Corporal JONATHAN "JOHN" DECKER, Co. D, 86th Illinois
John Decker was born c. 1823 in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, the son of Michael Decker (1799-1880) and Maria (Glazier) Decker (1804-1860). John Decker may have had the middle name Henry. His son's death certificate, that of Isaac T. Decker, gives his father's name as John Henry Decker.
Michael Decker was the son of Nicholas Decker, who died felling trees in Oneida Township, Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania in 1812. Not a lot is known about our Michael Decker at this time. Michael Decker is not the Michael Decker, who was married to Barbara ______________ during this same period in Pennsylvania.
Michael Decker was married to Maria Glazier c. 18__ in ____________ County, Pennsylvania. Connie believes that our Michael Decker is the "Michael Decker who died the same year as the above but our guy died October 8, 1880 in the Longfellow area (railroad area). I found a newspaper article in the New Bloomfield Newspaper dated October 12, 1880. This area was near the Rev. Andrew W. Decker who appears to be his son. I have a big mystery here. In the J. Simpson Africa publication it says "Michael Decker moved to his abode near McVeystown, Pa". I have tracked down that he may have gone there after sometime after 1850. I have Michael Decker in Potter Township, Huntingdon County on the 1821 Septennial Census, 1830 he is in Henderson Twp., Huntingdon, 1840 he is in Walker Twp., Huntingdon Twp. but in 1850 he is under Henry Decker with wife Maria."
Here is what is believed to be the family of Michael Decker, though he is listed here as Henry, in the 1850 census in Walker, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania;
Henry Decker M 57 Pennsylvania
Maria Decker F 46 Pennsylvania
Nicholas Decker M 18 Pennsylvania
Andrew Decker M 15 Pennsylvania
Margt. Decker F 13 Pennsylvania
Cath Decker F 10 Pennsylvania
Caroline Decker F 7 Pennsylvania
Emmy Decker F 4 Pennsylvania
Michael Decker was the father of at least __________ children, including;
(Probably) 1. Mary Ann Decker, born 1822 in Pennsylvania. Mary Ann was married to Thomas McCord in the middle 1840's. At the time of the 1850 census, Mary Ann and her family are found in Oliver, Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, where they are farming;
Thomas Mccord M 28 Pennsylvania
Mary Ann Mccord F 28 Pennsylvania
John D Mccord M 2 Pennsylvania
Serah Mccord F 0 Pennsylvania
(Almost certainly) 2. John Decker, born c.1824 in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. See his biography below.
3. Eliza Decker, born c. 1829/30 in Pennsylvania. On October 13, 1853 it is recorded in Walker Township of Huntingdon County that Eliza Decker, the daughter of Michael Decker and Maria Decker was married to David E. Heifner, who must be a cousin or brother of Elizabeth Heifner, who was married to Eliza's brother, Nicholas. The following record is found on familysearch;
Name David E. Heifner
Spouse's Name Eliza Decker
Event Date 13 Oct 1853
Event Place Walker, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania
Father's Name Peter Heifner
Mother's Name Catharine Heifner
Spouse's Father's Name Michael Decker
Spouse's Mother's Name Maria Decker
At the time of the 1850 census, David Heifner may be the David Heifner we find in Walker, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, the same township we find the Henry and Maria Decker family in in the 1850 census;
Joseph Heifner M 25 Pennsylvania
Louisa Heifner F 23 Pennsylvania
Jesusha Heifner F 3 Pennsylvania
Mary Heifner F 1 Pennsylvania
David Heifner M 25 Pennsylvania
At the time of the 1880 census, Eliza and her family are found in Parson, Labette County, Kansas, she and David run a boarding house;
David E Heifner Self M 47 Pennsylvania, United States
Eliza Heifner Wife F 50 Pennsylvania, United States
Milton Heifner Son M 21 Iowa, United States
Belle Heifner Daughter F 19 Iowa, United States
Lilly Heifner Daughter F 16 Iowa, United States
Hattie Heifner Daughter F 13 Iowa, United States
Minnie Heifner Daughter F 12 Iowa, United States
4. Nicholas Decker, born c. 1832/34 in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, the son of Michael Decker and Maria (___________) Decker. Nicholas was married to Elizabeth Heifner in Walker Township, Huntingdon on December 16, 1852 . (Note: Connie Leader has their marriage record stating this his parents were Michael Decker and mother Maria Decker, no maiden name given. At the time of the 1850 census, Elizabeth is living with her recently widowed mother, Peter Heifner having died in 1849, in Walker, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania;
Cath Heifner M 55 Pennsylvania
Elizabeth Heifner F 22 Pennsylvania
Rebecca Heifner F 15 Pennsylvania
Nicholas Decker and Elizabeth are known to have had at least three children.
At the time of the 1860 census, Nicholas and his family are found in Juniata Township, Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania;
Nicholas Decker M 26 Pennsylvania
Elizabeth Decker F 35 Pennsylvania
Mariah C Decker F 5 Pennsylvania
Letitia Decker F 4 Pennsylvania
Williard R Decker M 2 Pennsylvania
Thomas Decker M 0 Pennsylvania
Elizabeth (Heifner) Decker is believed to have died shortly after this census was taken.
Nicholas Decker enlisted in the service during the Civil War, serving in Co. C. of the 125th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry and while in the service of his country. The October 22, 1862 edition of the Huntingdon Globe Newspaper carried the following notice. "Nicholas Decker is Dead. We regret to learn that Nicholas Decker, of Juniata township, member of Captain Wallace's company, died on the 11th inst. It will be remembered that Mr. Decker was severely wounded in one leg at the battle of Antietam. The leg was amputated, and he died at Camp G, near Frederick. Nicholas Decker was a widower, leaving three children to mourn their loss. He was an honest man, a Christian, and a true patriot." Nicholas Decker's mortal remains were almost certainly buried near Antietam. His mortal remains may have eventually been retrieved by the family for burial. There is a government stone for him in the Yocum Cemetery in Hesston, Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. However it is not known whether his body is truly here or whether this is just a cenotaph. See his Find A Grave Memorial #111576282.
(Probably) 5. Andrew W. Decker, born c. 1834/35 in Pennsylvania
(Probably) 6. Margaret Decker, born c. 1836/37 in Pennsylvania
(Probably) 7. Catherine Decker, born c. 1839/40 in Pennsylvania
(Probably) 8. Caroline Decker, born c. 1842/43 in Pennsylvania
(Probably) 9. Emiline "Emmy" Decker, born c. 1845/46 in Pennsylvania
Connie continued, "Now in 1860 this family splits up. Margaret and Caroline are under the household of Daniel Decker in Mifflin and Emiline and Margaret are under the household of Wilson Welsh. I have the oldest children (not listed on the 1850) of Michael and Maria as Mary Ann Decker who married Thomas McCord. John H. Decker married Nov 26, 1850 to Elizabeth Kemple, Nicholas (d.1862) married Elizabeth Heifner in Walker Township, Huntingdon on Dec 16, 1852 and Elizabeth Decker married David E. Heifner on Oct 13, 1853 in Walker Township. Both Nicholas and Elizabeth state their parents are Michael and Maria Decker."
Here are the children as they appear in the 1860 census;
In Mcveytown, Mifflin County, Pennsylvania;
Danl Decker M 32 Pennsylvania
Mary A Decker F 32 Pennsylvania
James M Decker M 11 Pennsylvania
Mary M Decker F 9 Pennsylvania
Eliza C Decker F 5 Pennsylvania
Margaret Decker F 1 Pennsylvania
Caroline Decker F 17 Pennsylvania
Andrew Decker M 22 Pennsylvania
Now to continue with what we know about John Decker;
John Decker may be the John Decker we find in Huntingdon Township, Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania with the Turner family at the time of the 1850 census;
Margt Turner F 66 Maryland
Mary Turner F 35 Pennsylvania
Edward Turner M 25 Pennsylvania
Jesse Turner M 22 Pennsylvania
Arcker Turner M 11 Pennsylvania
John Decker M 23 Pennsylvania
I have yet to find Elizabeth Kemple in the 1850 census. However, they must both be residing in or near Huntingdo County at this time. John Decker was married to Elizabeth Kemple on November 26, 1850 in Huntingdon County,Pennsylvania by the Rev. W. R. Mills, so she must be Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. Elizabeth Kemple was born c. December 11, 1830/31 in Germany, the daughter of Johannes "John" Kemple (FAG #144097177) and Anna Elizabeth (Selig) Kemple.
Sometime between 1854 and 1856, John and Elizabeth (Kemple) Decker moved their growing family west to Illinois, where they settled in Peoria County. At the time of the 1860 census, John Decker and his family are found in Trivoli Township, Peoria County, Illinois;
John Decker M 37 Penn
Elizabeth Decker F 27 Hassen
Wm Decker M 8 Penn
Virginia Decker F 6 Penn
Sarah Decker F 4 Ills
Charles Decker M 2 Ills
John's obituary tells us that John Decker and Elizabeth (Kemple) Decker were the parents of five children. They include;
1. William Decker, born c. 1851/52 in Pennsylvania. William is found with the family in the 1860 census. At the time of the 1870 census, William may be the William Decker, who is working as a farm hand in Galesburg Township, Knox County, Illinois;
Harlow Erwin M 22 Pennsylvania
Eliza Erwin F 30 Pennsylvania
Mary Erwin F 28 Pennsylvania
Delia Erwin F 26 Pennsylvania
Minnie Olssen F 16 Sweden
William Decker M 19 Pennsylvania
2. Virginia B. "Jennie" Decker, born October 31, 1853, most likely in Pennsylvania, but possibly in Peoria County, Illinois. Virginia is found living with her parents in Peoria County, Illinois in the 1860 census and with her, widowed, mother in Peoria County in the 1870 census.
Virginia is believed by some to have been 1st been married to Albert G. Green, who was born c. 1826/27 in Virginia. I have yet to find a record of this union. Their children include;
A. Mary E. Green, born 1875/6 in Missouri.
B. Albert G. Green, born 1877/8 in Missouri.
At the time of the 1880 census, this family is found in Litchfield Township, Montgomery County, Illinois;
Albert G Green Self M 53 Virginia, United States
Jennie Green Wife F 27 Pennsylvania, United States
Mary E Green Daughter F 4 Missouri, United States
Albert G Green Son M 2 Missouri, United States
Albert G. Green Sr. died on 26 Oct 1880 in Litchfield, Montgomery County, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in the Elmwood Cemetery in Litchfield, Montgomery County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial #176937568.
Virginia is believed by some to have then been married 2nd on 9 Sep 1882 in Montgomery Co., Illinois to Harris T. WILLIAMS, s/o William WILLIAMS & Elizabeth ROGERS. There is a record in Illinois Marriage Records found on family search of the union between Mrs. Jennie B. Green, age 29, to a Harris T. Williams, age 42.
Virginia was married to Nathaniel Daniel Carrico on July 1, 1886 in Montgeomery County, Illinois. Familysearch shows a record of this marriage. This would have been been his 2nd marriage. Nathaniel was born on September 9, 1833 in Greene County, Illinois, the son of Nathaniel Carrico and Mary Brown. Nathaniel Daniel Carrico was 1st married on April 23, 1837 in Macoupin County, Illinois to Milberry Jane Mitchell.
