GALLERY
The Society of the Wr of 1812 in Illinois held a grave marking ceremony on October 18, 2020 at the Reno-Bethel Cemetery near Reno, Illinois for Rufus Dressor II. He served as a musician in Johnson's Company of the 1st Batallion, Chandler's Artillery, Massachusetts Militia. Rufus married Mary Tamar Cothren. In 1836, he made a trip to Bond County, Illinois, and purchased a farm about two miles south of the Bethel Church in what is now Shoal Creek Township. The next year the family left Temple, Maine, where they had been living, traveling by covered wagon to Wheeling, VA (now W. Va) where they took the National Road. Rufus and his family were very influential in Bond County where he was a Justice of the Peace and was a farmer and a miller. He and Mary had three daughters and five sons. Rufus Dressor II died October 13 1858. Nine of his desendants participated in the grave marking.
The Society of the War of 1812 in the State of Illinois held a grave dedication on October 18, 2020, for musician Rufus Dressor II, at Reno-Bethel Cemetery in the small village of Reno, Illinois, in Bond County, Ill. Dressor was born July 29, 1795. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, serving as a musician (fifer) in Johnson’s Company of the 1st Battalion, Chandler’s Artillery, Massachusetts Militia. The rank of Musician is between a Private and a Corporal.
In 1815, Rufus II married Mary Tamar Cothren. They lived at Temple, Maine, where seven of their eight children were born. In 1836, Rufus travelled to Bond County, Illinois, and purchased a farm about two miles south of the Bethel Church, in what is now Shoal Creek Township. On August 20, 1837, the Dressor family left Chesterville, Maine, traveling by covered wagon through New York State to Wheeling, Virginia (now West Virginia), where they took the National Road. They arrived at the farm in Bond County on October 19, 1837. The first winter they lived in a log cabin, then built a nice home, which was occupied by descendants of the original family until it burned in the early 1940’s.
Rufus and his family were very influential in Bond County. Rufus was a Justice of the Peace in Bond County, with the title of judge. He was one of the three judges of the County Court, and was a farmer and a miller. He died October 13, 1858. Nine of Rufus’ descendants attended and participated in the dedication.
The Society of the War of 1812 in
Illinois held its annual meeting on October 13, 2019
at the reconstructed Hill’s Fort, near Greenville, Ill.
During the meeting, Eric Reelitz, the society’s chairman for the Charles Schweizer
Essay Contest, announced the winner of the year’s contest and presented Lauren Remmes from Lisle, Ill., a certificate and $1,000 scholarship. The second and third place
winners were not able to attend.
During the meeting, Leah Beckoff, president of the Illinois Society U.S. Daughters of 1812, presented a check for $600 to the Society of the War of 1812 to be used for maintaining the reconstructed Hill’s Fort. The funds were raised from the sale of Illinois USD1812 pins.
at the reconstructed Hill’s Fort, near Greenville, Ill.
During the meeting, Eric Reelitz, the society’s chairman for the Charles Schweizer
Essay Contest, announced the winner of the year’s contest and presented Lauren Remmes from Lisle, Ill., a certificate and $1,000 scholarship. The second and third place
winners were not able to attend.
During the meeting, Leah Beckoff, president of the Illinois Society U.S. Daughters of 1812, presented a check for $600 to the Society of the War of 1812 to be used for maintaining the reconstructed Hill’s Fort. The funds were raised from the sale of Illinois USD1812 pins.
The Society of the War of 1812 in
Illinois officially marked the graves of two of the war’s veterans
during a
ceremony at the Reno-Bethel Cemetery in Reno, Ill., on October 5, 21019.
Pleasant Jones served as a
private in the 7th Regiment of the Virginia Militia during
the War
of 1812. Born in Albemarle County, Va., he was the eldest son of John
Jones and
Barsheba Blankenship. Pleasant moved to Maury County, Tenn., where he
married
Sarah Osbourne. The couple had ten children: Alexander Osbourne Jones,
Patsy
Eleanor Jones, Mary Minerva Jones, Rebecca Louise Jones, James Madison
Jones,
Sarah Lovinia Jones, Ruth Naomi Jones, Daniel Douglas Jones, Nathaniel
Calbert
Jones, and Jane Elizabeth Jones. Pleasant Jones died September 3,
1848 and his wife, Sarah died May 2, 1870 and both are buried in the
Reno-Bethel Cemetery. Several of their children are also buried in Bond
County.
John Armstrong II was born to John Armstrong I and his wife Catherine McDonald in Augusta County, Virginia on March 10, 1768. The family moved to South Carolina and then to Georgia. It was in Georgia that John II met and married Mary Ann (Polly) Dudley in 1791. John served for three months in Capt. Thomas McCrory’s Regiment. John and Polly moved to Tennessee and then further north to Illinois in the 1830s. John Armstrong II died on March 12, 1851 and his wife died August 22, 1851. His descendant, Rene Denother, and her husband, Rich, participated in the grave marking ceremony.
John Armstrong II was born to John Armstrong I and his wife Catherine McDonald in Augusta County, Virginia on March 10, 1768. The family moved to South Carolina and then to Georgia. It was in Georgia that John II met and married Mary Ann (Polly) Dudley in 1791. John served for three months in Capt. Thomas McCrory’s Regiment. John and Polly moved to Tennessee and then further north to Illinois in the 1830s. John Armstrong II died on March 12, 1851 and his wife died August 22, 1851. His descendant, Rene Denother, and her husband, Rich, participated in the grave marking ceremony.
Third Place essay contest winner
Kevin Kaegy presented a program on the Whiteside family in the War of 1812.
The Illinois Society of the War of
1812 held its annual meeting at the reconstructed Hill’s Fort near
Greenville, Ill.
