Private ADAM HOUSH, Co. F, 86th Illinois & Co. A, 14th Illinois Cavalry
Adam Housh was born c. 1816 in Washington County, Indiana, the son of George Peleg Housh and Mary Polly (Fleener) Housh. George Peleg Housh was born on April 24 or 25, 1788 in either Pennsylvania or just after the family moved to Bourbon County, Kentucky, the son of Adam Housh and Mary Becca (__________) Housh. George died on December 21, 1863 in Haw Creek Township in Knox County, Illinois. Mary Polly (Fleener) Housh was born on October 21, 1792/93 in Three Springs, Washington County, Virginia and died on October 26, 1854 in Haw Creek Township in Knox County, Illinois. George and Mary were married on June 17, 1811 in Washington County, Indiana. Adam Housh, the grandfather, was born c. 1756 and died on December __, 1824 in Putnam County, Indiana, while Mary Becca (__________) Housh was born c. 1768. The children of George Peleg Housh and Mary Polly (Fleener) Housh include;
1. John Irwin Housh, born ____________ __, 1812 in Washington, Indiana; died December 26, 1829 at ___________, ___________.
2. Adam Housh (III), born ___________ __, 1815/16 in Washington County, Indiana.
3. Nancy Housh, born 1818 in Washington, IN; married George Huffman on August 09, 1838 in Washington County, Indiana.
4. Melinda Housh, born March 17, 1821 in Washington County, Indiana; died July 09, 1867 in Knox County, Illinois; married Jacob Booth on September 19, 1844 in Knox County, Illinois.
5. Jacob Housh, born January 01, 1825; died December 22, 1900; married Sarah Ann Bailey Cook December 20, 1849 in Knox County, Illinois.
6. David Housh Jr., born ___________ __ 1828; married Catherine Booth on March 20, 1849 in Knox County, Illinois.
7. Thomas Housh, born December 25, 1829; died November 11, 1888; married Elizabeth Mowery February 23, 1851 in Knox County, Illinois.
8. Andrew Clinton Housh, born 1831; married Hannah Blakeslee February 12, 1857 in Knox Co., IL; Andrew is believed to be the C. C. Housh, who is listed in Co. C of the 17th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry; He is believed to have died while in the service on June 23, 1863; His place of burial is unknown.
9. John Erving Housh, born June 03, 1833; married Lovina Booth February 28, 1856 in Knox County, Illinois; John died on ____________ __, 1898 at ___________, ___________.
10. James D. Housh, born November 19, 1835/37; married Hannah Jones February 02, 1860 in Knox County, Illinois; served in Co. F of the 86th Illinois along with his older brother, Thomas Housh; James died on September 28, 1916 at ___________, Nebraska and his mortal remains buried in the Laurel Hill Cemetery in Neligh, Antelope County, Nebraska.
Shortly after they were married George Peleg Housh served in the War of 1812 and later served in the Black Hawk War of 1832. At the time of the 1830 census, George and Polly are found in Washington County, Indiana with 9 children under the age of 20. As the eldest child is already deceased by the time of the 1830 census, this means there are least three children missing from the above list of children, who were born before 1830.
Some members of the family believe that George and Polly brought their family west to Illinois in 1837. However, there is a G. P. Housh still residing in Monroe Township, Washington County, Indiana at the time of the 1840 census. This G. P. Housh has 11 living children in his household at that time.
George and Polly are known to have moved the family west to Illinois sometime before 1850, where they settled in what was to become Haw Creek Township in Knox County, Illinois. At the time of the 1850 census, the Housh family is found in Knox County, Illinois;
Household Gender Age Birthplace
George Housh M 59 Pennsylvania
Polly Housh F 56 Virginia
Thomas Housh M 20 Indiana
Andrew Housh M 19 Indiana
John Housh M 17 Indiana
James Housh M 14 Indiana
Polly Ann Roberson F 13 Indiana
Evaline Brown F 5 Indiana
Julia Brown F 5 Indiana
Mary Polly Fleener died on October 26, 1854 in Haw Creek Township in Knox County, Illinois. George died on December 21, 1863 in Haw Creek Township in Knox County, Illinois. Their mortal remains were laid in the Clark Chapel Cemetery near Maquon, Knox County, Illinois.
Now to continue with the biography of Adam Housh;
Adam Housh was married to Eliza Anderson on February 11, 1838 in Washington County, Indiana. Eliza was born c. 1823 in Indiana, the daughter of ____________ Anderson and Elizabeth (__________) Anderson.
The children known to have been born to Adam Housh and Eliza (Anderson) Housh include;
1. Elizabeth Housh, born c. 1839 in Washington County, Indiana. Elizabeth married Levi Wilson Nickerson on November 16, 1857 in Knoxville, Knox County, Illinois. Levi was born on September 28, 1837 in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio.
At the time of the 1860 census, Elizabeth and her family are found in Chestnut Township, Knox County, Illinois.
At the time of the 1870 census, Elizabeth and her family are found in Hartford, Todd County, Minnesota.
At the time of the 1880 census, Elizabeth and her family are found in Knoxville, Knox County, Illinois.
At the time of the 1900 census, Elizabeth and her family are found in Hartford, Todd County, Minnesota.
At the time of the 1910 census, Elizabeth and her family are found in Eagle Valley, Todd County, Minnesota.
Levi Wilson Nickerson died on April 26, 1911 in Todd County, Minnesota.
2. George P. Housh, born August 30, 1840 in Washington County, Indiana; died July 01, 1915 in Elmore, Peoria, IL; married Eliza Ann Gray on November 25, 1870.
3. Nancy J. Housh, born c. 1842.
4. Martha Ellen Housh, born c. 1844; married David McCoy on February 04, 1864 in Knox County, Illinois. Martha died on __________ __, 1885.
