War and Jail

James joined the 8th Regiment of the Illinois Volunteer Infantry in July of 1861. He began keeping a diary at at that time. His entries continue through the three years of his service, until he was mustered out of service at Springfield, Illinois in August of 1864. The diary entries continue for another 17 months, until December 31, 1865, providing insights into the life of a young farmer in central Illinois. 

Here is a week-by-week sampling of America's most turbulent years, written as it happened, unaided by the benefit of historical perspective. It is how people near Bloomington, Illinois, experienced the days, weeks and years of the Civil War.

Examines the extent of involvement of Black people from McLean County, Illinois in the Civil War. Previous research has indicated there were about 20 Black males from McLean County who enlisted in "colored regiments." This paper will show the number of Black males who enlisted during the war is probably closer to 39 and the number who died in battle or of disease totaled 13. After the war, at least 29 Black veterans who had served in a variety of regiments, moved into the county.

This book examines the Civil War through the points of view of local citizens, their opinions, and their involvement. And it presents how our ancestors in central Illinois participated in the nation's efforts to sustain the Union.

This account of the Old McLean County Courthouse will relate how this symbolic center of our community was imagined and built. It includes a history of the courthouse square and the buildings that preceded the Old Courthouse, architectural features of the interior and exterior, materials used, and technologies that keep the building warm, illuminated, and clocks on time.