(NOTE: James W. Trowbridge probably never had his portrait taken prior to the Civil War. However, during the 10 month period that the 86th Illinois was in the Nashville, Tennessee area in 1862-63, James, like most of the Union soldiers in the Nashville area, probably took the time to sit for a portrait to send home to the loved ones that he left behind. These portraits were printed in the form of what was called a "dageurreotype" or "tin type" or, more often, in the form of what was called a "CDV." A "CDV" was a paper picture glued to a heavier card stock about the size of a modern day baseball card, and the soldiers didn't just have one or two copies made. Most of the time, they had a dozen or more made, so they could swap pictures with their tentmates and messmates and also to send to their friends and loved ones back home.
James W. Trowbridge then survived the war and lived well into the 20th century. During his life, James probably had his picture taken dozens of times. I would dearly love to see a copy of that CDV added to his Find A Grave site for all with an interest to see. Thanks to one member of the family we have one picture of him as an older gentleman for his Find A Grave Memorial. However, I would be thrilled to see some more pictures of him added to his Find A Grave Memorial, even more of him as an old man. Can anyone else help me? Thanks, Baxter)
Private JAMES W. TROWBRIDGE, Co. G, 86th Illinois
James W. Trowbridge was born on March 17, 1843 in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, the son of Lorin Trowbridge and Martha (Hale) Trowbridge. Lorin was born on March 9, 1811 in Oswego County, New York, the son of John Trowbridge (1771 - 1852) and Abigail (Nourse) Trowbridge. Loren Trowbridge, who was then a resident of Twinsburgh Township, Portage County, Ohio, was married to Martha Hale on October 7, 1835 in Portage County, Ohio. Martha Hale was born on April 16, 1811 in New Hampshire.
The children born to John and Martha include;
1. Elmina/Almina Trowbridge, born 1835/36 in Ohio. Elmina Trowbridge was married to W, P. Johnson on November 7, 1860 in Tazewell County, Illinois.
The children born to Elimina and William include;
A. Archibald L. "Archy" Johnson, born c. October 13, 1861 in Illinois. Archibald died on January 30, 1941 in San Bernardino County, California.
B. Martha E. Johnson, born c. 1863 in Illinois.
C. Mary Ellen "Ella" Johnson, born c. 1865 in Tazewell County, Illinois. At the time of the 1870 census, seen below, Mary is found with her family in Washington Township. At the time of the 1880 census, Mary, is found in two places, 1st she is found with her widowed mother and her family in Washington Township, and 2nd she is found as "Ella" living with her mother's youngest sister, Ella (Trowbridge) Long Nelson, and her family in Washington Township.
D. Elmina T. "Minnie" Johnson, born c. 1867 in Illinois.
E. Marilla C. "Lily" Johnson, born February __, 1870 in Tazewell County, Illinois.
F. William F. Johnson, born c. 1873/74 in Tazewell County, Illinois.
At the time of the 1870 census, Elmina and her family are found in Washington Township, Tazewell County, Illinois;
Wm Johnson 48 Farmer Indiana
Almina Johnson 35 Keeping House Ohio
Archy Johnson 9 Illinois
Martha Johnson 7 Illinois
Mary Johnson 5 Illinois
Minnie Johnson 3 Illinois
Marilla Johnson 4/12 Illinois February
At the time of the 1880 census, Elmina and her family are found in Washington, Tazewell County, Illinois;
Wm Johnson 57 Deceased Farmer Indiana
Elmina Johnson 43 Keeping House Ohio
Martha E. Johnson 16 Illinois
Mary Ellen Johnson 14 Illinois
Elmina T. Johnson 12 Illinois
Lily C. Johnson 10 Illinois
William F. Johnson 6 Illinois
Elmina (Trowbridge) Johnson died on ____________ __, 1____ in ____________ County, ____________ and her mortal remains were laid in the ______________ Cemetery in ___________, ___________.
2. James W. Trowbridge, born March 17, 1843 in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. See his biography below.
3. Emily Trowbridge, born c. 1844/45 in Ohio.
4. Thankfull V. Trowbridge, born c. 1846/47 in Ohio. Thankfull was married to Robert Bamber on October 31, 1867 in Tazewell County, Illinois.
The children born to Thankfull and Robert include;
A. Mary Bamber, born c. 1868/69 in Tazewell County, Illinois.
At the time of the 1870 census, Thankfull and her family are found in Washington Township, Tazewell County, Illinois;
Robert Bamber 25 Farmer Illinois
Thankfull Bamber 23 Keeping House Illinois
Mary Bamber 1 Illinois
Angeline Bamber 55 Virginia
5. Ella Trowbridge, born c. 1850/51 in Ohio. Ella is found in the 1860 census with her family in Washington Township, Tazewell County, Illinois that is seen below. On December 28, 1868, Ella Trowbridge was married to John F. Long in Tazewell County, Illinois.
Three children were born to Ella and John;
A. Anna Long, born c. 1870/71 in Illinois.
B. Charles Long, born c. 1872/73 in Illinois.
C. George Long, born c. 1874/75 in Illinois. George is almost certainly the George Edward Long we find who was born March 6, 1875 in Illinois. His parents are listed as Long and Throbridge. George Edward Long died on January 5, 1951 in San Francisco, California and his mortal remains were laid in the Cypress Lawn Memorial Park in Colma, San Mateo County, California. See his Find A Grave Memorial #87723408
In the mid to late 1870's either John F. Long died or he and Ella were divorced. Ella (Trowbridge) Long was married to Charles Nelson on April 16, 1879 in Tazewell County, Illinois. at the time of the 1880 census, the combined Long/Nelson family is found in Washington Township, Tazewell County, Illinois;
Charles Nelson 29 Head Norway Norway Norway
Ella Nelson 29 Wife Ohio New York New Hampshire
Anna Long 9 Step daughter Illinois Ohio Ohio
Charles Long 7 Step son Illinois Ohio Ohio
George Long 5 Step son Illinois ohio Ohio
Ella Johnson 14 Niece Illinois Indiana Ohio
It is not known if Charles Nelson and Ella (Trowbridge) Long Nelson had any children or not.
Ella may have gone on to California as there is an Ella Newson who was born c. 1850/51 and who died in the 1880. Ella (Trowbridge) Long Nelson died on ____________ __, 19__ and her mortal remains were laid in the ___________________ Cemetery in ____________, ____________.
