Stricklin, Willis J.

Willis Stricklin

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Significance:

Private 110th Illinois Infantry, Company I

Place of Birth:

Williamson County, Illinois

Date of Birth:

1839

Place of Death:

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Date of Death:

December 31st, 1862

Place of Burial:

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Cemetery Name:

Stones River National Cemetery

Willis J. Stricklin was born in Williamson County, Illinois, in 1839, according to the 1860 United States Federal Census. Before his enlistment, he lived in Franklin County, Illinois, as a farmer. Information about Stricklin can also be found under the names, "William J. Stricklin" or "Willis J Strickling."

Stricklin had enlisted with the Union Army on August 12, 1862, in Benton, Illinois. He had mustered out as a Private in the 110th Illinois Infantry, Company I. The 110th was involved in skirmishes in Illinois before moving towards the Battle of Stones River. During the Battle of Stones River, the 110th Illinois Infantry was a part of William Babcock Hazen’s brigade. During the first day of battle, Hazen had deployed his men in two ranks with the 41st Ohio on the left, and the 6th Kentucky on the right, with the 9th Indiana and 110th Illinois aligned a few paces behind them in support to protect the Round Forest. Amidst the attacks from the Mississippi, Tennessee, and Florida brigades, Hazen’s brigade was reinforced with men from Brigadier General Thomas J. Wood’s and Hascall’s divisions. With the reinforcements' help, these brigades held their position against four attacks throughout December 31st. It was during this phase of the battle that Private Stricklin was killed, alongside many others on both sides.

Willis J. Stricklin is laid to rest in the Hazen’s Brigade Cemetery in Plot Hazen-41.  

Tags: stones river national battlefield, stones river national cemetery, american civil war, hazen brigade monument