(NOTE: Please check out the biography of Augustus Dickson, who was also a member of Co. F of the 86th Illinois. After Augustus died, his wife Margaret (Jones) Dickson wrote some stories about Co. F that she remembered and she mentions John Hall.)
1st Lieutenant JOHN HALL (HOLL), Co. F, 86th Illinois
John Hall (Holl) was born between March 16th and March 22nd, 1825 in Germany/Hesse. According to the 1880 census, his parents were also both born in Germany. His last name most likely was actually spelled Holl, but, when he enlisted in the service his name was spelled as Hall and all census records record his name as Hall. John Hall, who was a Stone Mason, came to America in 1852, taking up residence almost immediately in St. Louis, Missouri. He remained there for about 3 years, moving briefly to Burlington, Iowa before coming on to Knox County, Illinois in late 1855 or early 1856. There he took up residence in Chestnut Township near Maquon, Illinois.
John Hall was married on July 17, 1856 in Knox County, Illinois to Salome Freemole. Salome was born on August 18, 1832 in Crawford County, Pennsylvania, the daughter of John Atkinson Freemole and Catherine (__________) Freemole. John and Catherine are known to have had at least nine children including;
1. Susannah "Susan" Freemole, born November 14, 1830 in Woodcock Township, Crawford County, Pennsylvania; Susan was married to Abraham Miller Jones on February 14, 1850 in Meadville, Pennsylvania; Abraham was born on November 10, 1826 in Crawford Co., PA; Susan died on January 6, 1896 in Maquon, Knox Co., IL and her earthly remains were buried in Maquon Cemetery, Knox Co., IL.
2. Saloma (Salome) Freemole, born August 18, 1832.
3. Solomon Freemole, born __________ __, 18__.
4. John A. Freemole, born __________ __, 1837.
5. William Freemole
6. Thomas Freemole
7. George W. Freemole, born August __, 1842 in Crawford
County, Pennsylvania.
8. Matthew Freemole, born April 1, 1845.
9. Samuel Freemole, born c. 1850
Four children were born to John Hall/Holl and Salmome (Freemole) Hall/Holl. They are;
1. Harman Holl, born Aug 14, 1857 in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois; Harmon was married to Alma Hartsook (1862 - 1883) on November 27, 1879 in Knox County, Illinois; Harmon died on died May 14, 1883 in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in the Maquon Cemetery in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois.
2. Mamie Holl, born June 21, 1859. Mamie was married to Benedict Wainwright, who was born on November 25, 1856. They resided in Knox County, Illinois and had at least two daughters;
A. Bessie V. Wainright, born c. December 3, 1883 in Knox County, Illinois. Bessie has turned 16 at the time of the 1900 census. Bessie is found, still single, in the 1920 and 1930 census records seen below. Bessie V Wainwright died on November 21, 1966 in Bridgeton, Cumberland County, New Jersey. Her mortal remains were laid in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Newfield, Gloucester County, New Jersey. See her Find A Grave Memorial #5907132.
B. Alma Wainright, born c. December 25, 1885 in Illinois. Alma has turned 14 at the time of the 1900 census. Alma Wainwright died on February 18, 1905 in Emporia, Lyon County, Kansas. Alma's mortal remains were Thayer Cemetery in Thayer, Neosho County, Kansas. See Her Find A Grave Memorial #11403652.
Benedict Wainwright died on July 20, 1888 in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois. His mortal remains were laid in the Maquon Cemetery in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial #52342019.
Mamie moved west, after Benedict's death, to Neosho County, Kansas. At the time of the 1900 census, Mamie is found in Chetopa Township, Thayer city, Neosho County, Kansas, living with her sister, Emma (Hall/Holl) Bearmore, and her family. Mamie is listed as Widowed;
D J Bearmore Head M 44 New Jersey
E Bearmore Wife F 38 Illinois
E B Bearmore Daughter F 20 Illinois
John Hall Father-in-law M 75 Germany
M Wainright Sister-in-law F 41 Illinois
Bessie Wainright Niece F 16 Illinois
Alma Wainright Niece F 14 Illinois
Finley Likes Farm hand M 20 Illinois
Mamie (Hall/Holl) Wainwright died on ___________ __, 19__ in Kansas and her mortal remains were laid in the Thayer Cemetery in Neosho.
3. Carl Holl, born May 9, 1861 in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois. Carl died on July 29, 1862 in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in the Maquon Cemetery in Maquon, Illinois.
4. Emma Holl, born Sept 26, 1862; married to David T. Bearmore, who was born on ___________ __, 1856 in New Jersey; They resided in Knox County and had one child, Edith B. Bearmore, who was born on October 8, 1880 in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois. At the time of the 1880 census, David and Emma are found in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois;
David T Bearmor Self M 23 New Jersey
Emma Bearmor Wife F 17 Illinois
William Barr Other M 22 Ohio
As seen above, they, too, moved west to Thayer, Neosho County, Kansas and are found there at the time of the 1900 census. At the time of the 1910 census, the Bearmores are found in Emporia Ward 1, Lyon County, Kansas. Emma's father, John Holl, has moved in with them at this time;
David T Bearmore Head M 53 New Jersey
Emma Bearmore Wife F 46 Illinois
M Wainright Sister-in-law F 50 Illinois
Bessie Wainright Niece F 21 Illinois
John Holl Father-in-law M 85 Germany
David Bearmore died on ___________ __, 1917 and his mortal remains were laid in the Thayer Cemetery in Thayer, Neosho County, Kansas.
In 1920, Emma (Holl) Bearmore and a number of the family are found in Waldoboro, Lincoln County, Maine. Emma is listed as Widowed and her father and mother as having been born in Germany and Pennsylvania, respectively;
Minnie Dainnight Head F 60 Illinois
Bessie V Dainnight Daughter F 35 Illinois
Emma Bearmore Sister F 57 Illinois
Harriet Forest Niece F 38 Illinois
Glena L Forest Niece F 12 Kansas
At the time of the 1930 census, Emma, Mamie and Bessie are found in Franklin, Gloucester County, New Jersey;
Emma Bearmore Head F 67 Illinois
Mamie Wainright Sister F 70 Illinois
Bessie V Wainright Niece F 45 Illinois
Emma (Holl) Bearmore died on _____________ __, 19__ and her mortal remains were laid in the ______________ Cemetery in ___________, ___________.
Now to continue with the biography of John Hall/Holl;
At the time of the 1860 census, John and Salome are found residing in ____________ Township in ___________ County, Illinois.
Sometime in late July or early August of 1862, John Hall volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in Maquon, Illinois for service in the Union Army during the Civil War by a local well known Carpenter, Contractor and Businessman by the name of James L. Burkhalter. On July 23, 1862, John's brother-in-law, John A. Freemole, was one of the first three men to volunteer to serve in this company and six days later, on July 29, 1862, Matthew Freemole, also one of John's brother-in-laws, also volunteered to serve in this company.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name HALL, JOHN
Rank 2LT Company F Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence MAQUON, KNOX CO, IL Age N/A Height 6' 1 1/2 Hair BROWN
Eyes BLUE Complexion FAIR Marital Status MARRIED Occupation STONE CUTTER
Nativity GERMANY
Service Record
Joined When N/A Joined Where N/A
Joined By Whom N/A Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out N/A
Muster Out Where N/A Muster Out By Whom N/A
Remarks PROMOTED 1LT
When Burkhalter had about 100 volunteers, he led the Maquon company into Peoria, where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. There on August 27, 1862, he was elected by the men of the Maquon company to be their Captain and Captain Burkhalter and 93 of his volunteers, including John Hall and the Freemole brothers, were mustered in as Co. F of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. John Hall was elected by the men of the Maquon company to serve as their 2nd Lieutenant, while John A. Freemole was elected to serve as their 4th Sergeant.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois marched out of the gates of Camp Lyon, Capt. James L. Burkhalter leading Co. F, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, and boarded a train bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana. Three weeks later, the men of the 85th & 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, in pursuit of Confederate troops. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more in the coming years. After the Union victory at Perryville, the Confederate Army withdrew from Kentucky and McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, Tennessee, where they went into winter camp.
On January 11, 1863, the 1st Lieutenant of Co. F, Nelson D. Combs, resigned from the service, most likely because of ill health. Following his resignation an election was held and 2nd Lt. John Hall was elected by the men of Co. F to serve as their new 1st Lieutenant.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name HALL, JOHN
Rank 1LT Company F Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence Age 38 Height N/A Hair N/A
Eyes N/A Complexion N/A Marital Status N/A Occupation N/A
Nativity N/A
Service Record
Joined When FEB 2, 1863 Joined Where NASHVILLE, TN
Joined By Whom COL IRONS Period 3 YRS
Muster In FEB 2, 1863 Muster In Where NASHVILLE, TN
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
During these next two and a half years, John Hall and the men of the 86th served in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina and North Carolina. During this time, the men of McCook's Brigade were witness to and participants 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. However, it appears that in August of 1863, Lt. John Hall was having great difficulty with his health and was transferred to what was then called the Invalid Corps, later known as the Veteran Reserve Corps. It appears that he remained in the Invalid Corps for about 10 months before his health allowed him to return to the 86th and to Co. F. Thus he most likely missed participating in the Battles of Chickamauga, Resaca and Rome. This is know from the diary entry for June 11, 1864, that was made by Captain Burkhalter, which follows.
