(NOTE: William J. Beebe probably never sat for a portrait before his entering the service during the Civil War, but he spent almost 10 months with the 86th in the Nashville, Tennessee area, during which time most of the members of the 86th took the opportunity to sit for portraits to send back home to their loved ones that they missed so much and most of the boys didn't stop at making just one or two copies of those pictures, which were most often printed in the from of what was called a CDV. They made a dozen copies or more, sometimes, so that they could swap pictures with the friends, tentmates and messmates within their respective companies. Then, William J. Beebe survived the war and lived into the 1880's. During this time, William must had his picture taken many more times. I would love to see some pictures of William J. Beebe as a young man, especially of him in uniform from his days with the 86th, but at this point, I would just love to see some pictures of William be added to his FAG site, even some of him as a 30 or 40 year old man. Can anyone help me with this? It would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Baxter)
William J. Beebe was born on ___________ __, 183__ (c. 1837) in Peoria County, Illinois, the son of Henry Crocker Beebe, who was born in Connecticut c. 1811, the son of Charles Beebe and Lucy (Hamlin) Beebee, and Dyanthia (Livermore) Beebe, who was born on 22 December 1807 at Smithville, Chenango County, New York, the daughter of Larnard Livermore and Hannah Brown. There is a record of Henry C. Beebe being married to a Dyanthia Livermore in Peoria County, Illinois on September 15, 1836.
One son was born to Henry C. Beebe and Dyanthia (Livermore) Beebe. That was;
1. William J. Beebe, born c. 1837/38 in Illinois. See his biography below.
According to a site on the internet, Dyanthia (Livermore) Beebe died on August 8, 1837 in Peoria County, Illinois, perhaps from complications of child birth.
Henry C. Beebe was married 2nd to Sarah Cannon on August 9, 1838 in Peoria County, Illinois.
The children born to Henry C. Beebe include;
2. Richard Henry Beebe, born May 22, 1840 in or near Rome, Peoria County, Illinois. Richard was married to Sarah Ann _____________. Richard and Sarah were the parents of;
A. James Clinton Beebe, born 6 Feb 1878 in Illinois. James died on 20 Oct 1918 in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois. His mortal remains were laid in the Chillicothe City Cemetery in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial #35179645.
B. Joseph Thomas Beebe, born ____________ __, 1883. Joseph died in 1964.
Richard Henry Beebe died in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois at the age of 86. His parents are listed as Henry C. Beebe, who was born in Hartford, Conn., and Sarah Cannon, who was born in Jerseyville, Illinois. Richard is listed as being a Retired Carpenter and was residing in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois at the time of his death. His wife is listed as Sarah Ann Beebe. Richard's mortal remains were laid in the Chillicothe Cemetery in Chillicothe, Illinois on 25 Feb 1927. All of this is found on familysearch.
3. Lucy A. Beebe, born c. 1842/43 in Illinois.
4. Alonzo Beebe, born c. 1845/46 in Illinois.
5. Martha Jane Beebe, born c. 1847/48 in Illinois.
6. Addison Beebe, born c. 1849 in Illinois.
7. Alice Beebe, born c. 1853/54 in Illinois.
8. Levina Beebe, born c. 1857/58 in Illinois.
At the time of the 1850 census, the Beebe family is found in Peoria County;
1141 Beebe Henry C. 39 M Farmer Ct.
1141 Beebe Sarah 28 F Ill
1141 Beebe Wm. J. 12 M Ill
1141 Beebe Richard 10 M Ill
1141 Beebe Lucy A. 7 F Ill
1141 Beebe Alonzo 4 M Ill
1141 Beebe Jane 2 F Ill
1141 Beebe Adiron 6/12 M Ill
At the time of the 1860 census, the Beebe family is found in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois, though William J. Beebe is not with the family. I have yet to locate him in the 1860 census;
Henry Beebe M 49 Conn
Sarah Beebe F 39 Ohio
Richard Beebe M 19 Ills
Lucy Beebe F 17 Ills
Alonzo Beebe M 14 Ills
Jane Beebe F 12 Ills
Addison Beebe M 11 Ills
Alice Beebe F 6 Ills
Levina Beebe F 2 Ills
At the time of the 1870 census, Henry C. Beebe and his family are found in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois;
Henry C Beebe M 59 Connecticut
Sarah Beebe F 47 Ohio
Jane Beebe F 22 Illinois
Alice Beebe F 16 Illinois
Lavina Beebe F 12 Illinois
Both Henry C. Beebe and Sarah (Cannon) Beebe are believed to have died in the Chillicothe, Illinois area as they can not be located in any census after this.
Now to continue with what we know about William J. Beebe and his family;
On August 4, 1862, William's uncle, 39 year old Reuben B. Beebe, went into Chillicothe, Illinois where he volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in Chillicothe, Illinois, and in the townships immediately north and west of Chillicothe, including Halleck Township in Peoria County and LaPrairie and Saratoga Townships in Marshall County. This company was being raised by John H. Batchelder, who operated the Ferry at Chillicothe, and Dr. Joseph Thomas, a Chillicothe area Physician. When he volunteered, Reuben gave his residence as Peoria County. The following day, August 5, 1862, William J. Beebe also went into Chillicothe, where he, too, volunteered to serve in the Chillicothe area company.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name BEEBE, WILLIAM J
Rank PVT Company C Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence CHILLICOTHE, PEORIA CO, IL Age 22 Height 5' 8 1/2 Hair DARK
Eyes DARK Complexion LIGHT Marital Status SINGLE Occupation LABORER
Nativity ROME, PEORIA CO, IL
Service Record
Joined When AUG 5, 1862 Joined Where CHILLICOTHE, IL
Joined By Whom J H BATCHELDER Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out MAY 11, 1865
Muster Out Where NASHVILLE, TN Muster Out By Whom CPT NEIL
Remarks N/A
When Batchelder and Thomas had almost 100 volunteers, they led the Chillicothe area company into Peoria where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, Batchelder, Thomas and 87 of their volunteers, including now Private William J. Beebe, were mustered into service as Co. C of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Dr. Thomas was elected by the men of Co. C to serve as their Captain, while Batchelder was elected to serve as their 1st Lieutenant. Reuben B. Beebe was elected to serve as their 2nd Lieutenant. Of the men and boys who were accepted into the service in Co. C at this time, there were only about 4 men older than Reuben B. Beebe.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched out the gates of Camp Lyon, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, down to the railroad depot. There they were joined by the men of the 85th Illinois, who had been mustered into service at Camp Peoria. Together, at the depot, the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois boarded trains bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana, located across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky. By early October, the men of the 85th & 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, in pursuit of Confederate troops. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more to come. After the Battle of Perryville, the Confederate troops withdrew from Kentucky and the men of McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, Tennessee where they would go into winter camp.