6. Charles Trowbridge, born ____________ __, 1853 in Tazewell County, Illinois. Charles was married to Eveline ______________ in 187__
The children born to Charles and Eveline include;
A. Annie May Trowbridge, born c. 1875 in Tazewell County, Illinois.
At the time of the 1850 census, the Trowbridge family is found in Warrensville, Cuyahoga County, Ohio, where they are farming;
Lorain Trowbridge 40 Farmer NY
Martha Trowbridge 40 NH
Elmira Trowbridge 14 Ohio
James L. Trowbridge 7 Ohio
Emily E. Trowbridge 5 Ohio
Thankful Trowbridge 3 Ohio
In the 1850's the Trowbridge family moved west to Illinois, where they settled in Tazewell County, Illinois. At the time of the 1860 census, the Trowbridge family is found in Washington Township, Tazewell County, where they are farming;
Lorin Trowbridge 49 Farmer New York
Martha Trowbridge 29 NH
Elmira Trowbridge 23 Ohio
James Trowbridge 17 Ohio
Emily Trowbridge 15 Ohio
Thankful Trowbridge 13 OHio
Ella Trowbridge 9 Ohio
Charles Trowbridge 6 Illinois
At the time of the 1870 census, Lorin and Martha Trowbridge is found in Deer Creek Township of Tazewell County, Illinois;
46 Lorin Trowbridge 59 Farmer NY
Martha Trowbridge 59 NH
47 James Trowbridge 27 Farmer OH
Nancy Trowbridge 22 Keeping House ILL
Robert Anderson 65 Farmer Scotland
Lorin Trowbridge died on January 16, 1876 in Washington Township of Tazewell County, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in the Old Washington Cemetery in Washington, Tazewell County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial #40199477.
At the time of the 1880 census, Martha (Hale) Trowbridge is found residing in Washington Township, Tazewell County, Illinois with her youngest son, Charles, and his family;
Charles Trowbridge 27 Head Works on farm Laborer Illinois
Eveline Trowbridge 30 Wife Keeping House Ohio
Annie May Trowbridge Dau. 4 ILL
Martha Trowbridge Mother 69 NH
William Birket 24 Boarder Farmer Cattarrah Illinois
George A. Birket 27 Boarder Farmer Illinois
Martha (Hale) Trowbridge died on March 19, 1882 in Washington Township, Tazewell County, Illinois and her mortal remains were laid in the Old Washington Cemetery in Washington, Tazewell County, Illinois.
Now to continue with the biography of James W. Trowbridge;
In the 1850 census, and in his marriage record in 1869, James Trowbridge's middle initial is given as L. In both records he is listed as James L. Trowbridge. On August 9, 1862, James Trowbridge went into the village of Washington and volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in the Washington/Deer Creek/Morton area of Tazewell County by a Washington Photographer by the name of William B. Bogardus for service in the Union army.
ILLINOIS STATE ARCHIVES
Illinois Civil War Detail Report
Name TROWBRIDGE, JAMES Rank PVT
Company G Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence WASHINGTON, TAZEWELL CO, IL
Age 19 Height 5' 9 1/2
Hair BLACK Eyes BLACK
Complexion DARK Marital Status SINGLE
Occupation FARMER Nativity OH
Service Record
Joined When AUG 9, 1862 Joined Where WASHINGTON, IL
Joined By Whom W B BOGARDUS Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862
Muster In Where CAMP PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom
Muster Out JUN 6, 1865
Muster Out Where WASHINGTON, DC
Muster Out By Whom LT SCROGGS
Remarks WOUNDED AT KENESAW MOUNTAIN GA JUN 27, 1864
When Bogardus had about 90 volunteers he led the Washington/Deer Creek/Morton volunteers into Peoria where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, Bogardus and 87 of his volunteers were mustered into service as Co. G of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Bogardus was elected Captain of Co. G by the men of the Washington/Deer Creek/Morton company.
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, and boarded a train bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana. Three weeks later, the men of the 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, 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 to come. After the Battle of Perryville, the Confederate troops withdrew from Kentucky while the men of McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, where they would spend the winter and much of the spring and summer of 1863.
For over two and a half years, Private James W. Trowbridge served faithfully in Co. G as the men of the 86th served in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, South and North Carolina. During this time, James was witness to and a participant in numerous battles and skirmishes, some of the bloodiest fighting in the Western Theatre of the war, including the Battles of Chickamauga, Georgia; Resaca, Georgia; Rome, Georgia; Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia; Atlanta, Georgia; Jonesboro, Georgia, Averasboro, North Carolina and Bentonville, North Carolina, juts to name a few, and marched with Sherman "To the Sea".
However, it was June 27, 1864, that the men of the 86th and of McCook's Brigade suffered the most. On the morning of June 27, 1864, the men of McCook's Brigade found themselves across from Cheatham Hill on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia. The five Union Regiments of McCook's Brigade were formed in line of battle, one regiment stacked behind the other, the 86th Illinois third in line. It was hoped that this formation would allow the Union Brigade to punch a hole in the Confederate line, each regiment giving some protection to the regiment in back of it. When the signal gun fired, the men of the brigade stepped off and moved down a hill, crossed a small stream and then moved through a wheat field before beginning the climb up Cheatham Hill and the Confederate breastworks toward an angle in the Confederate line that was soon to be called "The Dead Angle." The following assault, which proved to be only partially successful, lasted less than 30 minutes. On the evening of June 27, 1864, Sgt. Levi A. Ross, a member of Co. K of the 86th, wrote the following of the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain. "Our forces rushed upon the rebels five lines deep and in fifteen minutes were hurled back, by them, leaving 2500 brave Union Soldiers dead within twenty feet of the Enemy's works. The loss in the 86th was 106 -- in our Brig. over 400."
As the men of McCook's Brigade fell back from the Confederate fortifications, they were forced to leave most of their dead and wounded behind. These bodies laid between the lines until the 29th when a truce was called so the Union could bury it's dead because the smell from the decomposing bodies became so horrible, that neither side could stand it any longer. Company G of the 86th had two men killed and eight men wounded during this 30 minute assault.
On June 30, 1864, as the men of the 86th lay in the trenches not far from the Confederate lines, Private George W. Ferner, of James W. Trowbridge's Co. G, wrote the following in a letter home. "Our front lines of breast works is not more than 25 steps from the rebels, they are continually firing at each other, if one stands exposed or shows his head above the works he is sure to be shot at. Well, I must give you the number or loss in the fight that is reported at present. There were 480 killed, wounded and missing in our Bri. 98 in our Reg. and some 15 or twenty that are still able for duty. I got a slight wound in the little finger of the left hand. I will remain with the Co. We had two killed and four wounded in our Co. James Small, Amos Shreive killed. Both from Deer Creek. Geo. Holmes one thumb shot off and severely wounded in the hip. Milton Cloud shot in both legs, Will Criswell thumb shot off and slightly in the side. James Roberts in the head. L. S. North slightly in the face and ear. James Trowbridge slightly in the eye. Madison Corbin slightly in the thumb.......(Note; Though he said only four were wounded in Co. G, along with his slight wound, he listed eight other men wounded in various degrees. George Holmes died from his wounds, the other seven are believed to have recovered and to have rejoined Co. G.)
Though Private George W. Ferner refers to James Trowbridge's wound in or near the eye as "slight", James Trowbridge lost the use of that eye at some point following this wounding. Whether this occurred before or after the war came to a close is not known. If he lost the use of the eye before the end of the war, he may not have said anything about it or it must not have affected his ability to perform his duties as a solider, as he apparently soldiered on with the remainder of Co. G until the close of the war, which included Sherman's infamous"March to the Sea."
