(NOTE: Henry H, Nurse probably never sat for a portrait before his entering the service during the Civil War, but he spent almost 10 months with the 86th in the Nashville, Tennessee area, during which time most of the members of the 86th took the opportunity to sit for portraits to send back home to their loved that they missed so much. These portraits would have come in one of two forms. The oldest form was what was called the "tin type", which was printed on a thin slice of tin and usually put in a fancy case, similar to plastic. The newer form was called the CDV and was a paper picture glued to a heavy card stock about the size of a modern day baseball card and unlike the "tin type" many copies could be easily made of the picture and boy did the boys make extra copies. They were swapped among their many friends, messmates and tentmates within their respective companies as well as being sent home to family and friends. Even today many copies have been found of the same picture of some men in the 86th.
Then, Henry survived the war and lived well into the 20th Century. During this time, Henry must had his picture taken many more times. I would love to see some pictures of him as a young man, especially one of him in uniform from his days with the 86th, but, at this point, I would just love to see some more pictures of him added to his FAG site, even some of him as a 50, 60 or 70 year old man. Can anyone help me with this? It would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Baxter)
Private HENRY HAMILTON NURSE, Co. C, 86th Illinois
Private Henry Hamilton Nurse was born on October 26, 1843 in Hallock Township, Peoria County, Illinois, the son of Isaiah Nurse and Mary Newell (Hill) Nurse. Of Isaiah, the following which was extracted April 2011 by Norma Hass from The Biographical Record of Bureau, Marshall and Putnam Counties, Illinois, 1896 is found;
"Isaiah NURS, now deceased, who was the father of Newel, came to Illinois July 4, 1836, and was one of the honored pioneers of this section of the country, for many years making his home in Hallock township, Peoria county, Illinois, but also owning the farm in Marshall county, where our subject now resides. He was born at Bainbridge, Chenango county, new York, March 19, 1815, and dying on the old homestead, in Peoria county, August 12, 1894, his remains were interred at Blue Ridge. On the 1st of July, 1836, he had arrived in that county in company with his father, Roswell NURS, and Ebenezer STOWELL, of whom mention is made in the sketch of Cyrus ROOT. On the 4th of the same month he located on the land where he made his home until called to the world beyond. He walked the entire distance to Quincy, in order to enter the tract, soon after built upon it, and did not return to his native state for twenty years. His father, however, went back to New York, and brought the family to this almost unbroken wilderness, dying, March 9, 1863, at the age of seventy-five years. His wife had long preceded him, dying in 1838, at the age of twenty-seven years. She was one of the first to be interred in an old burying ground near the edge of the brush, near Northampton, but as her husband was buried at Blue Ridge, fifty-two years later her body was taken up and laid by his side.
In connection with his father, Isaiah NURS entered several tracts of land, amounting to eight hundred and eighty acres, lying along the boundary line between Peoria and Marshall counties, a portion in each, but he made his home in Peoria county, one-half mile south of the county line. On the 1st of January, 1838, at Northampton, Peoria county, he led to the marriage altar Miss Mary Newell HILL, a native of New Hampshire, and to them were born four children – Jerusha Barton, married H. S. DAMAN, and both died in Know county, Missouri; Martha E., is the wife of C. T. NEWELL, and they now make their home in Princeville, Illinois; Henry H. married Lucinda STEVENS, and lives on the old homestead; and Newel E., whose name introduces this review, completes the family. The mother of these children died June 15, 1892, after a happy married life of fifty-four years.
In the home farm, Isaiah NURS had one hundred and sixty acres, which he placed under a high state of cultivation, and also a like amount in Marshall county, one-half of which now belonging to his son Newel. He was a careful, conscientious business man, who met with fair success, and was quite prominent in township and county affairs, serving as road commissioner when the roads were laid out through his portion of the county. Being a strong anti-slavery man, he was therefore a strong republican, and his eldest son, Henry, served for three years in the Union army during the civil war, losing his left leg below the knee at Silver Run, near Goldsboro, North Carolina, the last battle in which Sherman's army participated. While in the service he was a messmate most of the time of Cyrus ROOT. He belonged to Company C, Eighty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry.
In 1847 the father became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he served as class leader for many years, and assisted in the organization of the Sunday school at Blue Ridge, of which he was superintendent for some time. He was a prominent member of the Old Settler's society, and was a strong anti-Mason until after his son Newel joined that organization, now belonging to Lawn Ridge lodge, No. 415, when he became more liberal in his views. Although he attained a ripe old age, he was still well preserved, and was an exceedingly intelligent and well informed man, never given to argument, and never had but one law-suit."
The children born to Isaiah Nurse and Mary Newell (Hill) Nurse were;
1. Jerusha Barton Nurse, born near North Hampton, Peoria County, Illinois on October 3, 1838; married to Hiram S. Daman on January 1, 1858 in Peoria County; Jerusha died on June 16, 1870 in Adair County, Missouri at the age of 31 yrs, 8 mos and 18 days and her mortal remains were laid in the Slocum Cemetery in Greensburg, Knox County, Missouri; See her Find A Grave site for more information about her family.
2. Martha E. Nurse, born ___________ __, 18__, married to C. T. NEWELL, and they now make their home in Princeville, Illinois.
3. Henry H. Nurse, born October 26, 1843 in Peoria County, Illinois; See his biography below.
4. Newel E. Nurse/Nurss, born June 17, 1848 in Peoria County
Illinois. Newell was married to Ann Eliza Root (1848 - 1918) on February 22, 1872. Newell and Ann were the parents of;
A. Edwin M. Nurss, born c. 1872 in Illinois.
B. Fred Dean Nurss (1876 - 1923)
At the time of the 1880 census, Newell and his family are found in La Prairie, Marshall County, Illinois, where he is farming;
Newel E Nurss Self M 31 Illinois
Ann E Nurss Wife F 31 Illinois
Edwin M Nurss Son M 7 Illinois
Fred D Nurss Son M 4 Illinois
Newell E. Nurse/Nurss died on June 25, 1921 in Yellowstone County, Montana and his mortal remains were laid in the Blue Ridge Cemetery in North Hampton, Peoria County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 36404863.
At the time of the 1850 census, the Nurse family is found in Peoria County;
Isaiah Nurse M 36 New York
Mary Nurse F 36 New Hampshire
Iruisha Nurse F 11 Illinois
Martha Nurse F 8 Illinois
Henry Nurse M 6 Illinois
Newell Nurse M 2 Illinois
Barbary Moats F 19 Ohio
At the time of the 1860 census, the Nurse family is found in Hallock Township in Peoria County;
631 617 Nevis Isaiah 45 M Farmer 650 1,410 NY
631 617 Nevis Mary 46 F NH
631 617 Nevis Martha 17 F IL
631 617 Nevis Henry 16 M IL
631 617 Nevis Newel 11 M IL
631 617 Nevis Rosewell 72 M 2,000 200 MA
On August 7, 1862, Henry H. Nurse went into Chillicothe, Illinois where he volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in Chillicothe, Illinois, and in the townships immediately north and west of Chillicothe, including Halleck Township in Peoria County and LaPrairie and Saratoga Townships in Marshall County. This company was being raised by John H. Batchelder, who operated the Ferry at Chillicothe, and Dr. Joseph Thomas, a Chillicothe area Physician. When he volunteered, Henry gave his residence as Halleck Township in Peoria County, Illinois.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name NURSE, HENRY H
Rank PVT Company C Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence HALLECK, PEORIA CO, IL Age 18 Height 5' 9 1/2 Hair BROWN
Eyes BLUE Complexion LIGHT Marital Status SINGLE Occupation FARMER
Nativity HALLECK, PEORIA CO, IL
Service Record
Joined When AUG 7, 1862 Joined Where CHILLICOTHE, IL
Joined By Whom J H BATCHELDER Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out JUN 6, 1865
Muster Out Where WASHINGTON, DC Muster Out By Whom LT SCROGGS
Remarks N/A
When Batchelder and Thomas had almost 100 volunteers, they led the Chillicothe area company into Peoria where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, Batchelder, Thomas and 87 of their volunteers were mustered into service as Co. C of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Dr. Thomas was elected by the men of Co. C to serve as their Captain, while Batchelder was elected to serve as their 1st Lieutenant.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched out the gates of Camp Lyon, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, down to the railroad depot. There they were joined by the men of the 85th Illinois, who had been mustered into service at Camp Peoria. Together, at the depot the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois boarded trains bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana, located across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky. By early October, the men of the 85th & 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, in pursuit of Confederate troops. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more to come. After the Battle of Perryville, the Confederate troops withdrew from Kentucky and the men of McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, Tennessee where they would soon go into winter camp.
The men of McCook's Brigade marched into Nashville on the 7th of November. It then marched on to Edgefield, Tennessee, located a few miles from Nashville, where it remained until the 23rd of November. It was then marched to Mill Creek, where it took up encampment at a place known as Camp Sheridan. On the 9th of December, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade returned to Nashville, where it would go into winter camp.
One of Henry H. Nurse's messmates for most of the war was Private Cyrus Root.
Henry H. Nurse' left knee was shattered by a rifle ball during the Battle of Averasboro, North Carolina, the next to last battle of the war for the 86th. The ball did so much damage, that the left leg was amputed above the knee.
After the war, Henry H. Nurse and Julius Bridegroom, another member of the 86th Illinois, both attended the Illinois Soldiers College, which was established March 30th, 1866 in Fulton, Illinois, in Whiteside County. The school was a place where disabled veterans and their children, as well as orphans of Union soldiers, could receive an education.
