Notes for Benjamin F. HOLDREN

Notes for Benjamin F. HOLDREN

SOURCE: Militay record. Patricia Morehouse, Barrington IL. 1984

Benjamin F. Holdren, Wagon Maker, Compton, was born in Cloumbia County, Penn in 1823. He resided in that state until he was 19 years of age, In the fall of 1841 he came to Milwaukee Wisconsin. At the time the populatin of that city numbered about 500 souls. He remained there until the following spring, when he together with two compaions walked to Chicago Illinois, a distance of ninety miles. While in Chicago he worked in the first Sash and Blind Factory erected in the city, which stood on South Water Street.

In 1850 he began working carpentering in the capacity of Contractor, and continued until 1862, when he enlisted in the 89th Illionis Infantry which Regiment took part in the great battles of Stone River, Mission Ridge, and others equally severe, and returned to the north crowned with laurels of a grateful nation. Mr. Holdren was discharged in April 1864, and returned to Melugin's Grove and began working at wagon making, which business he has followed. He was married in 1848 to Miss Zarah Cowen, a native of New Hampshire.

The following information was taken from "The Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois (edited by Newton Bateman and Paul Shelby) and History of Lee County (edited by A. C. Bardwell)" the book was published in 1904.

HOLDREN, BENJAMIN F., Contractor and Builder, Compton, Illinois, was born in Columbia County, Penn, January 1823, son of Edward and Abigal (Demott) Holdren, natives of New Jersey, who came to Chicago in 1842, removed from there to Rockford, Illinois and came to Lee County in 1845. Mr. Holdren has followed his trade for many years. In August 1962, he enlisted in Company I, Eighty-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry serving two years. In July, 1849, he married Zuyriah Cowan, and they are the parents of nine children - Edward, Frank, Clarance, Jerry, Charley, Benjamin, John G. (deceased), Donna, and Nellie. In political views Mr. Holdren is a Republican, has served several years as School Director, and three terms as a member of the G.A.R., and in religious belief is a Baptist.

CIVIL WAR PENSION INFORMATION

Benjamin F. Holdren Certificate # 198478
Mil Service: Pvt Co I 89th Rgmt, ILL Infantry.
Enrolled 12 Aug 1862 at Broklyn Chicago ILL.
Mustered in 25 Aug 1862 Compton ILL.
Enlisted 27 Aug 1862.
Discharged 15 Apr 1864 at Cattanooga Tenn
served in CO. "I" 89th ILL. until mid Dec
1863 when he was detached to serve in the
2nd Batt of the Pioneer Bgde stationed
Muffressboro Tenn. on 30 Apr 1863.
Stationed at Bridgeport AL. on 31 Oct 1863.

Contracted disease of eyes caused by exposure to heat and dust on 29 Jul 1863, near Murfreesboro Tenn, about 2 months after the battle of Stone River while working on the forts around that place, while working in the brush, his eyes became highly enflamed..... signed Samuel Comstock, Company Commander, granted furlough due to chronic conjunctivitis aggraated by granulated lids - Chatlanooga, Tenn 29 Jan 1964, "has been unable to perform duty for 6 months" Applied for invalid pension 24 Oct 1879. Vital Statistics: Born 10 Feb 1823 Mt. Pleasant, Columbia Co. Pa. Died 26 Jun 1907 Compton, Lee Co. ILL. Married Zarah Cowan 26 Jul 1848 in Chicago ILL. At age 58 height: 70 inches, weight: 190, complexion: dark At age 83 height: 68 inches, weight: 147, eyes blue, complesion: florid, Hair: gray.