(NOTE: Archibald Bracken probably never had his portrait taken prior to the Civil War. However, during the 10 month period that the 86th Illinois was in the Nashville, Tennessee area in 1862-63, Archibald, like most of the Union soldiers in the Nashville area, probably took the time to sit for a portrait to send home to the loved ones that they left behind. These portraits were most often printed in the form of what was called a CDV, a paper picture glued to a heavier card stock about the size of a modern day baseball card, and the soldiers didn't just have one or two copies made. Most of the time, they had a dozen or more made, so they could swap pictures with their tentmates, messmates and for their friends, in the 86th and back home.
Archibald Bracken survived the war and lived into the 20th century. During his life, Archibald probably had his picture taken dozens of times. I would dearly love to see a copy of that CDV added to his Find A Grave site for all with an interest to see. However, at this point, I would be thrilled just to see ANY pictures of him added to his Find A Grave Memorial, even ones of him as an old man. Can anyone help me? Thanks, Baxter)
Private, Quartermaster Sgt., & Quartermaster ARCHIBALD BRACKEN, Co. B & Regimental Staff
Archibald Bracken was born on June 21, 1829 in Woodford County, Illinois, the son of Matthew Bracken and Jane H. (George) Bracken. Matthew was born on June 16, 1789 in Greenbriar County, Virginia, the son of James Bracken and Sarah (Davis) Bracken. Matthew was married to Jane H. George on April 15, 1810 in Fleming County, Kentucky. Jane H. George was born on February 3, 1792 in Virginia. Seven children are believed to have been born to Matthew and Jane. They are;
1. Sarah Bracken, born __________ __, 18__ (c. 1812); married to Jonathan Baker; One of their children was Henry Clay Baker, who later was a member of Co. A of the 86th Illinois.
2. James Bracken, born __________ __, 1816 in Ohio; married to Jemima Allison on __________ __, 18__ at __________, __________; They had at least four children including, Daniel Bracken, born __________ __, 18__, Charlott Bracken, born c. 1853; Laura Bracken; born c. 1855; and Charles Bracken, born c. 1858, all in Illinois; In the 1880 census, the family is found in Colfax Township, Harrison County, Missouri; Jemima (Allison) Bracken was born on September 6, 1817 and died on Oct. 23, 1881 at the age of 64y, 1m, 17d; Her earthly remains were laid to rest in the Eagleville Masonic Union Cemetery in Eagleville, Harrison County, Missouri; It is not known when James Bracken died or where he is buried.
3. David George Bracken, born __________ __, 18__ (c. 1819/20) in Ohio.
4. Richard Bracken, born __________ __, 1820 in Ohio.
5. Polly Bracken, born __________ __, 18__ (c. 1826/27).
6. Archibald Bracken, born June 21, 1829. See his biography below.
7. Elizabeth Bracken, born __________ __, 18__ (c. 831/32). There is an Elizabeth Bracken Swearingen, who was born on June 15, 1832 and who died on June 7, 1871 buried in the Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Bloomington, McLean County, Illinois; She was married to John Swearingen (1826 - 1900) and they had at least one son, Frank Swearingen (1865 - 1871).
Matthew and Jane are believed to have moved to Champaign County. Ohio shortly after they were married. There in Urbana, Ohio in 1812, Matthew entered service during the War of 1812, serving as a Private in Captain Abner Barrett's company, which was part of Col. Duncant McArthur's Regiment.
Sometime between 1827 and 1829, the Brackens moved west to Illinois, where they bought land in what was then McLean County, Illinois. They bought land in an area that became known as Walnut Grove, Illinois, near what is today Eureka, Illinois. In 1841, the area became part of Woodford. It was here in Walnut Grove that Archibald was born.
Archibald grew to manhood farming the land beside his father and brothers and sisters. In 1841, Matthew was serving as Justice of the Peace and also as Commissioner of Schools. In the early 1850's, Matthew sold at least some of land to John Darst. who laid out the town of Eureka on some of it. The Brackens moved into Washington, Illinois where they became Hotel Keepers. At the time of the 1850 census, Matthew was operating a hotel in Washington, Illinois. Just over two years later, Matthew Bracken died on February 2, 1853, most likely in Peoria County. His earthly remains were laid to rest in what is known as the Baker Cemetery or Hartman Cemetery on the northeast edge of Eureka, Illinois. Jane H. (George) Bracken died on February 27, 1861 in Tazewell County. Her earthly remains were laid beside those of her husband of over 40 years in the Baker Cemetery.
Now to continue with the biography of Archibald Bracken;
Archibald moved to Marshall County, Illinois on his own in 1854 and was engaged in boating on the Illinois and Michigan Canal for a time. Archibald was married to Esther A. York on ____________ __, 1856. Esther was born on May 10, 1839 probably in Massachusetts, the daughter of William York and Mary (__________) York. The family may have resided briefly in New York and Bangor, Maine when she was young before they came on to Marshall County, Illinois c. 1849/50.
At the time of the 1850 census, the York family is found in Henry Township, Marshall County, Illinois;
William York M 43 Massachusetts
Mary York F 41 Germany
Esther York F 11 Massachusetts
William York M 9 Massachusetts
Solomon York M 4 Massachusetts
George York M 1 New York
William York was born on Jan. 10, 1806 in Massachusetts, died on May 16, 1863 in Marshall County, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in the Henry Cemetery in Henry, Marshall County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 96847669.
Six children were born born to Archibald Bracken and Esther (York) Bracken, three of whom died young. They include;
1. Lillian Esther Bracken, born September 17, 1857 in Illinois. Esther was 1st married to Nelson Adams, who was an attorney in Larned, Kansas.
At least two sons are believed to have been born to Esther and Nelson;
A. Wirt Adams, born December 16, 1876 in Larned, Pawnee County, Kansas. Wirt was serving as a Corporal in the United States Army in Kansas in 1900 and eventually became a 2nd Lieutenant in the infant United States Army Air Corps. Wirt Adams was married to Lizzie T. Jordan (1854 - 1937). Wirt died on June 15, 1942 in Douglas, Cochise County, Arizona and his mortal remains were laid in the Calvary Cemetery in Douglas, Cochise County, Arizona. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 65321070.
B. George Adams, born c. 1877/78 in Kansas.
C. Ross B. Adams, born October __, 1880 in Kansas. Ross died on ____________ __, 1947.
At the time of the 1880 census, Nelson and his family are found residing on Broadway Avenue in Larned, Pawnee County, Kansas, where he is an attorney;
Nelson Adams Self M 30 Ohio
Lillie Adams Wife F 21 Illinois
Wirt Adams Son M 4 Kansas
George Adams Son M 2 Kansas
Mary Cline Other F 18 Indiana
Lillian and Nelson are believed to have eventually divorced. At the time of the 1900, Nelson is listed as divorced. At the time of the 1900 census, Nelson and his sons are found residing on Broadway Street in Ward 1-4 in the city of Larned, Pawnee County, Kansas, where he is an Attorney. The boys, Wirt and Ross, are both Corporals in the United States Army;
Nelson Adams Head M Jun 1848 52 Ohio
Wirt Adams Son M Dec 1876 24 Kansas
Ross Adams Son M Oct 1880 20 Kansas
Before she remarried, Lillian became the Matron of an Indian school in Paris, Texas. At the time of the 1900 census, Lillian B. Adams is found in Ward 1 of the city of Santa Fe, Santa Fe County, of the New Mexico Territory, where she works for the Indian Industrial School. She is listed as widowed, rather than divorced, she is listed as having been married for 24 years and was born in September 1860 and listed as 40 years of age. Her father and mother were born in Illinois and New York, respectively. She has had 3 children, all of whom are living.
Lillian was married 2nd to John Tyler, who was from Henry, Illinois. John and Lillian continued to reside in Paris, Texas, where he was a Salesman in a Tea and Coffee store in Paris.
At the time of the 1910 census, Lillian and John are found in Ward 4 of the city of Paris, Lamar County, Texas;
John Tyler Head M 54 Illinois
Lillian Tyler Wife F 49 Illinois
At the time of the 1920 census, Lillian and John reside on Grand Avenue in Ward 2 of the city of Paris, Lamar County, Texas, where he is now listed as a Gasoline Salesman;
J E Tyler Head M 63 Illinois
Lillian B Tyler Wife F 59 Illinois
John Tyler is believed to have died c. 1920/21. Lillian Esther (Bracken) Adams Tyler died on 17 Nov 1929 and her mortal remains were laid in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas near those of her father's. See her Find A Grave Memorial #33270928.
2. Willard S. "Willie" Bracken; born September 23, 1866 in or near Henry, Marshall County, Illinois. Willard was one of the first 13 students in the first session of school held in Larned, Kansas. The teacher was Isabelle Worrell, the daughter of Capt. James P. Worrell, the commanding officer of Co. B of the 86th, of which Archibald Bracken was a member. Willard became a clerk in the United States Land Office at Larned, Kansas, but eventually went back to school graduating from Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago, Illinois in 1902 and became a Physician.
Willard was married to Octavia ___________ (1866 - 1956). They were the parents of;
A. Tommie Bracken (1894 - 1899)
Willard died at the age of 61 on April 18, 1928 in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, where he resided. Willard's mortal remains were laid in the Crystal Springs Cemetery in Benton Harbor, Berrien County, Michigan. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 95658417.
3. Charles Bracken, born ____________ __, 1869 in Illinois. Charles was married to Alice ___________.
Their children include;
A. Gladys Bracken, born c. 1892/93 in Oklahoma.
B. Archibald Charles Bracken, born July 1, 1896 in Oklahoma.
At the time of the 1940 census, Archibald is found in Ward 4, Wichita, Wichita City, Sedgwick County, Kansas;
Arch Bracken Head M 43 Oklahoma
Alice Bracken Wife F 44 Kansas
Vera Thomas Maid F 25 Missouri
Arch C Bracken died on 30 Jun 1978 and his mortal remains were laid in the Old Mission Cemetery in Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas. See his Find A Grave Memorial #34933742
C. Burl Bracken, born c. 1897/98 in Kansas.
At the time of the 1910 census, Charles and his family are found residing in Ward 1 of the city of Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas;
Charles H Bracken Head M 40 Illinois
Alice Bracken Wife F 33 Kansas
Archibald Bracken Son M 13 Oklahoma
Burl Bracken Daughter F 12 Kansas
Gladys Bracken Daughter F 17 Oklahoma
George Adams Nephew M 32 Kansas
Charles H. Bracken died on ____________ __, 1948 and his earthly remains were laid to rest in the Old Mission Cemetery in Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas.
Now to continue with the biography of Archibald Bracken and his family;
At the time of the 1860 census, Archibald, Esther and Esther are found residing in Henry Township in Marshall County, Illinois;
Bracken, A. 31 M IL
Bracken, Esther 21 F NY
Bracken, Esther 4 F IL
On July 26, 1862, Henry Clay Baker, Archibald Bracken's nephew, volunteered for service in Eureka, Illinois to serve in a company which was being raised in Eureka and El Paso, Illinois in Woodford County by William S. Magarity, who had been the first man elected to serve as Woodford County Sheriff in the 1840's. This company would become Co. A of the 86th Illinois. Two weeks later, on August 12, 1862, Archibald Bracken volunteered at Henry, Illinois in Marshall County to serve in a company which was being raised in the Henry, Illinois area by a man by the name of Elias C. Brearly. At the time Archibald volunteered he listed Henry, Illinois as his residence. Two days later, on August 14, 1862, David George Bracken, volunteered at Morton, Illinois in Tazewell County, where he resided, to serve in a company which was being raised in the Washington/Deer Creek/Morton area of Tazewell County that was to become Co. G of the 86th Illinois. So three members of the Bracken family ended up volunteering to serve in three different companies that all became part of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name BRACKEN, ARCHIBALD
Rank PVT Company B Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence HENRY, MARSHALL CO, IL Age 33 Height 5' 9 Hair DARK
Eyes HAZEL Complexion LIGHT Marital Status MARRIED Occupation WAREHOUSEMAN
Nativity IL
Service Record
Joined When AUG 12, 1862 Joined Where MARSHALL CO, IL
Joined By Whom CPT BREASLEY 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 TRANS TO NON COM STAFF JUL 1, 1863 AT QUARTERMASTER SERGEANT
When Brearly had about 100 volunteers, he led the Marshall County company into Peoria where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, Brearly and 88 of his volunteers, including now Private Archibald Bracken, were mustered into service as Co. B of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Brearly was elected Captain of Co. B.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois marched out the gates of Camp Lyon, 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 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 to come. 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.