5. Sarah Melissa Housh, born c. 1847; married John Ingles on November 11, 1869 in Knox County, Illinois.
6. Valena Jincy (or Jency Philena) Housh, born c. 1849; died on January __, 1925; married Samuel Harding Stargel.
7. Amanda (or Arminda) Housh, born c. 1851.
8. Evaline Housh, born c. 1853; married George Fair and later __________ Heck.
9. Virginia R Housh (1853 - 1854)
10. Francis M Housh (1856 - 1856)
11. Harvey Marcellus Housh, born c. 1856; married Emma Harshburger.
12. Andrew Clinton Housh, born c. 1859; married Ann Gullet. Andrew died on ___________ __, 1923.
13. Marion Housh, born c. 1861.
14. Julia B. Housh, born c. 1864/5. Julia died on ___________ __, 1880.
15. Charles Housh, born c. 1868."
Adam and Eliza Housh are found in Knox County, Illinois are the time of the 1850 census;
Adam Housh M 34 Indiana
Eliza Housh F 26 Indiana
Elizabeth Housh F 11 Illinois
George Housh M 10 Illinois
Nancy Housh F 8 Illinois
Martha Housh F 6 Illinois
Sarah Housh F 3 Illinois
Jency Housh F 1 Illinois
Elizabeth Anderson F 50 Kentucky
In 1855, 1860, and 1865 (state and federal census records), the family seems to be in Maquon Twp. The 1860 federal census is as follows:
Adam Housh, 49, IN, Farmer
Eliza Housh, 38, IN
Elizabeth Housh, 22, IL
Nancy J. Housh, 17, IL
Martha E. Housh, 16, IL
Melissa Housh, 14, IL
Arminda Housh, 9, IL
Eveline Housh, 7, IL
Philena Housh, 12, IL
Marcellus Housh, 4, IL
Andrew Housh, 1, IL
On August 7, 1862, Adam Housh and three of his brothers went into Maquon, Illinois where they volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in Maquon, Illinois by a local Carpenter, Contractor and Businessman by the name of James L. Burhalter. At the time he enlisted, Adam gives his age as 40. However, this was definitely a lie, as he had to be about 46 years of age. Perhaps he was afraid if he told the truth, this might keep him from being able to serve. Thomas stated that he was 32 years of age, James apparently stated he was 25 years of age, which would place his year of birth at 1837, rather than 1832. Jacob was either 37 or 38.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name HOUSH, ADAM
Rank PVT Company F Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence MAQUON, KNOX CO, IL Age 40 Height 5' 9 Hair DARK
Eyes BLUE Complexion FAIR Marital Status MARRIED Occupation FARMER
Nativity WASHINGTON CO, IN
Service Record
Joined When AUG 7, 1862 Joined Where MAQUON, IL
Joined By Whom J L BURKHALTER 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 DISCHARGED FOR DISABILITY FEB 24, 1863 AT NASHVILLE TENN
When Burkhalter had about 100 volunteers, he led the Maquon company into Peoria, where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. There on August 27, 1862, Burkhalter and 93 of his volunteers, including now Privates Adam, Jacob, James and Thomas Housh were mustered into service as Co. F of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Burkhalter was elected by the men of Co. F to serve as their Captain.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois marched out of the gates of Camp Lyon, Capt. James L. Burkhalter proudly leading Co. F, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, and boarded a train bound for Camp Joe Holt at Jeffersonville, Indiana, which was located across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky.
Three weeks later, the men of the 85th & 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, in the Union army led by General Buell, who were in pursuit of Confederate troops under the command of General Braxton Bragg. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were briefly engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 85th & 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more in the coming years. Of the casualties in the 86th, one man was killed and 13 were wounded. There were no casualties reported from Co. F. After the Union victory at Perryville, the Confederate Army withdrew from Kentucky and McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, Tennessee, where they went into winter camp.
That first fall and winter in the field in Kentucky and Tennessee were extremely hard on the green troops. Even before the men of McCook's Brigade had left the Jeffersonville/Louisville area the men were were having health issues with the new diet and life style. When Buell's army left the Louisville, there were many soldiers left behind sick in the hospitals. After the Battle of Perryville and on the way to Nashville, still more sick soldiers were left behind sick in the hospitals at Bowling Green, Kentucky and Gallatin, Tennessee. During the winter of 1862/63 and spring of 1863, the hospitals in Nashville were full to overflowing with sick soldiers. Hundreds and hundreds of soldiers died during that first winter in Nashville, who today lie buried in the Nashville National Cemetery. Two of the soldiers believed to be having difficulty with their health during this time were Privates Adam and Thomas Housh.
Whatever their ailments, the doctors in Nashville were able to to little to improve their condition. The doctors in Nashville, finally decided that the best thing they could do for Adam Housh was to discharge him and send him home in hopes that with the help of family and some home cooking, he could regain his health. So, on February 24, 1863, Private Adam Housh was discharged for disability and sent home.
The doctors felt that Private Thomas Housh would be better off in a hospital in the north and he soon was on his way to the Soldiers Hospital in Quincy, Illinois. In March of 1863, the army doctors made the decision that whatever his ailment was, that he would be better off at home, too, so on April 1, 1863, 33 year old Private Thomas Housh was discharged from the service for disability and sent home as well. Whatever their ailments, Thomas and Adam did survive with the help of family and that home cooking. Ten days after he was discharged from the service, Thomas's wife, Elizabeth, gave birth to a son, who apparently named Ulyssea Grant M. Housh. It is not known whether Thomas made it home in time for his birth or not.
Of the four Housh brothers, James D. Housh was the only one who remained served out the entire war with the 86th. On February 5, 1864, Jacob Housh was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps because of health reasons. He is believed to have finished out the war in the V.R.C. However, 40 plus year old Adam Housh was not to be stopped from serving. He not only survived his ailment, but regained his health to the extent that he enlisted in the 14th Illinois Cavalry and somehow finished out the war with the 14th.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name HOUSH, ADAM
Rank PVT Company A Unit 14 IL US CAV
Personal Characteristics
Residence MAQUON, KNOX CO, IL Age 41 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 DEC 25, 1863 Joined Where MAQUON, IL
Joined By Whom LT HENDERSON Period 3 YRS
Muster In FEB 8, 1864 Muster In Where CAMP BUTLER, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out JUL 31, 1865
Muster Out Where PULASKI, TN Muster Out By Whom CPT JACKSON
Remarks N/A
As stated above, all four Housh brothers survived the war and by the end of June or July of 1865, they were all back home with their families in Knox County.
Adam and Eliza Housh are found in Knox County, Illinois at the time of the 1870 census;
Adam Housh M 54y Indiana
Eliza Housh F 47y Indiana
Nancy J Housh F 26y Illinois
Eveline Housh F 17y Illinois
Philena Housh F 20y Illinois
Arminda Housh F 18y Illinois
Marcellus Housh M 13y Illinois
Andrew C Housh M 10y Illinois
Marion Housh M 9y Illinois
Julia Housh F 5y Illinois
Charles Housh M 1y Illinois
Some in the family believed that Adam Housh died in Knox County, but, I now believe that sometime in the 1870's, Adam and Eliza moved west to Washington State, where they settled in Whitman County, Washington. Adam Housh died there on February 14, 1879. His earthly remains were then laid in th Mountainview Cemetery in Farmington, Whitman County, Washington.
Eliza (Anderson) Housh was then married to Jonathan J. Keeney on August 6, 1879 in Whitman County, Washington. At the time of the 1880 census, Jonathan and Eliza are found in Colfax City, Whitman County, Washington, where he is working as a Carpenter;
Self Jonathan Keeney M 54 Missouri
Wife Eliza Keeney F 56 Kentucky
Grandson Fred'K. Conrad M 9 Illinois
Son George Keeney M 18 Oregon
Son Dyke Keeney M 14 Oregon
Son Jacob Keeney M 10 Oregon
In the 1887 Washington State and Territorial Census the following is found;
J. Keeney, 60, Farmer, IN
Eliza Keeney, 62, Housekeeper, IN
Eliza (Anderson) Housh Keeney died on February 11, 1889 and her mortal remains were laid beside those of Adam Housh in the Mountain View Cemetery in Farmington, Whitman County, Washington. It is not known when Jonathan Keeney died at this time. At least one of his sons, Jonathan Jacob Keeney has a Find A Grave site in Washington State.
The surviving members of the 86th Illinois began holding reunions in 1887, the 25th anniversary of the mustering in of the regiment. During the next few years, the surviving members made every effort to discover what became of every man who had served in the 86th Illinois. The best the survivors could come up with about Private Adam Housh is that he had moved west shortly after the war and they believed that he died in Oregon about 1868.
by Baxter B. Fite III and Carol Dorward, of Washington, Illinois.
