James Gray - Civil War Profile

Private James Gray
Company F, 25th Illinois Infantry
Company K, 15th New York Cavalry

Gray was born in Ireland on November 26, 1840. He was living in Loda (Iroquois County), Illinois when he enlisted in the 25th Illinois Infantry on June 4, 1861. The 20 year old farmer was mustered in the unit on August 6, 1861 and served over 3 years. He was mustered out on September 5, 1864 at Springfield, Illinois. Gray rejoined the military as a member of the 15th New York Cavalry. He enlisted and was mustered on September 17, 1864 and served 9 months. He was mustered out of the 2nd unit on June 12, 1865 at Alexandria, Virginia.

The 25th Illinois Infantry was organized and mustered at St Louis on August 4, 1861. During his enlistment, the unit was involved in several major battles. Some of them include:

• Battle of Pea Ridge (AK) (March 6-8, 1862).
• Siege of Corinth (MS) (April 29-May 30, 1862).
• Battle of Stone’s River (TN) (December 30-31, 1862 – January 1-3, 1863).
• Battle of Chickamauga (GA) (September 19-20, 1863).
• Atlanta (GA) Campaign (June 7-August 1, 1864).
• Assault on Kenesaw Mountain (GA) (June 27, 1864).
• Battle of Peach Tree Creek (GA) (July 19-20, 1864).

Gray joined the 15th New York Cavalry in the latter stages of the Civil War. The unit was assigned to the Appomattox Campaign (VA) (March 28-April 9, 1865) and was involved in several major battles and military operations. Some of them include:

• Battle of Five Forks (VA) (April 1, 1865).
• Fall of Petersburg (VA) (April 2, 1865).
• Lee’s surrender at Appomattox Court House (VA) (April 9, 1865).
• Grand Review of the Troops (Washington DC) (April 9, 1865).

Gray died on January 3, 1923 at the age of 82 years. He is buried in the Haigler Cemetery in Haigler (Dundy County), Nebraska. He was the last member of the Sackett Post (#285) of the Grand Army of the Republic in Haigler.

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-Submitted by Dean Podoll

For more Civil War Profiles, visit Genealogy Trails for Dundy County.

THANK YOU

A big THANK YOU to all who have gener­ously given financially to The Cornerstone Center project in Haigler. The fund drive continues - in hopes the former Haigler El­ementary School and historical gymnasium buildings will be re-purposed for community service - and open for business by June 1.
It is not too late for those of you who have not given to still give to this community proj­ect. Please consider having your name list­ed as a friend and donor to The Cornerstone Center for Community Service by making a tax deductible donation payable to Haigler-Dundy County Community Foundation. Send to: The Cornerstone Center Project PO Box 144, Haigler, NE 69030-01

Dundy County Farmer Wins $2500 for Haigler Community Foundation

Brent Evans of Dundy County has been selected as a winner in America's Farmers Grow Communities, sponsored by Mansanto Fund.  Brent Evans selected Haigler Community Foundation to receive the $2500 donation in Dundy County.

America's Farmers Grow Communities works directly with farmers to support nonprofit organizations doing important work in rural communities.  The program encourages farmers to enter to win $2500, which is then directed to the farmer's nonprofit of choice.  Launched nationally in 2011, the program has grown to include 1,289 eligible counties in 39 states.  America Farmers Grow Communities, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, is part of the America's Farmers initiative which highlights the important contributions farmers every day to our society.  For a complete list of Grow Communities winners, please visit grow-communities.com.

Velma Lee Peranni

We were sad to learn that VelmaLee Paranni passed away on March 24, 2014.

VelmaLee (Oster) Clegg was a member of the Haigler High School Class of 1955.