"Saturday, June 11, 1864
Lieutenant John Hall is rejoining the company from duty in Invalid Corps, where he has been since August, 1863. Was idle until about 11 a.m., then moved directly south of 3rd Brigade. In the advance, Companies A, F, and D are deployed as skirmishers. Found no enemy and returned to the regiment about 4 p.m. Had several heavy showers.
Constant and heavy skirmishing occurred all along our front; occasionally very heavy cannonading. That was in front of the 16th Corps, principally directed at the rebel's skirmish line, which is uncomfortable close to ours and which nothing short of an artillery barrage could dislodge, without them inflicting a severe lose on us.
In several attempts, our skirmishers were foiled and it became obvious that only something heavy could drive them out of their strong entrenchment. The artillery made short work of the matter. The practice was most excellent and every shot told with powerful effect, knocking their rail works to bits and driving them like sheep. This gave to us that important ground without the loss of a single man and soon enabled us to advance our lines within easy artillery range of their main line."
However, Lt. John Hall returned just in time to participate in the bloodiest day in the history of the 86th, which occurred on June 27, 1864 during the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia. On June 27, 1864 the surviving members of the 86th Illinois made a bloody assault on the Confederate fortifications on Cheatham Hill. During this assault, in which more than 110 men from the 86th were killed, wounded or captured, John's brother-in-law, Sgt. John A. Freemole, was Killed In Action. John Hall and John A. Freemole's brother, Private Matthew Freemole, most likely took part in this assault and may very well have seen their brother and brother-in-law killed. After the assault was halted, the Union troops were forced to withdraw, leaving most of their dead on the field of battle. Sergeant John A. Freemole's body most likely was left behind. The bodies laid in the hot Georgia sun for two days between the opposing lines before a temporary truce was called on June 29, 1864 to allow the Union troops to gather up their dead for burial. Lt. John Hall and Private Matthew Freemole may very well have helped to bury their brother and brother-in-law at this time. All of the bodies were initially buried right there on the battlefield. Several years later, after the war had come to a close, the bodies of the Union dead at Kennesaw Mountain where exhumed and re-interred at Marietta National Cemetery. Unfortunately, whatever identification was left on Sergeant John A. Freemole's grave was lost and Sgt. John A. Freemole's body was never identified. Today his body most likely lies buried in Section I where most of the dead from McCook's Brigade who were killed during this assault were buried. It most likely lies between Grave #9214 and #9261 under a tombstone marked simply UNKNOWN U.S. SOLDIER.
1st Lieutenant John Hall and Private Matthew Freemole served on, participating in the "March to the Sea" and the Carolina Campaign of 1865, which helped to play a big part in bringing the war to a close. After the war came to an end, the surviving members of the 86th Illinois & McCook's Brigade marched on to Washington City (now D.C.) where they marched down Pennsylvania Avenue on the 2nd day of the Grand Review. They were mustered out of the service on June 6, 1865 in Washington and were soon on a train bound for Chicago. There they received their final pay and discharge and by the end of June, the surviving members of Co F were back home with their families in Knox County.
At the time of the 1870 census, the Holl family is found in Knox County, Illinois;
John Hall M 38 Baden
Salene Hall F 36 Pennsylvania
Harmon Hall M 13 Illinois
Marion Hall F 10 Illinois
Emma Hall F 7 Illinois
Mary J Fremole M 5 Illinois
In 1870, John Hall's occupation is found as a Bridge Builder. In 1886, his occupation is listed as Farmer, Stone Mason and Bridge Builder.
At the time of the 1880 census, the Hall family is found in Chestnut Township of Knox County, Illinois;
Household Gender Age Birthplace Occupation
self John Hall M 55 Germany Farmer
wife Salona Hall F 49 Pennsylvania
daughter Mammie Hall F 21 Illinois
son Hermon Hall M 22 Illinois
daughter Mary Freemore F 15 Illinois
other Earnest Foreman M 70 Germany
other Ranson Brooks M 41 Illinois
other Luvina Brooks F 33 Michigan
other Albert Brooks M 21 Illinois
other Emma Brooks F 17 Illinois
other Emery Brooks M 10 Illinois
other Daniel Brooks M 2 Illinois
The following biography comes from the 1886 Portrait and Biographical Records of Knox County, Illinois;
Lieut. John Hall. --Civil War---this gentleman, whose portrait we give on the opposite page, is a leading farmer of the county, as well as a stone mason and bridge builder. His splendid residence is located on section 11, of Chestnut Township. He was a worthy citizen of Knox County, whose name deserves special mention in its history, he having gained distinction by deeds of the bravery during the Civil War. He is one of the county's most reliable and honorable citizens, and deserving of great respect.
Mr. Hall was born in Hesse, March 22, 1825, from which place he emigrated to America in the year 1852, stopping at St. Louis for some months. He next went to Burlington, Iowa, where he worked on culverts and bridges on the Quincy Branch of the C. B. & Q. R. R., which was in 1856, and in 1861 he purchased 80 acres of land in Chestnut Township and began farming. July 17, of that year, he was united in marriage with Miss Salome Freemole, a native of Pennsylvania, who was born in Crawford County, that State, Aug 18, 1832. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Hall has been blest by the birth of the following children, namely: Mamie, born June 21, 1859, is now Mrs. B. Wainwright, and lives in this township, being the mother of one child--Bessie; Herman, born Aug 14, 1857, died May 14, 1883; Carl, born May 09, 1861, died July 29, 1862; Emma born Sept 26, 1862, is the wife of David Bearmor, who lives in this county, and is the mother of one child--Edna B., born October 08, 1881.
Mr. Hall is the possessor of 145 acres of finely cultivated land, of which he may be justly proud. Upon it stands a handsome residence, which was erected in 1882, the old one having been burned the year previous. It is commodious, convenient and modern, and is a home in the true sense of the word, not only to the inhabitants, but to the stranger within the gates. Our subject has marked success in growing of the best blooded Short-horn cattle, and Clydesdale horses from the imported Cruiser.
Mr. Hall is a member of the G. A. R. As previously stated, he was a soldier in the Union Army. He enlisted in July, 1862, Co F, 86th Ill. Vol Inf. under Col. Irons, who died at Nashville, Tenn. The first battle in which he participated was that of Perryville, Ky., and following that Nashville, after which he was detached and assigned to a pioneer brigade, and was at the battle of Stone River. He was with General Sherman in his march to the sea, but of the many engagements in which he figured, that which stands out most vividly in his recollection as a stern, hard warfare was the struggle of Kennesaw Mountain. After this battle he was appointed commander of Co., F, 86th Reg., where he continued until the close of the war in the capacity of Lieutenant of that company. It is remarkable, but true, that Mr. Hall received no wound of any kind during this bloody conflict, though foremost in some of the most severe battles of the war. In full, as a brilliant record, it is just to give in this connection the names of the battles in Which his regiment participated. The regiment, after organization, moved from Louisville. Marched from camp Oct. 01, and on the 08th was engaged in the battle of Perryville; engaged in the battle of Chickamauga, Sept 19, 20, & 21. Moved into Lookout Valley Oct 29. In the night of Nov 23, crossed the river on a pontoon and camped at the foot of Missionary Ridge. Pursued the enemy on the 26th to Ringgold, and was then ordered to Knoxville, Tenn. Marched as far as Little Tennessee River, and returned to Chattanooga Dec 18, after a most severe march. Was engaged at Buzzard's Roost, May 9, 10, 11; Resaca, May 14, 15, Rome 17th---6 killed, 11 wounded; Dallas, from May 27 to June 5; Kennesaw Mountain, from June 11 to 27--losing 110 killed and wounded. It again engaged the enemy on the banks of the Chattahoochee on the 18th of July; at Peach Tree Creek on the 19th; and near Atlanta, 20th and 22d. Engaged in the siege of Atlanta. Commenced the "march to the sea" Nov 16. Arrived at Savannah Dec 21. After the surrender of Johnston, marched via Richmond to Washington, at which place was mustered out of service, June 6, 1865. He also served five years in the regular army in Germany before coming to America, but he now clings to the welfare of the country of his adoption, and feels an interest deep and keen in the affairs of the nation. He has always voted the Republican ticket."
At the time of the 1900 census, John Holl is found lisving with his daughter, Emma (Holl) Bearmore, and her family in in Chetopa Township, Thayer city, Neosho County, Kansas;
D J Bearmore Head M 44 New Jersey
E Bearmore Wife F 38 Illinois
E B Bearmore Daughter F 20 Illinois
John Hall Father-in-law M 75 Germany
M Wainright Sister-in-law F 41 Illinois
Bessie Wainright Niece F 16 Illinois
Alma Wainright Niece F 14 Illinois
Finley Likes Farm hand M 20 Illinois
At the time of the 1910 census, John Holl moved west to live with his daughter Emma (Holl) Bearmore and her family in Emporia Ward 1, Lyon County, Kansas;
David T Bearmore Head M 53 New Jersey
Emma Bearmore Wife F 46 Illinois
M Wainright Sister-in-law F 50 Illinois
Bessie Wainright Niece F 21 Illinois
John Holl Father-in-law M 85 Germany
1st Lieutenant John Hall may very well have died there in Kansas sometime in 1911 or 1912, as his name is found listed among the name of the men whom are known to have died in the previous year in the 86th Illinois Reunion Booklet for the 1912 Reunion. However, if he did die in Kansas, his earthly remains were returned to Illinois, where they were laid to rest in the Maquon Cemetery in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois.
by Baxter B. Fite III
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of the Hall family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on John Hall and the Hall family. Baxter would also love to copies of other pictures of John Hall which 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.)
