Sergeant SYLVESTER McMAHAN, Co. H, 86th Illinois
Sylvester McMahan was born on 19 Nov 1844 in Buchanan County, Missouri, the son of George W. McMahan, who was born in Ohio c. 1816, and Susanna Sarah (Cox) McMahan, who was also born in Ohio c. 1818/19. George and Susanna may have have married in Ohio, or possibly in Indiana. There is a record of a Washington McMahan and a Sarah Cox being married on February 14, 1837 in Warren County, Indiana. In the 1840 census, a Washington McMahan and his family are found in Warren County, Indiana, as follows;
1 male 20 to 29
1 male under 5
1 female 20 to 29
1 female under 5
All of this fits what we know about the McMahan's and is probably the correct family.
The first two children were born to George W. and Susanna (Cox) McMahan were born in Indiana. Then about 1841/42, the McMahans moved to Buchanon County, Missouri, where two more children were born. They must not have liked Missouri as about 1846 they moved back to Indiana, before moving to Illinois by 1850. At the time of the 1850 census, George and Susanna are found in Peoria County, Illinois;
George W. McMahan 34 Farmer OH
Susanna McMahan 31 OH
Emily McMahan 12 IND
William McMahan 10 IND
Alfred McMahan 7 MO
Sylvester McMahan 5 MO
Taylor McMahan 4 IND
From this census, these are the children known to have been born to George W. McMahan and Susanna Sarah (Cox) McMahan;
1. Emily McMahan, born c. 1837/38 in Indiana.
2. William McMahan, born c. 1939/40 in Indiana.
3. Alfred McMahan, born c. 1842/43 in Buchanon County, Missouri. Alfred is found living with the family in 1850. However, in the 1860 census, 17 year old Alfred is found separated from the family and living with Henry and Marie Hutie in Rosefield Township of Peoria County, Illinois.
On March 15, 1863, Alfred McMahan was married to Virginia Ann Monniger in Peoria County, Illinois. In the 1870 census, Alfred and Virginia and their first two children are found in Rosefield Township of Peoria County. In 1875 and 1880, they are found in Crawford County, Kansas. In 1900, they are found in Rawlins County, Kansas and in 1910 and 1920, they are found in Bighorn County, Wyoming.
4. Sylvester McMahan, born c. 1844/45 in Buchanon County, Missouri. See his biography below.
5. Taylor McMahan, born c. 1845/46 in Indiana. In the 1850 census, Taylor is found living with the family in Peoria County, Illinois. However, in the 1860 census, 14 year old Taylor is found separated from the family and is living with Isaac and Ann Sherwood in Rosefield Township in Peoria County.
It is now believed that at least one of the McMahan's died in the 1850's, if not both of the parents. This is believed, because neither George W. McMahan or Susanna McMahan can be located in the 1860 census and it appears that have family has been broken up. Two of the three youngest children, Alfred and Taylor, have been sent to separate families to live with.
Interestingly there is a George W. McMahan, who was born c. 1816 and who died on 29 Jan 1850 in Peoria County, Illinois buried in the Smithville Cemetery in Hanna City, Peoria County, Illinois. I believe this is our George W. McMahan, though it does not explain why he would be included in the 1850 census. Perhaps, because he was living in the 1st of January of 1850, he was included in the census. This George W. Washington is buried between John Isaac Cox and Emma Leath Cox, believed to be a nephew and niece of George W. McMahan, thus a son and daughter of a brother of Susanna Sarah (Cox) Washington. See George's Find A Grave Memorial #249739341. Susanna Sarah (Cox) Washington may be buried nearby as well.
Now to continue with the biography of Sylvester McMahan and his family;
Sylvester has not been located in the 1860 census, but by the summer of 1862, Sylvester is residing in or near Brimfield, Illinois in Peoria County.
On August 14, 1862, Sylvester volunteered at either Brimfield or Trivoli, Illinois to serve in a company which was being raised in the Peoria, Illinois area by David W. Magee, a veteran of the Mexican War, for service in the Union Army during the Civil War.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name MCMAHAN, SYLVESTER
Rank PVT Company H Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence BRIMFIELD, PEORIA CO, IL Age 18 Height 5' 9 Hair DARK
Eyes HAZEL Complexion DARK Marital Status SINGLE Occupation FARMER
Nativity BUCHANAN CO, MO
Service Record
Joined When AUG 14, 1862 Joined Where TRIVOLI, IL
Joined By Whom D H MAGEE Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out JUN 6, 1865
Muster Out Where WASHINGTON, DC Muster Out By Whom LT SCROGGS
Remarks MUSTERED OUT AS SERGEANT
When Magee had about 100 volunteers he assembled his company at Camp Lyons, located near present day Glen Oak Park in Peoria, where they remained in camp until they were mustered into service. On August 27, 1862 Magee and 89 of his volunteers were mustered into service as Co. H of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Sylvester was now Private Sylvester McMahan, Co. E, 86th Illinois. Initially, the men of Co. H elected Magee to be their Captain. Magee, however, because of his past military experiences, was selected and promoted to the rank of Lt. Colonel of the entire regiment. After this John H. Hall, was elected by the men of Co. H to be their Captain.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched out of the gates of Camp Lyon, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, and boarded a train bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana, across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky. Three weeks later, the men of the 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 next three years.