During the Spring of 1863, Quartermaster Sergeant was having some issues with his health. It is possible that Private Archibald Bracken may have been working with Adams during this time to help him get the supplies taken care of, working under the direction of the 86th's Quartermaster, Charles H. Deane. On July 1, 1863, while the 86th was still in Nashville, Private Archibald Bracken was officially promoted to the rank of Quartermaster Sergeant. Later that day, the men of McCook's Briagde began a march for Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Quartermaster Sergeant John C. Adams was left behind in a Nashville Hospital at this time. Adams died in one of the Nashville area hospitals on September 19, 1863.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name BRACKEN, ARCHIBALD
Rank QMSGT Company HQ Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence HENRY, MARSHALL CO, IL Age N/A 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 AUG 1, 1862 Joined Where MARSHALL, IL
Joined By Whom CPT BREASLEY 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 QUARTERMASTER
During the next two years, Archibald Bracken served faithfully in Co. B as the men of the 86th served in Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. During this time, Archibald and the men of the 86th 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 Chicakamauga, Georgia; Resaca, Georgia; Rome, Georgia; Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia and Peach Tree Creek, Georgia, Jonesboro, Georgia, Averasborough, North Carolina and Bentonville, North Carolina and marched with Sherman on his infamous "March to the Sea."
On January 26, 1864, while the 86th was encamped at Camp McAfee, near McAfee's Church, which was located about 2 miles east of Rossville, Georgia, Quartermaster Charles H. Deane was officially assigned as Brigade Quartermaster for McCook's Braigde. At this time, even though he did not have the rank, Quartermaster Sergeant Archibald Bracken began performing the duties of the 86th's Regimental Quartermaster. Quartermaster Sergeant Archibald Bracken was officially mustered as the 86th's Quartermaster and promoted to that rank on April 6, 1864 while the 86th was encamped at Lee & Gordon's Mills, located on the southern edge of the Chickamauga, Georgia Battlefield, about 9 miles south of Rossville, Georgia.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name BRACKEN, ARCHIBALD
Rank QM Company HQ Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence Age 34 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 APR 6, 1864 Joined Where ROSSVILLE, GA
Joined By Whom GOV OF ILL Period 3 YRS
Muster In APR 6, 1864 Muster In Where ROSSVILLE, GA
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
Archibald Bracken served the remainder of the war as the Quartermaster of the 86th with Charles Magee, an original member of Co. H, as his Quartermaster Sergeant. After the war came to a close, the surviving members of the 86th that were still with McCook's Brigade marched on to Washington City (now D.C.) where they were mustered out of the service on June 6, 1865. They were soon on a train bound for Chicago, Illinois, where they were discharged from the service. By the end of June, Archibald Bracken was most likely back home in Marshall County along with the rest of the surviving members of Co. B.
At the time of the 1870 census, Archibald is found Henry Township, Marshall County, Illinois, where he was a Laborer;
Archibald Bracken M 41 Illinois
Esther Bracken F 31 New York
Lillie Bracken F 12 Illinois
Willard Bracken M 3 Illinois
Charles Bracken M 0 Illinois
In 1873, Archibald, Esther and their family, along with Capt. James P. Worrell, the commanding officer of Co. B, of which Archibald was a part, and his family moved west, where they settled in what would become Larned, Kansas. There Archibald opened a Butcher Shop. James P. Worrell, was an Lawyer and opened a practice in Larned. One of the oldest buildings in Larned, if not the oldest, is a structure that is today known as the "Little Red House." A website dedicated to telling the history of the structure states the following about the Brackens and Worrells. "Captain James P. Worrell, an attorney from Illinois, accompanied by his son George and a partner, Archibald Bracken, arrived at Larned by team and wagon on June 14, 1873. Worrell and Bracken immediately invested in a herd of Texas cattle and Bracken opened a butcher shop to process and sell the stringy longhorn beef. On August 20, Bracken's family arrived in Larned, and eight days later Mrs. Worrell and three daughters joined the attorney and brother George. The family took up residence in the "little red house" recently vacated by the Booths. Worrell's daughter, Isabelle, seeking employment as a teacher, approached Henry Booth, Pawnee County Superintendent of Schools. The school district had been organized June 16 with W. R. Adams as director, C. F. Leicham as treasurer, and Daniel A. Bright as clerk. However, the first class was yet to be conducted. Miss Worrell recalled the meeting with an august Captain Booth (who) "nearly frightened the senses out of me when I appeared before him to answer as to my capabilities for the onerous and honorable position." After a brief discussion, the Superintendent responded to the candidate that he supposed she "would do" and instructed her to "hunt up a schoolroom and go to work." Miss Worrell chose the front room of her family's residence and promptly initiated a thorough cleansing with broom and concentrated lye. The resourceful Miss Worrell borrowed the last two available scrub brushes in town from Mrs. Frank Elliot and attacked the boot-blackened floor, but even her most industrious efforts failed to remove the stains of Larned's first murder victim, which remained to meet the thirteen pupils who attended the first day of school on September 23, 1873. The two large windows of the schoolroom were printed in red and yellow letters, some nine inches tall, proclaiming the building's former function, SALOON."
At the time of the 1880 census, Archibald and his family are found residing on Topeka Avenue in the city of Larned, Pawnee County, Kansas, where he is working as a Butcher.
Archibald BRACKEN, Self 51 IL
Esther BRACKEN, Wife 41 NY
Willard BRACKEN, Son 14 IL
Charles BRACKEN, Son 10 IL
In the HISTORY OF PAWNEE COUNTY, KANSAS, the following biography is found;
"A. BRACKEN, dealer in all kinds of fresh and salt meats, also buys and ships live stock by the car load. He opened the first meat market in Larned in 1873. He was born in Woodford County, Ill., June 21, 1829, and lived in his native county until 1854, thence to Marshall County in the same State, and engaged in boating on the Illinois and Michigan Canal. He enlisted in July, 1862, in Company B, Eighty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Participated in all the battles of his command; after eighteen months of service he was appointed regimental quartermaster. He participated in William T. Sherman's march to the sea and also the Atlanta campaign and was mustered out June 11, 1865. He was married in 1856, to Miss Esther York, of Marshall County, Ill., formerly of Bangor, Me. They have three children - Lillie E., married to Nelson Adams, a lawyer, of Larned; Willard S., a clerk in the United States Land Office at Larned and Charles at home. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. He has served as Deputy Sheriff of Pawnee County one term and one term as Sheriff. He has served as a member of the City Council of Larned one term."
In 1887, some of the surviving members of the 86th organized and held a reunion for the 86th in Peoria, Illinois during the week of August 27, 1887, the 25th anniversary of the mustering in of the 86th back in 1862. More than 130 veterans of the 86th, including Quartermaster Archibald Bracken, attended this reunion, which was such a success that it was decided to continue to hold these reunions as long as possible. At that first reunion, Archibald was one of seven members of the Field and Staff and six veterans of Co. B to attend, some of whom Archibald probably had not seen in years.
During the next few years, ever effort was made to locate all of the surviving members of the 86th and determine where the deceased veterans had died. For the next few years, the reunions continued to grow as more and more former veterans of the 86th were located and they continued to be held long into the 1900's, the last being held in 1923, when it was finally, tearfully decided that the reunion of 1923 would be the last earthly reunion as they were getting to old and too few to continue them any longer.
At some point in the 1880's, Archibald and Esther moved to Sedwick County, Kansas. In 1889, the surviving members of the 86th Illinois had a mailing address of Wichita, Kansas, which is the county seat for Sedgwick County. The next reunions that Quartermaster Archibald Bracken would attend were the reunions of 1889 and 1891. Fourteen members of old Co. B would attend the reunion of 1889, the most Co. B men that would attend any reunion through the years. In the 1899 reunion booklet, the following letter from Archibald Bracken was published. "I had expected to have been with you this year, but my health has been very bad for the past two months and will have to postpone it for another year, but hope that you may have a big attendance and that you may have a splendid time. I saw George Bordine today, he wanted to be remembered to all of his old comrades. J. P Parkhurst is here, sends his kindest regards to all. We are all getting along as well as could be expected for old folks like us. I also wish to be remembered by all my old comrades."
At the time of the 1900 census, Archibald and his family are found residing at what is then identified as 503 Hewitt Street in Ward 5 of the city of Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas. Archibald and Esther have been married 44 years and she is recorded as having had 6 children, only 3 of whom are living in 1900. Archibald is listed as being a Dealer in Hides;
Archibald Bracken Head M 71 Illinois
Esther Bracken Wife F 61 New York
Gladys B Bracken Granddaughter F 7 Oklahoma
Esther A. (__________) Bracken died on February 13, 1904, most likely in Sedgwick County. Her earthly remains were laid to rest in Section C, Lot 25 of the Maple Grove Cemetery in Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas, USA. Quartermaster Archibald Bracken finally made it to another reunion in 1905. The great distance to be traveled and the difficulty in making that trip in the last 1800's and early 1900's and his health undoubtedly playing a part in his inability to have attended more reunions through the years. During his trip here for the 1905 reunion, Archibald also attended the national encampment in Denver, Colorado and paid a visit to Henry, Illinois as well as his place of birth, Eureka, Illinois. The September 7, 1905 edition of the Henry Republican newspaper, of Henry, Illinois carried te following story about his visit to Illinois.
"Archibald Bracken, a former resident of Henry, but for many years a resident of our sister state Kansas, was here over Sunday renewing old acquaintances. He looks well for a veteran of 76 years. He came to the reunion of his regiment (the 86th) at Peoria last week and also to take in the national encampment in Denver. He also visited the home of his birth -- Eureka --took dinner in the house in which he saw the light of day, drank from the well which his father sunk, and plucked an apple from a tree planted before he was born. It pleased him greatly to visit the old home again in his old age."
That 1905 reunion would prove to be the last earthly reunion of the 86th that Archibald would be able to attend. Quartermaster Archibald Bracken would pass to his heavenly reward on Feb. 7, 1907 in Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas. His earthly remains were laid beside those of his wife of 40 years in the Maple Grove Cemetery. The February 14, 1907 edition of the Henry Republican carried the following obituary; "The Wichita (Kan.) Eagle of Feb 8, contains the following brief obituary of a former prominent citizen of Henry: A. Bracken of this city, died at 5:30 last night at Wichita hospital, where he was taken after a stroke of paralysis, with which he was stricken last Monday, and after which he never regained consciousness.
Mr. Bracken was born in Eureka, Ill., on June 21, 1829. He served four years during the Civil War in the Eighty-sixth Illinois volunteers in the capacity of Quartermaster. He had lived in Wichita since 1885, coming here from Larned, Kan. He was member of the West side Lodge, I.O.O.F.
Mr. Bracken is survived by three children. They are Dr Wellwood S. Bracken, of Chicago, Ill.; Mrs. L. B. Adams, of Lawrence, Kan. and C. H. Bracken of this city."
A writer for the Henry Republican added, "Archibald Bracken for many years was a resident of Henry, his property being that of Mrs. Sarah York, corner of Edward and Richard streets. His wife, now deceased, was a sister of Solomon York. He was prominent in public affairs, was city marshall for some years, was very generally held in esteem by all who knew him. He enlisted in the Eight-sixth Illinois regiment from here, joining a company with many others of his acquaintances of this section that helped to form the gallant Eight-sixth. He moved to Larned, Kansas in 1880 and a few years later moved to Wichita and engaged in the buying of hides and furs in which he was successful. He also dealt in real estate to some extent.
