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

Inscription.
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. Marker is on West Carlinville Street east of Parkview Drive, on the right when traveling west. Marker is located at the entrance of VFW Cemetery, across from Lions Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 236 W Carlinville St, White Hall IL 62092, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least

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8 other markers are within 15 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. 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); Lincoln and the Kansas Nebraska Question (approx. 13.7 miles away); Stephen Arnold Douglas (approx. 13.7 miles away); Winchester, Illinois (approx. 13.7 miles away); Greene Vardiman Black (approx. 13.7 miles away); In Memory of (approx. 14½ miles away).

Photographed By Jason Voigt, September 7, 2021

2. Edward L. Hager Marker

Marker is located at the entrance of VFW Cemetery.

Edward L. Hager gravestone image. Click for full size.

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 267 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 14, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.