During the next three years, Private Sylvester McMahan would serve faithfully in Co. H as the men of the 86th served in Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina and North Carolina. During this time, Sylvester 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 Chicakamauga, Georgia; Resaca, Georgia; Rome, Georgia, Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia; Peach Tree Creek, Georgia; Jonesboro, Georgia; Averysboro, North Carolina; and Bentonville, North Carolina, to name a few and would march with Sherman to the Sea. Also during his time in the service, Sylvester was first promoted to Corporal and finally to Sergeant as a sign of his military bearing and dedication to service.
On June 6, 1865, Sergeant Sylvester McMahan was still there with the surviving members of the 86th Illinois when they were mustered out of service on June 6, 1865 at Washington, D.C. They then were sent by train to Chicago, Illinois where received their final discharge and soon were back home in Peoria County.
Sometime after the war, Sylvester is known to have moved to Nebraska. His comrades, tentmates and messmate believed that he was residing there at the time the first reunion was held in Peoria, Illinois in August of 1887, the 25th Anniversary of their being mustered into service. However, Sylvester had already left for Alaska by 1885 to pan for gold. At least one other member of the 86th came to Alaska later during the Gold Rush of 1897 and that was fellow Co. H'er, George Thurston.
While in Alaska, Sylvester is known to have been married to __________ ___________, who was born in Alaska. Sylvester and ___________ had one daughter;
1. May McMahan, born c. 1885/86 in Alaska. May is known to have gone to a boarding school in Alaska, while Sylvester was here. May was married by 1904 to Roy Ferrier, who was born in Canada, and they are known to have had two children before his death c. 1917/18. The children were;
A. Lareine Ferrier, born c. 1905 in Canada.
B. Sylvester LeRoy Ferrier, born January 11, 1917 in Washington. Sylvester was married to Mable Irene Taplin on June 15, 1935 in Vancouver, Clark County, Washington. At the time of the 1950 census, Sylvester's wife is listed as Edma M. Is this the same woman? Sylvester is known to have had one son;
a. Robert L. Ferrier, born c. 1937/38 in California.
In the 1950 census, Sylvester and his family are found residing on 10th Avenue in Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon;
May M. Ferrier Head 69 Wid. ALA
Sylvester L. Ferrier Son 33 Sand & Gravel Shovel Operator WASH
Edma M. Ferrier Dau in Law 28 ORE
Robert L. Ferrier Grandson 12 California
At the time of the 1920 census, May and her children are found residing on 5th Avenue in Pacific, Washington;
May Ferrier 34 Wid. ALA MO ALA
Lareine Ferrier 15 Restaurant Cashier CAN CAN ALA
Sylvester R. Ferrier 3 1/2 WASH CAN ALA
May Ferrier is listed on Sylvester's death certificate in 1918.
Sylvester McMahan is known to have been a member of the W. H. Seward, Post No. 36, G.A.R. in Juneau, Alaska. In December of 1907, Sergeant Sylvester McMahan applied for and began receiving an Invalid Pension for his service in the Civil War. At the time of the 1910 census, Sylvester McMahan is 65 and is widowed and is residing in the Stuck Precinct of King County, Washington, just south of Pacific, Washington., where he is working as a Hydrolic Miner.
Sergeant Sylvester McMahan died on June 4, 1918 in King County, Washington and his earthly remains were laid to rest in the Bissell Hill Section, which is the Veterans Section, of Mountain View Cemetery in Auburn, Washington. His death certificate lists his mother as Sarah McMahan. Sylvester is buried among other veterans of the Civil War. No relatives of his are known to be buried in the same cemetery.
Sergeant Sylvester McMahan has no readable tombstone. This needs to be rectified!! On March 12, 2011, Katz, a Find A Grave volunteer and Contributor, reported that she finally found a stone for him but that it was unreadable. So it would be nice to get him a new Government Tombstone ordered.
by Baxter Fite
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of the McMahan family, who might be able to further to biography of Sgt. Sylvester McMahan and the McMahan family. Baxter would also love to get a copy of any photograph that may still exist of Sgt. McMahan, especially one of his in uniform from his days in the 86th, if any still exist, for his Find A Grave site and for the local Historical Societies.)