That first winter in the field was difficulty, to say the least, on the green troops, the new diet and new lifestyle were not conducive to good health. Even before the men of McCook's Brigade left the Jeffersonville/Louisville area, men were having difficulty with their health and many were left behind sick in the hospitals when they pulled out. After the Battle of Perryville, on their march to Nashville, still more were left behind sick in makeshift hospitals in Bowling Green, Kentucky and in Gallatin, Tennessee. And during that 1862/63 winter in Nashville, the hospitals were full to overflowing with sick soldiers and today, hundreds of Union soldiers lie buried in the Nashville National Cemetery who died during that 1st winter in Nashville. One of the soldiers, who was almost certainly having difficulty with his health was 2nd Lieutenant Reuben B. Beebe.
Kinnear in his HISTORY OF THE 86TH, wrote, "About this time was led a sad and disagreeable life, even more so than at any other time. The boys were new in their profession and entirely ignorant as to what conveniences a soldier might have even under circumstances so trying, and in consequence, were compelled to render themselves most unhappy. Some twenty odd men would live in the same tent, cook from a camp kettle swung in the middle of it, make their beds on the damp ground, frequently without even straw or boards under them. Snow fell, and the cold, keen winds of winter whistled without, while the poor soldiers lay cold and damp within. Many were taken ill and died from this exposure; more died and were discharged during this winter than in all our previous and after term of service. The hospitals were yet without proper organization, the sick in them improperly cared for, for war was as yet a new thing poorly understood and carried on. The Icelander, in his frigid and icy home of the far north, in his primeval ignorance, could not have lived in greater exposure than did the soldiers at this time."
What ever his ailment, his age was not working for 2nd Lt. Reuben B Beebe. Nothing the doctors did seemed to improve his condition. Finally by late January of 1863, doctors and/or officers of the 86th finally convinced Lt. Beebe that he should go home, with the hope that with the help of family and some home cooking, that he would survive his ailment. So, on February 1, 1863, almost certainly with a heavy heart, 2nd Lt. Reuben B. Beebe, resigned his commission and he headed home. Dozens of members of the 86th died that winter and today lie buried in the Nashville National Cemetery. Dozens more were sent home with the hope that they would survive their ailment. Some did. Some didn't. Some that did, would never really be the same physically again. With the help of that family and home cooking, Reuben B. Beebe did survive his ailment and lived a long life for the time. But, for Private William J. Beebe the war would go on.
For the next seven months, the men of McCook's Brigade would spend their time in the Nashville area, drilling and going out on short forays. It appears that in March of 1863, William J. Beebe got a furlough to go home and while he was home William J. Beebe was married to Mary Lavica Davenport on April 8, 1863 in Peoria County, Illinois and about July of 1863, Mary got pregnant. Mary was born c. 1842/44 in Illinois and she is believed to have had a sister named Laura Adeline Davenport, who was born c. 1838 in New York and who was married to William Armentrout, who was a Lieutenant in the 47th Illinois during the Civil War.
Mary and Laura's parents may have died shortly after their arrival in Illinois.
William J. Beebe must not have rejoined his unit in Nashville until August or September of 1863, but he is known to have rejoined his unit.
During he next two years, Private William J. Beebe would serve faithfully in Co. C as the men of the 86th served in Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. During this time, William was witness to and a participant in numerous battles and skirmishes, some of the bloodiest fighting in the Western Theatre of the war, including the Battles of Chickamauga, Georgia; Resaca, Georgia; Rome, Georgia, Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, Peach Tree Creek, Georgia, Jonesboro, Georgia, Averasborough, North Carolina and Bentonville, North Carolina and marched with General Sherman to the Sea. About the time the Campaign for Atlanta really got rolling, Ulysses S. Beebe was born back in Peoria County.
At some point during the war, however, it appears that Private William J. Beebe was either injured or sent back to Nashville, Tennessee, perhaps for other duty. After the war came to a close, the men of McCook's Brigade marched on to Washington City (now D.C.) where they marched down Pennsylvania Avenue on the 2nd day of the Grand Review. The surviving members of the 86th that were still with the 86th were mustered out of the service on June 6, 1865 there in Washington. Private William J. Beebe was mustered out of the service on May 11, 1865 at Nashville, Tennessee, perhaps from a hospital. This means that at some point during the war, he was seperated from his unit and sent back to Nashville. I would love to know the reason, though it must haven been because he was either too sick to remain in the front lines or he was injured in someway. Whatever the case, Private William J.Beebe survived the war and returned to his wife and family in Peoria County, almost certainly by the end of May of 1865.
The children born to William J. Beebe and Mary L. (Davenport) Beebe include;
1. Ulysses Simpson Beebe, born April __, 1864 in Illinois. Ulysses was married to Mary D. Mulford (1872 - 1929).
Ulysses and Mary were the parents of;
A. Herold Lyverne Beebe (1896 - 1897)
B. Charles Beebe, born April __, 1898 in Iowa.
C. (Dau.) Jessie Beebe, born June __, 1900 in Iowa.
D. Mary M. Beebe (1904 - 1904)
At the time of the 1900 census, Ulysses and his family are found in Cooper Township, Monona County, Iowa;
Ulysis Beebe Apr 1867 33 ILL
Mary Beebe Jul 1873 26 OH
Charles Beebe Apr 1898 2 IA
Jessie Beebe Jun 1900 1/12 IA
Ulysses died on ____________ __, 1949 in Iowa and his mortal remains were laid in the Dedham Cemetery in Dedham, Carroll County, Iowa. See his Find A Grave Memorial #105956708.
2. Louis J. Beebe, born December 10, 1867 in Illinois. Louis was married to Lula A. ____________c. 1888/89. Louis and Lula were the parents of;
A. Hattie May Beebe Dau. Dec. 1889 10 Ark
B. William Beebe Son Nov 1892 7 Ark
C. Clarence Beebe Son Sep 1894 Ark
At the time of the 1900 census, Louis and his family are found in Lonoke County, Arkansas, where he is employed as a Carpenter;
Louis J. Beebe Head Dec 1867 32 IL
Lula A. Beebe Wife Mar 1869 31 NC
Hattie May Beebe Dau. Dec. 1889 10 Ark
William Beebe Son Nov 1892 7 Ark
Clarence Beebe Son Sep 1894 Ark
Florence Crawford Sister-in-law May 1867 33 NC
Louis J. Beebe died on 2 Apr 1958 and his mortal remains were laid in the Peppers Lake Cemetery in Peppers Lake, Prairie County, Arkansas. See his Find A Grave Memorial #161413853.