1st Lieutenant JOHN HALL (HOLL), Co. F, 86th Illinois
John Hall (Holl) was born between March 16th and March 22nd, 1825 in Germany/Hesse. According to the 1880 census, his parents were also both born in Germany. His last name most likely was actually spelled Holl, but, when he enlisted in the service his name was spelled as Hall and all census records record his name as Hall. John Hall, who was a Stone Mason, came to America in 1852, taking up residence almost immediately in St. Louis, Missouri. He remained there for about 3 years, moving briefly to Burlington, Iowa before coming on to Knox County, Illinois in late 1855 or early 1856. There he took up residence in Chestnut Township near Maquon, Illinois.
John Hall was married on July 17, 1856 in Knox County, Illinois to Salome Freemole. Salome was born on August 18, 1832 in Crawford County, Pennsylvania, the daughter of John Atkinson Freemole and Catherine (__________) Freemole. John and Catherine are known to have had at least nine children including;
1. Susannah "Susan" Freemole, born November 14, 1830 in Woodcock Township, Crawford County, Pennsylvania; Susan was married to Abraham Miller Jones on February 14, 1850 in Meadville, Pennsylvania; Abraham was born on November 10, 1826 in Crawford Co., PA; Susan died on January 6, 1896 in Maquon, Knox Co., IL and her earthly remains were buried in Maquon Cemetery, Knox Co., IL.
2. Saloma (Salome) Freemole, born August 18, 1832.
3. Solomon Freemole, born __________ __, 18__.
4. John A. Freemole, born __________ __, 1837.
5. William Freemole
6. Thomas Freemole
7. George W. Freemole, born August __, 1842 in Crawford
County, Pennsylvania.
8. Matthew Freemole, born April 1, 1845.
9. Samuel Freemole, born c. 1850
Four children were born to John Hall/Holl and Salmome (Freemole) Hall/Holl. They are;
1. Harman Holl, born Aug 14, 1857 in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois; Harmon was married to Alma Hartsook (1862 - 1883) on November 27, 1879 in Knox County, Illinois; Harmon died on died May 14, 1883 in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in the Maquon Cemetery in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois.
2. Mamie Holl, born June 21, 1859. Mamie was married to Benedict Wainwright, who was born on November 25, 1856. They resided in Knox County, Illinois and had at least two daughters;
A. Bessie V. Wainright, born c. December 3, 1883 in Knox County, Illinois. Bessie has turned 16 at the time of the 1900 census. Bessie is found, still single, in the 1920 and 1930 census records seen below. Bessie V Wainwright died on November 21, 1966 in Bridgeton, Cumberland County, New Jersey. Her mortal remains were laid in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Newfield, Gloucester County, New Jersey. See her Find A Grave Memorial #5907132.
B. Alma Wainright, born c. December 25, 1885 in Illinois. Alma has turned 14 at the time of the 1900 census. Alma Wainwright died on February 18, 1905 in Emporia, Lyon County, Kansas. Alma's mortal remains were Thayer Cemetery in Thayer, Neosho County, Kansas. See Her Find A Grave Memorial #11403652.
Benedict Wainwright died on July 20, 1888 in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois. His mortal remains were laid in the Maquon Cemetery in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial #52342019.
Mamie moved west, after Benedict's death, to Neosho County, Kansas. At the time of the 1900 census, Mamie is found in Chetopa Township, Thayer city, Neosho County, Kansas, living with her sister, Emma (Hall/Holl) Bearmore, and her family. Mamie is listed as Widowed;
D J Bearmore Head M 44 New Jersey
E Bearmore Wife F 38 Illinois
E B Bearmore Daughter F 20 Illinois
John Hall Father-in-law M 75 Germany
M Wainright Sister-in-law F 41 Illinois
Bessie Wainright Niece F 16 Illinois
Alma Wainright Niece F 14 Illinois
Finley Likes Farm hand M 20 Illinois
Mamie (Hall/Holl) Wainwright died on ___________ __, 19__ in Kansas and her mortal remains were laid in the Thayer Cemetery in Neosho.
3. Carl Holl, born May 9, 1861 in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois. Carl died on July 29, 1862 in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in the Maquon Cemetery in Maquon, Illinois.
4. Emma Holl, born Sept 26, 1862; married to David T. Bearmore, who was born on ___________ __, 1856 in New Jersey; They resided in Knox County and had one child, Edith B. Bearmore, who was born on October 8, 1880 in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois. At the time of the 1880 census, David and Emma are found in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois;
David T Bearmor Self M 23 New Jersey
Emma Bearmor Wife F 17 Illinois
William Barr Other M 22 Ohio
As seen above, they, too, moved west to Thayer, Neosho County, Kansas and are found there at the time of the 1900 census. At the time of the 1910 census, the Bearmores are found in Emporia Ward 1, Lyon County, Kansas. Emma's father, John Holl, has moved in with them at this time;
David T Bearmore Head M 53 New Jersey
Emma Bearmore Wife F 46 Illinois
M Wainright Sister-in-law F 50 Illinois
Bessie Wainright Niece F 21 Illinois
John Holl Father-in-law M 85 Germany
David Bearmore died on ___________ __, 1917 and his mortal remains were laid in the Thayer Cemetery in Thayer, Neosho County, Kansas.
In 1920, Emma (Holl) Bearmore and a number of the family are found in Waldoboro, Lincoln County, Maine. Emma is listed as Widowed and her father and mother as having been born in Germany and Pennsylvania, respectively;
Minnie Dainnight Head F 60 Illinois
Bessie V Dainnight Daughter F 35 Illinois
Emma Bearmore Sister F 57 Illinois
Harriet Forest Niece F 38 Illinois
Glena L Forest Niece F 12 Kansas
At the time of the 1930 census, Emma, Mamie and Bessie are found in Franklin, Gloucester County, New Jersey;
Emma Bearmore Head F 67 Illinois
Mamie Wainright Sister F 70 Illinois
Bessie V Wainright Niece F 45 Illinois
Emma (Holl) Bearmore died on _____________ __, 19__ and her mortal remains were laid in the ______________ Cemetery in ___________, ___________.
Now to continue with the biography of John Hall/Holl;
At the time of the 1860 census, John and Salome are found residing in ____________ Township in ___________ County, Illinois.
Sometime in late July or early August of 1862, John Hall volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in Maquon, Illinois for service in the Union Army during the Civil War by a local well known Carpenter, Contractor and Businessman by the name of James L. Burkhalter. On July 23, 1862, John's brother-in-law, John A. Freemole, was one of the first three men to volunteer to serve in this company and six days later, on July 29, 1862, Matthew Freemole, also one of John's brother-in-laws, also volunteered to serve in this company.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name HALL, JOHN
Rank 2LT Company F Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence MAQUON, KNOX CO, IL Age N/A Height 6' 1 1/2 Hair BROWN
Eyes BLUE Complexion FAIR Marital Status MARRIED Occupation STONE CUTTER
Nativity GERMANY
Service Record
Joined When N/A Joined Where N/A
Joined By Whom N/A Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out N/A
Muster Out Where N/A Muster Out By Whom N/A
Remarks PROMOTED 1LT
When Burkhalter had about 100 volunteers, he led the Maquon company into Peoria, where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. There on August 27, 1862, he was elected by the men of the Maquon company to be their Captain and Captain Burkhalter and 93 of his volunteers, including John Hall and the Freemole brothers, were mustered in as Co. F of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. John Hall was elected by the men of the Maquon company to serve as their 2nd Lieutenant, while John A. Freemole was elected to serve as their 4th Sergeant.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois marched out of the gates of Camp Lyon, Capt. James L. Burkhalter leading Co. F, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, and boarded a train bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana. Three weeks later, the men of the 85th & 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, in pursuit of Confederate troops. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more in the coming years. After the Union victory at Perryville, the Confederate Army withdrew from Kentucky and McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, Tennessee, where they went into winter camp.
On January 11, 1863, the 1st Lieutenant of Co. F, Nelson D. Combs, resigned from the service, most likely because of ill health. Following his resignation an election was held and 2nd Lt. John Hall was elected by the men of Co. F to serve as their new 1st Lieutenant.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name HALL, JOHN
Rank 1LT Company F Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence Age 38 Height N/A Hair N/A
Eyes N/A Complexion N/A Marital Status N/A Occupation N/A
Nativity N/A
Service Record
Joined When FEB 2, 1863 Joined Where NASHVILLE, TN
Joined By Whom COL IRONS Period 3 YRS
Muster In FEB 2, 1863 Muster In Where NASHVILLE, TN
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
During these next two and a half years, John Hall and the men of the 86th served in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina and North Carolina. During this time, the men of McCook's Brigade were witness to and participants 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. However, it appears that in August of 1863, Lt. John Hall was having great difficulty with his health and was transferred to what was then called the Invalid Corps, later known as the Veteran Reserve Corps. It appears that he remained in the Invalid Corps for about 10 months before his health allowed him to return to the 86th and to Co. F. Thus he most likely missed participating in the Battles of Chickamauga, Resaca and Rome. This is know from the diary entry for June 11, 1864, that was made by Captain Burkhalter, which follows.
