NOTE: William Criswell probably never sat for a portrait prior to the outbreak of the Civil War. However, during the 10 months the 86th was garrisoned in and around Nashville in 1862/63, William, like most of the men and boys of the 86th, probably took the time to sit for a portrait to send home to their loved ones back home. These pictures came in two forms. There were paper pictures, which were called CDV's and then their were tintypes. If a CDV was made, which was the most common, many copies were usually purchased, not only to send home to their loved ones, but also to swap among their messmates and tentmates.
William then survived the war and lived well into the 20th century. During the years after the war, William probably had his picture taken dozens of times. I would love to see a copy of his CDV added to his Find A Grave Memorial, if he did have one made, but, at this time, I would be just thrilled to see some more pictures of him, even ones of him as an older man. Can anyone help me? Thanks, Baxter
Private WILLIAM CRISWELL, Co. G, 86th Illinois
William Criswell was born on February 13, 1843 at ________, Illinois, the son of Jesse Criswell and Anna R. (Bailey) Criswell. Jesse was born on ____________ __, 1799 at ___________, Maryland, while Anna R. Bailey was born on ___________ __, 1808 at ___________, Ohio. Six children are known to have been born to Jesse and Anna, who are found in the 1850 census residing in Tazewell County, not far from Morton, Illinois.
1850 Tazewell County Census
Jesse (listed as Joseph) Creswell, 49, Farmer, Real Estate 1200, MD
Anna Creswell, 37, OH
1. Eli Creswell, 13, OH; Eli was born on December 21, 1836; Eli and Eveline Dickey were married on March 4, 1876; Eli and Evaline to Clackamas Co., OR; Eli died there on December 3, 1912 and his body was cremated.
2. Nancy Creswell, 11, IL; Nancy was born on January 17, 1839 and was married to Levi C. Burr on December 3, 1857 in Tazewell County. Nancy and Levi are also buried in Buckeye Cemetery, along with four of their children; Nancy and Levi Burr to Tremont, Tazewell Co., IL.
3. Eliza Ann Creswell, 9, IL; Eliza was born in 1840 or 1841 and died on December 6, 1858 and was buried next to her parents in the Buckeye Cemetery.
4. Wm Creswell, 7, IL; William was born on February 13, 1843; See biography below.
5. Jasper Creswell, 5, IL; Jasper was born on __________ __, 1845; Jasper and Effie to Reno Co., KS. He was married in 1895 and divorced by 1920; Jasper died on __________ __, 1922 and his earthly remains were laid to rest in the Maple Hill Cemetery in Langdon, Kansas.
6. Rachael Creswell, 3, IL; Rachel was born on __________ __, 1846; Rachel was married to James H. Parker, who was also a member of Co. G of the 86th Illinois; See the biography of James H. Parker for more information about Rachel.
After the 1850 census was taken a seventh child was born;
7. George W. Criswell, born in late 1850 or very early 1851; Carol noticed in the Criswell listing, at Buckeye, is an Ada May, daughter of G. W. and Sarah Robins Criswell. Since Anna is in plot 22, Jesse in plot 23, Eliza in plot 24, Ada May in plot 25, with William and Harriet's children in 26 & 27, I suspect G. W. is George Criswell. The Illinois Statewide Marriage Index has a George Criswell married to Sarah Robins on October 8, 1876 in Tazewell County; George and Sarah to Deer Creek, Tazewell Co., IL.
There also may have been an 8th child;
8.? There is a Daniel Criswell who married a Mary Ann Hines in the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index on May 13, 1866 in Tazewell County; Daniel could have been born in the late 1820's or early 1830's.
Jesse Criswell died on ___________ __, 1854 and his earthly remains were laid to rest in the Buckeye Cemetery east of Morton. Anna R. (Bailey) Criswell died on January 10, 1895 and buried from the Kueck-Woolsey Funeral Home in Pekin. Her earthly remains were laid to rest in the Buckeye Cemetery next to Jesse.
Now to continue with the biography of William Criswell;
On August 9, 1862, William Criswell volunteered in Morton, Illinois 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.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name CRISWELL, WILLIAM
Rank: PVT; Company: G; Unit: 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence: MORTON, TAZEWELL CO, IL; Age: 19; Height: 5' 6 1/2; Hair: DARK;
Eyes: BLACK; Complexion: FAIR; Marital Status: SINGLE; Occupation: FARMER;
Nativity: IL
Service Record Joined When: AUG 9, 1862;
Joined Where: MORTON, 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: N/A; Muster Out: JUN 7, 1865; Muster Out
Where: SPRINGFIELD, IL; Muster Out By Whom: CPT MONTGOMERY; Remarks: PAROLED
PRISONER WOUNDED AT KENESAW MOUNTAIN GA CAPTURED WHILE FORAGING IN SC
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 36th Brigade, in pursuit of Confederate troops. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more in the years to come.
During the next two years, Private William Criswell served faithfully in Co. G as the men of the 86th served in Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina. During this time, William 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 Chicakamauga, Georgia; Resaca, Georgia; Rome, Georgia, Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia; Peach Tree Creek, Georgia; and Jonesboro, Georgia, to name a few and marched with Sherman to the Sea.
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. Privates James Small & Amos Shreve were the two Co. G men killed. Their bodies were initially buried there on the field of battle.
On June 30, 1864, as the men of the 86th lay in the trenches not far from the Confederate lines, George W. Ferner, a Private in Co. G of the 86th, 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......"
William probably spent a little time away from Co. G, but was soon back with the company. He is believed to have returned in time to "March to the Sea" with General Sherman and the 86th and spent the winter with the regiment in the Savannah, Georgia area.
On March 4, 1865, Corporal Jacob H. Westerfield and Private William Criswell were out foraging for food for the company when they were taken prisoner. They were to spend the rest of the war as "Guests" of the Confederate States of America in a Prison Camp somewhere in the south. The site civilwarprisoners.com lists Private William Criswell, who is listed as having been born in 1843 and who was a member of Co. G of the 86th Illinois, as having been kept at the infamous Andersonville Prison in Andersonville, Georgia for some time. It however does not list Corporal Westerfield, though. So it appears, that Westerfield and Criswell were seperated, Criswell going to Andersonville, Westerfield to some other location. Or perhaps, Westerfield was at Andersonville as well and the records have yet to be located or have been lost.
In either case, they both survived their internments, wherever they were and after the war came to a close, the prisoners were liberated and eventually sent north. Corporal Jacob H. Westerfield and Private William Criswell were eventually sent to Springfield, Illinois, where Pvt. William Criswell was discharged on June 7, 1865 and Corporal Jacob H. Westerfield was discharged on June 24, 1865, again making it appear that they were seperated and coming from two different locations. They then, with the surviving members of the 86th, returned to their homes in Central Illinois.