3. Lura J. BEEBE, born c. 1870 in IL
4. William BEEBE, born c. 1872 in IL
5. Charles BEEBE, born c. 1875 IL
6. Henry C. BEEBE, born c. 1880 in IL
Now to continue with what we know about William
1870 Census, Chillicothe Township, Peoria County
Beebe Wm. J. 33 M Blacksmith 100 Illinois
Beebe Mary 26 F Illinois
Beebe Ulysus 6 M Illinois
Beebe Louis 2 M Illinois
1880 Census, Chillicothe Township, Peoria County
William BEEBE, born c. 1838 in IL
Mary L. BEEBE, born c. 1842 in IL
Ulysus BEEBE, born c. 1864 in IL
Lewis BEEBE, born c. 1868 in IL
Lura J. BEEBE, born c. 1870 in IL
William BEEBE, born c. 1872 in IL
Charles BEEBE, born c. 1875 IL
Henry C. BEEBE, born c. 1880 in IL
William J. Beebe died on May 3, 1881 at about the age of 44 and his mortal remains were laid in the Chillicothe city cemetery in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois.
by Baxter B. Fite III
William J. Beebe was born on ___________ __, 183__ (c. 1837) in Peoria County, Illinois, the son of Henry Crocker Beebe, who was born in Connecticut c. 1811, the son of Charles Beebe and Lucy (Hamlin) Beebee, and Dyanthia (Livermore) Beebe, who was born on 22 December 1807 at Smithville, Chenango County, New York, the daughter of Larnard Livermore and Hannah Brown. There is a record of Henry C. Beebe being married to a Dyanthia Livermore in Peoria County, Illinois on September 15, 1836.
One son was born to Henry C. Beebe and Dyanthia (Livermore) Beebe. That was;
1. William J. Beebe, born c. 1837/38 in Illinois. See his biography below.
According to a site on the internet, Dyanthia (Livermore) Beebe died on August 8, 1837 in Peoria County, Illinois, perhaps from complications of child birth.
Henry C. Beebe was married 2nd to Sarah Cannon on August 9, 1838 in Peoria County, Illinois.
The children born to Henry C. Beebe include;
2. Richard Henry Beebe, born May 22, 1840 in or near Rome, Peoria County, Illinois. Richard was married to Sarah Ann _____________. Richard and Sarah were the parents of;
A. James Clinton Beebe, born 6 Feb 1878 in Illinois. James died on 20 Oct 1918 in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois. His mortal remains were laid in the Chillicothe City Cemetery in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial #35179645.
B. Joseph Thomas Beebe, born ____________ __, 1883. Joseph died in 1964.
Richard Henry Beebe died in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois at the age of 86. His parents are listed as Henry C. Beebe, who was born in Hartford, Conn., and Sarah Cannon, who was born in Jerseyville, Illinois. Richard is listed as being a Retired Carpenter and was residing in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois at the time of his death. His wife is listed as Sarah Ann Beebe. Richard's mortal remains were laid in the Chillicothe Cemetery in Chillicothe, Illinois on 25 Feb 1927. All of this is found on familysearch.
3. Lucy A. Beebe, born c. 1842/43 in Illinois.
4. Alonzo Beebe, born c. 1845/46 in Illinois.
5. Martha Jane Beebe, born c. 1847/48 in Illinois.
6. Addison Beebe, born c. 1849 in Illinois.
7. Alice Beebe, born c. 1853/54 in Illinois.
8. Levina Beebe, born c. 1857/58 in Illinois.
At the time of the 1850 census, the Beebe family is found in Peoria County;
1141 Beebe Henry C. 39 M Farmer Ct.
1141 Beebe Sarah 28 F Ill
1141 Beebe Wm. J. 12 M Ill
1141 Beebe Richard 10 M Ill
1141 Beebe Lucy A. 7 F Ill
1141 Beebe Alonzo 4 M Ill
1141 Beebe Jane 2 F Ill
1141 Beebe Adiron 6/12 M Ill
At the time of the 1860 census, the Beebe family is found in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois, though William J. Beebe is not with the family. I have yet to locate him in the 1860 census;
Henry Beebe M 49 Conn
Sarah Beebe F 39 Ohio
Richard Beebe M 19 Ills
Lucy Beebe F 17 Ills
Alonzo Beebe M 14 Ills
Jane Beebe F 12 Ills
Addison Beebe M 11 Ills
Alice Beebe F 6 Ills
Levina Beebe F 2 Ills
At the time of the 1870 census, Henry C. Beebe and his family are found in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois;
Henry C Beebe M 59 Connecticut
Sarah Beebe F 47 Ohio
Jane Beebe F 22 Illinois
Alice Beebe F 16 Illinois
Lavina Beebe F 12 Illinois
Both Henry C. Beebe and Sarah (Cannon) Beebe are believed to have died in the Chillicothe, Illinois area as they can not be located in any census after this.
Now to continue with what we know about William J. Beebe and his family;
On August 4, 1862, William's uncle, 39 year old Reuben B. Beebe, went into Chillicothe, Illinois where he volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in Chillicothe, Illinois, and in the townships immediately north and west of Chillicothe, including Halleck Township in Peoria County and LaPrairie and Saratoga Townships in Marshall County. This company was being raised by John H. Batchelder, who operated the Ferry at Chillicothe, and Dr. Joseph Thomas, a Chillicothe area Physician. When he volunteered, Reuben gave his residence as Peoria County. The following day, August 5, 1862, William J. Beebe also went into Chillicothe, where he, too, volunteered to serve in the Chillicothe area company.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name BEEBE, WILLIAM J
Rank PVT Company C Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence CHILLICOTHE, PEORIA CO, IL Age 22 Height 5' 8 1/2 Hair DARK
Eyes DARK Complexion LIGHT Marital Status SINGLE Occupation LABORER
Nativity ROME, PEORIA CO, IL
Service Record
Joined When AUG 5, 1862 Joined Where CHILLICOTHE, IL
Joined By Whom J H BATCHELDER Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out MAY 11, 1865
Muster Out Where NASHVILLE, TN Muster Out By Whom CPT NEIL
Remarks N/A
When Batchelder and Thomas had almost 100 volunteers, they led the Chillicothe area company into Peoria where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, Batchelder, Thomas and 87 of their volunteers, including now Private William J. Beebe, were mustered into service as Co. C of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Dr. Thomas was elected by the men of Co. C to serve as their Captain, while Batchelder was elected to serve as their 1st Lieutenant. Reuben B. Beebe was elected to serve as their 2nd Lieutenant. Of the men and boys who were accepted into the service in Co. C at this time, there were only about 4 men older than Reuben B. Beebe.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched out the gates of Camp Lyon, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, down to the railroad depot. There they were joined by the men of the 85th Illinois, who had been mustered into service at Camp Peoria. Together, at the depot, the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois boarded trains bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana, located across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky. By early October, the men of the 85th & 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, in pursuit of Confederate troops. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more to come. After the Battle of Perryville, the Confederate troops withdrew from Kentucky and the men of McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, Tennessee where they would go into winter camp.
That first winter in the field was difficulty, to say the least, on the green troops, the new diet and new lifestyle were not conducive to good health. Even before the men of McCook's Brigade left the Jeffersonville/Louisville area, men were having difficulty with their health and many were left behind sick in the hospitals when they pulled out. After the Battle of Perryville, on their march to Nashville, still more were left behind sick in makeshift hospitals in Bowling Green, Kentucky and in Gallatin, Tennessee. And during that 1862/63 winter in Nashville, the hospitals were full to overflowing with sick soldiers and today, hundreds of Union soldiers lie buried in the Nashville National Cemetery who died during that 1st winter in Nashville. One of the soldiers, who was almost certainly having difficulty with his health was 2nd Lieutenant Reuben B. Beebe.