He was a man of good impulses, of integrity, genial in manner and companionable and lived to the ripe age of 77."
by Baxter B. Fite III and Steven Burke, a Great ___________ Grandson of Matthew Bracken, [email protected]
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of the Bracken family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on Quartermaster Archibald Bracken and the Bracken family. Baxter would also love to copies of any pictures of Archibald Bracken 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.)
Archibald Bracken survived the war and lived into the 20th century. During his life, Archibald probably had his picture taken dozens of times. I would dearly love to see a copy of that CDV added to his Find A Grave site for all with an interest to see. However, at this point, I would be thrilled just to see ANY pictures of him added to his Find A Grave Memorial, even ones of him as an old man. Can anyone help me? Thanks, Baxter)
Private, Quartermaster Sgt., & Quartermaster ARCHIBALD BRACKEN, Co. B & Regimental Staff
Archibald Bracken was born on June 21, 1829 in Woodford County, Illinois, the son of Matthew Bracken and Jane H. (George) Bracken. Matthew was born on June 16, 1789 in Greenbriar County, Virginia, the son of James Bracken and Sarah (Davis) Bracken. Matthew was married to Jane H. George on April 15, 1810 in Fleming County, Kentucky. Jane H. George was born on February 3, 1792 in Virginia. Seven children are believed to have been born to Matthew and Jane. They are;
1. Sarah Bracken, born __________ __, 18__ (c. 1812); married to Jonathan Baker; One of their children was Henry Clay Baker, who later was a member of Co. A of the 86th Illinois.
2. James Bracken, born __________ __, 1816 in Ohio; married to Jemima Allison on __________ __, 18__ at __________, __________; They had at least four children including, Daniel Bracken, born __________ __, 18__, Charlott Bracken, born c. 1853; Laura Bracken; born c. 1855; and Charles Bracken, born c. 1858, all in Illinois; In the 1880 census, the family is found in Colfax Township, Harrison County, Missouri; Jemima (Allison) Bracken was born on September 6, 1817 and died on Oct. 23, 1881 at the age of 64y, 1m, 17d; Her earthly remains were laid to rest in the Eagleville Masonic Union Cemetery in Eagleville, Harrison County, Missouri; It is not known when James Bracken died or where he is buried.
3. David George Bracken, born __________ __, 18__ (c. 1819/20) in Ohio.
4. Richard Bracken, born __________ __, 1820 in Ohio.
5. Polly Bracken, born __________ __, 18__ (c. 1826/27).
6. Archibald Bracken, born June 21, 1829. See his biography below.
7. Elizabeth Bracken, born __________ __, 18__ (c. 831/32). There is an Elizabeth Bracken Swearingen, who was born on June 15, 1832 and who died on June 7, 1871 buried in the Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Bloomington, McLean County, Illinois; She was married to John Swearingen (1826 - 1900) and they had at least one son, Frank Swearingen (1865 - 1871).
Matthew and Jane are believed to have moved to Champaign County. Ohio shortly after they were married. There in Urbana, Ohio in 1812, Matthew entered service during the War of 1812, serving as a Private in Captain Abner Barrett's company, which was part of Col. Duncant McArthur's Regiment.
Sometime between 1827 and 1829, the Brackens moved west to Illinois, where they bought land in what was then McLean County, Illinois. They bought land in an area that became known as Walnut Grove, Illinois, near what is today Eureka, Illinois. In 1841, the area became part of Woodford. It was here in Walnut Grove that Archibald was born.
Archibald grew to manhood farming the land beside his father and brothers and sisters. In 1841, Matthew was serving as Justice of the Peace and also as Commissioner of Schools. In the early 1850's, Matthew sold at least some of land to John Darst. who laid out the town of Eureka on some of it. The Brackens moved into Washington, Illinois where they became Hotel Keepers. At the time of the 1850 census, Matthew was operating a hotel in Washington, Illinois. Just over two years later, Matthew Bracken died on February 2, 1853, most likely in Peoria County. His earthly remains were laid to rest in what is known as the Baker Cemetery or Hartman Cemetery on the northeast edge of Eureka, Illinois. Jane H. (George) Bracken died on February 27, 1861 in Tazewell County. Her earthly remains were laid beside those of her husband of over 40 years in the Baker Cemetery.
Now to continue with the biography of Archibald Bracken;
Archibald moved to Marshall County, Illinois on his own in 1854 and was engaged in boating on the Illinois and Michigan Canal for a time. Archibald was married to Esther A. York on ____________ __, 1856. Esther was born on May 10, 1839 probably in Massachusetts, the daughter of William York and Mary (__________) York. The family may have resided briefly in New York and Bangor, Maine when she was young before they came on to Marshall County, Illinois c. 1849/50.
At the time of the 1850 census, the York family is found in Henry Township, Marshall County, Illinois;
William York M 43 Massachusetts
Mary York F 41 Germany
Esther York F 11 Massachusetts
William York M 9 Massachusetts
Solomon York M 4 Massachusetts
George York M 1 New York
William York was born on Jan. 10, 1806 in Massachusetts, died on May 16, 1863 in Marshall County, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in the Henry Cemetery in Henry, Marshall County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 96847669.
Six children were born born to Archibald Bracken and Esther (York) Bracken, three of whom died young. They include;
1. Lillian Esther Bracken, born September 17, 1857 in Illinois. Esther was 1st married to Nelson Adams, who was an attorney in Larned, Kansas.
At least two sons are believed to have been born to Esther and Nelson;
A. Wirt Adams, born December 16, 1876 in Larned, Pawnee County, Kansas. Wirt was serving as a Corporal in the United States Army in Kansas in 1900 and eventually became a 2nd Lieutenant in the infant United States Army Air Corps. Wirt Adams was married to Lizzie T. Jordan (1854 - 1937). Wirt died on June 15, 1942 in Douglas, Cochise County, Arizona and his mortal remains were laid in the Calvary Cemetery in Douglas, Cochise County, Arizona. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 65321070.
B. George Adams, born c. 1877/78 in Kansas.
C. Ross B. Adams, born October __, 1880 in Kansas. Ross died on ____________ __, 1947.
At the time of the 1880 census, Nelson and his family are found residing on Broadway Avenue in Larned, Pawnee County, Kansas, where he is an attorney;
Nelson Adams Self M 30 Ohio
Lillie Adams Wife F 21 Illinois
Wirt Adams Son M 4 Kansas
George Adams Son M 2 Kansas
Mary Cline Other F 18 Indiana
Lillian and Nelson are believed to have eventually divorced. At the time of the 1900, Nelson is listed as divorced. At the time of the 1900 census, Nelson and his sons are found residing on Broadway Street in Ward 1-4 in the city of Larned, Pawnee County, Kansas, where he is an Attorney. The boys, Wirt and Ross, are both Corporals in the United States Army;
Nelson Adams Head M Jun 1848 52 Ohio
Wirt Adams Son M Dec 1876 24 Kansas
Ross Adams Son M Oct 1880 20 Kansas
Before she remarried, Lillian became the Matron of an Indian school in Paris, Texas. At the time of the 1900 census, Lillian B. Adams is found in Ward 1 of the city of Santa Fe, Santa Fe County, of the New Mexico Territory, where she works for the Indian Industrial School. She is listed as widowed, rather than divorced, she is listed as having been married for 24 years and was born in September 1860 and listed as 40 years of age. Her father and mother were born in Illinois and New York, respectively. She has had 3 children, all of whom are living.
Lillian was married 2nd to John Tyler, who was from Henry, Illinois. John and Lillian continued to reside in Paris, Texas, where he was a Salesman in a Tea and Coffee store in Paris.
At the time of the 1910 census, Lillian and John are found in Ward 4 of the city of Paris, Lamar County, Texas;
John Tyler Head M 54 Illinois
Lillian Tyler Wife F 49 Illinois
At the time of the 1920 census, Lillian and John reside on Grand Avenue in Ward 2 of the city of Paris, Lamar County, Texas, where he is now listed as a Gasoline Salesman;
J E Tyler Head M 63 Illinois
Lillian B Tyler Wife F 59 Illinois
John Tyler is believed to have died c. 1920/21. Lillian Esther (Bracken) Adams Tyler died on 17 Nov 1929 and her mortal remains were laid in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas near those of her father's. See her Find A Grave Memorial #33270928.
2. Willard S. "Willie" Bracken; born September 23, 1866 in or near Henry, Marshall County, Illinois. Willard was one of the first 13 students in the first session of school held in Larned, Kansas. The teacher was Isabelle Worrell, the daughter of Capt. James P. Worrell, the commanding officer of Co. B of the 86th, of which Archibald Bracken was a member. Willard became a clerk in the United States Land Office at Larned, Kansas, but eventually went back to school graduating from Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago, Illinois in 1902 and became a Physician.
Willard was married to Octavia ___________ (1866 - 1956). They were the parents of;
A. Tommie Bracken (1894 - 1899)
Willard died at the age of 61 on April 18, 1928 in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, where he resided. Willard's mortal remains were laid in the Crystal Springs Cemetery in Benton Harbor, Berrien County, Michigan. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 95658417.
3. Charles Bracken, born ____________ __, 1869 in Illinois. Charles was married to Alice ___________.
Their children include;
A. Gladys Bracken, born c. 1892/93 in Oklahoma.
B. Archibald Charles Bracken, born July 1, 1896 in Oklahoma.
At the time of the 1940 census, Archibald is found in Ward 4, Wichita, Wichita City, Sedgwick County, Kansas;
Arch Bracken Head M 43 Oklahoma
Alice Bracken Wife F 44 Kansas
Vera Thomas Maid F 25 Missouri
Arch C Bracken died on 30 Jun 1978 and his mortal remains were laid in the Old Mission Cemetery in Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas. See his Find A Grave Memorial #34933742
C. Burl Bracken, born c. 1897/98 in Kansas.
At the time of the 1910 census, Charles and his family are found residing in Ward 1 of the city of Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas;
Charles H Bracken Head M 40 Illinois
Alice Bracken Wife F 33 Kansas
Archibald Bracken Son M 13 Oklahoma
Burl Bracken Daughter F 12 Kansas
Gladys Bracken Daughter F 17 Oklahoma
George Adams Nephew M 32 Kansas
Charles H. Bracken died on ____________ __, 1948 and his earthly remains were laid to rest in the Old Mission Cemetery in Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas.
Now to continue with the biography of Archibald Bracken and his family;
At the time of the 1860 census, Archibald, Esther and Esther are found residing in Henry Township in Marshall County, Illinois;
Bracken, A. 31 M IL
Bracken, Esther 21 F NY
Bracken, Esther 4 F IL
On July 26, 1862, Henry Clay Baker, Archibald Bracken's nephew, volunteered for service in Eureka, Illinois to serve in a company which was being raised in Eureka and El Paso, Illinois in Woodford County by William S. Magarity, who had been the first man elected to serve as Woodford County Sheriff in the 1840's. This company would become Co. A of the 86th Illinois. Two weeks later, on August 12, 1862, Archibald Bracken volunteered at Henry, Illinois in Marshall County to serve in a company which was being raised in the Henry, Illinois area by a man by the name of Elias C. Brearly. At the time Archibald volunteered he listed Henry, Illinois as his residence. Two days later, on August 14, 1862, David George Bracken, volunteered at Morton, Illinois in Tazewell County, where he resided, to serve in a company which was being raised in the Washington/Deer Creek/Morton area of Tazewell County that was to become Co. G of the 86th Illinois. So three members of the Bracken family ended up volunteering to serve in three different companies that all became part of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name BRACKEN, ARCHIBALD
Rank PVT Company B Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence HENRY, MARSHALL CO, IL Age 33 Height 5' 9 Hair DARK
Eyes HAZEL Complexion LIGHT Marital Status MARRIED Occupation WAREHOUSEMAN
Nativity IL
Service Record
Joined When AUG 12, 1862 Joined Where MARSHALL CO, IL
Joined By Whom CPT BREASLEY 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 TRANS TO NON COM STAFF JUL 1, 1863 AT QUARTERMASTER SERGEANT
When Brearly had about 100 volunteers, he led the Marshall County company into Peoria where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, Brearly and 88 of his volunteers, including now Private Archibald Bracken, were mustered into service as Co. B of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Brearly was elected Captain of Co. B.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois marched out the gates of Camp Lyon, 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 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 to come. 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.
