Dillon, John L

John L Dillon

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Significance:

Company E, 38th Illinois Infantry

Place of Birth:

Georgetown, Illinois

Date of Birth:

1834

Place of Death:

Murfreesboro, TN

Date of Death:

December 31st, 1864

Place of Burial:

Murfreesboro, TN

Cemetery Name:

Stones River National Cemetery

John L Dillon was born in 1834 in Georgetown, Illinois. He later moved to Mattoon, Coles County, Illinois where he worked as a wagon maker. He entered service at the age of 27 on August 2, 1861, in Mattoon, Illinois. 19 days later, on August 21st, he was mustered in at Camp Butler with Company E of the 38th Illinois Infantry regiment. At Camp Butler, he was also promoted to 1st Lieutenant. His enlistment records describe him as being 5'7" with a light complexion, blue eyes, and light hair.

The 38th Illinois Infantry was led by Brigadier General Carlin and General Davis's Division. At the battle of Stones River, they held a position on Gresham Lane while Confederate forces made their way there. The 38th Illinois held after three separate charges, but with Johnson's division giving way to their right, they couldn't hold on without a high number of loss. They were sent into a retreat to a different part of the battlefield. It was during these engagements that 1st Lieutenant Dillon lost his life on December 31st, 1862.

John L Dillon is laid to rest in the Stones River National Cemetery in plot L-4807.