Adam Housh was born c. 1816 in Washington County, Indiana, the son of George Peleg Housh and Mary Polly (Fleener) Housh. George Peleg Housh was born on April 24 or 25, 1788 in either Pennsylvania or just after the family moved to Bourbon County, Kentucky, the son of Adam Housh and Mary Becca (__________) Housh. George died on December 21, 1863 in Haw Creek Township in Knox County, Illinois. Mary Polly (Fleener) Housh was born on October 21, 1792/93 in Three Springs, Washington County, Virginia and died on October 26, 1854 in Haw Creek Township in Knox County, Illinois. George and Mary were married on June 17, 1811 in Washington County, Indiana. Adam Housh, the grandfather, was born c. 1756 and died on December __, 1824 in Putnam County, Indiana, while Mary Becca (__________) Housh was born c. 1768. The children of George Peleg Housh and Mary Polly (Fleener) Housh include;
1. John Irwin Housh, born ____________ __, 1812 in Washington, Indiana; died December 26, 1829 at ___________, ___________.
2. Adam Housh (III), born ___________ __, 1815/16 in Washington County, Indiana.
3. Nancy Housh, born 1818 in Washington, IN; married George Huffman on August 09, 1838 in Washington County, Indiana.
4. Melinda Housh, born March 17, 1821 in Washington County, Indiana; died July 09, 1867 in Knox County, Illinois; married Jacob Booth on September 19, 1844 in Knox County, Illinois.
5. Jacob Housh, born January 01, 1825; died December 22, 1900; married Sarah Ann Bailey Cook December 20, 1849 in Knox County, Illinois.
6. David Housh Jr., born ___________ __ 1828; married Catherine Booth on March 20, 1849 in Knox County, Illinois.
7. Thomas Housh, born December 25, 1829; died November 11, 1888; married Elizabeth Mowery February 23, 1851 in Knox County, Illinois.
8. Andrew Clinton Housh, born 1831; married Hannah Blakeslee February 12, 1857 in Knox Co., IL; Andrew is believed to be the C. C. Housh, who is listed in Co. C of the 17th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry; He is believed to have died while in the service on June 23, 1863; His place of burial is unknown.
9. John Erving Housh, born June 03, 1833; married Lovina Booth February 28, 1856 in Knox County, Illinois; John died on ____________ __, 1898 at ___________, ___________.
10. James D. Housh, born November 19, 1835/37; married Hannah Jones February 02, 1860 in Knox County, Illinois; served in Co. F of the 86th Illinois along with his older brother, Thomas Housh; James died on September 28, 1916 at ___________, Nebraska and his mortal remains buried in the Laurel Hill Cemetery in Neligh, Antelope County, Nebraska.
Shortly after they were married George Peleg Housh served in the War of 1812 and later served in the Black Hawk War of 1832. At the time of the 1830 census, George and Polly are found in Washington County, Indiana with 9 children under the age of 20. As the eldest child is already deceased by the time of the 1830 census, this means there are least three children missing from the above list of children, who were born before 1830.
Some members of the family believe that George and Polly brought their family west to Illinois in 1837. However, there is a G. P. Housh still residing in Monroe Township, Washington County, Indiana at the time of the 1840 census. This G. P. Housh has 11 living children in his household at that time.
George and Polly are known to have moved the family west to Illinois sometime before 1850, where they settled in what was to become Haw Creek Township in Knox County, Illinois. At the time of the 1850 census, the Housh family is found in Knox County, Illinois;
Household Gender Age Birthplace
George Housh M 59 Pennsylvania
Polly Housh F 56 Virginia
Thomas Housh M 20 Indiana
Andrew Housh M 19 Indiana
John Housh M 17 Indiana
James Housh M 14 Indiana
Polly Ann Roberson F 13 Indiana
Evaline Brown F 5 Indiana
Julia Brown F 5 Indiana
Mary Polly Fleener died on October 26, 1854 in Haw Creek Township in Knox County, Illinois. George died on December 21, 1863 in Haw Creek Township in Knox County, Illinois. Their mortal remains were laid in the Clark Chapel Cemetery near Maquon, Knox County, Illinois.
Now to continue with the biography of Adam Housh;
Adam Housh was married to Eliza Anderson on February 11, 1838 in Washington County, Indiana. Eliza was born c. 1823 in Indiana, the daughter of ____________ Anderson and Elizabeth (__________) Anderson.
The children known to have been born to Adam Housh and Eliza (Anderson) Housh include;
1. Elizabeth Housh, born c. 1839 in Washington County, Indiana. Elizabeth married Levi Wilson Nickerson on November 16, 1857 in Knoxville, Knox County, Illinois. Levi was born on September 28, 1837 in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio.
At the time of the 1860 census, Elizabeth and her family are found in Chestnut Township, Knox County, Illinois.
At the time of the 1870 census, Elizabeth and her family are found in Hartford, Todd County, Minnesota.
At the time of the 1880 census, Elizabeth and her family are found in Knoxville, Knox County, Illinois.
At the time of the 1900 census, Elizabeth and her family are found in Hartford, Todd County, Minnesota.
At the time of the 1910 census, Elizabeth and her family are found in Eagle Valley, Todd County, Minnesota.
Levi Wilson Nickerson died on April 26, 1911 in Todd County, Minnesota.
2. George P. Housh, born August 30, 1840 in Washington County, Indiana; died July 01, 1915 in Elmore, Peoria, IL; married Eliza Ann Gray on November 25, 1870.
3. Nancy J. Housh, born c. 1842.
4. Martha Ellen Housh, born c. 1844; married David McCoy on February 04, 1864 in Knox County, Illinois. Martha died on __________ __, 1885.