Sylvester McMahan was born on 19 Nov 1844 in Buchanan County, Missouri, the son of George W. McMahan, who was born in Ohio c. 1816, and Susanna Sarah (Cox) McMahan, who was also born in Ohio c. 1818/19. George and Susanna may have have married in Ohio, or possibly in Indiana. There is a record of a Washington McMahan and a Sarah Cox being married on February 14, 1837 in Warren County, Indiana. In the 1840 census, a Washington McMahan and his family are found in Warren County, Indiana, as follows;
1 male 20 to 29
1 male under 5
1 female 20 to 29
1 female under 5
All of this fits what we know about the McMahan's and is probably the correct family.
The first two children were born to George W. and Susanna (Cox) McMahan were born in Indiana. Then about 1841/42, the McMahans moved to Buchanon County, Missouri, where two more children were born. They must not have liked Missouri as about 1846 they moved back to Indiana, before moving to Illinois by 1850. At the time of the 1850 census, George and Susanna are found in Peoria County, Illinois;
George W. McMahan 34 Farmer OH
Susanna McMahan 31 OH
Emily McMahan 12 IND
William McMahan 10 IND
Alfred McMahan 7 MO
Sylvester McMahan 5 MO
Taylor McMahan 4 IND
From this census, these are the children known to have been born to George W. McMahan and Susanna Sarah (Cox) McMahan;
1. Emily McMahan, born c. 1837/38 in Indiana.
2. William McMahan, born c. 1939/40 in Indiana.
3. Alfred McMahan, born c. 1842/43 in Buchanon County, Missouri. Alfred is found living with the family in 1850. However, in the 1860 census, 17 year old Alfred is found separated from the family and living with Henry and Marie Hutie in Rosefield Township of Peoria County, Illinois.
On March 15, 1863, Alfred McMahan was married to Virginia Ann Monniger in Peoria County, Illinois. In the 1870 census, Alfred and Virginia and their first two children are found in Rosefield Township of Peoria County. In 1875 and 1880, they are found in Crawford County, Kansas. In 1900, they are found in Rawlins County, Kansas and in 1910 and 1920, they are found in Bighorn County, Wyoming.
4. Sylvester McMahan, born c. 1844/45 in Buchanon County, Missouri. See his biography below.
5. Taylor McMahan, born c. 1845/46 in Indiana. In the 1850 census, Taylor is found living with the family in Peoria County, Illinois. However, in the 1860 census, 14 year old Taylor is found separated from the family and is living with Isaac and Ann Sherwood in Rosefield Township in Peoria County.
It is now believed that at least one of the McMahan's died in the 1850's, if not both of the parents. This is believed, because neither George W. McMahan or Susanna McMahan can be located in the 1860 census and it appears that have family has been broken up. Two of the three youngest children, Alfred and Taylor, have been sent to separate families to live with.
Interestingly there is a George W. McMahan, who was born c. 1816 and who died on 29 Jan 1850 in Peoria County, Illinois buried in the Smithville Cemetery in Hanna City, Peoria County, Illinois. I believe this is our George W. McMahan, though it does not explain why he would be included in the 1850 census. Perhaps, because he was living in the 1st of January of 1850, he was included in the census. This George W. Washington is buried between John Isaac Cox and Emma Leath Cox, believed to be a nephew and niece of George W. McMahan, thus a son and daughter of a brother of Susanna Sarah (Cox) Washington. See George's Find A Grave Memorial #249739341. Susanna Sarah (Cox) Washington may be buried nearby as well.
Now to continue with the biography of Sylvester McMahan and his family;
Sylvester has not been located in the 1860 census, but by the summer of 1862, Sylvester is residing in or near Brimfield, Illinois in Peoria County.
On August 14, 1862, Sylvester volunteered at either Brimfield or Trivoli, Illinois to serve in a company which was being raised in the Peoria, Illinois area by David W. Magee, a veteran of the Mexican War, for service in the Union Army during the Civil War.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name MCMAHAN, SYLVESTER
Rank PVT Company H Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence BRIMFIELD, PEORIA CO, IL Age 18 Height 5' 9 Hair DARK
Eyes HAZEL Complexion DARK Marital Status SINGLE Occupation FARMER
Nativity BUCHANAN CO, MO
Service Record
Joined When AUG 14, 1862 Joined Where TRIVOLI, IL
Joined By Whom D H MAGEE Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out JUN 6, 1865
Muster Out Where WASHINGTON, DC Muster Out By Whom LT SCROGGS
Remarks MUSTERED OUT AS SERGEANT
When Magee had about 100 volunteers he assembled his company at Camp Lyons, located near present day Glen Oak Park in Peoria, where they remained in camp until they were mustered into service. On August 27, 1862 Magee and 89 of his volunteers were mustered into service as Co. H of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Sylvester was now Private Sylvester McMahan, Co. E, 86th Illinois. Initially, the men of Co. H elected Magee to be their Captain. Magee, however, because of his past military experiences, was selected and promoted to the rank of Lt. Colonel of the entire regiment. After this John H. Hall, was elected by the men of Co. H to be their Captain.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched out of the gates of Camp Lyon, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, and boarded a train bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana, across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky. Three weeks later, the men of the 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 next three years.