During the meeting, Eric Reelitz, the Society’s chairman for the Charles Schweizer Essay Contest, announced the winner’s of this year’s contest and presented awards to the winners.
Steve Ringstrand, a senior at Christian Liberty Academy in Arlington Heights, Ill., won first place for his essay “Why America Entered the War of 1812.� He received a $1,000 scholarship for his first place entry.
Nicholas Coser, a senior at Christian Liberty Academy in Arlington Heights, Ill., won second place for his essay: Jean Laffite: The Corsair of New Orleans.
Kyra Wells, a 10th grade student at Bond County Unit #2 High School won third place for her essay: The Battle of Bladensburg and New Orleans within the Prolonged and Austere War of 1812.
During the meeting, Greenville, Ill. resident and Illinois Society member Kevin Kaegy presented a program on the Whiteside family, many of whom served in the War of 1812.
During the meeting, Eric Reelitz, the Society’s chairman for the Charles Schweizer Essay Contest, announced the winner’s of this year’s contest and presented awards to the winners.
Steve Ringstrand, a senior at Christian Liberty Academy in Arlington Heights, Ill., won first place for his essay “Why America Entered the War of 1812.� He received a $1,000 scholarship for his first place entry.
Nicholas Coser, a senior at Christian Liberty Academy in Arlington Heights, Ill., won second place for his essay: Jean Laffite: The Corsair of New Orleans.
Kyra Wells, a 10th grade student at Bond County Unit #2 High School won third place for her essay: The Battle of Bladensburg and New Orleans within the Prolonged and Austere War of 1812.
During the meeting, Greenville, Ill. resident and Illinois Society member Kevin Kaegy presented a program on the Whiteside family, many of whom served in the War of 1812.
Lindly was born in North Carolina, the son of Simon Lindly and his wife Anna Standley. The Lindly family moved from Orange County, N.C. to Christian County, Ky. In 1807, the family which included Simon, his wife, Anna, John, Joseph, Mary, Sarah, Simon, Elizabeth, and Anna moved to Madison County, Ill. When hostilities began in the Illinois Territory prior to the War of 1812, the elder Lindly helped to construct a fort near Greenville, Ill. (Hill’s Fort).
In the book, History of the Early Settlers of Sangamon County, Illinois; Together with Sketches of its Cities, Villages and Townships, Educational, Religious, Civil, and Military History; Portraits of Prominent Persons, and Biographies of Representative Citizens, published in 1881, John Lindly’s sister, Elizabeth, recalled the early days living on Silver Creek near what is now Lebanon.
John Lindly enlisted in Colonel Ferguson’s (subsequently Major Stephenson’s) Command, Captain William Whiteside’s Company of Illinois Rangers during the War of 1812. His enlistment was for three years, but he was in service for four years. For his service, he applied for and obtained from the government of the United States land warrant No. 8235 with which he entered 160 acres in Madison County on November 5, 1851. His father Simon, and brothers Joseph and Simon, Jr., also served in the War of 1812.
John married Sarah Anderson on February 7, 1814, but she died eight months later. He later married Sarah P. Gonterman on May 14, 1818. They had eight children: William, Anna, Hannah, Mary, John, Elijah, Elizabeth and Ellen. John Lindly died October 3, 1863 in Madison County, Ill. Following his death, his wife Sarah P. applied for and was granted a pension for John’s War of 1812 service.
Dan Lindley, a relative of John Lindly presented the tribute to the soldier and displayed a percussion rifle and saber used by John Lindly in the Blackhawk War.
Photo caption: Illinois Society members participating in the ceremony were: Jim DeGroff, Robert Ridenour, Kevin Kaegy, Dan Lindley and Steve Hyatt.
The Society of the War of 1812 in Illinois marked the grave of War of 1812 soldier Private James Alexander Keown at the Hagler Cemetery in Troy, Ill., on August 4, 2018.
Keown served with Captain Alexander Stewart’s Company of the Third Regiment of the Kentucky Detached Militia and also with Captain William Payne’s Company of the Kentucky Militia during the War of 1812. While the war was raging on September 27, 1814, Keown married Cynthia Smart in Warren County, Ky. Cynthia was the daughter of a Revolutionary War soldier, Laban Smart, who is also buried in Hagler Cemetery.
James and Cynthia were the parents of seven children: Martha who married George W. Provence; John who married Angeline Renfro; Eliza who married Andrew Wood; Emsley who was married to Caroline Edwards and later Anna Evans; Catherine who married David Hagler; and Martha who married William Hunter. Another daughter Martha, died in childhood.
James Keown purchased 40 acres of land in what is now the Pin Oak Township in Madison County in 1841 and additional acreage in 1850. He deeded one acre of land for a cemetery in 1857. Throughout the years, the cemetery has been known by many different names: Keown-Hagler Cemetery, Smart-Hagler Cemetery, Hagler-Keown Cemetery, and Hagler Cemetery.
In 1872, the Alton Telegraph listed Mrs. Cynthia Keown, widow of James Keown as a recipient of a pension for James Keown’s service in the War of 1812.
The Illinois Society held a grave marking ceremony honoring Richard Sappington on June 30, 2018 at the Woodlawn Cemetery, Edwardsville, Illinois. He was born in 1793 and died in 1872. When the War of 1812 broke out, he joined the Missouri Militia along with several of his brothers. He was married to Elizabeth Bowles.
Annual meeting at Hill's Fort near Greenville, Illinois on Sunday, October 8th, 2017. The State Essay Contest Chairman presented awards to the winners of the Charles Schweizer essay contest. Author Eddie Price presented a program.
Eric Reelitz presents the state winner Emily Adduci a check for winning the Essay Contest.
August 13, 2017 the Illinois War of 1812 Society marked the grave of Matthew Roach, who served as a private in Captain Samuel Whiteside's Company of Mounted Riflemen. He is buried in Union Hill Cemetery near Millstadt, Illinois.
