Transcribed by Mary Ann Kaylor
Page 1712:
WHITE, JAMES C. - The history of the Civil War will not be completed until the last veteran of that great struggle answers to the last roll call, for the sacrifices of those who served in it did not cease when peace was declared, but have continued throughout lives that have in many cases been overshadowed by after-effects of wounds, privations, and exposure. One of these men of whom Sangamon is justly proud is James C. White, residing at No. 703 North Fourth Street. He was born in Macon County, Tenn., June 29, 1847, a son of Archibald and Lucy J. White. The grandfather, Archibald White was born in England and married Jennie White, who bore the same name, but was not relative, born on the North Fork of Barren Run, Macon County, Tenn. The grandfather was a Revolutionary soldier, and a good, brave man. His son, father of James C. White, was a farmer all his life, dying June 10, 865, in the place he was born, in Macon County, Tenn. His widow survived him many years, passing away in 1894, at Latham, Logan County, Ill. Both were consistent members of the Christian Church, in which faith they brought up their children, who were as follows: Timothy; Samuel, deceased; Harriet; James C.; Mary J.; Mrs. H. M. Bond, of Kansas City, Mo.; George, deceased; Archibald, of Auburn, Ill.; John M., of Springfield; Lovell R. and Martha, both deceased.
James C. White remained on the homestead until he was sixteen years old, and received a meager education, attending school only six months altogether. When only a lad of sixteen years, he enlisted, at Frankfort, Ky. As a private in Company F., Fifty-second Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, under Captain W. C. King and Colonel John M. Greider. When his first term of service expired he re-enlisted in Company D, Eighth Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, in 1864, and continued until he was honorably discharge. His war experience being ended, he returned to his old home, but after a short stay there, came to Illinois. He spent twelve years at Duquoin, principally engaged in farming. Following this he worked in several places on farms and at railroad labor, until his marriage, when he returned to Duquoin. He has resided in several communities, finally coming to Springfield in 1901, and has been connected with several lines of business, always hampered by the effects of the terrible strain he was under at a formative period. Forced into manhood when but a boy, he shouldered heavy responsibilities that undermined his health and unfitted him for strenuous labor.
Mr. White was married at McLeansboro, Ill. January 18, 1875, to Miss Mary A. Lanty, a native of Tennessee. Mr. and Mrs. White became the parents of children as follows: James C. died at the age of six years; Timothy at home; and Harriet, now Mrs. Thomas Rourke, of Springfield. Mr. White was formerly a member of the Christian Church. In politics he is a Republican, but has never held office. A brave man, who gave his best services to his country. Mr. White is deserving of more than passing mention in a work of this kind, which has for its object the preservation of the records of those who have contributed towards the greatness of the county or community. What more can a man do than to offer up his life to a cause he loves? That is what James C. White did nearly fifty years ago.