My Genealogy Hound

ROBERT H. MANN. One of the most honored citizens of Chester is the gentleman whose personal history is outlined in these columns, and who for many years has been intimately associated with the progress of Randolph County. He presents a marked type of the energetic, patriotic and sturdy sons of the great west—suaviter in modo, fortiter in re—with whom the high sense of duty stands first in every relation of life. Progressive in thought, and endowed by nature with a strong character and decision of purpose, he has achieved a success of which he is worthy, and which is the deserved reward of his energetic efforts.

Born in Randolph County, Ill., August 26, 1833, our subject is the son of Robert and Salina M. (Balch) Mann, natives respectively of South Carolina and Tennessee. His father came to this county in 1817, and settled near Preston, where he energetically entered upon the task of clearing and improving a farm, meeting with considerable success in his labors as a tiller of the soil. In 1851 he settled in Chester, where he continued to live in retirement until his death in 1878.

In his youth, the subject of this sketch was a student in the private schools of Randolph County, after which he conducted his studies in a German school in this place. Entering upon his active business career, he became a clerk in the employ of H. C. Cole & Co., with whom he remained for six years. In 1857 he embarked in the real-estate business, which he conducted successfully until the outbreak of the Civil War. At the opening of that conflict, he enlisted as a member of Company I, Tenth Illinois Infantry, Col. James D. Morgan commanding. In March, 1862, his regiment was incorporated with the Army of the Mississippi, under General Pope.

Among the important engagements in which Mr. Mann participated were those of New Madrid and Island No. 10, after which he was ordered to Arkansas, and from there proceeded to Pittsburg Landing and Corinth, taking part in those memorable battles. He afterward marched through various parts of Mississippi, and going into camp at Big Springs, remained there until July 20, 1862. He was ordered thence to Tuscumbia, Ala., to guard the line of the Memphis & Charlestown Railroad, where he remained until the latter part of September, 1862. Next he accompanied his regiment in to Tennessee, and in July, 1863, was ordered to New Fosterville, on the Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad, where he remained for one month after the battle of Mission Ridge and the East Tennessee campaign.

In January, 1864, the regiment re-enlisted, and then was given a thirty days’ furlough, at Quincy, Ill. Proceeding to the front, Mr. Mann took part in the Atlanta campaign and in the march to the sea, and afterward was taken sick at Savannah. For meritorious conduct he was promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant. He was on staff duty the greater part of his service, in which capacity he was serving at the time of his discharge. His record as a soldier is characterized by the loftiest patriotism and most unwavering courage, and is one of which his friends may well be proud.

Returning to the pursuits of civic life, Mr. Mann resumed his real-estate business, in which he has since engaged. He has considerable valuable property in Chester and vicinity for sale, and is also the agent for land owned by eastern parties. In politics, he supports the Republican party. Socially, he is identified with Chester Lodge No. 57, I. O. O. F., of which he is the oldest member, having united with the lodge May 10, 1855. He is also connected with Randolph Encampment No. 55. As would be supposed, he is prominent in the Grand Army of the Republic, and holds membership in Swanwick Post No. 212, of which he has been Commander for some time. A man of sound judgment, moved by honest purpose and love for the general welfare of the people, he is always found identified with the right, and as might be expected, is popular with his fellow-citizens.