Ceremony marking the grave of Corporal Ithamar Pillsbury who is buried in the Prewsbyterian Cemetery in Andover, Illinois on June 3, 2017
Grave marking ceremony honoring Private Andrew Keown held at the Vincent Cemetery, near Alhambra, Illinois on October 23, 2016
Members of the Illinois Society War of 1812 honored the memory of PrivateAndrew Keown who served in the 14th Regiment of the Kentucky Militia under Lt. Col. William Mitchusson. He was a veteran of the Battle of New Orleans. He was married to Sarah Godwin and had four children: John Mary, Calvin and Alexander. Andrew was born April 11, 1793 in Butler County, Kentucky and died February 20, 1880 in Madison County, Illinois.
Annual Meeting of
the General Society of the War of 1812
Wyndham Hotel,
Springfield, Illinois
September 15-18, 2016
Members of the Illinois Society were pleased to host the National General Society of the War of 1812 meeting this year. The event included a trip to Hill's Fort in Greenville, Illinois and the Lewis and Clark Historic Site in Hartford, Illinois, President General Tom Jacks placing wreath on grave of Territorial Governor Ninian Edwards grave, a visit by Dolley Madison, and interesting programs by Gillum Ferguson and Eddie Price. The Illinois Society also awarded this year's scholarships to first place winner Tara Nikolich, second place winner Abbie Peterson, and third place winner Kendall Kelly. The event was a huge success thanks to the efforts of many who worked tirelessly behind the scenes.
Grave Marking
Ceremony
Godfrey Cemetery, Godfrey IL, September 11,
2016
The Illinois Society of the War of 1812 provided color guard for a grave marking hosted by the Kaskaskia Chapter United States Daughters of 1812. The ceremony honored War of 1812 veteranSeaman Benjamin Godfrey. Other groups participating in this ceremony were Ninian Edwards Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Benjamin Godfrey Legacy Trail Committee, and the Village of Godfrey.
Grave Marking Ceremony
June 10, 2016
Clover Chapel Cemetery
Woodhull, Illinois
Two members of the Society of the War of 1812 in Illinois participated in a ceremony sponsored by the Society and the Thomas Bay USD1812 Chapter (Texas). Several descendants attended the ceremony from Texas and Kansas. Janisue Rigel and Davena Liepman, descendants of John Whitmore participated in the ceremony. John Whitmore was a private in Captain John Ramsey's Company, Ohio Militia.
April 8, 2016
Trinity Lutheran School
Edwardsville, IL
Jim DeGroff, Paul Kelso, Jerry Oglesby and Robert Ridenour presented the society's historic flag program to students at the Trinity Lutheran School.
Annual Meeting
Hill's Fort, October 18, 2015
State President Bill Wilson presented rosettes to new society members Bob Evans and Kris and Ron Klaustermeier.
Grave Marking Ceremony
September 26, 2015
White Hall Cemetery, White Hall, IL
Ceremony honoring Lieutenant Jocob Ogle, Private Joseph Ogle, Private Charles Kitchens, and Private Joseph Bridges.
September 19, 2015
Greenville, Illinois
Members of the Illinois Society joined with the Kaskaskia Chapter USD1812 and others to commemorate the 201st anniversary of the attack on Hill's Fort near Greenville, Illinois.
HILL'S
FORT, GREENVILLE IL, August
7, 2014
America's Flag - An American Story
At Hill's Fort, Greenville, IL. Members and friends were proud to be part of the journey of a US Flag that is traveling to venues across all 50 states and will then will join the USS America, which was constructed in Pascagoula, Mississippi, and is scheduled to be commissioned Oct. 11 in San Francisco. The project is the brain child of Larry Ross with help from Col. Ellen Haddock (USMC, Ret).
SOCIETY MEETING
HILL'S FORT, GREENVILLE IL
AUGUST 2, 2014
HILL'S FORT, GREENVILLE IL
AUGUST 2, 2014
Gordon Howe told storIes about being a ranger during the War of 1812 and the difference between rangers and militia men.
GRAVE MARKING CEREMONY
GORDON MOORE PARK
ALTON, ILLINOIS
JULY 11, 2014
Abel Moore was born in 1784. During the War of 1812 he served as a Captain. He died Feb. 9, 1845. Captain Moore and his wife Mary survived the Wood River Massacre of July 10, 1814, in which Indians killed two of their children, two of his brother William's children, William's wife Mary's sister and two of her children. This gravesite is located in the middle of a soccer field, across the street from Gordon Moore Park in Alton, Illinois.
GRAVE MARKING CEREMONY
LUSK CEMETERY
EDWARDSVILLE, ILLINOIS
JULY 11, 2014
Benjamin Stephenson was born July 8, 1769 in Virginia. During the War of 1812 he was appointed commander of a regiment of the territorial militia with the rank of Colonel, took part in two campaigns, and was later appointed as the militia's adjutant general. In September 1814 he was elected as the territory's non-voting Delegate in the United States House of Representatives, serving a partial term from November 1814 to March 1815, and a full term from March 1815 to March 1817.
MEMORIAL
DAY SERVICE
DUGGER CEMETERY
ST. JACOB, ILLINOIS
MAY 26, 2014
Thanks
to a descendant for helping get a stone for this soldier's grave. A
marker was placed at his grave during Memorial Day services last year.
This year, Jim DeGroff and Robert Ridenour served as Honor Guard as the
service of all soldiers was recognized.
ROTC AWARDS CEREMONY
SIU-EDWARDSVILLE
April 24, 2014
Congratulations to Cadet Gregory M. Wilcoxen from Alton who is the reciepient of the Society of the War of 1812 Silver ROTC medal.