Henry H. Nurs (spelled without the e), the son of Isaiah Nurs and Mary (Hill) Nurs, was married to Lucinda A. Stevens in Camp Point, Adams County, Illinois on November 5, 1869. Lucinda Augusta Stevens was born on November 8, 1842 in Woodville, Adams County, Illinois, the daughter of Thomas Stevens, who was born on April 19, 1815 in Vermont, and Phoebe (__________) Stevens, who was from Massachusetts. At the time of the 1850 census, the Stevens family is found in Columbus, Adams County, Illinois;
Thomas G Stevens M 35 Vermont
Phebe Stevens F 34 Massachusetts
Lucinda Stevens F 8 Illinois
Solon Stevens M 5 Illinois
Anne Stevens F 2 Illinois
At the time of the 1870 census, the Stevens family is found in Keene Township, Adams County, Illinois;
Thomas Stevens M 55 Vermont
Pheba Stevens F 54 Massachusetts
Annie Stevens F 21 Illinois
Charles Stevens M 17 Illinois
Newell Stevens M 6 Illinois
Thomas G. Stevens died on July 1, 1901 and his mortal remains were laid in the Woodville Cemetery in Woodville, Adams County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 97839860.
One son was born to Henry H. Nurse and Lucinda Augusta (Stevens) Nurse;
1. Elbert Isaiah Nurse, born July 27, 1877 in Peoria County, Illinois. Elbert was married to Mary E. Harlin on December 17, 1900 in __________, __________. Mary was born on October 15, 1880 near Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois, the daughter of Frank T. Harlin and Ella A. (Clark) Harlin.
Three children are known to have been born to Elbert Isaiah Nurse and Mary E. (Harlin) Nurse, including;
A. Rupert Nurse, born c. 1902/03 in Illinois.
B. Ella Nurse, born c. 1903/04 in Illinois.
C. Edith T. Nurse, born c. 1912/13 in Illinois. Edith is believed to have been born on July 18, 1912 and is believed to be the Edith Thelma Reynolds, who is buried in the Blue Ridge Cemetery in North Hampton, Peoria County, Illinois.
At the time of the 1910 and 1920 census records, Elbert and his family are found in Hallock Township, Peoria County, Illinois. Following is the 1920 census record;
Elbert Nurse Head M 43 Illinois
Mary Nurse Wife F 39 Illinois
Rupert Nurse Son M 17 Illinois
Ella Nurse Daughter F 16 Illinois
Edith Nurse Daughter F 7 Illinois
Mary E. (Harlin) Hurse died on January 25, 1927 in High Point, Guilford County, North Carolina in the home of her daughter, Mrs. G. H. Rockwell. Mary's earthly remains were returned to Illinois, where they were laid to rest in the Blue Ridge Cemetery in Hallock Township, Peoria County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial# 65941978.
Sometime in the 1920's, Elbert moved into Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois, but it is not known whether this was before or after Mary's death. At the time of the 1930 census, seen below, Elbert is living with his daughter and mother in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois;
Elbert I Nurse Head M 52 Illinois
Edith T Nurse Daughter F 17 Illinois
Lucinda Nurse Mother F 87 Illinois
In the 1930's Elbert was married to Lena W. __________. At the time of the 1940 census, Elbert and Lena are found in North Chillicothe, Chillicothe Township, Peoria County, Illinois;
Elbert Nurse Head M 62 Illinois
Lena W Nurse Wife F 69 Illinois
Elbert I. Nurse died on ____________ __, 1957 and his mortal remains were laid in the Blue Ridge Cemetery, North Hampton Township, Peoria County, Illinois.
At the time of the 1870 census the Nurse family is found in Hallock Township in Peoria County;
114 112 Nurs Isaiah 55 M Farmer 15,000 5,000 New York
114 112 Nurs Mary 56 F Massachusetts
114 112 Nurs Henry H. 26 M Farm Laborer Illinois
114 112 Nurs Lucinda 27 F Illinois
118 116 Nurs George 56 M Wagon Maker 3,000 500 New York
118 116 Nurs Martha 39 F Vermont
118 116 Nurs Clyde 7 M Illinois
In 1887, some of the surviving members of the 86th Illinois organized and held a reunion of the old 86th during the week of August 27th, the 25th anniversary of the mustering in of the old 86th back in 1862. Henry Nurse was one of 20 members of old Co. C to attend that first reunion, with more than 130 surviving members of the 86th attending in total. The 1887 reunion was such a success that they decided to continue to hold these reunions every August as long as they could and they continued to hold these reunions through 1923, when the few that were able to attend that 1923 reunion tearfully decided that they were too few and too old to continue to hold them any longer. Through the years, 34 different members of old Co. C were able to attend at least one reunion. These reunions must have been one of the highlights of each year, because Henry Nurse almost never missed a reunion. In fact no member of Co. C attended more reunion or missed less than he did. From the first reunion in 1887 until his death in 1922, Private Henry Nurse missed one reunion, the reunion of 1889 and you can be certain, that Private Henry Nurse was greatly missed at the final reunions of 1922 and 1923.
At the time of the 1900 census, Henry and Lucinda are found in Hallock Township of Peoria County, Illinois. Lucinda is listed as having had just one children, who is living at this time;
Head Henry H Nurse M Oct 1843 57 Illinois
Wife Lucinda Nurse F Nov 1842 58 Illinois
Son Elbert I Nurse M Jul 1877 23 Illinois
From the 1902 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY, ILLINOIS comes the following:
NURSE, HENRY H.; Farmer; born in Hallock Township, Peoria County, October 26, 1843; son of Isaiah and Mary N. (Hill) Nurse. The father was born m Bainbridge, New York, March 19, 1815, and the mother in Peru, Vermont, October 3, 1813, coming to Hallock Township in August, 1834. The paternal great-grandparents were Caleb and Sarah (Fields) Nurse, natives of Vermont. The grandparents were Roswell Nurse, born in Ringe, New Hampshire, and Jerusha (Barton) Nurse, born in Canaan, Connecticut. The maternal grandparents were Isaac and Mehitabel (Bancroft) Hill, natives of Vermont. Isaiah Nurse came from Bainbridge, New York, to Hallock Township in 1836, and settled where Henry H. Nurse now lives. He died there in 1894, leaving two sons, Newell E. and Henry H. He was a prominent man in the community, was Commissioner of Highways for many years and one of the early County Commissioners. Henry H. Nurse enlisted, in 1862, in Company C, Eighty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served until June 26, 1865, participating in the battles of Perryville, Chickamauga, Resaca, Kenesaw, Rome and other engagements around Atlanta. He was with Sherman in the great march to the sea and through the Carolinas, in which he lost a leg, and was discharged soon afterward. He married Lucinda A. Stivens at Camp Point, Illinois, November 5, 1869, and has one child, Elbert I. Mr. Nurse was educated in the district schools and the Illinois Soldiers' College. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and votes the Republican ticket. He is interested in public affairs, especially those of his township and county, and served as Township Assessor from 1884 to 1886, and was elected Supervisor in 1886, 1887 and 1888.
The September 17, 1908 edition of the Henry Republican newspaper, of Henry, Illinois contained the following notice. "H. H. Nurse went through here Monday evening on his way to Fulton, Illinois in company with Julius Bridegroom to visit the scenes of their school days when they attended the old Illinois Soldiers College after the close of the war. The institution was constructed by the state to give the boys a chance for education who had spent the yeares in the army which should naturally have been spent in school."
Private Henry H. Nurse was a longtime member of the Chillicothe G.A.R. Post #136 in Chillcothe, Illinois. In 1914 a book was published entitled "Illustrated Roster of the Department of Illinois, Grand Army of the Republic." H. H. Nurse, of Co. C of the 86th Illinois was listed as a member of this post at this time. Other members of the 86th who were members of Post 136 at this time were, W. M. Jenkins, of Co. C; A. Crouch, of Co. C; C. Root, of Co. C, O. D. Stowell, of Co. C and J. Parsons, of Co. E.
G.A.R. 136
L.Q.O.F. 196
G.A.R. Iron Star
Lucinda was a member of the Women's Relief Corps Post #12 and of the Rebekah Post #545,
Private Henry Hamilton Nurse died on July 16, 1922 in Peoria County, Illinois. His mortal remains were laid in the Blue Ridge Cemetery, Hallock Township, Peoria County, Illinois.
After his passing, Lucinda moved to Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois to live with her son, Elbert, and his family. At the time of the 1930 census, Lucinda is found widowed and living in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois;
Elbert I Nurse Head M 52 Illinois
Edith T Nurse Daughter F 17 Illinois
Lucinda Nurse Mother F 87 Illinois
Lucinda Augusta (Stevens) Nurse died on August 31, 1932 in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois. Her mortal remains were laid in the Blue Ridge Cemetery beside those of her husband, Henry H. Nurse, on September 3, 1932.
In July of 1961, 59 year old, Rupert H. Nurse, a WWI veteran himself, gave a talk at a meeting of the Richland Grange. The Henry News - Republican newspaper of Henry, Illinois wrote a small article about this talk. They learned that, "The 86th regiment was organized on August 12, 1862. Tables and floors were used as bunks until the men moved into a barn used by the 11th cavalry for their horses. Food consisted of two or three items cooked in and served from very large tanks. When they left Peoria, they were loaded into a box car in the T. P. & W. railroad. Cattle had just been herded from the car. Today's servicemen have luxury to what the men had in Civil War days. These letters have a rare historic value because of their detailed description of food, clothing travel, weather and battle conditions. Mr. Nurse brought two large boards covered with badges his grandfather collected from G. A. R. reunions and encampments and from Women's Relief Corps meetings. Young and old alike found these very interesting." (MOTE: It would be interesting to know what became of the letters and badges and perhaps add pictures of some to Private Henry H. Nurse's Find A Grave Memorial.
by Baxter B. Fite III and John Melton
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of the Nurse family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on Henry H. Nurse and the Nurse family. Baxter would also love to see copies of any other photographs of Henry H. Nurse, that may have survived the years, added to his Find A Grave site for all to see.)
