Private JEHU LONG DAWSON, Co. B, 86th Illinois
Jehu Long Dawson is believed to have been born on July 4, 1839 or 1840 at __________, Virginia (now West Virginia), the son of Mercer Dawson and Casander (Henkins) Dawson, who were both born in Virginia. Mercer Dawson was born on April 5, 1807 in __________, Virginia, while Casander Henkins was born on November 11, 1809 in __________, Virginia. They are believed to have been married on June 5, 1828 in Monongalia County, Virginia. Shortly afterward they are believed to have moved to Greene County, Pennsylvania where they are found at the time of the 1830 census;
1830 Federal Census, Whiteley Twp., Greene Co., PA
Messer Dawson family composed of
1 male under 5
1 male 20 to 29
1 female 20 to 29
In all, at least ten children are believed to have been born to Mercer and Casander. They include;
1. Elijah Henkins Dawson, born June 25, 1829 in Pennsylvania; died on October 27, 1914 in Iowa; buried in the Greenbrier Cemetery, Cooper, Greene County, Iowa.
2. John Peter Dawson, born c. 1831 in Pennsylvania.
3. Sarah Jane Dawson, born June 18, 1832; married Adam Henkins; Sarah died on November 17, 1897; buried in the Putnam Cemetery in Putnam, Putnam County, Illinois.
4. Melinda (or Belinda) Ann Dawson, born c. 1833/37; believed to have died on __________ __, 1918.
5. Catherine Mary Dawson, born c. 1836 and who most likely died before 1850.
6. Clark Morris Dawson, born __________ __, 1838 in Virginia died on April 2, 1903 in Marshall County, Illinois; buried in the Henry City Cemetery in Henry, Marshall County, Illinois.
7. Jehu Long Dawson, born c. July 4, 1839/40.
8. Susannah Dawson, born c. 1842; Susannah is believed to have died on __________ __, 1918.
9. Rebecca Rachel Dawson, born c. 1846; believed to have died on __________ __, 1936.
10. Abraham Shriver Dawson, born c. February 6, 1850; died October 7, 1932; buried in the Putnam Cemetery in Putnam, Illinois.
In the 1830's, Mercer and Casander moved the family to Monongalia County, Virginia. They are found there in the 1840 census;
1840 Federal Census, West Monongalia, Monongalia, VA
Mecer Dawson family composed of
1 male under 5
1 male 5 to 9
1 male 10 to 14
1 male 30 to 39
1 female under 5
2 females 5 to 9
1 female 30 to 39
1 employed in agriculture
In the 1840's they returned to Greene County, Pennsylvania, where they are found at the time of the 1850 census;
1850 Federal Census, Whiteley Twp., Greene Co., PA
Messer Dawson, 43, Farmer
Casander Dawson, 41
Sarah Dawson, 18
Melindy Dawson, 17
John Dawson, 19, Laborer
Clark Dawson, 13
Jehue Dawson, 11
Susanna Dawson, 8
Rabecca Dawson, 6
Abraham Dawson, 1
[Nativity not indicated.]
Mercer Dawson died on September 6, 1851 in Pennsylvania and his earthly remains were laid to rest in Newtown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Casander, now a widow with 8 children in her household, three under the age of 10, is believed to have moved briefly back to her roots in Monongalia County, Virginia before making the decision to move west. Sometime in the 1850's, she moved the family west to Illinois, where they settled in Bureau County, Illinois as she is believed to have come directly from Virginia to Illinois when this move was made. They are found there at the time of the 1860 census;
1860 Federal Census, Arispie Twp., Bureau Co., IL
Cassander Dawson, 52, Virginia
John Dawson, 27, PA, Farmer
Jehu L. Dawson, 19, PA
Susan Dawson, 17, PA
Rebecca R. Dawson, 14, PA
Abram Dawson, 11, PA
Casander spent the last years of her life in Senachwine Township. Casander (Henkins) Dawson died in Putnam County on January 5, 1894 and her earthly remains were laid to rest in the Putnam Cemetery, Putnam, Putnam County, Illinois. Mercer, who is listed on her stone, is listed as being buried in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
On August 14, 1862, Jehu L. Dawson and his next oldest brother, Clark M. Dawson, came into Henry, Illinois in Marshall County where they volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in the Henry, Illinois area of Marshall County, by a man by the name of Elias C. Brearley. At the time they volunteered Jehu and Clark listed Snatchwine Township in Putnam County as their place of residence.
Illinois State Archives
Illinois Civil War Detail Report
Name DAWSON, JEHU L Rank PVT
Company B Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence SNATCHWINE, PUTNAM CO, IL
Age 22 Height 5' 11
Hair DARK Eyes HAZEL
Complexion LIGHT
Marital Status SINGLE
Occupation FARMER
Nativity VA
Service Record
Joined When AUG 14, 1862
Joined Where MARSHALL CO, IL
Joined By Whom CPT BREASLEY
Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862
Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom
Muster Out JUN 6, 1865
Muster Out Where WASHINGTON, DC
Muster Out By Whom LT SCROGGS
Remarks
When Brearley had about 100 volunteers, he led the Marshall County company into Peoria where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, Brearley and 88 of his volunteers, including now Privates Clark M. Dawson and Jehu L. Dawson, were mustered into service as Co. B of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Brearley was elected Captain of Co. B.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois marched out the gates of Camp Lyon, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, and boarded trains bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana, located across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky. Three weeks later, the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade in the Union Army commanded by General Buell, in pursuit of Confederate troops under the command of General Braxton Bragg. 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 in the years 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.
For much of their time in service, the new troops had difficulty with the new diet and lifestyle. Army life was not always conducive to good health. Private Clark M. Dawson is believed to have struggled with his health in the service, perhaps a little more than most. He is believed to have spent much of his time in Nashville in the hospitals. What ever his issues, the army doctors apparently made the decision in the spring of 1863 that Private Clark M. Dawson was not cut out for life in the army at this time. So, on May 25, 1863, Private Clark M. Dawson was honorably discharged from the service from an army hospital in Nashville, Tennessee and sent home in hopes that he could regain his health.
For the next two years, Private Jehu L. Dawson served on faithfully in Co. B as the men of the 86th served in Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. During this time, Jehu 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 Chicakamauga, Georgia; Resaca, Georgia; Rome, Georgia; Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia and Peach Tree Creek, Georgia, Jonesboro, Georgia, Averasborough, North Carolina and Bentonville, North Carolina and marched with Sherman on his infamous "March to the Sea."
After the war came to a close, the men of McCook's Brigade marched on to Washington City (now D.C.) where in May, they marched down Pennsylvania Avenue on the 2nd day of the Grand Review. The surviving members of the 86th were mustered out of the service there in Washington on June 6, 1865. They were soon on a train bound for Chicago, Illinois, where they received their final pay and were discharged from the service. By the end of June of 1865, the surviving members of the 86th were back home with their families in Central Illinois again.