5. Sarah Melissa Housh, born c. 1847; married John Ingles on November 11, 1869 in Knox County, Illinois.
6. Valena Jincy (or Jency Philena) Housh, born c. 1849; died on January __, 1925; married Samuel Harding Stargel.
7. Amanda (or Arminda) Housh, born c. 1851.
8. Evaline Housh, born c. 1853; married George Fair and later __________ Heck.
9. Virginia R Housh (1853 - 1854)
10. Francis M Housh (1856 - 1856)
11. Harvey Marcellus Housh, born c. 1856; married Emma Harshburger.
12. Andrew Clinton Housh, born c. 1859; married Ann Gullet. Andrew died on ___________ __, 1923.
13. Marion Housh, born c. 1861.
14. Julia B. Housh, born c. 1864/5. Julia died on ___________ __, 1880.
15. Charles Housh, born c. 1868."
Adam and Eliza Housh are found in Knox County, Illinois are the time of the 1850 census;
Adam Housh M 34 Indiana
Eliza Housh F 26 Indiana
Elizabeth Housh F 11 Illinois
George Housh M 10 Illinois
Nancy Housh F 8 Illinois
Martha Housh F 6 Illinois
Sarah Housh F 3 Illinois
Jency Housh F 1 Illinois
Elizabeth Anderson F 50 Kentucky
In 1855, 1860, and 1865 (state and federal census records), the family seems to be in Maquon Twp. The 1860 federal census is as follows:
Adam Housh, 49, IN, Farmer
Eliza Housh, 38, IN
Elizabeth Housh, 22, IL
Nancy J. Housh, 17, IL
Martha E. Housh, 16, IL
Melissa Housh, 14, IL
Arminda Housh, 9, IL
Eveline Housh, 7, IL
Philena Housh, 12, IL
Marcellus Housh, 4, IL
Andrew Housh, 1, IL
On August 7, 1862, Adam Housh and three of his brothers went into Maquon, Illinois where they volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in Maquon, Illinois by a local Carpenter, Contractor and Businessman by the name of James L. Burhalter. At the time he enlisted, Adam gives his age as 40. However, this was definitely a lie, as he had to be about 46 years of age. Perhaps he was afraid if he told the truth, this might keep him from being able to serve. Thomas stated that he was 32 years of age, James apparently stated he was 25 years of age, which would place his year of birth at 1837, rather than 1832. Jacob was either 37 or 38.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name HOUSH, ADAM
Rank PVT Company F Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence MAQUON, KNOX CO, IL Age 40 Height 5' 9 Hair DARK
Eyes BLUE Complexion FAIR Marital Status MARRIED Occupation FARMER
Nativity WASHINGTON CO, IN
Service Record
Joined When AUG 7, 1862 Joined Where MAQUON, IL
Joined By Whom J L BURKHALTER 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 DISCHARGED FOR DISABILITY FEB 24, 1863 AT NASHVILLE TENN
When Burkhalter had about 100 volunteers, he led the Maquon company into Peoria, where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. There on August 27, 1862, Burkhalter and 93 of his volunteers, including now Privates Adam, Jacob, James and Thomas Housh were mustered into service as Co. F of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Burkhalter was elected by the men of Co. F to serve as their Captain.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois marched out of the gates of Camp Lyon, Capt. James L. Burkhalter proudly leading Co. F, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, and boarded a train bound for Camp Joe Holt at Jeffersonville, Indiana, which was located across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky.
Three weeks later, the men of the 85th & 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, in the Union army led by General Buell, who were in pursuit of Confederate troops under the command of General Braxton Bragg. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were briefly engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 85th & 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more in the coming years. Of the casualties in the 86th, one man was killed and 13 were wounded. There were no casualties reported from Co. F. After the Union victory at Perryville, the Confederate Army withdrew from Kentucky and McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, Tennessee, where they went into winter camp.
That first fall and winter in the field in Kentucky and Tennessee were extremely hard on the green troops. Even before the men of McCook's Brigade had left the Jeffersonville/Louisville area the men were were having health issues with the new diet and life style. When Buell's army left the Louisville, there were many soldiers left behind sick in the hospitals. After the Battle of Perryville and on the way to Nashville, still more sick soldiers were left behind sick in the hospitals at Bowling Green, Kentucky and Gallatin, Tennessee. During the winter of 1862/63 and spring of 1863, the hospitals in Nashville were full to overflowing with sick soldiers. Hundreds and hundreds of soldiers died during that first winter in Nashville, who today lie buried in the Nashville National Cemetery. Two of the soldiers believed to be having difficulty with their health during this time were Privates Adam and Thomas Housh.
Whatever their ailments, the doctors in Nashville were able to to little to improve their condition. The doctors in Nashville, finally decided that the best thing they could do for Adam Housh was to discharge him and send him home in hopes that with the help of family and some home cooking, he could regain his health. So, on February 24, 1863, Private Adam Housh was discharged for disability and sent home.
The doctors felt that Private Thomas Housh would be better off in a hospital in the north and he soon was on his way to the Soldiers Hospital in Quincy, Illinois. In March of 1863, the army doctors made the decision that whatever his ailment was, that he would be better off at home, too, so on April 1, 1863, 33 year old Private Thomas Housh was discharged from the service for disability and sent home as well. Whatever their ailments, Thomas and Adam did survive with the help of family and that home cooking. Ten days after he was discharged from the service, Thomas's wife, Elizabeth, gave birth to a son, who apparently named Ulyssea Grant M. Housh. It is not known whether Thomas made it home in time for his birth or not.
Of the four Housh brothers, James D. Housh was the only one who remained served out the entire war with the 86th. On February 5, 1864, Jacob Housh was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps because of health reasons. He is believed to have finished out the war in the V.R.C. However, 40 plus year old Adam Housh was not to be stopped from serving. He not only survived his ailment, but regained his health to the extent that he enlisted in the 14th Illinois Cavalry and somehow finished out the war with the 14th.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name HOUSH, ADAM
Rank PVT Company A Unit 14 IL US CAV
Personal Characteristics
Residence MAQUON, KNOX CO, IL Age 41 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 DEC 25, 1863 Joined Where MAQUON, IL
Joined By Whom LT HENDERSON Period 3 YRS
Muster In FEB 8, 1864 Muster In Where CAMP BUTLER, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out JUL 31, 1865
Muster Out Where PULASKI, TN Muster Out By Whom CPT JACKSON
Remarks N/A
As stated above, all four Housh brothers survived the war and by the end of June or July of 1865, they were all back home with their families in Knox County.
Adam and Eliza Housh are found in Knox County, Illinois at the time of the 1870 census;
Adam Housh M 54y Indiana
Eliza Housh F 47y Indiana
Nancy J Housh F 26y Illinois
Eveline Housh F 17y Illinois
Philena Housh F 20y Illinois
Arminda Housh F 18y Illinois
Marcellus Housh M 13y Illinois
Andrew C Housh M 10y Illinois
Marion Housh M 9y Illinois
Julia Housh F 5y Illinois
Charles Housh M 1y Illinois
Some in the family believed that Adam Housh died in Knox County, but, I now believe that sometime in the 1870's, Adam and Eliza moved west to Washington State, where they settled in Whitman County, Washington. Adam Housh died there on February 14, 1879. His earthly remains were then laid in th Mountainview Cemetery in Farmington, Whitman County, Washington.
Eliza (Anderson) Housh was then married to Jonathan J. Keeney on August 6, 1879 in Whitman County, Washington. At the time of the 1880 census, Jonathan and Eliza are found in Colfax City, Whitman County, Washington, where he is working as a Carpenter;
Self Jonathan Keeney M 54 Missouri
Wife Eliza Keeney F 56 Kentucky
Grandson Fred'K. Conrad M 9 Illinois
Son George Keeney M 18 Oregon
Son Dyke Keeney M 14 Oregon
Son Jacob Keeney M 10 Oregon
In the 1887 Washington State and Territorial Census the following is found;
J. Keeney, 60, Farmer, IN
Eliza Keeney, 62, Housekeeper, IN
Eliza (Anderson) Housh Keeney died on February 11, 1889 and her mortal remains were laid beside those of Adam Housh in the Mountain View Cemetery in Farmington, Whitman County, Washington. It is not known when Jonathan Keeney died at this time. At least one of his sons, Jonathan Jacob Keeney has a Find A Grave site in Washington State.
The surviving members of the 86th Illinois began holding reunions in 1887, the 25th anniversary of the mustering in of the regiment. During the next few years, the surviving members made every effort to discover what became of every man who had served in the 86th Illinois. The best the survivors could come up with about Private Adam Housh is that he had moved west shortly after the war and they believed that he died in Oregon about 1868.
by Baxter B. Fite III and Carol Dorward, of Washington, Illinois.
