Captain JAMES PURCELL WORRELL, Co. D, 47th Illinois & Co. B, 86th Illinois

James Purcell Worrell was born on April 8, 1834 in Alexandria, Virginia, the son of Samuel Worrell and Isabelle (McClain) Worrell. Samuel Worrell was born about June 19, 1791 and died in 1862 in Bloomingburg, Ohio in Fayette County, Ohio. Isabelle (McClain) Worrell died in April of 1852 in Bloomingburg. Isabelle is definately buried in the Bloomingburg Cemetery. Samuel is probably buried there.

James P. Worrell was married to Elizabeth McClung about May 21, 1854 in Putnam County, Illinois. This record is Record #839 in Putnam County. Nine children are believed to have been born to James Purcell Worrell and Elizabeth (McClung) Worrell. They were;

1. Sarah Isabelle Worrell, born c. 1855 in Illinois. The following biography was published in 1897 in the American Women Fifteen Hundred Biographies, Volume 1;

"ISABEL WORRELL BALL

BALL, Mrs. Isabel Worrell, pioneer woman journalist of the West, born in a log cabin near Hennepin, Putnam county, Ill., 13 March, 1855. She was educated in public schools and academies, her favorite study being history. Her father was a lawyer, and at the age of thirteen years she began to study with him, gaining a fair knowledge of law. In 1873 her family removed to western Kansas. She rode over the prairies, assisting in herding her father's stock, learning to throw a lasso with the dexterity of a cowboy, and to handle a gun. The outdoor life restored her health. She taught the first public school in Pawnee county, Kans., her school district including the whole immense county. She was the second woman to be appointed a notary public in Kansas. She held positions in committee clerkships of the Kansas legislature from 1876 to 1886, and served as press reporter from 1877 to 1890. Her journalistic work began in 1881. In New Mexico and Arizona she had many experiences with the Indians, and gathered much interesting material for future work. She practically "lived in a little gripsack." The Atlantic and Pacific Railroad was being built and she was special correspondent for the Albuquerque "Daily Journal." Her life was often in danger from Navajoe and Apache Indians. Once the boarding train was surrounded by the Indians, and escape entirely cut off by washouts. The little dwelling, a box car, was riddled with bullets, and two men were killed, but Mrs. Ball escaped unhurt. For two years she lived in that wild country, seeing no woman's face, save that of a squaw, for three months at a time. In 1882 she returned to Kansas and acted for three years as editor of the Larned "Chronoscope." Removing to Topeka in 1886, she was made assistant secretary of the State Historical Society. After filling an editorial position on the "Commonwealth," in 1888 she became literary critic of the Kansas City "Daily Times." In 1889 she changed to the Kansas City "Star," and in the fall of 1891 she removed to Washington and entered upon special journalistic work. Meanwhile she had contributed many sketches to eastern periodicals. In 1889 she was prominent in the formation of the Western Authors' and Artists' Club, which meets annually in Kansas City, and of which Mrs. Ball is the secretary and master spirit. Her marriage to H. M. Ball occurred in 1887."

Sarah, who always went by Isabell was married 1st to Henry M. "Harry" Ball. They are known to have had at least three children, Hazel, Harry and Roger, all of whom are believed to have died young. All are buried in the Larned Cemetery in Larned, Kansas. Isabel was later married to John McElroy, whom she had known through her G.A.R. connections since at least 1913. Col. John McElroy was the Senior Commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic for some time. Isabell served as President of the Women's Relief Corps, Department of the Potomac for many years and was serving in that capacity at the time of her father's death in 1907. Isabel died on July 5, 1931 in the District of Columbia.

2. Clarissa Worrell, born c. 1858/59 in Illinois, most likely Marshall County. Clarissa must have died before 1870 as she is not found in that census.