Then, Henry survived the war and lived well into the 20th Century. During this time, Henry must had his picture taken many more times. I would love to see some pictures of him as a young man, especially one of him in uniform from his days with the 86th, but, at this point, I would just love to see some more pictures of him added to his FAG site, even some of him as a 50, 60 or 70 year old man. Can anyone help me with this? It would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Baxter)
Private HENRY HAMILTON NURSE, Co. C, 86th Illinois
Private Henry Hamilton Nurse was born on October 26, 1843 in Hallock Township, Peoria County, Illinois, the son of Isaiah Nurse and Mary Newell (Hill) Nurse. Of Isaiah, the following which was extracted April 2011 by Norma Hass from The Biographical Record of Bureau, Marshall and Putnam Counties, Illinois, 1896 is found;
"Isaiah NURS, now deceased, who was the father of Newel, came to Illinois July 4, 1836, and was one of the honored pioneers of this section of the country, for many years making his home in Hallock township, Peoria county, Illinois, but also owning the farm in Marshall county, where our subject now resides. He was born at Bainbridge, Chenango county, new York, March 19, 1815, and dying on the old homestead, in Peoria county, August 12, 1894, his remains were interred at Blue Ridge. On the 1st of July, 1836, he had arrived in that county in company with his father, Roswell NURS, and Ebenezer STOWELL, of whom mention is made in the sketch of Cyrus ROOT. On the 4th of the same month he located on the land where he made his home until called to the world beyond. He walked the entire distance to Quincy, in order to enter the tract, soon after built upon it, and did not return to his native state for twenty years. His father, however, went back to New York, and brought the family to this almost unbroken wilderness, dying, March 9, 1863, at the age of seventy-five years. His wife had long preceded him, dying in 1838, at the age of twenty-seven years. She was one of the first to be interred in an old burying ground near the edge of the brush, near Northampton, but as her husband was buried at Blue Ridge, fifty-two years later her body was taken up and laid by his side.
In connection with his father, Isaiah NURS entered several tracts of land, amounting to eight hundred and eighty acres, lying along the boundary line between Peoria and Marshall counties, a portion in each, but he made his home in Peoria county, one-half mile south of the county line. On the 1st of January, 1838, at Northampton, Peoria county, he led to the marriage altar Miss Mary Newell HILL, a native of New Hampshire, and to them were born four children – Jerusha Barton, married H. S. DAMAN, and both died in Know county, Missouri; Martha E., is the wife of C. T. NEWELL, and they now make their home in Princeville, Illinois; Henry H. married Lucinda STEVENS, and lives on the old homestead; and Newel E., whose name introduces this review, completes the family. The mother of these children died June 15, 1892, after a happy married life of fifty-four years.
In the home farm, Isaiah NURS had one hundred and sixty acres, which he placed under a high state of cultivation, and also a like amount in Marshall county, one-half of which now belonging to his son Newel. He was a careful, conscientious business man, who met with fair success, and was quite prominent in township and county affairs, serving as road commissioner when the roads were laid out through his portion of the county. Being a strong anti-slavery man, he was therefore a strong republican, and his eldest son, Henry, served for three years in the Union army during the civil war, losing his left leg below the knee at Silver Run, near Goldsboro, North Carolina, the last battle in which Sherman's army participated. While in the service he was a messmate most of the time of Cyrus ROOT. He belonged to Company C, Eighty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry.
In 1847 the father became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he served as class leader for many years, and assisted in the organization of the Sunday school at Blue Ridge, of which he was superintendent for some time. He was a prominent member of the Old Settler's society, and was a strong anti-Mason until after his son Newel joined that organization, now belonging to Lawn Ridge lodge, No. 415, when he became more liberal in his views. Although he attained a ripe old age, he was still well preserved, and was an exceedingly intelligent and well informed man, never given to argument, and never had but one law-suit."
The children born to Isaiah Nurse and Mary Newell (Hill) Nurse were;
1. Jerusha Barton Nurse, born near North Hampton, Peoria County, Illinois on October 3, 1838; married to Hiram S. Daman on January 1, 1858 in Peoria County; Jerusha died on June 16, 1870 in Adair County, Missouri at the age of 31 yrs, 8 mos and 18 days and her mortal remains were laid in the Slocum Cemetery in Greensburg, Knox County, Missouri; See her Find A Grave site for more information about her family.
2. Martha E. Nurse, born ___________ __, 18__, married to C. T. NEWELL, and they now make their home in Princeville, Illinois.
3. Henry H. Nurse, born October 26, 1843 in Peoria County, Illinois; See his biography below.
4. Newel E. Nurse/Nurss, born June 17, 1848 in Peoria County
Illinois. Newell was married to Ann Eliza Root (1848 - 1918) on February 22, 1872. Newell and Ann were the parents of;
A. Edwin M. Nurss, born c. 1872 in Illinois.
B. Fred Dean Nurss (1876 - 1923)
At the time of the 1880 census, Newell and his family are found in La Prairie, Marshall County, Illinois, where he is farming;
Newel E Nurss Self M 31 Illinois
Ann E Nurss Wife F 31 Illinois
Edwin M Nurss Son M 7 Illinois
Fred D Nurss Son M 4 Illinois
Newell E. Nurse/Nurss died on June 25, 1921 in Yellowstone County, Montana and his mortal remains were laid in the Blue Ridge Cemetery in North Hampton, Peoria County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 36404863.
At the time of the 1850 census, the Nurse family is found in Peoria County;
Isaiah Nurse M 36 New York
Mary Nurse F 36 New Hampshire
Iruisha Nurse F 11 Illinois
Martha Nurse F 8 Illinois
Henry Nurse M 6 Illinois
Newell Nurse M 2 Illinois
Barbary Moats F 19 Ohio
At the time of the 1860 census, the Nurse family is found in Hallock Township in Peoria County;
631 617 Nevis Isaiah 45 M Farmer 650 1,410 NY
631 617 Nevis Mary 46 F NH
631 617 Nevis Martha 17 F IL
631 617 Nevis Henry 16 M IL
631 617 Nevis Newel 11 M IL
631 617 Nevis Rosewell 72 M 2,000 200 MA
On August 7, 1862, Henry H. Nurse went into Chillicothe, Illinois where he volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in Chillicothe, Illinois, and in the townships immediately north and west of Chillicothe, including Halleck Township in Peoria County and LaPrairie and Saratoga Townships in Marshall County. This company was being raised by John H. Batchelder, who operated the Ferry at Chillicothe, and Dr. Joseph Thomas, a Chillicothe area Physician. When he volunteered, Henry gave his residence as Halleck Township in Peoria County, Illinois.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name NURSE, HENRY H
Rank PVT Company C Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence HALLECK, PEORIA CO, IL Age 18 Height 5' 9 1/2 Hair BROWN
Eyes BLUE Complexion LIGHT Marital Status SINGLE Occupation FARMER
Nativity HALLECK, PEORIA CO, IL
Service Record
Joined When AUG 7, 1862 Joined Where CHILLICOTHE, IL
Joined By Whom J H BATCHELDER Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out JUN 6, 1865
Muster Out Where WASHINGTON, DC Muster Out By Whom LT SCROGGS
Remarks N/A
When Batchelder and Thomas had almost 100 volunteers, they led the Chillicothe area company into Peoria where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, Batchelder, Thomas and 87 of their volunteers were mustered into service as Co. C of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Dr. Thomas was elected by the men of Co. C to serve as their Captain, while Batchelder was elected to serve as their 1st Lieutenant.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched out the gates of Camp Lyon, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, down to the railroad depot. There they were joined by the men of the 85th Illinois, who had been mustered into service at Camp Peoria. Together, at the depot the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois boarded trains bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana, located across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky. By early October, the men of the 85th & 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, in pursuit of Confederate troops. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more to come. After the Battle of Perryville, the Confederate troops withdrew from Kentucky and the men of McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, Tennessee where they would soon go into winter camp.
The men of McCook's Brigade marched into Nashville on the 7th of November. It then marched on to Edgefield, Tennessee, located a few miles from Nashville, where it remained until the 23rd of November. It was then marched to Mill Creek, where it took up encampment at a place known as Camp Sheridan. On the 9th of December, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade returned to Nashville, where it would go into winter camp.
One of Henry H. Nurse's messmates for most of the war was Private Cyrus Root.
Henry H. Nurse' left knee was shattered by a rifle ball during the Battle of Averasboro, North Carolina, the next to last battle of the war for the 86th. The ball did so much damage, that the left leg was amputed above the knee.
After the war, Henry H. Nurse and Julius Bridegroom, another member of the 86th Illinois, both attended the Illinois Soldiers College, which was established March 30th, 1866 in Fulton, Illinois, in Whiteside County. The school was a place where disabled veterans and their children, as well as orphans of Union soldiers, could receive an education.
