History of Vermillion Co
Newell Township
page 961
written copyright 1879
Martin J. Barger, Bismark, farmer was born in Newell township,
Vermillion co., Il on the ll th of February, 1846, and is the son of
William J. Barger and Elizabeth (Randy) Barger. His father died
when he was quite young, and his mother marrying again, he left home and
apprenticed himself to the shoemaker’s trade, which he learned.
The subject of this sketch displayed a truly heroic spirit in his
persistent effort to become enrolled with the Union defenders. At
the beginning of the war young Barger endeavored to get into the army
while he was yet but sixteen years of age. He was very small and
delegate, and had a girlish appearance. At that time the physique
of the volunteer was closely scrutinized, as the supply of men was
greater than demand. Co. B of the 25 Reg. ILL. Vols was
organizing at Danville, and he presented himself to Capt. Thomas
McKibb4n, who was recruiting it, The Captain “laughed him to scorn,”
and told him that they did not want boys, but men to fight at the same
time pointing to some stalwart specimens standing by. After this
rebuff, he repressed his military ardor until the early spring of 1862,
when some of the Davison and Myers boys, of the 25th, were home on
furlough. He now determined on making another trial, in the spite
of the ridicule, which beset him, from all who became acquainted with
his intention. When he applied to be mustered into the service,
in the hope of saving transportation expenses. Failing in this,
he went to Springfield, but was rejected there. Proceeding hence
to St. Louis with his companions, he was also rejected there. He
then went to Rolla, and fared likewise there. This point was the
end of railroad travel. A squad of convalescents was forming here
to move forward to join their commands, and our hero stated his case to
the commanding officer, and requested permission to join them and be
furnished rations. When they reached Springfield, Missouri, he
renewed the effort, with the same disheartening result. He
continued on the squad to Forsythe, Missouri, where he joined the 25th
ILL. Reg. He was dressed in civilian clothing, and before he
found the command, was arrested and taken before Siegel’s provost
marshal, but, on explaining himself, was released. Making
application at once to Capt. Wall of Co. B, he was told that it was no
use, he would die in a few days. Foiled again at the last resort
of appeal, he did not know what to do, but finally decided to follow
the army and be a solder, if for nothing else than to triumph over all
opposers and opposing circumstances. He was furnished arms and
equipments, and an outfit of clothing. In about a week the army
was in motion for Batesille, Arkansas. The first day he kept up,
the second day did not get into camp with his command, the third day
did not arrive until late at night, and the fourth day entirely lost
sight of the army. He had some money, and bought his meals along the
route, camping out at night. He moved forward every day, way worn
and weary, almost fainting from fatigue. When he came into
camp at Batesville about an hour after the command had arrived, - not
having been seen for nearly a week, and supposed to be either captured
or dead – the cheers of the boys arose to greet him, and signalized his
triumph. Henceforward he kept abreast of the best among
them. From hence the army moved to Cape Girardeau, where,
after a time, it wa paid off. The captain asked him if he wanted
pay. “If you think I will make a soldier,” was the answer.
“O, you’ll do!” Replied the captain, with an air of
confidence and satisfaction. Having signed the pay roll, he was
legally a soldier; his hopes were realized and his triumph
complete. Old soldiers know the meaning of “sand” and ”grit” but
few have seen a better exhibition of it. He was in Mississippi in
the summer of 1862, and marched to Louisville under Buell, and was
present at the battle of Perryville, but not engaged. He was in
the battles of Stone River and Chickamauga; wounded and taken prisoner
at the latter place, and held about ten days, when he was released on
parole. He was not exchanged until the next summer, while on the
Atlanta campaign. Mr. Barger remained with his
regiment until exchanged, but not doing duty. He fought his last
battle at Jonesborough; was present at the subsequent battles of
Columbia and Nashville. The term of service of his regiment
having expired, the recruits served out the rest of their time at Gen.
Stanley’s headquarters. He was discharged in March, 1865.
His wound incapacities him from hard labor, and he draws a pension. He
was married on the 19th of April to Mary A. Steward, who died on the
16th of August, 1870. He was married again on the 25th of
September, 1873, to Margaret W. Richie. They have four living
children: Walter L. R., Anna M., Samuel B., and John W. Mr.
Barger is a republican in politics, and in religion a Methodist.
Submitted by Mary
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