Grave Marking Ceremony
Yates City Cemetery
Yates City, IL
April 27, 2014
Members of the John Kinzie Chapter, USD1812 along with descendants of Julia Martin Lambert and members of the Illinois Society of the War of 1812. Because of heavy rain, the ceremony was moved to the town civic center. Julia Ann Martin Lambert was the wife of Isaac Lambert, one of the soldiers,. On September 4, 1812 at Fort Harrison, was attacked and the southwest block house containing the stores was on fire. As the soldiers battled the attackers, others battled the blaze. Captain Zachary Taylor (later to become president) ordered out buckets. The women were drawing water from the well and passing it from the well and the men passed it up to the roof. Shortly the water got so low in the well that they could not dip the buckets full. Julia Lambert who was a small, slender lady, said, "Let me down into the well and I will fill the buckets with a gourd." In doing this Julia dipped up so much sand that after a while the well was made deeper so that the buckets dipped full again. Her actions helped to save the fort. Julia was born in Pennsylvania and following the death of her husband, she and her six living children came to Knox County IL. Julia died January 18, 1872. The ceremony was sponsored by the John Kinzie USD1812 Chapter.
Wreaths Across America Ceremony
Oaklawn Cemetery
Glen Carbon IL
December 14, 2013
Grave Marking for Samuel Lindley
Willis Cemetery
Montgomery County, Texas
Lindley was born in South Carolina in 1788. He
served as a private
in the Illinois Militia during the War of 1812. He moved to
Texas
in 1833 and died there in 1859. During a trip to Texas,
Illinois
Society member Bill Wilson placed a Society marker on Lindley's grave.
Illinois Society of the War of 1812 Annual Meeting
Hill's Fort, Greenville IL
October 19, 2013
Essay Contest Chairman Eric Reelitz passed out the rules for the upcoming year's essay contest.
Member Robert Ridenour was honored for his distinguished service.
State President Jim DeGroff presented rosettes to each new member present.
Some Society members gathered in front of the flag pole in front of the block house at Hill's Fort.
Grave Marking Ceremony
Burgess Cemetery
Bond County IL
October 12, 2013
Pvt John Etheridge served in Captain Tate’s Company of Infantry in Colonel Copeland’s 3rd Regiment of West Tennessee Militia.
Burgess Cemetery (above before work) was a neglected corner at an intersection of two roads in Bond County. Several Illinois Society members with family members and others cleared the cemetery, found (many stones were buried under 4-5 inches of dirt) and repaired broken and buried stones. A young Illinois Society member used the cemetery as his Eagle Scout project by adding a sign and fence. Also honored at the ceremony by the Kaskaskia Chapter, US Daughters of 1812 was Mary Burgess Johnson, daughter of William Burgess and Elizabeth Reavis.
Burgess Cemetery after work.
Grave Marking Ceremony
Hunter Cemetery
Christian County IL
October 5, 2013
The Society of the War of 1812 in the State of Illinois, the Kaskaskia Chapter and Sangamon River Chapters of the U.S. Daughters of 1812 and the Illinois Wr of 1812 Bicentennial Commission, sponsored a grave marking celebrating the service of General Samuel A. Whiteside, an Ensign in the War of 1812 and a Brigadier General in the Black Hawk War. Top photo shows descendants of Whiteside and the bottom photo shows posting of colors by members of the Illinois Society of the War of 1812.
Grave Marking Ceremony
Oak Grove Cemetery
Chatham, IL
October 5, 2013
Grave of Pvt John Bradley, West Tennessee Militia
Grave of Pvt Daniel Jacobs, Kentucky Volunteers
Grave of LT John Darneille, Kentucky Militia
Grave of Pvt Samuel Wyckoff, Ohio Militia
Grave of LT Thomas A. Greening, 9th Regiment, TN Militia
Grave of Pvt Simon Lindley, IL Militia
Grave of Pvt James G. Webb, KY Volunteers
Also marked were the graves of Real Daughters Mary Jacobs Darneille
and Elizabeth Lindley Harbour
Illinois Heritage Weekend
East Peoria, Illinois
September 28, 2013
Along
with the Illinois Society USD 1812, our Society was
represented at
this first annual Illinois Heritage Weekend. Hopefully those attending
learned a little more about the War of 1812.
Grave Marking Ceremony honoring
Ensign Thomas Lincoln
Thomas Lincoln Cemetery
Lerna, Illinois
August 31, 2013
Thomas Lincoln was an Ensign in the Kentucky Militia 
Military Salute
Descendants of Thomas Lincoln
Members of the Illinois Society War of 1812 served as color guard along with rangers from Fort LaMotte
General Society War of 1812 Conference
Nashville, Tennessee
August 22-24, 2013
The Illinois Society was well represented at the annual meeting. Shown are Glen Bower, Jim DeGroff, Larry Smith, and Steve Hyatt who attended all the events.
Glen Bower, Steve Hyatt, Carol Hyatt, Jim DeGroff, Lola DeGroff, Nancy Smith, and Larry Smith are shown at the banquet at the end of the conference. During the conference, Illinois was recognized as one of the states with largest membership gain.
Grave Marking Ceremony
Vaughn Cemetery
Wood River, Illinois
August 18, 2013
Society members Bill Wilson, Eric Reelitz, Bill Johnson, Tom Beavers, and Robert Ridenour provided color guard for the ceremony honoring the service of Reverend William (Billy) Jones and his son, Martin.
(Billy Jones marker)
(Martin Jones marker)
Billy Jones was born in Washington Co., Virginia, on September 12, 1771. He died on January 2, 1845.
Martin Jones was born on May 23, 1791 and died on February 18, 1843.
Rev. Jones pastored the Wood River Church which was located on the property that now is his, and other family members, final resting place.
Rev. Jones was a captain of a volunteer infantry company and also served in a company commanded by Lt. Moore. His son also served in both of those companies.