Kinnear in his HISTORY OF THE 86TH, wrote, "About this time was led a sad and disagreeable life, even more so than at any other time. The boys were new in their profession and entirely ignorant as to what conveniences a soldier might have even under circumstances so trying, and in consequence, were compelled to render themselves most unhappy. Some twenty odd men would live in the same tent, cook from a camp kettle swung in the middle of it, make their beds on the damp ground, frequently without even straw or boards under them. Snow fell, and the cold, keen winds of winter whistled without, while the poor soldiers lay cold and damp within. Many were taken ill and died from this exposure; more died and were discharged during this winter than in all our previous and after term of service. The hospitals were yet without proper organization, the sick in them improperly cared for, for war was as yet a new thing poorly understood and carried on. The Icelander, in his frigid and icy home of the far north, in his primeval ignorance, could not have lived in greater exposure than did the soldiers at this time."
What ever his ailment, his age was not working for 2nd Lt. Reuben B Beebe. Nothing the doctors did seemed to improve his condition. Finally by late January of 1863, doctors and/or officers of the 86th finally convinced Lt. Beebe that he should go home, with the hope that with the help of family and some home cooking, that he would survive his ailment. So, on February 1, 1863, almost certainly with a heavy heart, 2nd Lt. Reuben B. Beebe, resigned his commission and he headed home. Dozens of members of the 86th died that winter and today lie buried in the Nashville National Cemetery. Dozens more were sent home with the hope that they would survive their ailment. Some did. Some didn't. Some that did, would never really be the same physically again. With the help of that family and home cooking, Reuben B. Beebe did survive his ailment and lived a long life for the time. But, for Private William J. Beebe the war would go on.
For the next seven months, the men of McCook's Brigade would spend their time in the Nashville area, drilling and going out on short forays. It appears that in March of 1863, William J. Beebe got a furlough to go home and while he was home William J. Beebe was married to Mary Lavica Davenport on April 8, 1863 in Peoria County, Illinois and about July of 1863, Mary got pregnant. Mary was born c. 1842/44 in Illinois and she is believed to have had a sister named Laura Adeline Davenport, who was born c. 1838 in New York and who was married to William Armentrout, who was a Lieutenant in the 47th Illinois during the Civil War.
Mary and Laura's parents may have died shortly after their arrival in Illinois.
William J. Beebe must not have rejoined his unit in Nashville until August or September of 1863, but he is known to have rejoined his unit.
During he next two years, Private William J. Beebe would serve faithfully in Co. C as the men of the 86th served in Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. During this time, William was witness to and a participant in numerous battles and skirmishes, some of the bloodiest fighting in the Western Theatre of the war, including the Battles of Chickamauga, Georgia; Resaca, Georgia; Rome, Georgia, Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, Peach Tree Creek, Georgia, Jonesboro, Georgia, Averasborough, North Carolina and Bentonville, North Carolina and marched with General Sherman to the Sea. About the time the Campaign for Atlanta really got rolling, Ulysses S. Beebe was born back in Peoria County.
At some point during the war, however, it appears that Private William J. Beebe was either injured or sent back to Nashville, Tennessee, perhaps for other duty. After the war came to a close, the men of McCook's Brigade marched on to Washington City (now D.C.) where they marched down Pennsylvania Avenue on the 2nd day of the Grand Review. The surviving members of the 86th that were still with the 86th were mustered out of the service on June 6, 1865 there in Washington. Private William J. Beebe was mustered out of the service on May 11, 1865 at Nashville, Tennessee, perhaps from a hospital. This means that at some point during the war, he was seperated from his unit and sent back to Nashville. I would love to know the reason, though it must haven been because he was either too sick to remain in the front lines or he was injured in someway. Whatever the case, Private William J.Beebe survived the war and returned to his wife and family in Peoria County, almost certainly by the end of May of 1865.
The children born to William J. Beebe and Mary L. (Davenport) Beebe include;
1. Ulysses Simpson Beebe, born April __, 1864 in Illinois. Ulysses was married to Mary D. Mulford (1872 - 1929).
Ulysses and Mary were the parents of;
A. Herold Lyverne Beebe (1896 - 1897)
B. Charles Beebe, born April __, 1898 in Iowa.
C. (Dau.) Jessie Beebe, born June __, 1900 in Iowa.
D. Mary M. Beebe (1904 - 1904)
At the time of the 1900 census, Ulysses and his family are found in Cooper Township, Monona County, Iowa;
Ulysis Beebe Apr 1867 33 ILL
Mary Beebe Jul 1873 26 OH
Charles Beebe Apr 1898 2 IA
Jessie Beebe Jun 1900 1/12 IA
Ulysses died on ____________ __, 1949 in Iowa and his mortal remains were laid in the Dedham Cemetery in Dedham, Carroll County, Iowa. See his Find A Grave Memorial #105956708.
2. Louis J. Beebe, born December 10, 1867 in Illinois. Louis was married to Lula A. ____________c. 1888/89. Louis and Lula were the parents of;
A. Hattie May Beebe Dau. Dec. 1889 10 Ark
B. William Beebe Son Nov 1892 7 Ark
C. Clarence Beebe Son Sep 1894 Ark
At the time of the 1900 census, Louis and his family are found in Lonoke County, Arkansas, where he is employed as a Carpenter;
Louis J. Beebe Head Dec 1867 32 IL
Lula A. Beebe Wife Mar 1869 31 NC
Hattie May Beebe Dau. Dec. 1889 10 Ark
William Beebe Son Nov 1892 7 Ark
Clarence Beebe Son Sep 1894 Ark
Florence Crawford Sister-in-law May 1867 33 NC
Louis J. Beebe died on 2 Apr 1958 and his mortal remains were laid in the Peppers Lake Cemetery in Peppers Lake, Prairie County, Arkansas. See his Find A Grave Memorial #161413853.
3. Lura J. BEEBE, born c. 1870 in IL
4. William BEEBE, born c. 1872 in IL
5. Charles BEEBE, born c. 1875 IL
6. Henry C. BEEBE, born c. 1880 in IL
Now to continue with what we know about William
1870 Census, Chillicothe Township, Peoria County
Beebe Wm. J. 33 M Blacksmith 100 Illinois
Beebe Mary 26 F Illinois
Beebe Ulysus 6 M Illinois
Beebe Louis 2 M Illinois
1880 Census, Chillicothe Township, Peoria County
William BEEBE, born c. 1838 in IL
Mary L. BEEBE, born c. 1842 in IL
Ulysus BEEBE, born c. 1864 in IL
Lewis BEEBE, born c. 1868 in IL
Lura J. BEEBE, born c. 1870 in IL
William BEEBE, born c. 1872 in IL
Charles BEEBE, born c. 1875 IL
Henry C. BEEBE, born c. 1880 in IL
William J. Beebe died on May 3, 1881 at about the age of 44 and his mortal remains were laid in the Chillicothe city cemetery in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois.
