MANN, HENRY T. - among the names of the brave young men from Sangamon County who responded to their country's call when it was in dire need, occurs that of Henry T. Mann, now a farmer residing in the county, which has been his home for many years. This too brief biography will not fittingly testify to the honor in which he, as well as his associates in that mighty struggle, are held by their fellow countrymen. A grateful government does what it can, and the people, individually do the rest. Veterans are everywhere shown appreciation, and wherever they are found they make good citizens. The hard lessons of discipline inculcated in camp and on a battle field were not learned in vain. The returning soldiers applied them in civic life with most excellent results.

Henry T. Mann was born in Clear Lake Township, December 10, 1843, a son of Christopher and Anna R. (King) Mann, natives of Kentucky, born in 1816 and 1827, respectively. The father was a farmer, and came to Sangamon County somewhat later than his wife, who arrived the year of the big snow, in 1831. They met and were married, first settling on a farm owned by them, east of Riverton but several years later moved to Mt. Pulaski.

After a boyhood spent on the farm, during which time he attended school held in the primitive log building in his neighborhood, Mr. Mann was forced into early maturity by the outbreak of the war. When still a lad, he enlisted, June 1, 1861, in Company E, Twenty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, under Carl Hecker. The regiment went into camp at Springfield, whence it was sent to Chicago, and was mustered into service at Alton. After participating in several skirmishes, Mr. Mann took part in the terrible battle at Perryville. Several more skirmishes intervened between that and the battle of Stone River, where there was a five days' fight. For the following six months the regiment was in camp, then was engaged in the bloody battle of Chickamauga, and fell back to Chattanooga, where breastworks were thrown up. Mr. Mann was also in the engagements at Missionary Ridge and Kenesaw Mountain, at Buzzard's Roost and Resaca. The regiment served under Generals Grant, Sherman and Thomas. Mr. Mann was finally mustered out August 17, 1864, after a long and hard service. Returning home, he began farming, and for the past thirty-two years has been at his present location, where he owns forty acres of very valuable farm land, devoting it to general farming.

Mr. Mann was united in marriage at Springfield, January 30, 1868, with Jenette Snodgrass, daughter of William and Rachel Snodgrass. Mrs. Mann's parent's came from Indiana and Kentucky, locating in Sangamon County at an early day. Mr. and Mrs. Mann became the parents of three children: Mrs. Albert Bashaw, whose husband engaged with Franklin Life Insurance Company at Springfield; Marietta, wife of Crow Grubb, employed at the city water works of Springfield; Charles, employed by a telephone company, working all over the State.

In politics. Mr. Mann is a strong Republican, but has never been willing to go before the public as a candidate for office. He is a fine man in every respect and commands the warm appreciation and firm confidence of all with whom he has been brought into contact. His pleasant home is presided over by Mrs. Mann, a charming lady, who had been her husband's inspiration and efficient assistant for over forty years. The young people have grown up to be a credit to their parents, and wherever the name of Mann is found it represents solidity and upright living.