NOTE: Grafton McMakin probably never had his portrait taken prior to the Civil War. However, during the 10 month period that the 86th Illinois was in the Nashville, Tennessee area in 1862-63, Grafton, like most of the Union soldiers in the Nashville area, probably took the time to sit for a portrait to send home to the loved ones that he left behind. These portraits were most often printed in the form of what was called a "Tin Type" or "Daguerreotype", or more often in a new fangled paper picture, which was called a "CDV", which was a paper picture glued to a heavier card stock about the size of a modern day baseball card, and the soldiers didn't just have one or two copies of these made. Most of the time, they had a dozen or more made, so they could swap pictures with their tentmates, messmates and for their friends, in the 86th and back home.
Grafton McMakin then survived the war and lived well into the 20th century. During his life, Grafton probably had his picture taken dozens of times. I would dearly love to see a copy of his CDV added to his Find A Grave site for the Marshall County Historical Society and for all with an interest to see. However, at this point, I would be thrilled just to see some pictures of him added to his Find A Grave Memorial, even ones of him as an old man. Can anyone help me? Thanks, Baxter)
Private GRAFTON McMAKIN, Co. B. 86th Illinois
Grafton McMakin was born on February 11, 1843 in Vevay, Switzerland County, Indiana, the son of William Page McMakin and Verlinda J. (Tapp) McMakin. William was born about 1815 in Virginia (now West Virginia), possibly in Jefferson County. William is believed to be the son of John McMakin, who was born c. 1777/78, and Caby (Frazier) McMakin, who was born c. 1787/88.
Verlinda J. Tapp was born on January 16, 1821 in Switzerland County, Indiana.
William Page McMakin and Verlinda J. Tapp were married on April 24, 1839 in Switzerland County, Indiana.
The children born to William Page McMakin and Verlinda J. (Tapp) McMakin are believed to include;
1. Henry McMakin, born c. 1839/40 in Indiana. Henry is found with the family in the 1850 and 1860 census records seen below. On August 16, 1861, Henry McMakin volunteered to serve with with what was to become Co. D of the 47th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War. Here is what is found in the Illinois Adjutant Generals Report;
NameM CMAKEN, HENRY Rank PVT
Company D Unit 47 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence HENRY CITY, MARSHALL CO, IL
Age 21 Height 5' 7 1/2 Hair DARK Eyes HAZEL
Complexion DARK Marital Status SINGLE
Occupation FARMER Nativity SWITZERLAND CO, IN
Service Record
Joined When AUG 16, 1861 Joined Where PEORIA, IL
Joined By Whom CPT TOWNSEND Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 16, 1861 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom ____ Muster Out ____
Muster Out Where ____ Muster Out By Whom____
At some point, perhaps after his three year enlistment term was over, Henry McMakin is believed to have been enlisted into Co. B of the Mississippi Marine Brigade U.S. Vol. Inf. Henry McMakin was discharged from the service on January 17, 1865 and he returned to his home in Marshall County, Illinois.
Henry is known to have been married, though nothing is known of her. Henry McMakin is believed to have eventually moved to Wisconsin. In 1876, Henry applied for and began receiving an Invalid Pension for his service in the Civil War. Henry McMakin was a resident of the Wisconsin Soldiers Home for a while and is known to have died about July of 1890, probably in Wisconsin. It is not known where his mortal remains were laid. His widow began collecting a Widows Pension in August of 1890. Nothing more is known of Henry or his wife.
2. Grafton M. McMakin, born February 11, 1843 in Switzerland County, Indiana. See his Find A Grave biography below.
Now to continue with the biography of William P. McMakin;
William P. McMakin's wife, Verlinda J. (Tapp) McMakin, is believed to have died sometime before 1850 in Switzerland County, Indiana.
William Page McMakin was married 2nd on March 1, 1850 to Angeline L. Bradford in Switzerland County, Indiana. Angeline L. Bradford was born c. 1821/22 in Indiana.
The children born to William and Angeline are believed to include;
3. James B. McMakin, born c. 1851 in Indiana. James was married to Josephine _____________ in __________ County, Minnesota.
At the time of the 1880 census, James and his family, along with his younger sister, Josephine, are found residing at 137 Washington Avenue in Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota;
James McMakin 28 Head Deals in Cigars & Tobacco IND
Josephine McMakin 20 Wife Keeping House MIN
William McMakin 10/12 Son MIN
Josephine McMakin 22 Sister ILL
James B. McMakin died in 1907.
4. Valentine McMakin, born c. 1853 and died c. 1854. His mortal remains are believed to have been laid in the Putnam Cemetery in Putnam County, Illinois.
5. William Jefferson McMakin, born c. 1856 in Illinois. William's parents died before he was 7 years old and he and his sister, Josephine, were taken in by Nickolas A. and Phoebe C. (________) Melick. Shortly after they taken in, it appears that most, if not all of the family migrated to Minnesota. At the time of the 1870 census, the Melicks, with the two McMakin children, are found living near Madelia, Minnesota in Riverdale Township of Watonwan County not far from where, William and Josephine's youngest brother, George W. McMakin, and his adopted family, the Garritssons, live;
Nicholas A. Melick 42 Farmer NJ
Phoebe C. Melick 44 Keeping House IND
Luella Melick 8 IL
William J. McMakin 14 IL
Josephine McMakin 12 IL
William Jefferson McMakin is believed to have died in 1941.
6. Josephine McMakin, born c. 1858 in Illinois. Josephine's parents died before she was 5 years of age and she and her older brother, William, were adopted by the Melick family.
At the time of the 1870 census, seen above, the Melick's, with the McMakin children are found in Watonwan County, Minnesota. At the time of the 1880 census, seen above, Josephine has moved in with and is working with her older brother, James McMakin, and his family in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Josephine is believed to have been married to Frank H. Merrill on May 22, 1881 in Minneapolis, Minnesota and they are eventually believed to have moved to Washington State. Frank is believed to have died there in 1921, but I have yet to find anything more about them.
7. George Washington McMakin, born c. August 4, 1861 in or near Henry, Illinois in Marshall County, Illinois. George's parents are believed to have both been deceased by the time he was 3 and he was sent to live with Reed and Emeline Garritson, believed to be his aunt and uncle. Not long after George moved in with them, they moved to Minnisota. At the time of the 1870 census, George and his adopted family are found in Madelia Township, Watonwan County, Minnesota;
Reed Garritson 54 Farmer Ohio
Emeline Garritsson 49 Keeping House Ind
Sophie Garritson 22School Teacher IND
Sue Garritson 20 School Teacher IND
Charles Garritson 13 At Home ILL
George McMakin 9 At Home ILL
George married Eva Augusta Corbin (1867 - 1933) on 28 June 1885, in Madelia, Watonwan, Minnesota. They were the parents of at least 2 daughters;
A. Clara McMakin (1887 - 1895)
B. Laura McMakin (1904 - 1957)
George lived in Woodlake, Tulare, California, United States in 1935 and Ventura Judicial Township, Ventura, California in 1940. George died on 18 March 1952, in Ventura, Ventura, California, at the age of 90, and was buried in Ventura, Ventura, California.