During the Spring of 1863, Quartermaster Sergeant was having some issues with his health. It is possible that Private Archibald Bracken may have been working with Adams during this time to help him get the supplies taken care of, working under the direction of the 86th's Quartermaster, Charles H. Deane. On July 1, 1863, while the 86th was still in Nashville, Private Archibald Bracken was officially promoted to the rank of Quartermaster Sergeant. Later that day, the men of McCook's Briagde began a march for Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Quartermaster Sergeant John C. Adams was left behind in a Nashville Hospital at this time. Adams died in one of the Nashville area hospitals on September 19, 1863.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name BRACKEN, ARCHIBALD
Rank QMSGT Company HQ Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence HENRY, MARSHALL CO, IL Age N/A 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 AUG 1, 1862 Joined Where MARSHALL, IL
Joined By Whom CPT BREASLEY 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 QUARTERMASTER
During the next two years, Archibald Bracken served faithfully in Co. B as the men of the 86th served in Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. During this time, Archibald and the men of the 86th 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 Chicakamauga, Georgia; Resaca, Georgia; Rome, Georgia; Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia and Peach Tree Creek, Georgia, Jonesboro, Georgia, Averasborough, North Carolina and Bentonville, North Carolina and marched with Sherman on his infamous "March to the Sea."
On January 26, 1864, while the 86th was encamped at Camp McAfee, near McAfee's Church, which was located about 2 miles east of Rossville, Georgia, Quartermaster Charles H. Deane was officially assigned as Brigade Quartermaster for McCook's Braigde. At this time, even though he did not have the rank, Quartermaster Sergeant Archibald Bracken began performing the duties of the 86th's Regimental Quartermaster. Quartermaster Sergeant Archibald Bracken was officially mustered as the 86th's Quartermaster and promoted to that rank on April 6, 1864 while the 86th was encamped at Lee & Gordon's Mills, located on the southern edge of the Chickamauga, Georgia Battlefield, about 9 miles south of Rossville, Georgia.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name BRACKEN, ARCHIBALD
Rank QM Company HQ Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence Age 34 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 APR 6, 1864 Joined Where ROSSVILLE, GA
Joined By Whom GOV OF ILL Period 3 YRS
Muster In APR 6, 1864 Muster In Where ROSSVILLE, GA
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
Archibald Bracken served the remainder of the war as the Quartermaster of the 86th with Charles Magee, an original member of Co. H, as his Quartermaster Sergeant. After the war came to a close, the surviving members of the 86th that were still with McCook's Brigade marched on to Washington City (now D.C.) where they were mustered out of the service on June 6, 1865. They were soon on a train bound for Chicago, Illinois, where they were discharged from the service. By the end of June, Archibald Bracken was most likely back home in Marshall County along with the rest of the surviving members of Co. B.
At the time of the 1870 census, Archibald is found Henry Township, Marshall County, Illinois, where he was a Laborer;
Archibald Bracken M 41 Illinois
Esther Bracken F 31 New York
Lillie Bracken F 12 Illinois
Willard Bracken M 3 Illinois
Charles Bracken M 0 Illinois
In 1873, Archibald, Esther and their family, along with Capt. James P. Worrell, the commanding officer of Co. B, of which Archibald was a part, and his family moved west, where they settled in what would become Larned, Kansas. There Archibald opened a Butcher Shop. James P. Worrell, was an Lawyer and opened a practice in Larned. One of the oldest buildings in Larned, if not the oldest, is a structure that is today known as the "Little Red House." A website dedicated to telling the history of the structure states the following about the Brackens and Worrells. "Captain James P. Worrell, an attorney from Illinois, accompanied by his son George and a partner, Archibald Bracken, arrived at Larned by team and wagon on June 14, 1873. Worrell and Bracken immediately invested in a herd of Texas cattle and Bracken opened a butcher shop to process and sell the stringy longhorn beef. On August 20, Bracken's family arrived in Larned, and eight days later Mrs. Worrell and three daughters joined the attorney and brother George. The family took up residence in the "little red house" recently vacated by the Booths. Worrell's daughter, Isabelle, seeking employment as a teacher, approached Henry Booth, Pawnee County Superintendent of Schools. The school district had been organized June 16 with W. R. Adams as director, C. F. Leicham as treasurer, and Daniel A. Bright as clerk. However, the first class was yet to be conducted. Miss Worrell recalled the meeting with an august Captain Booth (who) "nearly frightened the senses out of me when I appeared before him to answer as to my capabilities for the onerous and honorable position." After a brief discussion, the Superintendent responded to the candidate that he supposed she "would do" and instructed her to "hunt up a schoolroom and go to work." Miss Worrell chose the front room of her family's residence and promptly initiated a thorough cleansing with broom and concentrated lye. The resourceful Miss Worrell borrowed the last two available scrub brushes in town from Mrs. Frank Elliot and attacked the boot-blackened floor, but even her most industrious efforts failed to remove the stains of Larned's first murder victim, which remained to meet the thirteen pupils who attended the first day of school on September 23, 1873. The two large windows of the schoolroom were printed in red and yellow letters, some nine inches tall, proclaiming the building's former function, SALOON."
At the time of the 1880 census, Archibald and his family are found residing on Topeka Avenue in the city of Larned, Pawnee County, Kansas, where he is working as a Butcher.
Archibald BRACKEN, Self 51 IL
Esther BRACKEN, Wife 41 NY
Willard BRACKEN, Son 14 IL
Charles BRACKEN, Son 10 IL
In the HISTORY OF PAWNEE COUNTY, KANSAS, the following biography is found;
"A. BRACKEN, dealer in all kinds of fresh and salt meats, also buys and ships live stock by the car load. He opened the first meat market in Larned in 1873. He was born in Woodford County, Ill., June 21, 1829, and lived in his native county until 1854, thence to Marshall County in the same State, and engaged in boating on the Illinois and Michigan Canal. He enlisted in July, 1862, in Company B, Eighty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Participated in all the battles of his command; after eighteen months of service he was appointed regimental quartermaster. He participated in William T. Sherman's march to the sea and also the Atlanta campaign and was mustered out June 11, 1865. He was married in 1856, to Miss Esther York, of Marshall County, Ill., formerly of Bangor, Me. They have three children - Lillie E., married to Nelson Adams, a lawyer, of Larned; Willard S., a clerk in the United States Land Office at Larned and Charles at home. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. He has served as Deputy Sheriff of Pawnee County one term and one term as Sheriff. He has served as a member of the City Council of Larned one term."
In 1887, some of the surviving members of the 86th organized and held a reunion for the 86th in Peoria, Illinois during the week of August 27, 1887, the 25th anniversary of the mustering in of the 86th back in 1862. More than 130 veterans of the 86th, including Quartermaster Archibald Bracken, attended this reunion, which was such a success that it was decided to continue to hold these reunions as long as possible. At that first reunion, Archibald was one of seven members of the Field and Staff and six veterans of Co. B to attend, some of whom Archibald probably had not seen in years.
During the next few years, ever effort was made to locate all of the surviving members of the 86th and determine where the deceased veterans had died. For the next few years, the reunions continued to grow as more and more former veterans of the 86th were located and they continued to be held long into the 1900's, the last being held in 1923, when it was finally, tearfully decided that the reunion of 1923 would be the last earthly reunion as they were getting to old and too few to continue them any longer.
At some point in the 1880's, Archibald and Esther moved to Sedwick County, Kansas. In 1889, the surviving members of the 86th Illinois had a mailing address of Wichita, Kansas, which is the county seat for Sedgwick County. The next reunions that Quartermaster Archibald Bracken would attend were the reunions of 1889 and 1891. Fourteen members of old Co. B would attend the reunion of 1889, the most Co. B men that would attend any reunion through the years. In the 1899 reunion booklet, the following letter from Archibald Bracken was published. "I had expected to have been with you this year, but my health has been very bad for the past two months and will have to postpone it for another year, but hope that you may have a big attendance and that you may have a splendid time. I saw George Bordine today, he wanted to be remembered to all of his old comrades. J. P Parkhurst is here, sends his kindest regards to all. We are all getting along as well as could be expected for old folks like us. I also wish to be remembered by all my old comrades."
At the time of the 1900 census, Archibald and his family are found residing at what is then identified as 503 Hewitt Street in Ward 5 of the city of Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas. Archibald and Esther have been married 44 years and she is recorded as having had 6 children, only 3 of whom are living in 1900. Archibald is listed as being a Dealer in Hides;
Archibald Bracken Head M 71 Illinois
Esther Bracken Wife F 61 New York
Gladys B Bracken Granddaughter F 7 Oklahoma
Esther A. (__________) Bracken died on February 13, 1904, most likely in Sedgwick County. Her earthly remains were laid to rest in Section C, Lot 25 of the Maple Grove Cemetery in Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas, USA. Quartermaster Archibald Bracken finally made it to another reunion in 1905. The great distance to be traveled and the difficulty in making that trip in the last 1800's and early 1900's and his health undoubtedly playing a part in his inability to have attended more reunions through the years. During his trip here for the 1905 reunion, Archibald also attended the national encampment in Denver, Colorado and paid a visit to Henry, Illinois as well as his place of birth, Eureka, Illinois. The September 7, 1905 edition of the Henry Republican newspaper, of Henry, Illinois carried te following story about his visit to Illinois.
"Archibald Bracken, a former resident of Henry, but for many years a resident of our sister state Kansas, was here over Sunday renewing old acquaintances. He looks well for a veteran of 76 years. He came to the reunion of his regiment (the 86th) at Peoria last week and also to take in the national encampment in Denver. He also visited the home of his birth -- Eureka --took dinner in the house in which he saw the light of day, drank from the well which his father sunk, and plucked an apple from a tree planted before he was born. It pleased him greatly to visit the old home again in his old age."
That 1905 reunion would prove to be the last earthly reunion of the 86th that Archibald would be able to attend. Quartermaster Archibald Bracken would pass to his heavenly reward on Feb. 7, 1907 in Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas. His earthly remains were laid beside those of his wife of 40 years in the Maple Grove Cemetery. The February 14, 1907 edition of the Henry Republican carried the following obituary; "The Wichita (Kan.) Eagle of Feb 8, contains the following brief obituary of a former prominent citizen of Henry: A. Bracken of this city, died at 5:30 last night at Wichita hospital, where he was taken after a stroke of paralysis, with which he was stricken last Monday, and after which he never regained consciousness.
Mr. Bracken was born in Eureka, Ill., on June 21, 1829. He served four years during the Civil War in the Eighty-sixth Illinois volunteers in the capacity of Quartermaster. He had lived in Wichita since 1885, coming here from Larned, Kan. He was member of the West side Lodge, I.O.O.F.
Mr. Bracken is survived by three children. They are Dr Wellwood S. Bracken, of Chicago, Ill.; Mrs. L. B. Adams, of Lawrence, Kan. and C. H. Bracken of this city."
A writer for the Henry Republican added, "Archibald Bracken for many years was a resident of Henry, his property being that of Mrs. Sarah York, corner of Edward and Richard streets. His wife, now deceased, was a sister of Solomon York. He was prominent in public affairs, was city marshall for some years, was very generally held in esteem by all who knew him. He enlisted in the Eight-sixth Illinois regiment from here, joining a company with many others of his acquaintances of this section that helped to form the gallant Eight-sixth. He moved to Larned, Kansas in 1880 and a few years later moved to Wichita and engaged in the buying of hides and furs in which he was successful. He also dealt in real estate to some extent.
He was a man of good impulses, of integrity, genial in manner and companionable and lived to the ripe age of 77."
by Baxter B. Fite III and Steven Burke, a Great ___________ Grandson of Matthew Bracken, [email protected]
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of the Bracken family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on Quartermaster Archibald Bracken and the Bracken family. Baxter would also love to copies of any pictures of Archibald Bracken 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.)
