The Civil War
Although this museum generally doesn't cover anything before World War I we have a couple of artifacts that have an important historical significance to the county and the local region.
The first artifact is a replica uniform for Albert Cashier, born Jenny Hodgers in 1843 in Ireland. She dressed as a man shortly after arriving in the US because the pay and opportunities for work were better for men. In July 1862 she enlisted in the 95th Illinois Infantry as Albert D. J. Cashier. During the Battle of Vicksburg she was captured but managed to escape by wrestling a rifle from her guard. She then made her way back to Union lines and rejoined her unit. After the war she continued to live her life as Albert Cashier and moved to Saunemin, Illinois in 1869. Albert died in 1915.
We also have a Medal of Honor awarded to Oscar Slagle. He served with Company D 104th Illinois Infantry. He earned his Medal of Honor at Elk River, Tennessee but it was not awarded to him until 1897. His story and citation as well as a few personal items, including his Grand Army of the Republic Medal, are also on display with us.