At the time of the 1850 census, William P. McMakin and his family are found in Posey Township, Switzerland County, Indiana;
William P. McMakins 35 Farmer VA
Angeline McMakins 28 IND
Henry McMakins 9 IND
Grafton M. McMakins 6 IND
Edmon Holcroft 22 Farmer IND
Between 1852 and 1856, William and Angeline moved their growing family west to Illinois, where they settled in Marshall County, Illinois, near Henry, Illinois. At the time of the 1860 census, William Page McMakin and his family are found in Henry Township, Marshall County, Illinois;
William P. McMakin 45 Farmer VA
Angeline McMakin 38 Ind
Henry McMakin 20 Ind
Grafton McMakin 16 Ind
James McMakin 8 Ind
William McMakin 4 IL
Josephine McMakin 2 IL
William Page McMakin died on ____________ __, 1862 in or near Henry in Marshall County, Illinois, but his mortal remains were laid in the Putnam Cemetery in Senachwine Township, Putnam County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial #29081943.
Angeline L. (Bradford) McMakin is believed to have died in 1863, leaving all of the children orphans.
Now to continue with the biography of Grafton McMakin;
On August 12, 1862, Grafton McMakin volunteered in Marshall County, to serve in a company which was being raised in the Henry, Illinois area of Marshall County for service in the Union army, by a man by the name of Elias C. Brearley. At the time he volunteered, Grafton listed Henry Township in Marshall County, Illinois as his place of residence.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name MCMACKIN, GRAFTON M
Rank PVT Company B Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence HENRY, MARSHALL CO, IL Age 18 Height 5' 8 Hair DARK
Eyes HAZEL Complexion DARK Marital Status SINGLE Occupation FARMER
Nativity IN
Service Record
Joined When AUG 12, 1862 Joined Where MARSHALL CO, IL
Joined By Whom CPT BREASLEY 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 Brearley had about 100 volunteers, he led the Marshall County company into Peoria where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, Brearley and 88 of his volunteers were mustered into service as Co. B of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Brearley was elected Captain of Co. B.
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. At the depot, the men of he 85th & 86th Illinois boarded trains bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana, located across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky. Three weeks later, the men of the 85th & 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, which was part of the Union army commanded in Union General Buehl. They were in pursuit of Confederate troops, who were in Kentucky. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more to come. After the Battle of Perryville, the Confederate troops withdrew from Kentucky and the men of McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, Tennessee where they would go into winter camp.
During the next 2 and a half years, Private Grafton M. McMakin served faithfully in Co. B as the men of the 86th served in Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. . During this time, Grafton was witness to and a participant in numerous battles and skirmishes, some of the bloodiest fighting in the Western Theatre of the war, including the Battles of Chickamauga, Georgia; Resaca, Georgia; Rome, Georgia; Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia; Peach Tree Creek, Georgia; Jonesboro, Georgia, Averasborough, North Carolina and Bentonville, North Carolina and marched with Sherman on his infamous "March to the Sea."
After the war came to a close, the men of McCook's Brigade marched on to Washington City (now D.C.) where in May they marched down Pennsylvania Avenue on the 2nd day of the Grand Review. It was there in Washington, that they were mustered out of the service on June 6, 1865. They were soon on a train bound for Chicago, Illinois, where they received their final pay and were discharged from the service. By the end of June, Private Grafton M. McMakin was back home in Marshall County along with the rest of the surviving members of Co. B.
Grafton was married twice. He was married 1st to Amelia J. Whitmer on 11 Feb 1869 in Marshall, Illinois. The children born to Grafton and Amelia include;
1. Sherman Page McMakin, born c. March 1, 1871 in Illinois. Sherman was married to Georganna Helen "Anna" Cheney on Deccember 18, 1894 in Buena Vista County, Iowa. Anna was born c. 1874, the daughter of John F. Cheney and Mary Perkins.
At least one son was born to Sherman and Anna;
A. Eugene Page McMakin, born December 26, 1897 in Iowa. Eugene was married to Virginia Benita Weil on October 25, 1926 in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois.
At least one daughter was born to Eugene and Virginia;
a. Joan McMakin, born c. 1926/27 in Illinois.
At the time of the 1930 census, Eugene and his family are found renting a place of Sheridan Road in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois;
Eugene P. McMakin 31 Iowa Grain Broker
Virginia W. McMakin 26 Illinois
Joan McMakin 3 6/12 Illinois
Eugene Page McMakin died on February 12, 1966 and his mortal remains were laid in the Newell Cemetery in Newell, Buena Vista County, Iowa. See his Find A Grave Memorial #73417979
2. Beatrice McMakin, born October __, 1886 in Iowa. Beatrice died in 1903 and her mortal remains were also laid in the Newell Cemetery in Newell, Iowa.
Sherman and Anna are believed to have divorced in the 1910's and Georganna Helen "Anna" Cheney McMakin was married to a Stiger. Georganna Helen Cheney McMakin Stiger died on ____________ __, 1939. Her mortal remains were laid in the Newell Cemetery in Newell, Buena Vista County, Iowa. See her Find A Grave Memorial #215747566.
After their divorce, Sherman was married to Helen (Kirlen) Carroll in 1914. Sherman died on 21 Sep 1951 in Storm Lake, Buena Vista County, Iowa and his mortal remains were laid in the Storm Lake Cemetery in Storm Lake, Buena Vista County, Iowa. See his Find A Grave Memorial #154012549.
At the time of the 1880 census, Grafton and Amelia are found residing in Coon Township, Buena Vista County, Iowa. The census lists both of his parents being born in Indiana. Grafton is farming for a living. The family is listed as;
Grafton MCMAKIN, Self, born c, 1845 in Indiana
Amelia MCMAKIN, Wife, born c. 1846 in NY
Sherman MCMAKIN, Son, born c. 1871 in IL
Amelia J. (Whitmer) McMakin died of Consumption on April 8, 1896 in Newell, Iowa in Buena Vista County and her mortal remains were laid in the Newell Cemetery.
Grafton M. McMakin was married 2nd to Eleonor "Nellie" Atherton on May __, 1897. Eleanor was born on October __, 1850 in __________, Minnesota. No children were born to Grafton and Eleanor.