3. George Hyatt Worrell, born c. 1865; George was married to Gertrude Oreah Smith on __________ __, 18__ at __________, __________; Gertrude was the daughter of Dawson Smith and Mary (__________) Smith; Gertrude died on December 9, 1939 at Seattle, King County, Washington; George died February 13, 1935; their mortal remains were laid in the Larned Cemetery in Larned, Kansas.

4. Winona Worrell, born c. 1870. Listed as Indianola in the 1870 census, Winona was married to __________ Henrick; buried in the Larned Cemetery

5. Myrtle Worrell, born c. March __, 1873/74/75 in Illinois. Myrtle was married to John E. Buckles c. 1891/92. At the time of the 1900 census, the Buckles family is found in Larned Township Larned city Ward 1-4, Pawnee County, Kansas;

John E Buckles Head M 28 Michigan

Myrtle W Buckles Wife F 25 Illinois

Moree E Buckles Daughter F 8 Kansas

Rex W Buckles Son M 6 Kansas

Gail I Buckles Daughter F 3 Kansas

Winoni Buckles Daughter F 0 Kansas

(Note: Moree E. Buckles was married to ___________ McElroy.)

At the time of the 1920 census, Myrtle is found in Larned, Pawnee County, Kansas. Her brother-in-law, Henry M. Ball, Isabel's husband is living with them;

Myrtle Buchler Head F 46 Illinois

Gail F Buchler Daughter F 32 Kansas

Gladys S Buchler Daughter F 18 Kansas

Henry M Ball Brother-in-law M 67 Indiana

Myrtle (Worrell) Buckles died on ___________, __, 1960 and her mortal remains were laid in the Pohick Episcopal Church Cemetery in Lorton, Fairfax County, Virginia. See her Find A Grave Memorial# 71984997.

6. Levi Worrell, died young before 1873; buried in the Putnam Cemetery in Putnam, Illinois.

7. Lonie Worrell. died young before 1873; buried in the Putnam Cemetery in Putnam, Illinois.

8. Pattie Worrell, died young before 1873; buried in the Putnam Cemetery in Putnam, Illinois.

9. __________ Worrell, died young before 1873; buried in the Putnam Cemetery in Putnam, Illinois.

James P. Worrell is found in the 1860 census of Marshall County living in Henry Town, Marshall County, Illinois;

Jas P Worrell M 27 Va

Eliz Worrell F 24 Ills

Sarah Worrell F 5 Ills

Clarissa Worrell F 1 Ills

On August 16, 1861, James P. Worrell went to Peoria where and volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in Peoria by a well known Marshall County farmer, John C. Townsend. At the time he volunteered, James was a practicing Attorney whose residence was Henry, Illinois in Marshall County. By the afternoon Townsend's company was full and the men were mustered into service that very day as Company D of the 47th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry.

ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT

Name WORRELL, JAMES P

Rank 1SGT Company D Unit 47 IL US INF

Personal Characteristics

Residence HENRY CITY, MARSHALL CO, IL Age 25 Height 5' 8 1/2 Hair BROWN

Eyes BLUE Complexion LIGHT Marital Status MARRIED Occupation LAWYER

Nativity ALEXANDRIA, VA

Service Record

Joined When AUG 16, 1861 Joined Where PEORIA, IL

Joined By Whom CPT TOWNSEND Period 3 YRS

Muster In AUG 16, 1861 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 2LT

Townsend was elected Captain by the men of Co. D. Orlando Fountain, another Henry area man who had just recently left the Seaman's life, was elected 1st Lieutenant. Worrell was elected 1st Sergeant by the Co. D men.

1st Sgt. James P. Worrell was soon promoted to 2nd Lieutenant when the original 2nd Lt. was promoted to Quartermaster of the 47th.

ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT

Name WORRELL, JAMES P

Rank 2LT Company D Unit 47 IL US INF

Personal Characteristics

Residence HENRY CITY, MARSHALL CO, IL Age N/A Height 5' 8 1/2 Hair BROWN

Eyes BLUE Complexion LIGHT Marital Status MARRIED Occupation LAWYER

Nativity ALEXANDRIA, VA

Service Record

Joined When AUG 16, 1861 Joined Where N/A

Joined By Whom N/A Period N/A

Muster In N/A Muster In Where N/A

Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out N/A

Muster Out Where N/A Muster Out By Whom N/A

Remarks RESIGNED APR 12, 1862

On March 26, 1862, after 7 months of service, 1st Lt. Orlando Fountain resigned his commission and returned to Marshall County. Three weeks later, 2nd Lt. James P. Worrell also resigned his commission and returned to Marshall County.

In July of 1862, after President Abraham Lincoln's call for more troops, Fountain began making plans to raise another Marshall County Company. He was soon recruiting in primarily Steuben, Whitefield and LaPrarie Townships of Marshall County. James P. Worrell was also soon back in the service, doing his part, when on August 15, 1862, he volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised primarily in Henry, Whitefield and Saratoga Townships of Marshall County by Elias C. Brearley.

ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT

Name WORREL, JAMES P

Rank SGT Company B Unit 86 IL US INF

Personal Characteristics

Residence HENRY, MARSHALL CO, IL Age 28 Height 5' 8 1/2 Hair DARK

Eyes BLUE Complexion LIGHT Marital Status MARRIED Occupation LAWYER

Nativity VA

Service Record

Joined When AUG 15, 1862 Joined Where MARSHALL CO, IL

Joined By Whom CPT BREARLEY 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 CAPTAIN MAY 1, 1863

When Brearley and Fountain had about 100 volunteers, they led their companies into Peoria where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, the men of the two Marshall County companies were sworn in as Co. B (Brearley's) and Co. E (Fountain's) of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Brearley was elected by the men of Co. B to be their Captain. James P. Worrell was elected by the men of Co. B to serve as their 5th Sergeant. Fountain was elected by the men of Co. E to serve as their Captain.

On September 8, 1862, the men of the 86th marched out of the gates of Camp Lyon, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, to the railroad depot, where they boarded a train bound for Camp Joe Holt in Jefferesonville, Indiana, across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky. Three weeks later the men of the 86th were in the field as part of Colonel Daniel McCook's Brigade in pursuit of Confederate troops. On October 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those Confederate troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th suffering their first casualties. There would be many more in the coming years. After the Battle of Perryville, the Confederate troops withdrew from Kentucky and the men of McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, Tennessee, where they would go into winter camp.

In late December of 1862, 5th Sergeant James P. Worrell is believed to have been a part of a group of men from the 86th who were detailed to help guard a 303 wagon supply train that was sent from Nashville to resupply the army of General William S. Rosecrans, who was fighting the Battle of Stone River, located south of Nashville near Murfreesboro, Tennessee. David Thomas, who is writing a book on the history of the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division of the 14th Army Corps, wrote that, "The 86th was not "in" the battle of Stone River, but some of their companies were near it. They were part of the wagon train teamsters and guards for the ammunition train that left Nashville to bring supplies to the army of the field. That is how Stone River comes into play in their history of anyone who may have been detailed to that train. As I stated, the train was captured for some minutes and a fight was held until federal re-enforcements arrived and scattered the rebel cavalry." Sergeant James P. Worrell apparently helped immensely in that "fight" and was later recognized, as can be seen below, for his conduct during the fighting. The only other men from the 86th who I have been able to learn was on that supply train were Private Andrew Jackson Scott, of Co. K, who was severely wounded during that fight, Private William Hecker Jones, of Co. F, who broke his shoulder during the attack on the train and Private Benjamin K. Ore, of Co. A, who suffered an abnominal injury of some sort during the skirmish around the supply train.

During the winter of 1862/63, disease and sickness took a terrible toll on the fresh troops in the field. By the spring of 1863, more than 200 men from the 86th had either died or had been discharged from the service because of the disease and sickness. On January 28, 1863, Captain Elias C. Brearley resigned, most likely because of sickness, and returned to Marshall County to recover. That afternoon, the men of Co. B elected Sergeant James P. Worrell to be their next Captain.

ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT

Name WORRELL, JAMES P

Rank CPT Company B Unit 86 IL US INF

Personal Characteristics

Residence Age 27 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 MAY 2, 1863 Joined Where BRENTWOOD, TN

Joined By Whom GOV OF ILL Period 3 YRS

Muster In MAY 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

However, Captain James P. Worrell would not be mustered as the Captain of Co. B until May 2, 1863. Captain Worrell would lead the men of Co. B for the next 2 and 1/2 years. During this time, he would lead Co. B as the men of the 86th served in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina and North Carolina. During this time, James was witness to and a participant 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; Averysboro, North Carolina; and Bentonville, North Carolina, and led Co. B as they marched with Sherman to the Sea.

Of the Battle of Chickamauga, many years after the war, in January or February of 1906, Col. Allen L. Fahnestock, who was the Captain commanding Co. I of the 86th Illinois at the time, was interviewed and the exerpts of this interview appeared in many newspapers, including the PLYMOUTH TRIBUNE newspaper, of Plymouth, Marshall County, Indiana edition of February 8, 1906, under the column "Memories of the War." The column stated, "'There is no question in my mind,' said Colonel A. L. Fahnestock, 'as to who opened the fight at Chickamauga. Our regiment (the Eight-sixth Illinois) went out with Colonel McCook's brigade on the evening of Sept. 18, 1863 to destroy Reed's bridge across the Chickamauga. Companies I and B of the Eighty-sixth were on picket on the right of the Lafayette road, company B, under Captain Worrell, on my left, and twenty men of the Fifty-second Ohio on my right, the much talked of spring lying to the left of Captain Worrell's company.

Lieutenant Groninger, of the Eight-sixth, and myself took charge of our post that night, as I was short of men. I told Private Jacob Petty, of my company, that evening that there would be a fight the next morning, and said to him that he shot a Johnny, I would buy him a plug of tobacco. The next morning, a Confederate cavalryman rode to our front. Petty saw him and asked Lieutenant A. A. Lee if he should shoot. Lee said yes. Petty fired and brought down his man, and that shot opened the battle of Chickamauga.

Soon after Petty's shot, firing began on the left of Company B, at the spring................." Fahnestock concluded the interview by saying, "I claim that our brigade should have the credit of opening the battle of Chickamauga, and I contend that we closed it on the night of the 20th at Cloud Springs, to my mind the key to the Union position. Petty, who fired the first shot on the morning of the 19th, claimed his reward that evening. Lieutenant Lee notified me that Petty had got his man and wanted his plug of tobacco. Tobacco was scarce at the time, but I found a plug, paid $1 for it, and sent it to Petty. The United States is indebted to me for that amount, plus the interest for forty-two years."

As the war continued on, Captain James P. Worrell, watched as the ranks dwindled, as the war took it's toll on the Marshall County company. He watched as his men fought and bled and died in defense of their country. Captain Worrell was still there when on June 6, 1865 the surviving members of the 86th Illinois were mustered out of service on June 6, 1865 at Washington, D.C. They were then sent to Chicago, Illinois where they were discharged and they were soon on a train bound for home. Soon they were working their way back into their civilian lives, James as a Lawyer.