Twelve children were born to Nathaniel and Milberry before her death on October 16, 1879 in Macoupin County, Illinois. These included, Mary Elizabeth CARRICO, b. 19 Feb 1857, Nancy Annie CARRICO, b. 7 Jun 1858; d. bef. 1860, Margaret J. "Maggie" CARRICO, b. Sep 1860, Laura CARRICO, b. 14 Mar 1863; d. bef. 1870, Nathaniel J. CARRICO, Jr., b. 20 Dec 1864; d. bef. 1870, John G. CARRICO, b. 1866/7, Lula May CARRICO, b. 1868/9, Jesse S. CARRICO, b. ca. 1871; d. bef. 1880, George B. CARRICO, b. Aug 1873, Martha G. CARRICO, b. 1874/5, Nora Bell CARRICO, b. 1876/7 and Phoebe Maude CARRICO, b. ca. 1878; d. bef. 1880.
Nathaniel Daniel Carrico was then married 2nd on July 1, 1886 in Montgomery County, Illinois to Virginia B. "Jennie" Decker. The children born to Virginia and Nathaniel include;
C. Virginia B. CARRICO, b. Mar 1887 in Honey Point Township in Macoupin County, Illinois.
D. Dorothy L. "Dottie" CARRICO, b. Dec 1888 in Honey Point Township in Macoupin County, Illinois.
E. Frances A. CARRICO, b. May 1891 in Honey Point Township in Macoupin County, Illinois.
Nathaniel Daniel Carrico died on March 8, 1912 in Macoupin County, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in the Carrico Cemetery in Macoupin County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial #8197476.
Virginia B. "Jennie" (Decker) Carrico died on August 28, 1937 in Litchfield, Montgomery County, Illinois. Her death record lists her place of birth as Peoria County, Illinois (which may or may not be correct) and her parents as John Decker, of Pennsylvania and Elizabeth Kempel, of Germany. Virginia's mortal remains were laid in the Elmwood Cemetery in Litchfield, Montgomery County, Illinois.
3. Sarah Maria Decker, born c. 1855/56 in Illinois. Sarah is found with the family in the 1860 and 1870 census records seen below.
4. Charles Decker, born c. 1857/58 in Illinois, most likely Peoria County. Charles is believed to have died in Peoria County, Illinois in the 1860's as he is not found with the family at the time of the 1870 census.
5. Isaac T. Decker, born November 17, 1860 in Peoria County, Illinois. Isaac was married to Jennie B. Howell c. 1883/84.
Their children include;
A. John Taylor Decker, born _______________ __, 1886 in Illinois. John died in 1965.
B. Virgil Decker, born February 22, 1889 in Illinois. Virgil is known to have resided in Madison County, Illinois, in or near Glen Carbon, for a number of years. Virgil died on October __, 1972.
C. Eunice Decker, born ___________ __, 1891 in Illinois. Eunice died in 1974.
D. Annie E. Decker, born ____________ __, 1897 in Illinois. Annie died in 1901.
E. Frank Howell Decker, born April 7, 1900 in Illinois. Frank died on ____________ __, 1984 and his mortal remains were laid in the Mount Sterling Catholic Cemetery in Mount Sterling, Brown County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial #162463723.
F. Ruth V. Decker, born ____________ __, 1903. Ruth died in 1905.
At the time of the 1900 census, Isaac and his family are found in Mt. Vernon Township, Mt. Vernon city, Jefferson County, Illinois;
Isaac Decker Head M Nov 1860 40 Illinois
Jennie Decker Wife F 39 Kentucky
John Decker Son M 14 Illinois
Virgil Decker Daughter F 11 Illinois
Eunice Decker Daughter F 9 Illinois
Annie Decker Daughter F 3 Illinois
Howell Decker Son M 0 Illinois
Isaac may have later been married to Olive/Allie ______________.
Isaac T. Decker died on August 20, 1933 in Mount Vernon, Jefferson County, Illinois. His death record gives the following information;
Illinois Deaths and Stillbirths, 1916-1947: Name: Isaac T. Decker Event Date: 20 Aug 1933 Event Place: Mount Vernon, Jefferson, Illinois Gender: Male Age: 72 Birth Year (Estimated): 1861 Birth Date: 17 Nov 1860 Birthplace: Peoria Co., Illinois Father's Name: John Henry Decker Occupation: Blacksmith Spouse's Name: Olive Decker Burial Date: 23 Aug 1933 Burial Place: Mt. Vernon, Jefferson, Ill. Cemetery: Oakwood.
Isaac's mortal remains were laid in the Oakwood Cemetery in Mount Vernon, Jefferson County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 136066263.
Now to continue with what we know about John Decker and his family;
John Decker and his family are known to have been residing in Trivoli Township in Peoria County, Illinois, where he is farming, by the summer of 1862.
On August 14, 1862, John Decker went into Trivoli, Illinois, where he volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in Trivoli, Illinois by James S. Bean for service in the Union Army.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name DECKER, JOHN
Rank CPL Company D Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence TRIVOLI, PEORIA CO, IL Age 38 Height 5' 9 1/2 Hair DARK
Eyes GRAY Complexion DARK Marital Status MARRIED Occupation FARMER
Nativity HUNTINGTON, PA
Service Record
Joined When AUG 9, 1862 Joined Where TRIVOLI, IL
Joined By Whom J S BEAN 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 DIED IN GEN HOSPITAL AT LEBANON KY MAR 1, 1863
The following afternoon, August 15, 1862, Bean led about 90 Trivoli volunteers into Peoria, where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, 83 of those Trivoli volunteers were mustered in as Company D of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. James S. Bean was elected and promoted to Major of the entire regiment, so the men of Co. D elected Frank Hitchcock to be their Captain. John Decker was elected by the men to fill one of the Corporal positions.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched out the gates of Camp Lyon, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, down to the railroad depot. There they were joined bu the men of the 85th Illinois, who had been mustered into service at Camp Peoria. Together, at the depot, the men of the 85th & 86th boarded trains bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana, which was located across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky.
Four weeks later, the men of the 85th & 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, chasing Confederate troops in Kentucky. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more in the years to come. After the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the Confederates withdrew from Kentucky and the men of McCook's Brigade marched on toward Nashville, Tennessee, where the 86th would go into winter camp.
However, even before the 86th had left the Louisville area in search of those Confederates, the green troops were having health issues with their new life style, which was not conducive to good health. Many men were left behind in the hospitals in the Louisville area when they left Louisville. On their way to Nashville, the men of McCook's Brigade passed through Lebanon, Kentucky, Bowling Green, Kentucky and then Gallatin, Tennessee. Several days were spent in those places while the men rested. When the men of McCook's Brigade continued their march toward Nashville, many more sick soldiers were left behind at each of these towns in makeshift Army Hospitals. One of these believed to have been left behind at Lebanon, Kentucky was Corporal John Decker.
John Decker's obituary states, "was in the enjoyment of good health up till about one month previous to his death, when he became very much afflicted and was placed in the hospital for medical treatment. This would mean John Decker wasn't having difficulties with his health until January of 1863. However, Private John Decker died in a hospital in Lebanon, Kentucky and the 86th passed Lebanon, Kentucky to the east on October 25, 1862 on their way to Bowling Green, Kentucky and then Nashville, Tennessee. So, there is a good possibility that he was having difficulty with his health long before this.
Whatever his ailment, little the doctors did seemed to help Corporal John Decker's condition very much. Then his obituary states that he "had not fully recovered when he concluded to return to his regiment again, and before reaching it took a relapse which brought death to his relief in a few days." Perhaps he was actually left behind at Louisville, Kentucky when the 86th left Louisville in October 1, 1862, recovered to the point where he felt he could rejoin his unit, relapsed and made it as far as Lebanon, Kentucky before he relapsed. We will probably never know the exact events of his final days, but as his obit states, Jonathan Decker "served his country......faithfully" and was not a shirker. Private Jonathan Decker passed into eternity late on the evening of February 28th or early in the morning of March 1st of 1863. His mortal remains were buried in a makeshift Union burying ground there in Lebanon, Kentucky. Today his mortal remains are found in the Lebanon National Cemetery in Lebanon, Kentucky. Whether his remains were moved there or whether the National Cemetery was built around that makeshift Union burying ground is not known.
In 2018, I got an email from Connie Decker, who found some newspaper articles about John's brother, Nicholas Decker and his death, then later about John Decker and his death. Connie wrote that in the October 22, 1862 edition of the Huntingdon Globe Newspaper it was stated, "Nicholas Decker is Dead. We regret to learn that Nicholas Decker, of Juniata township, member of Captain Wallace's company, died on the 11th inst. It will be remembered that Mr. Decker was severely wounded in one leg at the battle of Antietam. The leg was amputated, and he died at Camp G, near Frederick. Nicholas Decker was a widower, leaving three children to mourn their loss. He was an honest man, a Christian, and a true patriot."
Then later Connie found the following in the Huntingdon Journal and American Newspaper edition of Wednesday, April 1, 1863. "John Decker, of Illinois, formerly of this place, and brother to N. Decker, who fell in the battle of Antietam, died Feb. 28, at Church Hospital in Kentucky."
Then in June of 2019, I got an email from Find A Grave Contributor, Rhonda Hansch, who wrote that John was the "husband of my 3rd great-aunt Elizabeth Kemple. His parents were Michael Decker (1799-1880) and Maria Glazier (1804-1860)." Rhonda also emailed me the rest of the Wednesday, April 1, 1863 obituary from the Huntingdon Journal and American Newspaper.
"John Decker, of Illinois, formerly of this place, and brother to N. Decker, who fell in the battle of Antietam, died Feb. 28, at Church Hospital in Kentucky.
He was a member of Company D, 86th Regiment Illinois Vol., and was in the enjoyment of good health up till about one month previous to his death, when he became very much afflicted and was placed in the hospital for medical treatment, but had not fully recovered when he concluded to return to his regiment again, and before reaching it took a relapse which brought death to his relief in a few days. He was about forty years of age, and leaves a wife and five children. He served his country and his God faithfully, and gave evidence in the hour of death that his reward is that of the righteous. He has fought his last battle and gone safely home."
After John Decker's death in 1863, Elizabeth Decker, filed for a Widows Pension for John Decker of Co. D of the 86th Illinois. Elizabeth Decker stayed on in Trivoli Township of Peoria County, Illinois for some time. At the time of the 1870 census, Elizabeth and her children are found in Trivoli Township;
Elizabeth Decker F 38 Germany
Virginia B Decker F 17 Pennsylvania
Sarah Maria Decker F 16 Illinois
Isaac T Decker M 9 Illinois
In the 1870's, Elizabeth and at least one of her children, moved to Montgomery County,Illinois. At the time of the 1880 census, Elizabeth and Isaac are found in Litchfield Township, Montgomery County, Illinois, where Isaac is working as a Blacksmith;
Elizabeth Decker Self F 50 Germany
Isaac T Decker Son M 19 Illinois
Elizabeth Decker died on April 16, 1895 in Montgomery County, Illinois. Her mortal remains were interred on April 17, 1895 in the Elmwood Cemetery in Litchfield, Montgomery County, Illinois. She was 64 years, 4 months & 5 days old. See her Find A Grave Memorial# 142334958.
by Baxter B. Fite III, Connie Leaders, Find A Grave Contributor #49051567, who lives in Omaha, Nebraska and whose email address is [email protected] and Rhonda Hansch, Find A Grave Contributor #47587888, whose email address is [email protected]
(Baxter and Connie would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of John Decker, who might be able to add to the biographical information that we have on John Decker and his family. Baxter would also like to see copies of any photographs of John Decker, which may have survived the years, although truthfully it is doubted that he ever sat for a portrait, be added to his Find A Grave Memorial for all to enjoy.)
