Military Record of John G. Corbett

History and Reminiscences - Old Settlers' Union of Princeville and Vicinity Vol IV
(Compiled From Government Records, Prior to His Death on June 22, 1916)

THIS CERTIFIES THAT JOHN G. CORBETT enlisted from Bureau County, Illinois on the 18th day of February, 1864, to serve 3 years or during the war, and was mustered into the U. S. Service at Ottawa, 111. on the 20th day of March, 1864, as a Private of Captain Robert R. Gibbons' Company "B" 64th Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry (Sharpshooters), Colonel John Merrill commanding.

The 64th Illinois was known as "Yates' Sharpshooters" in honor of war governor, Richard Yates. The first battalion of 6 companies was organized at Camp Butler, Springfield, in December, 1861, and on Jan. 10th, 1862 was ordered to Quincy where it went into barracks and was supplied with arms and equipments. It moved to Cairo, Feb. 16th and March 4, via Bird's Point, to New Madrid, Mo., and was assigned to Morgan's Brigade, Payne's Division, Pope's command. On January 15th, 1864, over three-fourths of the battalion having re-enlisted, it moved north on veteran furlough for 20 days, and reassembled at Ottawa, Feb. 14, 1864.

Four new companies were recruited and added to the battalion, making a full regiment. On March 17th, 1864 it proceeded to Decatur, Ala., and was assigned to 1st Brigade 4th Division, 16th Army Corps. On May 4th it moved to Chattanooga and joined General Sherman's army. In September 1864, it was transferred to 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 17th Army Corps, Army of Tennessee.

During its service it participated in the following engagements: New Madrid, Mo.; Siege of Corinth; Chamber's Creek, Miss.; Tuscumbia, Ala.; Iuka, and battle of Corinth, Miss.; Barton's Station; Dalton; Resaca; Dallas; New Hope Church; Kenesaw Mountain, Siege of Atlanta, Snake Creek Gap, March to the Sea, and Savannah, Ga., Campaign of Carolinas?including Pocotaligo, Combahee River, Orangeburg and Cheraw, S. C.; Fayettesville and and Bentonville, N. C, and a number of minor engagements and skirmishes. After Johnson's surrender to Sherman the regiment marched via. Richmond, Va., to Washington, D. C. where it took part in Grand Review, May 24th, 1865. It was mustered out of the service July 11th, 1865.

The said John G. Corbett enlisted as a recruit and joined his regiment at Ottawa, 111. while veterans were home on furlough.

He was ill in Hospital at Atlanta, Ga., after the capture of that city and was later removed to his home, where he remained until he recovered and rejoined his regiment at Alexandria, Va., going by way of New York and Hilton Head, S. C. He bore a gallant part in engagements at Resaca, Dallas, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain and Siege of Atlanta and at all times rendered faithful and meritorious service.

He received an Honorable Discharge at Louisville, Ky., on 11th day of July, 1865, by reason of close of the war.

His brother William W. served in 69th and 139th Illinois Infantry during the Civil war. He is the son of James and Evelyn Glasgow Corbett and was born in Mifflin County, Pa., on the 13th day of December, 1845. He was united in marriage to Sarah Rice at Princeville, Peoria county, 111., March 2nd, 1873 from which union were born the following children: Maude, Mabel, Bessie and Hazel, who grew to maturity and three children who died in infancy.

He was a member of Bryner Post No. 67, Department of Illinois, Grand Army of Republic. He had assisted in the organization of the Post at Princeville, 111.; and served as Commander several terms. Mr. Corbett was also a member of A. F. & A. M. and I. O. O F Lodges He held civil office as postmaster in Putnam, 111., and was president of Princeville, 111., Village Board for several years. The last years of his life his home was in Peoria, where he died on June 22, 1916.