edward, Joseph Earl and Elmer. It has been assumed shortly after Lousia and Albert married they left for Missouri or Kansas. Supposedly all of their children except Elmer, who was born in Illinois, were born in Missouri or Kansas. Lousia evidently died between 1877 and 1880 since Albert appears in the 1880 census of Jersey County, Illinois as a widower with 5 boys.
What Albert did for the next few years is not known. With 5 young children he most likely would have needed help. Possibly Louisa's mother or one of her sisters help Albert with the children. We may never know how he managed.
The next time we locate Albert he has become the father of a bouncing baby girl. Her name was Ella and her mother Lydia (James) Little was Albert's third wife. (Albert sure got around!) It would be normal, but not wise in the case of Albert, to assume he and Lydia were married at least nine months before Ella was born. This would place the date of marriage sometime in the year of 1885. So far their marriage record has not been located.
Lydia's parentage is unknown. In fact, about all that is know about her, is that she was married to a man named Little and had a son Emery who was born May 4, 1882 in Jersey County, Illinois. Lydia and Albert went on to have several more children. It is believed they had a total of six.
On September 14, 1895 in Howell County, Missouri Albert married Mrs. Mary Ann Rosenbaum, his fourth wife! Mary Ann had been married before and probably was widowed. The 1900 census of Howell County, Missouri tells us Mary Ann had had 4 children 2 of which were still living. Cristina and Leonard were living with Albert and Mary Ann. Also listed in the 1900 census and living with Albert and Mary Ann was a grandson Thomas A. Cosby. it is assumed he was the son of Mary Ann's daughter and the daughter died shortly after his birth.
On December 19, 1922 after being ill for several months Albert passed away in the City Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. He was buried in St. Peters Cemetery on December 21, 1922. The death record states he was married at the time but his wife's name was not given.
The Alton prison was opened in 1833 and was replaced 25 years later by the Statesville prison in Joilet, Illinois. It was the first building in Illinois that was built with "state funds". The took up what is now an entire city block bordered by Broadway on the south, Fourth Street on the north, William Street on the east and Mill Street on the west. There were 296 cells - four feet by seven feet. The prison and its land was sold in 1857 to private citizens.
But when the two Civil War prisons in St. Louis became full they started looking for some place to put the over flow of prisoners. The owners of the Alton prison were given $450 a month and on February 9, 1862 the prison was reopened as a Union Civil War prison
________________
Father Elbert Atwood -Albert Atwood was a man of mystery. His life story is filled with many missing years. He was born and grew up in the Deep South in the county of Covington, Mississippi. At age 22 Albert had attained the height of 6 foot and weighed 145 pounds. He had dark hair and blue eyes. His parents John Atwood and Elizabeth Wood/Woods evidently met in Covington County and were married July 25, 1822 in the same county.
Albert was from a large family, although the final count has not been verified. He had at least two brothers John B. and James W. and possibly another brother Andrew. The sisters were more numerous: Sarah Annie, Lucy, Ann, America, Elizabeth Ann, Susan, Serintha and possibly three or four more.
Albert was a farmer as were his father and brothers. John, Sr. and John, Jr. owned 2 slaves each and it appears the family was of modest means. The extent of Albert's schooling, if any, is not know. Although he was able to sign his name.
Sometime before August in the year 1860 Albert married a young lady known only to us as M. J. She was born ca. 1844 also in the state of Mississippi. The young newlyweds lived with Albert's brother John B. and his wife Dalaphar. Sometime in 1861 or 1862 M. J. presented Albert with a son. The 1870 Federal Census list this son only by the initial J.
When the Civil War appeared to be in full swing with the South more than holding its own Albert Atwood joined in the fight. On February 22, 1862 he went to Williamsburg, the county seat of Covington County and enlisted in Company B, 6th Battalion of the Mississippi Volunteers of the Confederate Army. This company later became Company B, 46th Regiment Mississippi Infantry. He was a private and in the Battle of Port Gibson.
The Battle of Port Gibson came the day before General U. S. Grant attack Vicksburg, Mississippi. Grant was on the north side of Vicksburg and he deployed part of his men west across the Mississippi River, directing them to move south along the river. They were to cross the Mississippi again in Port Gibson and attack Vicksburg from the south. But on May 3, 1863 when Grant's 3rd Division, 17th Army Corp. crossed the river they were attacked by Albert's company. The Confederates lost the battle. Albert was captured by the Union soldiers.