It is recorded in Illinois State Marriage records that J. L. Dawson was married to Mary Thomas Johnson in Bureau County, Illinois on November 10, 1877 in Whitefield Township in the Methodist Church, the Rev. R. N. Morse, officiating.
Mary Thomas Johnson was born on __________ __, 1849 in __________, Virginia, the daughter of __________ Johnson and __________ (__________) Johnson.
Six children were born to Jehu and Mary. They are;
1. Viola Dawson, born __________ __, 1878 in Illinois. Viola was married to Harry R. Finley on October 12, 1899 in Bureau County, Illinois.
The children born to Viola and Harry include;
A. Gladys Finley, born c. 1901/02 in Illinois.
B. Elsie Finley, born c. 1905/06 in Illinois.
C. Marion Finley, born c. 1912/13 in Illinois.
D. Virginia Finley, born c. 1914/15 in Illinois.
E. Howard R. Finley, born December 20, 1919 in Illinois. Howard died on March 15, 1998 and his mortal remains were laid in the Restland Memorial Park in Dallas, Dallas County, Texas. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 61096269.
At the time of the 1910 census, Viola and her family are found in Senachwine, Putnam County, Illinois;
Harry Finley Head M 34 Illinois
Viola Finley Wife F 32 Illinois
Gladys Finley Daughter F 8 Illinois
Elsie Finley Daughter F 4 Illinois
John Botel Servant M 30 Germany
At the time of the 1920 census, the Finleys are found in Wheatland, Bureau County, Illinois;
Harry Finley Head M 44 Illinois
Viola Finley Wife F 41 Illinois
Liady Finley Daughter F 17 Illinois
Elsie Finley Daughter F 13 Illinois
Marion Finley Daughter F 7 Illinois
Virginia Finley Daughter F 5 Illinois
Howard R Finley Son M 0 Illinois
At the time of the 1930 census, the Finleys are found in Whitefield, Marshall County, Illinois;
Harry Finley Head M 54 Illinois
Viola Finley Wife F 52 Illinois
Marion Finley Daughter F 18 Illinois
Virginia Finley Daughter F 15 Illinois
Howard Finley Son M 10 Illinois
At the time of the 1940 census, Viola and her family are found in the village of Tiskilwa, Indiantown Township, Bureau County, Illinois;
Harry Finley Head M 64 Illinois
Viola Finley Wife F 62 Illinois
Howard Finley Son M 20 Illinois
Viola died on __________ __, 1968. Their earthly remains are buried in the Putnam Cemetery in Putnam, Illinois.
2. Ida Dawson, born __________ __, 1881; married to Elton Anderson; they were residing in Dover, Illinois in Bureau County in 1922; Ida is believed to have died in 1956.
3. Curtis Lamoine Dawson, born __________ __, 1885; died __________ __, 1965; buried in the Putnam Cemetery.
4. Lora Dawson, born __________ __, 1888; died on __________ __, 1894 at the age of six; buried in the Putnam Cemetery.
5. Darlene Dawson, born __________ __, 1892; never married; died on __________ __, 1959; buried in the Putnam Cemetery.
6. Olive Dawson, born __________ __, 1895; died on __________ __, 1975.
In the 1880 census, Jehu and his wife, Mary, are found residing in Wheatland Township, Bureau County, Illinois;
Jehu L. Dawson, self, age 39, Married, Farmer, born in Virginia
Mary L. Dawson, wife, age 30, born in Virginia
Viola Dawson, daughter, age 2, born in Illinois
George Freer, nephew, age 4, born in Illinois
Frederick Hayline, other, age 15, born in Illinois
Rabert Harney, other, age 22, born in Illinois
Cary Fosdick, other, age 43, born in New York
In 1887, the surviving members of the 86th Illinois held a reunion over the August 27, 1887 time period, the 25th Anniversary of the mustering in of the 86th. Jehu was not able to attend this first reunion, but for the next 36 years, reunions were held in Peoria, Illinois every year over that August 27th anniversary. The first reunion that Jehu was able to attend was the 1889 reunion. Thirteen members of Co. B attended that reunion. During the following years, Jehu attended nine more reunions, the last being the 1915 reunion.
Jehu and Mary remained in Bureau County until about 1912, when they moved into Putnam, Illinois in Putnam County. They resided there the remainder of their lives. Mary T. (Johnson) Dawson died there on __________ __, 1919. Her mortal remains were laid to rest in the Putnam Cemetery in Putnam, Putnam County, Illinois.
Jehu L. Dawson is found residing with a daughter in Senatchwine, Putnam Co., IL in 1920 where he died in 1922 of cancer. Private Jehu L. Dawson died in his home in Putnam, Illinois on November 21, 1922. Upon his passing the HENRY NEWS REPUBLICAN newspaper published the following obituary in it's November 23, 1922 edition;
"Jehu L. Dawson passed his life at his home in Putnam, November 21, 1922, at 4:15 a.m. at the age of 82 years, 4 months, and 17 days. He was born in West Virginia and in early manhood came to Illinois and settled in Wheatland township, Bureau county. In 1861 (actually 1862) he enlisted in the 86th regiment, Illinois volunteers and served his country for four years.
Forty-seven years ago the 10th of this month, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary T. Johnson. To this union was born six children, one daughter died at the age of six; the remaining are Mrs. Harry Finley of Wheatland township, who lives on the old homestead; Mrs. Elton Anderson of Dover, Bureau county; Curtis of Princeton, Ill.; Olive and Darline of Putnam.
Three years ago the 7th of October, Mrs. Dawson was taken by death. He also leaves one brother and two sisters, Abraham Dawson of Putnam, Mrs. Kate Headly of Pennsylvania and Mrs. Rebecca Thurston of Bureau, Illinois and George Freer of Streator, Illinois, who he cared for from childhood.
After being honorably discharged from the army he purchased land in Bureau county where he lived until 10 years ago when he moved to Putnam and where he has since made his home. Funeral services will be held this Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock, at the M. E. Church, conducted by Rev. W. H. Witter, assisted by Rev. Carpenter of Henry. His body will be laid to rest in Putnam cemetery beside his wife and daughter."
In the reunion booklet for the 1923 86th Illinois reunion, which proved to be the last reunion that was held by the surviving members of the 86th, Jehu L. Dawson's name appears along with eighteen other names of veterans of the 86th, who were known to have passed in the previous year.
by Baxter B. Fite III and Carol Dorward, of Washington, Illinois.
(Baxter would love to hear from anyone, especially descendants of the Dawson family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on Jehu L. Dawson and the Dawson family. Baxter would also love to see copies of any photographs of Jehu L. Dawson, which have survived the years, added to his Find A Grave site for all to see.)