At the time of the 1900 census, Grafton and his family are found in the village of Newell, Newell Township, Buena Vista County, Iowa;
Grafton McMakin Head Nov 1843 56 3 Ind Farmer
Nellie McMakin Wife Oct 1850 50 3 0 0 MN
Beatrice McMakin Oct 1886 13 Iowa
Grafton M. McMakin died on 23 Dec 1913 in Newell, Buena Vista, Iowa and his mortal remains were also laid in the Newell Cemetery.
by Baxter B. Fite III and Alvin Oglesby.
Grafton McMakin then survived the war and lived well into the 20th century. During his life, Grafton probably had his picture taken dozens of times. I would dearly love to see a copy of his CDV added to his Find A Grave site for the Marshall County Historical Society and for all with an interest to see. However, at this point, I would be thrilled just to see some pictures of him added to his Find A Grave Memorial, even ones of him as an old man. Can anyone help me? Thanks, Baxter)
Private GRAFTON McMAKIN, Co. B. 86th Illinois
Grafton McMakin was born on February 11, 1843 in Vevay, Switzerland County, Indiana, the son of William Page McMakin and Verlinda J. (Tapp) McMakin. William was born about 1815 in Virginia (now West Virginia), possibly in Jefferson County. William is believed to be the son of John McMakin, who was born c. 1777/78, and Caby (Frazier) McMakin, who was born c. 1787/88.
Verlinda J. Tapp was born on January 16, 1821 in Switzerland County, Indiana.
William Page McMakin and Verlinda J. Tapp were married on April 24, 1839 in Switzerland County, Indiana.
The children born to William Page McMakin and Verlinda J. (Tapp) McMakin are believed to include;
1. Henry McMakin, born c. 1839/40 in Indiana. Henry is found with the family in the 1850 and 1860 census records seen below. On August 16, 1861, Henry McMakin volunteered to serve with with what was to become Co. D of the 47th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War. Here is what is found in the Illinois Adjutant Generals Report;
NameM CMAKEN, HENRY Rank PVT
Company D Unit 47 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence HENRY CITY, MARSHALL CO, IL
Age 21 Height 5' 7 1/2 Hair DARK Eyes HAZEL
Complexion DARK Marital Status SINGLE
Occupation FARMER Nativity SWITZERLAND CO, IN
Service Record
Joined When AUG 16, 1861 Joined Where PEORIA, IL
Joined By Whom CPT TOWNSEND Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 16, 1861 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom ____ Muster Out ____
Muster Out Where ____ Muster Out By Whom____
At some point, perhaps after his three year enlistment term was over, Henry McMakin is believed to have been enlisted into Co. B of the Mississippi Marine Brigade U.S. Vol. Inf. Henry McMakin was discharged from the service on January 17, 1865 and he returned to his home in Marshall County, Illinois.
Henry is known to have been married, though nothing is known of her. Henry McMakin is believed to have eventually moved to Wisconsin. In 1876, Henry applied for and began receiving an Invalid Pension for his service in the Civil War. Henry McMakin was a resident of the Wisconsin Soldiers Home for a while and is known to have died about July of 1890, probably in Wisconsin. It is not known where his mortal remains were laid. His widow began collecting a Widows Pension in August of 1890. Nothing more is known of Henry or his wife.
2. Grafton M. McMakin, born February 11, 1843 in Switzerland County, Indiana. See his Find A Grave biography below.
Now to continue with the biography of William P. McMakin;
William P. McMakin's wife, Verlinda J. (Tapp) McMakin, is believed to have died sometime before 1850 in Switzerland County, Indiana.
William Page McMakin was married 2nd on March 1, 1850 to Angeline L. Bradford in Switzerland County, Indiana. Angeline L. Bradford was born c. 1821/22 in Indiana.
The children born to William and Angeline are believed to include;
3. James B. McMakin, born c. 1851 in Indiana. James was married to Josephine _____________ in __________ County, Minnesota.
At the time of the 1880 census, James and his family, along with his younger sister, Josephine, are found residing at 137 Washington Avenue in Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota;
James McMakin 28 Head Deals in Cigars & Tobacco IND
Josephine McMakin 20 Wife Keeping House MIN
William McMakin 10/12 Son MIN
Josephine McMakin 22 Sister ILL
James B. McMakin died in 1907.
4. Valentine McMakin, born c. 1853 and died c. 1854. His mortal remains are believed to have been laid in the Putnam Cemetery in Putnam County, Illinois.
5. William Jefferson McMakin, born c. 1856 in Illinois. William's parents died before he was 7 years old and he and his sister, Josephine, were taken in by Nickolas A. and Phoebe C. (________) Melick. Shortly after they taken in, it appears that most, if not all of the family migrated to Minnesota. At the time of the 1870 census, the Melicks, with the two McMakin children, are found living near Madelia, Minnesota in Riverdale Township of Watonwan County not far from where, William and Josephine's youngest brother, George W. McMakin, and his adopted family, the Garritssons, live;
Nicholas A. Melick 42 Farmer NJ
Phoebe C. Melick 44 Keeping House IND
Luella Melick 8 IL
William J. McMakin 14 IL
Josephine McMakin 12 IL
William Jefferson McMakin is believed to have died in 1941.
6. Josephine McMakin, born c. 1858 in Illinois. Josephine's parents died before she was 5 years of age and she and her older brother, William, were adopted by the Melick family.
At the time of the 1870 census, seen above, the Melick's, with the McMakin children are found in Watonwan County, Minnesota. At the time of the 1880 census, seen above, Josephine has moved in with and is working with her older brother, James McMakin, and his family in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Josephine is believed to have been married to Frank H. Merrill on May 22, 1881 in Minneapolis, Minnesota and they are eventually believed to have moved to Washington State. Frank is believed to have died there in 1921, but I have yet to find anything more about them.
7. George Washington McMakin, born c. August 4, 1861 in or near Henry, Illinois in Marshall County, Illinois. George's parents are believed to have both been deceased by the time he was 3 and he was sent to live with Reed and Emeline Garritson, believed to be his aunt and uncle. Not long after George moved in with them, they moved to Minnisota. At the time of the 1870 census, George and his adopted family are found in Madelia Township, Watonwan County, Minnesota;
Reed Garritson 54 Farmer Ohio
Emeline Garritsson 49 Keeping House Ind
Sophie Garritson 22School Teacher IND
Sue Garritson 20 School Teacher IND
Charles Garritson 13 At Home ILL
George McMakin 9 At Home ILL
George married Eva Augusta Corbin (1867 - 1933) on 28 June 1885, in Madelia, Watonwan, Minnesota. They were the parents of at least 2 daughters;
A. Clara McMakin (1887 - 1895)
B. Laura McMakin (1904 - 1957)
George lived in Woodlake, Tulare, California, United States in 1935 and Ventura Judicial Township, Ventura, California in 1940. George died on 18 March 1952, in Ventura, Ventura, California, at the age of 90, and was buried in Ventura, Ventura, California.
