Kendall County, Illinois Genealogy

A Tribute to John Ruble

A Creditable Record

John Ruble Serves His Country Well
Published in the Kendall County Record, December 27, 1911

Compiled by Jane Willey-Fey

Sergeant John Ruble enlisted from Mission township, La Salle County, Illinois, in July, 1862, at the call of President Lincoln for 800,000 volunteers to put down the southern rebellion, and was mustered in Co. G. 104th Regiment Illinois Volunteers at Ottawa, Ill., August 27, 1862.

The regiment left Ottawa September 6 for Jeffersonville, Indiana, where camp equipage, uniforms, arms and ammunition were supplied the regiment. The command remained here for a few days only, when it crossed the Ohio River to Louisville, Kentucky, where in a short time it commenced the hot, hard march to Bowling Green, Kentucky. Soon after reaching Bowling Green the regiment marched to Hartsville, Tennessee. There on December 7, the brigade holding the place was attacked by the forces of the rebel general, John Morgan. After a fierce fight, in which Co. G of the 104th regiment, having thirty-nine members of the company in the battle, had five killed and six wounded, the remainder being taken prisoners. John Palmer of Millington and Anthony Oberet, who a short time before enlistment had worked for S. McMath, were among the killed. After the surrender the 104th regiment was marched under rebel guards to Mufreesboro, Tennessee. Upon taking the oath of parole were taken under guard to the Union lines, which were about half way between Murfreesboro and Nashville. We were very glad to get out from under the rebel control, for they used us bad. On January 22, 1863 the regiment was formally exchanged and ordered to Camp Douglas, Chicago. Until April 8, our duty there was guarding rebel prisoners.

On April 8, the regiment boarded the cars for Nashville, Tennessee, and took an active part in the hard marches and battles incident to the campaign from Nashville to Atlanta, Georgia.

While at Utoy Creek, near Atlanta, August 13, 1864, our dear departed brother and comrade received a very severe gunshot wound in the face. The ball entered the right side of his face just forward of the ear, severing an artery, fracturing the jaw, injuring the tongue and knocking out several teeth. It was only by prompt action on the part of the regimental surgeon, Dr. Dyer, and others that Comrade Rubles life was spared. Thus he was able to rear up a family of good children and set an honorable honest example during his long life that others might profit thereby.

At the time of receiving his wound he was color sergeant, and wherever the flag went the boys followed. His military career was of nearly three years duration, he was discharged June 6, 1865 at Washington, D. C.

To the writer of this brief history, Comrade Ruble was a good father for several years before the war, especially during the war, and to the end of his useful life. It is any wonder that I mourn his loss as many another one does?

Signed: C. C. Courtright