Not long after returning from the service, William was married to Hariett Sutton on December 28, 1865 in Tazewell County. Harriett was the sister of Philip Sutton, who served with William Criswell and Jacob H. Westerfield in Co. G of the 86th Illinois. Harriett was born on November __, 1847 at ___________, Ohio, the daughter of George Morrow Sutton and Margaret (Walker) Sutton. At least eight children are known to have been born to William and Harriett. They are;
1. George Jesse Criswell, born September 11, 1868 in Illinois; died on September 30, 1947; buried in the Leavenworth National Cemetery in Leavenworth, Kansas.
2. Olla Blanch "Ollie" Criswell, born February __, 1871 in Illinois; married to Jacob Wesley Smith on __________ __, 18__ at __________, __________; Jacob, the son of James R. Smith (1838-1902) and Rachel (Black) Smith (1844-1925), was born in 1864 and died in 1965; Olla died on __________ __, 1902 at __________, Kansas and is buried in the Maple Hill Cemetery in Langdon, Kansas.
3. May Mattie Criswell, born September __, 1875 in Illinois; May was married to James B. Madison; May died on __________ __, 1965 and her earthly remains were laid to rest in the Hoosier Cemetery in Kingman, Kansas.
MOST LIKELY 4. Ada May Criswell, born August 24, 1877 in Illinois; died February 2, 1879; buried in the Buckeye Cemetery, Morton, Tazewell County, Illinois.
5. Harry L. Criswell, born Unknown; died before 1880; buried in the Buckeye Cemetery, Morton, Tazewell County, Illinois.
6. Lillian W. Criswell, born Unknown; died before 1880; buried in the Buckeye Cemetery, Morton, Tazewell County, Illinois.
7. Paul V. Criswell, born October 5, 1883 in Kansas; died on October 28, 1918; buried in the Maple Hill Cemetery in Langdon, Kansas.
8. Eli B. Criswell, born on January __, 1886 in Kansas.
9. Beatrice Criswell, born on February __, 1888 in Kansas.
At the time of the 1870 Tazewell Co. IL Census;
Pg 31, Morton Twp, Morton P.O., 16 Jul 1870
226 219
CRESSWELL/CRISWELL, William; 27; M; W; Farm Laborer; IL
---, Harriett; 22; F; W; Keeping House; OH
---, George; 2; M; W; IL
William and Harriett are known to have moved to Reno County, Kansas between February of 1879 and June of 1880. William, Harriett and their three surviving children are found in the 1880 census of Kansas residing near Langdon, Kansas in Reno County, where William is farming.
1880 Reno Co. KS Census
Pg 3, S.D. 2, E.D. 293, 7 & 8 Jun 1880
Langdon Twp
24 24
CRISWELL, William; 37; M; W; Farmer; IL; MD; OH
---, Harriett; Wife; 32; F; W; Keeping House; OH; OH; OH
---, George J.; Son; 11; M; W; Single; At Home; IL; IL; OH
---, Olla B.; Daughter; 9; F; W; Single; IL; IL; OH
---, May; Daughter; 4; F; W; Single; IL; IL; OH
In the 1895 Kansas State Census, William and Harriett are found in Kingman County, Dresden Twp, Cunningham P.O.
Roll: v115_70
Pg 9 [Lines 4-8]
62 57
CISWELL/CRISWELL, Wm; 52; M; W; Farmer; IL; Came to KS from IL
---, Harriett; 47; F; W; Housekeeper; OH; Came to KS from IL
---, Paul; 11; M; W; KS
---, E. B.; 9; M; W; KS
---, Beatrice; 7; F; W; KS
By the time of the 1900 Reno Co. KS Census, William and Harriett are found
S.D. 91, E.D. 198, Sheet 5A, 9 Jun 1900
Miami Twp
94 99
CRISWELL, William; 57; Feb 1843; M; W; Married 34 yrs; Farmer; IL; MD; OH
---, Harriet; Wife; 52; Nov 1847; F; W; 10 children/6 living; OH; OH; OH
---, Paul V.; Son; 16; Oct 1883; M; W; Single; Farm Labor; KS; IL; OH
---, Eli B.; Son; 14; Jan 1886; M; W; Single; KS; IL; OH
---, Beatrice B.; Daughter; 12; Feb 1888; F; W; Single; KS; IL; OH
1905 Kansas State Census
Reno County, Langdon
Roll: ks1905_130
Pg 12 [Lines 25-27]
80 81
CRESWELL/CRISWELL, Wm; 62; M; Laborer; IL; Came to KS from IL
---, Harriet; 57; F; OH; Came to KS from IL
---, B.; 16; F; KS
1910 Reno Co. KS Census
S.D. 7, E.D. 152, Sheet 4A, 22 Apr 1910
Langdon Twp
84 89
CRISWELL, William; 67; M; W; Retail Merchant/Feed Store; IL; MD; OH
---, Harriet S.; Wife; 62; F; W; 10 children/5 living; OH; OH; OH
1915 Kansas State Census
Reno County, Langdon Twp
Roll: ks1915_192
Pg 2 [Lines 31-32]
21 21
CRISWELL, Wm; 72; M; W; Retired Farmer; IL; Came to KS from IL
---, Harriett; 68; F; W; Housewife; OH; Came to KS from IL
1920 Ford Co. KS Census
S.D. 7, E.D. 60, Sheet 5B, 8 Jan 1920
State Soldiers' Home, Hospital
Line 66
CRISWELL, Wm.; 77; M; W; Married; IL; MD; OH
1920 Ford Co. KS Census
S.D. 7, E.D. 60, Sheet 7A, 12 Jan 1920
State Soldiers' Home, Barrack
Line 19
16 2
CRISWELL, Harriett; Wife; 72; F; W; Married; OH; OH; OH
About 1915, Private William Criswell entered the Kansas State Soldiers home at Fort Dodge, Kansas in Ford County. William Criswell died about January 29, 1920 in the Kansas State Soldiers Home in Fort Dodge, Kansas. The following obituary for William Criswell was located by Lorena and sent to me in February of 2014. It appeared on Page 15, Column 4 of the Monday, February 2, 1920 edition of the The Hutchinson News in Hutchinson, Kansas;
"Deaths and Funerals
William Criswell Dead.
William Criswell a well known old veteran of the Civil war who lived at Langdon for many years died on Thursday night at the State Soldier's home at Fort Dodge and his remains were brought to Langdon on Friday and laid to rest among the friends of the past half century.
He was born Feb. 3, 1843 at Pekin, Ill., and was nearly 77 years of age at the time of his death. He was a private in Company G. 86th Illinois inf., serving 35 months during the Civil war. He had been an inmate at the home for the past 5 years. He is survived by his wife."
His earthly remains were laid to rest in the Maple Hill Cemetery at Langdon. Harriett (Sutton) Criswell died on June 7, 1928 in Ellsworth, Kansas and her her earthly remains were laid to rest beside those of her husband of 54 years in the Maple Hill Cemetery.
by Baxter B. Fite III and Lorena __________ (FAG Contributor # 46917011).