James L. Trowbridge was married to Nancy Ann McCullough on December 23, 1869 in Tazewell County, Illinois.
by Baxter B. Fite III
(Baxter would love to hear from anyone, especially descendants of the Trowbridge family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on James W. Trowbridge and the Trowbridge family. Baxter would also love to see copies of any photographs of James W. Trowbridge that may have survived the years, especially any showing him in uniform from his days in the service, added to his Find A Grave site for all to see.)
James W. Trowbridge then survived the war and lived well into the 20th century. During his life, James probably had his picture taken dozens of times. I would dearly love to see a copy of that CDV added to his Find A Grave site for all with an interest to see. Thanks to one member of the family we have one picture of him as an older gentleman for his Find A Grave Memorial. However, I would be thrilled to see some more pictures of him added to his Find A Grave Memorial, even more of him as an old man. Can anyone else help me? Thanks, Baxter)
Private JAMES W. TROWBRIDGE, Co. G, 86th Illinois
James W. Trowbridge was born on March 17, 1843 in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, the son of Lorin Trowbridge and Martha (Hale) Trowbridge. Lorin was born on March 9, 1811 in Oswego County, New York, the son of John Trowbridge (1771 - 1852) and Abigail (Nourse) Trowbridge. Loren Trowbridge, who was then a resident of Twinsburgh Township, Portage County, Ohio, was married to Martha Hale on October 7, 1835 in Portage County, Ohio. Martha Hale was born on April 16, 1811 in New Hampshire.
The children born to John and Martha include;
1. Elmina/Almina Trowbridge, born 1835/36 in Ohio. Elmina Trowbridge was married to W, P. Johnson on November 7, 1860 in Tazewell County, Illinois.
The children born to Elimina and William include;
A. Archibald L. "Archy" Johnson, born c. October 13, 1861 in Illinois. Archibald died on January 30, 1941 in San Bernardino County, California.
B. Martha E. Johnson, born c. 1863 in Illinois.
C. Mary Ellen "Ella" Johnson, born c. 1865 in Tazewell County, Illinois. At the time of the 1870 census, seen below, Mary is found with her family in Washington Township. At the time of the 1880 census, Mary, is found in two places, 1st she is found with her widowed mother and her family in Washington Township, and 2nd she is found as "Ella" living with her mother's youngest sister, Ella (Trowbridge) Long Nelson, and her family in Washington Township.
D. Elmina T. "Minnie" Johnson, born c. 1867 in Illinois.
E. Marilla C. "Lily" Johnson, born February __, 1870 in Tazewell County, Illinois.
F. William F. Johnson, born c. 1873/74 in Tazewell County, Illinois.
At the time of the 1870 census, Elmina and her family are found in Washington Township, Tazewell County, Illinois;
Wm Johnson 48 Farmer Indiana
Almina Johnson 35 Keeping House Ohio
Archy Johnson 9 Illinois
Martha Johnson 7 Illinois
Mary Johnson 5 Illinois
Minnie Johnson 3 Illinois
Marilla Johnson 4/12 Illinois February
At the time of the 1880 census, Elmina and her family are found in Washington, Tazewell County, Illinois;
Wm Johnson 57 Deceased Farmer Indiana
Elmina Johnson 43 Keeping House Ohio
Martha E. Johnson 16 Illinois
Mary Ellen Johnson 14 Illinois
Elmina T. Johnson 12 Illinois
Lily C. Johnson 10 Illinois
William F. Johnson 6 Illinois
Elmina (Trowbridge) Johnson died on ____________ __, 1____ in ____________ County, ____________ and her mortal remains were laid in the ______________ Cemetery in ___________, ___________.
2. James W. Trowbridge, born March 17, 1843 in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. See his biography below.
3. Emily Trowbridge, born c. 1844/45 in Ohio.
4. Thankfull V. Trowbridge, born c. 1846/47 in Ohio. Thankfull was married to Robert Bamber on October 31, 1867 in Tazewell County, Illinois.
The children born to Thankfull and Robert include;
A. Mary Bamber, born c. 1868/69 in Tazewell County, Illinois.
At the time of the 1870 census, Thankfull and her family are found in Washington Township, Tazewell County, Illinois;
Robert Bamber 25 Farmer Illinois
Thankfull Bamber 23 Keeping House Illinois
Mary Bamber 1 Illinois
Angeline Bamber 55 Virginia
5. Ella Trowbridge, born c. 1850/51 in Ohio. Ella is found in the 1860 census with her family in Washington Township, Tazewell County, Illinois that is seen below. On December 28, 1868, Ella Trowbridge was married to John F. Long in Tazewell County, Illinois.
Three children were born to Ella and John;
A. Anna Long, born c. 1870/71 in Illinois.
B. Charles Long, born c. 1872/73 in Illinois.
C. George Long, born c. 1874/75 in Illinois. George is almost certainly the George Edward Long we find who was born March 6, 1875 in Illinois. His parents are listed as Long and Throbridge. George Edward Long died on January 5, 1951 in San Francisco, California and his mortal remains were laid in the Cypress Lawn Memorial Park in Colma, San Mateo County, California. See his Find A Grave Memorial #87723408
In the mid to late 1870's either John F. Long died or he and Ella were divorced. Ella (Trowbridge) Long was married to Charles Nelson on April 16, 1879 in Tazewell County, Illinois. at the time of the 1880 census, the combined Long/Nelson family is found in Washington Township, Tazewell County, Illinois;
Charles Nelson 29 Head Norway Norway Norway
Ella Nelson 29 Wife Ohio New York New Hampshire
Anna Long 9 Step daughter Illinois Ohio Ohio
Charles Long 7 Step son Illinois Ohio Ohio
George Long 5 Step son Illinois ohio Ohio
Ella Johnson 14 Niece Illinois Indiana Ohio
It is not known if Charles Nelson and Ella (Trowbridge) Long Nelson had any children or not.
Ella may have gone on to California as there is an Ella Newson who was born c. 1850/51 and who died in the 1880. Ella (Trowbridge) Long Nelson died on ____________ __, 19__ and her mortal remains were laid in the ___________________ Cemetery in ____________, ____________.
6. Charles Trowbridge, born ____________ __, 1853 in Tazewell County, Illinois. Charles was married to Eveline ______________ in 187__
The children born to Charles and Eveline include;
A. Annie May Trowbridge, born c. 1875 in Tazewell County, Illinois.
At the time of the 1850 census, the Trowbridge family is found in Warrensville, Cuyahoga County, Ohio, where they are farming;
Lorain Trowbridge 40 Farmer NY
Martha Trowbridge 40 NH
Elmira Trowbridge 14 Ohio
James L. Trowbridge 7 Ohio
Emily E. Trowbridge 5 Ohio
Thankful Trowbridge 3 Ohio
In the 1850's the Trowbridge family moved west to Illinois, where they settled in Tazewell County, Illinois. At the time of the 1860 census, the Trowbridge family is found in Washington Township, Tazewell County, where they are farming;
Lorin Trowbridge 49 Farmer New York
Martha Trowbridge 29 NH
Elmira Trowbridge 23 Ohio
James Trowbridge 17 Ohio
Emily Trowbridge 15 Ohio
Thankful Trowbridge 13 OHio
Ella Trowbridge 9 Ohio
Charles Trowbridge 6 Illinois
At the time of the 1870 census, Lorin and Martha Trowbridge is found in Deer Creek Township of Tazewell County, Illinois;
46 Lorin Trowbridge 59 Farmer NY
Martha Trowbridge 59 NH
47 James Trowbridge 27 Farmer OH
Nancy Trowbridge 22 Keeping House ILL
Robert Anderson 65 Farmer Scotland
Lorin Trowbridge died on January 16, 1876 in Washington Township of Tazewell County, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in the Old Washington Cemetery in Washington, Tazewell County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial #40199477.
