Person:Mathew Oller (1)

Acknowledgements

OLLER/OLLAR researcher, Betty Ollar Moziselk, provided this researcher a copy of the Civil War military record of Mathew Oller. John Walker, a noted Civil War Historian, has outlined the action of the 18th Illinois infantry Volunteers. Internet sources provided more background information.

Mathew Oller

Matthew Oller, son of Elizabeth (Mrs. Graham) and George Oller, Jr., was born in 1843 in Alexander County, Illinois. Mathew died on October 20, 1865 in the Post Hospital, Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

Other Mathew Oller relatives in The Civil War

It should be noted that Mathew’s nephew, George W. Oller (1836-?), son of Leonard Oller (1819-1854) who was the late half-brother of Mathew, also joined his Uncle in Company H, 18th Illinois Infantry Volunteers on June 30, 1861. This researcher has not obtained a copy of the Civil War record of George W. Oller. It would add much to the narrative to blend the two service records.

Three other sons of Leonard and nephews of Mathew, Alfred Allen Oller(1842-?), John Oller(1843-1924) and James Franklin Oller(1848-1891), also served in the 60th Illinois Infantry Volunteers under General Sherman.

Mathew Oller’s Service in The Civil War

Matthew Oller enlisted in the Union Army’s 18th Illinois Volunteer Infantry on June 21, 1861 for a period of three years. Mathew enrolled for duty at Bird's Point, Missouri which is just across the Mississippi River from his home in Alexander County, Illinois. The unit had been formed a month earlier on May 19, 1861 and mustered into state service by Ulysses S. Grant.

Eighteenth Illinois Infantry

Civil War historian, John Walker, gives the following History of the 18th Illinois:

The Eighteenth Illinois Infantry was organized at Anna, Union County, Illinois, in early May 1861. All the members of the regiment were recruited in the Ninth Illinois Congressional District. On May 19, 1861, the unit, numbering nine hundred and thirty officers and enlisted men, was mustered into state service for a term of thirty days by the state mustering officer, Captain Ulysses S. Grant. Nine days later the regiment was mustered into Federal service.

Like other Civil War units, the eighteenth Illinois Infantry was often known by an alternate designation derived from the name of its commanding officer. Names of this type used by of for the regiment ware shown below.

   Michael K. Lawler's Infantry, 

   Thomas H. Burgess's Infantry, 

   Samuel Eaton's Infantry, 

   Daniel H. Brush's Infantry, 

   Asgil Conner's Infantry, 

   Samuel B. Marks' Infantry, 

   Nathan Crews' Infantry, 

   Henry S. Wilson's Infantry, 

   John C. Webber's Infantry, 

   Noah R. Yeargin's Infantry.

The regiment's original commanding officer, Michael Kelly Lawler, was a strict disciplinarian who was court-martialed for some of his more extreme attempts to enforce discipline in his units. Acquitted, he led his regiment at Fort Donelson, Tennessee, where he was wounded. In May, 1863 Lawler was promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General effective November 29, 1862. Later he commanded various districts in Louisiana and along the Texas coast. He was promoted to the rank of Major-General on March 13, 1865.

Two other members of the unit received brevet promotions to the rank of Brigadier-General in the omnibus promotions of March 13, 1865. They were Daniel H. Brush and John (sometimes identified as "Jules") C. Webber.

In April, 1862, as a result of the casualties sustained at Shiloh, companies "C" and "H" were disbanded and their members divided into the eight remaining companies. On September 26, 1862, two new companies, recruited in Carbondale, Illinois were added to the regiment. Company "K" was detached from the unit on December 11, 1862, for service with the Mississippi Marine Brigade. In the late summer of 1863 this detachment was made permanent. By late August, 1863, the strength of the unit was reported as less than two hundred effectives. Accordingly the unit's Companies were again consolidated, this time into three companies -- "A", "B" and "C". The unit served with only three companies until March, 1865, when seven newly recruited companies were added to the unit.

Not quite a month after being mustered into Federal service, the Eighteenth Illinois Infantry was ordered to Bird's Point, Missouri. It remained there until August 26, 1861. The unit then moved to Mound City and Cairo, Illinois. Until February 1862, the unit served in the District of Cairo. The regiment served in the Department and Army of the Tennessee until July, 1863. Ordered west of the Mississippi River, the unit spent the rest of its career attached to the Department of Arkansas. Specific higher command assignments of the regiment are placed in chronological order among the specific orders and muster calls of Matthew Oller listed below.

