My Genealogy Hound

HANDLER, CHARLES, cooper, opposite fire clay works, White Hall, Illinois. Mr. Handler was born at Lubbenan, Germany, in 1840. At the age of 19 he migrated to America; landing in New Orleans he there became employed in a cooper shop as a journeyman workman, having acquired the trade at an early age. When the war came on he was stationed at Franklin, La. In those secession days able bodied men found in the State were subject to draft, or forced into the rebel army. Mr. H. succeeded in making his escape from Johnny Reb. making his way to New Orleans, thence to Brashear City, where he was captured in 1862 and sent, with others, to Eagle Pass where he was given six hours notice to leave the Confederate States; he in consequence made his way to Matamoras, Mexico, thence to Brownsville, Texas, and other points and once again to New Orleans, from here up the Mississippi to St. Louis, and thence to Alton, where he enlisted in Co. N, 7th Ill. Cavalry for three years service. A participant in the battle of Nashville. Honorably discharged when the war closed; he returned to Alton, in 1867 he came to White Hall. Four years ago he built and entered into active business for himself. In 1866 he was married to Miss Mary Smith, by whom he has four children: Charles, William, Fred, and Albert. Mrs. Handler died June 20, 1877; the following July Mr. H. was married to Ellinor Heck of Alton; one child, Katy.