At the time of the 1850 census, William P. McMakin and his family are found in Posey Township, Switzerland County, Indiana;
William P. McMakins 35 Farmer VA
Angeline McMakins 28 IND
Henry McMakins 9 IND
Grafton M. McMakins 6 IND
Edmon Holcroft 22 Farmer IND
Between 1852 and 1856, William and Angeline moved their growing family west to Illinois, where they settled in Marshall County, Illinois, near Henry, Illinois. At the time of the 1860 census, William Page McMakin and his family are found in Henry Township, Marshall County, Illinois;
William P. McMakin 45 Farmer VA
Angeline McMakin 38 Ind
Henry McMakin 20 Ind
Grafton McMakin 16 Ind
James McMakin 8 Ind
William McMakin 4 IL
Josephine McMakin 2 IL
William Page McMakin died on ____________ __, 1862 in or near Henry in Marshall County, Illinois, but his mortal remains were laid in the Putnam Cemetery in Senachwine Township, Putnam County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial #29081943.
Angeline L. (Bradford) McMakin is believed to have died in 1863, leaving all of the children orphans.
Now to continue with the biography of Grafton McMakin;
On August 12, 1862, Grafton McMakin volunteered in Marshall County, to serve in a company which was being raised in the Henry, Illinois area of Marshall County for service in the Union army, by a man by the name of Elias C. Brearley. At the time he volunteered, Grafton listed Henry Township in Marshall County, Illinois as his place of residence.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name MCMACKIN, GRAFTON M
Rank PVT Company B Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence HENRY, MARSHALL CO, IL Age 18 Height 5' 8 Hair DARK
Eyes HAZEL Complexion DARK Marital Status SINGLE Occupation FARMER
Nativity IN
Service Record
Joined When AUG 12, 1862 Joined Where MARSHALL CO, IL
Joined By Whom CPT BREASLEY 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 Brearley had about 100 volunteers, he led the Marshall County company into Peoria where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, Brearley and 88 of his volunteers were mustered into service as Co. B of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Brearley was elected Captain of Co. B.
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. At the depot, the men of he 85th & 86th Illinois boarded trains bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana, located across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky. Three weeks later, the men of the 85th & 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, which was part of the Union army commanded in Union General Buehl. They were in pursuit of Confederate troops, who were in Kentucky. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more to come. After the Battle of Perryville, the Confederate troops withdrew from Kentucky and the men of McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, Tennessee where they would go into winter camp.
During the next 2 and a half years, Private Grafton M. McMakin served faithfully in Co. B as the men of the 86th served in Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. . During this time, Grafton was witness to and a participant in numerous battles and skirmishes, some of the bloodiest fighting in the Western Theatre of the war, including the Battles of Chickamauga, Georgia; Resaca, Georgia; Rome, Georgia; Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia; Peach Tree Creek, Georgia; Jonesboro, Georgia, Averasborough, North Carolina and Bentonville, North Carolina and marched with Sherman on his infamous "March to the Sea."
After the war came to a close, the men of McCook's Brigade marched on to Washington City (now D.C.) where in May they marched down Pennsylvania Avenue on the 2nd day of the Grand Review. It was there in Washington, that they were mustered out of the service on June 6, 1865. They were soon on a train bound for Chicago, Illinois, where they received their final pay and were discharged from the service. By the end of June, Private Grafton M. McMakin was back home in Marshall County along with the rest of the surviving members of Co. B.
Grafton was married twice. He was married 1st to Amelia J. Whitmer on 11 Feb 1869 in Marshall, Illinois. The children born to Grafton and Amelia include;
1. Sherman Page McMakin, born c. March 1, 1871 in Illinois. Sherman was married to Georganna Helen "Anna" Cheney on Deccember 18, 1894 in Buena Vista County, Iowa. Anna was born c. 1874, the daughter of John F. Cheney and Mary Perkins.
At least one son was born to Sherman and Anna;
A. Eugene Page McMakin, born December 26, 1897 in Iowa. Eugene was married to Virginia Benita Weil on October 25, 1926 in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois.
At least one daughter was born to Eugene and Virginia;
a. Joan McMakin, born c. 1926/27 in Illinois.
At the time of the 1930 census, Eugene and his family are found renting a place of Sheridan Road in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois;
Eugene P. McMakin 31 Iowa Grain Broker
Virginia W. McMakin 26 Illinois
Joan McMakin 3 6/12 Illinois
Eugene Page McMakin died on February 12, 1966 and his mortal remains were laid in the Newell Cemetery in Newell, Buena Vista County, Iowa. See his Find A Grave Memorial #73417979
2. Beatrice McMakin, born October __, 1886 in Iowa. Beatrice died in 1903 and her mortal remains were also laid in the Newell Cemetery in Newell, Iowa.
Sherman and Anna are believed to have divorced in the 1910's and Georganna Helen "Anna" Cheney McMakin was married to a Stiger. Georganna Helen Cheney McMakin Stiger died on ____________ __, 1939. Her mortal remains were laid in the Newell Cemetery in Newell, Buena Vista County, Iowa. See her Find A Grave Memorial #215747566.
After their divorce, Sherman was married to Helen (Kirlen) Carroll in 1914. Sherman died on 21 Sep 1951 in Storm Lake, Buena Vista County, Iowa and his mortal remains were laid in the Storm Lake Cemetery in Storm Lake, Buena Vista County, Iowa. See his Find A Grave Memorial #154012549.
At the time of the 1880 census, Grafton and Amelia are found residing in Coon Township, Buena Vista County, Iowa. The census lists both of his parents being born in Indiana. Grafton is farming for a living. The family is listed as;
Grafton MCMAKIN, Self, born c, 1845 in Indiana
Amelia MCMAKIN, Wife, born c. 1846 in NY
Sherman MCMAKIN, Son, born c. 1871 in IL
Amelia J. (Whitmer) McMakin died of Consumption on April 8, 1896 in Newell, Iowa in Buena Vista County and her mortal remains were laid in the Newell Cemetery.
Grafton M. McMakin was married 2nd to Eleonor "Nellie" Atherton on May __, 1897. Eleanor was born on October __, 1850 in __________, Minnesota. No children were born to Grafton and Eleanor.
At the time of the 1900 census, Grafton and his family are found in the village of Newell, Newell Township, Buena Vista County, Iowa;
Grafton McMakin Head Nov 1843 56 3 Ind Farmer
Nellie McMakin Wife Oct 1850 50 3 0 0 MN
Beatrice McMakin Oct 1886 13 Iowa
Grafton M. McMakin died on 23 Dec 1913 in Newell, Buena Vista, Iowa and his mortal remains were also laid in the Newell Cemetery.
by Baxter B. Fite III and Alvin Oglesby.