John Decker was born c. 1823 in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, the son of Michael Decker (1799-1880) and Maria (Glazier) Decker (1804-1860). John Decker may have had the middle name Henry. His son's death certificate, that of Isaac T. Decker, gives his father's name as John Henry Decker.
Michael Decker was the son of Nicholas Decker, who died felling trees in Oneida Township, Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania in 1812. Not a lot is known about our Michael Decker at this time. Michael Decker is not the Michael Decker, who was married to Barbara ______________ during this same period in Pennsylvania.
Michael Decker was married to Maria Glazier c. 18__ in ____________ County, Pennsylvania. Connie believes that our Michael Decker is the "Michael Decker who died the same year as the above but our guy died October 8, 1880 in the Longfellow area (railroad area). I found a newspaper article in the New Bloomfield Newspaper dated October 12, 1880. This area was near the Rev. Andrew W. Decker who appears to be his son. I have a big mystery here. In the J. Simpson Africa publication it says "Michael Decker moved to his abode near McVeystown, Pa". I have tracked down that he may have gone there after sometime after 1850. I have Michael Decker in Potter Township, Huntingdon County on the 1821 Septennial Census, 1830 he is in Henderson Twp., Huntingdon, 1840 he is in Walker Twp., Huntingdon Twp. but in 1850 he is under Henry Decker with wife Maria."
Here is what is believed to be the family of Michael Decker, though he is listed here as Henry, in the 1850 census in Walker, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania;
Henry Decker M 57 Pennsylvania
Maria Decker F 46 Pennsylvania
Nicholas Decker M 18 Pennsylvania
Andrew Decker M 15 Pennsylvania
Margt. Decker F 13 Pennsylvania
Cath Decker F 10 Pennsylvania
Caroline Decker F 7 Pennsylvania
Emmy Decker F 4 Pennsylvania
Michael Decker was the father of at least __________ children, including;
(Probably) 1. Mary Ann Decker, born 1822 in Pennsylvania. Mary Ann was married to Thomas McCord in the middle 1840's. At the time of the 1850 census, Mary Ann and her family are found in Oliver, Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, where they are farming;
Thomas Mccord M 28 Pennsylvania
Mary Ann Mccord F 28 Pennsylvania
John D Mccord M 2 Pennsylvania
Serah Mccord F 0 Pennsylvania
(Almost certainly) 2. John Decker, born c.1824 in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. See his biography below.
3. Eliza Decker, born c. 1829/30 in Pennsylvania. On October 13, 1853 it is recorded in Walker Township of Huntingdon County that Eliza Decker, the daughter of Michael Decker and Maria Decker was married to David E. Heifner, who must be a cousin or brother of Elizabeth Heifner, who was married to Eliza's brother, Nicholas. The following record is found on familysearch;
Name David E. Heifner
Spouse's Name Eliza Decker
Event Date 13 Oct 1853
Event Place Walker, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania
Father's Name Peter Heifner
Mother's Name Catharine Heifner
Spouse's Father's Name Michael Decker
Spouse's Mother's Name Maria Decker
At the time of the 1850 census, David Heifner may be the David Heifner we find in Walker, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, the same township we find the Henry and Maria Decker family in in the 1850 census;
Joseph Heifner M 25 Pennsylvania
Louisa Heifner F 23 Pennsylvania
Jesusha Heifner F 3 Pennsylvania
Mary Heifner F 1 Pennsylvania
David Heifner M 25 Pennsylvania
At the time of the 1880 census, Eliza and her family are found in Parson, Labette County, Kansas, she and David run a boarding house;
David E Heifner Self M 47 Pennsylvania, United States
Eliza Heifner Wife F 50 Pennsylvania, United States
Milton Heifner Son M 21 Iowa, United States
Belle Heifner Daughter F 19 Iowa, United States
Lilly Heifner Daughter F 16 Iowa, United States
Hattie Heifner Daughter F 13 Iowa, United States
Minnie Heifner Daughter F 12 Iowa, United States
4. Nicholas Decker, born c. 1832/34 in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, the son of Michael Decker and Maria (___________) Decker. Nicholas was married to Elizabeth Heifner in Walker Township, Huntingdon on December 16, 1852 . (Note: Connie Leader has their marriage record stating this his parents were Michael Decker and mother Maria Decker, no maiden name given. At the time of the 1850 census, Elizabeth is living with her recently widowed mother, Peter Heifner having died in 1849, in Walker, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania;
Cath Heifner M 55 Pennsylvania
Elizabeth Heifner F 22 Pennsylvania
Rebecca Heifner F 15 Pennsylvania
Nicholas Decker and Elizabeth are known to have had at least three children.
At the time of the 1860 census, Nicholas and his family are found in Juniata Township, Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania;
Nicholas Decker M 26 Pennsylvania
Elizabeth Decker F 35 Pennsylvania
Mariah C Decker F 5 Pennsylvania
Letitia Decker F 4 Pennsylvania
Williard R Decker M 2 Pennsylvania
Thomas Decker M 0 Pennsylvania
Elizabeth (Heifner) Decker is believed to have died shortly after this census was taken.
Nicholas Decker enlisted in the service during the Civil War, serving in Co. C. of the 125th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry and while in the service of his country. The October 22, 1862 edition of the Huntingdon Globe Newspaper carried the following notice. "Nicholas Decker is Dead. We regret to learn that Nicholas Decker, of Juniata township, member of Captain Wallace's company, died on the 11th inst. It will be remembered that Mr. Decker was severely wounded in one leg at the battle of Antietam. The leg was amputated, and he died at Camp G, near Frederick. Nicholas Decker was a widower, leaving three children to mourn their loss. He was an honest man, a Christian, and a true patriot." Nicholas Decker's mortal remains were almost certainly buried near Antietam. His mortal remains may have eventually been retrieved by the family for burial. There is a government stone for him in the Yocum Cemetery in Hesston, Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. However it is not known whether his body is truly here or whether this is just a cenotaph. See his Find A Grave Memorial #111576282.
(Probably) 5. Andrew W. Decker, born c. 1834/35 in Pennsylvania
(Probably) 6. Margaret Decker, born c. 1836/37 in Pennsylvania
(Probably) 7. Catherine Decker, born c. 1839/40 in Pennsylvania
(Probably) 8. Caroline Decker, born c. 1842/43 in Pennsylvania
(Probably) 9. Emiline "Emmy" Decker, born c. 1845/46 in Pennsylvania
Connie continued, "Now in 1860 this family splits up. Margaret and Caroline are under the household of Daniel Decker in Mifflin and Emiline and Margaret are under the household of Wilson Welsh. I have the oldest children (not listed on the 1850) of Michael and Maria as Mary Ann Decker who married Thomas McCord. John H. Decker married Nov 26, 1850 to Elizabeth Kemple, Nicholas (d.1862) married Elizabeth Heifner in Walker Township, Huntingdon on Dec 16, 1852 and Elizabeth Decker married David E. Heifner on Oct 13, 1853 in Walker Township. Both Nicholas and Elizabeth state their parents are Michael and Maria Decker."
Here are the children as they appear in the 1860 census;
In Mcveytown, Mifflin County, Pennsylvania;
Danl Decker M 32 Pennsylvania
Mary A Decker F 32 Pennsylvania
James M Decker M 11 Pennsylvania
Mary M Decker F 9 Pennsylvania
Eliza C Decker F 5 Pennsylvania
Margaret Decker F 1 Pennsylvania
Caroline Decker F 17 Pennsylvania
Andrew Decker M 22 Pennsylvania
Now to continue with what we know about John Decker;
John Decker may be the John Decker we find in Huntingdon Township, Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania with the Turner family at the time of the 1850 census;
Margt Turner F 66 Maryland
Mary Turner F 35 Pennsylvania
Edward Turner M 25 Pennsylvania
Jesse Turner M 22 Pennsylvania
Arcker Turner M 11 Pennsylvania
John Decker M 23 Pennsylvania
I have yet to find Elizabeth Kemple in the 1850 census. However, they must both be residing in or near Huntingdo County at this time. John Decker was married to Elizabeth Kemple on November 26, 1850 in Huntingdon County,Pennsylvania by the Rev. W. R. Mills, so she must be Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. Elizabeth Kemple was born c. December 11, 1830/31 in Germany, the daughter of Johannes "John" Kemple (FAG #144097177) and Anna Elizabeth (Selig) Kemple.
Sometime between 1854 and 1856, John and Elizabeth (Kemple) Decker moved their growing family west to Illinois, where they settled in Peoria County. At the time of the 1860 census, John Decker and his family are found in Trivoli Township, Peoria County, Illinois;
John Decker M 37 Penn
Elizabeth Decker F 27 Hassen
Wm Decker M 8 Penn
Virginia Decker F 6 Penn
Sarah Decker F 4 Ills
Charles Decker M 2 Ills
John's obituary tells us that John Decker and Elizabeth (Kemple) Decker were the parents of five children. They include;
1. William Decker, born c. 1851/52 in Pennsylvania. William is found with the family in the 1860 census. At the time of the 1870 census, William may be the William Decker, who is working as a farm hand in Galesburg Township, Knox County, Illinois;
Harlow Erwin M 22 Pennsylvania
Eliza Erwin F 30 Pennsylvania
Mary Erwin F 28 Pennsylvania
Delia Erwin F 26 Pennsylvania
Minnie Olssen F 16 Sweden
William Decker M 19 Pennsylvania
2. Virginia B. "Jennie" Decker, born October 31, 1853, most likely in Pennsylvania, but possibly in Peoria County, Illinois. Virginia is found living with her parents in Peoria County, Illinois in the 1860 census and with her, widowed, mother in Peoria County in the 1870 census.
Virginia is believed by some to have been 1st been married to Albert G. Green, who was born c. 1826/27 in Virginia. I have yet to find a record of this union. Their children include;
A. Mary E. Green, born 1875/6 in Missouri.
B. Albert G. Green, born 1877/8 in Missouri.
At the time of the 1880 census, this family is found in Litchfield Township, Montgomery County, Illinois;
Albert G Green Self M 53 Virginia, United States
Jennie Green Wife F 27 Pennsylvania, United States
Mary E Green Daughter F 4 Missouri, United States
Albert G Green Son M 2 Missouri, United States
Albert G. Green Sr. died on 26 Oct 1880 in Litchfield, Montgomery County, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in the Elmwood Cemetery in Litchfield, Montgomery County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial #176937568.
Virginia is believed by some to have then been married 2nd on 9 Sep 1882 in Montgomery Co., Illinois to Harris T. WILLIAMS, s/o William WILLIAMS & Elizabeth ROGERS. There is a record in Illinois Marriage Records found on family search of the union between Mrs. Jennie B. Green, age 29, to a Harris T. Williams, age 42.
Virginia was married to Nathaniel Daniel Carrico on July 1, 1886 in Montgeomery County, Illinois. Familysearch shows a record of this marriage. This would have been been his 2nd marriage. Nathaniel was born on September 9, 1833 in Greene County, Illinois, the son of Nathaniel Carrico and Mary Brown. Nathaniel Daniel Carrico was 1st married on April 23, 1837 in Macoupin County, Illinois to Milberry Jane Mitchell.
