John Dailey

Dailey, John, shoemaker, res. 317 1/2 N. Adams street. Son of Joseph and Mary Dailey. Was born in Hampshire county, Mass., May 25, 1828. Emigrated with his parents, when he was five years old, to York State. In 1847, enlisted in Co. E, Third Dragoons, Capt. Wm. H. Duff. Mustered in at New York, and received a bounty of $12 and got $8 per month. Landed at Vera Cruz in June. Thence, under command of Gen. Perco, to Pueblo, where they joined Gen. Scott. Thence, to the Valley of Mexico, where they participated in the battle of Contreras, and acted as Gen. Scott's body guard. Thence, to Cherubusco, where they were led by Gen. Harney. Thence, to the City of Mexico, where they took quarters in the halls of Montezuma. Was on the raid with Gen. Joseph Lane, in pursuit of the guerilla Garouta. In the Spring of 1848, thirty men were taken out of his command, and the same number of Capt. Porter's mounted riflemen, who escorted Seward and Clifford to Vurretero on their commission to ratify a treaty. Thence, back to Mexico City. Rode from Mexico to Vera Cruz, three hundred miles, in three days, escorting Maj. Polk, who took the report to Washington. Thence, back to New Orleans and St. Louis, where he was mustered out, Aug., 1848. Thence, to New York State, and in 1849 came to Peoria county. Married Miss Ann Wright. She was born in Ireland. Mr. Dailey moved to Kansas, where he lost his wife in 1860. From there, went via New Orleans to Boston, on boat, the first transport leaving New Orleans after Butler arrived there. Enlisted in the 28th Reigment, Mass. Vols., Co. K. Joined the regiment at Frederick City, Md., participating in the battles of South Mountain, Antietam, and Fredericksburg, where he was wounded through the thighs and was taken to Emery Hospital, Washington, D. C., where he was discharged.

from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880