During the next three years, Private Sylvester McMahan would serve faithfully in Co. H as the men of the 86th served in Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina and North Carolina. During this time, Sylvester 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 Chicakamauga, Georgia; Resaca, Georgia; Rome, Georgia, Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia; Peach Tree Creek, Georgia; Jonesboro, Georgia; Averysboro, North Carolina; and Bentonville, North Carolina, to name a few and would march with Sherman to the Sea. Also during his time in the service, Sylvester was first promoted to Corporal and finally to Sergeant as a sign of his military bearing and dedication to service.
On June 6, 1865, Sergeant Sylvester McMahan was still there with the surviving members of the 86th Illinois when they were mustered out of service on June 6, 1865 at Washington, D.C. They then were sent by train to Chicago, Illinois where received their final discharge and soon were back home in Peoria County.
Sometime after the war, Sylvester is known to have moved to Nebraska. His comrades, tentmates and messmate believed that he was residing there at the time the first reunion was held in Peoria, Illinois in August of 1887, the 25th Anniversary of their being mustered into service. However, Sylvester had already left for Alaska by 1885 to pan for gold. At least one other member of the 86th came to Alaska later during the Gold Rush of 1897 and that was fellow Co. H'er, George Thurston.
While in Alaska, Sylvester is known to have been married to __________ ___________, who was born in Alaska. Sylvester and ___________ had one daughter;
1. May McMahan, born c. 1885/86 in Alaska. May is known to have gone to a boarding school in Alaska, while Sylvester was here. May was married by 1904 to Roy Ferrier, who was born in Canada, and they are known to have had two children before his death c. 1917/18. The children were;
A. Lareine Ferrier, born c. 1905 in Canada.
B. Sylvester LeRoy Ferrier, born January 11, 1917 in Washington. Sylvester was married to Mable Irene Taplin on June 15, 1935 in Vancouver, Clark County, Washington. At the time of the 1950 census, Sylvester's wife is listed as Edma M. Is this the same woman? Sylvester is known to have had one son;
a. Robert L. Ferrier, born c. 1937/38 in California.
In the 1950 census, Sylvester and his family are found residing on 10th Avenue in Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon;
May M. Ferrier Head 69 Wid. ALA
Sylvester L. Ferrier Son 33 Sand & Gravel Shovel Operator WASH
Edma M. Ferrier Dau in Law 28 ORE
Robert L. Ferrier Grandson 12 California
At the time of the 1920 census, May and her children are found residing on 5th Avenue in Pacific, Washington;
May Ferrier 34 Wid. ALA MO ALA
Lareine Ferrier 15 Restaurant Cashier CAN CAN ALA
Sylvester R. Ferrier 3 1/2 WASH CAN ALA
May Ferrier is listed on Sylvester's death certificate in 1918.
Sylvester McMahan is known to have been a member of the W. H. Seward, Post No. 36, G.A.R. in Juneau, Alaska. In December of 1907, Sergeant Sylvester McMahan applied for and began receiving an Invalid Pension for his service in the Civil War. At the time of the 1910 census, Sylvester McMahan is 65 and is widowed and is residing in the Stuck Precinct of King County, Washington, just south of Pacific, Washington., where he is working as a Hydrolic Miner.
Sergeant Sylvester McMahan died on June 4, 1918 in King County, Washington and his earthly remains were laid to rest in the Bissell Hill Section, which is the Veterans Section, of Mountain View Cemetery in Auburn, Washington. His death certificate lists his mother as Sarah McMahan. Sylvester is buried among other veterans of the Civil War. No relatives of his are known to be buried in the same cemetery.
Sergeant Sylvester McMahan has no readable tombstone. This needs to be rectified!! On March 12, 2011, Katz, a Find A Grave volunteer and Contributor, reported that she finally found a stone for him but that it was unreadable. So it would be nice to get him a new Government Tombstone ordered.
by Baxter Fite
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of the McMahan family, who might be able to further to biography of Sgt. Sylvester McMahan and the McMahan family. Baxter would also love to get a copy of any photograph that may still exist of Sgt. McMahan, especially one of his in uniform from his days in the 86th, if any still exist, for his Find A Grave site and for the local Historical Societies.)