Jehu Long Dawson is believed to have been born on July 4, 1839 or 1840 at __________, Virginia (now West Virginia), the son of Mercer Dawson and Casander (Henkins) Dawson, who were both born in Virginia. Mercer Dawson was born on April 5, 1807 in __________, Virginia, while Casander Henkins was born on November 11, 1809 in __________, Virginia. They are believed to have been married on June 5, 1828 in Monongalia County, Virginia. Shortly afterward they are believed to have moved to Greene County, Pennsylvania where they are found at the time of the 1830 census;
1830 Federal Census, Whiteley Twp., Greene Co., PA
Messer Dawson family composed of
1 male under 5
1 male 20 to 29
1 female 20 to 29
In all, at least ten children are believed to have been born to Mercer and Casander. They include;
1. Elijah Henkins Dawson, born June 25, 1829 in Pennsylvania; died on October 27, 1914 in Iowa; buried in the Greenbrier Cemetery, Cooper, Greene County, Iowa.
2. John Peter Dawson, born c. 1831 in Pennsylvania.
3. Sarah Jane Dawson, born June 18, 1832; married Adam Henkins; Sarah died on November 17, 1897; buried in the Putnam Cemetery in Putnam, Putnam County, Illinois.
4. Melinda (or Belinda) Ann Dawson, born c. 1833/37; believed to have died on __________ __, 1918.
5. Catherine Mary Dawson, born c. 1836 and who most likely died before 1850.
6. Clark Morris Dawson, born __________ __, 1838 in Virginia died on April 2, 1903 in Marshall County, Illinois; buried in the Henry City Cemetery in Henry, Marshall County, Illinois.
7. Jehu Long Dawson, born c. July 4, 1839/40.
8. Susannah Dawson, born c. 1842; Susannah is believed to have died on __________ __, 1918.
9. Rebecca Rachel Dawson, born c. 1846; believed to have died on __________ __, 1936.
10. Abraham Shriver Dawson, born c. February 6, 1850; died October 7, 1932; buried in the Putnam Cemetery in Putnam, Illinois.
In the 1830's, Mercer and Casander moved the family to Monongalia County, Virginia. They are found there in the 1840 census;
1840 Federal Census, West Monongalia, Monongalia, VA
Mecer Dawson family composed of
1 male under 5
1 male 5 to 9
1 male 10 to 14
1 male 30 to 39
1 female under 5
2 females 5 to 9
1 female 30 to 39
1 employed in agriculture
In the 1840's they returned to Greene County, Pennsylvania, where they are found at the time of the 1850 census;
1850 Federal Census, Whiteley Twp., Greene Co., PA
Messer Dawson, 43, Farmer
Casander Dawson, 41
Sarah Dawson, 18
Melindy Dawson, 17
John Dawson, 19, Laborer
Clark Dawson, 13
Jehue Dawson, 11
Susanna Dawson, 8
Rabecca Dawson, 6
Abraham Dawson, 1
[Nativity not indicated.]
Mercer Dawson died on September 6, 1851 in Pennsylvania and his earthly remains were laid to rest in Newtown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Casander, now a widow with 8 children in her household, three under the age of 10, is believed to have moved briefly back to her roots in Monongalia County, Virginia before making the decision to move west. Sometime in the 1850's, she moved the family west to Illinois, where they settled in Bureau County, Illinois as she is believed to have come directly from Virginia to Illinois when this move was made. They are found there at the time of the 1860 census;
1860 Federal Census, Arispie Twp., Bureau Co., IL
Cassander Dawson, 52, Virginia
John Dawson, 27, PA, Farmer
Jehu L. Dawson, 19, PA
Susan Dawson, 17, PA
Rebecca R. Dawson, 14, PA
Abram Dawson, 11, PA
Casander spent the last years of her life in Senachwine Township. Casander (Henkins) Dawson died in Putnam County on January 5, 1894 and her earthly remains were laid to rest in the Putnam Cemetery, Putnam, Putnam County, Illinois. Mercer, who is listed on her stone, is listed as being buried in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
On August 14, 1862, Jehu L. Dawson and his next oldest brother, Clark M. Dawson, came into Henry, Illinois in Marshall County where they volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in the Henry, Illinois area of Marshall County, by a man by the name of Elias C. Brearley. At the time they volunteered Jehu and Clark listed Snatchwine Township in Putnam County as their place of residence.
Illinois State Archives
Illinois Civil War Detail Report
Name DAWSON, JEHU L Rank PVT
Company B Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence SNATCHWINE, PUTNAM CO, IL
Age 22 Height 5' 11
Hair DARK Eyes HAZEL
Complexion LIGHT
Marital Status SINGLE
Occupation FARMER
Nativity VA
Service Record
Joined When AUG 14, 1862
Joined Where MARSHALL CO, IL
Joined By Whom CPT BREASLEY
Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862
Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom
Muster Out JUN 6, 1865
Muster Out Where WASHINGTON, DC
Muster Out By Whom LT SCROGGS
Remarks
When Brearley had about 100 volunteers, he led the Marshall County company into Peoria where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, Brearley and 88 of his volunteers, including now Privates Clark M. Dawson and Jehu L. Dawson, were mustered into service as Co. B of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Brearley was elected Captain of Co. B.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois marched out the gates of Camp Lyon, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, and boarded trains bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana, located across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky. Three weeks later, the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade in the Union Army commanded by General Buell, in pursuit of Confederate troops under the command of General Braxton Bragg. 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 in the years 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.
For much of their time in service, the new troops had difficulty with the new diet and lifestyle. Army life was not always conducive to good health. Private Clark M. Dawson is believed to have struggled with his health in the service, perhaps a little more than most. He is believed to have spent much of his time in Nashville in the hospitals. What ever his issues, the army doctors apparently made the decision in the spring of 1863 that Private Clark M. Dawson was not cut out for life in the army at this time. So, on May 25, 1863, Private Clark M. Dawson was honorably discharged from the service from an army hospital in Nashville, Tennessee and sent home in hopes that he could regain his health.
For the next two years, Private Jehu L. Dawson served on faithfully in Co. B as the men of the 86th served in Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. During this time, Jehu 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 Chicakamauga, Georgia; Resaca, Georgia; Rome, Georgia; Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia and Peach Tree Creek, Georgia, Jonesboro, Georgia, Averasborough, North Carolina and Bentonville, North Carolina and marched with Sherman on his infamous "March to the Sea."
After the war came to a close, the men of McCook's Brigade marched on to Washington City (now D.C.) where in May, they marched down Pennsylvania Avenue on the 2nd day of the Grand Review. The surviving members of the 86th were mustered out of the service there in Washington on June 6, 1865. They were soon on a train bound for Chicago, Illinois, where they received their final pay and were discharged from the service. By the end of June of 1865, the surviving members of the 86th were back home with their families in Central Illinois again.
