Mr. Rolston,My GGGrandfather 1st. Lt.John F.Elliott 36IL.Inf Vols. might be a good candidate.Elliott's have been soldiers since 1300's. My line traces to Robert of Redheugh Historical Clan Chief on the Borders of Scotland.I know much of his early life b. in Western PA. in 1834 to Ulster Scots parents and his post war life.The family sent seven to the war and the old Elliott homestead was known as Ft.Elliott during the war just n. of Camp Kane on the Fox River which was formed by Congresman John Farnsworth personal friend of Abe Lincoln.A western man, He was wounded and captured at Stones River taken to Atlanta and held due to an interesting and not well known reason was not forwarded as the Dix-Hill cartel stated. Excused of passing counterfeit Confederate notes,he was to be hanged. There is corespondence between Jeff Davis and Memminger ,Confederate Sec . of Treasury.Col. Lee of Atlanta.Col Robert Ould mentions the two officers held at Atlanta.He escaped and walked approx 380 miles to Federal lines at Rienzi, MS.as Pvt. John Clark 1st LA.Reg. Inf.His brother Lt. Charles T. Elliott 7IL.Inf. was there for his arrival.Imagine?His case fell under the Lieber code so he was transfered to recruiting after a stint at Camp Butler/Yates sending recruits to various IL. Regiments. Was very instrumental in the development of my hometown St.Charles,IL.an early settler arriving the winter of 1853-54.There are some errors in this article taken from the local paper but, you might get the gist.He was a Capt.through G.A.R./Justice of the Peace
"Americanism"
Captain John F. Elliott, do you remember him as Alderman, School Director, Justice of the Peace, Police magistrate? His face was lined with wrinkles of genial dignity and generously covered with whiskers typical of his time and type.

As most of us that knew him he looked every bit the man who had lived an honorable lifetime on main street. In these days we delve deeply in Alger, Hasty, Trowbridge and Cooper to satiate our passion for tales of adventure. Then we hear of the war days of Captian Elliott and we come to know that life is oftimes more adventurous than fiction, that our next door neighbor may carry a heart of steel, tempered by by-gone days of trial.

On August 12,1861,John F. Elliott, a stalwart stone mason,26 years, left his bride of less than a year to become a private in Company K Twenty Sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Then came three years of war service-first sergeant, Pea Ridge, Corinth, First Lieutenant Perryville, Crab Orchard, Stone River. At the battle of Stones River Elliott was wounded and captured by Rebels. He was taken to Atlanta where with some 86 other officers he was soon entrained ostensibly for Richmond for exchange but in reality for Libby Prison and torment.

Trading his uniform , tailored by Furnald at St. Charles for a rebel ‘butternut” of one of his fellow prisoners, and arming himself with nine dollars in Confederate money, a map and seven small biscuits, he walked boldly out of the train at Conyers, the third station east of Atlanta, and headed for his lines some five hundred miles away. He made these lines in five hours less than one month.

Can you picture those thirty days in enemy territory,in enemy uniform?Five hundred miles to walk,seven biscuits to eat,nine dollars to spend,no change of clothing,only a small map to guide him,the alternate fear of the firing squad and the inspiration of his brave bride to spur him on.

Would that we had time and art to tell that story as Captian Elliott told it to us.We must be content to repeat one of his simple statements.”I had one narrow escape at a cabin where I was served the best meal I ate in the South.”Of such stuff Captian Elliott and his brave comrades were made.

St.Charles Township with a population of 1882,sent 453 such sons to the Civil War,a per capita record unequaled by any other community in the North it is claimed with some authenticity.

They merit the full measure of honor at all times,especially on Memorial Day.

(signed by)The Americanism Committee,St.Charles Post No.342,American Legion
This is just some of his life.
mppe54@yahoo.com