Private ADAM HOUSH, Co. F, 86th Illinois & Co. A, 14th Illinois Cavalry
Adam Housh was born c. 1816 in Washington County, Indiana, the son of George Peleg Housh and Mary Polly (Fleener) Housh. George Peleg Housh was born on April 24 or 25, 1788 in either Pennsylvania or just after the family moved to Bourbon County, Kentucky, the son of Adam Housh and Mary Becca (__________) Housh. George died on December 21, 1863 in Haw Creek Township in Knox County, Illinois. Mary Polly (Fleener) Housh was born on October 21, 1792/93 in Three Springs, Washington County, Virginia and died on October 26, 1854 in Haw Creek Township in Knox County, Illinois. George and Mary were married on June 17, 1811 in Washington County, Indiana. Adam Housh, the grandfather, was born c. 1756 and died on December __, 1824 in Putnam County, Indiana, while Mary Becca (__________) Housh was born c. 1768. The children of George Peleg Housh and Mary Polly (Fleener) Housh include;
1. John Irwin Housh, born ____________ __, 1812 in Washington, Indiana; died December 26, 1829 at ___________, ___________.
2. Adam Housh (III), born ___________ __, 1815/16 in Washington County, Indiana.
3. Nancy Housh, born 1818 in Washington, IN; married George Huffman on August 09, 1838 in Washington County, Indiana.
4. Melinda Housh, born March 17, 1821 in Washington County, Indiana; died July 09, 1867 in Knox County, Illinois; married Jacob Booth on September 19, 1844 in Knox County, Illinois.
5. Jacob Housh, born January 01, 1825; died December 22, 1900; married Sarah Ann Bailey Cook December 20, 1849 in Knox County, Illinois.
6. David Housh Jr., born ___________ __ 1828; married Catherine Booth on March 20, 1849 in Knox County, Illinois.
7. Thomas Housh, born December 25, 1829; died November 11, 1888; married Elizabeth Mowery February 23, 1851 in Knox County, Illinois.
8. Andrew Clinton Housh, born 1831; married Hannah Blakeslee February 12, 1857 in Knox Co., IL; Andrew is believed to be the C. C. Housh, who is listed in Co. C of the 17th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry; He is believed to have died while in the service on June 23, 1863; His place of burial is unknown.
9. John Erving Housh, born June 03, 1833; married Lovina Booth February 28, 1856 in Knox County, Illinois; John died on ____________ __, 1898 at ___________, ___________.
10. James D. Housh, born November 19, 1835/37; married Hannah Jones February 02, 1860 in Knox County, Illinois; served in Co. F of the 86th Illinois along with his older brother, Thomas Housh; James died on September 28, 1916 at ___________, Nebraska and his mortal remains buried in the Laurel Hill Cemetery in Neligh, Antelope County, Nebraska.
Shortly after they were married George Peleg Housh served in the War of 1812 and later served in the Black Hawk War of 1832. At the time of the 1830 census, George and Polly are found in Washington County, Indiana with 9 children under the age of 20. As the eldest child is already deceased by the time of the 1830 census, this means there are least three children missing from the above list of children, who were born before 1830.
Some members of the family believe that George and Polly brought their family west to Illinois in 1837. However, there is a G. P. Housh still residing in Monroe Township, Washington County, Indiana at the time of the 1840 census. This G. P. Housh has 11 living children in his household at that time.
George and Polly are known to have moved the family west to Illinois sometime before 1850, where they settled in what was to become Haw Creek Township in Knox County, Illinois. At the time of the 1850 census, the Housh family is found in Knox County, Illinois;
Household Gender Age Birthplace
George Housh M 59 Pennsylvania
Polly Housh F 56 Virginia
Thomas Housh M 20 Indiana
Andrew Housh M 19 Indiana
John Housh M 17 Indiana
James Housh M 14 Indiana
Polly Ann Roberson F 13 Indiana
Evaline Brown F 5 Indiana
Julia Brown F 5 Indiana
Mary Polly Fleener died on October 26, 1854 in Haw Creek Township in Knox County, Illinois. George died on December 21, 1863 in Haw Creek Township in Knox County, Illinois. Their mortal remains were laid in the Clark Chapel Cemetery near Maquon, Knox County, Illinois.
Now to continue with the biography of Adam Housh;
Adam Housh was married to Eliza Anderson on February 11, 1838 in Washington County, Indiana. Eliza was born c. 1823 in Indiana, the daughter of ____________ Anderson and Elizabeth (__________) Anderson.
The children known to have been born to Adam Housh and Eliza (Anderson) Housh include;
1. Elizabeth Housh, born c. 1839 in Washington County, Indiana. Elizabeth married Levi Wilson Nickerson on November 16, 1857 in Knoxville, Knox County, Illinois. Levi was born on September 28, 1837 in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio.
At the time of the 1860 census, Elizabeth and her family are found in Chestnut Township, Knox County, Illinois.
At the time of the 1870 census, Elizabeth and her family are found in Hartford, Todd County, Minnesota.
At the time of the 1880 census, Elizabeth and her family are found in Knoxville, Knox County, Illinois.
At the time of the 1900 census, Elizabeth and her family are found in Hartford, Todd County, Minnesota.
At the time of the 1910 census, Elizabeth and her family are found in Eagle Valley, Todd County, Minnesota.
Levi Wilson Nickerson died on April 26, 1911 in Todd County, Minnesota.
2. George P. Housh, born August 30, 1840 in Washington County, Indiana; died July 01, 1915 in Elmore, Peoria, IL; married Eliza Ann Gray on November 25, 1870.
3. Nancy J. Housh, born c. 1842.
4. Martha Ellen Housh, born c. 1844; married David McCoy on February 04, 1864 in Knox County, Illinois. Martha died on __________ __, 1885.