It is recorded in Illinois State Marriage records that J. L. Dawson was married to Mary Thomas Johnson in Bureau County, Illinois on November 10, 1877 in Whitefield Township in the Methodist Church, the Rev. R. N. Morse, officiating.
Mary Thomas Johnson was born on __________ __, 1849 in __________, Virginia, the daughter of __________ Johnson and __________ (__________) Johnson.
Six children were born to Jehu and Mary. They are;
1. Viola Dawson, born __________ __, 1878 in Illinois. Viola was married to Harry R. Finley on October 12, 1899 in Bureau County, Illinois.
The children born to Viola and Harry include;
A. Gladys Finley, born c. 1901/02 in Illinois.
B. Elsie Finley, born c. 1905/06 in Illinois.
C. Marion Finley, born c. 1912/13 in Illinois.
D. Virginia Finley, born c. 1914/15 in Illinois.
E. Howard R. Finley, born December 20, 1919 in Illinois. Howard died on March 15, 1998 and his mortal remains were laid in the Restland Memorial Park in Dallas, Dallas County, Texas. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 61096269.
At the time of the 1910 census, Viola and her family are found in Senachwine, Putnam County, Illinois;
Harry Finley Head M 34 Illinois
Viola Finley Wife F 32 Illinois
Gladys Finley Daughter F 8 Illinois
Elsie Finley Daughter F 4 Illinois
John Botel Servant M 30 Germany
At the time of the 1920 census, the Finleys are found in Wheatland, Bureau County, Illinois;
Harry Finley Head M 44 Illinois
Viola Finley Wife F 41 Illinois
Liady Finley Daughter F 17 Illinois
Elsie Finley Daughter F 13 Illinois
Marion Finley Daughter F 7 Illinois
Virginia Finley Daughter F 5 Illinois
Howard R Finley Son M 0 Illinois
At the time of the 1930 census, the Finleys are found in Whitefield, Marshall County, Illinois;
Harry Finley Head M 54 Illinois
Viola Finley Wife F 52 Illinois
Marion Finley Daughter F 18 Illinois
Virginia Finley Daughter F 15 Illinois
Howard Finley Son M 10 Illinois
At the time of the 1940 census, Viola and her family are found in the village of Tiskilwa, Indiantown Township, Bureau County, Illinois;
Harry Finley Head M 64 Illinois
Viola Finley Wife F 62 Illinois
Howard Finley Son M 20 Illinois
Viola died on __________ __, 1968. Their earthly remains are buried in the Putnam Cemetery in Putnam, Illinois.
2. Ida Dawson, born __________ __, 1881; married to Elton Anderson; they were residing in Dover, Illinois in Bureau County in 1922; Ida is believed to have died in 1956.
3. Curtis Lamoine Dawson, born __________ __, 1885; died __________ __, 1965; buried in the Putnam Cemetery.
4. Lora Dawson, born __________ __, 1888; died on __________ __, 1894 at the age of six; buried in the Putnam Cemetery.
5. Darlene Dawson, born __________ __, 1892; never married; died on __________ __, 1959; buried in the Putnam Cemetery.
6. Olive Dawson, born __________ __, 1895; died on __________ __, 1975.
In the 1880 census, Jehu and his wife, Mary, are found residing in Wheatland Township, Bureau County, Illinois;
Jehu L. Dawson, self, age 39, Married, Farmer, born in Virginia
Mary L. Dawson, wife, age 30, born in Virginia
Viola Dawson, daughter, age 2, born in Illinois
George Freer, nephew, age 4, born in Illinois
Frederick Hayline, other, age 15, born in Illinois
Rabert Harney, other, age 22, born in Illinois
Cary Fosdick, other, age 43, born in New York
In 1887, the surviving members of the 86th Illinois held a reunion over the August 27, 1887 time period, the 25th Anniversary of the mustering in of the 86th. Jehu was not able to attend this first reunion, but for the next 36 years, reunions were held in Peoria, Illinois every year over that August 27th anniversary. The first reunion that Jehu was able to attend was the 1889 reunion. Thirteen members of Co. B attended that reunion. During the following years, Jehu attended nine more reunions, the last being the 1915 reunion.
Jehu and Mary remained in Bureau County until about 1912, when they moved into Putnam, Illinois in Putnam County. They resided there the remainder of their lives. Mary T. (Johnson) Dawson died there on __________ __, 1919. Her mortal remains were laid to rest in the Putnam Cemetery in Putnam, Putnam County, Illinois.
Jehu L. Dawson is found residing with a daughter in Senatchwine, Putnam Co., IL in 1920 where he died in 1922 of cancer. Private Jehu L. Dawson died in his home in Putnam, Illinois on November 21, 1922. Upon his passing the HENRY NEWS REPUBLICAN newspaper published the following obituary in it's November 23, 1922 edition;
"Jehu L. Dawson passed his life at his home in Putnam, November 21, 1922, at 4:15 a.m. at the age of 82 years, 4 months, and 17 days. He was born in West Virginia and in early manhood came to Illinois and settled in Wheatland township, Bureau county. In 1861 (actually 1862) he enlisted in the 86th regiment, Illinois volunteers and served his country for four years.
Forty-seven years ago the 10th of this month, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary T. Johnson. To this union was born six children, one daughter died at the age of six; the remaining are Mrs. Harry Finley of Wheatland township, who lives on the old homestead; Mrs. Elton Anderson of Dover, Bureau county; Curtis of Princeton, Ill.; Olive and Darline of Putnam.
Three years ago the 7th of October, Mrs. Dawson was taken by death. He also leaves one brother and two sisters, Abraham Dawson of Putnam, Mrs. Kate Headly of Pennsylvania and Mrs. Rebecca Thurston of Bureau, Illinois and George Freer of Streator, Illinois, who he cared for from childhood.
After being honorably discharged from the army he purchased land in Bureau county where he lived until 10 years ago when he moved to Putnam and where he has since made his home. Funeral services will be held this Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock, at the M. E. Church, conducted by Rev. W. H. Witter, assisted by Rev. Carpenter of Henry. His body will be laid to rest in Putnam cemetery beside his wife and daughter."
In the reunion booklet for the 1923 86th Illinois reunion, which proved to be the last reunion that was held by the surviving members of the 86th, Jehu L. Dawson's name appears along with eighteen other names of veterans of the 86th, who were known to have passed in the previous year.
by Baxter B. Fite III and Carol Dorward, of Washington, Illinois.
(Baxter would love to hear from anyone, especially descendants of the Dawson family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on Jehu L. Dawson and the Dawson family. Baxter would also love to see copies of any photographs of Jehu L. Dawson, which have survived the years, added to his Find A Grave site for all to see.)