Grave Marking Ceremony
Mud Run Cemetery
Cowden, Illinois
The Illinois Society of the War of 1812 provided color guard for the grave marking of David Austin on August 2, 2013. Austin was born in Vermont and moved with his parents to Ohio in 1808. David served with the Ohio Militia during the War of 1812. After the war, he married and eventually moved to Illinois. Thanks to the efforts of descendant Rev. Marsha Davis (second from left above), his service will not be forgotten. The marking was sponsored by the David Farragut Chapter (California) and the Kaskaskia Chapter (Illinois) USD 1812. Pictured with Rev. Davis are other descendants and members of the Illinois Society War of 1812.
Grave Marking Ceremony
Dawson Cemetery
Ellsworth, Illinois
Ellsworth, Illinois
Illinois Society War of 1812 rangers gathered with members of the Sangamon River Chapter USD1812 in front of the marker for War of 1812 soldier James Wirt during the ceremony marking his grave on June 8, 2013 at Dawson Cemetery, Ellsworth, Illinois. The Sangamon River Chapter sponsored the event.
Grave Marking Ceremony for four soldiers, Dugger Cemetery, May 27, 2013
Tombstone of Thomas Jourdan Uzzell, born in Norfolk County, Virginia in 1782. Jourdan, as he was called, learned the hatter's trade and at an early age moved to Sumner County, Tennessee, where he worked his trade. His business was three miles from the "Hermitage" home of General Andrew Jackson and made hates for his slaves. He married Mary "Polly" Dugger on January 15, 1812 in Sumner County. He served as a private in Captain John W. Byrn's Company, Colonel John Coffee's Regiment, Tennessee Cavalry at the Battle of New Orleans. After the war, he made many trips through Kentucky and Illinois hunting furs for hats. In 1826 he moved to Illinois. He and Mary had eight children. Jourdan Uzzell died on September 7, 1846.
John Castleberry Dugger was born November 15, 1787 in Orange County, North Carolina. During the War of 1812, he served from November 1814 to May 1815 as a private under Captain Lewis Dillahunty in Captain Daniel Bradford's First Regiment Volunteer Infantry, West Tennessee Militia. After the war, he married Holly McAdams on August 24, 1820, in St. Jacob, Illinois. They had seven children. He died on August 30, 1855.
This broken stone is what remains of the tombstone of Wesley Dugger. He was born April 30, 1793 in Orange County, North Carolina. He served as a private under Captain John W. Byrn in Colonel John Coffee's Regiment, Tennessee Cavalry and was also in the Battle of New Orleans., serving with his brother-in-law, Jourdan Uzzell. After the war, on August 15, 1816, he married Charlotte "Loty" Young in Sumner County, Tennessee. They had eight children. After Charlotte's death, he married Candis Crodie Barton. Wesley Dugger died on February 14, 1850. Note: There is now a new stone marking this hero's grave.
The Illinois Society again participated in the Alton Memorial Day Parade on May 26, 2013. In addition to Robert Ridenour (shown), Jim DeGroff, Bill Johnson, Eric Reelitz, and Grant Thole participated along with two members of the Kaskaskia Chapter, USD1812.
Grave Marking Ceremony for five soldiers, Oaklawn Cemetery, Glen Carbon, Illinois, May 19, 2013
Kevin Kaegy, Society Chaplain gives the benediction and also read the history of George Barnsback, one of his ancestors.
Society member Richard Kinder reads a first person account of George Kinder.
George Kinder was born April 17, 1783 in Washington County, Pennsylvania. He married Isabella Roseberry. In 1810, he went with his friend Mathias Handlon to Illinois Territory and was impressed with it, returning to Kentucky to bring his family. He served as a private in Captain Samuel Judy's Company of Mounted Illinois Militia during the War of 1812. He and Isabella had 9 children. George died on May 31, 1856.
Philip Corlew, a descendant of Mathias Handlon, reads a first person account of Handlon's life.
Mathias Handlon was born in Virginia on April 24, 1791. He moved with his parents to Kentucky when he was 2 years old. He and his wife, Harriet Walker, had 11 children, only eight surviving to adulthood. He died May 14, 1858.
John Minter was born in Kentucky on February 11, 1795. He served from 10 November 1814 to 10 May 1815 as a private in Captain Thomas Joyes' Company, LTC John Davis' Detached Regiment, LTC Presley Gray's 13th Regiment of the Kentucky Militia. He took part in the Battle of New Orleans. After the war, John married Judith Walker and in 1819 he moved his family to Illinois. He died February 8, 1865.
Jubilee Posey was born November 15, 1793 in Georgia. During the War of 1812 he served as a private in three different units: Captain Samuel Whiteside's Company of Mounted Riflemen, Captain Samuel Judy's Company of Mounted Illinois Militia, and the Volunteer U.S. Rangers. He married Catarine "Caty" Smith on January 5, 1815. He died August 5, 1878.
ROTC Presentation for SIU-E cadet in Edwardsville, April 25, 2013.
Wreaths Across America
Members of the Genl George Rogers Clark SAR Chapter, the Edwardsville DAR chapter, the Illinois Society of the War of 1812 and the Colonel Benjamin Stephenson C.A.R. Society placed wreaths on the graves of patriots of the American Revolution and the War of 1812 on December 15, 2012. The ceremony was held at the Nix-Judy Cemetery in Glen Carbon. Those honored were Revolutionary War soldiers John Nix, William Biggs, Henry Thornhill, Richard Randle, Isham Randle and Josias Wright; and War of 1812 soldiers Captain Samuel Judy, Ambrose Nix and David Nix.
Bill Wilson, Robert Ridenour, Roger Myers, and Jim DeGroff, participated in the Glen Carbon Veterans Monument Veterans Day Service parade at Honor Roll Park on Sunday, November 4, 2012.