Matthew Oller's Service

Matthew Oller’s service record was obtained from the National Archives by Betty Ollar Mozisek and a copy was provide this researcher. By blending Mathew Oller’s muster records and of parts of his service records with the unit history, a narratve of what Mathew must have experience comes to life. The following is a chronology of that experience:

19 May 1861

The Eighteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry unit was formed and mustered into state service by Ulysses S. Grant.

Company H 18th Illinois Infantry Volunteers

21 June 1861

Matthew Oller joined the Unit and enrolled for duty at Bird's Point, Missouri which is just across the Mississippi River from his home in Alexander County, Illinois. Mathew, born in 1843, would have been only 16 of 17 at this time. He is recorded as having gray eyes, light hair, and a light complexion. His height was recorded as 5 foot 7 inches. Mathew enlisted for a period of three years and was assigned to Company H, where he was no doubt provided some basic provisions of uniform and weapon. Perhaps the Company then engaged in some basic training.

30 June 1861

Mathew Oller’s nephew, George W. Oller (1836-?), son of Leonard Oller (1819-1854) who was the late half-brother of Mathew, also joined his Uncle in Company H, 18th Illinois Infantry Volunteers.

26 August 1861

The Unit was ordered from Bird's Point, Missouri across the Mississippi River to Mound City and Cairo, Illinois.

31 August 1861

The military records of Mathew Oller, Private in Company H, 18th Regiment Illinois Infantry in the Company Muster Roll shows him “Present.” A note on this record indicates that this is “From Second Auditor's Roll.”

The September and October 1861 Unit Muster Roll also show Private Mathew Oller “Present.” This record also notes “Mustered in June 21 Bird's Point 3 yrs.”

2-12 Nov 1861

The Unit was ordered back cross the Mississippi River to Bird's Point, Missouri from which they maneuvered to Cape Girardeau, and Ironton, Missouri against Thompson's forces. This seems to be the first action of the Unit.

The November and December 1861 Unit Muster Roll also show Private Mathew Oller “Present.” So it seems that Mathew participated.

This action was against Meriwether Jeff Thompson (1826–1876). Thompson was a colonel in the Missouri state militia at the outbreak of the Civil War. In late July 1861, he was appointed brigadier general of the First Division, Missouri State Guard. He commanded the First Military District of Missouri, which covered the swampy southeastern quarter of the state. Thompson's battalion soon became known as the "Swamp Rats" for their exploits. He gained renown as the "Swamp Fox of the Confederacy." On October 15, 1861, Thompson had led a cavalry attack on the Iron Mountain Railroad bridge over the Big River near Blackwell in Jefferson County. After successfully burning the bridge, Thompson retreated to join his infantry in Fredericktown. Soon afterwards, on October 21, 1861, was defeated and killed at the Battle of Fredericktown and his troops withdrew, leaving southeastern Missouri in Union control. The 18th Illinois is reported to have been in Ironton, Missouri, about 18 miles West of Fredericktown in early November 1861, operating against Thompson’s forces. So this action most likely would have been against a retreating and disorganized force.

1 January 1862

Matthew Oller was attached to a hospital where he served as a nurse until January 11, 1862. This would seem to indicate that he perhaps did receive a wound during the earlier conflict or that he accompanied some of his wounded Company to a hospital.

The January and February 1862 Company H Muster Roll show Private Mathew Oller “Present, Attached to Hospital, How Employed-Nurse.” This leaves one to wonder if young Mathew had prior training or interest in being a nurse or if he just showed this inclination when wounded himself or one of his friends was hurt. The record indicated that he was returned to his Company on January 10, 1862.

16-21 January 1862

The Unit was part of an Expedition from Cairo, Illinois towards Columbus, Kentucky. It would seem that Mathew’s release for hospital duty was so that he could be with his Company for this expedition. The hospital mentioned may well have been the Union Hospital in Mound City, Pulaski County, Illinois.