Sergeant SYLVESTER McMAHAN, Co. H, 86th Illinois
Sylvester McMahan was born on 19 Nov 1844 in Buchanan County, Missouri, the son of George W. McMahan, who was born in Ohio c. 1816, and Susanna Sarah (Cox) McMahan, who was also born in Ohio c. 1818/19. George and Susanna may have have married in Ohio, or possibly in Indiana. There is a record of a Washington McMahan and a Sarah Cox being married on February 14, 1837 in Warren County, Indiana. In the 1840 census, a Washington McMahan and his family are found in Warren County, Indiana, as follows;
1 male 20 to 29
1 male under 5
1 female 20 to 29
1 female under 5
All of this fits what we know about the McMahan's and is probably the correct family.
The first two children were born to George W. and Susanna (Cox) McMahan were born in Indiana. Then about 1841/42, the McMahans moved to Buchanon County, Missouri, where two more children were born. They must not have liked Missouri as about 1846 they moved back to Indiana, before moving to Illinois by 1850. At the time of the 1850 census, George and Susanna are found in Peoria County, Illinois;
George W. McMahan 34 Farmer OH
Susanna McMahan 31 OH
Emily McMahan 12 IND
William McMahan 10 IND
Alfred McMahan 7 MO
Sylvester McMahan 5 MO
Taylor McMahan 4 IND
From this census, these are the children known to have been born to George W. McMahan and Susanna Sarah (Cox) McMahan;
1. Emily McMahan, born c. 1837/38 in Indiana.
2. William McMahan, born c. 1939/40 in Indiana.
3. Alfred McMahan, born c. 1842/43 in Buchanon County, Missouri. Alfred is found living with the family in 1850. However, in the 1860 census, 17 year old Alfred is found separated from the family and living with Henry and Marie Hutie in Rosefield Township of Peoria County, Illinois.
On March 15, 1863, Alfred McMahan was married to Virginia Ann Monniger in Peoria County, Illinois. In the 1870 census, Alfred and Virginia and their first two children are found in Rosefield Township of Peoria County. In 1875 and 1880, they are found in Crawford County, Kansas. In 1900, they are found in Rawlins County, Kansas and in 1910 and 1920, they are found in Bighorn County, Wyoming.
4. Sylvester McMahan, born c. 1844/45 in Buchanon County, Missouri. See his biography below.
5. Taylor McMahan, born c. 1845/46 in Indiana. In the 1850 census, Taylor is found living with the family in Peoria County, Illinois. However, in the 1860 census, 14 year old Taylor is found separated from the family and is living with Isaac and Ann Sherwood in Rosefield Township in Peoria County.
It is now believed that at least one of the McMahan's died in the 1850's, if not both of the parents. This is believed, because neither George W. McMahan or Susanna McMahan can be located in the 1860 census and it appears that have family has been broken up. Two of the three youngest children, Alfred and Taylor, have been sent to separate families to live with.
Interestingly there is a George W. McMahan, who was born c. 1816 and who died on 29 Jan 1850 in Peoria County, Illinois buried in the Smithville Cemetery in Hanna City, Peoria County, Illinois. I believe this is our George W. McMahan, though it does not explain why he would be included in the 1850 census. Perhaps, because he was living in the 1st of January of 1850, he was included in the census. This George W. Washington is buried between John Isaac Cox and Emma Leath Cox, believed to be a nephew and niece of George W. McMahan, thus a son and daughter of a brother of Susanna Sarah (Cox) Washington. See George's Find A Grave Memorial #249739341. Susanna Sarah (Cox) Washington may be buried nearby as well.
Now to continue with the biography of Sylvester McMahan and his family;
Sylvester has not been located in the 1860 census, but by the summer of 1862, Sylvester is residing in or near Brimfield, Illinois in Peoria County.
On August 14, 1862, Sylvester volunteered at either Brimfield or Trivoli, Illinois to serve in a company which was being raised in the Peoria, Illinois area by David W. Magee, a veteran of the Mexican War, for service in the Union Army during the Civil War.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name MCMAHAN, SYLVESTER
Rank PVT Company H Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence BRIMFIELD, PEORIA CO, IL Age 18 Height 5' 9 Hair DARK
Eyes HAZEL Complexion DARK Marital Status SINGLE Occupation FARMER
Nativity BUCHANAN CO, MO
Service Record
Joined When AUG 14, 1862 Joined Where TRIVOLI, IL
Joined By Whom D H MAGEE Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out JUN 6, 1865
Muster Out Where WASHINGTON, DC Muster Out By Whom LT SCROGGS
Remarks MUSTERED OUT AS SERGEANT
When Magee had about 100 volunteers he assembled his company at Camp Lyons, located near present day Glen Oak Park in Peoria, where they remained in camp until they were mustered into service. On August 27, 1862 Magee and 89 of his volunteers were mustered into service as Co. H of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Sylvester was now Private Sylvester McMahan, Co. E, 86th Illinois. Initially, the men of Co. H elected Magee to be their Captain. Magee, however, because of his past military experiences, was selected and promoted to the rank of Lt. Colonel of the entire regiment. After this John H. Hall, was elected by the men of Co. H to be their Captain.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched out of the gates of Camp Lyon, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, and boarded a train bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana, across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky. Three weeks later, the men of the 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 next three years.