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants, who might be able to add to the biography of William Criswell and the Criswell family. Baxter would also love to a copy of any picture which may still exist of Private William Criswell, especially one of him in uniform from his days in the 86th, for his Find A Grave site and for the local Historical Society.)
William then survived the war and lived well into the 20th century. During the years after the war, William probably had his picture taken dozens of times. I would love to see a copy of his CDV added to his Find A Grave Memorial, if he did have one made, but, at this time, I would be just thrilled to see some more pictures of him, even ones of him as an older man. Can anyone help me? Thanks, Baxter
Private WILLIAM CRISWELL, Co. G, 86th Illinois
William Criswell was born on February 13, 1843 at ________, Illinois, the son of Jesse Criswell and Anna R. (Bailey) Criswell. Jesse was born on ____________ __, 1799 at ___________, Maryland, while Anna R. Bailey was born on ___________ __, 1808 at ___________, Ohio. Six children are known to have been born to Jesse and Anna, who are found in the 1850 census residing in Tazewell County, not far from Morton, Illinois.
1850 Tazewell County Census
Jesse (listed as Joseph) Creswell, 49, Farmer, Real Estate 1200, MD
Anna Creswell, 37, OH
1. Eli Creswell, 13, OH; Eli was born on December 21, 1836; Eli and Eveline Dickey were married on March 4, 1876; Eli and Evaline to Clackamas Co., OR; Eli died there on December 3, 1912 and his body was cremated.
2. Nancy Creswell, 11, IL; Nancy was born on January 17, 1839 and was married to Levi C. Burr on December 3, 1857 in Tazewell County. Nancy and Levi are also buried in Buckeye Cemetery, along with four of their children; Nancy and Levi Burr to Tremont, Tazewell Co., IL.
3. Eliza Ann Creswell, 9, IL; Eliza was born in 1840 or 1841 and died on December 6, 1858 and was buried next to her parents in the Buckeye Cemetery.
4. Wm Creswell, 7, IL; William was born on February 13, 1843; See biography below.
5. Jasper Creswell, 5, IL; Jasper was born on __________ __, 1845; Jasper and Effie to Reno Co., KS. He was married in 1895 and divorced by 1920; Jasper died on __________ __, 1922 and his earthly remains were laid to rest in the Maple Hill Cemetery in Langdon, Kansas.
6. Rachael Creswell, 3, IL; Rachel was born on __________ __, 1846; Rachel was married to James H. Parker, who was also a member of Co. G of the 86th Illinois; See the biography of James H. Parker for more information about Rachel.
After the 1850 census was taken a seventh child was born;
7. George W. Criswell, born in late 1850 or very early 1851; Carol noticed in the Criswell listing, at Buckeye, is an Ada May, daughter of G. W. and Sarah Robins Criswell. Since Anna is in plot 22, Jesse in plot 23, Eliza in plot 24, Ada May in plot 25, with William and Harriet's children in 26 & 27, I suspect G. W. is George Criswell. The Illinois Statewide Marriage Index has a George Criswell married to Sarah Robins on October 8, 1876 in Tazewell County; George and Sarah to Deer Creek, Tazewell Co., IL.
There also may have been an 8th child;
8.? There is a Daniel Criswell who married a Mary Ann Hines in the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index on May 13, 1866 in Tazewell County; Daniel could have been born in the late 1820's or early 1830's.
Jesse Criswell died on ___________ __, 1854 and his earthly remains were laid to rest in the Buckeye Cemetery east of Morton. Anna R. (Bailey) Criswell died on January 10, 1895 and buried from the Kueck-Woolsey Funeral Home in Pekin. Her earthly remains were laid to rest in the Buckeye Cemetery next to Jesse.
Now to continue with the biography of William Criswell;
On August 9, 1862, William Criswell volunteered in Morton, Illinois 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.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name CRISWELL, WILLIAM
Rank: PVT; Company: G; Unit: 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence: MORTON, TAZEWELL CO, IL; Age: 19; Height: 5' 6 1/2; Hair: DARK;
Eyes: BLACK; Complexion: FAIR; Marital Status: SINGLE; Occupation: FARMER;
Nativity: IL
Service Record Joined When: AUG 9, 1862;
Joined Where: MORTON, 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: N/A; Muster Out: JUN 7, 1865; Muster Out
Where: SPRINGFIELD, IL; Muster Out By Whom: CPT MONTGOMERY; Remarks: PAROLED
PRISONER WOUNDED AT KENESAW MOUNTAIN GA CAPTURED WHILE FORAGING IN SC
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 36th Brigade, in pursuit of Confederate troops. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more in the years to come.
During the next two years, Private William Criswell served faithfully in Co. G as the men of the 86th served in Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina. During this time, William 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 Chicakamauga, Georgia; Resaca, Georgia; Rome, Georgia, Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia; Peach Tree Creek, Georgia; and Jonesboro, Georgia, to name a few and marched with Sherman to the Sea.
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. Privates James Small & Amos Shreve were the two Co. G men killed. Their bodies were initially buried there on the field of battle.
On June 30, 1864, as the men of the 86th lay in the trenches not far from the Confederate lines, George W. Ferner, a Private in Co. G of the 86th, 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......"
William probably spent a little time away from Co. G, but was soon back with the company. He is believed to have returned in time to "March to the Sea" with General Sherman and the 86th and spent the winter with the regiment in the Savannah, Georgia area.
On March 4, 1865, Corporal Jacob H. Westerfield and Private William Criswell were out foraging for food for the company when they were taken prisoner. They were to spend the rest of the war as "Guests" of the Confederate States of America in a Prison Camp somewhere in the south. The site civilwarprisoners.com lists Private William Criswell, who is listed as having been born in 1843 and who was a member of Co. G of the 86th Illinois, as having been kept at the infamous Andersonville Prison in Andersonville, Georgia for some time. It however does not list Corporal Westerfield, though. So it appears, that Westerfield and Criswell were seperated, Criswell going to Andersonville, Westerfield to some other location. Or perhaps, Westerfield was at Andersonville as well and the records have yet to be located or have been lost.
In either case, they both survived their internments, wherever they were and after the war came to a close, the prisoners were liberated and eventually sent north. Corporal Jacob H. Westerfield and Private William Criswell were eventually sent to Springfield, Illinois, where Pvt. William Criswell was discharged on June 7, 1865 and Corporal Jacob H. Westerfield was discharged on June 24, 1865, again making it appear that they were seperated and coming from two different locations. They then, with the surviving members of the 86th, returned to their homes in Central Illinois.
Not long after returning from the service, William was married to Hariett Sutton on December 28, 1865 in Tazewell County. Harriett was the sister of Philip Sutton, who served with William Criswell and Jacob H. Westerfield in Co. G of the 86th Illinois. Harriett was born on November __, 1847 at ___________, Ohio, the daughter of George Morrow Sutton and Margaret (Walker) Sutton. At least eight children are known to have been born to William and Harriett. They are;
1. George Jesse Criswell, born September 11, 1868 in Illinois; died on September 30, 1947; buried in the Leavenworth National Cemetery in Leavenworth, Kansas.