(NOTE: Archibald Bracken probably never had his portrait taken prior to the Civil War. However, during the 10 month period that the 86th Illinois was in the Nashville, Tennessee area in 1862-63, Archibald, like most of the Union soldiers in the Nashville area, probably took the time to sit for a portrait to send home to the loved ones that they left behind. These portraits were most often printed in the form of what was called a CDV, a paper picture glued to a heavier card stock about the size of a modern day baseball card, and the soldiers didn't just have one or two copies made. Most of the time, they had a dozen or more made, so they could swap pictures with their tentmates, messmates and for their friends, in the 86th and back home.
Archibald Bracken survived the war and lived into the 20th century. During his life, Archibald probably had his picture taken dozens of times. I would dearly love to see a copy of that CDV added to his Find A Grave site for all with an interest to see. However, at this point, I would be thrilled just to see ANY pictures of him added to his Find A Grave Memorial, even ones of him as an old man. Can anyone help me? Thanks, Baxter)
Private, Quartermaster Sgt., & Quartermaster ARCHIBALD BRACKEN, Co. B & Regimental Staff
Archibald Bracken was born on June 21, 1829 in Woodford County, Illinois, the son of Matthew Bracken and Jane H. (George) Bracken. Matthew was born on June 16, 1789 in Greenbriar County, Virginia, the son of James Bracken and Sarah (Davis) Bracken. Matthew was married to Jane H. George on April 15, 1810 in Fleming County, Kentucky. Jane H. George was born on February 3, 1792 in Virginia. Seven children are believed to have been born to Matthew and Jane. They are;
1. Sarah Bracken, born __________ __, 18__ (c. 1812); married to Jonathan Baker; One of their children was Henry Clay Baker, who later was a member of Co. A of the 86th Illinois.
2. James Bracken, born __________ __, 1816 in Ohio; married to Jemima Allison on __________ __, 18__ at __________, __________; They had at least four children including, Daniel Bracken, born __________ __, 18__, Charlott Bracken, born c. 1853; Laura Bracken; born c. 1855; and Charles Bracken, born c. 1858, all in Illinois; In the 1880 census, the family is found in Colfax Township, Harrison County, Missouri; Jemima (Allison) Bracken was born on September 6, 1817 and died on Oct. 23, 1881 at the age of 64y, 1m, 17d; Her earthly remains were laid to rest in the Eagleville Masonic Union Cemetery in Eagleville, Harrison County, Missouri; It is not known when James Bracken died or where he is buried.
3. David George Bracken, born __________ __, 18__ (c. 1819/20) in Ohio.
4. Richard Bracken, born __________ __, 1820 in Ohio.
5. Polly Bracken, born __________ __, 18__ (c. 1826/27).
6. Archibald Bracken, born June 21, 1829. See his biography below.
7. Elizabeth Bracken, born __________ __, 18__ (c. 831/32). There is an Elizabeth Bracken Swearingen, who was born on June 15, 1832 and who died on June 7, 1871 buried in the Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Bloomington, McLean County, Illinois; She was married to John Swearingen (1826 - 1900) and they had at least one son, Frank Swearingen (1865 - 1871).
Matthew and Jane are believed to have moved to Champaign County. Ohio shortly after they were married. There in Urbana, Ohio in 1812, Matthew entered service during the War of 1812, serving as a Private in Captain Abner Barrett's company, which was part of Col. Duncant McArthur's Regiment.
Sometime between 1827 and 1829, the Brackens moved west to Illinois, where they bought land in what was then McLean County, Illinois. They bought land in an area that became known as Walnut Grove, Illinois, near what is today Eureka, Illinois. In 1841, the area became part of Woodford. It was here in Walnut Grove that Archibald was born.
Archibald grew to manhood farming the land beside his father and brothers and sisters. In 1841, Matthew was serving as Justice of the Peace and also as Commissioner of Schools. In the early 1850's, Matthew sold at least some of land to John Darst. who laid out the town of Eureka on some of it. The Brackens moved into Washington, Illinois where they became Hotel Keepers. At the time of the 1850 census, Matthew was operating a hotel in Washington, Illinois. Just over two years later, Matthew Bracken died on February 2, 1853, most likely in Peoria County. His earthly remains were laid to rest in what is known as the Baker Cemetery or Hartman Cemetery on the northeast edge of Eureka, Illinois. Jane H. (George) Bracken died on February 27, 1861 in Tazewell County. Her earthly remains were laid beside those of her husband of over 40 years in the Baker Cemetery.
Now to continue with the biography of Archibald Bracken;
Archibald moved to Marshall County, Illinois on his own in 1854 and was engaged in boating on the Illinois and Michigan Canal for a time. Archibald was married to Esther A. York on ____________ __, 1856. Esther was born on May 10, 1839 probably in Massachusetts, the daughter of William York and Mary (__________) York. The family may have resided briefly in New York and Bangor, Maine when she was young before they came on to Marshall County, Illinois c. 1849/50.
At the time of the 1850 census, the York family is found in Henry Township, Marshall County, Illinois;
William York M 43 Massachusetts
Mary York F 41 Germany
Esther York F 11 Massachusetts
William York M 9 Massachusetts
Solomon York M 4 Massachusetts
George York M 1 New York
William York was born on Jan. 10, 1806 in Massachusetts, died on May 16, 1863 in Marshall County, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in the Henry Cemetery in Henry, Marshall County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 96847669.
Six children were born born to Archibald Bracken and Esther (York) Bracken, three of whom died young. They include;
1. Lillian Esther Bracken, born September 17, 1857 in Illinois. Esther was 1st married to Nelson Adams, who was an attorney in Larned, Kansas.
At least two sons are believed to have been born to Esther and Nelson;
A. Wirt Adams, born December 16, 1876 in Larned, Pawnee County, Kansas. Wirt was serving as a Corporal in the United States Army in Kansas in 1900 and eventually became a 2nd Lieutenant in the infant United States Army Air Corps. Wirt Adams was married to Lizzie T. Jordan (1854 - 1937). Wirt died on June 15, 1942 in Douglas, Cochise County, Arizona and his mortal remains were laid in the Calvary Cemetery in Douglas, Cochise County, Arizona. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 65321070.
B. George Adams, born c. 1877/78 in Kansas.
C. Ross B. Adams, born October __, 1880 in Kansas. Ross died on ____________ __, 1947.
At the time of the 1880 census, Nelson and his family are found residing on Broadway Avenue in Larned, Pawnee County, Kansas, where he is an attorney;
Nelson Adams Self M 30 Ohio
Lillie Adams Wife F 21 Illinois
Wirt Adams Son M 4 Kansas
George Adams Son M 2 Kansas
Mary Cline Other F 18 Indiana
Lillian and Nelson are believed to have eventually divorced. At the time of the 1900, Nelson is listed as divorced. At the time of the 1900 census, Nelson and his sons are found residing on Broadway Street in Ward 1-4 in the city of Larned, Pawnee County, Kansas, where he is an Attorney. The boys, Wirt and Ross, are both Corporals in the United States Army;
Nelson Adams Head M Jun 1848 52 Ohio
Wirt Adams Son M Dec 1876 24 Kansas
Ross Adams Son M Oct 1880 20 Kansas
Before she remarried, Lillian became the Matron of an Indian school in Paris, Texas. At the time of the 1900 census, Lillian B. Adams is found in Ward 1 of the city of Santa Fe, Santa Fe County, of the New Mexico Territory, where she works for the Indian Industrial School. She is listed as widowed, rather than divorced, she is listed as having been married for 24 years and was born in September 1860 and listed as 40 years of age. Her father and mother were born in Illinois and New York, respectively. She has had 3 children, all of whom are living.
Lillian was married 2nd to John Tyler, who was from Henry, Illinois. John and Lillian continued to reside in Paris, Texas, where he was a Salesman in a Tea and Coffee store in Paris.
At the time of the 1910 census, Lillian and John are found in Ward 4 of the city of Paris, Lamar County, Texas;
John Tyler Head M 54 Illinois
Lillian Tyler Wife F 49 Illinois
At the time of the 1920 census, Lillian and John reside on Grand Avenue in Ward 2 of the city of Paris, Lamar County, Texas, where he is now listed as a Gasoline Salesman;
J E Tyler Head M 63 Illinois
Lillian B Tyler Wife F 59 Illinois
John Tyler is believed to have died c. 1920/21. Lillian Esther (Bracken) Adams Tyler died on 17 Nov 1929 and her mortal remains were laid in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas near those of her father's. See her Find A Grave Memorial #33270928.
2. Willard S. "Willie" Bracken; born September 23, 1866 in or near Henry, Marshall County, Illinois. Willard was one of the first 13 students in the first session of school held in Larned, Kansas. The teacher was Isabelle Worrell, the daughter of Capt. James P. Worrell, the commanding officer of Co. B of the 86th, of which Archibald Bracken was a member. Willard became a clerk in the United States Land Office at Larned, Kansas, but eventually went back to school graduating from Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago, Illinois in 1902 and became a Physician.
Willard was married to Octavia ___________ (1866 - 1956). They were the parents of;
A. Tommie Bracken (1894 - 1899)
Willard died at the age of 61 on April 18, 1928 in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, where he resided. Willard's mortal remains were laid in the Crystal Springs Cemetery in Benton Harbor, Berrien County, Michigan. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 95658417.
3. Charles Bracken, born ____________ __, 1869 in Illinois. Charles was married to Alice ___________.
Their children include;
A. Gladys Bracken, born c. 1892/93 in Oklahoma.
B. Archibald Charles Bracken, born July 1, 1896 in Oklahoma.
At the time of the 1940 census, Archibald is found in Ward 4, Wichita, Wichita City, Sedgwick County, Kansas;
Arch Bracken Head M 43 Oklahoma
Alice Bracken Wife F 44 Kansas
Vera Thomas Maid F 25 Missouri
Arch C Bracken died on 30 Jun 1978 and his mortal remains were laid in the Old Mission Cemetery in Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas. See his Find A Grave Memorial #34933742
C. Burl Bracken, born c. 1897/98 in Kansas.
At the time of the 1910 census, Charles and his family are found residing in Ward 1 of the city of Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas;
Charles H Bracken Head M 40 Illinois
Alice Bracken Wife F 33 Kansas
Archibald Bracken Son M 13 Oklahoma
Burl Bracken Daughter F 12 Kansas
Gladys Bracken Daughter F 17 Oklahoma
George Adams Nephew M 32 Kansas
Charles H. Bracken died on ____________ __, 1948 and his earthly remains were laid to rest in the Old Mission Cemetery in Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas.
Now to continue with the biography of Archibald Bracken and his family;
At the time of the 1860 census, Archibald, Esther and Esther are found residing in Henry Township in Marshall County, Illinois;
Bracken, A. 31 M IL
Bracken, Esther 21 F NY
Bracken, Esther 4 F IL
On July 26, 1862, Henry Clay Baker, Archibald Bracken's nephew, volunteered for service in Eureka, Illinois to serve in a company which was being raised in Eureka and El Paso, Illinois in Woodford County by William S. Magarity, who had been the first man elected to serve as Woodford County Sheriff in the 1840's. This company would become Co. A of the 86th Illinois. Two weeks later, on August 12, 1862, Archibald Bracken volunteered at Henry, Illinois in Marshall County to serve in a company which was being raised in the Henry, Illinois area by a man by the name of Elias C. Brearly. At the time Archibald volunteered he listed Henry, Illinois as his residence. Two days later, on August 14, 1862, David George Bracken, volunteered at Morton, Illinois in Tazewell County, where he resided, to serve in a company which was being raised in the Washington/Deer Creek/Morton area of Tazewell County that was to become Co. G of the 86th Illinois. So three members of the Bracken family ended up volunteering to serve in three different companies that all became part of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name BRACKEN, ARCHIBALD
Rank PVT Company B Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence HENRY, MARSHALL CO, IL Age 33 Height 5' 9 Hair DARK
Eyes HAZEL Complexion LIGHT Marital Status MARRIED Occupation WAREHOUSEMAN
Nativity IL
Service Record
Joined When AUG 12, 1862 Joined Where MARSHALL CO, IL
Joined By Whom CPT BREASLEY 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 TRANS TO NON COM STAFF JUL 1, 1863 AT QUARTERMASTER SERGEANT
When Brearly had about 100 volunteers, he led the Marshall County company into Peoria where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, Brearly and 88 of his volunteers, including now Private Archibald Bracken, were mustered into service as Co. B of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Brearly was elected Captain of Co. B.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois marched out the gates of Camp Lyon, 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 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 to come. 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.
