Colby, Carlos W., 1837-1922.

Illinois farmer and Civil War soldier.

Emigrating from New Hampshire with his family in 1850 to a farm near Alton, Ill., Colby enlisted in Co. G. of the 97th Illinois Volunteer Infantry in Sept. of 1862 and was mustered in as a second corporal. He served with the 97th on the Vicksburg Campaign, taking part in the continual assaults and final surrender. From there the regiment was moved south to New Orleans and was stationed in Louisiana, Alabama and Florida, joining in several campaigns. In April, 1865, Colby was wounded at Fort Blakely, Ala., and after an extended hospitalization was mustered out in August, 1865. After the war Colby returned to Illinois, married Anne E. Rowe (sister of Co. G friend James Rowe), and settled down to farming and raising a family. Colby died in 1922, having received the Congressional Medal of Honor in 1896 for his service at Vicksburg.

...