Twelve children were born to Nathaniel and Milberry before her death on October 16, 1879 in Macoupin County, Illinois. These included, Mary Elizabeth CARRICO, b. 19 Feb 1857, Nancy Annie CARRICO, b. 7 Jun 1858; d. bef. 1860, Margaret J. "Maggie" CARRICO, b. Sep 1860, Laura CARRICO, b. 14 Mar 1863; d. bef. 1870, Nathaniel J. CARRICO, Jr., b. 20 Dec 1864; d. bef. 1870, John G. CARRICO, b. 1866/7, Lula May CARRICO, b. 1868/9, Jesse S. CARRICO, b. ca. 1871; d. bef. 1880, George B. CARRICO, b. Aug 1873, Martha G. CARRICO, b. 1874/5, Nora Bell CARRICO, b. 1876/7 and Phoebe Maude CARRICO, b. ca. 1878; d. bef. 1880.
Nathaniel Daniel Carrico was then married 2nd on July 1, 1886 in Montgomery County, Illinois to Virginia B. "Jennie" Decker. The children born to Virginia and Nathaniel include;
C. Virginia B. CARRICO, b. Mar 1887 in Honey Point Township in Macoupin County, Illinois.
D. Dorothy L. "Dottie" CARRICO, b. Dec 1888 in Honey Point Township in Macoupin County, Illinois.
E. Frances A. CARRICO, b. May 1891 in Honey Point Township in Macoupin County, Illinois.
Nathaniel Daniel Carrico died on March 8, 1912 in Macoupin County, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in the Carrico Cemetery in Macoupin County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial #8197476.
Virginia B. "Jennie" (Decker) Carrico died on August 28, 1937 in Litchfield, Montgomery County, Illinois. Her death record lists her place of birth as Peoria County, Illinois (which may or may not be correct) and her parents as John Decker, of Pennsylvania and Elizabeth Kempel, of Germany. Virginia's mortal remains were laid in the Elmwood Cemetery in Litchfield, Montgomery County, Illinois.
3. Sarah Maria Decker, born c. 1855/56 in Illinois. Sarah is found with the family in the 1860 and 1870 census records seen below.
4. Charles Decker, born c. 1857/58 in Illinois, most likely Peoria County. Charles is believed to have died in Peoria County, Illinois in the 1860's as he is not found with the family at the time of the 1870 census.
5. Isaac T. Decker, born November 17, 1860 in Peoria County, Illinois. Isaac was married to Jennie B. Howell c. 1883/84.
Their children include;
A. John Taylor Decker, born _______________ __, 1886 in Illinois. John died in 1965.
B. Virgil Decker, born February 22, 1889 in Illinois. Virgil is known to have resided in Madison County, Illinois, in or near Glen Carbon, for a number of years. Virgil died on October __, 1972.
C. Eunice Decker, born ___________ __, 1891 in Illinois. Eunice died in 1974.
D. Annie E. Decker, born ____________ __, 1897 in Illinois. Annie died in 1901.
E. Frank Howell Decker, born April 7, 1900 in Illinois. Frank died on ____________ __, 1984 and his mortal remains were laid in the Mount Sterling Catholic Cemetery in Mount Sterling, Brown County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial #162463723.
F. Ruth V. Decker, born ____________ __, 1903. Ruth died in 1905.
At the time of the 1900 census, Isaac and his family are found in Mt. Vernon Township, Mt. Vernon city, Jefferson County, Illinois;
Isaac Decker Head M Nov 1860 40 Illinois
Jennie Decker Wife F 39 Kentucky
John Decker Son M 14 Illinois
Virgil Decker Daughter F 11 Illinois
Eunice Decker Daughter F 9 Illinois
Annie Decker Daughter F 3 Illinois
Howell Decker Son M 0 Illinois
Isaac may have later been married to Olive/Allie ______________.
Isaac T. Decker died on August 20, 1933 in Mount Vernon, Jefferson County, Illinois. His death record gives the following information;
Illinois Deaths and Stillbirths, 1916-1947: Name: Isaac T. Decker Event Date: 20 Aug 1933 Event Place: Mount Vernon, Jefferson, Illinois Gender: Male Age: 72 Birth Year (Estimated): 1861 Birth Date: 17 Nov 1860 Birthplace: Peoria Co., Illinois Father's Name: John Henry Decker Occupation: Blacksmith Spouse's Name: Olive Decker Burial Date: 23 Aug 1933 Burial Place: Mt. Vernon, Jefferson, Ill. Cemetery: Oakwood.
Isaac's mortal remains were laid in the Oakwood Cemetery in Mount Vernon, Jefferson County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 136066263.
Now to continue with what we know about John Decker and his family;
John Decker and his family are known to have been residing in Trivoli Township in Peoria County, Illinois, where he is farming, by the summer of 1862.
On August 14, 1862, John Decker went into Trivoli, Illinois, where he volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in Trivoli, Illinois by James S. Bean for service in the Union Army.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name DECKER, JOHN
Rank CPL Company D Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence TRIVOLI, PEORIA CO, IL Age 38 Height 5' 9 1/2 Hair DARK
Eyes GRAY Complexion DARK Marital Status MARRIED Occupation FARMER
Nativity HUNTINGTON, PA
Service Record
Joined When AUG 9, 1862 Joined Where TRIVOLI, IL
Joined By Whom J S BEAN 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 DIED IN GEN HOSPITAL AT LEBANON KY MAR 1, 1863
The following afternoon, August 15, 1862, Bean led about 90 Trivoli volunteers into Peoria, where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, 83 of those Trivoli volunteers were mustered in as Company D of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. James S. Bean was elected and promoted to Major of the entire regiment, so the men of Co. D elected Frank Hitchcock to be their Captain. John Decker was elected by the men to fill one of the Corporal positions.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched out the gates of Camp Lyon, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, down to the railroad depot. There they were joined bu the men of the 85th Illinois, who had been mustered into service at Camp Peoria. Together, at the depot, the men of the 85th & 86th boarded trains bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana, which was located across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky.
Four weeks later, the men of the 85th & 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, chasing Confederate troops in Kentucky. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more in the years to come. After the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the Confederates withdrew from Kentucky and the men of McCook's Brigade marched on toward Nashville, Tennessee, where the 86th would go into winter camp.
However, even before the 86th had left the Louisville area in search of those Confederates, the green troops were having health issues with their new life style, which was not conducive to good health. Many men were left behind in the hospitals in the Louisville area when they left Louisville. On their way to Nashville, the men of McCook's Brigade passed through Lebanon, Kentucky, Bowling Green, Kentucky and then Gallatin, Tennessee. Several days were spent in those places while the men rested. When the men of McCook's Brigade continued their march toward Nashville, many more sick soldiers were left behind at each of these towns in makeshift Army Hospitals. One of these believed to have been left behind at Lebanon, Kentucky was Corporal John Decker.
John Decker's obituary states, "was in the enjoyment of good health up till about one month previous to his death, when he became very much afflicted and was placed in the hospital for medical treatment. This would mean John Decker wasn't having difficulties with his health until January of 1863. However, Private John Decker died in a hospital in Lebanon, Kentucky and the 86th passed Lebanon, Kentucky to the east on October 25, 1862 on their way to Bowling Green, Kentucky and then Nashville, Tennessee. So, there is a good possibility that he was having difficulty with his health long before this.
Whatever his ailment, little the doctors did seemed to help Corporal John Decker's condition very much. Then his obituary states that he "had not fully recovered when he concluded to return to his regiment again, and before reaching it took a relapse which brought death to his relief in a few days." Perhaps he was actually left behind at Louisville, Kentucky when the 86th left Louisville in October 1, 1862, recovered to the point where he felt he could rejoin his unit, relapsed and made it as far as Lebanon, Kentucky before he relapsed. We will probably never know the exact events of his final days, but as his obit states, Jonathan Decker "served his country......faithfully" and was not a shirker. Private Jonathan Decker passed into eternity late on the evening of February 28th or early in the morning of March 1st of 1863. His mortal remains were buried in a makeshift Union burying ground there in Lebanon, Kentucky. Today his mortal remains are found in the Lebanon National Cemetery in Lebanon, Kentucky. Whether his remains were moved there or whether the National Cemetery was built around that makeshift Union burying ground is not known.
In 2018, I got an email from Connie Decker, who found some newspaper articles about John's brother, Nicholas Decker and his death, then later about John Decker and his death. Connie wrote that in the October 22, 1862 edition of the Huntingdon Globe Newspaper it was stated, "Nicholas Decker is Dead. We regret to learn that Nicholas Decker, of Juniata township, member of Captain Wallace's company, died on the 11th inst. It will be remembered that Mr. Decker was severely wounded in one leg at the battle of Antietam. The leg was amputated, and he died at Camp G, near Frederick. Nicholas Decker was a widower, leaving three children to mourn their loss. He was an honest man, a Christian, and a true patriot."
Then later Connie found the following in the Huntingdon Journal and American Newspaper edition of Wednesday, April 1, 1863. "John Decker, of Illinois, formerly of this place, and brother to N. Decker, who fell in the battle of Antietam, died Feb. 28, at Church Hospital in Kentucky."
Then in June of 2019, I got an email from Find A Grave Contributor, Rhonda Hansch, who wrote that John was the "husband of my 3rd great-aunt Elizabeth Kemple. His parents were Michael Decker (1799-1880) and Maria Glazier (1804-1860)." Rhonda also emailed me the rest of the Wednesday, April 1, 1863 obituary from the Huntingdon Journal and American Newspaper.
"John Decker, of Illinois, formerly of this place, and brother to N. Decker, who fell in the battle of Antietam, died Feb. 28, at Church Hospital in Kentucky.
He was a member of Company D, 86th Regiment Illinois Vol., and was in the enjoyment of good health up till about one month previous to his death, when he became very much afflicted and was placed in the hospital for medical treatment, but had not fully recovered when he concluded to return to his regiment again, and before reaching it took a relapse which brought death to his relief in a few days. He was about forty years of age, and leaves a wife and five children. He served his country and his God faithfully, and gave evidence in the hour of death that his reward is that of the righteous. He has fought his last battle and gone safely home."
After John Decker's death in 1863, Elizabeth Decker, filed for a Widows Pension for John Decker of Co. D of the 86th Illinois. Elizabeth Decker stayed on in Trivoli Township of Peoria County, Illinois for some time. At the time of the 1870 census, Elizabeth and her children are found in Trivoli Township;
Elizabeth Decker F 38 Germany
Virginia B Decker F 17 Pennsylvania
Sarah Maria Decker F 16 Illinois
Isaac T Decker M 9 Illinois
In the 1870's, Elizabeth and at least one of her children, moved to Montgomery County,Illinois. At the time of the 1880 census, Elizabeth and Isaac are found in Litchfield Township, Montgomery County, Illinois, where Isaac is working as a Blacksmith;
Elizabeth Decker Self F 50 Germany
Isaac T Decker Son M 19 Illinois
Elizabeth Decker died on April 16, 1895 in Montgomery County, Illinois. Her mortal remains were interred on April 17, 1895 in the Elmwood Cemetery in Litchfield, Montgomery County, Illinois. She was 64 years, 4 months & 5 days old. See her Find A Grave Memorial# 142334958.
by Baxter B. Fite III, Connie Leaders, Find A Grave Contributor #49051567, who lives in Omaha, Nebraska and whose email address is [email protected] and Rhonda Hansch, Find A Grave Contributor #47587888, whose email address is [email protected]
(Baxter and Connie would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of John Decker, who might be able to add to the biographical information that we have on John Decker and his family. Baxter would also like to see copies of any photographs of John Decker, which may have survived the years, although truthfully it is doubted that he ever sat for a portrait, be added to his Find A Grave Memorial for all to enjoy.)
