John WeeksCompany B, 115th Illinois Volunteer Infantry |
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1st Sgt. Weeks was a native of Illinois, having first seen the light near Greenville, Bond County, February 3, 1831. He was reared on a farm, where he received the education common to the young people of his vicinitv. In 1851 he began teaching school in Montgomery County, Ill. In June, 1860, he removed to Shelby County where he continued teaching until he enlisted. He efficiently assisted in organizing the company and was elected first sergeant. He was with his company in all its campaigns and battles, excepting the battle of Nashville. At Chickamauga he rendered valuable assistance to Captain Slocum in directing the movements of the company after Lieutenant Steen was wounded. Sergeant Weeks was the onlv one of his mess that passed through the battle unhurt. It was to Sergeant Weeks that General Steedman handed the regimental colors after carrying them only a few rods in that last charge at Chickamauga, and he carried them right bravely to the top of the hill. At the close of the war he returned to Shelbyville, and was immediately employed in the same school where he taught before enlisting. In October, 1866. he was united in marriage with Miss Sevilla J. Sill, of Hennepin. Ill., from which union he has seven children living, five sons and two daughters. His eldest son is a sailor in the New York, London and Australian trade. In 1881 he gave up school teaching and became postmaster at Tower Hill, which position he held nearly eight years. He was then a justice of the peace for eleven years. He is now resting from his labors at Tower Hill, Ill. Submitted by William Baran |
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