2-8 February 1862

The 18th Illinois Volunteers were engaged against Fort Henry on the Tennessee River in Tennessee. Grant was successful and Fort Henry was captured on February 6, 1862.

12-16 February 1862

The 18th Illinois Unit was an important element in the Investment, Battle, and Capture, Fort Donelson, Tennessee. The unit was assigned the right flank of the advancing line and expected to hold any escape of the Confederate garrison upstream toward Nashville.

The records for Mathew Oller for 13-15 Feb 1862 contain a Casualty Sheet of wounded for M. Oller, Pvt. Co. H, 18th Regiment of Illinois volunteers at the battle of Fort Donelson. Another item in Mathew’s military records is a “13-15 February 1862, Casualty Sheet for M. Oller, Pvt. Co. H, 18th Regiment of Illinois volunteers at the battle of Fort Donelson. The record states, “wounded and missing, Source List of killed, wounded and missing , 1st brigade, 1st Division of District West Tennessee at the siege of Fort Donelson February 13,14,15, 1862. Detached from a report signed by R.J. Oglesby, Col Comdg. (JAS)

15 Feb 1862

Matthew Oller records officially list him as Missing in Action, Donelson Tennessee battle.

Two separate Unit Muster reports for January and February, 1862 lists the Privates of Company H, 18th Regiment Illinois Infantry Company Muster Roll lists “Matthew Oller Absent- Missing in action”

16 March 1862

The next military record for Matthew Oller states that he is a POW confined at Mobile. There is no information on Mathew being wounded , his condition, or how he was transported down to Mobile, Alabama. Most likely Mathew and others taken prisoner were taken along with the troops as they retreated toward Shiloh, Tennessee and down river to Mobile. Rather than Mobile, this may actually have been Cahaba Federal Prison, located in an area near Cahaba (once known as Cahawba), Alabama on the banks of the Alabama and Cahaba Rivers. If so, then young Mathew was quite lucky in that this was said to be the best of the Confederate Prison Camps. This Camp was run by a Methodist minister.

Mathew's military records show for the March and April 1862,- Pvt. Company H, 18th Regiment Illinois Infantry Company Muster Roll, Matthew Oller was "Absent- Missing in action at Donaldson sic Donelson], Feb 15, 1862."

A second record card with same words, but not duplicate, is included in his records.

6-7 April 1862

The 18th Illinois Unit fought in the Battle, Shiloh, Pittsburg Landing, Tennessee.

The casualties on both sides were the greatest to that date of the Civil War. For the 18th Illinois the losses were so great that in April 1862, Companies "C" and "H" were disbanded following losses at Shiloh. Recall that young Mathew was in Company H, however still being a POW, he missed the bloody action

29 April- 30 May 1862

The 18th Illinois Unit advanced on and fought in the siege of Corinth, Mississippi. Again young Matthew Oller being a POW, missed the heavy losses of Shiloh and Corinth.

15 May 1862

His military records state that Matthew Oller, a POW, was sent to Montgomery, Alabama to be forwarded to Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

1-20 June 1862

His military records state that Matthew Oller was once again a Nurse in an unspecified Hospital. It was standard operating procedure for returning POW's to be sent to a Hospital for initial evaluation, so this is not necessarily an indication of any injury or illness. He was at this hospital for 20 days and reported as a Nurse, so his aptitude and experience seem to be increasing.

The May and June 1862 record shows on Pvt. Company. H, 18th Regiment Illinois Infantry that Mathew Oller “Appears on Hospital Muster Roll, Attached to hospital June 1 1862, and is employed as a Nurse.”

The record states that Matthew Oller was present and had returned to Company on June 20 1862.

24 June 1862

Mathew’s military record contains the following: Major Nathan Crews, Commander of Regiment letter to Lieut. J.C. Webber, a.a.a. Genl. 1st Brigade, request for assignment of Matthew Oller who was returned prisoner from capture at Donelson, Tennessee battle. With answer by M.K. Lawler.

Company D, 18th Illinois Infantry Volunteers

25 June 1862

His military record state that Matthew Oller was transferred to Company D Regiment 18th Illinois Infantry

May & Jun 1862- Pvt. Co. D, 18th Reg't Illinois Infantry Muster Roll

                Matthew Oller Present- Transferred from Co. H to Co. D June 25
                1862.