Corporal JONATHAN "JOHN" DECKER, Co. D, 86th Illinois
John Decker was born c. 1823 in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, the son of Michael Decker (1799-1880) and Maria (Glazier) Decker (1804-1860). John Decker may have had the middle name Henry. His son's death certificate, that of Isaac T. Decker, gives his father's name as John Henry Decker.
Michael Decker was the son of Nicholas Decker, who died felling trees in Oneida Township, Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania in 1812. Not a lot is known about our Michael Decker at this time. Michael Decker is not the Michael Decker, who was married to Barbara ______________ during this same period in Pennsylvania.
Michael Decker was married to Maria Glazier c. 18__ in ____________ County, Pennsylvania. Connie believes that our Michael Decker is the "Michael Decker who died the same year as the above but our guy died October 8, 1880 in the Longfellow area (railroad area). I found a newspaper article in the New Bloomfield Newspaper dated October 12, 1880. This area was near the Rev. Andrew W. Decker who appears to be his son. I have a big mystery here. In the J. Simpson Africa publication it says "Michael Decker moved to his abode near McVeystown, Pa". I have tracked down that he may have gone there after sometime after 1850. I have Michael Decker in Potter Township, Huntingdon County on the 1821 Septennial Census, 1830 he is in Henderson Twp., Huntingdon, 1840 he is in Walker Twp., Huntingdon Twp. but in 1850 he is under Henry Decker with wife Maria."
Here is what is believed to be the family of Michael Decker, though he is listed here as Henry, in the 1850 census in Walker, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania;
Henry Decker M 57 Pennsylvania
Maria Decker F 46 Pennsylvania
Nicholas Decker M 18 Pennsylvania
Andrew Decker M 15 Pennsylvania
Margt. Decker F 13 Pennsylvania
Cath Decker F 10 Pennsylvania
Caroline Decker F 7 Pennsylvania
Emmy Decker F 4 Pennsylvania
Michael Decker was the father of at least __________ children, including;
(Probably) 1. Mary Ann Decker, born 1822 in Pennsylvania. Mary Ann was married to Thomas McCord in the middle 1840's. At the time of the 1850 census, Mary Ann and her family are found in Oliver, Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, where they are farming;
Thomas Mccord M 28 Pennsylvania
Mary Ann Mccord F 28 Pennsylvania
John D Mccord M 2 Pennsylvania
Serah Mccord F 0 Pennsylvania
(Almost certainly) 2. John Decker, born c.1824 in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. See his biography below.
3. Eliza Decker, born c. 1829/30 in Pennsylvania. On October 13, 1853 it is recorded in Walker Township of Huntingdon County that Eliza Decker, the daughter of Michael Decker and Maria Decker was married to David E. Heifner, who must be a cousin or brother of Elizabeth Heifner, who was married to Eliza's brother, Nicholas. The following record is found on familysearch;
Name David E. Heifner
Spouse's Name Eliza Decker
Event Date 13 Oct 1853
Event Place Walker, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania
Father's Name Peter Heifner
Mother's Name Catharine Heifner
Spouse's Father's Name Michael Decker
Spouse's Mother's Name Maria Decker
At the time of the 1850 census, David Heifner may be the David Heifner we find in Walker, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, the same township we find the Henry and Maria Decker family in in the 1850 census;
Joseph Heifner M 25 Pennsylvania
Louisa Heifner F 23 Pennsylvania
Jesusha Heifner F 3 Pennsylvania
Mary Heifner F 1 Pennsylvania
David Heifner M 25 Pennsylvania
At the time of the 1880 census, Eliza and her family are found in Parson, Labette County, Kansas, she and David run a boarding house;
David E Heifner Self M 47 Pennsylvania, United States
Eliza Heifner Wife F 50 Pennsylvania, United States
Milton Heifner Son M 21 Iowa, United States
Belle Heifner Daughter F 19 Iowa, United States
Lilly Heifner Daughter F 16 Iowa, United States
Hattie Heifner Daughter F 13 Iowa, United States
Minnie Heifner Daughter F 12 Iowa, United States
4. Nicholas Decker, born c. 1832/34 in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, the son of Michael Decker and Maria (___________) Decker. Nicholas was married to Elizabeth Heifner in Walker Township, Huntingdon on December 16, 1852 . (Note: Connie Leader has their marriage record stating this his parents were Michael Decker and mother Maria Decker, no maiden name given. At the time of the 1850 census, Elizabeth is living with her recently widowed mother, Peter Heifner having died in 1849, in Walker, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania;
Cath Heifner M 55 Pennsylvania
Elizabeth Heifner F 22 Pennsylvania
Rebecca Heifner F 15 Pennsylvania
Nicholas Decker and Elizabeth are known to have had at least three children.
At the time of the 1860 census, Nicholas and his family are found in Juniata Township, Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania;
Nicholas Decker M 26 Pennsylvania
Elizabeth Decker F 35 Pennsylvania
Mariah C Decker F 5 Pennsylvania
Letitia Decker F 4 Pennsylvania
Williard R Decker M 2 Pennsylvania
Thomas Decker M 0 Pennsylvania
Elizabeth (Heifner) Decker is believed to have died shortly after this census was taken.
Nicholas Decker enlisted in the service during the Civil War, serving in Co. C. of the 125th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry and while in the service of his country. The October 22, 1862 edition of the Huntingdon Globe Newspaper carried the following notice. "Nicholas Decker is Dead. We regret to learn that Nicholas Decker, of Juniata township, member of Captain Wallace's company, died on the 11th inst. It will be remembered that Mr. Decker was severely wounded in one leg at the battle of Antietam. The leg was amputated, and he died at Camp G, near Frederick. Nicholas Decker was a widower, leaving three children to mourn their loss. He was an honest man, a Christian, and a true patriot." Nicholas Decker's mortal remains were almost certainly buried near Antietam. His mortal remains may have eventually been retrieved by the family for burial. There is a government stone for him in the Yocum Cemetery in Hesston, Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. However it is not known whether his body is truly here or whether this is just a cenotaph. See his Find A Grave Memorial #111576282.
(Probably) 5. Andrew W. Decker, born c. 1834/35 in Pennsylvania
(Probably) 6. Margaret Decker, born c. 1836/37 in Pennsylvania
(Probably) 7. Catherine Decker, born c. 1839/40 in Pennsylvania
(Probably) 8. Caroline Decker, born c. 1842/43 in Pennsylvania
(Probably) 9. Emiline "Emmy" Decker, born c. 1845/46 in Pennsylvania
Connie continued, "Now in 1860 this family splits up. Margaret and Caroline are under the household of Daniel Decker in Mifflin and Emiline and Margaret are under the household of Wilson Welsh. I have the oldest children (not listed on the 1850) of Michael and Maria as Mary Ann Decker who married Thomas McCord. John H. Decker married Nov 26, 1850 to Elizabeth Kemple, Nicholas (d.1862) married Elizabeth Heifner in Walker Township, Huntingdon on Dec 16, 1852 and Elizabeth Decker married David E. Heifner on Oct 13, 1853 in Walker Township. Both Nicholas and Elizabeth state their parents are Michael and Maria Decker."
Here are the children as they appear in the 1860 census;
In Mcveytown, Mifflin County, Pennsylvania;
Danl Decker M 32 Pennsylvania
Mary A Decker F 32 Pennsylvania
James M Decker M 11 Pennsylvania
Mary M Decker F 9 Pennsylvania
Eliza C Decker F 5 Pennsylvania
Margaret Decker F 1 Pennsylvania
Caroline Decker F 17 Pennsylvania
Andrew Decker M 22 Pennsylvania
Now to continue with what we know about John Decker;
John Decker may be the John Decker we find in Huntingdon Township, Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania with the Turner family at the time of the 1850 census;
Margt Turner F 66 Maryland
Mary Turner F 35 Pennsylvania
Edward Turner M 25 Pennsylvania
Jesse Turner M 22 Pennsylvania
Arcker Turner M 11 Pennsylvania
John Decker M 23 Pennsylvania
I have yet to find Elizabeth Kemple in the 1850 census. However, they must both be residing in or near Huntingdo County at this time. John Decker was married to Elizabeth Kemple on November 26, 1850 in Huntingdon County,Pennsylvania by the Rev. W. R. Mills, so she must be Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. Elizabeth Kemple was born c. December 11, 1830/31 in Germany, the daughter of Johannes "John" Kemple (FAG #144097177) and Anna Elizabeth (Selig) Kemple.
Sometime between 1854 and 1856, John and Elizabeth (Kemple) Decker moved their growing family west to Illinois, where they settled in Peoria County. At the time of the 1860 census, John Decker and his family are found in Trivoli Township, Peoria County, Illinois;
John Decker M 37 Penn
Elizabeth Decker F 27 Hassen
Wm Decker M 8 Penn
Virginia Decker F 6 Penn
Sarah Decker F 4 Ills
Charles Decker M 2 Ills
John's obituary tells us that John Decker and Elizabeth (Kemple) Decker were the parents of five children. They include;
1. William Decker, born c. 1851/52 in Pennsylvania. William is found with the family in the 1860 census. At the time of the 1870 census, William may be the William Decker, who is working as a farm hand in Galesburg Township, Knox County, Illinois;
Harlow Erwin M 22 Pennsylvania
Eliza Erwin F 30 Pennsylvania
Mary Erwin F 28 Pennsylvania
Delia Erwin F 26 Pennsylvania
Minnie Olssen F 16 Sweden
William Decker M 19 Pennsylvania
2. Virginia B. "Jennie" Decker, born October 31, 1853, most likely in Pennsylvania, but possibly in Peoria County, Illinois. Virginia is found living with her parents in Peoria County, Illinois in the 1860 census and with her, widowed, mother in Peoria County in the 1870 census.
Virginia is believed by some to have been 1st been married to Albert G. Green, who was born c. 1826/27 in Virginia. I have yet to find a record of this union. Their children include;
A. Mary E. Green, born 1875/6 in Missouri.
B. Albert G. Green, born 1877/8 in Missouri.
At the time of the 1880 census, this family is found in Litchfield Township, Montgomery County, Illinois;
Albert G Green Self M 53 Virginia, United States
Jennie Green Wife F 27 Pennsylvania, United States
Mary E Green Daughter F 4 Missouri, United States
Albert G Green Son M 2 Missouri, United States
Albert G. Green Sr. died on 26 Oct 1880 in Litchfield, Montgomery County, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in the Elmwood Cemetery in Litchfield, Montgomery County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial #176937568.
Virginia is believed by some to have then been married 2nd on 9 Sep 1882 in Montgomery Co., Illinois to Harris T. WILLIAMS, s/o William WILLIAMS & Elizabeth ROGERS. There is a record in Illinois Marriage Records found on family search of the union between Mrs. Jennie B. Green, age 29, to a Harris T. Williams, age 42.
Virginia was married to Nathaniel Daniel Carrico on July 1, 1886 in Montgeomery County, Illinois. Familysearch shows a record of this marriage. This would have been been his 2nd marriage. Nathaniel was born on September 9, 1833 in Greene County, Illinois, the son of Nathaniel Carrico and Mary Brown. Nathaniel Daniel Carrico was 1st married on April 23, 1837 in Macoupin County, Illinois to Milberry Jane Mitchell.