At the time of the 1870 census, James Worrell and his family are found in ____________ County, Illinois;

James Worrell M 36 Virginia

Elizabeth Worrell F 33 Illinois

Sarah J Worrell F 15 Illinois

George H Worrell M 5 Illinois

Indianola Worrell F 0 Illinois

James P. Worrell practiced law in Marshall County for another 7 years. Then in 1872, he made the decision to move west. In the spring of 1873, James P. Worrell, accompanied by his son, George, and James' partner, Archibald Bracken, also a former member of Co. B set out with a team and wagon for Kansas. They arrived at Larned, Kansas on June 14, 1873. James and Archibald immediately invested in a herd of Texas cattle and Bracken opened a Butcher Shop to process the longhorn beef. On August 20, 1873, Bracken's family arrived in Larned and eight days later on August 28, 1873, Elizabeth Worrell and three daughters joined the family in Larned. The Worrell's immediately took up residence in what is called the "little red house." The building is believed to have been built about 1863 at Fort Larned, Kansas and is believed to have originally as the sutlers mess house, a civilian restaurant on the military post. In April of 1872, this building was purchased by ____________ Booth, who was an original member of the Larned Town Company and was a post trader at Fort Larned. Booth positioned wheels under the building, was taken to the Pawnee River, was floated across the river and was finally positioned in what became the lower part of Larned, Kansas. It was thus the first building in Larned. Booth moved out of the building in the summer of 1873 and the Worrells moved in August of 1873.

At the time of the 1880 census, James P. Worrell and his family are found in Larned, Pawnee County, Kansas, where he is practicing as a Lawyer;

James P Worrell Self M 47 Virginia

Elizabeth Worrell Wife F 45 Illinois

George H Worrell Son M 15 Illinois

Winona Worrell Daughter F 10 Illinois

Myrtle Worrell Daughter F 6 Illinois

John Kunkle Other M 17 Pennsylvania

Melinda Carpenter Other F 18 Illinois

William Christy Other M 47 Indiana

Following is a transcript of the obituary of Captain James P. Worrell, Co. B, 86th Illinois, which appeared in the May 30, 1907 edition of THE LARNED CHRONOSCOPE;

"Capt. J. P. Worrell

Something of His Life and Character

A Tribute from a Comrade

The funeral of Capt. J. P. Worrell was held at the home last Thursday afternoon. The services were in charge of the G.A.R., assisted by the Sons of Veterans and Co. F, K.N.G. It was a military funeral. After scripture reading and prayer by Rev. Barton, the G.A.R. gave their impressive service. At the cemetery members of Co. F, formed the firing squad.

At our request the following paragraphs regarding the life of Captain Worrell were kindly prepared for us. It is very appropriate at this memorial time that the life and splendid war record of Capt. Worrell be reviewed, for the benefit of his many friends in this city and county. He is one of the men we honor today, one of the nation's defenders.

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Those who came from a distance to attend the funeral were Rev. J. S. McClung, of Wichita, brother of Mrs. Worrell, Miss Helen Ball, of Lawrence, Kansas, sister of Mr. H. M. Ball, and Mrs. H.M. Ball, who came from Washington, D.C.

From friends of Mrs. Ball, who is president of the Department of Potomac, Woman's Relief Corps, many beautiful flowers were received from those who met Capt. and Mrs. Worrell on their memorable trip to Washington.

Condolences were also sent by many of the officers of both the Grand Army of the Republic and the Woman's Relief Corps. Among the other beautiful tributes received were the badge of the order in roses and carnations from Larned Woman's Relief Corps, roses from Mr. and Mrs. Brubaker, roses and carnations from Miss Bess Baldwin, of Topeka, roses from Mrs. Depew and daughters, and many beautiful tributes of flowers from the family and friends at a distance.

The funeral ceremonies were strictly military, as Capt. Worrell wished. The music was that of the fife and drum, its purely martial effect fitting the surroundings. The casket was placed in the center of the lawn under the shadow of the flag Capt. Worrell so loved, with the trees about him that he had planted and tended with proud care, on the carpet of thick grass where he had passed many delightful hours with his friends in social intercourse, and where he was so fond of sitting with his grandchildren and family.