NOTE: Grafton McMakin probably never had his portrait taken prior to the Civil War. However, during the 10 month period that the 86th Illinois was in the Nashville, Tennessee area in 1862-63, Grafton, like most of the Union soldiers in the Nashville area, probably took the time to sit for a portrait to send home to the loved ones that he left behind. These portraits were most often printed in the form of what was called a "Tin Type" or "Daguerreotype", or more often in a new fangled paper picture, which was called a "CDV", which was a paper picture glued to a heavier card stock about the size of a modern day baseball card, and the soldiers didn't just have one or two copies of these made. Most of the time, they had a dozen or more made, so they could swap pictures with their tentmates, messmates and for their friends, in the 86th and back home.
Grafton McMakin then survived the war and lived well into the 20th century. During his life, Grafton probably had his picture taken dozens of times. I would dearly love to see a copy of his CDV added to his Find A Grave site for the Marshall County Historical Society and for all with an interest to see. However, at this point, I would be thrilled just to see some pictures of him added to his Find A Grave Memorial, even ones of him as an old man. Can anyone help me? Thanks, Baxter)
Private GRAFTON McMAKIN, Co. B. 86th Illinois
Grafton McMakin was born on February 11, 1843 in Vevay, Switzerland County, Indiana, the son of William Page McMakin and Verlinda J. (Tapp) McMakin. William was born about 1815 in Virginia (now West Virginia), possibly in Jefferson County. William is believed to be the son of John McMakin, who was born c. 1777/78, and Caby (Frazier) McMakin, who was born c. 1787/88.
Verlinda J. Tapp was born on January 16, 1821 in Switzerland County, Indiana.
William Page McMakin and Verlinda J. Tapp were married on April 24, 1839 in Switzerland County, Indiana.
The children born to William Page McMakin and Verlinda J. (Tapp) McMakin are believed to include;
1. Henry McMakin, born c. 1839/40 in Indiana. Henry is found with the family in the 1850 and 1860 census records seen below. On August 16, 1861, Henry McMakin volunteered to serve with with what was to become Co. D of the 47th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War. Here is what is found in the Illinois Adjutant Generals Report;
NameM CMAKEN, HENRY Rank PVT
Company D Unit 47 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence HENRY CITY, MARSHALL CO, IL
Age 21 Height 5' 7 1/2 Hair DARK Eyes HAZEL
Complexion DARK Marital Status SINGLE
Occupation FARMER Nativity SWITZERLAND CO, IN
Service Record
Joined When AUG 16, 1861 Joined Where PEORIA, IL
Joined By Whom CPT TOWNSEND Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 16, 1861 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom ____ Muster Out ____
Muster Out Where ____ Muster Out By Whom____
At some point, perhaps after his three year enlistment term was over, Henry McMakin is believed to have been enlisted into Co. B of the Mississippi Marine Brigade U.S. Vol. Inf. Henry McMakin was discharged from the service on January 17, 1865 and he returned to his home in Marshall County, Illinois.
Henry is known to have been married, though nothing is known of her. Henry McMakin is believed to have eventually moved to Wisconsin. In 1876, Henry applied for and began receiving an Invalid Pension for his service in the Civil War. Henry McMakin was a resident of the Wisconsin Soldiers Home for a while and is known to have died about July of 1890, probably in Wisconsin. It is not known where his mortal remains were laid. His widow began collecting a Widows Pension in August of 1890. Nothing more is known of Henry or his wife.
2. Grafton M. McMakin, born February 11, 1843 in Switzerland County, Indiana. See his Find A Grave biography below.
Now to continue with the biography of William P. McMakin;
William P. McMakin's wife, Verlinda J. (Tapp) McMakin, is believed to have died sometime before 1850 in Switzerland County, Indiana.
William Page McMakin was married 2nd on March 1, 1850 to Angeline L. Bradford in Switzerland County, Indiana. Angeline L. Bradford was born c. 1821/22 in Indiana.
The children born to William and Angeline are believed to include;
3. James B. McMakin, born c. 1851 in Indiana. James was married to Josephine _____________ in __________ County, Minnesota.
At the time of the 1880 census, James and his family, along with his younger sister, Josephine, are found residing at 137 Washington Avenue in Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota;
James McMakin 28 Head Deals in Cigars & Tobacco IND
Josephine McMakin 20 Wife Keeping House MIN
William McMakin 10/12 Son MIN
Josephine McMakin 22 Sister ILL
James B. McMakin died in 1907.
4. Valentine McMakin, born c. 1853 and died c. 1854. His mortal remains are believed to have been laid in the Putnam Cemetery in Putnam County, Illinois.
5. William Jefferson McMakin, born c. 1856 in Illinois. William's parents died before he was 7 years old and he and his sister, Josephine, were taken in by Nickolas A. and Phoebe C. (________) Melick. Shortly after they taken in, it appears that most, if not all of the family migrated to Minnesota. At the time of the 1870 census, the Melicks, with the two McMakin children, are found living near Madelia, Minnesota in Riverdale Township of Watonwan County not far from where, William and Josephine's youngest brother, George W. McMakin, and his adopted family, the Garritssons, live;
Nicholas A. Melick 42 Farmer NJ
Phoebe C. Melick 44 Keeping House IND
Luella Melick 8 IL
William J. McMakin 14 IL
Josephine McMakin 12 IL
William Jefferson McMakin is believed to have died in 1941.
6. Josephine McMakin, born c. 1858 in Illinois. Josephine's parents died before she was 5 years of age and she and her older brother, William, were adopted by the Melick family.
At the time of the 1870 census, seen above, the Melick's, with the McMakin children are found in Watonwan County, Minnesota. At the time of the 1880 census, seen above, Josephine has moved in with and is working with her older brother, James McMakin, and his family in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Josephine is believed to have been married to Frank H. Merrill on May 22, 1881 in Minneapolis, Minnesota and they are eventually believed to have moved to Washington State. Frank is believed to have died there in 1921, but I have yet to find anything more about them.
7. George Washington McMakin, born c. August 4, 1861 in or near Henry, Illinois in Marshall County, Illinois. George's parents are believed to have both been deceased by the time he was 3 and he was sent to live with Reed and Emeline Garritson, believed to be his aunt and uncle. Not long after George moved in with them, they moved to Minnisota. At the time of the 1870 census, George and his adopted family are found in Madelia Township, Watonwan County, Minnesota;
Reed Garritson 54 Farmer Ohio
Emeline Garritsson 49 Keeping House Ind
Sophie Garritson 22School Teacher IND
Sue Garritson 20 School Teacher IND
Charles Garritson 13 At Home ILL
George McMakin 9 At Home ILL
George married Eva Augusta Corbin (1867 - 1933) on 28 June 1885, in Madelia, Watonwan, Minnesota. They were the parents of at least 2 daughters;
A. Clara McMakin (1887 - 1895)
B. Laura McMakin (1904 - 1957)
George lived in Woodlake, Tulare, California, United States in 1935 and Ventura Judicial Township, Ventura, California in 1940. George died on 18 March 1952, in Ventura, Ventura, California, at the age of 90, and was buried in Ventura, Ventura, California.