Henry H. Nurs (spelled without the e), the son of Isaiah Nurs and Mary (Hill) Nurs, was married to Lucinda A. Stevens in Camp Point, Adams County, Illinois on November 5, 1869. Lucinda Augusta Stevens was born on November 8, 1842 in Woodville, Adams County, Illinois, the daughter of Thomas Stevens, who was born on April 19, 1815 in Vermont, and Phoebe (__________) Stevens, who was from Massachusetts. At the time of the 1850 census, the Stevens family is found in Columbus, Adams County, Illinois;
Thomas G Stevens M 35 Vermont
Phebe Stevens F 34 Massachusetts
Lucinda Stevens F 8 Illinois
Solon Stevens M 5 Illinois
Anne Stevens F 2 Illinois
At the time of the 1870 census, the Stevens family is found in Keene Township, Adams County, Illinois;
Thomas Stevens M 55 Vermont
Pheba Stevens F 54 Massachusetts
Annie Stevens F 21 Illinois
Charles Stevens M 17 Illinois
Newell Stevens M 6 Illinois
Thomas G. Stevens died on July 1, 1901 and his mortal remains were laid in the Woodville Cemetery in Woodville, Adams County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 97839860.
One son was born to Henry H. Nurse and Lucinda Augusta (Stevens) Nurse;
1. Elbert Isaiah Nurse, born July 27, 1877 in Peoria County, Illinois. Elbert was married to Mary E. Harlin on December 17, 1900 in __________, __________. Mary was born on October 15, 1880 near Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois, the daughter of Frank T. Harlin and Ella A. (Clark) Harlin.
Three children are known to have been born to Elbert Isaiah Nurse and Mary E. (Harlin) Nurse, including;
A. Rupert Nurse, born c. 1902/03 in Illinois.
B. Ella Nurse, born c. 1903/04 in Illinois.
C. Edith T. Nurse, born c. 1912/13 in Illinois. Edith is believed to have been born on July 18, 1912 and is believed to be the Edith Thelma Reynolds, who is buried in the Blue Ridge Cemetery in North Hampton, Peoria County, Illinois.
At the time of the 1910 and 1920 census records, Elbert and his family are found in Hallock Township, Peoria County, Illinois. Following is the 1920 census record;
Elbert Nurse Head M 43 Illinois
Mary Nurse Wife F 39 Illinois
Rupert Nurse Son M 17 Illinois
Ella Nurse Daughter F 16 Illinois
Edith Nurse Daughter F 7 Illinois
Mary E. (Harlin) Hurse died on January 25, 1927 in High Point, Guilford County, North Carolina in the home of her daughter, Mrs. G. H. Rockwell. Mary's earthly remains were returned to Illinois, where they were laid to rest in the Blue Ridge Cemetery in Hallock Township, Peoria County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial# 65941978.
Sometime in the 1920's, Elbert moved into Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois, but it is not known whether this was before or after Mary's death. At the time of the 1930 census, seen below, Elbert is living with his daughter and mother in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois;
Elbert I Nurse Head M 52 Illinois
Edith T Nurse Daughter F 17 Illinois
Lucinda Nurse Mother F 87 Illinois
In the 1930's Elbert was married to Lena W. __________. At the time of the 1940 census, Elbert and Lena are found in North Chillicothe, Chillicothe Township, Peoria County, Illinois;
Elbert Nurse Head M 62 Illinois
Lena W Nurse Wife F 69 Illinois
Elbert I. Nurse died on ____________ __, 1957 and his mortal remains were laid in the Blue Ridge Cemetery, North Hampton Township, Peoria County, Illinois.
At the time of the 1870 census the Nurse family is found in Hallock Township in Peoria County;
114 112 Nurs Isaiah 55 M Farmer 15,000 5,000 New York
114 112 Nurs Mary 56 F Massachusetts
114 112 Nurs Henry H. 26 M Farm Laborer Illinois
114 112 Nurs Lucinda 27 F Illinois
118 116 Nurs George 56 M Wagon Maker 3,000 500 New York
118 116 Nurs Martha 39 F Vermont
118 116 Nurs Clyde 7 M Illinois
In 1887, some of the surviving members of the 86th Illinois organized and held a reunion of the old 86th during the week of August 27th, the 25th anniversary of the mustering in of the old 86th back in 1862. Henry Nurse was one of 20 members of old Co. C to attend that first reunion, with more than 130 surviving members of the 86th attending in total. The 1887 reunion was such a success that they decided to continue to hold these reunions every August as long as they could and they continued to hold these reunions through 1923, when the few that were able to attend that 1923 reunion tearfully decided that they were too few and too old to continue to hold them any longer. Through the years, 34 different members of old Co. C were able to attend at least one reunion. These reunions must have been one of the highlights of each year, because Henry Nurse almost never missed a reunion. In fact no member of Co. C attended more reunion or missed less than he did. From the first reunion in 1887 until his death in 1922, Private Henry Nurse missed one reunion, the reunion of 1889 and you can be certain, that Private Henry Nurse was greatly missed at the final reunions of 1922 and 1923.
At the time of the 1900 census, Henry and Lucinda are found in Hallock Township of Peoria County, Illinois. Lucinda is listed as having had just one children, who is living at this time;
Head Henry H Nurse M Oct 1843 57 Illinois
Wife Lucinda Nurse F Nov 1842 58 Illinois
Son Elbert I Nurse M Jul 1877 23 Illinois
From the 1902 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY, ILLINOIS comes the following:
NURSE, HENRY H.; Farmer; born in Hallock Township, Peoria County, October 26, 1843; son of Isaiah and Mary N. (Hill) Nurse. The father was born m Bainbridge, New York, March 19, 1815, and the mother in Peru, Vermont, October 3, 1813, coming to Hallock Township in August, 1834. The paternal great-grandparents were Caleb and Sarah (Fields) Nurse, natives of Vermont. The grandparents were Roswell Nurse, born in Ringe, New Hampshire, and Jerusha (Barton) Nurse, born in Canaan, Connecticut. The maternal grandparents were Isaac and Mehitabel (Bancroft) Hill, natives of Vermont. Isaiah Nurse came from Bainbridge, New York, to Hallock Township in 1836, and settled where Henry H. Nurse now lives. He died there in 1894, leaving two sons, Newell E. and Henry H. He was a prominent man in the community, was Commissioner of Highways for many years and one of the early County Commissioners. Henry H. Nurse enlisted, in 1862, in Company C, Eighty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served until June 26, 1865, participating in the battles of Perryville, Chickamauga, Resaca, Kenesaw, Rome and other engagements around Atlanta. He was with Sherman in the great march to the sea and through the Carolinas, in which he lost a leg, and was discharged soon afterward. He married Lucinda A. Stivens at Camp Point, Illinois, November 5, 1869, and has one child, Elbert I. Mr. Nurse was educated in the district schools and the Illinois Soldiers' College. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and votes the Republican ticket. He is interested in public affairs, especially those of his township and county, and served as Township Assessor from 1884 to 1886, and was elected Supervisor in 1886, 1887 and 1888.
The September 17, 1908 edition of the Henry Republican newspaper, of Henry, Illinois contained the following notice. "H. H. Nurse went through here Monday evening on his way to Fulton, Illinois in company with Julius Bridegroom to visit the scenes of their school days when they attended the old Illinois Soldiers College after the close of the war. The institution was constructed by the state to give the boys a chance for education who had spent the yeares in the army which should naturally have been spent in school."
Private Henry H. Nurse was a longtime member of the Chillicothe G.A.R. Post #136 in Chillcothe, Illinois. In 1914 a book was published entitled "Illustrated Roster of the Department of Illinois, Grand Army of the Republic." H. H. Nurse, of Co. C of the 86th Illinois was listed as a member of this post at this time. Other members of the 86th who were members of Post 136 at this time were, W. M. Jenkins, of Co. C; A. Crouch, of Co. C; C. Root, of Co. C, O. D. Stowell, of Co. C and J. Parsons, of Co. E.
G.A.R. 136
L.Q.O.F. 196
G.A.R. Iron Star
Lucinda was a member of the Women's Relief Corps Post #12 and of the Rebekah Post #545,
Private Henry Hamilton Nurse died on July 16, 1922 in Peoria County, Illinois. His mortal remains were laid in the Blue Ridge Cemetery, Hallock Township, Peoria County, Illinois.
After his passing, Lucinda moved to Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois to live with her son, Elbert, and his family. At the time of the 1930 census, Lucinda is found widowed and living in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois;
Elbert I Nurse Head M 52 Illinois
Edith T Nurse Daughter F 17 Illinois
Lucinda Nurse Mother F 87 Illinois
Lucinda Augusta (Stevens) Nurse died on August 31, 1932 in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois. Her mortal remains were laid in the Blue Ridge Cemetery beside those of her husband, Henry H. Nurse, on September 3, 1932.
In July of 1961, 59 year old, Rupert H. Nurse, a WWI veteran himself, gave a talk at a meeting of the Richland Grange. The Henry News - Republican newspaper of Henry, Illinois wrote a small article about this talk. They learned that, "The 86th regiment was organized on August 12, 1862. Tables and floors were used as bunks until the men moved into a barn used by the 11th cavalry for their horses. Food consisted of two or three items cooked in and served from very large tanks. When they left Peoria, they were loaded into a box car in the T. P. & W. railroad. Cattle had just been herded from the car. Today's servicemen have luxury to what the men had in Civil War days. These letters have a rare historic value because of their detailed description of food, clothing travel, weather and battle conditions. Mr. Nurse brought two large boards covered with badges his grandfather collected from G. A. R. reunions and encampments and from Women's Relief Corps meetings. Young and old alike found these very interesting." (MOTE: It would be interesting to know what became of the letters and badges and perhaps add pictures of some to Private Henry H. Nurse's Find A Grave Memorial.
by Baxter B. Fite III and John Melton
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of the Nurse family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on Henry H. Nurse and the Nurse family. Baxter would also love to see copies of any other photographs of Henry H. Nurse, that may have survived the years, added to his Find A Grave site for all to see.)