Twelve children were born to Nathaniel and Milberry before her death on October 16, 1879 in Macoupin County, Illinois. These included, Mary Elizabeth CARRICO, b. 19 Feb 1857, Nancy Annie CARRICO, b. 7 Jun 1858; d. bef. 1860, Margaret J. "Maggie" CARRICO, b. Sep 1860, Laura CARRICO, b. 14 Mar 1863; d. bef. 1870, Nathaniel J. CARRICO, Jr., b. 20 Dec 1864; d. bef. 1870, John G. CARRICO, b. 1866/7, Lula May CARRICO, b. 1868/9, Jesse S. CARRICO, b. ca. 1871; d. bef. 1880, George B. CARRICO, b. Aug 1873, Martha G. CARRICO, b. 1874/5, Nora Bell CARRICO, b. 1876/7 and Phoebe Maude CARRICO, b. ca. 1878; d. bef. 1880.
Nathaniel Daniel Carrico was then married 2nd on July 1, 1886 in Montgomery County, Illinois to Virginia B. "Jennie" Decker. The children born to Virginia and Nathaniel include;
C. Virginia B. CARRICO, b. Mar 1887 in Honey Point Township in Macoupin County, Illinois.
D. Dorothy L. "Dottie" CARRICO, b. Dec 1888 in Honey Point Township in Macoupin County, Illinois.
E. Frances A. CARRICO, b. May 1891 in Honey Point Township in Macoupin County, Illinois.
Nathaniel Daniel Carrico died on March 8, 1912 in Macoupin County, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in the Carrico Cemetery in Macoupin County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial #8197476.
Virginia B. "Jennie" (Decker) Carrico died on August 28, 1937 in Litchfield, Montgomery County, Illinois. Her death record lists her place of birth as Peoria County, Illinois (which may or may not be correct) and her parents as John Decker, of Pennsylvania and Elizabeth Kempel, of Germany. Virginia's mortal remains were laid in the Elmwood Cemetery in Litchfield, Montgomery County, Illinois.
3. Sarah Maria Decker, born c. 1855/56 in Illinois. Sarah is found with the family in the 1860 and 1870 census records seen below.
4. Charles Decker, born c. 1857/58 in Illinois, most likely Peoria County. Charles is believed to have died in Peoria County, Illinois in the 1860's as he is not found with the family at the time of the 1870 census.
5. Isaac T. Decker, born November 17, 1860 in Peoria County, Illinois. Isaac was married to Jennie B. Howell c. 1883/84.
Their children include;
A. John Taylor Decker, born _______________ __, 1886 in Illinois. John died in 1965.
B. Virgil Decker, born February 22, 1889 in Illinois. Virgil is known to have resided in Madison County, Illinois, in or near Glen Carbon, for a number of years. Virgil died on October __, 1972.
C. Eunice Decker, born ___________ __, 1891 in Illinois. Eunice died in 1974.
D. Annie E. Decker, born ____________ __, 1897 in Illinois. Annie died in 1901.
E. Frank Howell Decker, born April 7, 1900 in Illinois. Frank died on ____________ __, 1984 and his mortal remains were laid in the Mount Sterling Catholic Cemetery in Mount Sterling, Brown County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial #162463723.
F. Ruth V. Decker, born ____________ __, 1903. Ruth died in 1905.
At the time of the 1900 census, Isaac and his family are found in Mt. Vernon Township, Mt. Vernon city, Jefferson County, Illinois;
Isaac Decker Head M Nov 1860 40 Illinois
Jennie Decker Wife F 39 Kentucky
John Decker Son M 14 Illinois
Virgil Decker Daughter F 11 Illinois
Eunice Decker Daughter F 9 Illinois
Annie Decker Daughter F 3 Illinois
Howell Decker Son M 0 Illinois
Isaac may have later been married to Olive/Allie ______________.
Isaac T. Decker died on August 20, 1933 in Mount Vernon, Jefferson County, Illinois. His death record gives the following information;
Illinois Deaths and Stillbirths, 1916-1947: Name: Isaac T. Decker Event Date: 20 Aug 1933 Event Place: Mount Vernon, Jefferson, Illinois Gender: Male Age: 72 Birth Year (Estimated): 1861 Birth Date: 17 Nov 1860 Birthplace: Peoria Co., Illinois Father's Name: John Henry Decker Occupation: Blacksmith Spouse's Name: Olive Decker Burial Date: 23 Aug 1933 Burial Place: Mt. Vernon, Jefferson, Ill. Cemetery: Oakwood.
Isaac's mortal remains were laid in the Oakwood Cemetery in Mount Vernon, Jefferson County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 136066263.
Now to continue with what we know about John Decker and his family;
John Decker and his family are known to have been residing in Trivoli Township in Peoria County, Illinois, where he is farming, by the summer of 1862.
On August 14, 1862, John Decker went into Trivoli, Illinois, where he volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in Trivoli, Illinois by James S. Bean for service in the Union Army.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name DECKER, JOHN
Rank CPL Company D Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence TRIVOLI, PEORIA CO, IL Age 38 Height 5' 9 1/2 Hair DARK
Eyes GRAY Complexion DARK Marital Status MARRIED Occupation FARMER
Nativity HUNTINGTON, PA
Service Record
Joined When AUG 9, 1862 Joined Where TRIVOLI, IL
Joined By Whom J S BEAN 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 DIED IN GEN HOSPITAL AT LEBANON KY MAR 1, 1863
The following afternoon, August 15, 1862, Bean led about 90 Trivoli volunteers into Peoria, where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, 83 of those Trivoli volunteers were mustered in as Company D of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. James S. Bean was elected and promoted to Major of the entire regiment, so the men of Co. D elected Frank Hitchcock to be their Captain. John Decker was elected by the men to fill one of the Corporal positions.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched out the gates of Camp Lyon, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, down to the railroad depot. There they were joined bu the men of the 85th Illinois, who had been mustered into service at Camp Peoria. Together, at the depot, the men of the 85th & 86th boarded trains bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana, which was located across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky.
Four weeks later, the men of the 85th & 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, chasing Confederate troops in Kentucky. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more in the years to come. After the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the Confederates withdrew from Kentucky and the men of McCook's Brigade marched on toward Nashville, Tennessee, where the 86th would go into winter camp.
However, even before the 86th had left the Louisville area in search of those Confederates, the green troops were having health issues with their new life style, which was not conducive to good health. Many men were left behind in the hospitals in the Louisville area when they left Louisville. On their way to Nashville, the men of McCook's Brigade passed through Lebanon, Kentucky, Bowling Green, Kentucky and then Gallatin, Tennessee. Several days were spent in those places while the men rested. When the men of McCook's Brigade continued their march toward Nashville, many more sick soldiers were left behind at each of these towns in makeshift Army Hospitals. One of these believed to have been left behind at Lebanon, Kentucky was Corporal John Decker.
John Decker's obituary states, "was in the enjoyment of good health up till about one month previous to his death, when he became very much afflicted and was placed in the hospital for medical treatment. This would mean John Decker wasn't having difficulties with his health until January of 1863. However, Private John Decker died in a hospital in Lebanon, Kentucky and the 86th passed Lebanon, Kentucky to the east on October 25, 1862 on their way to Bowling Green, Kentucky and then Nashville, Tennessee. So, there is a good possibility that he was having difficulty with his health long before this.
Whatever his ailment, little the doctors did seemed to help Corporal John Decker's condition very much. Then his obituary states that he "had not fully recovered when he concluded to return to his regiment again, and before reaching it took a relapse which brought death to his relief in a few days." Perhaps he was actually left behind at Louisville, Kentucky when the 86th left Louisville in October 1, 1862, recovered to the point where he felt he could rejoin his unit, relapsed and made it as far as Lebanon, Kentucky before he relapsed. We will probably never know the exact events of his final days, but as his obit states, Jonathan Decker "served his country......faithfully" and was not a shirker. Private Jonathan Decker passed into eternity late on the evening of February 28th or early in the morning of March 1st of 1863. His mortal remains were buried in a makeshift Union burying ground there in Lebanon, Kentucky. Today his mortal remains are found in the Lebanon National Cemetery in Lebanon, Kentucky. Whether his remains were moved there or whether the National Cemetery was built around that makeshift Union burying ground is not known.
In 2018, I got an email from Connie Decker, who found some newspaper articles about John's brother, Nicholas Decker and his death, then later about John Decker and his death. Connie wrote that in the October 22, 1862 edition of the Huntingdon Globe Newspaper it was stated, "Nicholas Decker is Dead. We regret to learn that Nicholas Decker, of Juniata township, member of Captain Wallace's company, died on the 11th inst. It will be remembered that Mr. Decker was severely wounded in one leg at the battle of Antietam. The leg was amputated, and he died at Camp G, near Frederick. Nicholas Decker was a widower, leaving three children to mourn their loss. He was an honest man, a Christian, and a true patriot."
Then later Connie found the following in the Huntingdon Journal and American Newspaper edition of Wednesday, April 1, 1863. "John Decker, of Illinois, formerly of this place, and brother to N. Decker, who fell in the battle of Antietam, died Feb. 28, at Church Hospital in Kentucky."
Then in June of 2019, I got an email from Find A Grave Contributor, Rhonda Hansch, who wrote that John was the "husband of my 3rd great-aunt Elizabeth Kemple. His parents were Michael Decker (1799-1880) and Maria Glazier (1804-1860)." Rhonda also emailed me the rest of the Wednesday, April 1, 1863 obituary from the Huntingdon Journal and American Newspaper.
"John Decker, of Illinois, formerly of this place, and brother to N. Decker, who fell in the battle of Antietam, died Feb. 28, at Church Hospital in Kentucky.
He was a member of Company D, 86th Regiment Illinois Vol., and was in the enjoyment of good health up till about one month previous to his death, when he became very much afflicted and was placed in the hospital for medical treatment, but had not fully recovered when he concluded to return to his regiment again, and before reaching it took a relapse which brought death to his relief in a few days. He was about forty years of age, and leaves a wife and five children. He served his country and his God faithfully, and gave evidence in the hour of death that his reward is that of the righteous. He has fought his last battle and gone safely home."
After John Decker's death in 1863, Elizabeth Decker, filed for a Widows Pension for John Decker of Co. D of the 86th Illinois. Elizabeth Decker stayed on in Trivoli Township of Peoria County, Illinois for some time. At the time of the 1870 census, Elizabeth and her children are found in Trivoli Township;
Elizabeth Decker F 38 Germany
Virginia B Decker F 17 Pennsylvania
Sarah Maria Decker F 16 Illinois
Isaac T Decker M 9 Illinois
In the 1870's, Elizabeth and at least one of her children, moved to Montgomery County,Illinois. At the time of the 1880 census, Elizabeth and Isaac are found in Litchfield Township, Montgomery County, Illinois, where Isaac is working as a Blacksmith;
Elizabeth Decker Self F 50 Germany
Isaac T Decker Son M 19 Illinois
Elizabeth Decker died on April 16, 1895 in Montgomery County, Illinois. Her mortal remains were interred on April 17, 1895 in the Elmwood Cemetery in Litchfield, Montgomery County, Illinois. She was 64 years, 4 months & 5 days old. See her Find A Grave Memorial# 142334958.
by Baxter B. Fite III, Connie Leaders, Find A Grave Contributor #49051567, who lives in Omaha, Nebraska and whose email address is [email protected] and Rhonda Hansch, Find A Grave Contributor #47587888, whose email address is [email protected]
(Baxter and Connie would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of John Decker, who might be able to add to the biographical information that we have on John Decker and his family. Baxter would also like to see copies of any photographs of John Decker, which may have survived the years, although truthfully it is doubted that he ever sat for a portrait, be added to his Find A Grave Memorial for all to enjoy.)
