Company H, 48th Illinois Infantry

submitted by David A, Stumpf, M.D., Ph.D.
1101 Alpine Lane; Woodstock, IL 60098
847-494-7589

List of all Co H. 48th Illinois Infantry Soldiers

FREDERICK LAYMAN II

FREDERICK LAYMAN II was born February 16, 1830 in Hanover, Germany, and died May 27, 1886 in Franklin Co. IL.. He married his first wife (1) MARY CHARLOTTE YOUNGINGER Abt. 1863 in Posyville, Indiana, daughter of CHARLES YOUNGINGER and ELIZABETH KNIGHT a grocery store operator in Posyville, Indiana after he was discharged from the military in 1862. They had two children, Charles born in 1864, and John born in 1866, who must have died sometime before 1870. After her death he married (2) SARAH J. SIMPSON October 15, 1868 in White County, Illinois. They had no children. Upon the death of Sarah he married his third wife (3) MARY DOWNEN October 1, 1871 in Posey County, Indiana, daughter of DAVID DOWNEN and MARY SOUTH. They had three children named Frank, born in 1873, Rachel P. born 1881, and Caroline E. born 1884. An Orphan by the name of Mary Ormsby born in 1873 is listed as living with them (1870 Federal Census). Fred is buried at Knob Prairie Cemetery in Thompsonville, IL.

Frederick Layman II immigrated to the United States in 1857 at the age of 27 and settled near Benton, Illinois. He enlisted in Company "H" 48th Regiment Volunteers Infantry from White County, on September 10, 1861 at Camp Butler Illinois (Union Army) under the command of General Asher Goslen. At the time of his enlistment he lived in Carmi, Illinois (White County) and was 32 years old. He was 5 ft 6 in tall, his hair color was black in color, and he had brown eyes and a dark complexion. He was wounded in the right arm between the elbow and the shoulder in the battle of Shiloh and saw action at Ft. Henry, Ft Donelson, the Siege of Vicksburg and Lookout Mt. He developed chronic diarrhea and was discharged from the service for disability at the rank of corporal.

It is said by some, that Frederick immigrated to this country (USA) with a brother (name unknown). Very little is known of my G G Grandfather before his military service. I have been unable to locate any immigration records, and/or citizenship records. I was told that an application for citizenship was not needed if one served in the military. The information we do have is based on stories. We believe he came to the United States from Hannover, Germany via England. It is said that the spelling of our last name was Americanized to "Layman" upon his arrival to this country. The correct spelling is unknown for sure but believed to have been "Lehmann". I have been trying to track down any information that could assist in my very difficult search. Any suggestions or aid would be much appreciated.

Benjamin Mobley, b.1822, White Co., Carmi, Ill., son of Charles Mobley, b 1796 and Elizabeth Hanna, b 1801. Benjamin had two wives. First wife was Rachel, b in Ill in 1825. They had one child: Charles, b 1849. Benjamin married Sarah Culbreath, October 15, 1851. They had children: Malinda, b June 27,1855; Robert, b Jan 15, 1860, Benjamin F. b December 13, 1862 and Celesta, b November 19, 1864. At the age of 39, in Sept.14th 1861, Benjamin enlisted in the Union Army: Co. H. 48th Reg. of Junior Volunteers Infantry of Illinois. He served three years and re-enlisted as Private. He was in General Shermans' "march to the sea" and was captured by the confederate army and died in Andersonville Prison, Georgia, of starvation October 11, 1864. He died before his daughter, Celesta was born. During his 3 year campaign his regiment fought under General Grant in January 1862 and under General Sherman in 1863. He is buried in the Andersonville Cemetery, his grave marker is: 10,645. Sarah (Culbreth) Mobley, widow of Benjamin, married James H.W. Buttery, September 16, 1869 and Buttery assumed full guardianship of the four minor Mobley children. Benjamin fought side by side with Elias Culbreth, the brother of his wife, Sarah. They enlisted together, but Elias was wounded and sent home and Benjamin fought on until he was taken prisoner. Information: Betty York Mobley

Pvt. Johann J. Zerwekh His photograph is at the U. S. Army Photo Archives