(NOTE: Henry H, Nurse probably never sat for a portrait before his entering the service during the Civil War, but he spent almost 10 months with the 86th in the Nashville, Tennessee area, during which time most of the members of the 86th took the opportunity to sit for portraits to send back home to their loved that they missed so much. These portraits would have come in one of two forms. The oldest form was what was called the "tin type", which was printed on a thin slice of tin and usually put in a fancy case, similar to plastic. The newer form was called the CDV and was a paper picture glued to a heavy card stock about the size of a modern day baseball card and unlike the "tin type" many copies could be easily made of the picture and boy did the boys make extra copies. They were swapped among their many friends, messmates and tentmates within their respective companies as well as being sent home to family and friends. Even today many copies have been found of the same picture of some men in the 86th.
Then, Henry survived the war and lived well into the 20th Century. During this time, Henry must had his picture taken many more times. I would love to see some pictures of him as a young man, especially one of him in uniform from his days with the 86th, but, at this point, I would just love to see some more pictures of him added to his FAG site, even some of him as a 50, 60 or 70 year old man. Can anyone help me with this? It would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Baxter)
Private HENRY HAMILTON NURSE, Co. C, 86th Illinois
Private Henry Hamilton Nurse was born on October 26, 1843 in Hallock Township, Peoria County, Illinois, the son of Isaiah Nurse and Mary Newell (Hill) Nurse. Of Isaiah, the following which was extracted April 2011 by Norma Hass from The Biographical Record of Bureau, Marshall and Putnam Counties, Illinois, 1896 is found;
"Isaiah NURS, now deceased, who was the father of Newel, came to Illinois July 4, 1836, and was one of the honored pioneers of this section of the country, for many years making his home in Hallock township, Peoria county, Illinois, but also owning the farm in Marshall county, where our subject now resides. He was born at Bainbridge, Chenango county, new York, March 19, 1815, and dying on the old homestead, in Peoria county, August 12, 1894, his remains were interred at Blue Ridge. On the 1st of July, 1836, he had arrived in that county in company with his father, Roswell NURS, and Ebenezer STOWELL, of whom mention is made in the sketch of Cyrus ROOT. On the 4th of the same month he located on the land where he made his home until called to the world beyond. He walked the entire distance to Quincy, in order to enter the tract, soon after built upon it, and did not return to his native state for twenty years. His father, however, went back to New York, and brought the family to this almost unbroken wilderness, dying, March 9, 1863, at the age of seventy-five years. His wife had long preceded him, dying in 1838, at the age of twenty-seven years. She was one of the first to be interred in an old burying ground near the edge of the brush, near Northampton, but as her husband was buried at Blue Ridge, fifty-two years later her body was taken up and laid by his side.
In connection with his father, Isaiah NURS entered several tracts of land, amounting to eight hundred and eighty acres, lying along the boundary line between Peoria and Marshall counties, a portion in each, but he made his home in Peoria county, one-half mile south of the county line. On the 1st of January, 1838, at Northampton, Peoria county, he led to the marriage altar Miss Mary Newell HILL, a native of New Hampshire, and to them were born four children – Jerusha Barton, married H. S. DAMAN, and both died in Know county, Missouri; Martha E., is the wife of C. T. NEWELL, and they now make their home in Princeville, Illinois; Henry H. married Lucinda STEVENS, and lives on the old homestead; and Newel E., whose name introduces this review, completes the family. The mother of these children died June 15, 1892, after a happy married life of fifty-four years.
In the home farm, Isaiah NURS had one hundred and sixty acres, which he placed under a high state of cultivation, and also a like amount in Marshall county, one-half of which now belonging to his son Newel. He was a careful, conscientious business man, who met with fair success, and was quite prominent in township and county affairs, serving as road commissioner when the roads were laid out through his portion of the county. Being a strong anti-slavery man, he was therefore a strong republican, and his eldest son, Henry, served for three years in the Union army during the civil war, losing his left leg below the knee at Silver Run, near Goldsboro, North Carolina, the last battle in which Sherman's army participated. While in the service he was a messmate most of the time of Cyrus ROOT. He belonged to Company C, Eighty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry.
In 1847 the father became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he served as class leader for many years, and assisted in the organization of the Sunday school at Blue Ridge, of which he was superintendent for some time. He was a prominent member of the Old Settler's society, and was a strong anti-Mason until after his son Newel joined that organization, now belonging to Lawn Ridge lodge, No. 415, when he became more liberal in his views. Although he attained a ripe old age, he was still well preserved, and was an exceedingly intelligent and well informed man, never given to argument, and never had but one law-suit."
The children born to Isaiah Nurse and Mary Newell (Hill) Nurse were;
1. Jerusha Barton Nurse, born near North Hampton, Peoria County, Illinois on October 3, 1838; married to Hiram S. Daman on January 1, 1858 in Peoria County; Jerusha died on June 16, 1870 in Adair County, Missouri at the age of 31 yrs, 8 mos and 18 days and her mortal remains were laid in the Slocum Cemetery in Greensburg, Knox County, Missouri; See her Find A Grave site for more information about her family.
2. Martha E. Nurse, born ___________ __, 18__, married to C. T. NEWELL, and they now make their home in Princeville, Illinois.
3. Henry H. Nurse, born October 26, 1843 in Peoria County, Illinois; See his biography below.
4. Newel E. Nurse/Nurss, born June 17, 1848 in Peoria County
Illinois. Newell was married to Ann Eliza Root (1848 - 1918) on February 22, 1872. Newell and Ann were the parents of;
A. Edwin M. Nurss, born c. 1872 in Illinois.
B. Fred Dean Nurss (1876 - 1923)
At the time of the 1880 census, Newell and his family are found in La Prairie, Marshall County, Illinois, where he is farming;
Newel E Nurss Self M 31 Illinois
Ann E Nurss Wife F 31 Illinois
Edwin M Nurss Son M 7 Illinois
Fred D Nurss Son M 4 Illinois
Newell E. Nurse/Nurss died on June 25, 1921 in Yellowstone County, Montana and his mortal remains were laid in the Blue Ridge Cemetery in North Hampton, Peoria County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 36404863.
At the time of the 1850 census, the Nurse family is found in Peoria County;
Isaiah Nurse M 36 New York
Mary Nurse F 36 New Hampshire
Iruisha Nurse F 11 Illinois
Martha Nurse F 8 Illinois
Henry Nurse M 6 Illinois
Newell Nurse M 2 Illinois
Barbary Moats F 19 Ohio
At the time of the 1860 census, the Nurse family is found in Hallock Township in Peoria County;
631 617 Nevis Isaiah 45 M Farmer 650 1,410 NY
631 617 Nevis Mary 46 F NH
631 617 Nevis Martha 17 F IL
631 617 Nevis Henry 16 M IL
631 617 Nevis Newel 11 M IL
631 617 Nevis Rosewell 72 M 2,000 200 MA
On August 7, 1862, Henry H. Nurse went into Chillicothe, Illinois where he volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in Chillicothe, Illinois, and in the townships immediately north and west of Chillicothe, including Halleck Township in Peoria County and LaPrairie and Saratoga Townships in Marshall County. This company was being raised by John H. Batchelder, who operated the Ferry at Chillicothe, and Dr. Joseph Thomas, a Chillicothe area Physician. When he volunteered, Henry gave his residence as Halleck Township in Peoria County, Illinois.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name NURSE, HENRY H
Rank PVT Company C Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence HALLECK, PEORIA CO, IL Age 18 Height 5' 9 1/2 Hair BROWN
Eyes BLUE Complexion LIGHT Marital Status SINGLE Occupation FARMER
Nativity HALLECK, PEORIA CO, IL
Service Record
Joined When AUG 7, 1862 Joined Where CHILLICOTHE, IL
Joined By Whom J H BATCHELDER Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out JUN 6, 1865
Muster Out Where WASHINGTON, DC Muster Out By Whom LT SCROGGS
Remarks N/A
When Batchelder and Thomas had almost 100 volunteers, they led the Chillicothe area company into Peoria where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, Batchelder, Thomas and 87 of their volunteers were mustered into service as Co. C of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Dr. Thomas was elected by the men of Co. C to serve as their Captain, while Batchelder was elected to serve as their 1st Lieutenant.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched out the gates of Camp Lyon, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, down to the railroad depot. There they were joined by the men of the 85th Illinois, who had been mustered into service at Camp Peoria. Together, at the depot the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois boarded trains bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana, located across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky. By early October, the men of the 85th & 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, in pursuit of Confederate troops. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more to come. After the Battle of Perryville, the Confederate troops withdrew from Kentucky and the men of McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, Tennessee where they would soon go into winter camp.
The men of McCook's Brigade marched into Nashville on the 7th of November. It then marched on to Edgefield, Tennessee, located a few miles from Nashville, where it remained until the 23rd of November. It was then marched to Mill Creek, where it took up encampment at a place known as Camp Sheridan. On the 9th of December, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade returned to Nashville, where it would go into winter camp.
One of Henry H. Nurse's messmates for most of the war was Private Cyrus Root.
Henry H. Nurse' left knee was shattered by a rifle ball during the Battle of Averasboro, North Carolina, the next to last battle of the war for the 86th. The ball did so much damage, that the left leg was amputed above the knee.
After the war, Henry H. Nurse and Julius Bridegroom, another member of the 86th Illinois, both attended the Illinois Soldiers College, which was established March 30th, 1866 in Fulton, Illinois, in Whiteside County. The school was a place where disabled veterans and their children, as well as orphans of Union soldiers, could receive an education.
