White Hall in Greene County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Edward L. Hager
Known as "The Drummer Boy of Shiloh"
Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 7, 2021
1. Edward L. Hager Marker
Edward L. Hager grew up in White Hall where he was engaged in farming. On November 13, 1861, he enlisted at Carrollton, Illinois, in Company 61st Illinois Infantry, presumably as a member of the Band, Fife and Drum Crop. Military records show he was 16 years of age (though local records disagree).
The 61st Illinois was one of the many proud units which took part in the "Battle of Shiloh", at Pittsburg Landing, Tenn. On April 6, 1862, the Confederates launched a strong surprise attack against the Union forces. It was in this battle that Pvt. Edward L. Hager was mortally wounded. He was returned to White Hall where he died of his wounds on May 30, 1862. (Legend says young Hager put down his drum and took up a musket during the heat of the battle.)
The citizens of this community are proud of this young hero, who made the supreme sacrifice.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is November 13, 1861.
Location. 39° 26.015′ N, 90° 24.452′ W. Marker is in White Hall, Illinois, in Greene County. It is on West Carlinville Street east of Parkview Drive, on the
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Annie Louis Keller (approx. Ό mile away); Solomon Patterson (approx. 8½ miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 8.9 miles away); Greene County Soldiers and Sailors Memorial (approx. 9.1 miles away); Thomas Carlin (approx. 9.1 miles away); a different marker also named Thomas Carlin (approx. 9.2 miles away); In Memoriam (approx. 9½ miles away); a different marker also named Veterans Memorial (approx. 11.6 miles away).
Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 7, 2021
2. Edward L. Hager Marker
Marker is located at the entrance of VFW Cemetery.
Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 7, 2021
3. Edward L. Hager gravestone
Hager is buried at the cemetery. His birth year remains unknown; some believe he was actually 14 years old at the time he enlisted.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 14, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 787 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 14, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