About four years ago, Mrs. H. M. Ball, Capt. Worrell's eldest daughter, brought to him from Washington a handsome bunting storm flag. Capt. Worrell immediately planned a flag pole. With the assistance of Capt. A. A. Thorp the pole was made, and the raising was turned into a gala occasion to which the whole country was invited. A regular baked bean campfire supper was served on the lawn about the hospitable home of Capt. and Mrs. Worrell, and the flag was raised just at sunset, with a salute by Co. F. National Guard, the playing of the Star Spangled banner by the Larned Band, and the grandchildren of Capt. Worrell drawing the flag to the top of the staff amid loud huzzas.

Last Thursday, at the conclusion of the impressive military funeral, the same grandchildren, Carlos and Wayne Worrell, Rex, Moree, Gail, and Gladys Buckles marched out to the flag staff, and reverently lowered the flag which had been flying at half staff during the week. As it came fluttering down, the children caught the ruddy folds, and walking to the casket laid above their loved grandfather the flag he so loved, and wrapped about the casket, it formed his winding sheet as he had so often desired should be done.

During the long day and nights that passed while waiting the arrival of relatives, details of B. F. Larned Post, G.A.R., the Sons of Veterans, the National Guard and the Masons stood guard over the remains of the man whom they had honored in life, and who loved them all. Capt. Worrell was extremely fond of young people, and it was appropriate that they should watch over him, as he had often watched over them in sickness, or helped them during hours of sorrow or trial.

Only his comrades of the Grand Army of the Republic were permitted to see his features for the last time.

Capt Worrell died as he had often expressed the wish to die. "He wrapped the drapery of his couch about him and laid down to pleasant dreams." At night he went to sleep like a little child, and when the sun was rising the next morning, he lay still as though asleep, with his hand under his silvery white head, his eyes closed. When his spirit winged its way above, it went so softly that no one knew, and no shadow of pain rested on his placid face.

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James Purcell Worrell was born in Alexandria, Va., April 8, 1834. When about four years old his father, Samuel Worrell, with his family removed to Fayette county, Ohio, where Capt. Worrell grew to manhood. His father was a shipwright, and built and launched the first ship ever set afloat at Alexandria, in that day a port of entry, and promising to be a great city. Just a few years ago one of the Washington newspapers which was making a feature of historical incidents of early Washington and Alexandria had a long article about the wharfs and shipyard of Capt. Worrell's father at Alexandria.

The genealogy of Capt. Worrell's family reaches back into the ancient history of Scotland and the north of Ireland. On his mother's side he traced ancestry to the Scottish King James, through the Stuarts, and a Worrell lies in Battle Abbey. The first of that family came to the new west world in 1619, in the "Good Ship Elizabeth," which antedated the Mayflower one year and landed at Philadelphia.

That the Worrell's were sturdy men of affairs in the history of the country is shown by the fact that the early records of Philadelphia show that men of that name were mayors of the town, and filled many places of importance prior to the Revolution nearly 100 years. That the Worrells were fighters is shown also by the Revolutionary records. In Philadelphia there is one very large chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the eligibility clause for admittance to the chapter being that one shows kinship to a Worrell who fought in the Revolutionary war.

The ancient spelling of the name shows it to have been in all probability of Welsh origin, it being variously spelled in old documents across the water as "Wherle," "Whorle," "Whorrell," "Wherrell," about the time of coming to this country the "h" being dropped.

Capt. Worrell went to Illinois in 1853, and May 21, 1865, was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth McClung; of Putman county, Illinois. The McClungs, like the Worrells were of the old Scotch and Irish stock and came to this country very early after the settlement of Jamestown. They located in Rockbridge county, Va., and the McClung homestead is still in the McClung name in that historic county which gave Washington to the country.

Mr. and Mrs. Worrell settled in Marshall county, Illinois, and there most of their children were born, eight in all. Four of these died while small, and are buried in the little churchyard at Snechwine, now Putnam, Ill.