Henry H. Nurs (spelled without the e), the son of Isaiah Nurs and Mary (Hill) Nurs, was married to Lucinda A. Stevens in Camp Point, Adams County, Illinois on November 5, 1869. Lucinda Augusta Stevens was born on November 8, 1842 in Woodville, Adams County, Illinois, the daughter of Thomas Stevens, who was born on April 19, 1815 in Vermont, and Phoebe (__________) Stevens, who was from Massachusetts. At the time of the 1850 census, the Stevens family is found in Columbus, Adams County, Illinois;
Thomas G Stevens M 35 Vermont
Phebe Stevens F 34 Massachusetts
Lucinda Stevens F 8 Illinois
Solon Stevens M 5 Illinois
Anne Stevens F 2 Illinois
At the time of the 1870 census, the Stevens family is found in Keene Township, Adams County, Illinois;
Thomas Stevens M 55 Vermont
Pheba Stevens F 54 Massachusetts
Annie Stevens F 21 Illinois
Charles Stevens M 17 Illinois
Newell Stevens M 6 Illinois
Thomas G. Stevens died on July 1, 1901 and his mortal remains were laid in the Woodville Cemetery in Woodville, Adams County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 97839860.
One son was born to Henry H. Nurse and Lucinda Augusta (Stevens) Nurse;
1. Elbert Isaiah Nurse, born July 27, 1877 in Peoria County, Illinois. Elbert was married to Mary E. Harlin on December 17, 1900 in __________, __________. Mary was born on October 15, 1880 near Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois, the daughter of Frank T. Harlin and Ella A. (Clark) Harlin.
Three children are known to have been born to Elbert Isaiah Nurse and Mary E. (Harlin) Nurse, including;
A. Rupert Nurse, born c. 1902/03 in Illinois.
B. Ella Nurse, born c. 1903/04 in Illinois.
C. Edith T. Nurse, born c. 1912/13 in Illinois. Edith is believed to have been born on July 18, 1912 and is believed to be the Edith Thelma Reynolds, who is buried in the Blue Ridge Cemetery in North Hampton, Peoria County, Illinois.
At the time of the 1910 and 1920 census records, Elbert and his family are found in Hallock Township, Peoria County, Illinois. Following is the 1920 census record;
Elbert Nurse Head M 43 Illinois
Mary Nurse Wife F 39 Illinois
Rupert Nurse Son M 17 Illinois
Ella Nurse Daughter F 16 Illinois
Edith Nurse Daughter F 7 Illinois
Mary E. (Harlin) Hurse died on January 25, 1927 in High Point, Guilford County, North Carolina in the home of her daughter, Mrs. G. H. Rockwell. Mary's earthly remains were returned to Illinois, where they were laid to rest in the Blue Ridge Cemetery in Hallock Township, Peoria County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial# 65941978.
Sometime in the 1920's, Elbert moved into Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois, but it is not known whether this was before or after Mary's death. At the time of the 1930 census, seen below, Elbert is living with his daughter and mother in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois;
Elbert I Nurse Head M 52 Illinois
Edith T Nurse Daughter F 17 Illinois
Lucinda Nurse Mother F 87 Illinois
In the 1930's Elbert was married to Lena W. __________. At the time of the 1940 census, Elbert and Lena are found in North Chillicothe, Chillicothe Township, Peoria County, Illinois;
Elbert Nurse Head M 62 Illinois
Lena W Nurse Wife F 69 Illinois
Elbert I. Nurse died on ____________ __, 1957 and his mortal remains were laid in the Blue Ridge Cemetery, North Hampton Township, Peoria County, Illinois.
At the time of the 1870 census the Nurse family is found in Hallock Township in Peoria County;
114 112 Nurs Isaiah 55 M Farmer 15,000 5,000 New York
114 112 Nurs Mary 56 F Massachusetts
114 112 Nurs Henry H. 26 M Farm Laborer Illinois
114 112 Nurs Lucinda 27 F Illinois
118 116 Nurs George 56 M Wagon Maker 3,000 500 New York
118 116 Nurs Martha 39 F Vermont
118 116 Nurs Clyde 7 M Illinois
In 1887, some of the surviving members of the 86th Illinois organized and held a reunion of the old 86th during the week of August 27th, the 25th anniversary of the mustering in of the old 86th back in 1862. Henry Nurse was one of 20 members of old Co. C to attend that first reunion, with more than 130 surviving members of the 86th attending in total. The 1887 reunion was such a success that they decided to continue to hold these reunions every August as long as they could and they continued to hold these reunions through 1923, when the few that were able to attend that 1923 reunion tearfully decided that they were too few and too old to continue to hold them any longer. Through the years, 34 different members of old Co. C were able to attend at least one reunion. These reunions must have been one of the highlights of each year, because Henry Nurse almost never missed a reunion. In fact no member of Co. C attended more reunion or missed less than he did. From the first reunion in 1887 until his death in 1922, Private Henry Nurse missed one reunion, the reunion of 1889 and you can be certain, that Private Henry Nurse was greatly missed at the final reunions of 1922 and 1923.
At the time of the 1900 census, Henry and Lucinda are found in Hallock Township of Peoria County, Illinois. Lucinda is listed as having had just one children, who is living at this time;
Head Henry H Nurse M Oct 1843 57 Illinois
Wife Lucinda Nurse F Nov 1842 58 Illinois
Son Elbert I Nurse M Jul 1877 23 Illinois
From the 1902 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY, ILLINOIS comes the following:
NURSE, HENRY H.; Farmer; born in Hallock Township, Peoria County, October 26, 1843; son of Isaiah and Mary N. (Hill) Nurse. The father was born m Bainbridge, New York, March 19, 1815, and the mother in Peru, Vermont, October 3, 1813, coming to Hallock Township in August, 1834. The paternal great-grandparents were Caleb and Sarah (Fields) Nurse, natives of Vermont. The grandparents were Roswell Nurse, born in Ringe, New Hampshire, and Jerusha (Barton) Nurse, born in Canaan, Connecticut. The maternal grandparents were Isaac and Mehitabel (Bancroft) Hill, natives of Vermont. Isaiah Nurse came from Bainbridge, New York, to Hallock Township in 1836, and settled where Henry H. Nurse now lives. He died there in 1894, leaving two sons, Newell E. and Henry H. He was a prominent man in the community, was Commissioner of Highways for many years and one of the early County Commissioners. Henry H. Nurse enlisted, in 1862, in Company C, Eighty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served until June 26, 1865, participating in the battles of Perryville, Chickamauga, Resaca, Kenesaw, Rome and other engagements around Atlanta. He was with Sherman in the great march to the sea and through the Carolinas, in which he lost a leg, and was discharged soon afterward. He married Lucinda A. Stivens at Camp Point, Illinois, November 5, 1869, and has one child, Elbert I. Mr. Nurse was educated in the district schools and the Illinois Soldiers' College. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and votes the Republican ticket. He is interested in public affairs, especially those of his township and county, and served as Township Assessor from 1884 to 1886, and was elected Supervisor in 1886, 1887 and 1888.
The September 17, 1908 edition of the Henry Republican newspaper, of Henry, Illinois contained the following notice. "H. H. Nurse went through here Monday evening on his way to Fulton, Illinois in company with Julius Bridegroom to visit the scenes of their school days when they attended the old Illinois Soldiers College after the close of the war. The institution was constructed by the state to give the boys a chance for education who had spent the yeares in the army which should naturally have been spent in school."
Private Henry H. Nurse was a longtime member of the Chillicothe G.A.R. Post #136 in Chillcothe, Illinois. In 1914 a book was published entitled "Illustrated Roster of the Department of Illinois, Grand Army of the Republic." H. H. Nurse, of Co. C of the 86th Illinois was listed as a member of this post at this time. Other members of the 86th who were members of Post 136 at this time were, W. M. Jenkins, of Co. C; A. Crouch, of Co. C; C. Root, of Co. C, O. D. Stowell, of Co. C and J. Parsons, of Co. E.
G.A.R. 136
L.Q.O.F. 196
G.A.R. Iron Star
Lucinda was a member of the Women's Relief Corps Post #12 and of the Rebekah Post #545,
Private Henry Hamilton Nurse died on July 16, 1922 in Peoria County, Illinois. His mortal remains were laid in the Blue Ridge Cemetery, Hallock Township, Peoria County, Illinois.
After his passing, Lucinda moved to Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois to live with her son, Elbert, and his family. At the time of the 1930 census, Lucinda is found widowed and living in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois;
Elbert I Nurse Head M 52 Illinois
Edith T Nurse Daughter F 17 Illinois
Lucinda Nurse Mother F 87 Illinois
Lucinda Augusta (Stevens) Nurse died on August 31, 1932 in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois. Her mortal remains were laid in the Blue Ridge Cemetery beside those of her husband, Henry H. Nurse, on September 3, 1932.
In July of 1961, 59 year old, Rupert H. Nurse, a WWI veteran himself, gave a talk at a meeting of the Richland Grange. The Henry News - Republican newspaper of Henry, Illinois wrote a small article about this talk. They learned that, "The 86th regiment was organized on August 12, 1862. Tables and floors were used as bunks until the men moved into a barn used by the 11th cavalry for their horses. Food consisted of two or three items cooked in and served from very large tanks. When they left Peoria, they were loaded into a box car in the T. P. & W. railroad. Cattle had just been herded from the car. Today's servicemen have luxury to what the men had in Civil War days. These letters have a rare historic value because of their detailed description of food, clothing travel, weather and battle conditions. Mr. Nurse brought two large boards covered with badges his grandfather collected from G. A. R. reunions and encampments and from Women's Relief Corps meetings. Young and old alike found these very interesting." (MOTE: It would be interesting to know what became of the letters and badges and perhaps add pictures of some to Private Henry H. Nurse's Find A Grave Memorial.
by Baxter B. Fite III and John Melton
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of the Nurse family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on Henry H. Nurse and the Nurse family. Baxter would also love to see copies of any other photographs of Henry H. Nurse, that may have survived the years, added to his Find A Grave site for all to see.)