During the Spring of 1863, Quartermaster Sergeant was having some issues with his health. It is possible that Private Archibald Bracken may have been working with Adams during this time to help him get the supplies taken care of, working under the direction of the 86th's Quartermaster, Charles H. Deane. On July 1, 1863, while the 86th was still in Nashville, Private Archibald Bracken was officially promoted to the rank of Quartermaster Sergeant. Later that day, the men of McCook's Briagde began a march for Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Quartermaster Sergeant John C. Adams was left behind in a Nashville Hospital at this time. Adams died in one of the Nashville area hospitals on September 19, 1863.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name BRACKEN, ARCHIBALD
Rank QMSGT Company HQ Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence HENRY, MARSHALL CO, IL Age N/A 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 AUG 1, 1862 Joined Where MARSHALL, IL
Joined By Whom CPT BREASLEY 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 QUARTERMASTER
During the next two years, Archibald Bracken served faithfully in Co. B as the men of the 86th served in Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. During this time, Archibald and the men of the 86th 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 Chicakamauga, Georgia; Resaca, Georgia; Rome, Georgia; Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia and Peach Tree Creek, Georgia, Jonesboro, Georgia, Averasborough, North Carolina and Bentonville, North Carolina and marched with Sherman on his infamous "March to the Sea."
On January 26, 1864, while the 86th was encamped at Camp McAfee, near McAfee's Church, which was located about 2 miles east of Rossville, Georgia, Quartermaster Charles H. Deane was officially assigned as Brigade Quartermaster for McCook's Braigde. At this time, even though he did not have the rank, Quartermaster Sergeant Archibald Bracken began performing the duties of the 86th's Regimental Quartermaster. Quartermaster Sergeant Archibald Bracken was officially mustered as the 86th's Quartermaster and promoted to that rank on April 6, 1864 while the 86th was encamped at Lee & Gordon's Mills, located on the southern edge of the Chickamauga, Georgia Battlefield, about 9 miles south of Rossville, Georgia.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name BRACKEN, ARCHIBALD
Rank QM Company HQ Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence Age 34 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 APR 6, 1864 Joined Where ROSSVILLE, GA
Joined By Whom GOV OF ILL Period 3 YRS
Muster In APR 6, 1864 Muster In Where ROSSVILLE, GA
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
Archibald Bracken served the remainder of the war as the Quartermaster of the 86th with Charles Magee, an original member of Co. H, as his Quartermaster Sergeant. After the war came to a close, the surviving members of the 86th that were still with McCook's Brigade marched on to Washington City (now D.C.) where they were mustered out of the service on June 6, 1865. They were soon on a train bound for Chicago, Illinois, where they were discharged from the service. By the end of June, Archibald Bracken was most likely back home in Marshall County along with the rest of the surviving members of Co. B.
At the time of the 1870 census, Archibald is found Henry Township, Marshall County, Illinois, where he was a Laborer;
Archibald Bracken M 41 Illinois
Esther Bracken F 31 New York
Lillie Bracken F 12 Illinois
Willard Bracken M 3 Illinois
Charles Bracken M 0 Illinois
In 1873, Archibald, Esther and their family, along with Capt. James P. Worrell, the commanding officer of Co. B, of which Archibald was a part, and his family moved west, where they settled in what would become Larned, Kansas. There Archibald opened a Butcher Shop. James P. Worrell, was an Lawyer and opened a practice in Larned. One of the oldest buildings in Larned, if not the oldest, is a structure that is today known as the "Little Red House." A website dedicated to telling the history of the structure states the following about the Brackens and Worrells. "Captain James P. Worrell, an attorney from Illinois, accompanied by his son George and a partner, Archibald Bracken, arrived at Larned by team and wagon on June 14, 1873. Worrell and Bracken immediately invested in a herd of Texas cattle and Bracken opened a butcher shop to process and sell the stringy longhorn beef. On August 20, Bracken's family arrived in Larned, and eight days later Mrs. Worrell and three daughters joined the attorney and brother George. The family took up residence in the "little red house" recently vacated by the Booths. Worrell's daughter, Isabelle, seeking employment as a teacher, approached Henry Booth, Pawnee County Superintendent of Schools. The school district had been organized June 16 with W. R. Adams as director, C. F. Leicham as treasurer, and Daniel A. Bright as clerk. However, the first class was yet to be conducted. Miss Worrell recalled the meeting with an august Captain Booth (who) "nearly frightened the senses out of me when I appeared before him to answer as to my capabilities for the onerous and honorable position." After a brief discussion, the Superintendent responded to the candidate that he supposed she "would do" and instructed her to "hunt up a schoolroom and go to work." Miss Worrell chose the front room of her family's residence and promptly initiated a thorough cleansing with broom and concentrated lye. The resourceful Miss Worrell borrowed the last two available scrub brushes in town from Mrs. Frank Elliot and attacked the boot-blackened floor, but even her most industrious efforts failed to remove the stains of Larned's first murder victim, which remained to meet the thirteen pupils who attended the first day of school on September 23, 1873. The two large windows of the schoolroom were printed in red and yellow letters, some nine inches tall, proclaiming the building's former function, SALOON."
At the time of the 1880 census, Archibald and his family are found residing on Topeka Avenue in the city of Larned, Pawnee County, Kansas, where he is working as a Butcher.
Archibald BRACKEN, Self 51 IL
Esther BRACKEN, Wife 41 NY
Willard BRACKEN, Son 14 IL
Charles BRACKEN, Son 10 IL
In the HISTORY OF PAWNEE COUNTY, KANSAS, the following biography is found;
"A. BRACKEN, dealer in all kinds of fresh and salt meats, also buys and ships live stock by the car load. He opened the first meat market in Larned in 1873. He was born in Woodford County, Ill., June 21, 1829, and lived in his native county until 1854, thence to Marshall County in the same State, and engaged in boating on the Illinois and Michigan Canal. He enlisted in July, 1862, in Company B, Eighty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Participated in all the battles of his command; after eighteen months of service he was appointed regimental quartermaster. He participated in William T. Sherman's march to the sea and also the Atlanta campaign and was mustered out June 11, 1865. He was married in 1856, to Miss Esther York, of Marshall County, Ill., formerly of Bangor, Me. They have three children - Lillie E., married to Nelson Adams, a lawyer, of Larned; Willard S., a clerk in the United States Land Office at Larned and Charles at home. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. He has served as Deputy Sheriff of Pawnee County one term and one term as Sheriff. He has served as a member of the City Council of Larned one term."
In 1887, some of the surviving members of the 86th organized and held a reunion for the 86th in Peoria, Illinois during the week of August 27, 1887, the 25th anniversary of the mustering in of the 86th back in 1862. More than 130 veterans of the 86th, including Quartermaster Archibald Bracken, attended this reunion, which was such a success that it was decided to continue to hold these reunions as long as possible. At that first reunion, Archibald was one of seven members of the Field and Staff and six veterans of Co. B to attend, some of whom Archibald probably had not seen in years.
During the next few years, ever effort was made to locate all of the surviving members of the 86th and determine where the deceased veterans had died. For the next few years, the reunions continued to grow as more and more former veterans of the 86th were located and they continued to be held long into the 1900's, the last being held in 1923, when it was finally, tearfully decided that the reunion of 1923 would be the last earthly reunion as they were getting to old and too few to continue them any longer.
At some point in the 1880's, Archibald and Esther moved to Sedwick County, Kansas. In 1889, the surviving members of the 86th Illinois had a mailing address of Wichita, Kansas, which is the county seat for Sedgwick County. The next reunions that Quartermaster Archibald Bracken would attend were the reunions of 1889 and 1891. Fourteen members of old Co. B would attend the reunion of 1889, the most Co. B men that would attend any reunion through the years. In the 1899 reunion booklet, the following letter from Archibald Bracken was published. "I had expected to have been with you this year, but my health has been very bad for the past two months and will have to postpone it for another year, but hope that you may have a big attendance and that you may have a splendid time. I saw George Bordine today, he wanted to be remembered to all of his old comrades. J. P Parkhurst is here, sends his kindest regards to all. We are all getting along as well as could be expected for old folks like us. I also wish to be remembered by all my old comrades."
At the time of the 1900 census, Archibald and his family are found residing at what is then identified as 503 Hewitt Street in Ward 5 of the city of Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas. Archibald and Esther have been married 44 years and she is recorded as having had 6 children, only 3 of whom are living in 1900. Archibald is listed as being a Dealer in Hides;
Archibald Bracken Head M 71 Illinois
Esther Bracken Wife F 61 New York
Gladys B Bracken Granddaughter F 7 Oklahoma
Esther A. (__________) Bracken died on February 13, 1904, most likely in Sedgwick County. Her earthly remains were laid to rest in Section C, Lot 25 of the Maple Grove Cemetery in Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas, USA. Quartermaster Archibald Bracken finally made it to another reunion in 1905. The great distance to be traveled and the difficulty in making that trip in the last 1800's and early 1900's and his health undoubtedly playing a part in his inability to have attended more reunions through the years. During his trip here for the 1905 reunion, Archibald also attended the national encampment in Denver, Colorado and paid a visit to Henry, Illinois as well as his place of birth, Eureka, Illinois. The September 7, 1905 edition of the Henry Republican newspaper, of Henry, Illinois carried te following story about his visit to Illinois.
"Archibald Bracken, a former resident of Henry, but for many years a resident of our sister state Kansas, was here over Sunday renewing old acquaintances. He looks well for a veteran of 76 years. He came to the reunion of his regiment (the 86th) at Peoria last week and also to take in the national encampment in Denver. He also visited the home of his birth -- Eureka --took dinner in the house in which he saw the light of day, drank from the well which his father sunk, and plucked an apple from a tree planted before he was born. It pleased him greatly to visit the old home again in his old age."
That 1905 reunion would prove to be the last earthly reunion of the 86th that Archibald would be able to attend. Quartermaster Archibald Bracken would pass to his heavenly reward on Feb. 7, 1907 in Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas. His earthly remains were laid beside those of his wife of 40 years in the Maple Grove Cemetery. The February 14, 1907 edition of the Henry Republican carried the following obituary; "The Wichita (Kan.) Eagle of Feb 8, contains the following brief obituary of a former prominent citizen of Henry: A. Bracken of this city, died at 5:30 last night at Wichita hospital, where he was taken after a stroke of paralysis, with which he was stricken last Monday, and after which he never regained consciousness.
Mr. Bracken was born in Eureka, Ill., on June 21, 1829. He served four years during the Civil War in the Eighty-sixth Illinois volunteers in the capacity of Quartermaster. He had lived in Wichita since 1885, coming here from Larned, Kan. He was member of the West side Lodge, I.O.O.F.
Mr. Bracken is survived by three children. They are Dr Wellwood S. Bracken, of Chicago, Ill.; Mrs. L. B. Adams, of Lawrence, Kan. and C. H. Bracken of this city."
A writer for the Henry Republican added, "Archibald Bracken for many years was a resident of Henry, his property being that of Mrs. Sarah York, corner of Edward and Richard streets. His wife, now deceased, was a sister of Solomon York. He was prominent in public affairs, was city marshall for some years, was very generally held in esteem by all who knew him. He enlisted in the Eight-sixth Illinois regiment from here, joining a company with many others of his acquaintances of this section that helped to form the gallant Eight-sixth. He moved to Larned, Kansas in 1880 and a few years later moved to Wichita and engaged in the buying of hides and furs in which he was successful. He also dealt in real estate to some extent.
