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Edward R Roberts was “a resident of this Springfield for
over thirty years and during that time won the friendship of a host of citizens
who will long cherish his memory”. Born in Tazewell County in 1843, Roberts was
one of the first classes to graduate from the “old high school building”. After
high school, Roberts enlisted in Company I, Seventh Illinois Infantry as a
Private. Five months later, Private Roberts was promoted to Second Lieutenant.
Roberts then secured the rank of Captain of Company C, and finally, Captain. At
the close of the war, Captain Roberts was ranked and recognized as a Colonel by
President Andrew Johnson.
Companies G and I were from Sangamon and Fayette counties and Carlinville.
Roberts was a Prisoner of War at Columbia, S.C. for many
months toward the end of the war. Roberts escaped the camp the same day that
Springfield native Major Edward Strickland did. The two both came immediately
to Springfield (separately) and met on the street.
After safely returning home, Roberts served two terms as
comptroller, and then two terms as Circuit Clerk from 1880-1888. After these two
terms, Roberts was appointed chief clerk in the same office. Shortly after this,
Roberts was selected to be the state bank examiner under Auditor Gore and held
this prestigious position until his death.
Roberts was active in the Springfield community as a
member of St. Paul’s Lodge and “always took an active interest in the welfare of
the society.”
At the time of his death, Roberts left behind his wife
and three sons.
The State Journal Register, Obituaries, October 16,
1897. Accessed August 9, 2011. Sangamon Valley Collection, Lincoln Library.
Microfilm.
Savannah Little researcher
Illinois sent six infantry regiments to the Mexican War. Thus when the Civil War
began the first regiment raised was numbered “7.” The 7th was
originally organized as a “three month” regiment but was reorganized and
mustered into the Union Army for three years’ service July 25, 1861. The men of
this Regiment served from Elgin and vicinity (Company A, Kane County), Mattoon
and vicinity (Company B, Coles County), Aurora and vicinity (Company C, DuPage
and Kendall Counties), Litchfield, Lincoln and Atlanta and vicinity (Companies
D, E and H, Alexander, Logan and Montgomery Counties), Springfield and vicinity
(Companies G and I, Sangamon and Fayette Counties) and Carlinville and vicinity
(Companies F and K, Macoupin County). The Seventh was the only regiment in the
Union Army that purchased its own guns and armed itself with the 16-shot Henry
rifle. Early in 1862 the Regiment was sent to Fort Henry then on to Fort
Donelson where it took part in the final charge on the Fort. The Seventh fought
April 6 and 7 at Shiloh then April 29-May 30 at the Siege of Corinth. After
pursuit of the enemy southward to Booneville, Mississippi in June they remained
on duty at Corinth until October 3 and 4 when they fought in the battle of
Corinth. In 1863 the men saw action in Alabama at Great Bear Creek and at
Cherokee; the remainder of the year the Regiment scouted, patrolled and
skirmished in Tennessee. January 1864 the Seventh re-enlisted as veterans and
reinforced with 200 recruits, became a mounted regiment patrolling the Tennessee
River. They fought at Florence and Sweetwater and in June were dismounted and
moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee. In July the Seventh was ordered to Tifton,
Georgia then on to Rome, Georgia where they remained until October. The Regiment
saw action at Etowah River on September 15; in a savage battle at Allatoona
Pass, October 4 and 5, the Seventh held off a rebel Division of six thousand
men. In November the unit was remounted for Sherman’s March to the Sea. Over the
next five months the Regiment fought at Savannah, Georgia, and in South Carolina
at Hickory Hill, Salkehatchie Swamps, South and North Edisto Rivers, Columbia,
Cheraw and Florence. March 19-21 the Seventh was engaged at Bentonville, North
Carolina; they marched to Goldsboro, then on to Raleigh on April 14. Following
Johnston’s surrender they marched to Washington DC via Richmond, Virginia to
participate in the Grand Review on May 24. The Seventh Illinois Infantry
Regiment mustered out July 9, 1865 at Louisville, Kentucky.
7th; Illinois Infantry National Flag
Summary:
There were four National flags turned in to the Governor by the 7th Illinois
Infantry. The one shown here is inscribed with battle honors.(See Details for
honors).
Details
7th; Illinois Infantry Regimental Flag Summary:
The center portion of this flag appears to have been cut out. This flag measures
74 x 68". See "Flag Details" regarding the first set of colors of this Regiment.
Details
Information about the Seventh Illinois was found at:
http://www.civil-war.com
Please pay them a visit to learn more about the civil war.
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