by Baxter B. Fite III
(NOTE: William J. Beebe probably never sat for a portrait before his entering the service during the Civil War, but he spent almost 10 months with the 86th in the Nashville, Tennessee area, during which time most of the members of the 86th took the opportunity to sit for portraits to send back home to their loved ones that they missed so much and most of the boys didn't stop at making just one or two copies of those pictures, which were most often printed in the from of what was called a CDV. They made a dozen copies or more, sometimes, so that they could swap pictures with the friends, tentmates and messmates within their respective companies. Then, William J. Beebe survived the war and lived into the 1880's. During this time, William must had his picture taken many more times. I would love to see some pictures of William J. Beebe as a young man, especially of him in uniform from his days with the 86th, but at this point, I would just love to see some pictures of William be added to his FAG site, even some of him as a 30 or 40 year old man. Can anyone help me with this? It would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Baxter)
William J. Beebe was born on ___________ __, 183__ (c. 1837) in Peoria County, Illinois, the son of Henry Crocker Beebe, who was born in Connecticut c. 1811, the son of Charles Beebe and Lucy (Hamlin) Beebee, and Dyanthia (Livermore) Beebe, who was born on 22 December 1807 at Smithville, Chenango County, New York, the daughter of Larnard Livermore and Hannah Brown. There is a record of Henry C. Beebe being married to a Dyanthia Livermore in Peoria County, Illinois on September 15, 1836.
One son was born to Henry C. Beebe and Dyanthia (Livermore) Beebe. That was;
1. William J. Beebe, born c. 1837/38 in Illinois. See his biography below.
According to a site on the internet, Dyanthia (Livermore) Beebe died on August 8, 1837 in Peoria County, Illinois, perhaps from complications of child birth.
Henry C. Beebe was married 2nd to Sarah Cannon on August 9, 1838 in Peoria County, Illinois.
The children born to Henry C. Beebe include;
2. Richard Henry Beebe, born May 22, 1840 in or near Rome, Peoria County, Illinois. Richard was married to Sarah Ann _____________. Richard and Sarah were the parents of;
A. James Clinton Beebe, born 6 Feb 1878 in Illinois. James died on 20 Oct 1918 in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois. His mortal remains were laid in the Chillicothe City Cemetery in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial #35179645.
B. Joseph Thomas Beebe, born ____________ __, 1883. Joseph died in 1964.
Richard Henry Beebe died in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois at the age of 86. His parents are listed as Henry C. Beebe, who was born in Hartford, Conn., and Sarah Cannon, who was born in Jerseyville, Illinois. Richard is listed as being a Retired Carpenter and was residing in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois at the time of his death. His wife is listed as Sarah Ann Beebe. Richard's mortal remains were laid in the Chillicothe Cemetery in Chillicothe, Illinois on 25 Feb 1927. All of this is found on familysearch.
3. Lucy A. Beebe, born c. 1842/43 in Illinois.
4. Alonzo Beebe, born c. 1845/46 in Illinois.
5. Martha Jane Beebe, born c. 1847/48 in Illinois.
6. Addison Beebe, born c. 1849 in Illinois.
7. Alice Beebe, born c. 1853/54 in Illinois.
8. Levina Beebe, born c. 1857/58 in Illinois.
At the time of the 1850 census, the Beebe family is found in Peoria County;
1141 Beebe Henry C. 39 M Farmer Ct.
1141 Beebe Sarah 28 F Ill
1141 Beebe Wm. J. 12 M Ill
1141 Beebe Richard 10 M Ill
1141 Beebe Lucy A. 7 F Ill
1141 Beebe Alonzo 4 M Ill
1141 Beebe Jane 2 F Ill
1141 Beebe Adiron 6/12 M Ill
At the time of the 1860 census, the Beebe family is found in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois, though William J. Beebe is not with the family. I have yet to locate him in the 1860 census;
Henry Beebe M 49 Conn
Sarah Beebe F 39 Ohio
Richard Beebe M 19 Ills
Lucy Beebe F 17 Ills
Alonzo Beebe M 14 Ills
Jane Beebe F 12 Ills
Addison Beebe M 11 Ills
Alice Beebe F 6 Ills
Levina Beebe F 2 Ills
At the time of the 1870 census, Henry C. Beebe and his family are found in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois;
Henry C Beebe M 59 Connecticut
Sarah Beebe F 47 Ohio
Jane Beebe F 22 Illinois
Alice Beebe F 16 Illinois
Lavina Beebe F 12 Illinois
Both Henry C. Beebe and Sarah (Cannon) Beebe are believed to have died in the Chillicothe, Illinois area as they can not be located in any census after this.
Now to continue with what we know about William J. Beebe and his family;
On August 4, 1862, William's uncle, 39 year old Reuben B. Beebe, went into Chillicothe, Illinois where he volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in Chillicothe, Illinois, and in the townships immediately north and west of Chillicothe, including Halleck Township in Peoria County and LaPrairie and Saratoga Townships in Marshall County. This company was being raised by John H. Batchelder, who operated the Ferry at Chillicothe, and Dr. Joseph Thomas, a Chillicothe area Physician. When he volunteered, Reuben gave his residence as Peoria County. The following day, August 5, 1862, William J. Beebe also went into Chillicothe, where he, too, volunteered to serve in the Chillicothe area company.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name BEEBE, WILLIAM J
Rank PVT Company C Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence CHILLICOTHE, PEORIA CO, IL Age 22 Height 5' 8 1/2 Hair DARK
Eyes DARK Complexion LIGHT Marital Status SINGLE Occupation LABORER
Nativity ROME, PEORIA CO, IL
Service Record
Joined When AUG 5, 1862 Joined Where CHILLICOTHE, IL
Joined By Whom J H BATCHELDER Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out MAY 11, 1865
Muster Out Where NASHVILLE, TN Muster Out By Whom CPT NEIL
Remarks N/A
When Batchelder and Thomas had almost 100 volunteers, they led the Chillicothe area company into Peoria where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, Batchelder, Thomas and 87 of their volunteers, including now Private William J. Beebe, were mustered into service as Co. C of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Dr. Thomas was elected by the men of Co. C to serve as their Captain, while Batchelder was elected to serve as their 1st Lieutenant. Reuben B. Beebe was elected to serve as their 2nd Lieutenant. Of the men and boys who were accepted into the service in Co. C at this time, there were only about 4 men older than Reuben B. Beebe.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched out the gates of Camp Lyon, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, down to the railroad depot. There they were joined by the men of the 85th Illinois, who had been mustered into service at Camp Peoria. Together, at the depot, the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois boarded trains bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana, located across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky. By early October, the men of the 85th & 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, in pursuit of Confederate troops. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more to come. After the Battle of Perryville, the Confederate troops withdrew from Kentucky and the men of McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, Tennessee where they would go into winter camp.