July & Aug 1862- Pvt. Co. D, 18th Reg't Illinois Infantry Company Muster Roll

                Matthew Oller Present-

27 July -13 August 1862

The 18th Illinois Unit performed an expedition to Bolivar, Tennessee and Brownsville, Mississippi. [Ref. BK-120]

18 August 1862- Pvt. Co. D, 18th Reg't Illinois Infantry Company Muster Roll

                Matthew Oller Present-

Sept & Oct 1862- Pvt. Co. D, 18th Reg't Illinois Infantry Company Muster Roll

                Matthew Oller Present-   

31 October 1862

The 18th Illinois started Unit operations on the Mississippi Central R.R. from Bolivar, Tennessee to Coffeeville, Mississippi. until 10 January 1863. This was part of Grant's Central Mississippi Campaign. [Ref BK-120]

15-25 November 1862

His military records state that Matthew Oller had a Furlough approved to Pulaski County, Illinois. RE death of two sisters

                Approved C.A. Lowle, 1st Leut Co D, 18th Reg't
                Approved S. B Marks, Major Command of

Nov 1862 two sisters?

Mathew had an older sister who was born between 1837 and 1840. His older brother, Silas C. Oller, had already died at 19 years old in 1857. His half sisters were Mary Ann Oller Graham (1823-?) and another whose name is not known(1825/1830-?). His two oldest half brothers, My G2GFather Leonard(1819-1854) and an unknown boy(1817-<1830) had already died.

16 Nov 1862

His records indicate that for some reason, Matthew Oller’s Furlough was disapproved by headquarters. Counter Order came from Head Quarters Command Post, Jackson, Tennessee, Met Lawler, “Cal Comd Post”

18 Dec 1862

The 18th Illinois started Unit operations against General Nathan Bedford Forrest in west Tennessee, continuing until 3 January 1863.

Private Matthew Oller, is recorded as “Present” in the November and December 1862 18th Regiment, Illinois Infantry Company D Muster Roll

Private Matthew Oller is also recorded as “Present” in the January and February 1863 Company D Muster Roll of 18th Regiment, Illinois Infantry

3-10 Mar 1863

The 18th Illinois Unit executed an expedition to Huntington, Tennessee.

16-18 Mar 1863

The 18th Illinois Unit executed an expedition from Jackson to Trenton, Tennessee. This is about a 29 mile journey to the North of Jackson.

1-10 Apr 1863

The 18th Illinois Unit mounted an expedition to Covington, Tennessee. Covington is about 60 miles Southeast of Trenton, Tennessee.

11-16 Apr 1863

The 18th Illinois Unit mounted an expedition to Summersville, Tennessee. Summersville is about 450 miles West of Covington, Tennessee, in the TriCities area.

Private Matthew Oller, is recorded as “Present” in the March and April 1863 Company D, 18th Regiment, Illinois Infantry Muster Roll

In what was noted to be a special muster of 10 April 1863, Private Matthew Oller, is recorded as “Present” in the 18 April 1863 Company D, 18th Regiment, Illinois Infantry Special Muster Roll.

4 June 1863

The 18th Illinois joined the siege of Vicksburg, Mississippi until July 4, 1863. The initial assault had started on May 18.

Private Matthew Oller, is recorded as “Absent- On detail” in the May and June 1863 Company D, 18th Regiment, Illinois Infantry Muster Roll. There is no further information know on what this “military detail” might have involved, but young Mathew may well have missed the combat in the siege of Vicksburg.

1 August 1863

The 18th Illinois started the unit participation in Steele's Expedition against ittle Rock, Arkansas until 14 September 1863.

Private Matthew Oller, is recorded as “Absent- Sick in Hospital Deuvals Bluff, Arkansas” in the July and August 1863 Company D, 18th Regiment, Illinois Infantry Muster Roll. So Mathew most likely did not participate in this Expedition.

10 Sept 1863

The 18th Illinois Unit participated in the engagement at, Bayou Fourche, Arkansas.

Private Matthew Oller, is recorded as “Present” in the September and October 1863 Company D, 18th Regiment, Illinois Infantry Muster Roll. The muster roll is does not indicate when he returned from the hospital to duty. So Mathew may or may not have participated in this engagement.

