John T. Hunt's Journal

As retyped by Lori A. Smith, from what may or may not have been the original manuscript, donated by Lola Novak
for Aleen LeMaster, a relation of Dr. Hunt. Dr. Hunt was born in 1844, an only child.
June, 1998

*Contributed by Lori A. Smith. Thanks, Lori!
This manuscript has been enhanced by graphics.

This touching Civil War remembrance gives us a fine history of Co. A of the IL 40th Volunteer Infantry. John T. Hunt paints an imposing picture of the hardships of the war and the heroic actions of many soldiers who served in Company A. His Civil War account tells the story of an honorable man who recreates his civil war service. As we take this journey with him, we come to know this man of faith and to realize his strength of character and bravery and that of his friends in Hamilton County who served with him as well.

Many Hamilton and Franklin County surnames are mentioned here, some of whom are: Atwood, Banes, Barnhill, Bosom, Carpenter, Casey, Cook, Cullins, Darnell, Duckworth, Fann, Flannigan, Hall, Hamilton, Hatchett, Hicks, Hunt, Ingram, Irvin, Johnson, Kelly, Knight, McLean, Miller, Moore, Page, Phillips, Pickerson, Pittman, Sims, Smith, Taylor, Townsend, Vise, Williams.

The "Five County History", by Goodspeed-1887, p. 708, gives Mr. Hunt's biography.

JOHN T. HUNT, M. D.

John T. Hunt, M. D., was born in 1844 in Hamilton County, Ill., and received his literary education principally at Benton. He has done for himself since thirteen, first as merchant's clerk until within about a year of the late war. In August, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, Fortieth Illinois Infantry, and was honorably discharged at Atlanta in September, 1864. He served as private and quartermaster's sergeant, and was at Shiloh, Vicksburg and Mission Ridge, where he was wounded by a pistol ball in the wrist, and with Sherman to Atlanta. Immediately after his discharge he returned to Hamilton County, where he farmed for seven years, and then attended a session of the medical college at Keokuk, Iowa. He then returned to Macedonia and began practice, and in 1877 began another course of lectures, graduated and again began practice. In 1880 he bought a farm of 130 acres in Knight's Prairie, Hamilton County, which is finely improved and cultivated. Since 1881, when he established his drug store, he has superintended his farm, run his store and practiced. In 1865 he married Sarah E., daughter of William and Nancy (Oglesby) Flannigan. Their children are Telitha, wife of T. J. Rogers; Julia, wife of James Shirley; Emma and Martha A. (deceased in infancy). His wife died in 1872. He next married Martha, daughter of Joshua and Sarah (Townsend) Morris. Their children are Casander (deceased), Flora, Lillie, Edgar E. and Goldie. This wife was born in February, 1848, in Hamilton County. From a penniless boy of thirteen, our subject has become a leading physician, and owner of one of the best farms in Hamilton County, a house a and a good stock of goods. Since 1882 he has been a postmaster, and is one of the "rascals" not yet "turned out". He fought for abolition, and is now a stanch Republican, first voting for Lincoln. Our subject is a member of Macedonia Lodge , I.O.O.F., and of the G. A. R. He, his wife, Telitha, and Julia are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, while Emma and Flora are Methodists.

This journal has been divided into parts for easier loading and viewing.