2. Olla Blanch "Ollie" Criswell, born February __, 1871 in Illinois; married to Jacob Wesley Smith on __________ __, 18__ at __________, __________; Jacob, the son of James R. Smith (1838-1902) and Rachel (Black) Smith (1844-1925), was born in 1864 and died in 1965; Olla died on __________ __, 1902 at __________, Kansas and is buried in the Maple Hill Cemetery in Langdon, Kansas.
3. May Mattie Criswell, born September __, 1875 in Illinois; May was married to James B. Madison; May died on __________ __, 1965 and her earthly remains were laid to rest in the Hoosier Cemetery in Kingman, Kansas.
MOST LIKELY 4. Ada May Criswell, born August 24, 1877 in Illinois; died February 2, 1879; buried in the Buckeye Cemetery, Morton, Tazewell County, Illinois.
5. Harry L. Criswell, born Unknown; died before 1880; buried in the Buckeye Cemetery, Morton, Tazewell County, Illinois.
6. Lillian W. Criswell, born Unknown; died before 1880; buried in the Buckeye Cemetery, Morton, Tazewell County, Illinois.
7. Paul V. Criswell, born October 5, 1883 in Kansas; died on October 28, 1918; buried in the Maple Hill Cemetery in Langdon, Kansas.
8. Eli B. Criswell, born on January __, 1886 in Kansas.
9. Beatrice Criswell, born on February __, 1888 in Kansas.
At the time of the 1870 Tazewell Co. IL Census;
Pg 31, Morton Twp, Morton P.O., 16 Jul 1870
226 219
CRESSWELL/CRISWELL, William; 27; M; W; Farm Laborer; IL
---, Harriett; 22; F; W; Keeping House; OH
---, George; 2; M; W; IL
William and Harriett are known to have moved to Reno County, Kansas between February of 1879 and June of 1880. William, Harriett and their three surviving children are found in the 1880 census of Kansas residing near Langdon, Kansas in Reno County, where William is farming.
1880 Reno Co. KS Census
Pg 3, S.D. 2, E.D. 293, 7 & 8 Jun 1880
Langdon Twp
24 24
CRISWELL, William; 37; M; W; Farmer; IL; MD; OH
---, Harriett; Wife; 32; F; W; Keeping House; OH; OH; OH
---, George J.; Son; 11; M; W; Single; At Home; IL; IL; OH
---, Olla B.; Daughter; 9; F; W; Single; IL; IL; OH
---, May; Daughter; 4; F; W; Single; IL; IL; OH
In the 1895 Kansas State Census, William and Harriett are found in Kingman County, Dresden Twp, Cunningham P.O.
Roll: v115_70
Pg 9 [Lines 4-8]
62 57
CISWELL/CRISWELL, Wm; 52; M; W; Farmer; IL; Came to KS from IL
---, Harriett; 47; F; W; Housekeeper; OH; Came to KS from IL
---, Paul; 11; M; W; KS
---, E. B.; 9; M; W; KS
---, Beatrice; 7; F; W; KS
By the time of the 1900 Reno Co. KS Census, William and Harriett are found
S.D. 91, E.D. 198, Sheet 5A, 9 Jun 1900
Miami Twp
94 99
CRISWELL, William; 57; Feb 1843; M; W; Married 34 yrs; Farmer; IL; MD; OH
---, Harriet; Wife; 52; Nov 1847; F; W; 10 children/6 living; OH; OH; OH
---, Paul V.; Son; 16; Oct 1883; M; W; Single; Farm Labor; KS; IL; OH
---, Eli B.; Son; 14; Jan 1886; M; W; Single; KS; IL; OH
---, Beatrice B.; Daughter; 12; Feb 1888; F; W; Single; KS; IL; OH
1905 Kansas State Census
Reno County, Langdon
Roll: ks1905_130
Pg 12 [Lines 25-27]
80 81
CRESWELL/CRISWELL, Wm; 62; M; Laborer; IL; Came to KS from IL
---, Harriet; 57; F; OH; Came to KS from IL
---, B.; 16; F; KS
1910 Reno Co. KS Census
S.D. 7, E.D. 152, Sheet 4A, 22 Apr 1910
Langdon Twp
84 89
CRISWELL, William; 67; M; W; Retail Merchant/Feed Store; IL; MD; OH
---, Harriet S.; Wife; 62; F; W; 10 children/5 living; OH; OH; OH
1915 Kansas State Census
Reno County, Langdon Twp
Roll: ks1915_192
Pg 2 [Lines 31-32]
21 21
CRISWELL, Wm; 72; M; W; Retired Farmer; IL; Came to KS from IL
---, Harriett; 68; F; W; Housewife; OH; Came to KS from IL
1920 Ford Co. KS Census
S.D. 7, E.D. 60, Sheet 5B, 8 Jan 1920
State Soldiers' Home, Hospital
Line 66
CRISWELL, Wm.; 77; M; W; Married; IL; MD; OH
1920 Ford Co. KS Census
S.D. 7, E.D. 60, Sheet 7A, 12 Jan 1920
State Soldiers' Home, Barrack
Line 19
16 2
CRISWELL, Harriett; Wife; 72; F; W; Married; OH; OH; OH
About 1915, Private William Criswell entered the Kansas State Soldiers home at Fort Dodge, Kansas in Ford County. William Criswell died about January 29, 1920 in the Kansas State Soldiers Home in Fort Dodge, Kansas. The following obituary for William Criswell was located by Lorena and sent to me in February of 2014. It appeared on Page 15, Column 4 of the Monday, February 2, 1920 edition of the The Hutchinson News in Hutchinson, Kansas;
"Deaths and Funerals
William Criswell Dead.
William Criswell a well known old veteran of the Civil war who lived at Langdon for many years died on Thursday night at the State Soldier's home at Fort Dodge and his remains were brought to Langdon on Friday and laid to rest among the friends of the past half century.
He was born Feb. 3, 1843 at Pekin, Ill., and was nearly 77 years of age at the time of his death. He was a private in Company G. 86th Illinois inf., serving 35 months during the Civil war. He had been an inmate at the home for the past 5 years. He is survived by his wife."
His earthly remains were laid to rest in the Maple Hill Cemetery at Langdon. Harriett (Sutton) Criswell died on June 7, 1928 in Ellsworth, Kansas and her her earthly remains were laid to rest beside those of her husband of 54 years in the Maple Hill Cemetery.
by Baxter B. Fite III and Lorena __________ (FAG Contributor # 46917011).
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants, who might be able to add to the biography of William Criswell and the Criswell family. Baxter would also love to a copy of any picture which may still exist of Private William Criswell, especially one of him in uniform from his days in the 86th, for his Find A Grave site and for the local Historical Society.)