"Saturday, June 11, 1864
Lieutenant John Hall is rejoining the company from duty in Invalid Corps, where he has been since August, 1863. Was idle until about 11 a.m., then moved directly south of 3rd Brigade. In the advance, Companies A, F, and D are deployed as skirmishers. Found no enemy and returned to the regiment about 4 p.m. Had several heavy showers.
Constant and heavy skirmishing occurred all along our front; occasionally very heavy cannonading. That was in front of the 16th Corps, principally directed at the rebel's skirmish line, which is uncomfortable close to ours and which nothing short of an artillery barrage could dislodge, without them inflicting a severe lose on us.
In several attempts, our skirmishers were foiled and it became obvious that only something heavy could drive them out of their strong entrenchment. The artillery made short work of the matter. The practice was most excellent and every shot told with powerful effect, knocking their rail works to bits and driving them like sheep. This gave to us that important ground without the loss of a single man and soon enabled us to advance our lines within easy artillery range of their main line."
However, Lt. John Hall returned just in time to participate in the bloodiest day in the history of the 86th, which occurred on June 27, 1864 during the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia. On June 27, 1864 the surviving members of the 86th Illinois made a bloody assault on the Confederate fortifications on Cheatham Hill. During this assault, in which more than 110 men from the 86th were killed, wounded or captured, John's brother-in-law, Sgt. John A. Freemole, was Killed In Action. John Hall and John A. Freemole's brother, Private Matthew Freemole, most likely took part in this assault and may very well have seen their brother and brother-in-law killed. After the assault was halted, the Union troops were forced to withdraw, leaving most of their dead on the field of battle. Sergeant John A. Freemole's body most likely was left behind. The bodies laid in the hot Georgia sun for two days between the opposing lines before a temporary truce was called on June 29, 1864 to allow the Union troops to gather up their dead for burial. Lt. John Hall and Private Matthew Freemole may very well have helped to bury their brother and brother-in-law at this time. All of the bodies were initially buried right there on the battlefield. Several years later, after the war had come to a close, the bodies of the Union dead at Kennesaw Mountain where exhumed and re-interred at Marietta National Cemetery. Unfortunately, whatever identification was left on Sergeant John A. Freemole's grave was lost and Sgt. John A. Freemole's body was never identified. Today his body most likely lies buried in Section I where most of the dead from McCook's Brigade who were killed during this assault were buried. It most likely lies between Grave #9214 and #9261 under a tombstone marked simply UNKNOWN U.S. SOLDIER.
1st Lieutenant John Hall and Private Matthew Freemole served on, participating in the "March to the Sea" and the Carolina Campaign of 1865, which helped to play a big part in bringing the war to a close. After the war came to an end, the surviving members of the 86th Illinois & McCook's Brigade marched on to Washington City (now D.C.) where they marched down Pennsylvania Avenue on the 2nd day of the Grand Review. They were mustered out of the service on June 6, 1865 in Washington and were soon on a train bound for Chicago. There they received their final pay and discharge and by the end of June, the surviving members of Co F were back home with their families in Knox County.
At the time of the 1870 census, the Holl family is found in Knox County, Illinois;
John Hall M 38 Baden
Salene Hall F 36 Pennsylvania
Harmon Hall M 13 Illinois
Marion Hall F 10 Illinois
Emma Hall F 7 Illinois
Mary J Fremole M 5 Illinois
In 1870, John Hall's occupation is found as a Bridge Builder. In 1886, his occupation is listed as Farmer, Stone Mason and Bridge Builder.
At the time of the 1880 census, the Hall family is found in Chestnut Township of Knox County, Illinois;
Household Gender Age Birthplace Occupation
self John Hall M 55 Germany Farmer
wife Salona Hall F 49 Pennsylvania
daughter Mammie Hall F 21 Illinois
son Hermon Hall M 22 Illinois
daughter Mary Freemore F 15 Illinois
other Earnest Foreman M 70 Germany
other Ranson Brooks M 41 Illinois
other Luvina Brooks F 33 Michigan
other Albert Brooks M 21 Illinois
other Emma Brooks F 17 Illinois
other Emery Brooks M 10 Illinois
other Daniel Brooks M 2 Illinois
The following biography comes from the 1886 Portrait and Biographical Records of Knox County, Illinois;
Lieut. John Hall. --Civil War---this gentleman, whose portrait we give on the opposite page, is a leading farmer of the county, as well as a stone mason and bridge builder. His splendid residence is located on section 11, of Chestnut Township. He was a worthy citizen of Knox County, whose name deserves special mention in its history, he having gained distinction by deeds of the bravery during the Civil War. He is one of the county's most reliable and honorable citizens, and deserving of great respect.
Mr. Hall was born in Hesse, March 22, 1825, from which place he emigrated to America in the year 1852, stopping at St. Louis for some months. He next went to Burlington, Iowa, where he worked on culverts and bridges on the Quincy Branch of the C. B. & Q. R. R., which was in 1856, and in 1861 he purchased 80 acres of land in Chestnut Township and began farming. July 17, of that year, he was united in marriage with Miss Salome Freemole, a native of Pennsylvania, who was born in Crawford County, that State, Aug 18, 1832. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Hall has been blest by the birth of the following children, namely: Mamie, born June 21, 1859, is now Mrs. B. Wainwright, and lives in this township, being the mother of one child--Bessie; Herman, born Aug 14, 1857, died May 14, 1883; Carl, born May 09, 1861, died July 29, 1862; Emma born Sept 26, 1862, is the wife of David Bearmor, who lives in this county, and is the mother of one child--Edna B., born October 08, 1881.
Mr. Hall is the possessor of 145 acres of finely cultivated land, of which he may be justly proud. Upon it stands a handsome residence, which was erected in 1882, the old one having been burned the year previous. It is commodious, convenient and modern, and is a home in the true sense of the word, not only to the inhabitants, but to the stranger within the gates. Our subject has marked success in growing of the best blooded Short-horn cattle, and Clydesdale horses from the imported Cruiser.
Mr. Hall is a member of the G. A. R. As previously stated, he was a soldier in the Union Army. He enlisted in July, 1862, Co F, 86th Ill. Vol Inf. under Col. Irons, who died at Nashville, Tenn. The first battle in which he participated was that of Perryville, Ky., and following that Nashville, after which he was detached and assigned to a pioneer brigade, and was at the battle of Stone River. He was with General Sherman in his march to the sea, but of the many engagements in which he figured, that which stands out most vividly in his recollection as a stern, hard warfare was the struggle of Kennesaw Mountain. After this battle he was appointed commander of Co., F, 86th Reg., where he continued until the close of the war in the capacity of Lieutenant of that company. It is remarkable, but true, that Mr. Hall received no wound of any kind during this bloody conflict, though foremost in some of the most severe battles of the war. In full, as a brilliant record, it is just to give in this connection the names of the battles in Which his regiment participated. The regiment, after organization, moved from Louisville. Marched from camp Oct. 01, and on the 08th was engaged in the battle of Perryville; engaged in the battle of Chickamauga, Sept 19, 20, & 21. Moved into Lookout Valley Oct 29. In the night of Nov 23, crossed the river on a pontoon and camped at the foot of Missionary Ridge. Pursued the enemy on the 26th to Ringgold, and was then ordered to Knoxville, Tenn. Marched as far as Little Tennessee River, and returned to Chattanooga Dec 18, after a most severe march. Was engaged at Buzzard's Roost, May 9, 10, 11; Resaca, May 14, 15, Rome 17th---6 killed, 11 wounded; Dallas, from May 27 to June 5; Kennesaw Mountain, from June 11 to 27--losing 110 killed and wounded. It again engaged the enemy on the banks of the Chattahoochee on the 18th of July; at Peach Tree Creek on the 19th; and near Atlanta, 20th and 22d. Engaged in the siege of Atlanta. Commenced the "march to the sea" Nov 16. Arrived at Savannah Dec 21. After the surrender of Johnston, marched via Richmond to Washington, at which place was mustered out of service, June 6, 1865. He also served five years in the regular army in Germany before coming to America, but he now clings to the welfare of the country of his adoption, and feels an interest deep and keen in the affairs of the nation. He has always voted the Republican ticket."
At the time of the 1900 census, John Holl is found lisving with his daughter, Emma (Holl) Bearmore, and her family in in Chetopa Township, Thayer city, Neosho County, Kansas;
D J Bearmore Head M 44 New Jersey
E Bearmore Wife F 38 Illinois
E B Bearmore Daughter F 20 Illinois
John Hall Father-in-law M 75 Germany
M Wainright Sister-in-law F 41 Illinois
Bessie Wainright Niece F 16 Illinois
Alma Wainright Niece F 14 Illinois
Finley Likes Farm hand M 20 Illinois
At the time of the 1910 census, John Holl moved west to live with his daughter Emma (Holl) Bearmore and her family in Emporia Ward 1, Lyon County, Kansas;
David T Bearmore Head M 53 New Jersey
Emma Bearmore Wife F 46 Illinois
M Wainright Sister-in-law F 50 Illinois
Bessie Wainright Niece F 21 Illinois
John Holl Father-in-law M 85 Germany
1st Lieutenant John Hall may very well have died there in Kansas sometime in 1911 or 1912, as his name is found listed among the name of the men whom are known to have died in the previous year in the 86th Illinois Reunion Booklet for the 1912 Reunion. However, if he did die in Kansas, his earthly remains were returned to Illinois, where they were laid to rest in the Maquon Cemetery in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois.
by Baxter B. Fite III
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of the Hall family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on John Hall and the Hall family. Baxter would also love to copies of other pictures of John Hall which 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: Please check out the biography of Augustus Dickson, who was also a member of Co. F of the 86th Illinois. After Augustus died, his wife Margaret (Jones) Dickson wrote some stories about Co. F that she remembered and she mentions John Hall.)