That first winter in the field was difficulty, to say the least, on the green troops, the new diet and new lifestyle were not conducive to good health. Even before the men of McCook's Brigade left the Jeffersonville/Louisville area, men were having difficulty with their health and many were left behind sick in the hospitals when they pulled out. After the Battle of Perryville, on their march to Nashville, still more were left behind sick in makeshift hospitals in Bowling Green, Kentucky and in Gallatin, Tennessee. And during that 1862/63 winter in Nashville, the hospitals were full to overflowing with sick soldiers and today, hundreds of Union soldiers lie buried in the Nashville National Cemetery who died during that 1st winter in Nashville. One of the soldiers, who was almost certainly having difficulty with his health was 2nd Lieutenant Reuben B. Beebe.
Kinnear in his HISTORY OF THE 86TH, wrote, "About this time was led a sad and disagreeable life, even more so than at any other time. The boys were new in their profession and entirely ignorant as to what conveniences a soldier might have even under circumstances so trying, and in consequence, were compelled to render themselves most unhappy. Some twenty odd men would live in the same tent, cook from a camp kettle swung in the middle of it, make their beds on the damp ground, frequently without even straw or boards under them. Snow fell, and the cold, keen winds of winter whistled without, while the poor soldiers lay cold and damp within. Many were taken ill and died from this exposure; more died and were discharged during this winter than in all our previous and after term of service. The hospitals were yet without proper organization, the sick in them improperly cared for, for war was as yet a new thing poorly understood and carried on. The Icelander, in his frigid and icy home of the far north, in his primeval ignorance, could not have lived in greater exposure than did the soldiers at this time."
What ever his ailment, his age was not working for 2nd Lt. Reuben B Beebe. Nothing the doctors did seemed to improve his condition. Finally by late January of 1863, doctors and/or officers of the 86th finally convinced Lt. Beebe that he should go home, with the hope that with the help of family and some home cooking, that he would survive his ailment. So, on February 1, 1863, almost certainly with a heavy heart, 2nd Lt. Reuben B. Beebe, resigned his commission and he headed home. Dozens of members of the 86th died that winter and today lie buried in the Nashville National Cemetery. Dozens more were sent home with the hope that they would survive their ailment. Some did. Some didn't. Some that did, would never really be the same physically again. With the help of that family and home cooking, Reuben B. Beebe did survive his ailment and lived a long life for the time. But, for Private William J. Beebe the war would go on.
For the next seven months, the men of McCook's Brigade would spend their time in the Nashville area, drilling and going out on short forays. It appears that in March of 1863, William J. Beebe got a furlough to go home and while he was home William J. Beebe was married to Mary Lavica Davenport on April 8, 1863 in Peoria County, Illinois and about July of 1863, Mary got pregnant. Mary was born c. 1842/44 in Illinois and she is believed to have had a sister named Laura Adeline Davenport, who was born c. 1838 in New York and who was married to William Armentrout, who was a Lieutenant in the 47th Illinois during the Civil War.
Mary and Laura's parents may have died shortly after their arrival in Illinois.
William J. Beebe must not have rejoined his unit in Nashville until August or September of 1863, but he is known to have rejoined his unit.
During he next two years, Private William J. Beebe would serve faithfully in Co. C as the men of the 86th served in Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. During this time, William was witness to and a participant in numerous battles and skirmishes, some of the bloodiest fighting in the Western Theatre of the war, including the Battles of Chickamauga, Georgia; Resaca, Georgia; Rome, Georgia, Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, Peach Tree Creek, Georgia, Jonesboro, Georgia, Averasborough, North Carolina and Bentonville, North Carolina and marched with General Sherman to the Sea. About the time the Campaign for Atlanta really got rolling, Ulysses S. Beebe was born back in Peoria County.
At some point during the war, however, it appears that Private William J. Beebe was either injured or sent back to Nashville, Tennessee, perhaps for other duty. After the war came to a close, the men of McCook's Brigade marched on to Washington City (now D.C.) where they marched down Pennsylvania Avenue on the 2nd day of the Grand Review. The surviving members of the 86th that were still with the 86th were mustered out of the service on June 6, 1865 there in Washington. Private William J. Beebe was mustered out of the service on May 11, 1865 at Nashville, Tennessee, perhaps from a hospital. This means that at some point during the war, he was seperated from his unit and sent back to Nashville. I would love to know the reason, though it must haven been because he was either too sick to remain in the front lines or he was injured in someway. Whatever the case, Private William J.Beebe survived the war and returned to his wife and family in Peoria County, almost certainly by the end of May of 1865.
The children born to William J. Beebe and Mary L. (Davenport) Beebe include;
1. Ulysses Simpson Beebe, born April __, 1864 in Illinois. Ulysses was married to Mary D. Mulford (1872 - 1929).
Ulysses and Mary were the parents of;
A. Herold Lyverne Beebe (1896 - 1897)
B. Charles Beebe, born April __, 1898 in Iowa.
C. (Dau.) Jessie Beebe, born June __, 1900 in Iowa.
D. Mary M. Beebe (1904 - 1904)
At the time of the 1900 census, Ulysses and his family are found in Cooper Township, Monona County, Iowa;
Ulysis Beebe Apr 1867 33 ILL
Mary Beebe Jul 1873 26 OH
Charles Beebe Apr 1898 2 IA
Jessie Beebe Jun 1900 1/12 IA
Ulysses died on ____________ __, 1949 in Iowa and his mortal remains were laid in the Dedham Cemetery in Dedham, Carroll County, Iowa. See his Find A Grave Memorial #105956708.
2. Louis J. Beebe, born December 10, 1867 in Illinois. Louis was married to Lula A. ____________c. 1888/89. Louis and Lula were the parents of;
A. Hattie May Beebe Dau. Dec. 1889 10 Ark
B. William Beebe Son Nov 1892 7 Ark
C. Clarence Beebe Son Sep 1894 Ark
At the time of the 1900 census, Louis and his family are found in Lonoke County, Arkansas, where he is employed as a Carpenter;
Louis J. Beebe Head Dec 1867 32 IL
Lula A. Beebe Wife Mar 1869 31 NC
Hattie May Beebe Dau. Dec. 1889 10 Ark
William Beebe Son Nov 1892 7 Ark
Clarence Beebe Son Sep 1894 Ark
Florence Crawford Sister-in-law May 1867 33 NC
Louis J. Beebe died on 2 Apr 1958 and his mortal remains were laid in the Peppers Lake Cemetery in Peppers Lake, Prairie County, Arkansas. See his Find A Grave Memorial #161413853.