Then, Henry survived the war and lived well into the 20th Century. During this time, Henry must had his picture taken many more times. I would love to see some pictures of him as a young man, especially one of him in uniform from his days with the 86th, but, at this point, I would just love to see some more pictures of him added to his FAG site, even some of him as a 50, 60 or 70 year old man. Can anyone help me with this? It would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Baxter)
Private HENRY HAMILTON NURSE, Co. C, 86th Illinois
Private Henry Hamilton Nurse was born on October 26, 1843 in Hallock Township, Peoria County, Illinois, the son of Isaiah Nurse and Mary Newell (Hill) Nurse. Of Isaiah, the following which was extracted April 2011 by Norma Hass from The Biographical Record of Bureau, Marshall and Putnam Counties, Illinois, 1896 is found;
"Isaiah NURS, now deceased, who was the father of Newel, came to Illinois July 4, 1836, and was one of the honored pioneers of this section of the country, for many years making his home in Hallock township, Peoria county, Illinois, but also owning the farm in Marshall county, where our subject now resides. He was born at Bainbridge, Chenango county, new York, March 19, 1815, and dying on the old homestead, in Peoria county, August 12, 1894, his remains were interred at Blue Ridge. On the 1st of July, 1836, he had arrived in that county in company with his father, Roswell NURS, and Ebenezer STOWELL, of whom mention is made in the sketch of Cyrus ROOT. On the 4th of the same month he located on the land where he made his home until called to the world beyond. He walked the entire distance to Quincy, in order to enter the tract, soon after built upon it, and did not return to his native state for twenty years. His father, however, went back to New York, and brought the family to this almost unbroken wilderness, dying, March 9, 1863, at the age of seventy-five years. His wife had long preceded him, dying in 1838, at the age of twenty-seven years. She was one of the first to be interred in an old burying ground near the edge of the brush, near Northampton, but as her husband was buried at Blue Ridge, fifty-two years later her body was taken up and laid by his side.
In connection with his father, Isaiah NURS entered several tracts of land, amounting to eight hundred and eighty acres, lying along the boundary line between Peoria and Marshall counties, a portion in each, but he made his home in Peoria county, one-half mile south of the county line. On the 1st of January, 1838, at Northampton, Peoria county, he led to the marriage altar Miss Mary Newell HILL, a native of New Hampshire, and to them were born four children – Jerusha Barton, married H. S. DAMAN, and both died in Know county, Missouri; Martha E., is the wife of C. T. NEWELL, and they now make their home in Princeville, Illinois; Henry H. married Lucinda STEVENS, and lives on the old homestead; and Newel E., whose name introduces this review, completes the family. The mother of these children died June 15, 1892, after a happy married life of fifty-four years.
In the home farm, Isaiah NURS had one hundred and sixty acres, which he placed under a high state of cultivation, and also a like amount in Marshall county, one-half of which now belonging to his son Newel. He was a careful, conscientious business man, who met with fair success, and was quite prominent in township and county affairs, serving as road commissioner when the roads were laid out through his portion of the county. Being a strong anti-slavery man, he was therefore a strong republican, and his eldest son, Henry, served for three years in the Union army during the civil war, losing his left leg below the knee at Silver Run, near Goldsboro, North Carolina, the last battle in which Sherman's army participated. While in the service he was a messmate most of the time of Cyrus ROOT. He belonged to Company C, Eighty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry.
In 1847 the father became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he served as class leader for many years, and assisted in the organization of the Sunday school at Blue Ridge, of which he was superintendent for some time. He was a prominent member of the Old Settler's society, and was a strong anti-Mason until after his son Newel joined that organization, now belonging to Lawn Ridge lodge, No. 415, when he became more liberal in his views. Although he attained a ripe old age, he was still well preserved, and was an exceedingly intelligent and well informed man, never given to argument, and never had but one law-suit."
The children born to Isaiah Nurse and Mary Newell (Hill) Nurse were;
1. Jerusha Barton Nurse, born near North Hampton, Peoria County, Illinois on October 3, 1838; married to Hiram S. Daman on January 1, 1858 in Peoria County; Jerusha died on June 16, 1870 in Adair County, Missouri at the age of 31 yrs, 8 mos and 18 days and her mortal remains were laid in the Slocum Cemetery in Greensburg, Knox County, Missouri; See her Find A Grave site for more information about her family.
2. Martha E. Nurse, born ___________ __, 18__, married to C. T. NEWELL, and they now make their home in Princeville, Illinois.
3. Henry H. Nurse, born October 26, 1843 in Peoria County, Illinois; See his biography below.
4. Newel E. Nurse/Nurss, born June 17, 1848 in Peoria County
Illinois. Newell was married to Ann Eliza Root (1848 - 1918) on February 22, 1872. Newell and Ann were the parents of;
A. Edwin M. Nurss, born c. 1872 in Illinois.
B. Fred Dean Nurss (1876 - 1923)
At the time of the 1880 census, Newell and his family are found in La Prairie, Marshall County, Illinois, where he is farming;
Newel E Nurss Self M 31 Illinois
Ann E Nurss Wife F 31 Illinois
Edwin M Nurss Son M 7 Illinois
Fred D Nurss Son M 4 Illinois
Newell E. Nurse/Nurss died on June 25, 1921 in Yellowstone County, Montana and his mortal remains were laid in the Blue Ridge Cemetery in North Hampton, Peoria County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 36404863.
At the time of the 1850 census, the Nurse family is found in Peoria County;
Isaiah Nurse M 36 New York
Mary Nurse F 36 New Hampshire
Iruisha Nurse F 11 Illinois
Martha Nurse F 8 Illinois
Henry Nurse M 6 Illinois
Newell Nurse M 2 Illinois
Barbary Moats F 19 Ohio
At the time of the 1860 census, the Nurse family is found in Hallock Township in Peoria County;
631 617 Nevis Isaiah 45 M Farmer 650 1,410 NY
631 617 Nevis Mary 46 F NH
631 617 Nevis Martha 17 F IL
631 617 Nevis Henry 16 M IL
631 617 Nevis Newel 11 M IL
631 617 Nevis Rosewell 72 M 2,000 200 MA
On August 7, 1862, Henry H. Nurse went into Chillicothe, Illinois where he volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in Chillicothe, Illinois, and in the townships immediately north and west of Chillicothe, including Halleck Township in Peoria County and LaPrairie and Saratoga Townships in Marshall County. This company was being raised by John H. Batchelder, who operated the Ferry at Chillicothe, and Dr. Joseph Thomas, a Chillicothe area Physician. When he volunteered, Henry gave his residence as Halleck Township in Peoria County, Illinois.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name NURSE, HENRY H
Rank PVT Company C Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence HALLECK, PEORIA CO, IL Age 18 Height 5' 9 1/2 Hair BROWN
Eyes BLUE Complexion LIGHT Marital Status SINGLE Occupation FARMER
Nativity HALLECK, PEORIA CO, IL
Service Record
Joined When AUG 7, 1862 Joined Where CHILLICOTHE, IL
Joined By Whom J H BATCHELDER Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out JUN 6, 1865
Muster Out Where WASHINGTON, DC Muster Out By Whom LT SCROGGS
Remarks N/A
When Batchelder and Thomas had almost 100 volunteers, they led the Chillicothe area company into Peoria where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, Batchelder, Thomas and 87 of their volunteers were mustered into service as Co. C of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Dr. Thomas was elected by the men of Co. C to serve as their Captain, while Batchelder was elected to serve as their 1st Lieutenant.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched out the gates of Camp Lyon, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, down to the railroad depot. There they were joined by the men of the 85th Illinois, who had been mustered into service at Camp Peoria. Together, at the depot the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois boarded trains bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana, located across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky. By early October, the men of the 85th & 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, in pursuit of Confederate troops. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more to come. After the Battle of Perryville, the Confederate troops withdrew from Kentucky and the men of McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, Tennessee where they would soon go into winter camp.
The men of McCook's Brigade marched into Nashville on the 7th of November. It then marched on to Edgefield, Tennessee, located a few miles from Nashville, where it remained until the 23rd of November. It was then marched to Mill Creek, where it took up encampment at a place known as Camp Sheridan. On the 9th of December, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade returned to Nashville, where it would go into winter camp.
One of Henry H. Nurse's messmates for most of the war was Private Cyrus Root.
Henry H. Nurse' left knee was shattered by a rifle ball during the Battle of Averasboro, North Carolina, the next to last battle of the war for the 86th. The ball did so much damage, that the left leg was amputed above the knee.
After the war, Henry H. Nurse and Julius Bridegroom, another member of the 86th Illinois, both attended the Illinois Soldiers College, which was established March 30th, 1866 in Fulton, Illinois, in Whiteside County. The school was a place where disabled veterans and their children, as well as orphans of Union soldiers, could receive an education.
