History of the 85th Illinois Volunteers
Illinois Volunteer Infantry
by
Henry J. Aten
1901
CHAPTER XXXIV.
Pages 450 - 469

CAPTAIN DAVID MAXWELL was born in Jackson county, Ohio, March 22, 1822, and removed to Illinois in April, 1844. he crossed the plains to California in 1850, returned to Illinois some two years later, and was married and a cooper when he enlisted as a private from Astoria. He served through the Kentucky campaign, participated in the battle of Perryville, was promoted to be captain November 12, 1862, and commanded the company until failing health compelled him to resign at Nashville, Tenn., May 14, 1863. He returned to Illinois, and has since been engaged in farming and fruit growing. He resides near Astoria, Fulton county, Illinois.

Recruiting for Company H was commenced on July 31st, and by the 6th of August, 1862, the first of two companies enlisted at Astoria had been enrolled. As with Company G, this company stands on the record as having been enrolled by the FHon. S. P. Cummings. At the organization of the company the following commissioned officers were elected: Nathaniel McClelland, captain, Luke Elliot, first lieutenant, and William Cohren, second lieutenant.

During the three years' service 29 of this company were hit with shot or shell, 4 of whom were killed action , 1 died of wounds, 24 received wounds from which they recovered or were discharged, 6 officers resigned, 11 men died of disease, 24 were discharged, 6 were transferred, and 45 were present at the final muster out.

Of Company H it may be fairly said that it performed its full measure of duty, bore its full share of hardships and suffered it full proportion of loss. The record of the regiment was made brighter by its harmonious action in camp and field, by its steady, soldierly bearing in battle, and its prompt and intelligent response to every call for duty.