Private JEHU LONG DAWSON, Co. B, 86th Illinois
Jehu Long Dawson is believed to have been born on July 4, 1839 or 1840 at __________, Virginia (now West Virginia), the son of Mercer Dawson and Casander (Henkins) Dawson, who were both born in Virginia. Mercer Dawson was born on April 5, 1807 in __________, Virginia, while Casander Henkins was born on November 11, 1809 in __________, Virginia. They are believed to have been married on June 5, 1828 in Monongalia County, Virginia. Shortly afterward they are believed to have moved to Greene County, Pennsylvania where they are found at the time of the 1830 census;
1830 Federal Census, Whiteley Twp., Greene Co., PA
Messer Dawson family composed of
1 male under 5
1 male 20 to 29
1 female 20 to 29
In all, at least ten children are believed to have been born to Mercer and Casander. They include;
1. Elijah Henkins Dawson, born June 25, 1829 in Pennsylvania; died on October 27, 1914 in Iowa; buried in the Greenbrier Cemetery, Cooper, Greene County, Iowa.
2. John Peter Dawson, born c. 1831 in Pennsylvania.
3. Sarah Jane Dawson, born June 18, 1832; married Adam Henkins; Sarah died on November 17, 1897; buried in the Putnam Cemetery in Putnam, Putnam County, Illinois.
4. Melinda (or Belinda) Ann Dawson, born c. 1833/37; believed to have died on __________ __, 1918.
5. Catherine Mary Dawson, born c. 1836 and who most likely died before 1850.
6. Clark Morris Dawson, born __________ __, 1838 in Virginia died on April 2, 1903 in Marshall County, Illinois; buried in the Henry City Cemetery in Henry, Marshall County, Illinois.
7. Jehu Long Dawson, born c. July 4, 1839/40.
8. Susannah Dawson, born c. 1842; Susannah is believed to have died on __________ __, 1918.
9. Rebecca Rachel Dawson, born c. 1846; believed to have died on __________ __, 1936.
10. Abraham Shriver Dawson, born c. February 6, 1850; died October 7, 1932; buried in the Putnam Cemetery in Putnam, Illinois.
In the 1830's, Mercer and Casander moved the family to Monongalia County, Virginia. They are found there in the 1840 census;
1840 Federal Census, West Monongalia, Monongalia, VA
Mecer Dawson family composed of
1 male under 5
1 male 5 to 9
1 male 10 to 14
1 male 30 to 39
1 female under 5
2 females 5 to 9
1 female 30 to 39
1 employed in agriculture
In the 1840's they returned to Greene County, Pennsylvania, where they are found at the time of the 1850 census;
1850 Federal Census, Whiteley Twp., Greene Co., PA
Messer Dawson, 43, Farmer
Casander Dawson, 41
Sarah Dawson, 18
Melindy Dawson, 17
John Dawson, 19, Laborer
Clark Dawson, 13
Jehue Dawson, 11
Susanna Dawson, 8
Rabecca Dawson, 6
Abraham Dawson, 1
[Nativity not indicated.]
Mercer Dawson died on September 6, 1851 in Pennsylvania and his earthly remains were laid to rest in Newtown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Casander, now a widow with 8 children in her household, three under the age of 10, is believed to have moved briefly back to her roots in Monongalia County, Virginia before making the decision to move west. Sometime in the 1850's, she moved the family west to Illinois, where they settled in Bureau County, Illinois as she is believed to have come directly from Virginia to Illinois when this move was made. They are found there at the time of the 1860 census;
1860 Federal Census, Arispie Twp., Bureau Co., IL
Cassander Dawson, 52, Virginia
John Dawson, 27, PA, Farmer
Jehu L. Dawson, 19, PA
Susan Dawson, 17, PA
Rebecca R. Dawson, 14, PA
Abram Dawson, 11, PA
Casander spent the last years of her life in Senachwine Township. Casander (Henkins) Dawson died in Putnam County on January 5, 1894 and her earthly remains were laid to rest in the Putnam Cemetery, Putnam, Putnam County, Illinois. Mercer, who is listed on her stone, is listed as being buried in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
On August 14, 1862, Jehu L. Dawson and his next oldest brother, Clark M. Dawson, came into Henry, Illinois in Marshall County where they volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in the Henry, Illinois area of Marshall County, by a man by the name of Elias C. Brearley. At the time they volunteered Jehu and Clark listed Snatchwine Township in Putnam County as their place of residence.
Illinois State Archives
Illinois Civil War Detail Report
Name DAWSON, JEHU L Rank PVT
Company B Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence SNATCHWINE, PUTNAM CO, IL
Age 22 Height 5' 11
Hair DARK Eyes HAZEL
Complexion LIGHT
Marital Status SINGLE
Occupation FARMER
Nativity VA
Service Record
Joined When AUG 14, 1862
Joined Where MARSHALL CO, IL
Joined By Whom CPT BREASLEY
Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862
Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom
Muster Out JUN 6, 1865
Muster Out Where WASHINGTON, DC
Muster Out By Whom LT SCROGGS
Remarks
When Brearley had about 100 volunteers, he led the Marshall County company into Peoria where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, Brearley and 88 of his volunteers, including now Privates Clark M. Dawson and Jehu L. Dawson, were mustered into service as Co. B of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Brearley was elected Captain of Co. B.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois marched out the gates of Camp Lyon, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, and boarded trains bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana, located across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky. Three weeks later, the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade in the Union Army commanded by General Buell, in pursuit of Confederate troops under the command of General Braxton Bragg. 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 in the years 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.
For much of their time in service, the new troops had difficulty with the new diet and lifestyle. Army life was not always conducive to good health. Private Clark M. Dawson is believed to have struggled with his health in the service, perhaps a little more than most. He is believed to have spent much of his time in Nashville in the hospitals. What ever his issues, the army doctors apparently made the decision in the spring of 1863 that Private Clark M. Dawson was not cut out for life in the army at this time. So, on May 25, 1863, Private Clark M. Dawson was honorably discharged from the service from an army hospital in Nashville, Tennessee and sent home in hopes that he could regain his health.
For the next two years, Private Jehu L. Dawson served on faithfully in Co. B as the men of the 86th served in Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. During this time, Jehu 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 Chicakamauga, Georgia; Resaca, Georgia; Rome, Georgia; Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia and Peach Tree Creek, Georgia, Jonesboro, Georgia, Averasborough, North Carolina and Bentonville, North Carolina and marched with Sherman on his infamous "March to the Sea."
After the war came to a close, the men of McCook's Brigade marched on to Washington City (now D.C.) where in May, they marched down Pennsylvania Avenue on the 2nd day of the Grand Review. The surviving members of the 86th were mustered out of the service there in Washington on June 6, 1865. They were soon on a train bound for Chicago, Illinois, where they received their final pay and were discharged from the service. By the end of June of 1865, the surviving members of the 86th were back home with their families in Central Illinois again.