At the time of the 1850 census, William P. McMakin and his family are found in Posey Township, Switzerland County, Indiana;
William P. McMakins 35 Farmer VA
Angeline McMakins 28 IND
Henry McMakins 9 IND
Grafton M. McMakins 6 IND
Edmon Holcroft 22 Farmer IND
Between 1852 and 1856, William and Angeline moved their growing family west to Illinois, where they settled in Marshall County, Illinois, near Henry, Illinois. At the time of the 1860 census, William Page McMakin and his family are found in Henry Township, Marshall County, Illinois;
William P. McMakin 45 Farmer VA
Angeline McMakin 38 Ind
Henry McMakin 20 Ind
Grafton McMakin 16 Ind
James McMakin 8 Ind
William McMakin 4 IL
Josephine McMakin 2 IL
William Page McMakin died on ____________ __, 1862 in or near Henry in Marshall County, Illinois, but his mortal remains were laid in the Putnam Cemetery in Senachwine Township, Putnam County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial #29081943.
Angeline L. (Bradford) McMakin is believed to have died in 1863, leaving all of the children orphans.
Now to continue with the biography of Grafton McMakin;
On August 12, 1862, Grafton McMakin volunteered in Marshall County, to serve in a company which was being raised in the Henry, Illinois area of Marshall County for service in the Union army, by a man by the name of Elias C. Brearley. At the time he volunteered, Grafton listed Henry Township in Marshall County, Illinois as his place of residence.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name MCMACKIN, GRAFTON M
Rank PVT Company B Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence HENRY, MARSHALL CO, IL Age 18 Height 5' 8 Hair DARK
Eyes HAZEL Complexion DARK Marital Status SINGLE Occupation FARMER
Nativity IN
Service Record
Joined When AUG 12, 1862 Joined Where MARSHALL CO, IL
Joined By Whom CPT BREASLEY 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 Brearley had about 100 volunteers, he led the Marshall County company into Peoria where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, Brearley and 88 of his volunteers were mustered into service as Co. B of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Brearley was elected Captain of Co. B.
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. At the depot, the men of he 85th & 86th Illinois boarded trains bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana, located across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky. Three weeks later, the men of the 85th & 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, which was part of the Union army commanded in Union General Buehl. They were in pursuit of Confederate troops, who were in Kentucky. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more to come. After the Battle of Perryville, the Confederate troops withdrew from Kentucky and the men of McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, Tennessee where they would go into winter camp.
During the next 2 and a half years, Private Grafton M. McMakin served faithfully in Co. B as the men of the 86th served in Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. . During this time, Grafton was witness to and a participant in numerous battles and skirmishes, some of the bloodiest fighting in the Western Theatre of the war, including the Battles of Chickamauga, Georgia; Resaca, Georgia; Rome, Georgia; Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia; Peach Tree Creek, Georgia; Jonesboro, Georgia, Averasborough, North Carolina and Bentonville, North Carolina and marched with Sherman on his infamous "March to the Sea."
After the war came to a close, the men of McCook's Brigade marched on to Washington City (now D.C.) where in May they marched down Pennsylvania Avenue on the 2nd day of the Grand Review. It was there in Washington, that they were mustered out of the service on June 6, 1865. They were soon on a train bound for Chicago, Illinois, where they received their final pay and were discharged from the service. By the end of June, Private Grafton M. McMakin was back home in Marshall County along with the rest of the surviving members of Co. B.
Grafton was married twice. He was married 1st to Amelia J. Whitmer on 11 Feb 1869 in Marshall, Illinois. The children born to Grafton and Amelia include;
1. Sherman Page McMakin, born c. March 1, 1871 in Illinois. Sherman was married to Georganna Helen "Anna" Cheney on Deccember 18, 1894 in Buena Vista County, Iowa. Anna was born c. 1874, the daughter of John F. Cheney and Mary Perkins.
At least one son was born to Sherman and Anna;
A. Eugene Page McMakin, born December 26, 1897 in Iowa. Eugene was married to Virginia Benita Weil on October 25, 1926 in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois.
At least one daughter was born to Eugene and Virginia;
a. Joan McMakin, born c. 1926/27 in Illinois.
At the time of the 1930 census, Eugene and his family are found renting a place of Sheridan Road in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois;
Eugene P. McMakin 31 Iowa Grain Broker
Virginia W. McMakin 26 Illinois
Joan McMakin 3 6/12 Illinois
Eugene Page McMakin died on February 12, 1966 and his mortal remains were laid in the Newell Cemetery in Newell, Buena Vista County, Iowa. See his Find A Grave Memorial #73417979
2. Beatrice McMakin, born October __, 1886 in Iowa. Beatrice died in 1903 and her mortal remains were also laid in the Newell Cemetery in Newell, Iowa.
Sherman and Anna are believed to have divorced in the 1910's and Georganna Helen "Anna" Cheney McMakin was married to a Stiger. Georganna Helen Cheney McMakin Stiger died on ____________ __, 1939. Her mortal remains were laid in the Newell Cemetery in Newell, Buena Vista County, Iowa. See her Find A Grave Memorial #215747566.
After their divorce, Sherman was married to Helen (Kirlen) Carroll in 1914. Sherman died on 21 Sep 1951 in Storm Lake, Buena Vista County, Iowa and his mortal remains were laid in the Storm Lake Cemetery in Storm Lake, Buena Vista County, Iowa. See his Find A Grave Memorial #154012549.
At the time of the 1880 census, Grafton and Amelia are found residing in Coon Township, Buena Vista County, Iowa. The census lists both of his parents being born in Indiana. Grafton is farming for a living. The family is listed as;
Grafton MCMAKIN, Self, born c, 1845 in Indiana
Amelia MCMAKIN, Wife, born c. 1846 in NY
Sherman MCMAKIN, Son, born c. 1871 in IL
Amelia J. (Whitmer) McMakin died of Consumption on April 8, 1896 in Newell, Iowa in Buena Vista County and her mortal remains were laid in the Newell Cemetery.
Grafton M. McMakin was married 2nd to Eleonor "Nellie" Atherton on May __, 1897. Eleanor was born on October __, 1850 in __________, Minnesota. No children were born to Grafton and Eleanor.