During the next three years, Private Sylvester McMahan would serve faithfully in Co. H as the men of the 86th served in Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina and North Carolina. During this time, Sylvester 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 Chicakamauga, Georgia; Resaca, Georgia; Rome, Georgia, Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia; Peach Tree Creek, Georgia; Jonesboro, Georgia; Averysboro, North Carolina; and Bentonville, North Carolina, to name a few and would march with Sherman to the Sea. Also during his time in the service, Sylvester was first promoted to Corporal and finally to Sergeant as a sign of his military bearing and dedication to service.
On June 6, 1865, Sergeant Sylvester McMahan was still there with the surviving members of the 86th Illinois when they were mustered out of service on June 6, 1865 at Washington, D.C. They then were sent by train to Chicago, Illinois where received their final discharge and soon were back home in Peoria County.
Sometime after the war, Sylvester is known to have moved to Nebraska. His comrades, tentmates and messmate believed that he was residing there at the time the first reunion was held in Peoria, Illinois in August of 1887, the 25th Anniversary of their being mustered into service. However, Sylvester had already left for Alaska by 1885 to pan for gold. At least one other member of the 86th came to Alaska later during the Gold Rush of 1897 and that was fellow Co. H'er, George Thurston.
While in Alaska, Sylvester is known to have been married to __________ ___________, who was born in Alaska. Sylvester and ___________ had one daughter;
1. May McMahan, born c. 1885/86 in Alaska. May is known to have gone to a boarding school in Alaska, while Sylvester was here. May was married by 1904 to Roy Ferrier, who was born in Canada, and they are known to have had two children before his death c. 1917/18. The children were;
A. Lareine Ferrier, born c. 1905 in Canada.
B. Sylvester LeRoy Ferrier, born January 11, 1917 in Washington. Sylvester was married to Mable Irene Taplin on June 15, 1935 in Vancouver, Clark County, Washington. At the time of the 1950 census, Sylvester's wife is listed as Edma M. Is this the same woman? Sylvester is known to have had one son;
a. Robert L. Ferrier, born c. 1937/38 in California.
In the 1950 census, Sylvester and his family are found residing on 10th Avenue in Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon;
May M. Ferrier Head 69 Wid. ALA
Sylvester L. Ferrier Son 33 Sand & Gravel Shovel Operator WASH
Edma M. Ferrier Dau in Law 28 ORE
Robert L. Ferrier Grandson 12 California
At the time of the 1920 census, May and her children are found residing on 5th Avenue in Pacific, Washington;
May Ferrier 34 Wid. ALA MO ALA
Lareine Ferrier 15 Restaurant Cashier CAN CAN ALA
Sylvester R. Ferrier 3 1/2 WASH CAN ALA
May Ferrier is listed on Sylvester's death certificate in 1918.
Sylvester McMahan is known to have been a member of the W. H. Seward, Post No. 36, G.A.R. in Juneau, Alaska. In December of 1907, Sergeant Sylvester McMahan applied for and began receiving an Invalid Pension for his service in the Civil War. At the time of the 1910 census, Sylvester McMahan is 65 and is widowed and is residing in the Stuck Precinct of King County, Washington, just south of Pacific, Washington., where he is working as a Hydrolic Miner.
Sergeant Sylvester McMahan died on June 4, 1918 in King County, Washington and his earthly remains were laid to rest in the Bissell Hill Section, which is the Veterans Section, of Mountain View Cemetery in Auburn, Washington. His death certificate lists his mother as Sarah McMahan. Sylvester is buried among other veterans of the Civil War. No relatives of his are known to be buried in the same cemetery.
Sergeant Sylvester McMahan has no readable tombstone. This needs to be rectified!! On March 12, 2011, Katz, a Find A Grave volunteer and Contributor, reported that she finally found a stone for him but that it was unreadable. So it would be nice to get him a new Government Tombstone ordered.
by Baxter Fite
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of the McMahan family, who might be able to further to biography of Sgt. Sylvester McMahan and the McMahan family. Baxter would also love to get a copy of any photograph that may still exist of Sgt. McMahan, especially one of his in uniform from his days in the 86th, if any still exist, for his Find A Grave site and for the local Historical Societies.)