NOTE: William Criswell probably never sat for a portrait prior to the outbreak of the Civil War. However, during the 10 months the 86th was garrisoned in and around Nashville in 1862/63, William, like most of the men and boys of the 86th, probably took the time to sit for a portrait to send home to their loved ones back home. These pictures came in two forms. There were paper pictures, which were called CDV's and then their were tintypes. If a CDV was made, which was the most common, many copies were usually purchased, not only to send home to their loved ones, but also to swap among their messmates and tentmates.
William then survived the war and lived well into the 20th century. During the years after the war, William probably had his picture taken dozens of times. I would love to see a copy of his CDV added to his Find A Grave Memorial, if he did have one made, but, at this time, I would be just thrilled to see some more pictures of him, even ones of him as an older man. Can anyone help me? Thanks, Baxter
Private WILLIAM CRISWELL, Co. G, 86th Illinois
William Criswell was born on February 13, 1843 at ________, Illinois, the son of Jesse Criswell and Anna R. (Bailey) Criswell. Jesse was born on ____________ __, 1799 at ___________, Maryland, while Anna R. Bailey was born on ___________ __, 1808 at ___________, Ohio. Six children are known to have been born to Jesse and Anna, who are found in the 1850 census residing in Tazewell County, not far from Morton, Illinois.
1850 Tazewell County Census
Jesse (listed as Joseph) Creswell, 49, Farmer, Real Estate 1200, MD
Anna Creswell, 37, OH
1. Eli Creswell, 13, OH; Eli was born on December 21, 1836; Eli and Eveline Dickey were married on March 4, 1876; Eli and Evaline to Clackamas Co., OR; Eli died there on December 3, 1912 and his body was cremated.
2. Nancy Creswell, 11, IL; Nancy was born on January 17, 1839 and was married to Levi C. Burr on December 3, 1857 in Tazewell County. Nancy and Levi are also buried in Buckeye Cemetery, along with four of their children; Nancy and Levi Burr to Tremont, Tazewell Co., IL.
3. Eliza Ann Creswell, 9, IL; Eliza was born in 1840 or 1841 and died on December 6, 1858 and was buried next to her parents in the Buckeye Cemetery.
4. Wm Creswell, 7, IL; William was born on February 13, 1843; See biography below.
5. Jasper Creswell, 5, IL; Jasper was born on __________ __, 1845; Jasper and Effie to Reno Co., KS. He was married in 1895 and divorced by 1920; Jasper died on __________ __, 1922 and his earthly remains were laid to rest in the Maple Hill Cemetery in Langdon, Kansas.
6. Rachael Creswell, 3, IL; Rachel was born on __________ __, 1846; Rachel was married to James H. Parker, who was also a member of Co. G of the 86th Illinois; See the biography of James H. Parker for more information about Rachel.
After the 1850 census was taken a seventh child was born;
7. George W. Criswell, born in late 1850 or very early 1851; Carol noticed in the Criswell listing, at Buckeye, is an Ada May, daughter of G. W. and Sarah Robins Criswell. Since Anna is in plot 22, Jesse in plot 23, Eliza in plot 24, Ada May in plot 25, with William and Harriet's children in 26 & 27, I suspect G. W. is George Criswell. The Illinois Statewide Marriage Index has a George Criswell married to Sarah Robins on October 8, 1876 in Tazewell County; George and Sarah to Deer Creek, Tazewell Co., IL.
There also may have been an 8th child;
8.? There is a Daniel Criswell who married a Mary Ann Hines in the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index on May 13, 1866 in Tazewell County; Daniel could have been born in the late 1820's or early 1830's.
Jesse Criswell died on ___________ __, 1854 and his earthly remains were laid to rest in the Buckeye Cemetery east of Morton. Anna R. (Bailey) Criswell died on January 10, 1895 and buried from the Kueck-Woolsey Funeral Home in Pekin. Her earthly remains were laid to rest in the Buckeye Cemetery next to Jesse.
Now to continue with the biography of William Criswell;
On August 9, 1862, William Criswell volunteered in Morton, Illinois 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.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name CRISWELL, WILLIAM
Rank: PVT; Company: G; Unit: 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence: MORTON, TAZEWELL CO, IL; Age: 19; Height: 5' 6 1/2; Hair: DARK;
Eyes: BLACK; Complexion: FAIR; Marital Status: SINGLE; Occupation: FARMER;
Nativity: IL
Service Record Joined When: AUG 9, 1862;
Joined Where: MORTON, 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: N/A; Muster Out: JUN 7, 1865; Muster Out
Where: SPRINGFIELD, IL; Muster Out By Whom: CPT MONTGOMERY; Remarks: PAROLED
PRISONER WOUNDED AT KENESAW MOUNTAIN GA CAPTURED WHILE FORAGING IN SC
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 36th Brigade, in pursuit of Confederate troops. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more in the years to come.
During the next two years, Private William Criswell served faithfully in Co. G as the men of the 86th served in Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina. During this time, William 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 Chicakamauga, Georgia; Resaca, Georgia; Rome, Georgia, Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia; Peach Tree Creek, Georgia; and Jonesboro, Georgia, to name a few and marched with Sherman to the Sea.
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. Privates James Small & Amos Shreve were the two Co. G men killed. Their bodies were initially buried there on the field of battle.
On June 30, 1864, as the men of the 86th lay in the trenches not far from the Confederate lines, George W. Ferner, a Private in Co. G of the 86th, 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......"
William probably spent a little time away from Co. G, but was soon back with the company. He is believed to have returned in time to "March to the Sea" with General Sherman and the 86th and spent the winter with the regiment in the Savannah, Georgia area.
On March 4, 1865, Corporal Jacob H. Westerfield and Private William Criswell were out foraging for food for the company when they were taken prisoner. They were to spend the rest of the war as "Guests" of the Confederate States of America in a Prison Camp somewhere in the south. The site civilwarprisoners.com lists Private William Criswell, who is listed as having been born in 1843 and who was a member of Co. G of the 86th Illinois, as having been kept at the infamous Andersonville Prison in Andersonville, Georgia for some time. It however does not list Corporal Westerfield, though. So it appears, that Westerfield and Criswell were seperated, Criswell going to Andersonville, Westerfield to some other location. Or perhaps, Westerfield was at Andersonville as well and the records have yet to be located or have been lost.
In either case, they both survived their internments, wherever they were and after the war came to a close, the prisoners were liberated and eventually sent north. Corporal Jacob H. Westerfield and Private William Criswell were eventually sent to Springfield, Illinois, where Pvt. William Criswell was discharged on June 7, 1865 and Corporal Jacob H. Westerfield was discharged on June 24, 1865, again making it appear that they were seperated and coming from two different locations. They then, with the surviving members of the 86th, returned to their homes in Central Illinois.