At the time of the 1880 census, Martha (Hale) Trowbridge is found residing in Washington Township, Tazewell County, Illinois with her youngest son, Charles, and his family;
Charles Trowbridge 27 Head Works on farm Laborer Illinois
Eveline Trowbridge 30 Wife Keeping House Ohio
Annie May Trowbridge Dau. 4 ILL
Martha Trowbridge Mother 69 NH
William Birket 24 Boarder Farmer Cattarrah Illinois
George A. Birket 27 Boarder Farmer Illinois
Martha (Hale) Trowbridge died on March 19, 1882 in Washington Township, Tazewell County, Illinois and her mortal remains were laid in the Old Washington Cemetery in Washington, Tazewell County, Illinois.
Now to continue with the biography of James W. Trowbridge;
In the 1850 census, and in his marriage record in 1869, James Trowbridge's middle initial is given as L. In both records he is listed as James L. Trowbridge. On August 9, 1862, James Trowbridge went into the village of Washington and volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in the Washington/Deer Creek/Morton area of Tazewell County by a Washington Photographer by the name of William B. Bogardus for service in the Union army.
ILLINOIS STATE ARCHIVES
Illinois Civil War Detail Report
Name TROWBRIDGE, JAMES Rank PVT
Company G Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence WASHINGTON, TAZEWELL CO, IL
Age 19 Height 5' 9 1/2
Hair BLACK Eyes BLACK
Complexion DARK Marital Status SINGLE
Occupation FARMER Nativity OH
Service Record
Joined When AUG 9, 1862 Joined Where WASHINGTON, IL
Joined By Whom W B BOGARDUS Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862
Muster In Where CAMP PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom
Muster Out JUN 6, 1865
Muster Out Where WASHINGTON, DC
Muster Out By Whom LT SCROGGS
Remarks WOUNDED AT KENESAW MOUNTAIN GA JUN 27, 1864
When Bogardus had about 90 volunteers he led the Washington/Deer Creek/Morton volunteers into Peoria where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, Bogardus and 87 of his volunteers were mustered into service as Co. G of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Bogardus was elected Captain of Co. G by the men of the Washington/Deer Creek/Morton company.
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, and boarded a train bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana. Three weeks later, the men of the 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, 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 to come. After the Battle of Perryville, the Confederate troops withdrew from Kentucky while the men of McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, where they would spend the winter and much of the spring and summer of 1863.
For over two and a half years, Private James W. Trowbridge served faithfully in Co. G as the men of the 86th served in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, South and North Carolina. During this time, James was witness to and a participant in numerous battles and skirmishes, some of the bloodiest fighting in the Western Theatre of the war, including the Battles of Chickamauga, Georgia; Resaca, Georgia; Rome, Georgia; Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia; Atlanta, Georgia; Jonesboro, Georgia, Averasboro, North Carolina and Bentonville, North Carolina, juts to name a few, and marched with Sherman "To the Sea".
However, it was June 27, 1864, that the men of the 86th and of McCook's Brigade suffered the most. On the morning of June 27, 1864, the men of McCook's Brigade found themselves across from Cheatham Hill on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia. The five Union Regiments of McCook's Brigade were formed in line of battle, one regiment stacked behind the other, the 86th Illinois third in line. It was hoped that this formation would allow the Union Brigade to punch a hole in the Confederate line, each regiment giving some protection to the regiment in back of it. When the signal gun fired, the men of the brigade stepped off and moved down a hill, crossed a small stream and then moved through a wheat field before beginning the climb up Cheatham Hill and the Confederate breastworks toward an angle in the Confederate line that was soon to be called "The Dead Angle." The following assault, which proved to be only partially successful, lasted less than 30 minutes. On the evening of June 27, 1864, Sgt. Levi A. Ross, a member of Co. K of the 86th, wrote the following of the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain. "Our forces rushed upon the rebels five lines deep and in fifteen minutes were hurled back, by them, leaving 2500 brave Union Soldiers dead within twenty feet of the Enemy's works. The loss in the 86th was 106 -- in our Brig. over 400."
As the men of McCook's Brigade fell back from the Confederate fortifications, they were forced to leave most of their dead and wounded behind. These bodies laid between the lines until the 29th when a truce was called so the Union could bury it's dead because the smell from the decomposing bodies became so horrible, that neither side could stand it any longer. Company G of the 86th had two men killed and eight men wounded during this 30 minute assault.
On June 30, 1864, as the men of the 86th lay in the trenches not far from the Confederate lines, Private George W. Ferner, of James W. Trowbridge's Co. G, wrote the following in a letter home. "Our front lines of breast works is not more than 25 steps from the rebels, they are continually firing at each other, if one stands exposed or shows his head above the works he is sure to be shot at. Well, I must give you the number or loss in the fight that is reported at present. There were 480 killed, wounded and missing in our Bri. 98 in our Reg. and some 15 or twenty that are still able for duty. I got a slight wound in the little finger of the left hand. I will remain with the Co. We had two killed and four wounded in our Co. James Small, Amos Shreive killed. Both from Deer Creek. Geo. Holmes one thumb shot off and severely wounded in the hip. Milton Cloud shot in both legs, Will Criswell thumb shot off and slightly in the side. James Roberts in the head. L. S. North slightly in the face and ear. James Trowbridge slightly in the eye. Madison Corbin slightly in the thumb.......(Note; Though he said only four were wounded in Co. G, along with his slight wound, he listed eight other men wounded in various degrees. George Holmes died from his wounds, the other seven are believed to have recovered and to have rejoined Co. G.)
Though Private George W. Ferner refers to James Trowbridge's wound in or near the eye as "slight", James Trowbridge lost the use of that eye at some point following this wounding. Whether this occurred before or after the war came to a close is not known. If he lost the use of the eye before the end of the war, he may not have said anything about it or it must not have affected his ability to perform his duties as a solider, as he apparently soldiered on with the remainder of Co. G until the close of the war, which included Sherman's infamous"March to the Sea."
James L. Trowbridge was married to Nancy Ann McCullough on December 23, 1869 in Tazewell County, Illinois.
by Baxter B. Fite III
(Baxter would love to hear from anyone, especially descendants of the Trowbridge family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on James W. Trowbridge and the Trowbridge family. Baxter would also love to see copies of any photographs of James W. Trowbridge that may have survived the years, especially any showing him in uniform from his days in the service, added to his Find A Grave site for all to see.)
