James C. Garner, 55th., Illinois Infantry.

Name: GARNER, JAMES C. Rank: PVT. Company: C. Unit: 55 IL US INF. Personal Characteristics. Residence: DURAND, IL. Age: 18. Height: 5' 8. Hair: BROWN. Eyes: HAZEL. Complexion: LIGHT. Occupation: FARMER. Nativity: VT. Service Record. Joined When: OCT 2, 1861. Period: 3 YRS. Muster In: OCT 31, 1861. Muster In Where: CHICAGO, IL. Remarks: MUSTERED OUT OCT 31, 1864 TERM EXPIRED.

The following was taken from the 55th., Illinois Regimental History.

James C. Garner, Private, Enlisted October 2, 1861; Wounded at Shiloh; Promoted to Corporal July 1, 1864; Mustered out October 31, 1864.

During the conflict on Sunday a musket ball ploughed through the scalp of James Garner of Company C, which stunned and prostrated him. About half an hour afterward he recovered sufficiently to rise to his feet, but consciousness of the situation dawned slowly. Just as the regiment commenced to retreat, one of his comrades called out to him, "Come, Jim, we are going back;" to which Jim replied, "Ain t I killed?" His commanding officer, Lieutenant Shaw, adds that Garner, "on being assured that he was not killed, joined in the retreat, and ever after, as before, proved himself a live soldier in every respect."