3. Lura J. BEEBE, born c. 1870 in IL
4. William BEEBE, born c. 1872 in IL
5. Charles BEEBE, born c. 1875 IL
6. Henry C. BEEBE, born c. 1880 in IL
Now to continue with what we know about William
1870 Census, Chillicothe Township, Peoria County
Beebe Wm. J. 33 M Blacksmith 100 Illinois
Beebe Mary 26 F Illinois
Beebe Ulysus 6 M Illinois
Beebe Louis 2 M Illinois
1880 Census, Chillicothe Township, Peoria County
William BEEBE, born c. 1838 in IL
Mary L. BEEBE, born c. 1842 in IL
Ulysus BEEBE, born c. 1864 in IL
Lewis BEEBE, born c. 1868 in IL
Lura J. BEEBE, born c. 1870 in IL
William BEEBE, born c. 1872 in IL
Charles BEEBE, born c. 1875 IL
Henry C. BEEBE, born c. 1880 in IL
William J. Beebe died on May 3, 1881 at about the age of 44 and his mortal remains were laid in the Chillicothe city cemetery in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois.
by Baxter B. Fite III
William J. Beebe was born on ___________ __, 183__ (c. 1837) in Peoria County, Illinois, the son of Henry Crocker Beebe, who was born in Connecticut c. 1811, the son of Charles Beebe and Lucy (Hamlin) Beebee, and Dyanthia (Livermore) Beebe, who was born on 22 December 1807 at Smithville, Chenango County, New York, the daughter of Larnard Livermore and Hannah Brown. There is a record of Henry C. Beebe being married to a Dyanthia Livermore in Peoria County, Illinois on September 15, 1836.
One son was born to Henry C. Beebe and Dyanthia (Livermore) Beebe. That was;
1. William J. Beebe, born c. 1837/38 in Illinois. See his biography below.
According to a site on the internet, Dyanthia (Livermore) Beebe died on August 8, 1837 in Peoria County, Illinois, perhaps from complications of child birth.
Henry C. Beebe was married 2nd to Sarah Cannon on August 9, 1838 in Peoria County, Illinois.
The children born to Henry C. Beebe include;
2. Richard Henry Beebe, born May 22, 1840 in or near Rome, Peoria County, Illinois. Richard was married to Sarah Ann _____________. Richard and Sarah were the parents of;
A. James Clinton Beebe, born 6 Feb 1878 in Illinois. James died on 20 Oct 1918 in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois. His mortal remains were laid in the Chillicothe City Cemetery in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial #35179645.
B. Joseph Thomas Beebe, born ____________ __, 1883. Joseph died in 1964.
Richard Henry Beebe died in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois at the age of 86. His parents are listed as Henry C. Beebe, who was born in Hartford, Conn., and Sarah Cannon, who was born in Jerseyville, Illinois. Richard is listed as being a Retired Carpenter and was residing in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois at the time of his death. His wife is listed as Sarah Ann Beebe. Richard's mortal remains were laid in the Chillicothe Cemetery in Chillicothe, Illinois on 25 Feb 1927. All of this is found on familysearch.
3. Lucy A. Beebe, born c. 1842/43 in Illinois.
4. Alonzo Beebe, born c. 1845/46 in Illinois.
5. Martha Jane Beebe, born c. 1847/48 in Illinois.
6. Addison Beebe, born c. 1849 in Illinois.
7. Alice Beebe, born c. 1853/54 in Illinois.
8. Levina Beebe, born c. 1857/58 in Illinois.
At the time of the 1850 census, the Beebe family is found in Peoria County;
1141 Beebe Henry C. 39 M Farmer Ct.
1141 Beebe Sarah 28 F Ill
1141 Beebe Wm. J. 12 M Ill
1141 Beebe Richard 10 M Ill
1141 Beebe Lucy A. 7 F Ill
1141 Beebe Alonzo 4 M Ill
1141 Beebe Jane 2 F Ill
1141 Beebe Adiron 6/12 M Ill
At the time of the 1860 census, the Beebe family is found in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois, though William J. Beebe is not with the family. I have yet to locate him in the 1860 census;
Henry Beebe M 49 Conn
Sarah Beebe F 39 Ohio
Richard Beebe M 19 Ills
Lucy Beebe F 17 Ills
Alonzo Beebe M 14 Ills
Jane Beebe F 12 Ills
Addison Beebe M 11 Ills
Alice Beebe F 6 Ills
Levina Beebe F 2 Ills
At the time of the 1870 census, Henry C. Beebe and his family are found in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois;
Henry C Beebe M 59 Connecticut
Sarah Beebe F 47 Ohio
Jane Beebe F 22 Illinois
Alice Beebe F 16 Illinois
Lavina Beebe F 12 Illinois
Both Henry C. Beebe and Sarah (Cannon) Beebe are believed to have died in the Chillicothe, Illinois area as they can not be located in any census after this.
Now to continue with what we know about William J. Beebe and his family;
On August 4, 1862, William's uncle, 39 year old Reuben B. Beebe, went into Chillicothe, Illinois where he volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in Chillicothe, Illinois, and in the townships immediately north and west of Chillicothe, including Halleck Township in Peoria County and LaPrairie and Saratoga Townships in Marshall County. This company was being raised by John H. Batchelder, who operated the Ferry at Chillicothe, and Dr. Joseph Thomas, a Chillicothe area Physician. When he volunteered, Reuben gave his residence as Peoria County. The following day, August 5, 1862, William J. Beebe also went into Chillicothe, where he, too, volunteered to serve in the Chillicothe area company.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name BEEBE, WILLIAM J
Rank PVT Company C Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence CHILLICOTHE, PEORIA CO, IL Age 22 Height 5' 8 1/2 Hair DARK
Eyes DARK Complexion LIGHT Marital Status SINGLE Occupation LABORER
Nativity ROME, PEORIA CO, IL
Service Record
Joined When AUG 5, 1862 Joined Where CHILLICOTHE, IL
Joined By Whom J H BATCHELDER Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out MAY 11, 1865
Muster Out Where NASHVILLE, TN Muster Out By Whom CPT NEIL
Remarks N/A
When Batchelder and Thomas had almost 100 volunteers, they led the Chillicothe area company into Peoria where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, Batchelder, Thomas and 87 of their volunteers, including now Private William J. Beebe, were mustered into service as Co. C of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Dr. Thomas was elected by the men of Co. C to serve as their Captain, while Batchelder was elected to serve as their 1st Lieutenant. Reuben B. Beebe was elected to serve as their 2nd Lieutenant. Of the men and boys who were accepted into the service in Co. C at this time, there were only about 4 men older than Reuben B. Beebe.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched out the gates of Camp Lyon, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, down to the railroad depot. There they were joined by the men of the 85th Illinois, who had been mustered into service at Camp Peoria. Together, at the depot, the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois boarded trains bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana, located across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky. By early October, the men of the 85th & 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, in pursuit of Confederate troops. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more to come. After the Battle of Perryville, the Confederate troops withdrew from Kentucky and the men of McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, Tennessee where they would go into winter camp.
That first winter in the field was difficulty, to say the least, on the green troops, the new diet and new lifestyle were not conducive to good health. Even before the men of McCook's Brigade left the Jeffersonville/Louisville area, men were having difficulty with their health and many were left behind sick in the hospitals when they pulled out. After the Battle of Perryville, on their march to Nashville, still more were left behind sick in makeshift hospitals in Bowling Green, Kentucky and in Gallatin, Tennessee. And during that 1862/63 winter in Nashville, the hospitals were full to overflowing with sick soldiers and today, hundreds of Union soldiers lie buried in the Nashville National Cemetery who died during that 1st winter in Nashville. One of the soldiers, who was almost certainly having difficulty with his health was 2nd Lieutenant Reuben B. Beebe.