5. Sarah Melissa Housh, born c. 1847; married John Ingles on November 11, 1869 in Knox County, Illinois.
6. Valena Jincy (or Jency Philena) Housh, born c. 1849; died on January __, 1925; married Samuel Harding Stargel.
7. Amanda (or Arminda) Housh, born c. 1851.
8. Evaline Housh, born c. 1853; married George Fair and later __________ Heck.
9. Virginia R Housh (1853 - 1854)
10. Francis M Housh (1856 - 1856)
11. Harvey Marcellus Housh, born c. 1856; married Emma Harshburger.
12. Andrew Clinton Housh, born c. 1859; married Ann Gullet. Andrew died on ___________ __, 1923.
13. Marion Housh, born c. 1861.
14. Julia B. Housh, born c. 1864/5. Julia died on ___________ __, 1880.
15. Charles Housh, born c. 1868."
Adam and Eliza Housh are found in Knox County, Illinois are the time of the 1850 census;
Adam Housh M 34 Indiana
Eliza Housh F 26 Indiana
Elizabeth Housh F 11 Illinois
George Housh M 10 Illinois
Nancy Housh F 8 Illinois
Martha Housh F 6 Illinois
Sarah Housh F 3 Illinois
Jency Housh F 1 Illinois
Elizabeth Anderson F 50 Kentucky
In 1855, 1860, and 1865 (state and federal census records), the family seems to be in Maquon Twp. The 1860 federal census is as follows:
Adam Housh, 49, IN, Farmer
Eliza Housh, 38, IN
Elizabeth Housh, 22, IL
Nancy J. Housh, 17, IL
Martha E. Housh, 16, IL
Melissa Housh, 14, IL
Arminda Housh, 9, IL
Eveline Housh, 7, IL
Philena Housh, 12, IL
Marcellus Housh, 4, IL
Andrew Housh, 1, IL
On August 7, 1862, Adam Housh and three of his brothers went into Maquon, Illinois where they volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in Maquon, Illinois by a local Carpenter, Contractor and Businessman by the name of James L. Burhalter. At the time he enlisted, Adam gives his age as 40. However, this was definitely a lie, as he had to be about 46 years of age. Perhaps he was afraid if he told the truth, this might keep him from being able to serve. Thomas stated that he was 32 years of age, James apparently stated he was 25 years of age, which would place his year of birth at 1837, rather than 1832. Jacob was either 37 or 38.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name HOUSH, ADAM
Rank PVT Company F Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence MAQUON, KNOX CO, IL Age 40 Height 5' 9 Hair DARK
Eyes BLUE Complexion FAIR Marital Status MARRIED Occupation FARMER
Nativity WASHINGTON CO, IN
Service Record
Joined When AUG 7, 1862 Joined Where MAQUON, IL
Joined By Whom J L BURKHALTER 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 DISCHARGED FOR DISABILITY FEB 24, 1863 AT NASHVILLE TENN
When Burkhalter had about 100 volunteers, he led the Maquon company into Peoria, where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. There on August 27, 1862, Burkhalter and 93 of his volunteers, including now Privates Adam, Jacob, James and Thomas Housh were mustered into service as Co. F of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Burkhalter was elected by the men of Co. F to serve as their Captain.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois marched out of the gates of Camp Lyon, Capt. James L. Burkhalter proudly leading Co. F, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, and boarded a train bound for Camp Joe Holt at Jeffersonville, Indiana, which was located across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky.
Three weeks later, the men of the 85th & 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, in the Union army led by General Buell, who were in pursuit of Confederate troops under the command of General Braxton Bragg. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were briefly engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 85th & 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more in the coming years. Of the casualties in the 86th, one man was killed and 13 were wounded. There were no casualties reported from Co. F. After the Union victory at Perryville, the Confederate Army withdrew from Kentucky and McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, Tennessee, where they went into winter camp.
That first fall and winter in the field in Kentucky and Tennessee were extremely hard on the green troops. Even before the men of McCook's Brigade had left the Jeffersonville/Louisville area the men were were having health issues with the new diet and life style. When Buell's army left the Louisville, there were many soldiers left behind sick in the hospitals. After the Battle of Perryville and on the way to Nashville, still more sick soldiers were left behind sick in the hospitals at Bowling Green, Kentucky and Gallatin, Tennessee. During the winter of 1862/63 and spring of 1863, the hospitals in Nashville were full to overflowing with sick soldiers. Hundreds and hundreds of soldiers died during that first winter in Nashville, who today lie buried in the Nashville National Cemetery. Two of the soldiers believed to be having difficulty with their health during this time were Privates Adam and Thomas Housh.
Whatever their ailments, the doctors in Nashville were able to to little to improve their condition. The doctors in Nashville, finally decided that the best thing they could do for Adam Housh was to discharge him and send him home in hopes that with the help of family and some home cooking, he could regain his health. So, on February 24, 1863, Private Adam Housh was discharged for disability and sent home.
The doctors felt that Private Thomas Housh would be better off in a hospital in the north and he soon was on his way to the Soldiers Hospital in Quincy, Illinois. In March of 1863, the army doctors made the decision that whatever his ailment was, that he would be better off at home, too, so on April 1, 1863, 33 year old Private Thomas Housh was discharged from the service for disability and sent home as well. Whatever their ailments, Thomas and Adam did survive with the help of family and that home cooking. Ten days after he was discharged from the service, Thomas's wife, Elizabeth, gave birth to a son, who apparently named Ulyssea Grant M. Housh. It is not known whether Thomas made it home in time for his birth or not.
Of the four Housh brothers, James D. Housh was the only one who remained served out the entire war with the 86th. On February 5, 1864, Jacob Housh was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps because of health reasons. He is believed to have finished out the war in the V.R.C. However, 40 plus year old Adam Housh was not to be stopped from serving. He not only survived his ailment, but regained his health to the extent that he enlisted in the 14th Illinois Cavalry and somehow finished out the war with the 14th.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name HOUSH, ADAM
Rank PVT Company A Unit 14 IL US CAV
Personal Characteristics
Residence MAQUON, KNOX CO, IL Age 41 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 DEC 25, 1863 Joined Where MAQUON, IL
Joined By Whom LT HENDERSON Period 3 YRS
Muster In FEB 8, 1864 Muster In Where CAMP BUTLER, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out JUL 31, 1865
Muster Out Where PULASKI, TN Muster Out By Whom CPT JACKSON
Remarks N/A
As stated above, all four Housh brothers survived the war and by the end of June or July of 1865, they were all back home with their families in Knox County.
Adam and Eliza Housh are found in Knox County, Illinois at the time of the 1870 census;
Adam Housh M 54y Indiana
Eliza Housh F 47y Indiana
Nancy J Housh F 26y Illinois
Eveline Housh F 17y Illinois
Philena Housh F 20y Illinois
Arminda Housh F 18y Illinois
Marcellus Housh M 13y Illinois
Andrew C Housh M 10y Illinois
Marion Housh M 9y Illinois
Julia Housh F 5y Illinois
Charles Housh M 1y Illinois
Some in the family believed that Adam Housh died in Knox County, but, I now believe that sometime in the 1870's, Adam and Eliza moved west to Washington State, where they settled in Whitman County, Washington. Adam Housh died there on February 14, 1879. His earthly remains were then laid in th Mountainview Cemetery in Farmington, Whitman County, Washington.
Eliza (Anderson) Housh was then married to Jonathan J. Keeney on August 6, 1879 in Whitman County, Washington. At the time of the 1880 census, Jonathan and Eliza are found in Colfax City, Whitman County, Washington, where he is working as a Carpenter;
Self Jonathan Keeney M 54 Missouri
Wife Eliza Keeney F 56 Kentucky
Grandson Fred'K. Conrad M 9 Illinois
Son George Keeney M 18 Oregon
Son Dyke Keeney M 14 Oregon
Son Jacob Keeney M 10 Oregon
In the 1887 Washington State and Territorial Census the following is found;
J. Keeney, 60, Farmer, IN
Eliza Keeney, 62, Housekeeper, IN
Eliza (Anderson) Housh Keeney died on February 11, 1889 and her mortal remains were laid beside those of Adam Housh in the Mountain View Cemetery in Farmington, Whitman County, Washington. It is not known when Jonathan Keeney died at this time. At least one of his sons, Jonathan Jacob Keeney has a Find A Grave site in Washington State.
The surviving members of the 86th Illinois began holding reunions in 1887, the 25th anniversary of the mustering in of the regiment. During the next few years, the surviving members made every effort to discover what became of every man who had served in the 86th Illinois. The best the survivors could come up with about Private Adam Housh is that he had moved west shortly after the war and they believed that he died in Oregon about 1868.
by Baxter B. Fite III and Carol Dorward, of Washington, Illinois.
