Amos Howell Boultinghouse 25 April 1865
I much admired the man. He stood as a lover of this country and its ideals. I had known of him early in his political career as we both lived in Illinois. I was born and raised here, but I had spent five years away when I served in the U.S. Army from 1838-1843. I understand that he hailed from Kentucky, but his heart had grown fond of the people of Springfield, the capital city. So I felt a kinship for him.
At the age of 43, I got a calling…a call to return to the military. My fellow Illinoisan was now the President of the United States. First, he asked for 75,000 troops on 15 April 1861. Second, I joined up with men from Dupage County to serve in the 55th Illinois Infantry to meet his call. We needed to preserve the Union. I would be serving as a wagoner since I had had much experience in the care of horses.
Many an evening, the men in my company would sit around the campfire. Maybe just telling stories about family and home. Maybe just creating stories about adventures. Maybe just wondering how old Uncle Abe was going to pick the next Commanding General. Maybe just how we were going to win this war.
I had enlisted for three years, and my time was up in April 1864. I was now 46 years old…quite an old guy who needed to head back home to his family and his farm. The war could not last much longer.
The news did not take long to travel…it was unbelievable, unfathomable, unreal. The President had been shot and died on 15 April 1865. It was just 4 years since his call for troops. What would happen now to the nation?
News is also coming that a funeral train will wind through major railroad cities. Thousands will salute Mr. Lincoln on his way back home to his beloved Springfield. My heart will follow that train as I salute my Commander-in-Chief on his way home. May God save us and the Union.
~Amos H. Boultinghouse 55th Illinois Infantry, Company E
Once Upon A Lifetime: Tales And Vignettes Of My Ancestors 