1st Lieutenant JOHN HALL (HOLL), Co. F, 86th Illinois
John Hall (Holl) was born between March 16th and March 22nd, 1825 in Germany/Hesse. According to the 1880 census, his parents were also both born in Germany. His last name most likely was actually spelled Holl, but, when he enlisted in the service his name was spelled as Hall and all census records record his name as Hall. John Hall, who was a Stone Mason, came to America in 1852, taking up residence almost immediately in St. Louis, Missouri. He remained there for about 3 years, moving briefly to Burlington, Iowa before coming on to Knox County, Illinois in late 1855 or early 1856. There he took up residence in Chestnut Township near Maquon, Illinois.
John Hall was married on July 17, 1856 in Knox County, Illinois to Salome Freemole. Salome was born on August 18, 1832 in Crawford County, Pennsylvania, the daughter of John Atkinson Freemole and Catherine (__________) Freemole. John and Catherine are known to have had at least nine children including;
1. Susannah "Susan" Freemole, born November 14, 1830 in Woodcock Township, Crawford County, Pennsylvania; Susan was married to Abraham Miller Jones on February 14, 1850 in Meadville, Pennsylvania; Abraham was born on November 10, 1826 in Crawford Co., PA; Susan died on January 6, 1896 in Maquon, Knox Co., IL and her earthly remains were buried in Maquon Cemetery, Knox Co., IL.
2. Saloma (Salome) Freemole, born August 18, 1832.
3. Solomon Freemole, born __________ __, 18__.
4. John A. Freemole, born __________ __, 1837.
5. William Freemole
6. Thomas Freemole
7. George W. Freemole, born August __, 1842 in Crawford
County, Pennsylvania.
8. Matthew Freemole, born April 1, 1845.
9. Samuel Freemole, born c. 1850
Four children were born to John Hall/Holl and Salmome (Freemole) Hall/Holl. They are;
1. Harman Holl, born Aug 14, 1857 in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois; Harmon was married to Alma Hartsook (1862 - 1883) on November 27, 1879 in Knox County, Illinois; Harmon died on died May 14, 1883 in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in the Maquon Cemetery in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois.
2. Mamie Holl, born June 21, 1859. Mamie was married to Benedict Wainwright, who was born on November 25, 1856. They resided in Knox County, Illinois and had at least two daughters;
A. Bessie V. Wainright, born c. December 3, 1883 in Knox County, Illinois. Bessie has turned 16 at the time of the 1900 census. Bessie is found, still single, in the 1920 and 1930 census records seen below. Bessie V Wainwright died on November 21, 1966 in Bridgeton, Cumberland County, New Jersey. Her mortal remains were laid in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Newfield, Gloucester County, New Jersey. See her Find A Grave Memorial #5907132.
B. Alma Wainright, born c. December 25, 1885 in Illinois. Alma has turned 14 at the time of the 1900 census. Alma Wainwright died on February 18, 1905 in Emporia, Lyon County, Kansas. Alma's mortal remains were Thayer Cemetery in Thayer, Neosho County, Kansas. See Her Find A Grave Memorial #11403652.
Benedict Wainwright died on July 20, 1888 in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois. His mortal remains were laid in the Maquon Cemetery in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial #52342019.
Mamie moved west, after Benedict's death, to Neosho County, Kansas. At the time of the 1900 census, Mamie is found in Chetopa Township, Thayer city, Neosho County, Kansas, living with her sister, Emma (Hall/Holl) Bearmore, and her family. Mamie is listed as Widowed;
D J Bearmore Head M 44 New Jersey
E Bearmore Wife F 38 Illinois
E B Bearmore Daughter F 20 Illinois
John Hall Father-in-law M 75 Germany
M Wainright Sister-in-law F 41 Illinois
Bessie Wainright Niece F 16 Illinois
Alma Wainright Niece F 14 Illinois
Finley Likes Farm hand M 20 Illinois
Mamie (Hall/Holl) Wainwright died on ___________ __, 19__ in Kansas and her mortal remains were laid in the Thayer Cemetery in Neosho.
3. Carl Holl, born May 9, 1861 in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois. Carl died on July 29, 1862 in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in the Maquon Cemetery in Maquon, Illinois.
4. Emma Holl, born Sept 26, 1862; married to David T. Bearmore, who was born on ___________ __, 1856 in New Jersey; They resided in Knox County and had one child, Edith B. Bearmore, who was born on October 8, 1880 in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois. At the time of the 1880 census, David and Emma are found in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois;
David T Bearmor Self M 23 New Jersey
Emma Bearmor Wife F 17 Illinois
William Barr Other M 22 Ohio
As seen above, they, too, moved west to Thayer, Neosho County, Kansas and are found there at the time of the 1900 census. At the time of the 1910 census, the Bearmores are found in Emporia Ward 1, Lyon County, Kansas. Emma's father, John Holl, has moved in with them at this time;
David T Bearmore Head M 53 New Jersey
Emma Bearmore Wife F 46 Illinois
M Wainright Sister-in-law F 50 Illinois
Bessie Wainright Niece F 21 Illinois
John Holl Father-in-law M 85 Germany
David Bearmore died on ___________ __, 1917 and his mortal remains were laid in the Thayer Cemetery in Thayer, Neosho County, Kansas.
In 1920, Emma (Holl) Bearmore and a number of the family are found in Waldoboro, Lincoln County, Maine. Emma is listed as Widowed and her father and mother as having been born in Germany and Pennsylvania, respectively;
Minnie Dainnight Head F 60 Illinois
Bessie V Dainnight Daughter F 35 Illinois
Emma Bearmore Sister F 57 Illinois
Harriet Forest Niece F 38 Illinois
Glena L Forest Niece F 12 Kansas
At the time of the 1930 census, Emma, Mamie and Bessie are found in Franklin, Gloucester County, New Jersey;
Emma Bearmore Head F 67 Illinois
Mamie Wainright Sister F 70 Illinois
Bessie V Wainright Niece F 45 Illinois
Emma (Holl) Bearmore died on _____________ __, 19__ and her mortal remains were laid in the ______________ Cemetery in ___________, ___________.
Now to continue with the biography of John Hall/Holl;
At the time of the 1860 census, John and Salome are found residing in ____________ Township in ___________ County, Illinois.
Sometime in late July or early August of 1862, John Hall volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in Maquon, Illinois for service in the Union Army during the Civil War by a local well known Carpenter, Contractor and Businessman by the name of James L. Burkhalter. On July 23, 1862, John's brother-in-law, John A. Freemole, was one of the first three men to volunteer to serve in this company and six days later, on July 29, 1862, Matthew Freemole, also one of John's brother-in-laws, also volunteered to serve in this company.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name HALL, JOHN
Rank 2LT Company F Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence MAQUON, KNOX CO, IL Age N/A Height 6' 1 1/2 Hair BROWN
Eyes BLUE Complexion FAIR Marital Status MARRIED Occupation STONE CUTTER
Nativity GERMANY
Service Record
Joined When N/A Joined Where N/A
Joined By Whom N/A Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out N/A
Muster Out Where N/A Muster Out By Whom N/A
Remarks PROMOTED 1LT
When Burkhalter had about 100 volunteers, he led the Maquon company into Peoria, where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. There on August 27, 1862, he was elected by the men of the Maquon company to be their Captain and Captain Burkhalter and 93 of his volunteers, including John Hall and the Freemole brothers, were mustered in as Co. F of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. John Hall was elected by the men of the Maquon company to serve as their 2nd Lieutenant, while John A. Freemole was elected to serve as their 4th Sergeant.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois marched out of the gates of Camp Lyon, Capt. James L. Burkhalter leading Co. F, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, and boarded a train bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana. Three weeks later, the men of the 85th & 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, in pursuit of Confederate troops. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more in the coming years. After the Union victory at Perryville, the Confederate Army withdrew from Kentucky and McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, Tennessee, where they went into winter camp.
On January 11, 1863, the 1st Lieutenant of Co. F, Nelson D. Combs, resigned from the service, most likely because of ill health. Following his resignation an election was held and 2nd Lt. John Hall was elected by the men of Co. F to serve as their new 1st Lieutenant.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name HALL, JOHN
Rank 1LT Company F Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence Age 38 Height N/A Hair N/A
Eyes N/A Complexion N/A Marital Status N/A Occupation N/A
Nativity N/A
Service Record
Joined When FEB 2, 1863 Joined Where NASHVILLE, TN
Joined By Whom COL IRONS Period 3 YRS
Muster In FEB 2, 1863 Muster In Where NASHVILLE, TN
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
During these next two and a half years, John Hall and the men of the 86th served in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina and North Carolina. During this time, the men of McCook's Brigade were witness to and participants 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. However, it appears that in August of 1863, Lt. John Hall was having great difficulty with his health and was transferred to what was then called the Invalid Corps, later known as the Veteran Reserve Corps. It appears that he remained in the Invalid Corps for about 10 months before his health allowed him to return to the 86th and to Co. F. Thus he most likely missed participating in the Battles of Chickamauga, Resaca and Rome. This is know from the diary entry for June 11, 1864, that was made by Captain Burkhalter, which follows.