Adam Housh was born c. 1816 in Washington County, Indiana, the son of George Peleg Housh and Mary Polly (Fleener) Housh. George Peleg Housh was born on April 24 or 25, 1788 in either Pennsylvania or just after the family moved to Bourbon County, Kentucky, the son of Adam Housh and Mary Becca (__________) Housh. George died on December 21, 1863 in Haw Creek Township in Knox County, Illinois. Mary Polly (Fleener) Housh was born on October 21, 1792/93 in Three Springs, Washington County, Virginia and died on October 26, 1854 in Haw Creek Township in Knox County, Illinois. George and Mary were married on June 17, 1811 in Washington County, Indiana. Adam Housh, the grandfather, was born c. 1756 and died on December __, 1824 in Putnam County, Indiana, while Mary Becca (__________) Housh was born c. 1768. The children of George Peleg Housh and Mary Polly (Fleener) Housh include;
1. John Irwin Housh, born ____________ __, 1812 in Washington, Indiana; died December 26, 1829 at ___________, ___________.
2. Adam Housh (III), born ___________ __, 1815/16 in Washington County, Indiana.
3. Nancy Housh, born 1818 in Washington, IN; married George Huffman on August 09, 1838 in Washington County, Indiana.
4. Melinda Housh, born March 17, 1821 in Washington County, Indiana; died July 09, 1867 in Knox County, Illinois; married Jacob Booth on September 19, 1844 in Knox County, Illinois.
5. Jacob Housh, born January 01, 1825; died December 22, 1900; married Sarah Ann Bailey Cook December 20, 1849 in Knox County, Illinois.
6. David Housh Jr., born ___________ __ 1828; married Catherine Booth on March 20, 1849 in Knox County, Illinois.
7. Thomas Housh, born December 25, 1829; died November 11, 1888; married Elizabeth Mowery February 23, 1851 in Knox County, Illinois.
8. Andrew Clinton Housh, born 1831; married Hannah Blakeslee February 12, 1857 in Knox Co., IL; Andrew is believed to be the C. C. Housh, who is listed in Co. C of the 17th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry; He is believed to have died while in the service on June 23, 1863; His place of burial is unknown.
9. John Erving Housh, born June 03, 1833; married Lovina Booth February 28, 1856 in Knox County, Illinois; John died on ____________ __, 1898 at ___________, ___________.
10. James D. Housh, born November 19, 1835/37; married Hannah Jones February 02, 1860 in Knox County, Illinois; served in Co. F of the 86th Illinois along with his older brother, Thomas Housh; James died on September 28, 1916 at ___________, Nebraska and his mortal remains buried in the Laurel Hill Cemetery in Neligh, Antelope County, Nebraska.
Shortly after they were married George Peleg Housh served in the War of 1812 and later served in the Black Hawk War of 1832. At the time of the 1830 census, George and Polly are found in Washington County, Indiana with 9 children under the age of 20. As the eldest child is already deceased by the time of the 1830 census, this means there are least three children missing from the above list of children, who were born before 1830.
Some members of the family believe that George and Polly brought their family west to Illinois in 1837. However, there is a G. P. Housh still residing in Monroe Township, Washington County, Indiana at the time of the 1840 census. This G. P. Housh has 11 living children in his household at that time.
George and Polly are known to have moved the family west to Illinois sometime before 1850, where they settled in what was to become Haw Creek Township in Knox County, Illinois. At the time of the 1850 census, the Housh family is found in Knox County, Illinois;
Household Gender Age Birthplace
George Housh M 59 Pennsylvania
Polly Housh F 56 Virginia
Thomas Housh M 20 Indiana
Andrew Housh M 19 Indiana
John Housh M 17 Indiana
James Housh M 14 Indiana
Polly Ann Roberson F 13 Indiana
Evaline Brown F 5 Indiana
Julia Brown F 5 Indiana
Mary Polly Fleener died on October 26, 1854 in Haw Creek Township in Knox County, Illinois. George died on December 21, 1863 in Haw Creek Township in Knox County, Illinois. Their mortal remains were laid in the Clark Chapel Cemetery near Maquon, Knox County, Illinois.
Now to continue with the biography of Adam Housh;
Adam Housh was married to Eliza Anderson on February 11, 1838 in Washington County, Indiana. Eliza was born c. 1823 in Indiana, the daughter of ____________ Anderson and Elizabeth (__________) Anderson.
The children known to have been born to Adam Housh and Eliza (Anderson) Housh include;
1. Elizabeth Housh, born c. 1839 in Washington County, Indiana. Elizabeth married Levi Wilson Nickerson on November 16, 1857 in Knoxville, Knox County, Illinois. Levi was born on September 28, 1837 in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio.
At the time of the 1860 census, Elizabeth and her family are found in Chestnut Township, Knox County, Illinois.
At the time of the 1870 census, Elizabeth and her family are found in Hartford, Todd County, Minnesota.
At the time of the 1880 census, Elizabeth and her family are found in Knoxville, Knox County, Illinois.
At the time of the 1900 census, Elizabeth and her family are found in Hartford, Todd County, Minnesota.
At the time of the 1910 census, Elizabeth and her family are found in Eagle Valley, Todd County, Minnesota.
Levi Wilson Nickerson died on April 26, 1911 in Todd County, Minnesota.
2. George P. Housh, born August 30, 1840 in Washington County, Indiana; died July 01, 1915 in Elmore, Peoria, IL; married Eliza Ann Gray on November 25, 1870.
3. Nancy J. Housh, born c. 1842.
4. Martha Ellen Housh, born c. 1844; married David McCoy on February 04, 1864 in Knox County, Illinois. Martha died on __________ __, 1885.