(NOTE: James W. Trowbridge probably never had his portrait taken prior to the Civil War. However, during the 10 month period that the 86th Illinois was in the Nashville, Tennessee area in 1862-63, James, like most of the Union soldiers in the Nashville area, probably took the time to sit for a portrait to send home to the loved ones that he left behind. These portraits were printed in the form of what was called a "dageurreotype" or "tin type" or, more often, in the form of what was called a "CDV." A "CDV" was a paper picture glued to a heavier card stock about the size of a modern day baseball card, and the soldiers didn't just have one or two copies made. Most of the time, they had a dozen or more made, so they could swap pictures with their tentmates and messmates and also to send to their friends and loved ones back home.
James W. Trowbridge then survived the war and lived well into the 20th century. During his life, James probably had his picture taken dozens of times. I would dearly love to see a copy of that CDV added to his Find A Grave site for all with an interest to see. Thanks to one member of the family we have one picture of him as an older gentleman for his Find A Grave Memorial. However, I would be thrilled to see some more pictures of him added to his Find A Grave Memorial, even more of him as an old man. Can anyone else help me? Thanks, Baxter)
Private JAMES W. TROWBRIDGE, Co. G, 86th Illinois
James W. Trowbridge was born on March 17, 1843 in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, the son of Lorin Trowbridge and Martha (Hale) Trowbridge. Lorin was born on March 9, 1811 in Oswego County, New York, the son of John Trowbridge (1771 - 1852) and Abigail (Nourse) Trowbridge. Loren Trowbridge, who was then a resident of Twinsburgh Township, Portage County, Ohio, was married to Martha Hale on October 7, 1835 in Portage County, Ohio. Martha Hale was born on April 16, 1811 in New Hampshire.
The children born to John and Martha include;
1. Elmina/Almina Trowbridge, born 1835/36 in Ohio. Elmina Trowbridge was married to W, P. Johnson on November 7, 1860 in Tazewell County, Illinois.
The children born to Elimina and William include;
A. Archibald L. "Archy" Johnson, born c. October 13, 1861 in Illinois. Archibald died on January 30, 1941 in San Bernardino County, California.
B. Martha E. Johnson, born c. 1863 in Illinois.
C. Mary Ellen "Ella" Johnson, born c. 1865 in Tazewell County, Illinois. At the time of the 1870 census, seen below, Mary is found with her family in Washington Township. At the time of the 1880 census, Mary, is found in two places, 1st she is found with her widowed mother and her family in Washington Township, and 2nd she is found as "Ella" living with her mother's youngest sister, Ella (Trowbridge) Long Nelson, and her family in Washington Township.
D. Elmina T. "Minnie" Johnson, born c. 1867 in Illinois.
E. Marilla C. "Lily" Johnson, born February __, 1870 in Tazewell County, Illinois.
F. William F. Johnson, born c. 1873/74 in Tazewell County, Illinois.
At the time of the 1870 census, Elmina and her family are found in Washington Township, Tazewell County, Illinois;
Wm Johnson 48 Farmer Indiana
Almina Johnson 35 Keeping House Ohio
Archy Johnson 9 Illinois
Martha Johnson 7 Illinois
Mary Johnson 5 Illinois
Minnie Johnson 3 Illinois
Marilla Johnson 4/12 Illinois February
At the time of the 1880 census, Elmina and her family are found in Washington, Tazewell County, Illinois;
Wm Johnson 57 Deceased Farmer Indiana
Elmina Johnson 43 Keeping House Ohio
Martha E. Johnson 16 Illinois
Mary Ellen Johnson 14 Illinois
Elmina T. Johnson 12 Illinois
Lily C. Johnson 10 Illinois
William F. Johnson 6 Illinois
Elmina (Trowbridge) Johnson died on ____________ __, 1____ in ____________ County, ____________ and her mortal remains were laid in the ______________ Cemetery in ___________, ___________.
2. James W. Trowbridge, born March 17, 1843 in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. See his biography below.
3. Emily Trowbridge, born c. 1844/45 in Ohio.
4. Thankfull V. Trowbridge, born c. 1846/47 in Ohio. Thankfull was married to Robert Bamber on October 31, 1867 in Tazewell County, Illinois.
The children born to Thankfull and Robert include;
A. Mary Bamber, born c. 1868/69 in Tazewell County, Illinois.
At the time of the 1870 census, Thankfull and her family are found in Washington Township, Tazewell County, Illinois;
Robert Bamber 25 Farmer Illinois
Thankfull Bamber 23 Keeping House Illinois
Mary Bamber 1 Illinois
Angeline Bamber 55 Virginia
5. Ella Trowbridge, born c. 1850/51 in Ohio. Ella is found in the 1860 census with her family in Washington Township, Tazewell County, Illinois that is seen below. On December 28, 1868, Ella Trowbridge was married to John F. Long in Tazewell County, Illinois.
Three children were born to Ella and John;
A. Anna Long, born c. 1870/71 in Illinois.
B. Charles Long, born c. 1872/73 in Illinois.
C. George Long, born c. 1874/75 in Illinois. George is almost certainly the George Edward Long we find who was born March 6, 1875 in Illinois. His parents are listed as Long and Throbridge. George Edward Long died on January 5, 1951 in San Francisco, California and his mortal remains were laid in the Cypress Lawn Memorial Park in Colma, San Mateo County, California. See his Find A Grave Memorial #87723408
In the mid to late 1870's either John F. Long died or he and Ella were divorced. Ella (Trowbridge) Long was married to Charles Nelson on April 16, 1879 in Tazewell County, Illinois. at the time of the 1880 census, the combined Long/Nelson family is found in Washington Township, Tazewell County, Illinois;
Charles Nelson 29 Head Norway Norway Norway
Ella Nelson 29 Wife Ohio New York New Hampshire
Anna Long 9 Step daughter Illinois Ohio Ohio
Charles Long 7 Step son Illinois Ohio Ohio
George Long 5 Step son Illinois ohio Ohio
Ella Johnson 14 Niece Illinois Indiana Ohio
It is not known if Charles Nelson and Ella (Trowbridge) Long Nelson had any children or not.
Ella may have gone on to California as there is an Ella Newson who was born c. 1850/51 and who died in the 1880. Ella (Trowbridge) Long Nelson died on ____________ __, 19__ and her mortal remains were laid in the ___________________ Cemetery in ____________, ____________.