Henry H. Nurs (spelled without the e), the son of Isaiah Nurs and Mary (Hill) Nurs, was married to Lucinda A. Stevens in Camp Point, Adams County, Illinois on November 5, 1869. Lucinda Augusta Stevens was born on November 8, 1842 in Woodville, Adams County, Illinois, the daughter of Thomas Stevens, who was born on April 19, 1815 in Vermont, and Phoebe (__________) Stevens, who was from Massachusetts. At the time of the 1850 census, the Stevens family is found in Columbus, Adams County, Illinois;
Thomas G Stevens M 35 Vermont
Phebe Stevens F 34 Massachusetts
Lucinda Stevens F 8 Illinois
Solon Stevens M 5 Illinois
Anne Stevens F 2 Illinois
At the time of the 1870 census, the Stevens family is found in Keene Township, Adams County, Illinois;
Thomas Stevens M 55 Vermont
Pheba Stevens F 54 Massachusetts
Annie Stevens F 21 Illinois
Charles Stevens M 17 Illinois
Newell Stevens M 6 Illinois
Thomas G. Stevens died on July 1, 1901 and his mortal remains were laid in the Woodville Cemetery in Woodville, Adams County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 97839860.
One son was born to Henry H. Nurse and Lucinda Augusta (Stevens) Nurse;
1. Elbert Isaiah Nurse, born July 27, 1877 in Peoria County, Illinois. Elbert was married to Mary E. Harlin on December 17, 1900 in __________, __________. Mary was born on October 15, 1880 near Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois, the daughter of Frank T. Harlin and Ella A. (Clark) Harlin.
Three children are known to have been born to Elbert Isaiah Nurse and Mary E. (Harlin) Nurse, including;
A. Rupert Nurse, born c. 1902/03 in Illinois.
B. Ella Nurse, born c. 1903/04 in Illinois.
C. Edith T. Nurse, born c. 1912/13 in Illinois. Edith is believed to have been born on July 18, 1912 and is believed to be the Edith Thelma Reynolds, who is buried in the Blue Ridge Cemetery in North Hampton, Peoria County, Illinois.
At the time of the 1910 and 1920 census records, Elbert and his family are found in Hallock Township, Peoria County, Illinois. Following is the 1920 census record;
Elbert Nurse Head M 43 Illinois
Mary Nurse Wife F 39 Illinois
Rupert Nurse Son M 17 Illinois
Ella Nurse Daughter F 16 Illinois
Edith Nurse Daughter F 7 Illinois
Mary E. (Harlin) Hurse died on January 25, 1927 in High Point, Guilford County, North Carolina in the home of her daughter, Mrs. G. H. Rockwell. Mary's earthly remains were returned to Illinois, where they were laid to rest in the Blue Ridge Cemetery in Hallock Township, Peoria County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial# 65941978.
Sometime in the 1920's, Elbert moved into Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois, but it is not known whether this was before or after Mary's death. At the time of the 1930 census, seen below, Elbert is living with his daughter and mother in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois;
Elbert I Nurse Head M 52 Illinois
Edith T Nurse Daughter F 17 Illinois
Lucinda Nurse Mother F 87 Illinois
In the 1930's Elbert was married to Lena W. __________. At the time of the 1940 census, Elbert and Lena are found in North Chillicothe, Chillicothe Township, Peoria County, Illinois;
Elbert Nurse Head M 62 Illinois
Lena W Nurse Wife F 69 Illinois
Elbert I. Nurse died on ____________ __, 1957 and his mortal remains were laid in the Blue Ridge Cemetery, North Hampton Township, Peoria County, Illinois.
At the time of the 1870 census the Nurse family is found in Hallock Township in Peoria County;
114 112 Nurs Isaiah 55 M Farmer 15,000 5,000 New York
114 112 Nurs Mary 56 F Massachusetts
114 112 Nurs Henry H. 26 M Farm Laborer Illinois
114 112 Nurs Lucinda 27 F Illinois
118 116 Nurs George 56 M Wagon Maker 3,000 500 New York
118 116 Nurs Martha 39 F Vermont
118 116 Nurs Clyde 7 M Illinois
In 1887, some of the surviving members of the 86th Illinois organized and held a reunion of the old 86th during the week of August 27th, the 25th anniversary of the mustering in of the old 86th back in 1862. Henry Nurse was one of 20 members of old Co. C to attend that first reunion, with more than 130 surviving members of the 86th attending in total. The 1887 reunion was such a success that they decided to continue to hold these reunions every August as long as they could and they continued to hold these reunions through 1923, when the few that were able to attend that 1923 reunion tearfully decided that they were too few and too old to continue to hold them any longer. Through the years, 34 different members of old Co. C were able to attend at least one reunion. These reunions must have been one of the highlights of each year, because Henry Nurse almost never missed a reunion. In fact no member of Co. C attended more reunion or missed less than he did. From the first reunion in 1887 until his death in 1922, Private Henry Nurse missed one reunion, the reunion of 1889 and you can be certain, that Private Henry Nurse was greatly missed at the final reunions of 1922 and 1923.
At the time of the 1900 census, Henry and Lucinda are found in Hallock Township of Peoria County, Illinois. Lucinda is listed as having had just one children, who is living at this time;
Head Henry H Nurse M Oct 1843 57 Illinois
Wife Lucinda Nurse F Nov 1842 58 Illinois
Son Elbert I Nurse M Jul 1877 23 Illinois
From the 1902 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY, ILLINOIS comes the following:
NURSE, HENRY H.; Farmer; born in Hallock Township, Peoria County, October 26, 1843; son of Isaiah and Mary N. (Hill) Nurse. The father was born m Bainbridge, New York, March 19, 1815, and the mother in Peru, Vermont, October 3, 1813, coming to Hallock Township in August, 1834. The paternal great-grandparents were Caleb and Sarah (Fields) Nurse, natives of Vermont. The grandparents were Roswell Nurse, born in Ringe, New Hampshire, and Jerusha (Barton) Nurse, born in Canaan, Connecticut. The maternal grandparents were Isaac and Mehitabel (Bancroft) Hill, natives of Vermont. Isaiah Nurse came from Bainbridge, New York, to Hallock Township in 1836, and settled where Henry H. Nurse now lives. He died there in 1894, leaving two sons, Newell E. and Henry H. He was a prominent man in the community, was Commissioner of Highways for many years and one of the early County Commissioners. Henry H. Nurse enlisted, in 1862, in Company C, Eighty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served until June 26, 1865, participating in the battles of Perryville, Chickamauga, Resaca, Kenesaw, Rome and other engagements around Atlanta. He was with Sherman in the great march to the sea and through the Carolinas, in which he lost a leg, and was discharged soon afterward. He married Lucinda A. Stivens at Camp Point, Illinois, November 5, 1869, and has one child, Elbert I. Mr. Nurse was educated in the district schools and the Illinois Soldiers' College. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and votes the Republican ticket. He is interested in public affairs, especially those of his township and county, and served as Township Assessor from 1884 to 1886, and was elected Supervisor in 1886, 1887 and 1888.
The September 17, 1908 edition of the Henry Republican newspaper, of Henry, Illinois contained the following notice. "H. H. Nurse went through here Monday evening on his way to Fulton, Illinois in company with Julius Bridegroom to visit the scenes of their school days when they attended the old Illinois Soldiers College after the close of the war. The institution was constructed by the state to give the boys a chance for education who had spent the yeares in the army which should naturally have been spent in school."
Private Henry H. Nurse was a longtime member of the Chillicothe G.A.R. Post #136 in Chillcothe, Illinois. In 1914 a book was published entitled "Illustrated Roster of the Department of Illinois, Grand Army of the Republic." H. H. Nurse, of Co. C of the 86th Illinois was listed as a member of this post at this time. Other members of the 86th who were members of Post 136 at this time were, W. M. Jenkins, of Co. C; A. Crouch, of Co. C; C. Root, of Co. C, O. D. Stowell, of Co. C and J. Parsons, of Co. E.
G.A.R. 136
L.Q.O.F. 196
G.A.R. Iron Star
Lucinda was a member of the Women's Relief Corps Post #12 and of the Rebekah Post #545,
Private Henry Hamilton Nurse died on July 16, 1922 in Peoria County, Illinois. His mortal remains were laid in the Blue Ridge Cemetery, Hallock Township, Peoria County, Illinois.
After his passing, Lucinda moved to Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois to live with her son, Elbert, and his family. At the time of the 1930 census, Lucinda is found widowed and living in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois;
Elbert I Nurse Head M 52 Illinois
Edith T Nurse Daughter F 17 Illinois
Lucinda Nurse Mother F 87 Illinois
Lucinda Augusta (Stevens) Nurse died on August 31, 1932 in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois. Her mortal remains were laid in the Blue Ridge Cemetery beside those of her husband, Henry H. Nurse, on September 3, 1932.
In July of 1961, 59 year old, Rupert H. Nurse, a WWI veteran himself, gave a talk at a meeting of the Richland Grange. The Henry News - Republican newspaper of Henry, Illinois wrote a small article about this talk. They learned that, "The 86th regiment was organized on August 12, 1862. Tables and floors were used as bunks until the men moved into a barn used by the 11th cavalry for their horses. Food consisted of two or three items cooked in and served from very large tanks. When they left Peoria, they were loaded into a box car in the T. P. & W. railroad. Cattle had just been herded from the car. Today's servicemen have luxury to what the men had in Civil War days. These letters have a rare historic value because of their detailed description of food, clothing travel, weather and battle conditions. Mr. Nurse brought two large boards covered with badges his grandfather collected from G. A. R. reunions and encampments and from Women's Relief Corps meetings. Young and old alike found these very interesting." (MOTE: It would be interesting to know what became of the letters and badges and perhaps add pictures of some to Private Henry H. Nurse's Find A Grave Memorial.
by Baxter B. Fite III and John Melton
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of the Nurse family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on Henry H. Nurse and the Nurse family. Baxter would also love to see copies of any other photographs of Henry H. Nurse, that may have survived the years, added to his Find A Grave site for all to see.)
