On Saturday morning, August 10, 1861, 23 year old John Lance was on the eastern shore of Clear Lake at the newly named Camp Butler in Sangamon County, Illinois. John, along with 495 other men, raised his right hand and made an oath to serve the United States for the next three years, if not sooner discharged. After passing a medical examination that day, he was one of Uncle Sam’s soldier boys and would actually serve until the Civil War was over nearly four years later.

By the end of the year, more than 900 men enlisted in the 40th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment; the total men listed as members of the regiment would be nearly 1,100 before the war was over.

It was likely the farthest he had ever traveled from his home in (continue reading)