6. Charles Trowbridge, born ____________ __, 1853 in Tazewell County, Illinois. Charles was married to Eveline ______________ in 187__
The children born to Charles and Eveline include;
A. Annie May Trowbridge, born c. 1875 in Tazewell County, Illinois.
At the time of the 1850 census, the Trowbridge family is found in Warrensville, Cuyahoga County, Ohio, where they are farming;
Lorain Trowbridge 40 Farmer NY
Martha Trowbridge 40 NH
Elmira Trowbridge 14 Ohio
James L. Trowbridge 7 Ohio
Emily E. Trowbridge 5 Ohio
Thankful Trowbridge 3 Ohio
In the 1850's the Trowbridge family moved west to Illinois, where they settled in Tazewell County, Illinois. At the time of the 1860 census, the Trowbridge family is found in Washington Township, Tazewell County, where they are farming;
Lorin Trowbridge 49 Farmer New York
Martha Trowbridge 29 NH
Elmira Trowbridge 23 Ohio
James Trowbridge 17 Ohio
Emily Trowbridge 15 Ohio
Thankful Trowbridge 13 OHio
Ella Trowbridge 9 Ohio
Charles Trowbridge 6 Illinois
At the time of the 1870 census, Lorin and Martha Trowbridge is found in Deer Creek Township of Tazewell County, Illinois;
46 Lorin Trowbridge 59 Farmer NY
Martha Trowbridge 59 NH
47 James Trowbridge 27 Farmer OH
Nancy Trowbridge 22 Keeping House ILL
Robert Anderson 65 Farmer Scotland
Lorin Trowbridge died on January 16, 1876 in Washington Township of Tazewell County, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in the Old Washington Cemetery in Washington, Tazewell County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial #40199477.
At the time of the 1880 census, Martha (Hale) Trowbridge is found residing in Washington Township, Tazewell County, Illinois with her youngest son, Charles, and his family;
Charles Trowbridge 27 Head Works on farm Laborer Illinois
Eveline Trowbridge 30 Wife Keeping House Ohio
Annie May Trowbridge Dau. 4 ILL
Martha Trowbridge Mother 69 NH
William Birket 24 Boarder Farmer Cattarrah Illinois
George A. Birket 27 Boarder Farmer Illinois
Martha (Hale) Trowbridge died on March 19, 1882 in Washington Township, Tazewell County, Illinois and her mortal remains were laid in the Old Washington Cemetery in Washington, Tazewell County, Illinois.
Now to continue with the biography of James W. Trowbridge;
In the 1850 census, and in his marriage record in 1869, James Trowbridge's middle initial is given as L. In both records he is listed as James L. Trowbridge. On August 9, 1862, James Trowbridge went into the village of Washington and volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in the Washington/Deer Creek/Morton area of Tazewell County by a Washington Photographer by the name of William B. Bogardus for service in the Union army.
ILLINOIS STATE ARCHIVES
Illinois Civil War Detail Report
Name TROWBRIDGE, JAMES Rank PVT
Company G Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence WASHINGTON, TAZEWELL CO, IL
Age 19 Height 5' 9 1/2
Hair BLACK Eyes BLACK
Complexion DARK Marital Status SINGLE
Occupation FARMER Nativity OH
Service Record
Joined When AUG 9, 1862 Joined Where WASHINGTON, IL
Joined By Whom W B BOGARDUS Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862
Muster In Where CAMP PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom
Muster Out JUN 6, 1865
Muster Out Where WASHINGTON, DC
Muster Out By Whom LT SCROGGS
Remarks WOUNDED AT KENESAW MOUNTAIN GA JUN 27, 1864
When Bogardus had about 90 volunteers he led the Washington/Deer Creek/Morton volunteers into Peoria where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, Bogardus and 87 of his volunteers were mustered into service as Co. G of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Bogardus was elected Captain of Co. G by the men of the Washington/Deer Creek/Morton company.
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, and boarded a train bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana. Three weeks later, the men of the 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, 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 to come. After the Battle of Perryville, the Confederate troops withdrew from Kentucky while the men of McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, where they would spend the winter and much of the spring and summer of 1863.
For over two and a half years, Private James W. Trowbridge served faithfully in Co. G as the men of the 86th served in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, South and North Carolina. During this time, James was witness to and a participant in numerous battles and skirmishes, some of the bloodiest fighting in the Western Theatre of the war, including the Battles of Chickamauga, Georgia; Resaca, Georgia; Rome, Georgia; Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia; Atlanta, Georgia; Jonesboro, Georgia, Averasboro, North Carolina and Bentonville, North Carolina, juts to name a few, and marched with Sherman "To the Sea".
However, it was June 27, 1864, that the men of the 86th and of McCook's Brigade suffered the most. On the morning of June 27, 1864, the men of McCook's Brigade found themselves across from Cheatham Hill on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia. The five Union Regiments of McCook's Brigade were formed in line of battle, one regiment stacked behind the other, the 86th Illinois third in line. It was hoped that this formation would allow the Union Brigade to punch a hole in the Confederate line, each regiment giving some protection to the regiment in back of it. When the signal gun fired, the men of the brigade stepped off and moved down a hill, crossed a small stream and then moved through a wheat field before beginning the climb up Cheatham Hill and the Confederate breastworks toward an angle in the Confederate line that was soon to be called "The Dead Angle." The following assault, which proved to be only partially successful, lasted less than 30 minutes. On the evening of June 27, 1864, Sgt. Levi A. Ross, a member of Co. K of the 86th, wrote the following of the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain. "Our forces rushed upon the rebels five lines deep and in fifteen minutes were hurled back, by them, leaving 2500 brave Union Soldiers dead within twenty feet of the Enemy's works. The loss in the 86th was 106 -- in our Brig. over 400."
As the men of McCook's Brigade fell back from the Confederate fortifications, they were forced to leave most of their dead and wounded behind. These bodies laid between the lines until the 29th when a truce was called so the Union could bury it's dead because the smell from the decomposing bodies became so horrible, that neither side could stand it any longer. Company G of the 86th had two men killed and eight men wounded during this 30 minute assault.
On June 30, 1864, as the men of the 86th lay in the trenches not far from the Confederate lines, Private George W. Ferner, of James W. Trowbridge's Co. G, wrote the following in a letter home. "Our front lines of breast works is not more than 25 steps from the rebels, they are continually firing at each other, if one stands exposed or shows his head above the works he is sure to be shot at. Well, I must give you the number or loss in the fight that is reported at present. There were 480 killed, wounded and missing in our Bri. 98 in our Reg. and some 15 or twenty that are still able for duty. I got a slight wound in the little finger of the left hand. I will remain with the Co. We had two killed and four wounded in our Co. James Small, Amos Shreive killed. Both from Deer Creek. Geo. Holmes one thumb shot off and severely wounded in the hip. Milton Cloud shot in both legs, Will Criswell thumb shot off and slightly in the side. James Roberts in the head. L. S. North slightly in the face and ear. James Trowbridge slightly in the eye. Madison Corbin slightly in the thumb.......(Note; Though he said only four were wounded in Co. G, along with his slight wound, he listed eight other men wounded in various degrees. George Holmes died from his wounds, the other seven are believed to have recovered and to have rejoined Co. G.)
Though Private George W. Ferner refers to James Trowbridge's wound in or near the eye as "slight", James Trowbridge lost the use of that eye at some point following this wounding. Whether this occurred before or after the war came to a close is not known. If he lost the use of the eye before the end of the war, he may not have said anything about it or it must not have affected his ability to perform his duties as a solider, as he apparently soldiered on with the remainder of Co. G until the close of the war, which included Sherman's infamous"March to the Sea."
