Hugh Breckenridge
Representing: Union
G.A.R Post
- J. Lynch Post #42 Lynden, Whatcom Co. WA
Unit History
- 10th Illinois Cavalry B
Full Unit History
10th ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER CAVALRY
Organized: 9/1861 Camp Butler Springfield, IL
Mustered In: 11/25/1861 Camp Butler Springfield, IL
Mustered Out: 11/22/1865 San Antonio, TX
Regimental History
REGIMENTAL HISTORY:
The 10th was a three (3) year cavalry regiment. Its period of service was within the wester theater of operations during the American Civil War (ACW).
In 1/1862 the unit moved to Quincy, IL for education and drill. From there, in March, it travelled to Benton Barracks, MO. In October an element of the unit successfully attacked Rebel forces in Marshfield, MO. In November, another detachment of the 10th clashed with the enemy at Cane Hill, AR (11/28). Additional confrontations completed the calendar year.
1863 opened with the 10th participating in the Yazoo Pass Expedition to attempt capture of Ft. Pemberton in Mississippi (2/3 – 3/28). September saw the unit engaged in the actions at Bayou Fourche which resulted in the capture of Little Rock, AR (9/10). Many of the regiment having re-enlisted as veterans, in early ’64 these men were sent home on furlough.
On 7/14/1864 Bayou Des Arc, near Searcy, AR two hundred twenty five (225) men of the 10th were surrounded and attacked by about twelve hundred (1200) Rebels. Although vastly outnumbers, the men of the 10th cut their way would with a loss of but two (2) killed and twenty (20) taken prisoner. Other skirmishes concluded the year.
In early 1865 veterans and recruits of the 10th were consolidated with members of the 15th Illinois Cavalry. The reconstituted and reorganized unit was known as the 10th Illinois Veteran Volunteer Cavalry. This incarnation was mustered out in late 11/1865.
REGIMENTAL LOSSES:
Officers Killed Or Mortally Wounded: 1; Officers Died Of Disease, Accidents, Etc.:3; Enlisted Men Killed Or Mortally Wounded: 24; Enlisted Men Died Of Disease, Accidents, Etc.: 262.
Soldier History
SOLDIER:
Residence: Rochester, IL Age: 30
Enlisted/Enrolled: 9/20/1861 Berlin, IL Rank: Pvt.
Mustered In: 11/25/1861
Mustered Out: 11/22/1865 San Antonio, TX
Highest Rank: Teamster
Rank At Discharge: Teamster
Family History
PERSONAL/FAMILY HISTORY:
Hugh Breckenridge was born 12/8/1829. His place of birth was within the State of Kentucky.
Father of Hugh was Preston Breckinridge. His mother was Katherine (nee Molar) Breckenridge.
On 2/22/1855, in Sangamon County, IL Hugh married. His bride was Sarah Minerva Randolph (b. ca. 1832 IL). During their years together Hugh and Sarah produced two children: Herbert C. and Edith A. Breckenridge.
In 1861 farmer Hugh Breckenridge became Private Hugh Breckenridge when he was mustered into the U.S. Army’s 10th Illinois Cavalry. Upon joining the military we gain a glimpse of Private Breckenridge the physical man. He was described as being 5’6” tall, having a dark complexion, hazel eyes and black hair.
The 1870 U.S. Census for Cotton Hill Sangamon County, IL counted Hugh, 41, Sarah, 38 and son Herbert, 8.
By 1889 Hugh and family were in Whatcom County Washington Territory (WT)/State (WA). That year Hugh attended the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) Reunion in the Whatcom County community of Lynden.
1910. The Breckenridge – Hugh and Sarah – were still in Lynden Whatcom County, WA.
Hugh died 3/30/1914 in Lynden Whatcom County, WA. Burial was/is in the Lynden Cemetery beside his wife and son.
Newspaper Notice (Lynden Tribune in part):
Hugh Breckenridge, one of Lynden’s old and highly respected citizens. Who came here early in the summer of 1888, died at his home on Front Street, Monday afternoon, March 30. He was aged 84 years, 3 months and 1 day.
The deceased had been bed ridden for eighteen months, and the end was not unexpected. Mr. Breckenridge was a patient sufferer, but was ready to answer the summons of death. Many times during his illness, when news of the death of younger persons was brought to him, he expressed regret the call had not come to him instead. He is survived by three brothers, five sisters, a large number of other relatives and many friends.
Coming to Lynden twenty-six years ago Mr. Breckenridge established the first flouring mill in this vicinity. Later, he engaged in various other enterprises while also giving his best efforts to the development of town and valley.
For the past three years his nephew, C.A. Breckenridge and family, had resided in Lynden with the deceased.
The deceased was a member of the Christian church. He was also a member of the G.A.R. and a charter member of the Lynden Lodge No. 56, Masons, who handled cemetery services.
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NOTE: The preceding courtesy of the Whatcom Genealogical Society. Please see our Links page for details on how to obtain the down load Civil War Veterans in Whatcom County (with June 2014 update) from which much of the information above was obtained.
Posted: 2/28/2024
Updated:
Cemetery
Buried at Lynden Cemetery