He was a man of good impulses, of integrity, genial in manner and companionable and lived to the ripe age of 77."
by Baxter B. Fite III and Steven Burke, a Great ___________ Grandson of Matthew Bracken, [email protected]
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of the Bracken family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on Quartermaster Archibald Bracken and the Bracken family. Baxter would also love to copies of any pictures of Archibald Bracken 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.)
Archibald Bracken survived the war and lived into the 20th century. During his life, Archibald probably had his picture taken dozens of times. I would dearly love to see a copy of that CDV added to his Find A Grave site for all with an interest to see. However, at this point, I would be thrilled just to see ANY pictures of him added to his Find A Grave Memorial, even ones of him as an old man. Can anyone help me? Thanks, Baxter)
Private, Quartermaster Sgt., & Quartermaster ARCHIBALD BRACKEN, Co. B & Regimental Staff
Archibald Bracken was born on June 21, 1829 in Woodford County, Illinois, the son of Matthew Bracken and Jane H. (George) Bracken. Matthew was born on June 16, 1789 in Greenbriar County, Virginia, the son of James Bracken and Sarah (Davis) Bracken. Matthew was married to Jane H. George on April 15, 1810 in Fleming County, Kentucky. Jane H. George was born on February 3, 1792 in Virginia. Seven children are believed to have been born to Matthew and Jane. They are;
1. Sarah Bracken, born __________ __, 18__ (c. 1812); married to Jonathan Baker; One of their children was Henry Clay Baker, who later was a member of Co. A of the 86th Illinois.
2. James Bracken, born __________ __, 1816 in Ohio; married to Jemima Allison on __________ __, 18__ at __________, __________; They had at least four children including, Daniel Bracken, born __________ __, 18__, Charlott Bracken, born c. 1853; Laura Bracken; born c. 1855; and Charles Bracken, born c. 1858, all in Illinois; In the 1880 census, the family is found in Colfax Township, Harrison County, Missouri; Jemima (Allison) Bracken was born on September 6, 1817 and died on Oct. 23, 1881 at the age of 64y, 1m, 17d; Her earthly remains were laid to rest in the Eagleville Masonic Union Cemetery in Eagleville, Harrison County, Missouri; It is not known when James Bracken died or where he is buried.
3. David George Bracken, born __________ __, 18__ (c. 1819/20) in Ohio.
4. Richard Bracken, born __________ __, 1820 in Ohio.
5. Polly Bracken, born __________ __, 18__ (c. 1826/27).
6. Archibald Bracken, born June 21, 1829. See his biography below.
7. Elizabeth Bracken, born __________ __, 18__ (c. 831/32). There is an Elizabeth Bracken Swearingen, who was born on June 15, 1832 and who died on June 7, 1871 buried in the Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Bloomington, McLean County, Illinois; She was married to John Swearingen (1826 - 1900) and they had at least one son, Frank Swearingen (1865 - 1871).
Matthew and Jane are believed to have moved to Champaign County. Ohio shortly after they were married. There in Urbana, Ohio in 1812, Matthew entered service during the War of 1812, serving as a Private in Captain Abner Barrett's company, which was part of Col. Duncant McArthur's Regiment.
Sometime between 1827 and 1829, the Brackens moved west to Illinois, where they bought land in what was then McLean County, Illinois. They bought land in an area that became known as Walnut Grove, Illinois, near what is today Eureka, Illinois. In 1841, the area became part of Woodford. It was here in Walnut Grove that Archibald was born.
Archibald grew to manhood farming the land beside his father and brothers and sisters. In 1841, Matthew was serving as Justice of the Peace and also as Commissioner of Schools. In the early 1850's, Matthew sold at least some of land to John Darst. who laid out the town of Eureka on some of it. The Brackens moved into Washington, Illinois where they became Hotel Keepers. At the time of the 1850 census, Matthew was operating a hotel in Washington, Illinois. Just over two years later, Matthew Bracken died on February 2, 1853, most likely in Peoria County. His earthly remains were laid to rest in what is known as the Baker Cemetery or Hartman Cemetery on the northeast edge of Eureka, Illinois. Jane H. (George) Bracken died on February 27, 1861 in Tazewell County. Her earthly remains were laid beside those of her husband of over 40 years in the Baker Cemetery.
Now to continue with the biography of Archibald Bracken;
Archibald moved to Marshall County, Illinois on his own in 1854 and was engaged in boating on the Illinois and Michigan Canal for a time. Archibald was married to Esther A. York on ____________ __, 1856. Esther was born on May 10, 1839 probably in Massachusetts, the daughter of William York and Mary (__________) York. The family may have resided briefly in New York and Bangor, Maine when she was young before they came on to Marshall County, Illinois c. 1849/50.
At the time of the 1850 census, the York family is found in Henry Township, Marshall County, Illinois;
William York M 43 Massachusetts
Mary York F 41 Germany
Esther York F 11 Massachusetts
William York M 9 Massachusetts
Solomon York M 4 Massachusetts
George York M 1 New York
William York was born on Jan. 10, 1806 in Massachusetts, died on May 16, 1863 in Marshall County, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in the Henry Cemetery in Henry, Marshall County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 96847669.
Six children were born born to Archibald Bracken and Esther (York) Bracken, three of whom died young. They include;
1. Lillian Esther Bracken, born September 17, 1857 in Illinois. Esther was 1st married to Nelson Adams, who was an attorney in Larned, Kansas.
At least two sons are believed to have been born to Esther and Nelson;
A. Wirt Adams, born December 16, 1876 in Larned, Pawnee County, Kansas. Wirt was serving as a Corporal in the United States Army in Kansas in 1900 and eventually became a 2nd Lieutenant in the infant United States Army Air Corps. Wirt Adams was married to Lizzie T. Jordan (1854 - 1937). Wirt died on June 15, 1942 in Douglas, Cochise County, Arizona and his mortal remains were laid in the Calvary Cemetery in Douglas, Cochise County, Arizona. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 65321070.
B. George Adams, born c. 1877/78 in Kansas.
C. Ross B. Adams, born October __, 1880 in Kansas. Ross died on ____________ __, 1947.
At the time of the 1880 census, Nelson and his family are found residing on Broadway Avenue in Larned, Pawnee County, Kansas, where he is an attorney;
Nelson Adams Self M 30 Ohio
Lillie Adams Wife F 21 Illinois
Wirt Adams Son M 4 Kansas
George Adams Son M 2 Kansas
Mary Cline Other F 18 Indiana
Lillian and Nelson are believed to have eventually divorced. At the time of the 1900, Nelson is listed as divorced. At the time of the 1900 census, Nelson and his sons are found residing on Broadway Street in Ward 1-4 in the city of Larned, Pawnee County, Kansas, where he is an Attorney. The boys, Wirt and Ross, are both Corporals in the United States Army;
Nelson Adams Head M Jun 1848 52 Ohio
Wirt Adams Son M Dec 1876 24 Kansas
Ross Adams Son M Oct 1880 20 Kansas
Before she remarried, Lillian became the Matron of an Indian school in Paris, Texas. At the time of the 1900 census, Lillian B. Adams is found in Ward 1 of the city of Santa Fe, Santa Fe County, of the New Mexico Territory, where she works for the Indian Industrial School. She is listed as widowed, rather than divorced, she is listed as having been married for 24 years and was born in September 1860 and listed as 40 years of age. Her father and mother were born in Illinois and New York, respectively. She has had 3 children, all of whom are living.
Lillian was married 2nd to John Tyler, who was from Henry, Illinois. John and Lillian continued to reside in Paris, Texas, where he was a Salesman in a Tea and Coffee store in Paris.
At the time of the 1910 census, Lillian and John are found in Ward 4 of the city of Paris, Lamar County, Texas;
John Tyler Head M 54 Illinois
Lillian Tyler Wife F 49 Illinois
At the time of the 1920 census, Lillian and John reside on Grand Avenue in Ward 2 of the city of Paris, Lamar County, Texas, where he is now listed as a Gasoline Salesman;
J E Tyler Head M 63 Illinois
Lillian B Tyler Wife F 59 Illinois
John Tyler is believed to have died c. 1920/21. Lillian Esther (Bracken) Adams Tyler died on 17 Nov 1929 and her mortal remains were laid in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas near those of her father's. See her Find A Grave Memorial #33270928.
2. Willard S. "Willie" Bracken; born September 23, 1866 in or near Henry, Marshall County, Illinois. Willard was one of the first 13 students in the first session of school held in Larned, Kansas. The teacher was Isabelle Worrell, the daughter of Capt. James P. Worrell, the commanding officer of Co. B of the 86th, of which Archibald Bracken was a member. Willard became a clerk in the United States Land Office at Larned, Kansas, but eventually went back to school graduating from Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago, Illinois in 1902 and became a Physician.
Willard was married to Octavia ___________ (1866 - 1956). They were the parents of;
A. Tommie Bracken (1894 - 1899)
Willard died at the age of 61 on April 18, 1928 in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, where he resided. Willard's mortal remains were laid in the Crystal Springs Cemetery in Benton Harbor, Berrien County, Michigan. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 95658417.
3. Charles Bracken, born ____________ __, 1869 in Illinois. Charles was married to Alice ___________.
Their children include;
A. Gladys Bracken, born c. 1892/93 in Oklahoma.
B. Archibald Charles Bracken, born July 1, 1896 in Oklahoma.
At the time of the 1940 census, Archibald is found in Ward 4, Wichita, Wichita City, Sedgwick County, Kansas;
Arch Bracken Head M 43 Oklahoma
Alice Bracken Wife F 44 Kansas
Vera Thomas Maid F 25 Missouri
Arch C Bracken died on 30 Jun 1978 and his mortal remains were laid in the Old Mission Cemetery in Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas. See his Find A Grave Memorial #34933742
C. Burl Bracken, born c. 1897/98 in Kansas.
At the time of the 1910 census, Charles and his family are found residing in Ward 1 of the city of Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas;
Charles H Bracken Head M 40 Illinois
Alice Bracken Wife F 33 Kansas
Archibald Bracken Son M 13 Oklahoma
Burl Bracken Daughter F 12 Kansas
Gladys Bracken Daughter F 17 Oklahoma
George Adams Nephew M 32 Kansas
Charles H. Bracken died on ____________ __, 1948 and his earthly remains were laid to rest in the Old Mission Cemetery in Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas.
Now to continue with the biography of Archibald Bracken and his family;
At the time of the 1860 census, Archibald, Esther and Esther are found residing in Henry Township in Marshall County, Illinois;
Bracken, A. 31 M IL
Bracken, Esther 21 F NY
Bracken, Esther 4 F IL
On July 26, 1862, Henry Clay Baker, Archibald Bracken's nephew, volunteered for service in Eureka, Illinois to serve in a company which was being raised in Eureka and El Paso, Illinois in Woodford County by William S. Magarity, who had been the first man elected to serve as Woodford County Sheriff in the 1840's. This company would become Co. A of the 86th Illinois. Two weeks later, on August 12, 1862, Archibald Bracken volunteered at Henry, Illinois in Marshall County to serve in a company which was being raised in the Henry, Illinois area by a man by the name of Elias C. Brearly. At the time Archibald volunteered he listed Henry, Illinois as his residence. Two days later, on August 14, 1862, David George Bracken, volunteered at Morton, Illinois in Tazewell County, where he resided, to serve in a company which was being raised in the Washington/Deer Creek/Morton area of Tazewell County that was to become Co. G of the 86th Illinois. So three members of the Bracken family ended up volunteering to serve in three different companies that all became part of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name BRACKEN, ARCHIBALD
Rank PVT Company B Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence HENRY, MARSHALL CO, IL Age 33 Height 5' 9 Hair DARK
Eyes HAZEL Complexion LIGHT Marital Status MARRIED Occupation WAREHOUSEMAN
Nativity IL
Service Record
Joined When AUG 12, 1862 Joined Where MARSHALL CO, IL
Joined By Whom CPT BREASLEY 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 TRANS TO NON COM STAFF JUL 1, 1863 AT QUARTERMASTER SERGEANT
When Brearly had about 100 volunteers, he led the Marshall County company into Peoria where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, Brearly and 88 of his volunteers, including now Private Archibald Bracken, were mustered into service as Co. B of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Brearly was elected Captain of Co. B.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois marched out the gates of Camp Lyon, 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 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 to come. 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.