At the time of the 1900 census, Grafton and his family are found in the village of Newell, Newell Township, Buena Vista County, Iowa;
Grafton McMakin Head Nov 1843 56 3 Ind Farmer
Nellie McMakin Wife Oct 1850 50 3 0 0 MN
Beatrice McMakin Oct 1886 13 Iowa
Grafton M. McMakin died on 23 Dec 1913 in Newell, Buena Vista, Iowa and his mortal remains were also laid in the Newell Cemetery.
by Baxter B. Fite III and Alvin Oglesby.
Grafton McMakin then survived the war and lived well into the 20th century. During his life, Grafton probably had his picture taken dozens of times. I would dearly love to see a copy of his CDV added to his Find A Grave site for the Marshall County Historical Society and for all with an interest to see. However, at this point, I would be thrilled just to see some pictures of him added to his Find A Grave Memorial, even ones of him as an old man. Can anyone help me? Thanks, Baxter)
Private GRAFTON McMAKIN, Co. B. 86th Illinois
Grafton McMakin was born on February 11, 1843 in Vevay, Switzerland County, Indiana, the son of William Page McMakin and Verlinda J. (Tapp) McMakin. William was born about 1815 in Virginia (now West Virginia), possibly in Jefferson County. William is believed to be the son of John McMakin, who was born c. 1777/78, and Caby (Frazier) McMakin, who was born c. 1787/88.
Verlinda J. Tapp was born on January 16, 1821 in Switzerland County, Indiana.
William Page McMakin and Verlinda J. Tapp were married on April 24, 1839 in Switzerland County, Indiana.
The children born to William Page McMakin and Verlinda J. (Tapp) McMakin are believed to include;
1. Henry McMakin, born c. 1839/40 in Indiana. Henry is found with the family in the 1850 and 1860 census records seen below. On August 16, 1861, Henry McMakin volunteered to serve with with what was to become Co. D of the 47th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War. Here is what is found in the Illinois Adjutant Generals Report;
NameM CMAKEN, HENRY Rank PVT
Company D Unit 47 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence HENRY CITY, MARSHALL CO, IL
Age 21 Height 5' 7 1/2 Hair DARK Eyes HAZEL
Complexion DARK Marital Status SINGLE
Occupation FARMER Nativity SWITZERLAND CO, IN
Service Record
Joined When AUG 16, 1861 Joined Where PEORIA, IL
Joined By Whom CPT TOWNSEND Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 16, 1861 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom ____ Muster Out ____
Muster Out Where ____ Muster Out By Whom____
At some point, perhaps after his three year enlistment term was over, Henry McMakin is believed to have been enlisted into Co. B of the Mississippi Marine Brigade U.S. Vol. Inf. Henry McMakin was discharged from the service on January 17, 1865 and he returned to his home in Marshall County, Illinois.
Henry is known to have been married, though nothing is known of her. Henry McMakin is believed to have eventually moved to Wisconsin. In 1876, Henry applied for and began receiving an Invalid Pension for his service in the Civil War. Henry McMakin was a resident of the Wisconsin Soldiers Home for a while and is known to have died about July of 1890, probably in Wisconsin. It is not known where his mortal remains were laid. His widow began collecting a Widows Pension in August of 1890. Nothing more is known of Henry or his wife.
2. Grafton M. McMakin, born February 11, 1843 in Switzerland County, Indiana. See his Find A Grave biography below.
Now to continue with the biography of William P. McMakin;
William P. McMakin's wife, Verlinda J. (Tapp) McMakin, is believed to have died sometime before 1850 in Switzerland County, Indiana.
William Page McMakin was married 2nd on March 1, 1850 to Angeline L. Bradford in Switzerland County, Indiana. Angeline L. Bradford was born c. 1821/22 in Indiana.
The children born to William and Angeline are believed to include;
3. James B. McMakin, born c. 1851 in Indiana. James was married to Josephine _____________ in __________ County, Minnesota.
At the time of the 1880 census, James and his family, along with his younger sister, Josephine, are found residing at 137 Washington Avenue in Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota;
James McMakin 28 Head Deals in Cigars & Tobacco IND
Josephine McMakin 20 Wife Keeping House MIN
William McMakin 10/12 Son MIN
Josephine McMakin 22 Sister ILL
James B. McMakin died in 1907.
4. Valentine McMakin, born c. 1853 and died c. 1854. His mortal remains are believed to have been laid in the Putnam Cemetery in Putnam County, Illinois.
5. William Jefferson McMakin, born c. 1856 in Illinois. William's parents died before he was 7 years old and he and his sister, Josephine, were taken in by Nickolas A. and Phoebe C. (________) Melick. Shortly after they taken in, it appears that most, if not all of the family migrated to Minnesota. At the time of the 1870 census, the Melicks, with the two McMakin children, are found living near Madelia, Minnesota in Riverdale Township of Watonwan County not far from where, William and Josephine's youngest brother, George W. McMakin, and his adopted family, the Garritssons, live;
Nicholas A. Melick 42 Farmer NJ
Phoebe C. Melick 44 Keeping House IND
Luella Melick 8 IL
William J. McMakin 14 IL
Josephine McMakin 12 IL
William Jefferson McMakin is believed to have died in 1941.
6. Josephine McMakin, born c. 1858 in Illinois. Josephine's parents died before she was 5 years of age and she and her older brother, William, were adopted by the Melick family.
At the time of the 1870 census, seen above, the Melick's, with the McMakin children are found in Watonwan County, Minnesota. At the time of the 1880 census, seen above, Josephine has moved in with and is working with her older brother, James McMakin, and his family in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Josephine is believed to have been married to Frank H. Merrill on May 22, 1881 in Minneapolis, Minnesota and they are eventually believed to have moved to Washington State. Frank is believed to have died there in 1921, but I have yet to find anything more about them.
7. George Washington McMakin, born c. August 4, 1861 in or near Henry, Illinois in Marshall County, Illinois. George's parents are believed to have both been deceased by the time he was 3 and he was sent to live with Reed and Emeline Garritson, believed to be his aunt and uncle. Not long after George moved in with them, they moved to Minnisota. At the time of the 1870 census, George and his adopted family are found in Madelia Township, Watonwan County, Minnesota;
Reed Garritson 54 Farmer Ohio
Emeline Garritsson 49 Keeping House Ind
Sophie Garritson 22School Teacher IND
Sue Garritson 20 School Teacher IND
Charles Garritson 13 At Home ILL
George McMakin 9 At Home ILL
George married Eva Augusta Corbin (1867 - 1933) on 28 June 1885, in Madelia, Watonwan, Minnesota. They were the parents of at least 2 daughters;
A. Clara McMakin (1887 - 1895)
B. Laura McMakin (1904 - 1957)
George lived in Woodlake, Tulare, California, United States in 1935 and Ventura Judicial Township, Ventura, California in 1940. George died on 18 March 1952, in Ventura, Ventura, California, at the age of 90, and was buried in Ventura, Ventura, California.
