Logan’s Regimental Flag Taken to Illinois Capitol
Battle Torn Emblem of the 31st Illinois Unearthed Among Possessions of 14-year-old Private
Marion, Ill. — The old battle torn regimental flag carried by Gen. John A. Logan and his valiant 31st Illinois Regiment through the Civil War was uncovered here a few days ago and will be placed in the Logan Memorial Hall in Illinois capitol. J.M. Young delivered it at Springfield Monday night.
The flag was found a few days ago in Marion by relatives who were looking for the belongings of Mrs. Nannie White, who died two weeks ago. Mrs. White was the widow of Amzi White, son of the late Capt. John H. White, of the 31st, who was killed in action. Upon his father’s death, Amzi White, 14 years old, an orderly under General Logan, went into the ranks. At the close of the war, he retained possession of the flag and it is has been in Marion ever since.
The flag was made by the women of Carbondale, Illinois, and presented to the Regiment as it marched off to the war. A letter just received here from Mrs. Logan, of Washington, D. C., A former Marion girl, widow of the general, states that she helped make the flag. It measured 5 to 10 feet when presented to Logan and his men, but in battle was frayed considerably. It was pierced many times by bullets and shells.
(Carbondale Egyptian Free Press, September 21, 1915)