10 Sept 1863

The 18th Illinois participated in the capture of Little Rock, Arkansas. This date need to be checked being the same as the enrty above.

Private Matthew Oller, is recorded as “Present” in the September and October 1863 Company D, 18th Regiment, Illinois Infantry Muster Roll. The muster roll is does not indicate when he returned from the hospital to duty. So Mathew may or may not have participated in the capture of Little Rock.

21 Dec 1863

Matthew Oller Pvt. Co. D, 18th ILL Infantry, Age 19 years is recorded on a Muster-out Roll, at Little Rock, Arkansas. The following details are given in Mathew’s records:

-- Last paid June 30, 1863

-- Clothing account last settled June 30, 1863,

  amount for clothing in kind or money advanced $15 22/100

-- Has bounty due for last enlistment $100.00

-- Engaged in battle of Donelson.

-- Discharged by virtue of re-enlisted as Vet Volunteer under the provision of G.O. No.191 War Dept series of 1863.

22 Dec 1863

Three records of this date include:

1) Declaration of Recruit for Matthew Oller

2) Volunteer Enlistment for Matthew Oller, 19 yr old farmer, born in Alexander County, Illinois.

3) Matthew Oller Pvt. Co. D, 18th ILL Infantry, Age 19 years, Muster-in Roll of Veteran Volunteers, Little Rock, Arkansas, for 3 years. Re-enlisted as Vet Vol under the provision of G.O. No.191 War Dept series of 1863.

So young Mathew Oller after two and a half years of service, two stays in hospitals, and several months as a POW, re-enlists for another 3 years.

26 Dec 1863

Matthew Oller, Pvt. Co. D, 18th ILL Regiment Infantry, Appears on Muster and Descriptive Roll of Veteran Volunteers. Age 20 years, occupation Farmer, enlisted 22 Dec 1863, Little Rock, Arkansas for 3 years. Gray eyes, Light Hair, light complexion, height 5' 7". Re-enlisted as Vet Vol under the provision of G.O. No.191 War Dept series of 1863. To have furlough of at least [over]....

Unfortunately, the other side of this record card was not copied.

Private Matthew Oller, is recorded as “Oller Present- Re-enlisted as Vet Vol under the provision of G.O. No.191 series 1863 War Dept.” in the November and December 1863 (new) Company B, 18th Regiment, Illinois Infantry Muster Roll.

Company B, 18th Illinois Infantry Volunteers

January and February 1864

There was no January and February 1864 Muster Roll card in Mathew Oller’s records. Note the furlough comment on the 26 December 1863 record. It is not known how long his furlough might have been but this would seem to indicate that it may have continued until sometime in March 1864 when he once again is recorded in a Muster Roll with his new Company B.

This researcher’s Great Grandfather, John Alfred Denfip, also served in Company B, 18th Illinois Infantry. Smith Denfip(1862-1933), son of John and Nancy Emeline Oller(1871-1937), daughter of Mathew Oller’s nephew, James Franklin Oller were to marry in 1896 and become this researcher’s grandparents. Both soldiers were from Alexander County, Illinois, but it is not known if they knew each other prior to service.

27-31 March 1864

The 18th Illinois Unit had an expedition from Pine Bluff to Mount Elba, and Longview, Arkansas. The Unit had a skirmish at Mount Elba, Arkansas on March 28, and more action on March 30, 1864 at Mount Elba. On March 30, the unit was in pursuit to Big Creek, Arkansas.

Private Matthew Oller, is recorded as “Present- Re-enlisted as a Vet Vol.” in the March and April 1864 (new) Company B, 18th Regiment, Illinois Infantry Muster Roll.

Private Matthew Oller, is recorded as “Present- Re-enlisted as a Vet Vol.” in the May and June 1864 (new) Company B, 18th Regiment, Illinois Infantry Muster Roll.

August 31 1864

Private Matthew Oller is recorded as “Present- Vet” in the special (new) Company B, 18th Regiment, Illinois Infantry Muster Roll.

September 1864

Private Matthew Oller, is recorded as “Present- Re-enlisted as a Vet.” in the September and October 1864 (new) Company B, 18th Regiment, Illinois Infantry Muster Roll. Also noted on Mathew’s record was that the 1st, 2nd, 3rd Installments of his bounty were due.

