My Genealogy Hound

ORVILLE P. RANDALL, farmer and carpenter, post-office Carthage, is a native of the Empire State, born in Monroe county, July 1, 1835, and the same year his parents immigrated to Fulton county, Ill., where he was reared to manhood, receiving a rudimentary education, which he sought to improve by every known means, utilizing his spare moments to that end. He served his country during the war of the Rebellion, enlisting in Company C of the Tenth Regiment Illinois Veteran Volunteer Infantry. He participated in the battles of New Madrid, Island No. 10, Farmington, the siege and capture of Corinth, Nashville, and Columbia; in the repulse of the rebel raider Wheeler from east Tennessee; Mission Ridge, Chattanooga, and Chickamauga. Marched to the relief of Burnside at Knoxville; from there to Rossville, Ga., via Chattanooga, where he re-enlisted, going home on thirty days’ furlough. Rejoined the corps and participated in the Atlanta campaign under Gen. Sherman, and “marched down to the sea” with that redoubtable officer, participating in all the fun, forays, and fights of that memorable campaign, including Seven Bridges, Salkehatchie River, Great Pedee River, Columbia, and Smithland; was on the return march to Washington, D. C., via Raleigh, N. C., Petersburg and Richmond, Va.; was at the scenes of the great battles of the latter state, and the grand review of the victorious armies at the national capital, having marched the entire 2,700 miles. The military record of Mr. Randall is surely an envious one; was once offered a commission for meritorious conduct, which he declined, preferring to fight the battles of his country in the ranks. He was the man elected by the popular vote of his command for the “roll of honor” for special service. Mr. Randall was mustered out in July, 1865, and returned to Illinois, but made but a brief stay at his old home, coming to Jasper county, Mo., the same year. He was married Dec. 27, 1879, to Mrs. Lottie Richie, a native of Kentucky, who was reared and educated in Montgomery county, Ind., daughter of Nelson and Susan Peed. Her mother’s maiden name was Morse, a niece of Prof. Morse, of telegraphic notoriety. Of this union there is one child, an interesting daughter, Effie F. Mrs. Randall has one son by former marriage, William G.