Gillis James McBane Papers

From the acquisition source: "Gillis James McBane (sometimes McBean) was born in Logansport, Indiana, in December 1829. According to a number of published sources, including an article on his passing in Idaho’s Daily Star-Mirror, McBane was 'the first white child' born in Logansport. He joined the Union army on July 19, 1862, and served until July 1, 1865, when he was honorably discharged. Following his discharge, he continued to live in the Logansport area until 1882, a few years after his older brother Thomas (1823-1878) died. He decided to follow the American dream of heading west. Recorded in a second portion of his diary, he recounts travelling by train and ferry to Walla Walla, Washington in 1882. After a brief stay there, he moved to Moscow, Idaho, to a piece of land he had purchased. Never marrying or having children, he lived the remainder of his life there, passing away in 1914 at the age of 84. He was a member of the IOOF Lodge No. 36, Cresent Encampment, No. 12, of the Rebekah Star, No. 15, and also of the Major Anderson Post No. 5 of the GAR." During the Civil War McBane served in the Union Army, Company G, 73rd Indiana Volunteers, from July 19, 1862, to July 1, 1865. McBane saw combat in the battles of Stones River, Decatur, Perryville, and Athens. Captured during the Battle of Stones River, he was sent to the Confederate POW camps at Castle Thunder and Libby Prison. McBane was freed in a prisoner exchange and returned to his unit to fight.