At the time of the 1850 census, William P. McMakin and his family are found in Posey Township, Switzerland County, Indiana;
William P. McMakins 35 Farmer VA
Angeline McMakins 28 IND
Henry McMakins 9 IND
Grafton M. McMakins 6 IND
Edmon Holcroft 22 Farmer IND
Between 1852 and 1856, William and Angeline moved their growing family west to Illinois, where they settled in Marshall County, Illinois, near Henry, Illinois. At the time of the 1860 census, William Page McMakin and his family are found in Henry Township, Marshall County, Illinois;
William P. McMakin 45 Farmer VA
Angeline McMakin 38 Ind
Henry McMakin 20 Ind
Grafton McMakin 16 Ind
James McMakin 8 Ind
William McMakin 4 IL
Josephine McMakin 2 IL
William Page McMakin died on ____________ __, 1862 in or near Henry in Marshall County, Illinois, but his mortal remains were laid in the Putnam Cemetery in Senachwine Township, Putnam County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial #29081943.
Angeline L. (Bradford) McMakin is believed to have died in 1863, leaving all of the children orphans.
Now to continue with the biography of Grafton McMakin;
On August 12, 1862, Grafton McMakin volunteered in Marshall County, to serve in a company which was being raised in the Henry, Illinois area of Marshall County for service in the Union army, by a man by the name of Elias C. Brearley. At the time he volunteered, Grafton listed Henry Township in Marshall County, Illinois as his place of residence.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name MCMACKIN, GRAFTON M
Rank PVT Company B Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence HENRY, MARSHALL CO, IL Age 18 Height 5' 8 Hair DARK
Eyes HAZEL Complexion DARK Marital Status SINGLE Occupation FARMER
Nativity IN
Service Record
Joined When AUG 12, 1862 Joined Where MARSHALL CO, IL
Joined By Whom CPT BREASLEY 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 Brearley had about 100 volunteers, he led the Marshall County company into Peoria where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, Brearley and 88 of his volunteers were mustered into service as Co. B of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Brearley was elected Captain of Co. B.
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. At the depot, the men of he 85th & 86th Illinois boarded trains bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana, located across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky. Three weeks later, the men of the 85th & 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, which was part of the Union army commanded in Union General Buehl. They were in pursuit of Confederate troops, who were in Kentucky. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more to come. After the Battle of Perryville, the Confederate troops withdrew from Kentucky and the men of McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, Tennessee where they would go into winter camp.
During the next 2 and a half years, Private Grafton M. McMakin served faithfully in Co. B as the men of the 86th served in Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. . During this time, Grafton was witness to and a participant in numerous battles and skirmishes, some of the bloodiest fighting in the Western Theatre of the war, including the Battles of Chickamauga, Georgia; Resaca, Georgia; Rome, Georgia; Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia; Peach Tree Creek, Georgia; Jonesboro, Georgia, Averasborough, North Carolina and Bentonville, North Carolina and marched with Sherman on his infamous "March to the Sea."
After the war came to a close, the men of McCook's Brigade marched on to Washington City (now D.C.) where in May they marched down Pennsylvania Avenue on the 2nd day of the Grand Review. It was there in Washington, that they were mustered out of the service on June 6, 1865. They were soon on a train bound for Chicago, Illinois, where they received their final pay and were discharged from the service. By the end of June, Private Grafton M. McMakin was back home in Marshall County along with the rest of the surviving members of Co. B.
Grafton was married twice. He was married 1st to Amelia J. Whitmer on 11 Feb 1869 in Marshall, Illinois. The children born to Grafton and Amelia include;
1. Sherman Page McMakin, born c. March 1, 1871 in Illinois. Sherman was married to Georganna Helen "Anna" Cheney on Deccember 18, 1894 in Buena Vista County, Iowa. Anna was born c. 1874, the daughter of John F. Cheney and Mary Perkins.
At least one son was born to Sherman and Anna;
A. Eugene Page McMakin, born December 26, 1897 in Iowa. Eugene was married to Virginia Benita Weil on October 25, 1926 in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois.
At least one daughter was born to Eugene and Virginia;
a. Joan McMakin, born c. 1926/27 in Illinois.
At the time of the 1930 census, Eugene and his family are found renting a place of Sheridan Road in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois;
Eugene P. McMakin 31 Iowa Grain Broker
Virginia W. McMakin 26 Illinois
Joan McMakin 3 6/12 Illinois
Eugene Page McMakin died on February 12, 1966 and his mortal remains were laid in the Newell Cemetery in Newell, Buena Vista County, Iowa. See his Find A Grave Memorial #73417979
2. Beatrice McMakin, born October __, 1886 in Iowa. Beatrice died in 1903 and her mortal remains were also laid in the Newell Cemetery in Newell, Iowa.
Sherman and Anna are believed to have divorced in the 1910's and Georganna Helen "Anna" Cheney McMakin was married to a Stiger. Georganna Helen Cheney McMakin Stiger died on ____________ __, 1939. Her mortal remains were laid in the Newell Cemetery in Newell, Buena Vista County, Iowa. See her Find A Grave Memorial #215747566.
After their divorce, Sherman was married to Helen (Kirlen) Carroll in 1914. Sherman died on 21 Sep 1951 in Storm Lake, Buena Vista County, Iowa and his mortal remains were laid in the Storm Lake Cemetery in Storm Lake, Buena Vista County, Iowa. See his Find A Grave Memorial #154012549.
At the time of the 1880 census, Grafton and Amelia are found residing in Coon Township, Buena Vista County, Iowa. The census lists both of his parents being born in Indiana. Grafton is farming for a living. The family is listed as;
Grafton MCMAKIN, Self, born c, 1845 in Indiana
Amelia MCMAKIN, Wife, born c. 1846 in NY
Sherman MCMAKIN, Son, born c. 1871 in IL
Amelia J. (Whitmer) McMakin died of Consumption on April 8, 1896 in Newell, Iowa in Buena Vista County and her mortal remains were laid in the Newell Cemetery.
Grafton M. McMakin was married 2nd to Eleonor "Nellie" Atherton on May __, 1897. Eleanor was born on October __, 1850 in __________, Minnesota. No children were born to Grafton and Eleanor.
At the time of the 1900 census, Grafton and his family are found in the village of Newell, Newell Township, Buena Vista County, Iowa;
Grafton McMakin Head Nov 1843 56 3 Ind Farmer
Nellie McMakin Wife Oct 1850 50 3 0 0 MN
Beatrice McMakin Oct 1886 13 Iowa
Grafton M. McMakin died on 23 Dec 1913 in Newell, Buena Vista, Iowa and his mortal remains were also laid in the Newell Cemetery.
by Baxter B. Fite III and Alvin Oglesby.
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