Not long after returning from the service, William was married to Hariett Sutton on December 28, 1865 in Tazewell County. Harriett was the sister of Philip Sutton, who served with William Criswell and Jacob H. Westerfield in Co. G of the 86th Illinois. Harriett was born on November __, 1847 at ___________, Ohio, the daughter of George Morrow Sutton and Margaret (Walker) Sutton. At least eight children are known to have been born to William and Harriett. They are;
1. George Jesse Criswell, born September 11, 1868 in Illinois; died on September 30, 1947; buried in the Leavenworth National Cemetery in Leavenworth, Kansas.
2. Olla Blanch "Ollie" Criswell, born February __, 1871 in Illinois; married to Jacob Wesley Smith on __________ __, 18__ at __________, __________; Jacob, the son of James R. Smith (1838-1902) and Rachel (Black) Smith (1844-1925), was born in 1864 and died in 1965; Olla died on __________ __, 1902 at __________, Kansas and is buried in the Maple Hill Cemetery in Langdon, Kansas.
3. May Mattie Criswell, born September __, 1875 in Illinois; May was married to James B. Madison; May died on __________ __, 1965 and her earthly remains were laid to rest in the Hoosier Cemetery in Kingman, Kansas.
MOST LIKELY 4. Ada May Criswell, born August 24, 1877 in Illinois; died February 2, 1879; buried in the Buckeye Cemetery, Morton, Tazewell County, Illinois.
5. Harry L. Criswell, born Unknown; died before 1880; buried in the Buckeye Cemetery, Morton, Tazewell County, Illinois.
6. Lillian W. Criswell, born Unknown; died before 1880; buried in the Buckeye Cemetery, Morton, Tazewell County, Illinois.
7. Paul V. Criswell, born October 5, 1883 in Kansas; died on October 28, 1918; buried in the Maple Hill Cemetery in Langdon, Kansas.
8. Eli B. Criswell, born on January __, 1886 in Kansas.
9. Beatrice Criswell, born on February __, 1888 in Kansas.
At the time of the 1870 Tazewell Co. IL Census;
Pg 31, Morton Twp, Morton P.O., 16 Jul 1870
226 219
CRESSWELL/CRISWELL, William; 27; M; W; Farm Laborer; IL
---, Harriett; 22; F; W; Keeping House; OH
---, George; 2; M; W; IL
William and Harriett are known to have moved to Reno County, Kansas between February of 1879 and June of 1880. William, Harriett and their three surviving children are found in the 1880 census of Kansas residing near Langdon, Kansas in Reno County, where William is farming.
1880 Reno Co. KS Census
Pg 3, S.D. 2, E.D. 293, 7 & 8 Jun 1880
Langdon Twp
24 24
CRISWELL, William; 37; M; W; Farmer; IL; MD; OH
---, Harriett; Wife; 32; F; W; Keeping House; OH; OH; OH
---, George J.; Son; 11; M; W; Single; At Home; IL; IL; OH
---, Olla B.; Daughter; 9; F; W; Single; IL; IL; OH
---, May; Daughter; 4; F; W; Single; IL; IL; OH
In the 1895 Kansas State Census, William and Harriett are found in Kingman County, Dresden Twp, Cunningham P.O.
Roll: v115_70
Pg 9 [Lines 4-8]
62 57
CISWELL/CRISWELL, Wm; 52; M; W; Farmer; IL; Came to KS from IL
---, Harriett; 47; F; W; Housekeeper; OH; Came to KS from IL
---, Paul; 11; M; W; KS
---, E. B.; 9; M; W; KS
---, Beatrice; 7; F; W; KS
By the time of the 1900 Reno Co. KS Census, William and Harriett are found
S.D. 91, E.D. 198, Sheet 5A, 9 Jun 1900
Miami Twp
94 99
CRISWELL, William; 57; Feb 1843; M; W; Married 34 yrs; Farmer; IL; MD; OH
---, Harriet; Wife; 52; Nov 1847; F; W; 10 children/6 living; OH; OH; OH
---, Paul V.; Son; 16; Oct 1883; M; W; Single; Farm Labor; KS; IL; OH
---, Eli B.; Son; 14; Jan 1886; M; W; Single; KS; IL; OH
---, Beatrice B.; Daughter; 12; Feb 1888; F; W; Single; KS; IL; OH
1905 Kansas State Census
Reno County, Langdon
Roll: ks1905_130
Pg 12 [Lines 25-27]
80 81
CRESWELL/CRISWELL, Wm; 62; M; Laborer; IL; Came to KS from IL
---, Harriet; 57; F; OH; Came to KS from IL
---, B.; 16; F; KS
1910 Reno Co. KS Census
S.D. 7, E.D. 152, Sheet 4A, 22 Apr 1910
Langdon Twp
84 89
CRISWELL, William; 67; M; W; Retail Merchant/Feed Store; IL; MD; OH
---, Harriet S.; Wife; 62; F; W; 10 children/5 living; OH; OH; OH
1915 Kansas State Census
Reno County, Langdon Twp
Roll: ks1915_192
Pg 2 [Lines 31-32]
21 21
CRISWELL, Wm; 72; M; W; Retired Farmer; IL; Came to KS from IL
---, Harriett; 68; F; W; Housewife; OH; Came to KS from IL
1920 Ford Co. KS Census
S.D. 7, E.D. 60, Sheet 5B, 8 Jan 1920
State Soldiers' Home, Hospital
Line 66
CRISWELL, Wm.; 77; M; W; Married; IL; MD; OH
1920 Ford Co. KS Census
S.D. 7, E.D. 60, Sheet 7A, 12 Jan 1920
State Soldiers' Home, Barrack
Line 19
16 2
CRISWELL, Harriett; Wife; 72; F; W; Married; OH; OH; OH
About 1915, Private William Criswell entered the Kansas State Soldiers home at Fort Dodge, Kansas in Ford County. William Criswell died about January 29, 1920 in the Kansas State Soldiers Home in Fort Dodge, Kansas. The following obituary for William Criswell was located by Lorena and sent to me in February of 2014. It appeared on Page 15, Column 4 of the Monday, February 2, 1920 edition of the The Hutchinson News in Hutchinson, Kansas;
"Deaths and Funerals
William Criswell Dead.
William Criswell a well known old veteran of the Civil war who lived at Langdon for many years died on Thursday night at the State Soldier's home at Fort Dodge and his remains were brought to Langdon on Friday and laid to rest among the friends of the past half century.
He was born Feb. 3, 1843 at Pekin, Ill., and was nearly 77 years of age at the time of his death. He was a private in Company G. 86th Illinois inf., serving 35 months during the Civil war. He had been an inmate at the home for the past 5 years. He is survived by his wife."
His earthly remains were laid to rest in the Maple Hill Cemetery at Langdon. Harriett (Sutton) Criswell died on June 7, 1928 in Ellsworth, Kansas and her her earthly remains were laid to rest beside those of her husband of 54 years in the Maple Hill Cemetery.
by Baxter B. Fite III and Lorena __________ (FAG Contributor # 46917011).