It is recorded in Illinois State Marriage records that J. L. Dawson was married to Mary Thomas Johnson in Bureau County, Illinois on November 10, 1877 in Whitefield Township in the Methodist Church, the Rev. R. N. Morse, officiating.
Mary Thomas Johnson was born on __________ __, 1849 in __________, Virginia, the daughter of __________ Johnson and __________ (__________) Johnson.
Six children were born to Jehu and Mary. They are;
1. Viola Dawson, born __________ __, 1878 in Illinois. Viola was married to Harry R. Finley on October 12, 1899 in Bureau County, Illinois.
The children born to Viola and Harry include;
A. Gladys Finley, born c. 1901/02 in Illinois.
B. Elsie Finley, born c. 1905/06 in Illinois.
C. Marion Finley, born c. 1912/13 in Illinois.
D. Virginia Finley, born c. 1914/15 in Illinois.
E. Howard R. Finley, born December 20, 1919 in Illinois. Howard died on March 15, 1998 and his mortal remains were laid in the Restland Memorial Park in Dallas, Dallas County, Texas. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 61096269.
At the time of the 1910 census, Viola and her family are found in Senachwine, Putnam County, Illinois;
Harry Finley Head M 34 Illinois
Viola Finley Wife F 32 Illinois
Gladys Finley Daughter F 8 Illinois
Elsie Finley Daughter F 4 Illinois
John Botel Servant M 30 Germany
At the time of the 1920 census, the Finleys are found in Wheatland, Bureau County, Illinois;
Harry Finley Head M 44 Illinois
Viola Finley Wife F 41 Illinois
Liady Finley Daughter F 17 Illinois
Elsie Finley Daughter F 13 Illinois
Marion Finley Daughter F 7 Illinois
Virginia Finley Daughter F 5 Illinois
Howard R Finley Son M 0 Illinois
At the time of the 1930 census, the Finleys are found in Whitefield, Marshall County, Illinois;
Harry Finley Head M 54 Illinois
Viola Finley Wife F 52 Illinois
Marion Finley Daughter F 18 Illinois
Virginia Finley Daughter F 15 Illinois
Howard Finley Son M 10 Illinois
At the time of the 1940 census, Viola and her family are found in the village of Tiskilwa, Indiantown Township, Bureau County, Illinois;
Harry Finley Head M 64 Illinois
Viola Finley Wife F 62 Illinois
Howard Finley Son M 20 Illinois
Viola died on __________ __, 1968. Their earthly remains are buried in the Putnam Cemetery in Putnam, Illinois.
2. Ida Dawson, born __________ __, 1881; married to Elton Anderson; they were residing in Dover, Illinois in Bureau County in 1922; Ida is believed to have died in 1956.
3. Curtis Lamoine Dawson, born __________ __, 1885; died __________ __, 1965; buried in the Putnam Cemetery.
4. Lora Dawson, born __________ __, 1888; died on __________ __, 1894 at the age of six; buried in the Putnam Cemetery.
5. Darlene Dawson, born __________ __, 1892; never married; died on __________ __, 1959; buried in the Putnam Cemetery.
6. Olive Dawson, born __________ __, 1895; died on __________ __, 1975.
In the 1880 census, Jehu and his wife, Mary, are found residing in Wheatland Township, Bureau County, Illinois;
Jehu L. Dawson, self, age 39, Married, Farmer, born in Virginia
Mary L. Dawson, wife, age 30, born in Virginia
Viola Dawson, daughter, age 2, born in Illinois
George Freer, nephew, age 4, born in Illinois
Frederick Hayline, other, age 15, born in Illinois
Rabert Harney, other, age 22, born in Illinois
Cary Fosdick, other, age 43, born in New York
In 1887, the surviving members of the 86th Illinois held a reunion over the August 27, 1887 time period, the 25th Anniversary of the mustering in of the 86th. Jehu was not able to attend this first reunion, but for the next 36 years, reunions were held in Peoria, Illinois every year over that August 27th anniversary. The first reunion that Jehu was able to attend was the 1889 reunion. Thirteen members of Co. B attended that reunion. During the following years, Jehu attended nine more reunions, the last being the 1915 reunion.
Jehu and Mary remained in Bureau County until about 1912, when they moved into Putnam, Illinois in Putnam County. They resided there the remainder of their lives. Mary T. (Johnson) Dawson died there on __________ __, 1919. Her mortal remains were laid to rest in the Putnam Cemetery in Putnam, Putnam County, Illinois.
Jehu L. Dawson is found residing with a daughter in Senatchwine, Putnam Co., IL in 1920 where he died in 1922 of cancer. Private Jehu L. Dawson died in his home in Putnam, Illinois on November 21, 1922. Upon his passing the HENRY NEWS REPUBLICAN newspaper published the following obituary in it's November 23, 1922 edition;
"Jehu L. Dawson passed his life at his home in Putnam, November 21, 1922, at 4:15 a.m. at the age of 82 years, 4 months, and 17 days. He was born in West Virginia and in early manhood came to Illinois and settled in Wheatland township, Bureau county. In 1861 (actually 1862) he enlisted in the 86th regiment, Illinois volunteers and served his country for four years.
Forty-seven years ago the 10th of this month, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary T. Johnson. To this union was born six children, one daughter died at the age of six; the remaining are Mrs. Harry Finley of Wheatland township, who lives on the old homestead; Mrs. Elton Anderson of Dover, Bureau county; Curtis of Princeton, Ill.; Olive and Darline of Putnam.
Three years ago the 7th of October, Mrs. Dawson was taken by death. He also leaves one brother and two sisters, Abraham Dawson of Putnam, Mrs. Kate Headly of Pennsylvania and Mrs. Rebecca Thurston of Bureau, Illinois and George Freer of Streator, Illinois, who he cared for from childhood.
After being honorably discharged from the army he purchased land in Bureau county where he lived until 10 years ago when he moved to Putnam and where he has since made his home. Funeral services will be held this Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock, at the M. E. Church, conducted by Rev. W. H. Witter, assisted by Rev. Carpenter of Henry. His body will be laid to rest in Putnam cemetery beside his wife and daughter."
In the reunion booklet for the 1923 86th Illinois reunion, which proved to be the last reunion that was held by the surviving members of the 86th, Jehu L. Dawson's name appears along with eighteen other names of veterans of the 86th, who were known to have passed in the previous year.
by Baxter B. Fite III and Carol Dorward, of Washington, Illinois.
(Baxter would love to hear from anyone, especially descendants of the Dawson family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on Jehu L. Dawson and the Dawson family. Baxter would also love to see copies of any photographs of Jehu L. Dawson, which have survived the years, added to his Find A Grave site for all to see.)