Mr. Worrell was one of the first to enlist when the shots from Sumter's guns echoed around the world, but the quota for Illinois was filled before his company was reached and he had to wait for a time to get into the service. His second enlistment was in Co. D. 47th Ill. Vol. Infty. In 1862, while home on furlough he helped to recruit Co. B., 86th Ill., the men being nearly all of them his personal friends in and about Henry, Ill., then his home.

He took service in this company where his record as a fighting man among fighting men became notable. So notable in fact that the records of the War of the Rebellion printed at tremendous expense and long years of compilation carry pleasing mention of his gallantry in action. At the battle of Stone River Gen. Geo. H. Thomas personally praised his conduct in the face of falling fire, and bestowed upon him his own sword, and a sash which he had worn. Capt. Worrell's captain was branded a poltroon at that battle and Capt. Worrell led his company into the fight on the order to hold a "forlorn hope at all hazards." He held it. (Note from Baxter: The 86th did not participate in the Battle of Stones River, so this information must be in error.)

Endorsement of Capt. Worrell's action was made by the general upon Capt. Worrel's commission as a Captain, but the sword, sash, and the commission have all been stolen since coming to Pawnee county.

Capt. Worrell was promoted to captain from first lieutenant for Stone River, over the heads of many aspirants, and bore himself with such gallantry as to command the unstinted praise of his superior officers.

He led his regiment in the Chickamauga campaign, being actively engaged in the skirmishes and battles leading up to the mighty conflict and ending with the battles of Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge. Capt. Worrell had his horse shot from under him and rolled with it down Lookout mountain, and his cap shot off at Mission Ridge. He was wounded twice in different battles.

Col. D. W. Magee, the lieutenant colonel commanding the 86th at Chickamauga several times mentions Capt. Worrell in his report of that battle. He reported that Capt. Worrell's company was ordered to hold a forlorn hope along with Co. L of the 86fth. "These two companies did a splendid work," says the report. "The advance of the rebels now became so formidable and rapid that before our skirmishers were well aware of it, they had turned our right and threatened to cut them off entirely from the regiment.

But becoming aware of their perilous position, they jumped from tree to tree retreating the while, until Capt. Fahnestock (who held the right) got his company within reach of the rear of our column, which was then moving by the flank (by order of Gen. Steedman) toward the old LaFayette road.

Captain Worrell, however, was not so fortunate, his left being so far advanced and acting under an order to hold his position until he heard Barnett's battery open on the enemy, remained too long, and when forced to retreat, found his right covered by the enemy in force."

The report goes on to state that Captain Worrell was so nearly surrounded by the enemy that he lost four men, all four of whom were taken prisoner, and spent many months in Andersonville. Capt. Worrell succeeded in rejoining his company and the regiment with the remainder of his company.

"The conduct of Captains Worrell and Fahnestock with their companies on this occasion, I am proud to say, was that of brave and true soldiers, and worthy of the great cause for which we are all battling."

In conclusion of the report, which covers very fully the action of the 86th regiment in that campaign, Col. MaGee said: "The conduct of the officers and men composing my regiment on the three days we were connected with the troops engaged in the conflict referred to, was such as to reflect credit upon themselves and the state they represent, and especially Captain Worrell, commanding Co. B, and his brave officers and men, I most cordially thank for the heroism displayed."

Capt. Worrell's record all through the war was of the same high order. He was often complimented and commended by his superior officers, and held many commissions of trust and confidence during his service, which was not concluded till he was mustered out in August 1865. His health failed him during the latter year of his service and he was placed in charge of the cattle for Gen. Thomas' army as commissary of subsistence.

At the close of the war, though he had handled hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of cattle for Gen. Thomas, he was able to settle his business to the last penny without the slightest difficulty.

Capt. Worrell always kept the muster rolls of his company, and copies of his official papers, and upon those muster rolls depended the fate of most of the men of his company who desired pensions, and whose pensionable status were easily settled by reference to those rolls.