Kinnear in his HISTORY OF THE 86TH, wrote, "About this time was led a sad and disagreeable life, even more so than at any other time. The boys were new in their profession and entirely ignorant as to what conveniences a soldier might have even under circumstances so trying, and in consequence, were compelled to render themselves most unhappy. Some twenty odd men would live in the same tent, cook from a camp kettle swung in the middle of it, make their beds on the damp ground, frequently without even straw or boards under them. Snow fell, and the cold, keen winds of winter whistled without, while the poor soldiers lay cold and damp within. Many were taken ill and died from this exposure; more died and were discharged during this winter than in all our previous and after term of service. The hospitals were yet without proper organization, the sick in them improperly cared for, for war was as yet a new thing poorly understood and carried on. The Icelander, in his frigid and icy home of the far north, in his primeval ignorance, could not have lived in greater exposure than did the soldiers at this time."
What ever his ailment, his age was not working for 2nd Lt. Reuben B Beebe. Nothing the doctors did seemed to improve his condition. Finally by late January of 1863, doctors and/or officers of the 86th finally convinced Lt. Beebe that he should go home, with the hope that with the help of family and some home cooking, that he would survive his ailment. So, on February 1, 1863, almost certainly with a heavy heart, 2nd Lt. Reuben B. Beebe, resigned his commission and he headed home. Dozens of members of the 86th died that winter and today lie buried in the Nashville National Cemetery. Dozens more were sent home with the hope that they would survive their ailment. Some did. Some didn't. Some that did, would never really be the same physically again. With the help of that family and home cooking, Reuben B. Beebe did survive his ailment and lived a long life for the time. But, for Private William J. Beebe the war would go on.
For the next seven months, the men of McCook's Brigade would spend their time in the Nashville area, drilling and going out on short forays. It appears that in March of 1863, William J. Beebe got a furlough to go home and while he was home William J. Beebe was married to Mary Lavica Davenport on April 8, 1863 in Peoria County, Illinois and about July of 1863, Mary got pregnant. Mary was born c. 1842/44 in Illinois and she is believed to have had a sister named Laura Adeline Davenport, who was born c. 1838 in New York and who was married to William Armentrout, who was a Lieutenant in the 47th Illinois during the Civil War.
Mary and Laura's parents may have died shortly after their arrival in Illinois.
William J. Beebe must not have rejoined his unit in Nashville until August or September of 1863, but he is known to have rejoined his unit.
During he next two years, Private William J. Beebe would serve faithfully in Co. C as the men of the 86th served in Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. During this time, William was witness to and a participant in numerous battles and skirmishes, some of the bloodiest fighting in the Western Theatre of the war, including the Battles of Chickamauga, Georgia; Resaca, Georgia; Rome, Georgia, Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, Peach Tree Creek, Georgia, Jonesboro, Georgia, Averasborough, North Carolina and Bentonville, North Carolina and marched with General Sherman to the Sea. About the time the Campaign for Atlanta really got rolling, Ulysses S. Beebe was born back in Peoria County.
At some point during the war, however, it appears that Private William J. Beebe was either injured or sent back to Nashville, Tennessee, perhaps for other duty. After the war came to a close, the men of McCook's Brigade marched on to Washington City (now D.C.) where they marched down Pennsylvania Avenue on the 2nd day of the Grand Review. The surviving members of the 86th that were still with the 86th were mustered out of the service on June 6, 1865 there in Washington. Private William J. Beebe was mustered out of the service on May 11, 1865 at Nashville, Tennessee, perhaps from a hospital. This means that at some point during the war, he was seperated from his unit and sent back to Nashville. I would love to know the reason, though it must haven been because he was either too sick to remain in the front lines or he was injured in someway. Whatever the case, Private William J.Beebe survived the war and returned to his wife and family in Peoria County, almost certainly by the end of May of 1865.
The children born to William J. Beebe and Mary L. (Davenport) Beebe include;
1. Ulysses Simpson Beebe, born April __, 1864 in Illinois. Ulysses was married to Mary D. Mulford (1872 - 1929).
Ulysses and Mary were the parents of;
A. Herold Lyverne Beebe (1896 - 1897)
B. Charles Beebe, born April __, 1898 in Iowa.
C. (Dau.) Jessie Beebe, born June __, 1900 in Iowa.
D. Mary M. Beebe (1904 - 1904)
At the time of the 1900 census, Ulysses and his family are found in Cooper Township, Monona County, Iowa;
Ulysis Beebe Apr 1867 33 ILL
Mary Beebe Jul 1873 26 OH
Charles Beebe Apr 1898 2 IA
Jessie Beebe Jun 1900 1/12 IA
Ulysses died on ____________ __, 1949 in Iowa and his mortal remains were laid in the Dedham Cemetery in Dedham, Carroll County, Iowa. See his Find A Grave Memorial #105956708.
2. Louis J. Beebe, born December 10, 1867 in Illinois. Louis was married to Lula A. ____________c. 1888/89. Louis and Lula were the parents of;
A. Hattie May Beebe Dau. Dec. 1889 10 Ark
B. William Beebe Son Nov 1892 7 Ark
C. Clarence Beebe Son Sep 1894 Ark
At the time of the 1900 census, Louis and his family are found in Lonoke County, Arkansas, where he is employed as a Carpenter;
Louis J. Beebe Head Dec 1867 32 IL
Lula A. Beebe Wife Mar 1869 31 NC
Hattie May Beebe Dau. Dec. 1889 10 Ark
William Beebe Son Nov 1892 7 Ark
Clarence Beebe Son Sep 1894 Ark
Florence Crawford Sister-in-law May 1867 33 NC
Louis J. Beebe died on 2 Apr 1958 and his mortal remains were laid in the Peppers Lake Cemetery in Peppers Lake, Prairie County, Arkansas. See his Find A Grave Memorial #161413853.
3. Lura J. BEEBE, born c. 1870 in IL
4. William BEEBE, born c. 1872 in IL
5. Charles BEEBE, born c. 1875 IL
6. Henry C. BEEBE, born c. 1880 in IL
Now to continue with what we know about William
1870 Census, Chillicothe Township, Peoria County
Beebe Wm. J. 33 M Blacksmith 100 Illinois
Beebe Mary 26 F Illinois
Beebe Ulysus 6 M Illinois
Beebe Louis 2 M Illinois
1880 Census, Chillicothe Township, Peoria County
William BEEBE, born c. 1838 in IL
Mary L. BEEBE, born c. 1842 in IL
Ulysus BEEBE, born c. 1864 in IL
Lewis BEEBE, born c. 1868 in IL
Lura J. BEEBE, born c. 1870 in IL
William BEEBE, born c. 1872 in IL
Charles BEEBE, born c. 1875 IL
Henry C. BEEBE, born c. 1880 in IL
William J. Beebe died on May 3, 1881 at about the age of 44 and his mortal remains were laid in the Chillicothe city cemetery in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois.
by Baxter B. Fite III
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