November 1864

Private Matthew Oller, is recorded as “Present- Vet.” in the November and December 1864 (new) Company B, 18th Regiment, Illinois Infantry Muster Roll. Also noted again on Mathew’s record was that the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and now 4th Installments of his bounty were due.

January 1865

Private Matthew Oller, is recorded as “Present- Vet.” in the January and February 1865 (new) Company B, 18th Regiment, Illinois Infantry Muster Roll. Also noted again on Mathew’s record was that the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Installments of his bounty were still due. Mathew’s record also adds that he is now a teamster on a pontoon train. The pontoon reference indicated that he was engaged in building temporary bridges for the Army.

24 Feb 1865

John Alfred Denfip (Great Grandfather of this researcher) enlists in Company B, 18th Illinois Infantry Volunteers as a Private. It is known that John Denfip was also engaged as a pontoon squad, so Mathew and John Denfip must have at least meet in this duty if they had not known each other back in Alexander County, Illinois.

March 1865

Private Matthew Oller, is recorded as “Absent- Absent without leave” in the March and April 1865 (new) Company B, 18th Regiment, Illinois Infantry Muster Roll.

As we will see in the next muster roll, this must have been correct and not in error. It is not known where Mathew went during this absence.

May 1865

Private Matthew Oller, is recorded as “Absent- Vet Absent in confinement at Little Rock Arkansas.” in the May and June 1865 (new) Company B, 18th Regiment, Illinois Infantry Muster Roll. The record further states “*Conduct prejudicial to good order & Mil Discipline. Sentenced to forfeit pay proper for three months per G.O. 32. H.Q. Ins/ Div % AG July 13/65.”

July 1865

Private Matthew Oller, is recorded as “Present- Vet. 5th Installment Bounty due” in the July and August 1865 (new) Company B, 18th Regiment, Illinois Infantry Muster Roll.

October 1865

Private Matthew Oller, is recorded as “Died in Post Hospital, Pine Bluff Arkansas Oct 20/65” in the September and October 1865 (new) Company B, 18th Regiment, Illinois Infantry Muster Roll.

20 October 1865

Mathew Oller’s Death Notice to Commanding Officer B company 18th regiment Illinois Infantry. Signed by G.C. Day, Ajt. Surgeon U.S. Vols.

24 October 1865

Discharge of Mathew Oller, Private of Captain Tho's Gage, Company B of the 18th Regiment of Infantry Volunteers of the State of Illinois, age 20 years; 5 feet 7 inches high; Fair complexion, Blue eyes, Light hair, and by occupation a Farmer who joined for service and was enrolled as a Vet. Vol. on the 22nd day of December, 1863, at Little Rock, Ark by Capt. Blackburn, for the period of Three years and mustered into the service of the United States on the Twenty-sixth day of December, 1863, at Little Rock, Ark, by Lieut. Wilson; and having served HONESTLY and FAITHFULLY with his Company to the present date, is now entitled to a DISCHARGE by reason of, Died in Post Hospital, Pine Bluff Arkansas of Pneumonia, October 20, 1865.

16 Dec 1865

Matthew Oller Pvt. (new) Co. B, 18th ILL Infantry Age 20 years Appears on Co. Muster-out Roll. Last paid to June 30, 1865. Clothing account Last settled February 28, 1865; drawn $34 26/100. Bounty paid $360; due $140. Vet died in General Hospital at Pine Bluff, Ark Oct 20/65. Pneumonia. Papers forwarded.

16 Dec 1865

John Alfred Denfip [Maternal Great Grandfather of this researcher] Discharged also from Company B, 18th Illinois at Pine Bluff, Arkansas. This was the date of the disbanding of Company B 18th Illinois Infantry Volunteers.

Civil War Historian, John Walker, states: "During its career, the regiment sustained the loss of six officers and ninety-nine enlisted men killed or mortally wounded. An additional seven officers and two hundred and eight-two enlisted men died from disease or other non-battlefield causes."

Matthew Oller survived battles, battle wound, confinement as a POW, over a period near five years to finally die a couple of months prior to the end of the war in the post hospital of pneumonia.