During the Spring of 1863, Quartermaster Sergeant was having some issues with his health. It is possible that Private Archibald Bracken may have been working with Adams during this time to help him get the supplies taken care of, working under the direction of the 86th's Quartermaster, Charles H. Deane. On July 1, 1863, while the 86th was still in Nashville, Private Archibald Bracken was officially promoted to the rank of Quartermaster Sergeant. Later that day, the men of McCook's Briagde began a march for Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Quartermaster Sergeant John C. Adams was left behind in a Nashville Hospital at this time. Adams died in one of the Nashville area hospitals on September 19, 1863.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name BRACKEN, ARCHIBALD
Rank QMSGT Company HQ Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence HENRY, MARSHALL CO, IL Age N/A 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 AUG 1, 1862 Joined Where MARSHALL, IL
Joined By Whom CPT BREASLEY 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 QUARTERMASTER
During the next two years, Archibald Bracken served faithfully in Co. B as the men of the 86th served in Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. During this time, Archibald and the men of the 86th 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 Chicakamauga, Georgia; Resaca, Georgia; Rome, Georgia; Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia and Peach Tree Creek, Georgia, Jonesboro, Georgia, Averasborough, North Carolina and Bentonville, North Carolina and marched with Sherman on his infamous "March to the Sea."
On January 26, 1864, while the 86th was encamped at Camp McAfee, near McAfee's Church, which was located about 2 miles east of Rossville, Georgia, Quartermaster Charles H. Deane was officially assigned as Brigade Quartermaster for McCook's Braigde. At this time, even though he did not have the rank, Quartermaster Sergeant Archibald Bracken began performing the duties of the 86th's Regimental Quartermaster. Quartermaster Sergeant Archibald Bracken was officially mustered as the 86th's Quartermaster and promoted to that rank on April 6, 1864 while the 86th was encamped at Lee & Gordon's Mills, located on the southern edge of the Chickamauga, Georgia Battlefield, about 9 miles south of Rossville, Georgia.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name BRACKEN, ARCHIBALD
Rank QM Company HQ Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence Age 34 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 APR 6, 1864 Joined Where ROSSVILLE, GA
Joined By Whom GOV OF ILL Period 3 YRS
Muster In APR 6, 1864 Muster In Where ROSSVILLE, GA
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
Archibald Bracken served the remainder of the war as the Quartermaster of the 86th with Charles Magee, an original member of Co. H, as his Quartermaster Sergeant. After the war came to a close, the surviving members of the 86th that were still with McCook's Brigade marched on to Washington City (now D.C.) where they were mustered out of the service on June 6, 1865. They were soon on a train bound for Chicago, Illinois, where they were discharged from the service. By the end of June, Archibald Bracken was most likely back home in Marshall County along with the rest of the surviving members of Co. B.
At the time of the 1870 census, Archibald is found Henry Township, Marshall County, Illinois, where he was a Laborer;
Archibald Bracken M 41 Illinois
Esther Bracken F 31 New York
Lillie Bracken F 12 Illinois
Willard Bracken M 3 Illinois
Charles Bracken M 0 Illinois
In 1873, Archibald, Esther and their family, along with Capt. James P. Worrell, the commanding officer of Co. B, of which Archibald was a part, and his family moved west, where they settled in what would become Larned, Kansas. There Archibald opened a Butcher Shop. James P. Worrell, was an Lawyer and opened a practice in Larned. One of the oldest buildings in Larned, if not the oldest, is a structure that is today known as the "Little Red House." A website dedicated to telling the history of the structure states the following about the Brackens and Worrells. "Captain James P. Worrell, an attorney from Illinois, accompanied by his son George and a partner, Archibald Bracken, arrived at Larned by team and wagon on June 14, 1873. Worrell and Bracken immediately invested in a herd of Texas cattle and Bracken opened a butcher shop to process and sell the stringy longhorn beef. On August 20, Bracken's family arrived in Larned, and eight days later Mrs. Worrell and three daughters joined the attorney and brother George. The family took up residence in the "little red house" recently vacated by the Booths. Worrell's daughter, Isabelle, seeking employment as a teacher, approached Henry Booth, Pawnee County Superintendent of Schools. The school district had been organized June 16 with W. R. Adams as director, C. F. Leicham as treasurer, and Daniel A. Bright as clerk. However, the first class was yet to be conducted. Miss Worrell recalled the meeting with an august Captain Booth (who) "nearly frightened the senses out of me when I appeared before him to answer as to my capabilities for the onerous and honorable position." After a brief discussion, the Superintendent responded to the candidate that he supposed she "would do" and instructed her to "hunt up a schoolroom and go to work." Miss Worrell chose the front room of her family's residence and promptly initiated a thorough cleansing with broom and concentrated lye. The resourceful Miss Worrell borrowed the last two available scrub brushes in town from Mrs. Frank Elliot and attacked the boot-blackened floor, but even her most industrious efforts failed to remove the stains of Larned's first murder victim, which remained to meet the thirteen pupils who attended the first day of school on September 23, 1873. The two large windows of the schoolroom were printed in red and yellow letters, some nine inches tall, proclaiming the building's former function, SALOON."
At the time of the 1880 census, Archibald and his family are found residing on Topeka Avenue in the city of Larned, Pawnee County, Kansas, where he is working as a Butcher.
Archibald BRACKEN, Self 51 IL
Esther BRACKEN, Wife 41 NY
Willard BRACKEN, Son 14 IL
Charles BRACKEN, Son 10 IL
In the HISTORY OF PAWNEE COUNTY, KANSAS, the following biography is found;
"A. BRACKEN, dealer in all kinds of fresh and salt meats, also buys and ships live stock by the car load. He opened the first meat market in Larned in 1873. He was born in Woodford County, Ill., June 21, 1829, and lived in his native county until 1854, thence to Marshall County in the same State, and engaged in boating on the Illinois and Michigan Canal. He enlisted in July, 1862, in Company B, Eighty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Participated in all the battles of his command; after eighteen months of service he was appointed regimental quartermaster. He participated in William T. Sherman's march to the sea and also the Atlanta campaign and was mustered out June 11, 1865. He was married in 1856, to Miss Esther York, of Marshall County, Ill., formerly of Bangor, Me. They have three children - Lillie E., married to Nelson Adams, a lawyer, of Larned; Willard S., a clerk in the United States Land Office at Larned and Charles at home. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. He has served as Deputy Sheriff of Pawnee County one term and one term as Sheriff. He has served as a member of the City Council of Larned one term."
In 1887, some of the surviving members of the 86th organized and held a reunion for the 86th in Peoria, Illinois during the week of August 27, 1887, the 25th anniversary of the mustering in of the 86th back in 1862. More than 130 veterans of the 86th, including Quartermaster Archibald Bracken, attended this reunion, which was such a success that it was decided to continue to hold these reunions as long as possible. At that first reunion, Archibald was one of seven members of the Field and Staff and six veterans of Co. B to attend, some of whom Archibald probably had not seen in years.
During the next few years, ever effort was made to locate all of the surviving members of the 86th and determine where the deceased veterans had died. For the next few years, the reunions continued to grow as more and more former veterans of the 86th were located and they continued to be held long into the 1900's, the last being held in 1923, when it was finally, tearfully decided that the reunion of 1923 would be the last earthly reunion as they were getting to old and too few to continue them any longer.
At some point in the 1880's, Archibald and Esther moved to Sedwick County, Kansas. In 1889, the surviving members of the 86th Illinois had a mailing address of Wichita, Kansas, which is the county seat for Sedgwick County. The next reunions that Quartermaster Archibald Bracken would attend were the reunions of 1889 and 1891. Fourteen members of old Co. B would attend the reunion of 1889, the most Co. B men that would attend any reunion through the years. In the 1899 reunion booklet, the following letter from Archibald Bracken was published. "I had expected to have been with you this year, but my health has been very bad for the past two months and will have to postpone it for another year, but hope that you may have a big attendance and that you may have a splendid time. I saw George Bordine today, he wanted to be remembered to all of his old comrades. J. P Parkhurst is here, sends his kindest regards to all. We are all getting along as well as could be expected for old folks like us. I also wish to be remembered by all my old comrades."
At the time of the 1900 census, Archibald and his family are found residing at what is then identified as 503 Hewitt Street in Ward 5 of the city of Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas. Archibald and Esther have been married 44 years and she is recorded as having had 6 children, only 3 of whom are living in 1900. Archibald is listed as being a Dealer in Hides;
Archibald Bracken Head M 71 Illinois
Esther Bracken Wife F 61 New York
Gladys B Bracken Granddaughter F 7 Oklahoma
Esther A. (__________) Bracken died on February 13, 1904, most likely in Sedgwick County. Her earthly remains were laid to rest in Section C, Lot 25 of the Maple Grove Cemetery in Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas, USA. Quartermaster Archibald Bracken finally made it to another reunion in 1905. The great distance to be traveled and the difficulty in making that trip in the last 1800's and early 1900's and his health undoubtedly playing a part in his inability to have attended more reunions through the years. During his trip here for the 1905 reunion, Archibald also attended the national encampment in Denver, Colorado and paid a visit to Henry, Illinois as well as his place of birth, Eureka, Illinois. The September 7, 1905 edition of the Henry Republican newspaper, of Henry, Illinois carried te following story about his visit to Illinois.
"Archibald Bracken, a former resident of Henry, but for many years a resident of our sister state Kansas, was here over Sunday renewing old acquaintances. He looks well for a veteran of 76 years. He came to the reunion of his regiment (the 86th) at Peoria last week and also to take in the national encampment in Denver. He also visited the home of his birth -- Eureka --took dinner in the house in which he saw the light of day, drank from the well which his father sunk, and plucked an apple from a tree planted before he was born. It pleased him greatly to visit the old home again in his old age."
That 1905 reunion would prove to be the last earthly reunion of the 86th that Archibald would be able to attend. Quartermaster Archibald Bracken would pass to his heavenly reward on Feb. 7, 1907 in Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas. His earthly remains were laid beside those of his wife of 40 years in the Maple Grove Cemetery. The February 14, 1907 edition of the Henry Republican carried the following obituary; "The Wichita (Kan.) Eagle of Feb 8, contains the following brief obituary of a former prominent citizen of Henry: A. Bracken of this city, died at 5:30 last night at Wichita hospital, where he was taken after a stroke of paralysis, with which he was stricken last Monday, and after which he never regained consciousness.
Mr. Bracken was born in Eureka, Ill., on June 21, 1829. He served four years during the Civil War in the Eighty-sixth Illinois volunteers in the capacity of Quartermaster. He had lived in Wichita since 1885, coming here from Larned, Kan. He was member of the West side Lodge, I.O.O.F.
Mr. Bracken is survived by three children. They are Dr Wellwood S. Bracken, of Chicago, Ill.; Mrs. L. B. Adams, of Lawrence, Kan. and C. H. Bracken of this city."
A writer for the Henry Republican added, "Archibald Bracken for many years was a resident of Henry, his property being that of Mrs. Sarah York, corner of Edward and Richard streets. His wife, now deceased, was a sister of Solomon York. He was prominent in public affairs, was city marshall for some years, was very generally held in esteem by all who knew him. He enlisted in the Eight-sixth Illinois regiment from here, joining a company with many others of his acquaintances of this section that helped to form the gallant Eight-sixth. He moved to Larned, Kansas in 1880 and a few years later moved to Wichita and engaged in the buying of hides and furs in which he was successful. He also dealt in real estate to some extent.
He was a man of good impulses, of integrity, genial in manner and companionable and lived to the ripe age of 77."
by Baxter B. Fite III and Steven Burke, a Great ___________ Grandson of Matthew Bracken, [email protected]
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of the Bracken family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on Quartermaster Archibald Bracken and the Bracken family. Baxter would also love to copies of any pictures of Archibald Bracken 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.)
Gravesite Details
Co B 86 Reg IL Vol Inf
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Records on Ancestry
Advertisement