Bill Johnson describes clothing and weapons of 1812 rangers during the Illinois Society War of 1812 annual meeting held at the Hill's Fort reconstructed site in Greenville, Illinois on October 20, 2012.
Jim DeGroff presents
membership rosettes to Robert Kilzer (left) and Larry Smith and Larry
Smith, Jr., at the annual meeting
Illinois Society Vice President General Charles Schweizer (left) and Jim DeGroff (right) present a check and certificate to David Marshall, winner of the first Charles Schweizer Essay Contest.
Jim DeGroff and Charles Schweizer presented the second place prize money and certificte to Ben Pinkley.
Illinois Society Vice President General Charles Schweizer (left) and Jim DeGroff (right) present a check and certificate to David Marshall, winner of the first Charles Schweizer Essay Contest.
Jim DeGroff and Charles Schweizer presented the second place prize money and certificte to Ben Pinkley.
Illinois Society member Bill Johnson at the Mississinewa Battlefield, north of Marion, Indiana, October 2012.
On October 15, 2012, Jim DeGroff gave a program on The War of 1812 to the Isaac Hull DAR Chapter in Salem, Ill.
The Illinois Society of the War of 1812 recognized Black Partridge during a ceremony on October 6, 2012. State President Jim DeGroff placed a wreath from the Society at a memorial near Lowpoint, Illinois.
The Illinois Society of the War of 1812 presented its Historic Flags program and had displays about the War of 1812 at the Kaskaskia College in Centralia, Illinois on September 22, 2012. The event was part of the college's Family Reunion and Open House.
Members of the Illinois Society of the War of 1812 joined with members of the Long Knives Chapter, Illinois Society Sons of the American Revolution to march in the August 24, 2012 DuQuoin State Fair parade.
Society members participated in the Germantown Spassfest parade in Germantown IL on August 18, 2012
Society members present the colors at the grave marking ceremony for eight War of 1812 soldiers. The ceremony was held at Bethel Church/Cemetery in Griggsville, Illinois on August 19, 2012.
The War of 1812 soldiers recognized were: Nathan Philips; John Pearcy; Josias Wade; James Lytle; George Evans; Thomas Scott; Richard Wadae; and John Dimmitt.
Society members served as color guard at the grave marking ceremony held at Newlin Cemetery, Trimble, Illinois, on August 12, 2012. The ceremony honoring Private John Correll, NC Militia, was hosted by the Kaskaskia Chapter, USD1812.
Society members rode on the float in the Illinois State Fair parade in Springfield, Illinois on August 9, 2012
Society members at the grave marking ceremony for Private Joseph Thomas, Indiana Militia, at the Little Flock Ceremony, Shelby Co., IL, on July 15, 2012
GPS Coordinates: Latitude 39.5578165 39° 33' 28.1" N
Longitude -88.9228550 88° 55' 22.3" W
Even the extreme heat (over 100 at parade time) didn't keep Jim DeGroff, Robert Ridenour and Toby Chamberlain from participating in the Marine, Illinois parade on June 29, 2012.
Illinois Society members were active participants in the historical marker dedication honoring Ninian Edwards at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois, on June 23, 2012.
Shown are Bill Wilson, Lynn Hargus, Daniel Lindly, Kevin Kaegy, Jim DeGroff, Stan Buckles, Tom Beavers and Robert Ridenour.
June 18, 2012, Tom Smith, Mayor of The City of Waterloo, Illinois issued a Bicentennial Proclamation
June 17, 2012 Glen Carbon, Illinois parade
Illinois
Society of the War of 1812 members posed with descendants of Morris
May. The Kaskaskia Chapter USD1812 marked the grave of Morris
May
at Kirkland Cemetery, Sorento, Illinois, on June 10, 2012.
May
served in the Illinois Militia. The chapter also recognized
War
of 1812 soldier William Vollentine, Tennessee Militia, who is buried in
the same cemetery.
GPS Coordinates: Latitude: 39.02220, Longitude: -89.59170
GPS Coordinates: Latitude: 39.02220, Longitude: -89.59170
Jim DeGroff (back row) provided color guard for the Sangamon River Chapter USD1812 grave marking ceremony honoring Ezra T. Cone at Rose Hill Cemetery in Petersburg, Illinois, on June 9, 2012. He is shown with descendants of Ezra Cone.
GPS Coordinates: 40.01280; -89.82920
West Salem Cemetery, Mt. Vernon, IL on May 29, 2012
Illinois Society members Robert Ridenour, Charles Schweizer, Jim DeGroff (on left) and Bill Wilson (right) joined Compatriot William Stanley Rojek, president of the Alabama Society and his wife and parents in marking the grave of Captain John McLaughlin who served in the 21st Regiment Infantry as a private in the War of 1812 and a captain in the Black Hawk War.
June 5, 2012
Julie Worthen (President, Kaskaskia Chapter, US Daughters of 1812), Charles Schweizer (VPG, Illinois Society of the War of 1812), Edwardsville, Illinois Mayor Gary D. Niebur, and Jim DeGroff (President, Illinois Society of the War of 1812) posed for a photo after the mayor signed a proclamation proclaiming June 18, 2012 as War of 1812 Remembrance Day.
The Illinois Society of the War of 1812 rangers along with two soldiers from the Revolutionary War. The group was in the Alton, Illinois Memorial Day Partade on May 28, 2012. In the background is the new society float.
Vandalia, Illinois Mayor Ricky J. Gottman (center) presents a Proclamation for "War of 1812 Remembrance Day" to State President Jim DeGroff. Also attending were Jerry Maas, State Registrar, his wife, Jessie who is Chaplain of the Kaskaskia Chapter, US Daughters of 1812 and Lola DeGroff, Illinois State President of the USD 1812.