Jehu Long Dawson is believed to have been born on July 4, 1839 or 1840 at __________, Virginia (now West Virginia), the son of Mercer Dawson and Casander (Henkins) Dawson, who were both born in Virginia. Mercer Dawson was born on April 5, 1807 in __________, Virginia, while Casander Henkins was born on November 11, 1809 in __________, Virginia. They are believed to have been married on June 5, 1828 in Monongalia County, Virginia. Shortly afterward they are believed to have moved to Greene County, Pennsylvania where they are found at the time of the 1830 census;
1830 Federal Census, Whiteley Twp., Greene Co., PA
Messer Dawson family composed of
1 male under 5
1 male 20 to 29
1 female 20 to 29
In all, at least ten children are believed to have been born to Mercer and Casander. They include;
1. Elijah Henkins Dawson, born June 25, 1829 in Pennsylvania; died on October 27, 1914 in Iowa; buried in the Greenbrier Cemetery, Cooper, Greene County, Iowa.
2. John Peter Dawson, born c. 1831 in Pennsylvania.
3. Sarah Jane Dawson, born June 18, 1832; married Adam Henkins; Sarah died on November 17, 1897; buried in the Putnam Cemetery in Putnam, Putnam County, Illinois.
4. Melinda (or Belinda) Ann Dawson, born c. 1833/37; believed to have died on __________ __, 1918.
5. Catherine Mary Dawson, born c. 1836 and who most likely died before 1850.
6. Clark Morris Dawson, born __________ __, 1838 in Virginia died on April 2, 1903 in Marshall County, Illinois; buried in the Henry City Cemetery in Henry, Marshall County, Illinois.
7. Jehu Long Dawson, born c. July 4, 1839/40.
8. Susannah Dawson, born c. 1842; Susannah is believed to have died on __________ __, 1918.
9. Rebecca Rachel Dawson, born c. 1846; believed to have died on __________ __, 1936.
10. Abraham Shriver Dawson, born c. February 6, 1850; died October 7, 1932; buried in the Putnam Cemetery in Putnam, Illinois.
In the 1830's, Mercer and Casander moved the family to Monongalia County, Virginia. They are found there in the 1840 census;
1840 Federal Census, West Monongalia, Monongalia, VA
Mecer Dawson family composed of
1 male under 5
1 male 5 to 9
1 male 10 to 14
1 male 30 to 39
1 female under 5
2 females 5 to 9
1 female 30 to 39
1 employed in agriculture
In the 1840's they returned to Greene County, Pennsylvania, where they are found at the time of the 1850 census;
1850 Federal Census, Whiteley Twp., Greene Co., PA
Messer Dawson, 43, Farmer
Casander Dawson, 41
Sarah Dawson, 18
Melindy Dawson, 17
John Dawson, 19, Laborer
Clark Dawson, 13
Jehue Dawson, 11
Susanna Dawson, 8
Rabecca Dawson, 6
Abraham Dawson, 1
[Nativity not indicated.]
Mercer Dawson died on September 6, 1851 in Pennsylvania and his earthly remains were laid to rest in Newtown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Casander, now a widow with 8 children in her household, three under the age of 10, is believed to have moved briefly back to her roots in Monongalia County, Virginia before making the decision to move west. Sometime in the 1850's, she moved the family west to Illinois, where they settled in Bureau County, Illinois as she is believed to have come directly from Virginia to Illinois when this move was made. They are found there at the time of the 1860 census;
1860 Federal Census, Arispie Twp., Bureau Co., IL
Cassander Dawson, 52, Virginia
John Dawson, 27, PA, Farmer
Jehu L. Dawson, 19, PA
Susan Dawson, 17, PA
Rebecca R. Dawson, 14, PA
Abram Dawson, 11, PA
Casander spent the last years of her life in Senachwine Township. Casander (Henkins) Dawson died in Putnam County on January 5, 1894 and her earthly remains were laid to rest in the Putnam Cemetery, Putnam, Putnam County, Illinois. Mercer, who is listed on her stone, is listed as being buried in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
On August 14, 1862, Jehu L. Dawson and his next oldest brother, Clark M. Dawson, came into Henry, Illinois in Marshall County where they volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in the Henry, Illinois area of Marshall County, by a man by the name of Elias C. Brearley. At the time they volunteered Jehu and Clark listed Snatchwine Township in Putnam County as their place of residence.
Illinois State Archives
Illinois Civil War Detail Report
Name DAWSON, JEHU L Rank PVT
Company B Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence SNATCHWINE, PUTNAM CO, IL
Age 22 Height 5' 11
Hair DARK Eyes HAZEL
Complexion LIGHT
Marital Status SINGLE
Occupation FARMER
Nativity VA
Service Record
Joined When AUG 14, 1862
Joined Where MARSHALL CO, IL
Joined By Whom CPT BREASLEY
Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862
Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom
Muster Out JUN 6, 1865
Muster Out Where WASHINGTON, DC
Muster Out By Whom LT SCROGGS
Remarks
When Brearley had about 100 volunteers, he led the Marshall County company into Peoria where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, Brearley and 88 of his volunteers, including now Privates Clark M. Dawson and Jehu L. Dawson, were mustered into service as Co. B of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Brearley was elected Captain of Co. B.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois marched out the gates of Camp Lyon, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, and boarded trains bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana, located across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky. Three weeks later, the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade in the Union Army commanded by General Buell, in pursuit of Confederate troops under the command of General Braxton Bragg. 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 in the years 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.
For much of their time in service, the new troops had difficulty with the new diet and lifestyle. Army life was not always conducive to good health. Private Clark M. Dawson is believed to have struggled with his health in the service, perhaps a little more than most. He is believed to have spent much of his time in Nashville in the hospitals. What ever his issues, the army doctors apparently made the decision in the spring of 1863 that Private Clark M. Dawson was not cut out for life in the army at this time. So, on May 25, 1863, Private Clark M. Dawson was honorably discharged from the service from an army hospital in Nashville, Tennessee and sent home in hopes that he could regain his health.
For the next two years, Private Jehu L. Dawson served on faithfully in Co. B as the men of the 86th served in Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. During this time, Jehu 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 Chicakamauga, Georgia; Resaca, Georgia; Rome, Georgia; Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia and Peach Tree Creek, Georgia, Jonesboro, Georgia, Averasborough, North Carolina and Bentonville, North Carolina and marched with Sherman on his infamous "March to the Sea."
After the war came to a close, the men of McCook's Brigade marched on to Washington City (now D.C.) where in May, they marched down Pennsylvania Avenue on the 2nd day of the Grand Review. The surviving members of the 86th were mustered out of the service there in Washington on June 6, 1865. They were soon on a train bound for Chicago, Illinois, where they received their final pay and were discharged from the service. By the end of June of 1865, the surviving members of the 86th were back home with their families in Central Illinois again.