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants, who might be able to add to the biography of William Criswell and the Criswell family. Baxter would also love to a copy of any picture which may still exist of Private William Criswell, especially one of him in uniform from his days in the 86th, for his Find A Grave site and for the local Historical Society.)
William then survived the war and lived well into the 20th century. During the years after the war, William probably had his picture taken dozens of times. I would love to see a copy of his CDV added to his Find A Grave Memorial, if he did have one made, but, at this time, I would be just thrilled to see some more pictures of him, even ones of him as an older man. Can anyone help me? Thanks, Baxter
Private WILLIAM CRISWELL, Co. G, 86th Illinois
William Criswell was born on February 13, 1843 at ________, Illinois, the son of Jesse Criswell and Anna R. (Bailey) Criswell. Jesse was born on ____________ __, 1799 at ___________, Maryland, while Anna R. Bailey was born on ___________ __, 1808 at ___________, Ohio. Six children are known to have been born to Jesse and Anna, who are found in the 1850 census residing in Tazewell County, not far from Morton, Illinois.
1850 Tazewell County Census
Jesse (listed as Joseph) Creswell, 49, Farmer, Real Estate 1200, MD
Anna Creswell, 37, OH
1. Eli Creswell, 13, OH; Eli was born on December 21, 1836; Eli and Eveline Dickey were married on March 4, 1876; Eli and Evaline to Clackamas Co., OR; Eli died there on December 3, 1912 and his body was cremated.
2. Nancy Creswell, 11, IL; Nancy was born on January 17, 1839 and was married to Levi C. Burr on December 3, 1857 in Tazewell County. Nancy and Levi are also buried in Buckeye Cemetery, along with four of their children; Nancy and Levi Burr to Tremont, Tazewell Co., IL.
3. Eliza Ann Creswell, 9, IL; Eliza was born in 1840 or 1841 and died on December 6, 1858 and was buried next to her parents in the Buckeye Cemetery.
4. Wm Creswell, 7, IL; William was born on February 13, 1843; See biography below.
5. Jasper Creswell, 5, IL; Jasper was born on __________ __, 1845; Jasper and Effie to Reno Co., KS. He was married in 1895 and divorced by 1920; Jasper died on __________ __, 1922 and his earthly remains were laid to rest in the Maple Hill Cemetery in Langdon, Kansas.
6. Rachael Creswell, 3, IL; Rachel was born on __________ __, 1846; Rachel was married to James H. Parker, who was also a member of Co. G of the 86th Illinois; See the biography of James H. Parker for more information about Rachel.
After the 1850 census was taken a seventh child was born;
7. George W. Criswell, born in late 1850 or very early 1851; Carol noticed in the Criswell listing, at Buckeye, is an Ada May, daughter of G. W. and Sarah Robins Criswell. Since Anna is in plot 22, Jesse in plot 23, Eliza in plot 24, Ada May in plot 25, with William and Harriet's children in 26 & 27, I suspect G. W. is George Criswell. The Illinois Statewide Marriage Index has a George Criswell married to Sarah Robins on October 8, 1876 in Tazewell County; George and Sarah to Deer Creek, Tazewell Co., IL.
There also may have been an 8th child;
8.? There is a Daniel Criswell who married a Mary Ann Hines in the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index on May 13, 1866 in Tazewell County; Daniel could have been born in the late 1820's or early 1830's.
Jesse Criswell died on ___________ __, 1854 and his earthly remains were laid to rest in the Buckeye Cemetery east of Morton. Anna R. (Bailey) Criswell died on January 10, 1895 and buried from the Kueck-Woolsey Funeral Home in Pekin. Her earthly remains were laid to rest in the Buckeye Cemetery next to Jesse.
Now to continue with the biography of William Criswell;
On August 9, 1862, William Criswell volunteered in Morton, Illinois 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.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name CRISWELL, WILLIAM
Rank: PVT; Company: G; Unit: 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence: MORTON, TAZEWELL CO, IL; Age: 19; Height: 5' 6 1/2; Hair: DARK;
Eyes: BLACK; Complexion: FAIR; Marital Status: SINGLE; Occupation: FARMER;
Nativity: IL
Service Record Joined When: AUG 9, 1862;
Joined Where: MORTON, 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: N/A; Muster Out: JUN 7, 1865; Muster Out
Where: SPRINGFIELD, IL; Muster Out By Whom: CPT MONTGOMERY; Remarks: PAROLED
PRISONER WOUNDED AT KENESAW MOUNTAIN GA CAPTURED WHILE FORAGING IN SC
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 36th Brigade, in pursuit of Confederate troops. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more in the years to come.
During the next two years, Private William Criswell served faithfully in Co. G as the men of the 86th served in Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina. During this time, William 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 Chicakamauga, Georgia; Resaca, Georgia; Rome, Georgia, Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia; Peach Tree Creek, Georgia; and Jonesboro, Georgia, to name a few and marched with Sherman to the Sea.
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. Privates James Small & Amos Shreve were the two Co. G men killed. Their bodies were initially buried there on the field of battle.
On June 30, 1864, as the men of the 86th lay in the trenches not far from the Confederate lines, George W. Ferner, a Private in Co. G of the 86th, 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......"
William probably spent a little time away from Co. G, but was soon back with the company. He is believed to have returned in time to "March to the Sea" with General Sherman and the 86th and spent the winter with the regiment in the Savannah, Georgia area.
On March 4, 1865, Corporal Jacob H. Westerfield and Private William Criswell were out foraging for food for the company when they were taken prisoner. They were to spend the rest of the war as "Guests" of the Confederate States of America in a Prison Camp somewhere in the south. The site civilwarprisoners.com lists Private William Criswell, who is listed as having been born in 1843 and who was a member of Co. G of the 86th Illinois, as having been kept at the infamous Andersonville Prison in Andersonville, Georgia for some time. It however does not list Corporal Westerfield, though. So it appears, that Westerfield and Criswell were seperated, Criswell going to Andersonville, Westerfield to some other location. Or perhaps, Westerfield was at Andersonville as well and the records have yet to be located or have been lost.
In either case, they both survived their internments, wherever they were and after the war came to a close, the prisoners were liberated and eventually sent north. Corporal Jacob H. Westerfield and Private William Criswell were eventually sent to Springfield, Illinois, where Pvt. William Criswell was discharged on June 7, 1865 and Corporal Jacob H. Westerfield was discharged on June 24, 1865, again making it appear that they were seperated and coming from two different locations. They then, with the surviving members of the 86th, returned to their homes in Central Illinois.
Not long after returning from the service, William was married to Hariett Sutton on December 28, 1865 in Tazewell County. Harriett was the sister of Philip Sutton, who served with William Criswell and Jacob H. Westerfield in Co. G of the 86th Illinois. Harriett was born on November __, 1847 at ___________, Ohio, the daughter of George Morrow Sutton and Margaret (Walker) Sutton. At least eight children are known to have been born to William and Harriett. They are;
1. George Jesse Criswell, born September 11, 1868 in Illinois; died on September 30, 1947; buried in the Leavenworth National Cemetery in Leavenworth, Kansas.