Jerry Maas (right), registrar for the Illinois Society of the War of 1812, participated in the joint grave marking ceremony for Major General Samuel Hopkins on May 19, 2012, at the Spring Garden Cemetery, Henderson, KY. The joint grave marking was sponsored by the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of Virginia; the Lt. Robert Mosley Chapter, Kentucky Society Sons of the American Revolution; the General Samuel Hopkins Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution; the Society of the War of 1812 in the Commonwealth of Kentucky; and the Kentucky Society of the United States Daughters of the War of 1812.
Society members Jim DeGroff, Bill Johnson and Bill Wilson presented the
Society's historic flag program to a 3rd grade class at Columbus School in Edwardsville.
VPG-IL Charles Schweizer presented the ROTC service ribbon to Army Cadet Casey Fay at an award ceremony at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville on April 26, 2012
War of 1812 Remembrance Day Proclamation
Alton IL
May 9, 2012
On May 9, 2012, Jim DeGroff (second from left) listens as Alton, Illinois Mayor Tom Hoechst reads Proclamation declaring June 18, 2012 as War of 1812 Remembrance Day. Also shown are Lola DeGroff (left), Julie Worthen, president of Kaskaskia Chapter USD1812, and Julie's son.
Historic Flag Program
presented at Ft Lamotte Days,
Palestine, IL,
April 29, 2012
Illinois Society members Bill Wilson (right) and Bill Johnson (second from left) presented the Society's historic flag program.
Presenting Honorary Membership
to Author Gillum Ferguson
April 12, 2012
Robert Ridenour, Vice President General of Illinois Charles Schweizer, and Bill Wilson (all members of the Illinois Society) are shown looking on. At right, Illinois Society President Jim DeGroff presents a certificate of Honorary Membership in the Illinois Society to Illinois in the War of 1812 author Gillum Ferguson.
Grave Marking for Aaron Badgley
Badgley Cemetery near Swansea, Illinois
November 20, 2011
Member Bill Johnson participated in the 200th anniversary
of the Battle of Tippecanoe, Nov. 2011
Members and prospective members of the Illinois Society War of 1812 presented a historic flag program during the Grande Levee Harvest Festival in Vandalia, Illinois on September 23, 2011. The festival is held on the grounds of historic Vandalia Statehouse, the oldest state capitol building in Illinois, where Abraham Lincoln served in the House of Representatives.
September 17, 2011. Jim DeGroff (right) receives a replacement charter for the Illinois Society from National President Brig. Gen. M. Hall Worthington. The presentation occurred during the National Society's Triennial Convention in Charleston, S.C.
On September 11, 2011, Society members were part of the color guard honoring War of 1812 veteran Isham Reavis at Old Edwards Cemetery, Fayette County, Illinois. Marking of the Reavis grave was conducted by the Kaskaskia Chapter, U.S. Daughters of 1812.
Members of the Society participated in a program held at historic
Pere Marquette in Grafton, Illinois. Here Jim DeGroff displays the 15 star,
15 stripe flag immortalized by Frances Scott Key.
State Society Chaplain was the featured speaker at the Pere
Marquette event. He gave historic information about
Samuel Whiteside, who as an ensign was assigned
nearby at what was then the Illinois Blockhouse.
Members of the society participated in the
grave marking ceremony conducted by the Sanagamon River Chapter, USD1812 for Samuel Ashmore on July 16, 2011, in Berry Cemetery, Oakland, Illinois.
GPS Coordinates: Latitude: 39.67111, Longitude: -88.01472
Samuel Ashmore was born in 1775 in St. Paul's Parish, George to James and Eliabeth (Balch) Ashmore. He was mustered into service on
January 28, 1814, at Fayetteville, Tennessee. He was one of the many troops quickly utilized by Andrew Jackson. Jackson's army left Fort Strother on March 14, 1814 and traveled to a point on the Coosa River, then marched about 50 miles in a southeasterly direction to the Creek stronghold called Horseshoe Bend. The battle of Horseshoe Bend occurred on March 27th. Samuel Ashmore died in 1836.
Many members of the Illinois Society War of 1812 participated in an 1812 Academy at the Illinois State Military Museum in Springfield on July 9, 2011. The day's events included presentations for men and women, including clothing and accoutrements, weapons, history of militia/rangers, and drills.
Society officer Jim DeGroff gave a presentation to the Vandalia Senior Citizens
on July 15, 2011. They had many questions about events being planned to
commemorate the war.
The Illinois Society War of 1812 and the Kaskaskia Chapter,
USD 1812 held a Flag Day ceremony in front of the
Bond Co. Court House on Flag Day
June 14, 2011
Illinois Society ROTC Chairman Dale Bottom presents the
ROTC medal to Adam Denno during a ceremony at
Northern Illinois University on
May 5, 2011
Grave marking for four War of 1812 soldiers,
Sulphur Springs Cemetery
Morgan County, Illinois
May 6, 2011
Ancil Cox was born in Henry County Virginia, June 11, 1791. He
enlisted in Colonel Richard Johnson's regiment of Kentucky militia of mounted men. He married Mary Buchanan in November 1816 and in 1819 relocated settling by the forks of Silver Creek in Madison County, Illinois. The following year
the family moved to Morgan County. After his first wife's death, he remarried to Lucy H. Palmer. Ancil Cox died on January 14, 1873 and is buried in the Sulphur Springs Cemetery.
Andrew Sample was born March 17, 1798 in Kentucky to parents David and Mary (Townsend) Sample. Andrew's parents moved to Madison County, Illinois in 1808. In 1815, he enlisted in Captain Samuel Whiteside's Company of Illinois Militia, as his father and three older brothers had done earlier. He married Nancy Wood on April 12, 1821. Shortly after that, he moved to Morgan County, Illinois. Nancy died May 2, 1855 and on January 15, 1856, I married Mary J. (Boyer) Buchanan. Andrew Sample died June 13, 1880 and is buried in Sulphur Springs Cemetery next to his first wife, Nancy.
