Kendall County, Illinois Genealogy

Kendall County Men Who Served During the War With Spain

By Elmer Dickson

Flag of Spain

45 Star U.S. Flag

In 1898, the U. S. demanded the Spanish withdrawal from Cuba. On April 24, 1898, Spain declared war on the United States. On May 1, a U. S. naval squadron under Admiral George Dewey thoroughly defeated the Spanish fleet in Manila harbor, in the Philippines. On May 28, the U. S. set up a naval blockade of Santiago de Cuba. When the Spanish fleet tried to escape on June 1, it was effectively destroyed as a fighting force. Once the Spanish fleet had been neutralized, U. S. ground forces, including the famed Rough Riders moved into action. The battle for El Canay and San Juan Hill occurred July 1, 1898. On July 17, the city of Santiago, Cuba was captured, effectively ending the war. An armistice between the two belligerents was signed August 12, and peace was arranged by the Treaty Of Paris signed December 10, 1898.
        Basically the Spanish empire was dissolved. Cuba was freed, but under U.S. tutelage. Puerto Rico and Guam were ceded to the U. S. and the Philippines were surrendered to the U.S. for $20 million.
        The actual war between American and Spain only lasted 101 days. Military personnel, from Kendall County, on active duty during the period April 24, 1898 and August 12, 1898 are listed below.