2. Olla Blanch "Ollie" Criswell, born February __, 1871 in Illinois; married to Jacob Wesley Smith on __________ __, 18__ at __________, __________; Jacob, the son of James R. Smith (1838-1902) and Rachel (Black) Smith (1844-1925), was born in 1864 and died in 1965; Olla died on __________ __, 1902 at __________, Kansas and is buried in the Maple Hill Cemetery in Langdon, Kansas.
3. May Mattie Criswell, born September __, 1875 in Illinois; May was married to James B. Madison; May died on __________ __, 1965 and her earthly remains were laid to rest in the Hoosier Cemetery in Kingman, Kansas.
MOST LIKELY 4. Ada May Criswell, born August 24, 1877 in Illinois; died February 2, 1879; buried in the Buckeye Cemetery, Morton, Tazewell County, Illinois.
5. Harry L. Criswell, born Unknown; died before 1880; buried in the Buckeye Cemetery, Morton, Tazewell County, Illinois.
6. Lillian W. Criswell, born Unknown; died before 1880; buried in the Buckeye Cemetery, Morton, Tazewell County, Illinois.
7. Paul V. Criswell, born October 5, 1883 in Kansas; died on October 28, 1918; buried in the Maple Hill Cemetery in Langdon, Kansas.
8. Eli B. Criswell, born on January __, 1886 in Kansas.
9. Beatrice Criswell, born on February __, 1888 in Kansas.
At the time of the 1870 Tazewell Co. IL Census;
Pg 31, Morton Twp, Morton P.O., 16 Jul 1870
226 219
CRESSWELL/CRISWELL, William; 27; M; W; Farm Laborer; IL
---, Harriett; 22; F; W; Keeping House; OH
---, George; 2; M; W; IL
William and Harriett are known to have moved to Reno County, Kansas between February of 1879 and June of 1880. William, Harriett and their three surviving children are found in the 1880 census of Kansas residing near Langdon, Kansas in Reno County, where William is farming.
1880 Reno Co. KS Census
Pg 3, S.D. 2, E.D. 293, 7 & 8 Jun 1880
Langdon Twp
24 24
CRISWELL, William; 37; M; W; Farmer; IL; MD; OH
---, Harriett; Wife; 32; F; W; Keeping House; OH; OH; OH
---, George J.; Son; 11; M; W; Single; At Home; IL; IL; OH
---, Olla B.; Daughter; 9; F; W; Single; IL; IL; OH
---, May; Daughter; 4; F; W; Single; IL; IL; OH
In the 1895 Kansas State Census, William and Harriett are found in Kingman County, Dresden Twp, Cunningham P.O.
Roll: v115_70
Pg 9 [Lines 4-8]
62 57
CISWELL/CRISWELL, Wm; 52; M; W; Farmer; IL; Came to KS from IL
---, Harriett; 47; F; W; Housekeeper; OH; Came to KS from IL
---, Paul; 11; M; W; KS
---, E. B.; 9; M; W; KS
---, Beatrice; 7; F; W; KS
By the time of the 1900 Reno Co. KS Census, William and Harriett are found
S.D. 91, E.D. 198, Sheet 5A, 9 Jun 1900
Miami Twp
94 99
CRISWELL, William; 57; Feb 1843; M; W; Married 34 yrs; Farmer; IL; MD; OH
---, Harriet; Wife; 52; Nov 1847; F; W; 10 children/6 living; OH; OH; OH
---, Paul V.; Son; 16; Oct 1883; M; W; Single; Farm Labor; KS; IL; OH
---, Eli B.; Son; 14; Jan 1886; M; W; Single; KS; IL; OH
---, Beatrice B.; Daughter; 12; Feb 1888; F; W; Single; KS; IL; OH
1905 Kansas State Census
Reno County, Langdon
Roll: ks1905_130
Pg 12 [Lines 25-27]
80 81
CRESWELL/CRISWELL, Wm; 62; M; Laborer; IL; Came to KS from IL
---, Harriet; 57; F; OH; Came to KS from IL
---, B.; 16; F; KS
1910 Reno Co. KS Census
S.D. 7, E.D. 152, Sheet 4A, 22 Apr 1910
Langdon Twp
84 89
CRISWELL, William; 67; M; W; Retail Merchant/Feed Store; IL; MD; OH
---, Harriet S.; Wife; 62; F; W; 10 children/5 living; OH; OH; OH
1915 Kansas State Census
Reno County, Langdon Twp
Roll: ks1915_192
Pg 2 [Lines 31-32]
21 21
CRISWELL, Wm; 72; M; W; Retired Farmer; IL; Came to KS from IL
---, Harriett; 68; F; W; Housewife; OH; Came to KS from IL
1920 Ford Co. KS Census
S.D. 7, E.D. 60, Sheet 5B, 8 Jan 1920
State Soldiers' Home, Hospital
Line 66
CRISWELL, Wm.; 77; M; W; Married; IL; MD; OH
1920 Ford Co. KS Census
S.D. 7, E.D. 60, Sheet 7A, 12 Jan 1920
State Soldiers' Home, Barrack
Line 19
16 2
CRISWELL, Harriett; Wife; 72; F; W; Married; OH; OH; OH
About 1915, Private William Criswell entered the Kansas State Soldiers home at Fort Dodge, Kansas in Ford County. William Criswell died about January 29, 1920 in the Kansas State Soldiers Home in Fort Dodge, Kansas. The following obituary for William Criswell was located by Lorena and sent to me in February of 2014. It appeared on Page 15, Column 4 of the Monday, February 2, 1920 edition of the The Hutchinson News in Hutchinson, Kansas;
"Deaths and Funerals
William Criswell Dead.
William Criswell a well known old veteran of the Civil war who lived at Langdon for many years died on Thursday night at the State Soldier's home at Fort Dodge and his remains were brought to Langdon on Friday and laid to rest among the friends of the past half century.
He was born Feb. 3, 1843 at Pekin, Ill., and was nearly 77 years of age at the time of his death. He was a private in Company G. 86th Illinois inf., serving 35 months during the Civil war. He had been an inmate at the home for the past 5 years. He is survived by his wife."
His earthly remains were laid to rest in the Maple Hill Cemetery at Langdon. Harriett (Sutton) Criswell died on June 7, 1928 in Ellsworth, Kansas and her her earthly remains were laid to rest beside those of her husband of 54 years in the Maple Hill Cemetery.
by Baxter B. Fite III and Lorena __________ (FAG Contributor # 46917011).
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants, who might be able to add to the biography of William Criswell and the Criswell family. Baxter would also love to a copy of any picture which may still exist of Private William Criswell, especially one of him in uniform from his days in the 86th, for his Find A Grave site and for the local Historical Society.)
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