It is recorded in Illinois State Marriage records that J. L. Dawson was married to Mary Thomas Johnson in Bureau County, Illinois on November 10, 1877 in Whitefield Township in the Methodist Church, the Rev. R. N. Morse, officiating.
Mary Thomas Johnson was born on __________ __, 1849 in __________, Virginia, the daughter of __________ Johnson and __________ (__________) Johnson.
Six children were born to Jehu and Mary. They are;
1. Viola Dawson, born __________ __, 1878 in Illinois. Viola was married to Harry R. Finley on October 12, 1899 in Bureau County, Illinois.
The children born to Viola and Harry include;
A. Gladys Finley, born c. 1901/02 in Illinois.
B. Elsie Finley, born c. 1905/06 in Illinois.
C. Marion Finley, born c. 1912/13 in Illinois.
D. Virginia Finley, born c. 1914/15 in Illinois.
E. Howard R. Finley, born December 20, 1919 in Illinois. Howard died on March 15, 1998 and his mortal remains were laid in the Restland Memorial Park in Dallas, Dallas County, Texas. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 61096269.
At the time of the 1910 census, Viola and her family are found in Senachwine, Putnam County, Illinois;
Harry Finley Head M 34 Illinois
Viola Finley Wife F 32 Illinois
Gladys Finley Daughter F 8 Illinois
Elsie Finley Daughter F 4 Illinois
John Botel Servant M 30 Germany
At the time of the 1920 census, the Finleys are found in Wheatland, Bureau County, Illinois;
Harry Finley Head M 44 Illinois
Viola Finley Wife F 41 Illinois
Liady Finley Daughter F 17 Illinois
Elsie Finley Daughter F 13 Illinois
Marion Finley Daughter F 7 Illinois
Virginia Finley Daughter F 5 Illinois
Howard R Finley Son M 0 Illinois
At the time of the 1930 census, the Finleys are found in Whitefield, Marshall County, Illinois;
Harry Finley Head M 54 Illinois
Viola Finley Wife F 52 Illinois
Marion Finley Daughter F 18 Illinois
Virginia Finley Daughter F 15 Illinois
Howard Finley Son M 10 Illinois
At the time of the 1940 census, Viola and her family are found in the village of Tiskilwa, Indiantown Township, Bureau County, Illinois;
Harry Finley Head M 64 Illinois
Viola Finley Wife F 62 Illinois
Howard Finley Son M 20 Illinois
Viola died on __________ __, 1968. Their earthly remains are buried in the Putnam Cemetery in Putnam, Illinois.
2. Ida Dawson, born __________ __, 1881; married to Elton Anderson; they were residing in Dover, Illinois in Bureau County in 1922; Ida is believed to have died in 1956.
3. Curtis Lamoine Dawson, born __________ __, 1885; died __________ __, 1965; buried in the Putnam Cemetery.
4. Lora Dawson, born __________ __, 1888; died on __________ __, 1894 at the age of six; buried in the Putnam Cemetery.
5. Darlene Dawson, born __________ __, 1892; never married; died on __________ __, 1959; buried in the Putnam Cemetery.
6. Olive Dawson, born __________ __, 1895; died on __________ __, 1975.
In the 1880 census, Jehu and his wife, Mary, are found residing in Wheatland Township, Bureau County, Illinois;
Jehu L. Dawson, self, age 39, Married, Farmer, born in Virginia
Mary L. Dawson, wife, age 30, born in Virginia
Viola Dawson, daughter, age 2, born in Illinois
George Freer, nephew, age 4, born in Illinois
Frederick Hayline, other, age 15, born in Illinois
Rabert Harney, other, age 22, born in Illinois
Cary Fosdick, other, age 43, born in New York
In 1887, the surviving members of the 86th Illinois held a reunion over the August 27, 1887 time period, the 25th Anniversary of the mustering in of the 86th. Jehu was not able to attend this first reunion, but for the next 36 years, reunions were held in Peoria, Illinois every year over that August 27th anniversary. The first reunion that Jehu was able to attend was the 1889 reunion. Thirteen members of Co. B attended that reunion. During the following years, Jehu attended nine more reunions, the last being the 1915 reunion.
Jehu and Mary remained in Bureau County until about 1912, when they moved into Putnam, Illinois in Putnam County. They resided there the remainder of their lives. Mary T. (Johnson) Dawson died there on __________ __, 1919. Her mortal remains were laid to rest in the Putnam Cemetery in Putnam, Putnam County, Illinois.
Jehu L. Dawson is found residing with a daughter in Senatchwine, Putnam Co., IL in 1920 where he died in 1922 of cancer. Private Jehu L. Dawson died in his home in Putnam, Illinois on November 21, 1922. Upon his passing the HENRY NEWS REPUBLICAN newspaper published the following obituary in it's November 23, 1922 edition;
"Jehu L. Dawson passed his life at his home in Putnam, November 21, 1922, at 4:15 a.m. at the age of 82 years, 4 months, and 17 days. He was born in West Virginia and in early manhood came to Illinois and settled in Wheatland township, Bureau county. In 1861 (actually 1862) he enlisted in the 86th regiment, Illinois volunteers and served his country for four years.
Forty-seven years ago the 10th of this month, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary T. Johnson. To this union was born six children, one daughter died at the age of six; the remaining are Mrs. Harry Finley of Wheatland township, who lives on the old homestead; Mrs. Elton Anderson of Dover, Bureau county; Curtis of Princeton, Ill.; Olive and Darline of Putnam.
Three years ago the 7th of October, Mrs. Dawson was taken by death. He also leaves one brother and two sisters, Abraham Dawson of Putnam, Mrs. Kate Headly of Pennsylvania and Mrs. Rebecca Thurston of Bureau, Illinois and George Freer of Streator, Illinois, who he cared for from childhood.
After being honorably discharged from the army he purchased land in Bureau county where he lived until 10 years ago when he moved to Putnam and where he has since made his home. Funeral services will be held this Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock, at the M. E. Church, conducted by Rev. W. H. Witter, assisted by Rev. Carpenter of Henry. His body will be laid to rest in Putnam cemetery beside his wife and daughter."
In the reunion booklet for the 1923 86th Illinois reunion, which proved to be the last reunion that was held by the surviving members of the 86th, Jehu L. Dawson's name appears along with eighteen other names of veterans of the 86th, who were known to have passed in the previous year.
by Baxter B. Fite III and Carol Dorward, of Washington, Illinois.
(Baxter would love to hear from anyone, especially descendants of the Dawson family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on Jehu L. Dawson and the Dawson family. Baxter would also love to see copies of any photographs of Jehu L. Dawson, which have survived the years, added to his Find A Grave site for all to see.)
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