James L. Trowbridge was married to Nancy Ann McCullough on December 23, 1869 in Tazewell County, Illinois.
by Baxter B. Fite III
(Baxter would love to hear from anyone, especially descendants of the Trowbridge family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on James W. Trowbridge and the Trowbridge family. Baxter would also love to see copies of any photographs of James W. Trowbridge that may have survived the years, especially any showing him in uniform from his days in the service, added to his Find A Grave site for all to see.)
James W. Trowbridge then survived the war and lived well into the 20th century. During his life, James probably had his picture taken dozens of times. I would dearly love to see a copy of that CDV added to his Find A Grave site for all with an interest to see. Thanks to one member of the family we have one picture of him as an older gentleman for his Find A Grave Memorial. However, I would be thrilled to see some more pictures of him added to his Find A Grave Memorial, even more of him as an old man. Can anyone else help me? Thanks, Baxter)
Private JAMES W. TROWBRIDGE, Co. G, 86th Illinois
James W. Trowbridge was born on March 17, 1843 in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, the son of Lorin Trowbridge and Martha (Hale) Trowbridge. Lorin was born on March 9, 1811 in Oswego County, New York, the son of John Trowbridge (1771 - 1852) and Abigail (Nourse) Trowbridge. Loren Trowbridge, who was then a resident of Twinsburgh Township, Portage County, Ohio, was married to Martha Hale on October 7, 1835 in Portage County, Ohio. Martha Hale was born on April 16, 1811 in New Hampshire.
The children born to John and Martha include;
1. Elmina/Almina Trowbridge, born 1835/36 in Ohio. Elmina Trowbridge was married to W, P. Johnson on November 7, 1860 in Tazewell County, Illinois.
The children born to Elimina and William include;
A. Archibald L. "Archy" Johnson, born c. October 13, 1861 in Illinois. Archibald died on January 30, 1941 in San Bernardino County, California.
B. Martha E. Johnson, born c. 1863 in Illinois.
C. Mary Ellen "Ella" Johnson, born c. 1865 in Tazewell County, Illinois. At the time of the 1870 census, seen below, Mary is found with her family in Washington Township. At the time of the 1880 census, Mary, is found in two places, 1st she is found with her widowed mother and her family in Washington Township, and 2nd she is found as "Ella" living with her mother's youngest sister, Ella (Trowbridge) Long Nelson, and her family in Washington Township.
D. Elmina T. "Minnie" Johnson, born c. 1867 in Illinois.
E. Marilla C. "Lily" Johnson, born February __, 1870 in Tazewell County, Illinois.
F. William F. Johnson, born c. 1873/74 in Tazewell County, Illinois.
At the time of the 1870 census, Elmina and her family are found in Washington Township, Tazewell County, Illinois;
Wm Johnson 48 Farmer Indiana
Almina Johnson 35 Keeping House Ohio
Archy Johnson 9 Illinois
Martha Johnson 7 Illinois
Mary Johnson 5 Illinois
Minnie Johnson 3 Illinois
Marilla Johnson 4/12 Illinois February
At the time of the 1880 census, Elmina and her family are found in Washington, Tazewell County, Illinois;
Wm Johnson 57 Deceased Farmer Indiana
Elmina Johnson 43 Keeping House Ohio
Martha E. Johnson 16 Illinois
Mary Ellen Johnson 14 Illinois
Elmina T. Johnson 12 Illinois
Lily C. Johnson 10 Illinois
William F. Johnson 6 Illinois
Elmina (Trowbridge) Johnson died on ____________ __, 1____ in ____________ County, ____________ and her mortal remains were laid in the ______________ Cemetery in ___________, ___________.
2. James W. Trowbridge, born March 17, 1843 in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. See his biography below.
3. Emily Trowbridge, born c. 1844/45 in Ohio.
4. Thankfull V. Trowbridge, born c. 1846/47 in Ohio. Thankfull was married to Robert Bamber on October 31, 1867 in Tazewell County, Illinois.
The children born to Thankfull and Robert include;
A. Mary Bamber, born c. 1868/69 in Tazewell County, Illinois.
At the time of the 1870 census, Thankfull and her family are found in Washington Township, Tazewell County, Illinois;
Robert Bamber 25 Farmer Illinois
Thankfull Bamber 23 Keeping House Illinois
Mary Bamber 1 Illinois
Angeline Bamber 55 Virginia
5. Ella Trowbridge, born c. 1850/51 in Ohio. Ella is found in the 1860 census with her family in Washington Township, Tazewell County, Illinois that is seen below. On December 28, 1868, Ella Trowbridge was married to John F. Long in Tazewell County, Illinois.
Three children were born to Ella and John;
A. Anna Long, born c. 1870/71 in Illinois.
B. Charles Long, born c. 1872/73 in Illinois.
C. George Long, born c. 1874/75 in Illinois. George is almost certainly the George Edward Long we find who was born March 6, 1875 in Illinois. His parents are listed as Long and Throbridge. George Edward Long died on January 5, 1951 in San Francisco, California and his mortal remains were laid in the Cypress Lawn Memorial Park in Colma, San Mateo County, California. See his Find A Grave Memorial #87723408
In the mid to late 1870's either John F. Long died or he and Ella were divorced. Ella (Trowbridge) Long was married to Charles Nelson on April 16, 1879 in Tazewell County, Illinois. at the time of the 1880 census, the combined Long/Nelson family is found in Washington Township, Tazewell County, Illinois;
Charles Nelson 29 Head Norway Norway Norway
Ella Nelson 29 Wife Ohio New York New Hampshire
Anna Long 9 Step daughter Illinois Ohio Ohio
Charles Long 7 Step son Illinois Ohio Ohio
George Long 5 Step son Illinois ohio Ohio
Ella Johnson 14 Niece Illinois Indiana Ohio
It is not known if Charles Nelson and Ella (Trowbridge) Long Nelson had any children or not.
Ella may have gone on to California as there is an Ella Newson who was born c. 1850/51 and who died in the 1880. Ella (Trowbridge) Long Nelson died on ____________ __, 19__ and her mortal remains were laid in the ___________________ Cemetery in ____________, ____________.
6. Charles Trowbridge, born ____________ __, 1853 in Tazewell County, Illinois. Charles was married to Eveline ______________ in 187__
The children born to Charles and Eveline include;
A. Annie May Trowbridge, born c. 1875 in Tazewell County, Illinois.
At the time of the 1850 census, the Trowbridge family is found in Warrensville, Cuyahoga County, Ohio, where they are farming;
Lorain Trowbridge 40 Farmer NY
Martha Trowbridge 40 NH
Elmira Trowbridge 14 Ohio
James L. Trowbridge 7 Ohio
Emily E. Trowbridge 5 Ohio
Thankful Trowbridge 3 Ohio
In the 1850's the Trowbridge family moved west to Illinois, where they settled in Tazewell County, Illinois. At the time of the 1860 census, the Trowbridge family is found in Washington Township, Tazewell County, where they are farming;
Lorin Trowbridge 49 Farmer New York
Martha Trowbridge 29 NH
Elmira Trowbridge 23 Ohio
James Trowbridge 17 Ohio
Emily Trowbridge 15 Ohio
Thankful Trowbridge 13 OHio
Ella Trowbridge 9 Ohio
Charles Trowbridge 6 Illinois
At the time of the 1870 census, Lorin and Martha Trowbridge is found in Deer Creek Township of Tazewell County, Illinois;
46 Lorin Trowbridge 59 Farmer NY
Martha Trowbridge 59 NH
47 James Trowbridge 27 Farmer OH
Nancy Trowbridge 22 Keeping House ILL
Robert Anderson 65 Farmer Scotland
Lorin Trowbridge died on January 16, 1876 in Washington Township of Tazewell County, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in the Old Washington Cemetery in Washington, Tazewell County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial #40199477.