Albert was transported by boat to a Union prison in Alton, Illinois. This prison had been built in 1832 and closed in 1860. According to "God's Portion" by Judy Hoffman (pg. 206) this prison was "notorious for its lack of sanitation and swualid living conditions". Although closed in 1860 it was never torn down and was reopened in February of 1862. Albert arrived there on May 18, 1863, a little over a year after it reopened. When he arrived the prison was experiencing a smallpox outbreak. While there Albert was in the prison hospital from May 22 through May 26, 1863 suffering with chronic diarrhea. He was released from prison on June 6, 1863 after signing a Oath of Allegiance which stated in part ".....solemnly swear that I will maintain the National Sovereignty paramount to that of all State, County, or Confederate powers; that I will discourage, discountenance, and forever oppose secession, rebellion and the disintegration of the Federal Union; that I disclaim and denouce all faith and fellowship with the so-called Confederate Armies, and pledge my honor, my property, and my life, to the sacred performance of this my solemn oath of allegiance to the Government of the United States of America." It was little wonder the Confederate government stamped Albert's army records with the word "deserter".
One wonders what Albert did or where he went when released from prison. Obviously with the Civil War still raging, especially in Mississippi and having signed an Oath of Allegiance it would have been very dangerous for him to return home. But then from all evidence it appears he never returned home. The story passed down by the Mississippi branch of the Atwoods is Albert was killed at Port Gibson. What would a Southerner with a decidedly southern accent do in Union territory?
Jerseyville was a well known haven for southern sympathizers and Knights of the Golden Circle. The Golden Circle was a secret organization of insurrectionists whose members provided general aid to the Confederates. This would seem to explain why Albert shows up in Jersey County in 1865. Most likely he went there after his release from prison.
It is doubtful that he was given any money or a horse when he was released from prison. Was he accepted by the Northerners and how did he earn his living? Where did he go? We know he didn't go home to Mississippi and his family. We lose track of him for about 2 years until July of 1865.
One might assume when the war was over Albert would return to Mississippi, his wife and son. But maybe he had fallen in love. In any case on December 12, 1865 in Hardin, Calhoun County, Illinois Albert married Louisa Dunham his second wife!!(Calhoun County, Illinois Marriage Records) Second wife - how could that be, since he never divorced his first wife? So Albert became a bigamist.
Louisa Dunham was from Jersey County, Illinois and was the daughter of David and Rachel (?) Dunham. Louisa's father, who was from Virginia, died December 23, 1849 as the result of an accident. Might it be a fair assumption that Albert went to Jersey County some time after his release from prison looking for work? The fact he had been a farmer before his enlistment and Rachel Dunham was a Southerner and a widow with a farm to manage, may be how Albert met Lousia. Could Albert have worked for Mrs. Dunham?
Albert and Lousia became the parents of five known children, David Henry, Ira, Edward, Joseph Earl and Elmer. It has been assumed shortly after Lousia and Albert married they left for Missouri or Kansas. Supposedly all of their children except Elmer, who was born in Illinois, were born in Missouri or Kansas. Lousia evidently died between 1877 and 1880 since Albert appears in the 1880 census of Jersey County, Illinois as a widower with 5 boys.
What Albert did for the next few years is not known. With 5 young children he most likely would have needed help. Possibly Louisa's mother or one of her sisters help Albert with the children. We may never know how he managed.
The next time we locate Albert he has become the father of a bouncing baby girl. Her name was Ella and her mother Lydia (James) Little was Albert's third wife. (Albert sure got around!) It would be normal, but not wise in the case of Albert, to assume he and Lydia were married at least nine months before Ella was born. This would place the date of marriage sometime in the year of 1885. So far their marriage record has not been located.
Lydia's parentage is unknown. In fact, about all that is know about her, is that she was married to a man named Little and had a son Emery who was born May 4, 1882 in Jersey County, Illinois. Lydia and Albert went on to have several more children. It is believed they had a total of six.
On September 14, 1895 in Howell County, Missouri Albert married Mrs. Mary Ann Rosenbaum, his fourth wife! Mary Ann had been married before and probably was widowed. The 1900 census of Howell County, Missouri tells us Mary Ann had had 4 children 2 of which were still living. Cristina and Leonard were living with Albert and Mary Ann. Also listed in the 1900 census and living with Albert and Mary Ann was a grandson Thomas A. Cosby. it is assumed he was the son of Mary Ann's daughter and the daughter died shortly after his birth.
On December 19, 1922 after being ill for several months Albert passed away in the City Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. He was buried in St. Peters Cemetery on December 21, 1922. The death record states he was married at the time but his wife's name was not given.
The Alton prison was opened in 1833 and was replaced 25 years later by the Statesville prison in Joilet, Illinois. It was the first building in Illinois that was built with "state funds". The took up what is now an entire city block bordered by Broadway on the south, Fourth Street on the north, William Street on the east and Mill Street on the west. There were 296 cells - four feet by seven feet. The prison and its land was sold in 1857 to private citizens.
But when the two Civil War prisons in St. Louis became full they started looking for some place to put the over flow of prisoners. The owners of the Alton prison were given $450 a month and on February 9, 1862 the prison was reopened as a Union Civil War prison
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