15th Illinois Infantry

I have civil war letters written by my relative, Solomon W. Godfrey, who was killed at the Battle of Shiloh on April 6th, 1861. I also have a letter written by George N. Townsend Jr. to Solomon's relatives telling of his death. The letter has great detail about the battle and how they buried the dead in a ditch including soldiers from the South. I am putting a book together of the letters and information about these two soldiers from the 15th Reg. Co. E., Jo Davies County, Illinois. I would appreciate any information or suggestions you could give me. Thank You, Dorothy Wollen

Native of New Jersey and brother of Samuel and Wortman Compton of the 74th IL Infantry. Youngest child of Reuben and Elizabeth Compton. Joined on May 24, 1861 in Freeport, IL at the age of 19. Was wounded at the battle of Pittsburg Landing, TN on April 6, 1862. Subsequently died of his wounds in a hospital in St. Louis MO on May 18, 1862. He is buried in Owen Center Cemetery in Owen Township, Winnebago County, Il. Scource: Cyber Drive Illinois Civil War data base and Owen Cemetery records, page 15, Rockford Public Library, Rockford Il.

Dennis Porter was born in Pawlet, Rutland County, Vermont in April 27, 1840. His parents were Seneca and Mary Havens Porter. Dennis Porter enrolled in the 15th Illinois June 5, 1861. He was discharged on September 27,1861. His dicharge statement had this to say: 'He has a delicate and weak constitution and a tendency to fits of insanity.' The Detroit Society For Geneaological Research Magazine, of 1963, stated that Dennis Porter's half sister, Charity Porter Newton, said 'brother Dennis died in a rebel prison.' I can find no evidence of this. I have a letter he wrote on September 2, 1861. He writes to his father telling him how sick he is and that he was nearly discharged. He speaks of the hard marches and lack of food. This letter was written from Rolla, Missouri.

Transferred from Company E, Veterans Battalion Regiment Illinois on 24 March 1865. Mustered out on 30 May 1865.

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John was the son of Johann and Maria Niemeyer of Freeport, Illinois. John was killed on the first day of the Battle of Shiloh, April 6, 1862. He is buried in the Shiloh Battlefield Cemetery.

Rank when mustered out was Adj. General

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Enlisted as a Private on 3 June 1861. Transferred into Company E, Veterans Battalion Regiment Illinois on 20 July 1864. Transferred into Company E, 15th Infantry Regiment Illinois on 24 March 1865.

Enlisted as a Private on 24 May 1861. Killed on 6 April 1862 at Shiloh, TN.

William's last name was also spelled 'Schafer', and 'Shafer.' He joined May 24, 1861 at Freeport, IL, for three years, and was mustered out May 24, 1864 at Huntsville, AL at expiration of term of service. He was 22 years old, 5'7', with black hair, hazel eyes, and a dark complexion. He was single, and listed farming as his occupation. Records indicate that the 15th Illinois Infantry was issued “Mixed Model 1861 and Enfield Rifle Muskets.”

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My great grandfather was born near Orwigsburg, PA. Migrated to Illinois via wagon to Cleveland & the Great Lakes. Moved to Ogle County, IL and then to Naperville, IL.