David Sample was born about 1770 in South Carolina. Sometime before 1789 some family members emigrated to Fayette County, Kentucky. He married Mary (Polly) Townsend in 1791. Shortly after marrying, David joined Captain Blair Ballard's Kentucky Volunteers and served in what was commonly known as General Anthony Wayne's Indian Wars of 1792-1793. The family emigrated to St. Clair County, then to Madison County Illinois. During the War of 1812, he and several of his sons (Benjamin, William, John and Andrew) volunteered and served in Captain Samuel Whiteside's Company of Mounted Riflemen (Illinois Militia) He served from August 22 to November 13, 1812. David Sample again moved to Morgan County Illinois where he settled in Mauvisterre Township. He died on June 28 1829 and was buried in Sulphur Springs Cemetery.
Richard Samuel Wood was born in 1781 in Amherst, Virginia. His family moved to Kentucky. It was there he married Celia Gregory in 1803. When the war broke out, Richard served in Captain Mason Singleton's Company, Colonel George Trotter's First Regiment. He was mustered August 30, 1813 at Newport and was in the Battle of the Thames. He moved his family to Illinois and settled on Silver Creek in Madison County. His wife died of bilious fever in November 1819. He then married Mrs. Hester Hodson Conlee on January 1, 1819. Richard moved his family to Morgan County in 1821. He died June 20, 1865 and is buried in Sulphur Springs Cemetery.
(From left) Color guard members Bill Wilson, Robert Ridenour, Dale Phillips, Jim DeGroff, and Bill Johnson. Phillips is a regional director for the Illinois War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission. The others are all members of the Illinois Society of the War of 1812.
Grave marking for Bailey Gough, April 30, 2011
Hardin Cemetery, Green County, Illinois
GPS Coordinates:
Latitude: 39.3206021
Longitude: -90.2645603
Three members of the Illinois Society War of 1812 served as
color guard for the grave marking.
Bailey Gough was born in Virginia in 1775. He married Dulley Hensley on
October 7, 1799 in Fauquier County, Virginia. She was the daughter of Enoch Hensley and Elizabeth Stout. Bailey left Virginia about 1802 and moved
to Butler County, Ohio, where he served as a private in Lanier's Volunteer Battalion of Ohio Militia as an infantryman. Bailey Gough had land grants from the United States government signed by President Andrew Jackson in 1827 and in 1830. His land was on the spot where the cemetery is located. He died on September 14, 1844.
Burton Showers presents the Society's
ROTC award to Cadet James Greene during ceremonies for Wheaton College
at Cantigny Park on April 29, 2011
Illinois Society President Charles Schweizer presents the Society's
ROTC award to Cadet Michael Derick during ceremonies held at
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville on April 28, 2011
Grave marking for William Pursley, October 10, 2010
Allmon Cemetery, Salem, Illinois (click on image for larger view)
GPS Coordinates:
Latitude 38.707778
Longitude -88.942222
William
Pursley was
born in York Co., S.C., in 1778. He married Lydia Little.
William died in the spring of 1828.
Plaque reads: William Pursley, Sgt War of 1812 Capt Samuel Whiteside's Co.
William Pursley, wife Lydia and children were living at Hill's Fort, Bond Co., IL when on September 8, 1814, thirteen men made up of Rangers and civilians left the fort and were ambushed by a large party of Indians. A fierce battle was fought, four men were killed and two severely injured, one was Tom Higgins who was near death fighting three Indians. Seeing this Lydia Pursley grabbed her husband's horse and gun and rode out of the fort to aid hin.
Spurred by her actions others joined in Ton's successful rescue.
In 1820 William moved his family to this site where he purchased 160 acres in 1823. He died in 1828 and is buried here on his farm. Lydia raised their 11 children and in 1850 with her two sons, John and William D. and families, moved to Texas where she died about 1860 in Navarro County.
Below are several video feeds from the ceremony.
Grave marking for James Jones, October 10, 2010
Sandy Branch Cemetery, Foster Township, Marion Co., Illinois (click on image for larger view)
GPS Coordinates:
Latitude 38.7750477 38° 46' 30" N
Longitude -88.9311689 88° 55' 52" W
William died in the spring of 1828.
Plaque reads: William Pursley, Sgt War of 1812 Capt Samuel Whiteside's Co.
William Pursley, wife Lydia and children were living at Hill's Fort, Bond Co., IL when on September 8, 1814, thirteen men made up of Rangers and civilians left the fort and were ambushed by a large party of Indians. A fierce battle was fought, four men were killed and two severely injured, one was Tom Higgins who was near death fighting three Indians. Seeing this Lydia Pursley grabbed her husband's horse and gun and rode out of the fort to aid hin.
Spurred by her actions others joined in Ton's successful rescue.
In 1820 William moved his family to this site where he purchased 160 acres in 1823. He died in 1828 and is buried here on his farm. Lydia raised their 11 children and in 1850 with her two sons, John and William D. and families, moved to Texas where she died about 1860 in Navarro County.
Below are several video feeds from the ceremony.
Grave marking for James Jones, October 10, 2010
Sandy Branch Cemetery, Foster Township, Marion Co., Illinois (click on image for larger view)
GPS Coordinates:
Latitude 38.7750477 38° 46' 30" N
Longitude -88.9311689 88° 55' 52" W
James Jones was born in Georgia in 1795. He migrated to Illinois where he married Laura Llewellyn near Keysport, Clinton Co., IL. James served with Captain Short'ls Rangers. Above are some members of the Jones family in front of the stone honoring his service during War of 1812.
Below is some video from the ceremony.
This mannequin and uniform was donated to the Illinois State Military Museum in
Springfield, Illinois by the Illinois War of 1812 Society. It remains on display there.