John Decker was born c. 1823 in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, the son of Michael Decker (1799-1880) and Maria (Glazier) Decker (1804-1860). John Decker may have had the middle name Henry. His son's death certificate, that of Isaac T. Decker, gives his father's name as John Henry Decker.
Michael Decker was the son of Nicholas Decker, who died felling trees in Oneida Township, Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania in 1812. Not a lot is known about our Michael Decker at this time. Michael Decker is not the Michael Decker, who was married to Barbara ______________ during this same period in Pennsylvania.
Michael Decker was married to Maria Glazier c. 18__ in ____________ County, Pennsylvania. Connie believes that our Michael Decker is the "Michael Decker who died the same year as the above but our guy died October 8, 1880 in the Longfellow area (railroad area). I found a newspaper article in the New Bloomfield Newspaper dated October 12, 1880. This area was near the Rev. Andrew W. Decker who appears to be his son. I have a big mystery here. In the J. Simpson Africa publication it says "Michael Decker moved to his abode near McVeystown, Pa". I have tracked down that he may have gone there after sometime after 1850. I have Michael Decker in Potter Township, Huntingdon County on the 1821 Septennial Census, 1830 he is in Henderson Twp., Huntingdon, 1840 he is in Walker Twp., Huntingdon Twp. but in 1850 he is under Henry Decker with wife Maria."
Here is what is believed to be the family of Michael Decker, though he is listed here as Henry, in the 1850 census in Walker, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania;
Henry Decker M 57 Pennsylvania
Maria Decker F 46 Pennsylvania
Nicholas Decker M 18 Pennsylvania
Andrew Decker M 15 Pennsylvania
Margt. Decker F 13 Pennsylvania
Cath Decker F 10 Pennsylvania
Caroline Decker F 7 Pennsylvania
Emmy Decker F 4 Pennsylvania
Michael Decker was the father of at least __________ children, including;
(Probably) 1. Mary Ann Decker, born 1822 in Pennsylvania. Mary Ann was married to Thomas McCord in the middle 1840's. At the time of the 1850 census, Mary Ann and her family are found in Oliver, Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, where they are farming;
Thomas Mccord M 28 Pennsylvania
Mary Ann Mccord F 28 Pennsylvania
John D Mccord M 2 Pennsylvania
Serah Mccord F 0 Pennsylvania
(Almost certainly) 2. John Decker, born c.1824 in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. See his biography below.
3. Eliza Decker, born c. 1829/30 in Pennsylvania. On October 13, 1853 it is recorded in Walker Township of Huntingdon County that Eliza Decker, the daughter of Michael Decker and Maria Decker was married to David E. Heifner, who must be a cousin or brother of Elizabeth Heifner, who was married to Eliza's brother, Nicholas. The following record is found on familysearch;
Name David E. Heifner
Spouse's Name Eliza Decker
Event Date 13 Oct 1853
Event Place Walker, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania
Father's Name Peter Heifner
Mother's Name Catharine Heifner
Spouse's Father's Name Michael Decker
Spouse's Mother's Name Maria Decker
At the time of the 1850 census, David Heifner may be the David Heifner we find in Walker, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, the same township we find the Henry and Maria Decker family in in the 1850 census;
Joseph Heifner M 25 Pennsylvania
Louisa Heifner F 23 Pennsylvania
Jesusha Heifner F 3 Pennsylvania
Mary Heifner F 1 Pennsylvania
David Heifner M 25 Pennsylvania
At the time of the 1880 census, Eliza and her family are found in Parson, Labette County, Kansas, she and David run a boarding house;
David E Heifner Self M 47 Pennsylvania, United States
Eliza Heifner Wife F 50 Pennsylvania, United States
Milton Heifner Son M 21 Iowa, United States
Belle Heifner Daughter F 19 Iowa, United States
Lilly Heifner Daughter F 16 Iowa, United States
Hattie Heifner Daughter F 13 Iowa, United States
Minnie Heifner Daughter F 12 Iowa, United States
4. Nicholas Decker, born c. 1832/34 in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, the son of Michael Decker and Maria (___________) Decker. Nicholas was married to Elizabeth Heifner in Walker Township, Huntingdon on December 16, 1852 . (Note: Connie Leader has their marriage record stating this his parents were Michael Decker and mother Maria Decker, no maiden name given. At the time of the 1850 census, Elizabeth is living with her recently widowed mother, Peter Heifner having died in 1849, in Walker, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania;
Cath Heifner M 55 Pennsylvania
Elizabeth Heifner F 22 Pennsylvania
Rebecca Heifner F 15 Pennsylvania
Nicholas Decker and Elizabeth are known to have had at least three children.
At the time of the 1860 census, Nicholas and his family are found in Juniata Township, Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania;
Nicholas Decker M 26 Pennsylvania
Elizabeth Decker F 35 Pennsylvania
Mariah C Decker F 5 Pennsylvania
Letitia Decker F 4 Pennsylvania
Williard R Decker M 2 Pennsylvania
Thomas Decker M 0 Pennsylvania
Elizabeth (Heifner) Decker is believed to have died shortly after this census was taken.
Nicholas Decker enlisted in the service during the Civil War, serving in Co. C. of the 125th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry and while in the service of his country. The October 22, 1862 edition of the Huntingdon Globe Newspaper carried the following notice. "Nicholas Decker is Dead. We regret to learn that Nicholas Decker, of Juniata township, member of Captain Wallace's company, died on the 11th inst. It will be remembered that Mr. Decker was severely wounded in one leg at the battle of Antietam. The leg was amputated, and he died at Camp G, near Frederick. Nicholas Decker was a widower, leaving three children to mourn their loss. He was an honest man, a Christian, and a true patriot." Nicholas Decker's mortal remains were almost certainly buried near Antietam. His mortal remains may have eventually been retrieved by the family for burial. There is a government stone for him in the Yocum Cemetery in Hesston, Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. However it is not known whether his body is truly here or whether this is just a cenotaph. See his Find A Grave Memorial #111576282.
(Probably) 5. Andrew W. Decker, born c. 1834/35 in Pennsylvania
(Probably) 6. Margaret Decker, born c. 1836/37 in Pennsylvania
(Probably) 7. Catherine Decker, born c. 1839/40 in Pennsylvania
(Probably) 8. Caroline Decker, born c. 1842/43 in Pennsylvania
(Probably) 9. Emiline "Emmy" Decker, born c. 1845/46 in Pennsylvania
Connie continued, "Now in 1860 this family splits up. Margaret and Caroline are under the household of Daniel Decker in Mifflin and Emiline and Margaret are under the household of Wilson Welsh. I have the oldest children (not listed on the 1850) of Michael and Maria as Mary Ann Decker who married Thomas McCord. John H. Decker married Nov 26, 1850 to Elizabeth Kemple, Nicholas (d.1862) married Elizabeth Heifner in Walker Township, Huntingdon on Dec 16, 1852 and Elizabeth Decker married David E. Heifner on Oct 13, 1853 in Walker Township. Both Nicholas and Elizabeth state their parents are Michael and Maria Decker."
Here are the children as they appear in the 1860 census;
In Mcveytown, Mifflin County, Pennsylvania;
Danl Decker M 32 Pennsylvania
Mary A Decker F 32 Pennsylvania
James M Decker M 11 Pennsylvania
Mary M Decker F 9 Pennsylvania
Eliza C Decker F 5 Pennsylvania
Margaret Decker F 1 Pennsylvania
Caroline Decker F 17 Pennsylvania
Andrew Decker M 22 Pennsylvania
Now to continue with what we know about John Decker;
John Decker may be the John Decker we find in Huntingdon Township, Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania with the Turner family at the time of the 1850 census;
Margt Turner F 66 Maryland
Mary Turner F 35 Pennsylvania
Edward Turner M 25 Pennsylvania
Jesse Turner M 22 Pennsylvania
Arcker Turner M 11 Pennsylvania
John Decker M 23 Pennsylvania
I have yet to find Elizabeth Kemple in the 1850 census. However, they must both be residing in or near Huntingdo County at this time. John Decker was married to Elizabeth Kemple on November 26, 1850 in Huntingdon County,Pennsylvania by the Rev. W. R. Mills, so she must be Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. Elizabeth Kemple was born c. December 11, 1830/31 in Germany, the daughter of Johannes "John" Kemple (FAG #144097177) and Anna Elizabeth (Selig) Kemple.
Sometime between 1854 and 1856, John and Elizabeth (Kemple) Decker moved their growing family west to Illinois, where they settled in Peoria County. At the time of the 1860 census, John Decker and his family are found in Trivoli Township, Peoria County, Illinois;
John Decker M 37 Penn
Elizabeth Decker F 27 Hassen
Wm Decker M 8 Penn
Virginia Decker F 6 Penn
Sarah Decker F 4 Ills
Charles Decker M 2 Ills
John's obituary tells us that John Decker and Elizabeth (Kemple) Decker were the parents of five children. They include;
1. William Decker, born c. 1851/52 in Pennsylvania. William is found with the family in the 1860 census. At the time of the 1870 census, William may be the William Decker, who is working as a farm hand in Galesburg Township, Knox County, Illinois;
Harlow Erwin M 22 Pennsylvania
Eliza Erwin F 30 Pennsylvania
Mary Erwin F 28 Pennsylvania
Delia Erwin F 26 Pennsylvania
Minnie Olssen F 16 Sweden
William Decker M 19 Pennsylvania
2. Virginia B. "Jennie" Decker, born October 31, 1853, most likely in Pennsylvania, but possibly in Peoria County, Illinois. Virginia is found living with her parents in Peoria County, Illinois in the 1860 census and with her, widowed, mother in Peoria County in the 1870 census.
Virginia is believed by some to have been 1st been married to Albert G. Green, who was born c. 1826/27 in Virginia. I have yet to find a record of this union. Their children include;
A. Mary E. Green, born 1875/6 in Missouri.
B. Albert G. Green, born 1877/8 in Missouri.
At the time of the 1880 census, this family is found in Litchfield Township, Montgomery County, Illinois;
Albert G Green Self M 53 Virginia, United States
Jennie Green Wife F 27 Pennsylvania, United States
Mary E Green Daughter F 4 Missouri, United States
Albert G Green Son M 2 Missouri, United States
Albert G. Green Sr. died on 26 Oct 1880 in Litchfield, Montgomery County, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in the Elmwood Cemetery in Litchfield, Montgomery County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial #176937568.
Virginia is believed by some to have then been married 2nd on 9 Sep 1882 in Montgomery Co., Illinois to Harris T. WILLIAMS, s/o William WILLIAMS & Elizabeth ROGERS. There is a record in Illinois Marriage Records found on family search of the union between Mrs. Jennie B. Green, age 29, to a Harris T. Williams, age 42.
Virginia was married to Nathaniel Daniel Carrico on July 1, 1886 in Montgeomery County, Illinois. Familysearch shows a record of this marriage. This would have been been his 2nd marriage. Nathaniel was born on September 9, 1833 in Greene County, Illinois, the son of Nathaniel Carrico and Mary Brown. Nathaniel Daniel Carrico was 1st married on April 23, 1837 in Macoupin County, Illinois to Milberry Jane Mitchell.