"Saturday, June 11, 1864
Lieutenant John Hall is rejoining the company from duty in Invalid Corps, where he has been since August, 1863. Was idle until about 11 a.m., then moved directly south of 3rd Brigade. In the advance, Companies A, F, and D are deployed as skirmishers. Found no enemy and returned to the regiment about 4 p.m. Had several heavy showers.
Constant and heavy skirmishing occurred all along our front; occasionally very heavy cannonading. That was in front of the 16th Corps, principally directed at the rebel's skirmish line, which is uncomfortable close to ours and which nothing short of an artillery barrage could dislodge, without them inflicting a severe lose on us.
In several attempts, our skirmishers were foiled and it became obvious that only something heavy could drive them out of their strong entrenchment. The artillery made short work of the matter. The practice was most excellent and every shot told with powerful effect, knocking their rail works to bits and driving them like sheep. This gave to us that important ground without the loss of a single man and soon enabled us to advance our lines within easy artillery range of their main line."
However, Lt. John Hall returned just in time to participate in the bloodiest day in the history of the 86th, which occurred on June 27, 1864 during the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia. On June 27, 1864 the surviving members of the 86th Illinois made a bloody assault on the Confederate fortifications on Cheatham Hill. During this assault, in which more than 110 men from the 86th were killed, wounded or captured, John's brother-in-law, Sgt. John A. Freemole, was Killed In Action. John Hall and John A. Freemole's brother, Private Matthew Freemole, most likely took part in this assault and may very well have seen their brother and brother-in-law killed. After the assault was halted, the Union troops were forced to withdraw, leaving most of their dead on the field of battle. Sergeant John A. Freemole's body most likely was left behind. The bodies laid in the hot Georgia sun for two days between the opposing lines before a temporary truce was called on June 29, 1864 to allow the Union troops to gather up their dead for burial. Lt. John Hall and Private Matthew Freemole may very well have helped to bury their brother and brother-in-law at this time. All of the bodies were initially buried right there on the battlefield. Several years later, after the war had come to a close, the bodies of the Union dead at Kennesaw Mountain where exhumed and re-interred at Marietta National Cemetery. Unfortunately, whatever identification was left on Sergeant John A. Freemole's grave was lost and Sgt. John A. Freemole's body was never identified. Today his body most likely lies buried in Section I where most of the dead from McCook's Brigade who were killed during this assault were buried. It most likely lies between Grave #9214 and #9261 under a tombstone marked simply UNKNOWN U.S. SOLDIER.
1st Lieutenant John Hall and Private Matthew Freemole served on, participating in the "March to the Sea" and the Carolina Campaign of 1865, which helped to play a big part in bringing the war to a close. After the war came to an end, the surviving members of the 86th Illinois & McCook's Brigade marched on to Washington City (now D.C.) where they marched down Pennsylvania Avenue on the 2nd day of the Grand Review. They were mustered out of the service on June 6, 1865 in Washington and were soon on a train bound for Chicago. There they received their final pay and discharge and by the end of June, the surviving members of Co F were back home with their families in Knox County.
At the time of the 1870 census, the Holl family is found in Knox County, Illinois;
John Hall M 38 Baden
Salene Hall F 36 Pennsylvania
Harmon Hall M 13 Illinois
Marion Hall F 10 Illinois
Emma Hall F 7 Illinois
Mary J Fremole M 5 Illinois
In 1870, John Hall's occupation is found as a Bridge Builder. In 1886, his occupation is listed as Farmer, Stone Mason and Bridge Builder.
At the time of the 1880 census, the Hall family is found in Chestnut Township of Knox County, Illinois;
Household Gender Age Birthplace Occupation
self John Hall M 55 Germany Farmer
wife Salona Hall F 49 Pennsylvania
daughter Mammie Hall F 21 Illinois
son Hermon Hall M 22 Illinois
daughter Mary Freemore F 15 Illinois
other Earnest Foreman M 70 Germany
other Ranson Brooks M 41 Illinois
other Luvina Brooks F 33 Michigan
other Albert Brooks M 21 Illinois
other Emma Brooks F 17 Illinois
other Emery Brooks M 10 Illinois
other Daniel Brooks M 2 Illinois
The following biography comes from the 1886 Portrait and Biographical Records of Knox County, Illinois;
Lieut. John Hall. --Civil War---this gentleman, whose portrait we give on the opposite page, is a leading farmer of the county, as well as a stone mason and bridge builder. His splendid residence is located on section 11, of Chestnut Township. He was a worthy citizen of Knox County, whose name deserves special mention in its history, he having gained distinction by deeds of the bravery during the Civil War. He is one of the county's most reliable and honorable citizens, and deserving of great respect.
Mr. Hall was born in Hesse, March 22, 1825, from which place he emigrated to America in the year 1852, stopping at St. Louis for some months. He next went to Burlington, Iowa, where he worked on culverts and bridges on the Quincy Branch of the C. B. & Q. R. R., which was in 1856, and in 1861 he purchased 80 acres of land in Chestnut Township and began farming. July 17, of that year, he was united in marriage with Miss Salome Freemole, a native of Pennsylvania, who was born in Crawford County, that State, Aug 18, 1832. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Hall has been blest by the birth of the following children, namely: Mamie, born June 21, 1859, is now Mrs. B. Wainwright, and lives in this township, being the mother of one child--Bessie; Herman, born Aug 14, 1857, died May 14, 1883; Carl, born May 09, 1861, died July 29, 1862; Emma born Sept 26, 1862, is the wife of David Bearmor, who lives in this county, and is the mother of one child--Edna B., born October 08, 1881.
Mr. Hall is the possessor of 145 acres of finely cultivated land, of which he may be justly proud. Upon it stands a handsome residence, which was erected in 1882, the old one having been burned the year previous. It is commodious, convenient and modern, and is a home in the true sense of the word, not only to the inhabitants, but to the stranger within the gates. Our subject has marked success in growing of the best blooded Short-horn cattle, and Clydesdale horses from the imported Cruiser.
Mr. Hall is a member of the G. A. R. As previously stated, he was a soldier in the Union Army. He enlisted in July, 1862, Co F, 86th Ill. Vol Inf. under Col. Irons, who died at Nashville, Tenn. The first battle in which he participated was that of Perryville, Ky., and following that Nashville, after which he was detached and assigned to a pioneer brigade, and was at the battle of Stone River. He was with General Sherman in his march to the sea, but of the many engagements in which he figured, that which stands out most vividly in his recollection as a stern, hard warfare was the struggle of Kennesaw Mountain. After this battle he was appointed commander of Co., F, 86th Reg., where he continued until the close of the war in the capacity of Lieutenant of that company. It is remarkable, but true, that Mr. Hall received no wound of any kind during this bloody conflict, though foremost in some of the most severe battles of the war. In full, as a brilliant record, it is just to give in this connection the names of the battles in Which his regiment participated. The regiment, after organization, moved from Louisville. Marched from camp Oct. 01, and on the 08th was engaged in the battle of Perryville; engaged in the battle of Chickamauga, Sept 19, 20, & 21. Moved into Lookout Valley Oct 29. In the night of Nov 23, crossed the river on a pontoon and camped at the foot of Missionary Ridge. Pursued the enemy on the 26th to Ringgold, and was then ordered to Knoxville, Tenn. Marched as far as Little Tennessee River, and returned to Chattanooga Dec 18, after a most severe march. Was engaged at Buzzard's Roost, May 9, 10, 11; Resaca, May 14, 15, Rome 17th---6 killed, 11 wounded; Dallas, from May 27 to June 5; Kennesaw Mountain, from June 11 to 27--losing 110 killed and wounded. It again engaged the enemy on the banks of the Chattahoochee on the 18th of July; at Peach Tree Creek on the 19th; and near Atlanta, 20th and 22d. Engaged in the siege of Atlanta. Commenced the "march to the sea" Nov 16. Arrived at Savannah Dec 21. After the surrender of Johnston, marched via Richmond to Washington, at which place was mustered out of service, June 6, 1865. He also served five years in the regular army in Germany before coming to America, but he now clings to the welfare of the country of his adoption, and feels an interest deep and keen in the affairs of the nation. He has always voted the Republican ticket."
At the time of the 1900 census, John Holl is found lisving with his daughter, Emma (Holl) Bearmore, and her family in in Chetopa Township, Thayer city, Neosho County, Kansas;
D J Bearmore Head M 44 New Jersey
E Bearmore Wife F 38 Illinois
E B Bearmore Daughter F 20 Illinois
John Hall Father-in-law M 75 Germany
M Wainright Sister-in-law F 41 Illinois
Bessie Wainright Niece F 16 Illinois
Alma Wainright Niece F 14 Illinois
Finley Likes Farm hand M 20 Illinois
At the time of the 1910 census, John Holl moved west to live with his daughter Emma (Holl) Bearmore and her family in Emporia Ward 1, Lyon County, Kansas;
David T Bearmore Head M 53 New Jersey
Emma Bearmore Wife F 46 Illinois
M Wainright Sister-in-law F 50 Illinois
Bessie Wainright Niece F 21 Illinois
John Holl Father-in-law M 85 Germany
1st Lieutenant John Hall may very well have died there in Kansas sometime in 1911 or 1912, as his name is found listed among the name of the men whom are known to have died in the previous year in the 86th Illinois Reunion Booklet for the 1912 Reunion. However, if he did die in Kansas, his earthly remains were returned to Illinois, where they were laid to rest in the Maquon Cemetery in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois.
by Baxter B. Fite III
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of the Hall family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on John Hall and the Hall family. Baxter would also love to copies of other pictures of John Hall which 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.)