5. Sarah Melissa Housh, born c. 1847; married John Ingles on November 11, 1869 in Knox County, Illinois.
6. Valena Jincy (or Jency Philena) Housh, born c. 1849; died on January __, 1925; married Samuel Harding Stargel.
7. Amanda (or Arminda) Housh, born c. 1851.
8. Evaline Housh, born c. 1853; married George Fair and later __________ Heck.
9. Virginia R Housh (1853 - 1854)
10. Francis M Housh (1856 - 1856)
11. Harvey Marcellus Housh, born c. 1856; married Emma Harshburger.
12. Andrew Clinton Housh, born c. 1859; married Ann Gullet. Andrew died on ___________ __, 1923.
13. Marion Housh, born c. 1861.
14. Julia B. Housh, born c. 1864/5. Julia died on ___________ __, 1880.
15. Charles Housh, born c. 1868."
Adam and Eliza Housh are found in Knox County, Illinois are the time of the 1850 census;
Adam Housh M 34 Indiana
Eliza Housh F 26 Indiana
Elizabeth Housh F 11 Illinois
George Housh M 10 Illinois
Nancy Housh F 8 Illinois
Martha Housh F 6 Illinois
Sarah Housh F 3 Illinois
Jency Housh F 1 Illinois
Elizabeth Anderson F 50 Kentucky
In 1855, 1860, and 1865 (state and federal census records), the family seems to be in Maquon Twp. The 1860 federal census is as follows:
Adam Housh, 49, IN, Farmer
Eliza Housh, 38, IN
Elizabeth Housh, 22, IL
Nancy J. Housh, 17, IL
Martha E. Housh, 16, IL
Melissa Housh, 14, IL
Arminda Housh, 9, IL
Eveline Housh, 7, IL
Philena Housh, 12, IL
Marcellus Housh, 4, IL
Andrew Housh, 1, IL
On August 7, 1862, Adam Housh and three of his brothers went into Maquon, Illinois where they volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in Maquon, Illinois by a local Carpenter, Contractor and Businessman by the name of James L. Burhalter. At the time he enlisted, Adam gives his age as 40. However, this was definitely a lie, as he had to be about 46 years of age. Perhaps he was afraid if he told the truth, this might keep him from being able to serve. Thomas stated that he was 32 years of age, James apparently stated he was 25 years of age, which would place his year of birth at 1837, rather than 1832. Jacob was either 37 or 38.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name HOUSH, ADAM
Rank PVT Company F Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence MAQUON, KNOX CO, IL Age 40 Height 5' 9 Hair DARK
Eyes BLUE Complexion FAIR Marital Status MARRIED Occupation FARMER
Nativity WASHINGTON CO, IN
Service Record
Joined When AUG 7, 1862 Joined Where MAQUON, IL
Joined By Whom J L BURKHALTER 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 DISCHARGED FOR DISABILITY FEB 24, 1863 AT NASHVILLE TENN
When Burkhalter had about 100 volunteers, he led the Maquon company into Peoria, where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. There on August 27, 1862, Burkhalter and 93 of his volunteers, including now Privates Adam, Jacob, James and Thomas Housh were mustered into service as Co. F of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Burkhalter was elected by the men of Co. F to serve as their Captain.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois marched out of the gates of Camp Lyon, Capt. James L. Burkhalter proudly leading Co. F, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, and boarded a train bound for Camp Joe Holt at Jeffersonville, Indiana, which was located across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky.
Three weeks later, the men of the 85th & 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, in the Union army led by General Buell, who were in pursuit of Confederate troops under the command of General Braxton Bragg. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were briefly engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 85th & 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more in the coming years. Of the casualties in the 86th, one man was killed and 13 were wounded. There were no casualties reported from Co. F. After the Union victory at Perryville, the Confederate Army withdrew from Kentucky and McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, Tennessee, where they went into winter camp.
That first fall and winter in the field in Kentucky and Tennessee were extremely hard on the green troops. Even before the men of McCook's Brigade had left the Jeffersonville/Louisville area the men were were having health issues with the new diet and life style. When Buell's army left the Louisville, there were many soldiers left behind sick in the hospitals. After the Battle of Perryville and on the way to Nashville, still more sick soldiers were left behind sick in the hospitals at Bowling Green, Kentucky and Gallatin, Tennessee. During the winter of 1862/63 and spring of 1863, the hospitals in Nashville were full to overflowing with sick soldiers. Hundreds and hundreds of soldiers died during that first winter in Nashville, who today lie buried in the Nashville National Cemetery. Two of the soldiers believed to be having difficulty with their health during this time were Privates Adam and Thomas Housh.
Whatever their ailments, the doctors in Nashville were able to to little to improve their condition. The doctors in Nashville, finally decided that the best thing they could do for Adam Housh was to discharge him and send him home in hopes that with the help of family and some home cooking, he could regain his health. So, on February 24, 1863, Private Adam Housh was discharged for disability and sent home.
The doctors felt that Private Thomas Housh would be better off in a hospital in the north and he soon was on his way to the Soldiers Hospital in Quincy, Illinois. In March of 1863, the army doctors made the decision that whatever his ailment was, that he would be better off at home, too, so on April 1, 1863, 33 year old Private Thomas Housh was discharged from the service for disability and sent home as well. Whatever their ailments, Thomas and Adam did survive with the help of family and that home cooking. Ten days after he was discharged from the service, Thomas's wife, Elizabeth, gave birth to a son, who apparently named Ulyssea Grant M. Housh. It is not known whether Thomas made it home in time for his birth or not.
Of the four Housh brothers, James D. Housh was the only one who remained served out the entire war with the 86th. On February 5, 1864, Jacob Housh was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps because of health reasons. He is believed to have finished out the war in the V.R.C. However, 40 plus year old Adam Housh was not to be stopped from serving. He not only survived his ailment, but regained his health to the extent that he enlisted in the 14th Illinois Cavalry and somehow finished out the war with the 14th.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name HOUSH, ADAM
Rank PVT Company A Unit 14 IL US CAV
Personal Characteristics
Residence MAQUON, KNOX CO, IL Age 41 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 DEC 25, 1863 Joined Where MAQUON, IL
Joined By Whom LT HENDERSON Period 3 YRS
Muster In FEB 8, 1864 Muster In Where CAMP BUTLER, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out JUL 31, 1865
Muster Out Where PULASKI, TN Muster Out By Whom CPT JACKSON
Remarks N/A
As stated above, all four Housh brothers survived the war and by the end of June or July of 1865, they were all back home with their families in Knox County.
Adam and Eliza Housh are found in Knox County, Illinois at the time of the 1870 census;
Adam Housh M 54y Indiana
Eliza Housh F 47y Indiana
Nancy J Housh F 26y Illinois
Eveline Housh F 17y Illinois
Philena Housh F 20y Illinois
Arminda Housh F 18y Illinois
Marcellus Housh M 13y Illinois
Andrew C Housh M 10y Illinois
Marion Housh M 9y Illinois
Julia Housh F 5y Illinois
Charles Housh M 1y Illinois
Some in the family believed that Adam Housh died in Knox County, but, I now believe that sometime in the 1870's, Adam and Eliza moved west to Washington State, where they settled in Whitman County, Washington. Adam Housh died there on February 14, 1879. His earthly remains were then laid in th Mountainview Cemetery in Farmington, Whitman County, Washington.
Eliza (Anderson) Housh was then married to Jonathan J. Keeney on August 6, 1879 in Whitman County, Washington. At the time of the 1880 census, Jonathan and Eliza are found in Colfax City, Whitman County, Washington, where he is working as a Carpenter;
Self Jonathan Keeney M 54 Missouri
Wife Eliza Keeney F 56 Kentucky
Grandson Fred'K. Conrad M 9 Illinois
Son George Keeney M 18 Oregon
Son Dyke Keeney M 14 Oregon
Son Jacob Keeney M 10 Oregon
In the 1887 Washington State and Territorial Census the following is found;
J. Keeney, 60, Farmer, IN
Eliza Keeney, 62, Housekeeper, IN
Eliza (Anderson) Housh Keeney died on February 11, 1889 and her mortal remains were laid beside those of Adam Housh in the Mountain View Cemetery in Farmington, Whitman County, Washington. It is not known when Jonathan Keeney died at this time. At least one of his sons, Jonathan Jacob Keeney has a Find A Grave site in Washington State.
The surviving members of the 86th Illinois began holding reunions in 1887, the 25th anniversary of the mustering in of the regiment. During the next few years, the surviving members made every effort to discover what became of every man who had served in the 86th Illinois. The best the survivors could come up with about Private Adam Housh is that he had moved west shortly after the war and they believed that he died in Oregon about 1868.
by Baxter B. Fite III and Carol Dorward, of Washington, Illinois.
Gravesite Details
On stone with Eliza Housh Keeney.
Family Members
Siblings
Advertisement
Records on Ancestry
Advertisement