In this connection Capt. Worrell once related with a good deal of satisfaction a story of how he was "investigated" by the pension office at Washington. The singularity attending all those of Co. B who applied for pensions was that they could tell almost to an hour when they were in hospital, when wounded, when furloughed for sickness or anything else that would give them a pensionable status.

The commissioner of pensions, some 20 years or less ago, concluded to find this "Capt. Worrell" and investigate on the sly the man who gave to the men of his company so glibly a pensionable status. The pension examiner came, called on Capt. Worrell under some other guise, and led him to talk of his regiment and company. Finally the examiner asked about the record of the last man who had applied for a pension, and Capt. Worrell replied again with satisfactory evidence for the man to get a pension.

Finally the examiner remarked that Capt. Worrell must have a very retentive memory. Capt. Worrell replied that he had what was better, the company rolls, and that he could give the history of every man who had ever served under him. The special examiner looked over the roll books, and after that when one of Co. B, 86th Ill., applied for a pension, establishing his grounds on the report made by his Captain, that pensionable status was not questioned.

Capt. Worrell was a member of "Our Country's Defenders," the organization which practically antedated the Grand Army of the Republic, and became a member of the Grand Army as soon as he could form a post. He was a charter member of B. F. Larned Post, G.A.R., and never held membership anywhere else. He was several times commander of the post, and had held many other offices in it. He had been many times upon the staff of the commander-in-chief, and at Washington, in 1902, he was a special aid upon the staff of Commander-in-Chief Torrence, acting as his personal escort and orderly.

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Comrade Capt. J. P. Worrell

Because of old time acquaintance may I be permitted my humble tribute to an old comrade and brother.

In the spring of 1873, third of a century ago, in our little town of Larned, I first met Capt. J. P. Worrell; and the friendship then begun has ripened into a bond of comradeship which has never been severed. Captain Worrell and family soon became identified with all the interest of our little town.

He was a man of sterling qualities, of strong and positive convictions, and naturally became a factor in all the enterprises for the good of our community. He tried the first case, the old depot being the court room. He helped to organize the first school district, his family furnishing the first teacher. He took an active part in the building of and was one of three trustees of the first church built in Larned, it being a union church, and he was ever found in the ranks of those who were working for the best interest of our town and country.

He was an uncompromising patriot, and his devotion to his country and flag was such that he could brook no aspersions upon either, or their defenders, and was just as loyal to his home, family and friends.

In the transition of all frontier towns, these were times that tried men's souls; and Larned was not an exception, and some of the old settlers well remember times when men like Captain Worrell were needed, and that he was ever found ready for the occasion. He was out spoken and positive. If he liked you, you knew it, and his enemies never failed to know where he stood. But he never fought under cover, but out in the open, face to face.

And yet with all, he possessed a big loving heart, easily touched with the feelings of others, and ever responsive to the needs of his fellow man. And in this, he was no respecter of persons. For the rich and poor, white and black, friend and foe, when in need of sympathy and help, alike found a ready response in the heart of Comrade Worrell' and his heart and hand were ever open to the needs of the suffering and bereaved.

During the terrible scourge that swept away so many of our dear little ones, leaving desolate homes, and bleeding hearts, Oh, how many can testify to the ready response of Captain Worrell and his good wife.

Do you think we will ever forget these gracious ministrations of this couple, who like as the Master, went about doing good, visiting the sick, binding up broken hearts, and giving sympathy and comfort to sorrowing ones, and we are now speaking from experience, and out of the depth of our grateful heart.

And because of these things we will ever cherish the memory of this departed comrade and brother; and because of these things, we also, can confidently entrust him to the loving care of the blessed Savior, to whom all hearts are open, and who said, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

In behalf of the old comrades and friends, we bide him farewell until we meet him again at that grand muster over the river, where there will be no more parting forever. As ever, an old time comrade and friend,

W. R. Adams"

by Baxter B. Fite III

(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of the Worrell family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on James P. Worrell and the Worrell family. Baxter would also be interested in seeing other pictures of James P. Worrell that 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.)