1st Lieutenant JOHN HALL (HOLL), Co. F, 86th Illinois
John Hall (Holl) was born between March 16th and March 22nd, 1825 in Germany/Hesse. According to the 1880 census, his parents were also both born in Germany. His last name most likely was actually spelled Holl, but, when he enlisted in the service his name was spelled as Hall and all census records record his name as Hall. John Hall, who was a Stone Mason, came to America in 1852, taking up residence almost immediately in St. Louis, Missouri. He remained there for about 3 years, moving briefly to Burlington, Iowa before coming on to Knox County, Illinois in late 1855 or early 1856. There he took up residence in Chestnut Township near Maquon, Illinois.
John Hall was married on July 17, 1856 in Knox County, Illinois to Salome Freemole. Salome was born on August 18, 1832 in Crawford County, Pennsylvania, the daughter of John Atkinson Freemole and Catherine (__________) Freemole. John and Catherine are known to have had at least nine children including;
1. Susannah "Susan" Freemole, born November 14, 1830 in Woodcock Township, Crawford County, Pennsylvania; Susan was married to Abraham Miller Jones on February 14, 1850 in Meadville, Pennsylvania; Abraham was born on November 10, 1826 in Crawford Co., PA; Susan died on January 6, 1896 in Maquon, Knox Co., IL and her earthly remains were buried in Maquon Cemetery, Knox Co., IL.
2. Saloma (Salome) Freemole, born August 18, 1832.
3. Solomon Freemole, born __________ __, 18__.
4. John A. Freemole, born __________ __, 1837.
5. William Freemole
6. Thomas Freemole
7. George W. Freemole, born August __, 1842 in Crawford
County, Pennsylvania.
8. Matthew Freemole, born April 1, 1845.
9. Samuel Freemole, born c. 1850
Four children were born to John Hall/Holl and Salmome (Freemole) Hall/Holl. They are;
1. Harman Holl, born Aug 14, 1857 in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois; Harmon was married to Alma Hartsook (1862 - 1883) on November 27, 1879 in Knox County, Illinois; Harmon died on died May 14, 1883 in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in the Maquon Cemetery in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois.
2. Mamie Holl, born June 21, 1859. Mamie was married to Benedict Wainwright, who was born on November 25, 1856. They resided in Knox County, Illinois and had at least two daughters;
A. Bessie V. Wainright, born c. December 3, 1883 in Knox County, Illinois. Bessie has turned 16 at the time of the 1900 census. Bessie is found, still single, in the 1920 and 1930 census records seen below. Bessie V Wainwright died on November 21, 1966 in Bridgeton, Cumberland County, New Jersey. Her mortal remains were laid in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Newfield, Gloucester County, New Jersey. See her Find A Grave Memorial #5907132.
B. Alma Wainright, born c. December 25, 1885 in Illinois. Alma has turned 14 at the time of the 1900 census. Alma Wainwright died on February 18, 1905 in Emporia, Lyon County, Kansas. Alma's mortal remains were Thayer Cemetery in Thayer, Neosho County, Kansas. See Her Find A Grave Memorial #11403652.
Benedict Wainwright died on July 20, 1888 in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois. His mortal remains were laid in the Maquon Cemetery in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial #52342019.
Mamie moved west, after Benedict's death, to Neosho County, Kansas. At the time of the 1900 census, Mamie is found in Chetopa Township, Thayer city, Neosho County, Kansas, living with her sister, Emma (Hall/Holl) Bearmore, and her family. Mamie is listed as Widowed;
D J Bearmore Head M 44 New Jersey
E Bearmore Wife F 38 Illinois
E B Bearmore Daughter F 20 Illinois
John Hall Father-in-law M 75 Germany
M Wainright Sister-in-law F 41 Illinois
Bessie Wainright Niece F 16 Illinois
Alma Wainright Niece F 14 Illinois
Finley Likes Farm hand M 20 Illinois
Mamie (Hall/Holl) Wainwright died on ___________ __, 19__ in Kansas and her mortal remains were laid in the Thayer Cemetery in Neosho.
3. Carl Holl, born May 9, 1861 in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois. Carl died on July 29, 1862 in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in the Maquon Cemetery in Maquon, Illinois.
4. Emma Holl, born Sept 26, 1862; married to David T. Bearmore, who was born on ___________ __, 1856 in New Jersey; They resided in Knox County and had one child, Edith B. Bearmore, who was born on October 8, 1880 in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois. At the time of the 1880 census, David and Emma are found in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois;
David T Bearmor Self M 23 New Jersey
Emma Bearmor Wife F 17 Illinois
William Barr Other M 22 Ohio
As seen above, they, too, moved west to Thayer, Neosho County, Kansas and are found there at the time of the 1900 census. At the time of the 1910 census, the Bearmores are found in Emporia Ward 1, Lyon County, Kansas. Emma's father, John Holl, has moved in with them at this time;
David T Bearmore Head M 53 New Jersey
Emma Bearmore Wife F 46 Illinois
M Wainright Sister-in-law F 50 Illinois
Bessie Wainright Niece F 21 Illinois
John Holl Father-in-law M 85 Germany
David Bearmore died on ___________ __, 1917 and his mortal remains were laid in the Thayer Cemetery in Thayer, Neosho County, Kansas.
In 1920, Emma (Holl) Bearmore and a number of the family are found in Waldoboro, Lincoln County, Maine. Emma is listed as Widowed and her father and mother as having been born in Germany and Pennsylvania, respectively;
Minnie Dainnight Head F 60 Illinois
Bessie V Dainnight Daughter F 35 Illinois
Emma Bearmore Sister F 57 Illinois
Harriet Forest Niece F 38 Illinois
Glena L Forest Niece F 12 Kansas
At the time of the 1930 census, Emma, Mamie and Bessie are found in Franklin, Gloucester County, New Jersey;
Emma Bearmore Head F 67 Illinois
Mamie Wainright Sister F 70 Illinois
Bessie V Wainright Niece F 45 Illinois
Emma (Holl) Bearmore died on _____________ __, 19__ and her mortal remains were laid in the ______________ Cemetery in ___________, ___________.
Now to continue with the biography of John Hall/Holl;
At the time of the 1860 census, John and Salome are found residing in ____________ Township in ___________ County, Illinois.
Sometime in late July or early August of 1862, John Hall volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in Maquon, Illinois for service in the Union Army during the Civil War by a local well known Carpenter, Contractor and Businessman by the name of James L. Burkhalter. On July 23, 1862, John's brother-in-law, John A. Freemole, was one of the first three men to volunteer to serve in this company and six days later, on July 29, 1862, Matthew Freemole, also one of John's brother-in-laws, also volunteered to serve in this company.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name HALL, JOHN
Rank 2LT Company F Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence MAQUON, KNOX CO, IL Age N/A Height 6' 1 1/2 Hair BROWN
Eyes BLUE Complexion FAIR Marital Status MARRIED Occupation STONE CUTTER
Nativity GERMANY
Service Record
Joined When N/A Joined Where N/A
Joined By Whom N/A Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out N/A
Muster Out Where N/A Muster Out By Whom N/A
Remarks PROMOTED 1LT
When Burkhalter had about 100 volunteers, he led the Maquon company into Peoria, where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. There on August 27, 1862, he was elected by the men of the Maquon company to be their Captain and Captain Burkhalter and 93 of his volunteers, including John Hall and the Freemole brothers, were mustered in as Co. F of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. John Hall was elected by the men of the Maquon company to serve as their 2nd Lieutenant, while John A. Freemole was elected to serve as their 4th Sergeant.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois marched out of the gates of Camp Lyon, Capt. James L. Burkhalter leading Co. F, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, and boarded a train bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana. Three weeks later, the men of the 85th & 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, in pursuit of Confederate troops. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more in the coming years. After the Union victory at Perryville, the Confederate Army withdrew from Kentucky and McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, Tennessee, where they went into winter camp.
On January 11, 1863, the 1st Lieutenant of Co. F, Nelson D. Combs, resigned from the service, most likely because of ill health. Following his resignation an election was held and 2nd Lt. John Hall was elected by the men of Co. F to serve as their new 1st Lieutenant.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name HALL, JOHN
Rank 1LT Company F Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence Age 38 Height N/A Hair N/A
Eyes N/A Complexion N/A Marital Status N/A Occupation N/A
Nativity N/A
Service Record
Joined When FEB 2, 1863 Joined Where NASHVILLE, TN
Joined By Whom COL IRONS Period 3 YRS
Muster In FEB 2, 1863 Muster In Where NASHVILLE, TN
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
During these next two and a half years, John Hall and the men of the 86th served in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina and North Carolina. During this time, the men of McCook's Brigade were witness to and participants 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. However, it appears that in August of 1863, Lt. John Hall was having great difficulty with his health and was transferred to what was then called the Invalid Corps, later known as the Veteran Reserve Corps. It appears that he remained in the Invalid Corps for about 10 months before his health allowed him to return to the 86th and to Co. F. Thus he most likely missed participating in the Battles of Chickamauga, Resaca and Rome. This is know from the diary entry for June 11, 1864, that was made by Captain Burkhalter, which follows.
"Saturday, June 11, 1864
Lieutenant John Hall is rejoining the company from duty in Invalid Corps, where he has been since August, 1863. Was idle until about 11 a.m., then moved directly south of 3rd Brigade. In the advance, Companies A, F, and D are deployed as skirmishers. Found no enemy and returned to the regiment about 4 p.m. Had several heavy showers.
