- PHILO S. FENTON, the present efficient Assessor and late
City Clerk of Janesville, and one of
- the gallant defenders of our country's flag, was born at
Mount Zion, Macon County, Ill., on the 7th day of February, 1841.
His parents were James C. and Mary A. (PARKS) FENTON, the former
a native of the Empire State and the latter of Connecticut. For
some time James FENTON resided in New York City, but in 1836,
became a pioneer of the great West, locating in Macon County,
Ill. He was a young man when he went to the Prairie State, and
the journey from his eastern home was made on foot. He followed
the occupation of farming for many years, but is now, at the
age of seventy-six years living with his children. His wife was
called to her final rest Oct. 31, 1872. They were the parents
of six children, five of whom, two sons and three daughters are
still living. Our subject is the eldest of the family, and with
the exception of Philo the other members, Clara, Ann, Delilah
and Orlando, are all living within a radius of a few miles in
Dickinson County, Kansas, their post office being Abilene.
- The subject of this sketch was reared to manhood upon his
father's farm and remained under the
- parental roof until Aug. 9, 1862, when he enlisted in his
country's service at Decatur, Ill., and became a member of Company
C, 116th Illinois Infantry. The regiment formed a part of the
15th Army Corps, and was sent directly to Memphis, Tenn. It took
part in the Tallahassee expedition, aided Sherman in his efforts
against Vicksburg, and under Gen. Grant during the entire siege
of that city, fought at the bloody battle of Arkansas Post, and
was in all the principal engagements attending the siege of that
Confederate stronghold. Mr. FENTON also took part in the battle
of Jackson, Miss., and with his regiment went thence to Memphis
and across the country to Chattanooga, arriving at the beginning
of that series of important events that culminated in the capture
of Atlanta. About this time the 116th Illinois and the 8th Missouri
regiments performed a most daring and successful feat. Starting
down the Chickamauga River in the night, they reached the Tennessee
River, which they crossed, then formed line and captured the
entire picket force of the enemy almost before the rebels were
aware of their presence. The next day, the 25th of November,
1863, the regiment took part in the brilliant battle of Missionary
Ridge. From thence it proceeded to Knoxville to the relief of
Gen. Burnsides, who was besieged by Gen. Longstreet, after which
it went into winter quarters at Larkinsville, Ala., where the
regiment did provost duty until spring. They were then ordered
to join Gen. Sherman's army at Dallas, Ga., and soon after Mr.
FENTON's army life was finished. On the 3d day of June, 1864,
he received a gun shot wound that resulted in amputation of his
right arm near the shoulder. After being wounded he was taken
to the hospital at Allatoona Heights, being at that place when
the severe battle at Allatoona Pass occurred. He was soon after
sent home under a general order from Gen. Sherman and was mustered
out at Springfield, Ill., with his regiment July 11, 1865.
- Receiving his discharge, Mr. FENTON returned to his home
in Macon County, Ill., and in 1866,
- entered the Soldier's College at Fulton, Ill., where he graduated
in 1871. For a number of years he then engaged in teaching and
two years was employed as principal of the Third Ward school
at Decatur, giving excellent satisfaction. In 1874 he came to
Janesville, Wis., and for several years was employed as book-keeper
for various firms in this city, until 1887, when he was elected
City Clerk, the duties of which office he discharged in a prompt
and efficient manner.
- In 1871, in Janesville, Mr. FENTON and Miss Rosa S. ALDEN
were united in marriage. The
- lady is a daughter of James M. ALDEN, whose sketch appears
elsewhere Unto them have been born an interesting family of five
daughters - . Louise, Ada, Alice, Catherine and Josephine. Mr.
FENTON takes an active interest in Grand Army circles and was
formerly a member of the first G.A.R. Post organized in the country.
This was at Decatur, Ill. He now holds membership in W. H. Sargent
Post at Janesville, and in politics he is a Republican. He was
a brave and gallant soldier in the war for the Union, and gave
his right arm for the cause of freedom. He is a worthy and respected
citizen, highly esteemed by all who know him.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 237-238.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
-
- Philo Servetus Fenton died July 18, 1907, in Janesville,
Rock County, Wisconsin. He was buried in Dale Hill Cemetery.
-
- Courtesy of Helen
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