I am possibly related to the first commander of 123rd Illinois Infantry, Col James Monroe. My father was born not far from his hometown (Farmington), and since my father's father died when my father was very young and his family moved to Indianapolis, most info about that side of my family tree is very obscure. I've read accounts of some of his service with the regiment from a diary written by his adjutant (Major James Gardner) which includes some info about his death at Farmington TN, Oct 7, 1863. The diary account also noted that he was married and had children at the time of his death. I've learned nothing else about him since my search has reached a dead end...

I would greatly appreciate any info about him