Denise,
Something that has occoured to me. Perhaps you might find more information concerning him before the war by checking the Census records of the period. For instance, we know that he was 28 when he enlisted. In round numbers that means he was born in 1834. He would be 6 years old in the 1840 census. If you can find him then you would know his mother and fathers name. Then try 1850. He is probably still at home but now he is 16. That would tell you where they were living at that time. Now move on to 1860 and now he is 26 and probably married. If you find him now you would know his wifes name and probably her maiden name, how many children they had if any. Where they were living,etc. I would look for informantion in the following counties in Illinois. Cass, Schyler, Mason and Morgan. That is not a large area but it is large enough for you search I would think. Hope this helps.
Frank