Something else to consider....

Many men from Northern Alabama migrated north with their families just prior to, or immediately after the start of war. Many of these men were pro-union.

Furthermore, more of their families were shipped to Southern Illinois when the union evacuated Corinth just prior to Sherman's Atlanta Campaign.

Many of them never returned to Illinois.

Here are some stories to read for your consideration:
http://www.1stalabamacavalryusv.com/roster/stories.asp?trooperid=1874
http://www.1stalabamacavalryusv.com/roster/stories.asp?trooperid=680
http://www.1stalabamacavalryusv.com/roster/stories.asp?trooperid=387
http://www.1stalabamacavalryusv.com/roster/stories.asp?trooperid=181
http://www.1stalabamacavalryusv.com/roster/stories.asp?trooperid=411

-Ryan Dupree