Constant and heavy skirmishing occurred all along our front; occasionally very heavy cannonading. That was in front of the 16th Corps, principally directed at the rebel's skirmish line, which is uncomfortable close to ours and which nothing short of an artillery barrage could dislodge, without them inflicting a severe lose on us.
In several attempts, our skirmishers were foiled and it became obvious that only something heavy could drive them out of their strong entrenchment. The artillery made short work of the matter. The practice was most excellent and every shot told with powerful effect, knocking their rail works to bits and driving them like sheep. This gave to us that important ground without the loss of a single man and soon enabled us to advance our lines within easy artillery range of their main line."
However, Lt. John Hall returned just in time to participate in the bloodiest day in the history of the 86th, which occurred on June 27, 1864 during the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia. On June 27, 1864 the surviving members of the 86th Illinois made a bloody assault on the Confederate fortifications on Cheatham Hill. During this assault, in which more than 110 men from the 86th were killed, wounded or captured, John's brother-in-law, Sgt. John A. Freemole, was Killed In Action. John Hall and John A. Freemole's brother, Private Matthew Freemole, most likely took part in this assault and may very well have seen their brother and brother-in-law killed. After the assault was halted, the Union troops were forced to withdraw, leaving most of their dead on the field of battle. Sergeant John A. Freemole's body most likely was left behind. The bodies laid in the hot Georgia sun for two days between the opposing lines before a temporary truce was called on June 29, 1864 to allow the Union troops to gather up their dead for burial. Lt. John Hall and Private Matthew Freemole may very well have helped to bury their brother and brother-in-law at this time. All of the bodies were initially buried right there on the battlefield. Several years later, after the war had come to a close, the bodies of the Union dead at Kennesaw Mountain where exhumed and re-interred at Marietta National Cemetery. Unfortunately, whatever identification was left on Sergeant John A. Freemole's grave was lost and Sgt. John A. Freemole's body was never identified. Today his body most likely lies buried in Section I where most of the dead from McCook's Brigade who were killed during this assault were buried. It most likely lies between Grave #9214 and #9261 under a tombstone marked simply UNKNOWN U.S. SOLDIER.
1st Lieutenant John Hall and Private Matthew Freemole served on, participating in the "March to the Sea" and the Carolina Campaign of 1865, which helped to play a big part in bringing the war to a close. After the war came to an end, the surviving members of the 86th Illinois & McCook's Brigade marched on to Washington City (now D.C.) where they marched down Pennsylvania Avenue on the 2nd day of the Grand Review. They were mustered out of the service on June 6, 1865 in Washington and were soon on a train bound for Chicago. There they received their final pay and discharge and by the end of June, the surviving members of Co F were back home with their families in Knox County.
At the time of the 1870 census, the Holl family is found in Knox County, Illinois;
John Hall M 38 Baden
Salene Hall F 36 Pennsylvania
Harmon Hall M 13 Illinois
Marion Hall F 10 Illinois
Emma Hall F 7 Illinois
Mary J Fremole M 5 Illinois
In 1870, John Hall's occupation is found as a Bridge Builder. In 1886, his occupation is listed as Farmer, Stone Mason and Bridge Builder.
At the time of the 1880 census, the Hall family is found in Chestnut Township of Knox County, Illinois;
Household Gender Age Birthplace Occupation
self John Hall M 55 Germany Farmer
wife Salona Hall F 49 Pennsylvania
daughter Mammie Hall F 21 Illinois
son Hermon Hall M 22 Illinois
daughter Mary Freemore F 15 Illinois
other Earnest Foreman M 70 Germany
other Ranson Brooks M 41 Illinois
other Luvina Brooks F 33 Michigan
other Albert Brooks M 21 Illinois
other Emma Brooks F 17 Illinois
other Emery Brooks M 10 Illinois
other Daniel Brooks M 2 Illinois
The following biography comes from the 1886 Portrait and Biographical Records of Knox County, Illinois;
Lieut. John Hall. --Civil War---this gentleman, whose portrait we give on the opposite page, is a leading farmer of the county, as well as a stone mason and bridge builder. His splendid residence is located on section 11, of Chestnut Township. He was a worthy citizen of Knox County, whose name deserves special mention in its history, he having gained distinction by deeds of the bravery during the Civil War. He is one of the county's most reliable and honorable citizens, and deserving of great respect.
Mr. Hall was born in Hesse, March 22, 1825, from which place he emigrated to America in the year 1852, stopping at St. Louis for some months. He next went to Burlington, Iowa, where he worked on culverts and bridges on the Quincy Branch of the C. B. & Q. R. R., which was in 1856, and in 1861 he purchased 80 acres of land in Chestnut Township and began farming. July 17, of that year, he was united in marriage with Miss Salome Freemole, a native of Pennsylvania, who was born in Crawford County, that State, Aug 18, 1832. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Hall has been blest by the birth of the following children, namely: Mamie, born June 21, 1859, is now Mrs. B. Wainwright, and lives in this township, being the mother of one child--Bessie; Herman, born Aug 14, 1857, died May 14, 1883; Carl, born May 09, 1861, died July 29, 1862; Emma born Sept 26, 1862, is the wife of David Bearmor, who lives in this county, and is the mother of one child--Edna B., born October 08, 1881.
Mr. Hall is the possessor of 145 acres of finely cultivated land, of which he may be justly proud. Upon it stands a handsome residence, which was erected in 1882, the old one having been burned the year previous. It is commodious, convenient and modern, and is a home in the true sense of the word, not only to the inhabitants, but to the stranger within the gates. Our subject has marked success in growing of the best blooded Short-horn cattle, and Clydesdale horses from the imported Cruiser.
Mr. Hall is a member of the G. A. R. As previously stated, he was a soldier in the Union Army. He enlisted in July, 1862, Co F, 86th Ill. Vol Inf. under Col. Irons, who died at Nashville, Tenn. The first battle in which he participated was that of Perryville, Ky., and following that Nashville, after which he was detached and assigned to a pioneer brigade, and was at the battle of Stone River. He was with General Sherman in his march to the sea, but of the many engagements in which he figured, that which stands out most vividly in his recollection as a stern, hard warfare was the struggle of Kennesaw Mountain. After this battle he was appointed commander of Co., F, 86th Reg., where he continued until the close of the war in the capacity of Lieutenant of that company. It is remarkable, but true, that Mr. Hall received no wound of any kind during this bloody conflict, though foremost in some of the most severe battles of the war. In full, as a brilliant record, it is just to give in this connection the names of the battles in Which his regiment participated. The regiment, after organization, moved from Louisville. Marched from camp Oct. 01, and on the 08th was engaged in the battle of Perryville; engaged in the battle of Chickamauga, Sept 19, 20, & 21. Moved into Lookout Valley Oct 29. In the night of Nov 23, crossed the river on a pontoon and camped at the foot of Missionary Ridge. Pursued the enemy on the 26th to Ringgold, and was then ordered to Knoxville, Tenn. Marched as far as Little Tennessee River, and returned to Chattanooga Dec 18, after a most severe march. Was engaged at Buzzard's Roost, May 9, 10, 11; Resaca, May 14, 15, Rome 17th---6 killed, 11 wounded; Dallas, from May 27 to June 5; Kennesaw Mountain, from June 11 to 27--losing 110 killed and wounded. It again engaged the enemy on the banks of the Chattahoochee on the 18th of July; at Peach Tree Creek on the 19th; and near Atlanta, 20th and 22d. Engaged in the siege of Atlanta. Commenced the "march to the sea" Nov 16. Arrived at Savannah Dec 21. After the surrender of Johnston, marched via Richmond to Washington, at which place was mustered out of service, June 6, 1865. He also served five years in the regular army in Germany before coming to America, but he now clings to the welfare of the country of his adoption, and feels an interest deep and keen in the affairs of the nation. He has always voted the Republican ticket."
At the time of the 1900 census, John Holl is found lisving with his daughter, Emma (Holl) Bearmore, and her family in in Chetopa Township, Thayer city, Neosho County, Kansas;
D J Bearmore Head M 44 New Jersey
E Bearmore Wife F 38 Illinois
E B Bearmore Daughter F 20 Illinois
John Hall Father-in-law M 75 Germany
M Wainright Sister-in-law F 41 Illinois
Bessie Wainright Niece F 16 Illinois
Alma Wainright Niece F 14 Illinois
Finley Likes Farm hand M 20 Illinois
At the time of the 1910 census, John Holl moved west to live with his daughter Emma (Holl) Bearmore and her family in Emporia Ward 1, Lyon County, Kansas;
David T Bearmore Head M 53 New Jersey
Emma Bearmore Wife F 46 Illinois
M Wainright Sister-in-law F 50 Illinois
Bessie Wainright Niece F 21 Illinois
John Holl Father-in-law M 85 Germany
1st Lieutenant John Hall may very well have died there in Kansas sometime in 1911 or 1912, as his name is found listed among the name of the men whom are known to have died in the previous year in the 86th Illinois Reunion Booklet for the 1912 Reunion. However, if he did die in Kansas, his earthly remains were returned to Illinois, where they were laid to rest in the Maquon Cemetery in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois.
by Baxter B. Fite III
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of the Hall family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on John Hall and the Hall family. Baxter would also love to copies of other pictures of John Hall which 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.)
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