Sylvester McMahan was born on 19 Nov 1844 in Buchanan County, Missouri, the son of George W. McMahan, who was born in Ohio c. 1816, and Susanna Sarah (Cox) McMahan, who was also born in Ohio c. 1818/19. George and Susanna may have have married in Ohio, or possibly in Indiana. There is a record of a Washington McMahan and a Sarah Cox being married on February 14, 1837 in Warren County, Indiana. In the 1840 census, a Washington McMahan and his family are found in Warren County, Indiana, as follows;
1 male 20 to 29
1 male under 5
1 female 20 to 29
1 female under 5
All of this fits what we know about the McMahan's and is probably the correct family.
The first two children were born to George W. and Susanna (Cox) McMahan were born in Indiana. Then about 1841/42, the McMahans moved to Buchanon County, Missouri, where two more children were born. They must not have liked Missouri as about 1846 they moved back to Indiana, before moving to Illinois by 1850. At the time of the 1850 census, George and Susanna are found in Peoria County, Illinois;
George W. McMahan 34 Farmer OH
Susanna McMahan 31 OH
Emily McMahan 12 IND
William McMahan 10 IND
Alfred McMahan 7 MO
Sylvester McMahan 5 MO
Taylor McMahan 4 IND
From this census, these are the children known to have been born to George W. McMahan and Susanna Sarah (Cox) McMahan;
1. Emily McMahan, born c. 1837/38 in Indiana.
2. William McMahan, born c. 1939/40 in Indiana.
3. Alfred McMahan, born c. 1842/43 in Buchanon County, Missouri. Alfred is found living with the family in 1850. However, in the 1860 census, 17 year old Alfred is found separated from the family and living with Henry and Marie Hutie in Rosefield Township of Peoria County, Illinois.
On March 15, 1863, Alfred McMahan was married to Virginia Ann Monniger in Peoria County, Illinois. In the 1870 census, Alfred and Virginia and their first two children are found in Rosefield Township of Peoria County. In 1875 and 1880, they are found in Crawford County, Kansas. In 1900, they are found in Rawlins County, Kansas and in 1910 and 1920, they are found in Bighorn County, Wyoming.
4. Sylvester McMahan, born c. 1844/45 in Buchanon County, Missouri. See his biography below.
5. Taylor McMahan, born c. 1845/46 in Indiana. In the 1850 census, Taylor is found living with the family in Peoria County, Illinois. However, in the 1860 census, 14 year old Taylor is found separated from the family and is living with Isaac and Ann Sherwood in Rosefield Township in Peoria County.
It is now believed that at least one of the McMahan's died in the 1850's, if not both of the parents. This is believed, because neither George W. McMahan or Susanna McMahan can be located in the 1860 census and it appears that have family has been broken up. Two of the three youngest children, Alfred and Taylor, have been sent to separate families to live with.
Interestingly there is a George W. McMahan, who was born c. 1816 and who died on 29 Jan 1850 in Peoria County, Illinois buried in the Smithville Cemetery in Hanna City, Peoria County, Illinois. I believe this is our George W. McMahan, though it does not explain why he would be included in the 1850 census. Perhaps, because he was living in the 1st of January of 1850, he was included in the census. This George W. Washington is buried between John Isaac Cox and Emma Leath Cox, believed to be a nephew and niece of George W. McMahan, thus a son and daughter of a brother of Susanna Sarah (Cox) Washington. See George's Find A Grave Memorial #249739341. Susanna Sarah (Cox) Washington may be buried nearby as well.
Now to continue with the biography of Sylvester McMahan and his family;
Sylvester has not been located in the 1860 census, but by the summer of 1862, Sylvester is residing in or near Brimfield, Illinois in Peoria County.
On August 14, 1862, Sylvester volunteered at either Brimfield or Trivoli, Illinois to serve in a company which was being raised in the Peoria, Illinois area by David W. Magee, a veteran of the Mexican War, for service in the Union Army during the Civil War.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name MCMAHAN, SYLVESTER
Rank PVT Company H Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence BRIMFIELD, PEORIA CO, IL Age 18 Height 5' 9 Hair DARK
Eyes HAZEL Complexion DARK Marital Status SINGLE Occupation FARMER
Nativity BUCHANAN CO, MO
Service Record
Joined When AUG 14, 1862 Joined Where TRIVOLI, IL
Joined By Whom D H MAGEE Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out JUN 6, 1865
Muster Out Where WASHINGTON, DC Muster Out By Whom LT SCROGGS
Remarks MUSTERED OUT AS SERGEANT
When Magee had about 100 volunteers he assembled his company at Camp Lyons, located near present day Glen Oak Park in Peoria, where they remained in camp until they were mustered into service. On August 27, 1862 Magee and 89 of his volunteers were mustered into service as Co. H of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Sylvester was now Private Sylvester McMahan, Co. E, 86th Illinois. Initially, the men of Co. H elected Magee to be their Captain. Magee, however, because of his past military experiences, was selected and promoted to the rank of Lt. Colonel of the entire regiment. After this John H. Hall, was elected by the men of Co. H to be their Captain.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched out of the gates of Camp Lyon, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, and boarded a train bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana, across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky. Three weeks later, the men of the 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 next three years.