At the time of the 1880 census, Martha (Hale) Trowbridge is found residing in Washington Township, Tazewell County, Illinois with her youngest son, Charles, and his family;
Charles Trowbridge 27 Head Works on farm Laborer Illinois
Eveline Trowbridge 30 Wife Keeping House Ohio
Annie May Trowbridge Dau. 4 ILL
Martha Trowbridge Mother 69 NH
William Birket 24 Boarder Farmer Cattarrah Illinois
George A. Birket 27 Boarder Farmer Illinois
Martha (Hale) Trowbridge died on March 19, 1882 in Washington Township, Tazewell County, Illinois and her mortal remains were laid in the Old Washington Cemetery in Washington, Tazewell County, Illinois.
Now to continue with the biography of James W. Trowbridge;
In the 1850 census, and in his marriage record in 1869, James Trowbridge's middle initial is given as L. In both records he is listed as James L. Trowbridge. On August 9, 1862, James Trowbridge went into the village of Washington and volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in the Washington/Deer Creek/Morton area of Tazewell County by a Washington Photographer by the name of William B. Bogardus for service in the Union army.
ILLINOIS STATE ARCHIVES
Illinois Civil War Detail Report
Name TROWBRIDGE, JAMES Rank PVT
Company G Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence WASHINGTON, TAZEWELL CO, IL
Age 19 Height 5' 9 1/2
Hair BLACK Eyes BLACK
Complexion DARK Marital Status SINGLE
Occupation FARMER Nativity OH
Service Record
Joined When AUG 9, 1862 Joined Where WASHINGTON, IL
Joined By Whom W B BOGARDUS Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862
Muster In Where CAMP PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom
Muster Out JUN 6, 1865
Muster Out Where WASHINGTON, DC
Muster Out By Whom LT SCROGGS
Remarks WOUNDED AT KENESAW MOUNTAIN GA JUN 27, 1864
When Bogardus had about 90 volunteers he led the Washington/Deer Creek/Morton volunteers into Peoria where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, Bogardus and 87 of his volunteers were mustered into service as Co. G of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Bogardus was elected Captain of Co. G by the men of the Washington/Deer Creek/Morton company.
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, and boarded a train bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana. Three weeks later, the men of the 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, 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 to come. After the Battle of Perryville, the Confederate troops withdrew from Kentucky while the men of McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, where they would spend the winter and much of the spring and summer of 1863.
For over two and a half years, Private James W. Trowbridge served faithfully in Co. G as the men of the 86th served in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, South and North Carolina. During this time, James was witness to and a participant in numerous battles and skirmishes, some of the bloodiest fighting in the Western Theatre of the war, including the Battles of Chickamauga, Georgia; Resaca, Georgia; Rome, Georgia; Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia; Atlanta, Georgia; Jonesboro, Georgia, Averasboro, North Carolina and Bentonville, North Carolina, juts to name a few, and marched with Sherman "To the Sea".
However, it was June 27, 1864, that the men of the 86th and of McCook's Brigade suffered the most. On the morning of June 27, 1864, the men of McCook's Brigade found themselves across from Cheatham Hill on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia. The five Union Regiments of McCook's Brigade were formed in line of battle, one regiment stacked behind the other, the 86th Illinois third in line. It was hoped that this formation would allow the Union Brigade to punch a hole in the Confederate line, each regiment giving some protection to the regiment in back of it. When the signal gun fired, the men of the brigade stepped off and moved down a hill, crossed a small stream and then moved through a wheat field before beginning the climb up Cheatham Hill and the Confederate breastworks toward an angle in the Confederate line that was soon to be called "The Dead Angle." The following assault, which proved to be only partially successful, lasted less than 30 minutes. On the evening of June 27, 1864, Sgt. Levi A. Ross, a member of Co. K of the 86th, wrote the following of the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain. "Our forces rushed upon the rebels five lines deep and in fifteen minutes were hurled back, by them, leaving 2500 brave Union Soldiers dead within twenty feet of the Enemy's works. The loss in the 86th was 106 -- in our Brig. over 400."
As the men of McCook's Brigade fell back from the Confederate fortifications, they were forced to leave most of their dead and wounded behind. These bodies laid between the lines until the 29th when a truce was called so the Union could bury it's dead because the smell from the decomposing bodies became so horrible, that neither side could stand it any longer. Company G of the 86th had two men killed and eight men wounded during this 30 minute assault.
On June 30, 1864, as the men of the 86th lay in the trenches not far from the Confederate lines, Private George W. Ferner, of James W. Trowbridge's Co. G, wrote the following in a letter home. "Our front lines of breast works is not more than 25 steps from the rebels, they are continually firing at each other, if one stands exposed or shows his head above the works he is sure to be shot at. Well, I must give you the number or loss in the fight that is reported at present. There were 480 killed, wounded and missing in our Bri. 98 in our Reg. and some 15 or twenty that are still able for duty. I got a slight wound in the little finger of the left hand. I will remain with the Co. We had two killed and four wounded in our Co. James Small, Amos Shreive killed. Both from Deer Creek. Geo. Holmes one thumb shot off and severely wounded in the hip. Milton Cloud shot in both legs, Will Criswell thumb shot off and slightly in the side. James Roberts in the head. L. S. North slightly in the face and ear. James Trowbridge slightly in the eye. Madison Corbin slightly in the thumb.......(Note; Though he said only four were wounded in Co. G, along with his slight wound, he listed eight other men wounded in various degrees. George Holmes died from his wounds, the other seven are believed to have recovered and to have rejoined Co. G.)
Though Private George W. Ferner refers to James Trowbridge's wound in or near the eye as "slight", James Trowbridge lost the use of that eye at some point following this wounding. Whether this occurred before or after the war came to a close is not known. If he lost the use of the eye before the end of the war, he may not have said anything about it or it must not have affected his ability to perform his duties as a solider, as he apparently soldiered on with the remainder of Co. G until the close of the war, which included Sherman's infamous"March to the Sea."
James L. Trowbridge was married to Nancy Ann McCullough on December 23, 1869 in Tazewell County, Illinois.
by Baxter B. Fite III
(Baxter would love to hear from anyone, especially descendants of the Trowbridge family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on James W. Trowbridge and the Trowbridge family. Baxter would also love to see copies of any photographs of James W. Trowbridge that may have survived the years, especially any showing him in uniform from his days in the service, added to his Find A Grave site for all to see.)
Family Members
Siblings
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Advertisement