Twelve children were born to Nathaniel and Milberry before her death on October 16, 1879 in Macoupin County, Illinois. These included, Mary Elizabeth CARRICO, b. 19 Feb 1857, Nancy Annie CARRICO, b. 7 Jun 1858; d. bef. 1860, Margaret J. "Maggie" CARRICO, b. Sep 1860, Laura CARRICO, b. 14 Mar 1863; d. bef. 1870, Nathaniel J. CARRICO, Jr., b. 20 Dec 1864; d. bef. 1870, John G. CARRICO, b. 1866/7, Lula May CARRICO, b. 1868/9, Jesse S. CARRICO, b. ca. 1871; d. bef. 1880, George B. CARRICO, b. Aug 1873, Martha G. CARRICO, b. 1874/5, Nora Bell CARRICO, b. 1876/7 and Phoebe Maude CARRICO, b. ca. 1878; d. bef. 1880.
Nathaniel Daniel Carrico was then married 2nd on July 1, 1886 in Montgomery County, Illinois to Virginia B. "Jennie" Decker. The children born to Virginia and Nathaniel include;
C. Virginia B. CARRICO, b. Mar 1887 in Honey Point Township in Macoupin County, Illinois.
D. Dorothy L. "Dottie" CARRICO, b. Dec 1888 in Honey Point Township in Macoupin County, Illinois.
E. Frances A. CARRICO, b. May 1891 in Honey Point Township in Macoupin County, Illinois.
Nathaniel Daniel Carrico died on March 8, 1912 in Macoupin County, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in the Carrico Cemetery in Macoupin County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial #8197476.
Virginia B. "Jennie" (Decker) Carrico died on August 28, 1937 in Litchfield, Montgomery County, Illinois. Her death record lists her place of birth as Peoria County, Illinois (which may or may not be correct) and her parents as John Decker, of Pennsylvania and Elizabeth Kempel, of Germany. Virginia's mortal remains were laid in the Elmwood Cemetery in Litchfield, Montgomery County, Illinois.
3. Sarah Maria Decker, born c. 1855/56 in Illinois. Sarah is found with the family in the 1860 and 1870 census records seen below.
4. Charles Decker, born c. 1857/58 in Illinois, most likely Peoria County. Charles is believed to have died in Peoria County, Illinois in the 1860's as he is not found with the family at the time of the 1870 census.
5. Isaac T. Decker, born November 17, 1860 in Peoria County, Illinois. Isaac was married to Jennie B. Howell c. 1883/84.
Their children include;
A. John Taylor Decker, born _______________ __, 1886 in Illinois. John died in 1965.
B. Virgil Decker, born February 22, 1889 in Illinois. Virgil is known to have resided in Madison County, Illinois, in or near Glen Carbon, for a number of years. Virgil died on October __, 1972.
C. Eunice Decker, born ___________ __, 1891 in Illinois. Eunice died in 1974.
D. Annie E. Decker, born ____________ __, 1897 in Illinois. Annie died in 1901.
E. Frank Howell Decker, born April 7, 1900 in Illinois. Frank died on ____________ __, 1984 and his mortal remains were laid in the Mount Sterling Catholic Cemetery in Mount Sterling, Brown County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial #162463723.
F. Ruth V. Decker, born ____________ __, 1903. Ruth died in 1905.
At the time of the 1900 census, Isaac and his family are found in Mt. Vernon Township, Mt. Vernon city, Jefferson County, Illinois;
Isaac Decker Head M Nov 1860 40 Illinois
Jennie Decker Wife F 39 Kentucky
John Decker Son M 14 Illinois
Virgil Decker Daughter F 11 Illinois
Eunice Decker Daughter F 9 Illinois
Annie Decker Daughter F 3 Illinois
Howell Decker Son M 0 Illinois
Isaac may have later been married to Olive/Allie ______________.
Isaac T. Decker died on August 20, 1933 in Mount Vernon, Jefferson County, Illinois. His death record gives the following information;
Illinois Deaths and Stillbirths, 1916-1947: Name: Isaac T. Decker Event Date: 20 Aug 1933 Event Place: Mount Vernon, Jefferson, Illinois Gender: Male Age: 72 Birth Year (Estimated): 1861 Birth Date: 17 Nov 1860 Birthplace: Peoria Co., Illinois Father's Name: John Henry Decker Occupation: Blacksmith Spouse's Name: Olive Decker Burial Date: 23 Aug 1933 Burial Place: Mt. Vernon, Jefferson, Ill. Cemetery: Oakwood.
Isaac's mortal remains were laid in the Oakwood Cemetery in Mount Vernon, Jefferson County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 136066263.
Now to continue with what we know about John Decker and his family;
John Decker and his family are known to have been residing in Trivoli Township in Peoria County, Illinois, where he is farming, by the summer of 1862.
On August 14, 1862, John Decker went into Trivoli, Illinois, where he volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in Trivoli, Illinois by James S. Bean for service in the Union Army.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name DECKER, JOHN
Rank CPL Company D Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence TRIVOLI, PEORIA CO, IL Age 38 Height 5' 9 1/2 Hair DARK
Eyes GRAY Complexion DARK Marital Status MARRIED Occupation FARMER
Nativity HUNTINGTON, PA
Service Record
Joined When AUG 9, 1862 Joined Where TRIVOLI, IL
Joined By Whom J S BEAN 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 DIED IN GEN HOSPITAL AT LEBANON KY MAR 1, 1863
The following afternoon, August 15, 1862, Bean led about 90 Trivoli volunteers into Peoria, where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, 83 of those Trivoli volunteers were mustered in as Company D of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. James S. Bean was elected and promoted to Major of the entire regiment, so the men of Co. D elected Frank Hitchcock to be their Captain. John Decker was elected by the men to fill one of the Corporal positions.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched out the gates of Camp Lyon, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, down to the railroad depot. There they were joined bu the men of the 85th Illinois, who had been mustered into service at Camp Peoria. Together, at the depot, the men of the 85th & 86th boarded trains bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana, which was located across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky.
Four weeks later, the men of the 85th & 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, chasing Confederate troops in Kentucky. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more in the years to come. After the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the Confederates withdrew from Kentucky and the men of McCook's Brigade marched on toward Nashville, Tennessee, where the 86th would go into winter camp.
However, even before the 86th had left the Louisville area in search of those Confederates, the green troops were having health issues with their new life style, which was not conducive to good health. Many men were left behind in the hospitals in the Louisville area when they left Louisville. On their way to Nashville, the men of McCook's Brigade passed through Lebanon, Kentucky, Bowling Green, Kentucky and then Gallatin, Tennessee. Several days were spent in those places while the men rested. When the men of McCook's Brigade continued their march toward Nashville, many more sick soldiers were left behind at each of these towns in makeshift Army Hospitals. One of these believed to have been left behind at Lebanon, Kentucky was Corporal John Decker.
John Decker's obituary states, "was in the enjoyment of good health up till about one month previous to his death, when he became very much afflicted and was placed in the hospital for medical treatment. This would mean John Decker wasn't having difficulties with his health until January of 1863. However, Private John Decker died in a hospital in Lebanon, Kentucky and the 86th passed Lebanon, Kentucky to the east on October 25, 1862 on their way to Bowling Green, Kentucky and then Nashville, Tennessee. So, there is a good possibility that he was having difficulty with his health long before this.
Whatever his ailment, little the doctors did seemed to help Corporal John Decker's condition very much. Then his obituary states that he "had not fully recovered when he concluded to return to his regiment again, and before reaching it took a relapse which brought death to his relief in a few days." Perhaps he was actually left behind at Louisville, Kentucky when the 86th left Louisville in October 1, 1862, recovered to the point where he felt he could rejoin his unit, relapsed and made it as far as Lebanon, Kentucky before he relapsed. We will probably never know the exact events of his final days, but as his obit states, Jonathan Decker "served his country......faithfully" and was not a shirker. Private Jonathan Decker passed into eternity late on the evening of February 28th or early in the morning of March 1st of 1863. His mortal remains were buried in a makeshift Union burying ground there in Lebanon, Kentucky. Today his mortal remains are found in the Lebanon National Cemetery in Lebanon, Kentucky. Whether his remains were moved there or whether the National Cemetery was built around that makeshift Union burying ground is not known.
In 2018, I got an email from Connie Decker, who found some newspaper articles about John's brother, Nicholas Decker and his death, then later about John Decker and his death. Connie wrote that in the October 22, 1862 edition of the Huntingdon Globe Newspaper it was stated, "Nicholas Decker is Dead. We regret to learn that Nicholas Decker, of Juniata township, member of Captain Wallace's company, died on the 11th inst. It will be remembered that Mr. Decker was severely wounded in one leg at the battle of Antietam. The leg was amputated, and he died at Camp G, near Frederick. Nicholas Decker was a widower, leaving three children to mourn their loss. He was an honest man, a Christian, and a true patriot."
Then later Connie found the following in the Huntingdon Journal and American Newspaper edition of Wednesday, April 1, 1863. "John Decker, of Illinois, formerly of this place, and brother to N. Decker, who fell in the battle of Antietam, died Feb. 28, at Church Hospital in Kentucky."
Then in June of 2019, I got an email from Find A Grave Contributor, Rhonda Hansch, who wrote that John was the "husband of my 3rd great-aunt Elizabeth Kemple. His parents were Michael Decker (1799-1880) and Maria Glazier (1804-1860)." Rhonda also emailed me the rest of the Wednesday, April 1, 1863 obituary from the Huntingdon Journal and American Newspaper.
"John Decker, of Illinois, formerly of this place, and brother to N. Decker, who fell in the battle of Antietam, died Feb. 28, at Church Hospital in Kentucky.
He was a member of Company D, 86th Regiment Illinois Vol., and was in the enjoyment of good health up till about one month previous to his death, when he became very much afflicted and was placed in the hospital for medical treatment, but had not fully recovered when he concluded to return to his regiment again, and before reaching it took a relapse which brought death to his relief in a few days. He was about forty years of age, and leaves a wife and five children. He served his country and his God faithfully, and gave evidence in the hour of death that his reward is that of the righteous. He has fought his last battle and gone safely home."
After John Decker's death in 1863, Elizabeth Decker, filed for a Widows Pension for John Decker of Co. D of the 86th Illinois. Elizabeth Decker stayed on in Trivoli Township of Peoria County, Illinois for some time. At the time of the 1870 census, Elizabeth and her children are found in Trivoli Township;
Elizabeth Decker F 38 Germany
Virginia B Decker F 17 Pennsylvania
Sarah Maria Decker F 16 Illinois
Isaac T Decker M 9 Illinois
In the 1870's, Elizabeth and at least one of her children, moved to Montgomery County,Illinois. At the time of the 1880 census, Elizabeth and Isaac are found in Litchfield Township, Montgomery County, Illinois, where Isaac is working as a Blacksmith;
Elizabeth Decker Self F 50 Germany
Isaac T Decker Son M 19 Illinois
Elizabeth Decker died on April 16, 1895 in Montgomery County, Illinois. Her mortal remains were interred on April 17, 1895 in the Elmwood Cemetery in Litchfield, Montgomery County, Illinois. She was 64 years, 4 months & 5 days old. See her Find A Grave Memorial# 142334958.
by Baxter B. Fite III, Connie Leaders, Find A Grave Contributor #49051567, who lives in Omaha, Nebraska and whose email address is [email protected] and Rhonda Hansch, Find A Grave Contributor #47587888, whose email address is [email protected]
(Baxter and Connie would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of John Decker, who might be able to add to the biographical information that we have on John Decker and his family. Baxter would also like to see copies of any photographs of John Decker, which may have survived the years, although truthfully it is doubted that he ever sat for a portrait, be added to his Find A Grave Memorial for all to enjoy.)
Family Members
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