During the next three years, Private Sylvester McMahan would serve faithfully in Co. H as the men of the 86th served in Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina and North Carolina. During this time, Sylvester 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 Chicakamauga, Georgia; Resaca, Georgia; Rome, Georgia, Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia; Peach Tree Creek, Georgia; Jonesboro, Georgia; Averysboro, North Carolina; and Bentonville, North Carolina, to name a few and would march with Sherman to the Sea. Also during his time in the service, Sylvester was first promoted to Corporal and finally to Sergeant as a sign of his military bearing and dedication to service.
On June 6, 1865, Sergeant Sylvester McMahan was still there with the surviving members of the 86th Illinois when they were mustered out of service on June 6, 1865 at Washington, D.C. They then were sent by train to Chicago, Illinois where received their final discharge and soon were back home in Peoria County.
Sometime after the war, Sylvester is known to have moved to Nebraska. His comrades, tentmates and messmate believed that he was residing there at the time the first reunion was held in Peoria, Illinois in August of 1887, the 25th Anniversary of their being mustered into service. However, Sylvester had already left for Alaska by 1885 to pan for gold. At least one other member of the 86th came to Alaska later during the Gold Rush of 1897 and that was fellow Co. H'er, George Thurston.
While in Alaska, Sylvester is known to have been married to __________ ___________, who was born in Alaska. Sylvester and ___________ had one daughter;
1. May McMahan, born c. 1885/86 in Alaska. May is known to have gone to a boarding school in Alaska, while Sylvester was here. May was married by 1904 to Roy Ferrier, who was born in Canada, and they are known to have had two children before his death c. 1917/18. The children were;
A. Lareine Ferrier, born c. 1905 in Canada.
B. Sylvester LeRoy Ferrier, born January 11, 1917 in Washington. Sylvester was married to Mable Irene Taplin on June 15, 1935 in Vancouver, Clark County, Washington. At the time of the 1950 census, Sylvester's wife is listed as Edma M. Is this the same woman? Sylvester is known to have had one son;
a. Robert L. Ferrier, born c. 1937/38 in California.
In the 1950 census, Sylvester and his family are found residing on 10th Avenue in Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon;
May M. Ferrier Head 69 Wid. ALA
Sylvester L. Ferrier Son 33 Sand & Gravel Shovel Operator WASH
Edma M. Ferrier Dau in Law 28 ORE
Robert L. Ferrier Grandson 12 California
At the time of the 1920 census, May and her children are found residing on 5th Avenue in Pacific, Washington;
May Ferrier 34 Wid. ALA MO ALA
Lareine Ferrier 15 Restaurant Cashier CAN CAN ALA
Sylvester R. Ferrier 3 1/2 WASH CAN ALA
May Ferrier is listed on Sylvester's death certificate in 1918.
Sylvester McMahan is known to have been a member of the W. H. Seward, Post No. 36, G.A.R. in Juneau, Alaska. In December of 1907, Sergeant Sylvester McMahan applied for and began receiving an Invalid Pension for his service in the Civil War. At the time of the 1910 census, Sylvester McMahan is 65 and is widowed and is residing in the Stuck Precinct of King County, Washington, just south of Pacific, Washington., where he is working as a Hydrolic Miner.
Sergeant Sylvester McMahan died on June 4, 1918 in King County, Washington and his earthly remains were laid to rest in the Bissell Hill Section, which is the Veterans Section, of Mountain View Cemetery in Auburn, Washington. His death certificate lists his mother as Sarah McMahan. Sylvester is buried among other veterans of the Civil War. No relatives of his are known to be buried in the same cemetery.
Sergeant Sylvester McMahan has no readable tombstone. This needs to be rectified!! On March 12, 2011, Katz, a Find A Grave volunteer and Contributor, reported that she finally found a stone for him but that it was unreadable. So it would be nice to get him a new Government Tombstone ordered.
by Baxter Fite
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of the McMahan family, who might be able to further to biography of Sgt. Sylvester McMahan and the McMahan family. Baxter would also love to get a copy of any photograph that may still exist of Sgt. McMahan, especially one of his in uniform from his days in the 86th, if any still exist, for his Find A Grave site and for the local Historical Societies.)
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