THE ELLIS RIFLES

E. F. W. Ellis was one of the first citizens to become inspired with an ardent military spirit, which found its expression in the organization of a compan y, the Ellis Rifles, which he tendered to the governor.

The enrollment began Wednesday. April 24th. and the ranks were filled in less than one week. Mr. Ellis was chosen captain; Holder Brownell, first lieutenant ; Cvrenius C. Clark, second lieutenant. On Saturday, May 11, the Rifles went into camp at Freeport, and were subsequently known as Company C, of the Fifteenth Infantry, under command of Colonel Thomas J. Turner.

The total enrollment of Company C. including veterans and recruits, was ninety-three men. Volunteers from Winnebago enlisted in other companies of the Fifteenth. The total enrollment of this regiment from Winnebago county, including field and staff, non-commissioned staff, privates, veterans, recruits and unclassified recruits, was one hundred and twenty-five men. The adjutant's report also gives the names of fifteen volunteers from this county in the reorganized Fifteenth Regiment.

 

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