Pvt. – Sgt. Andrew W. Johnson
100 Illinois Infantry co. D. His Residence Plain field Illinois Enlisted 8/1/1862 as a Private. Promotions Sergt. He mustered out on 6/12/1865
100 Illinois Infantry co. D. His Residence Plain field Illinois Enlisted 8/1/1862 as a Private. Promotions Sergt. He mustered out on 6/12/1865
Here`s some great information about Sgt. Johnson at the battle of Franklin Tennessee,
“We arrived at Franklin about noon, the enemy closely following us. Schofields corps were then behind a good line of works, our division was placed in line in front of them, and some slight works thrown up hurriedly. We could see Hood`s army marching over the hills, south of us. and watch them form their lines. Then commenced the battle, the enemy charging us in great force about four o`clock. We were compelled to leave the first line, falling back to the second line of works. and there the battle raged till almost nine p.m. The enemy charged the works five times, some of them being killed close on them. Gen. Clayborne and his horse fell right on our works. The fighting was terrific. We were now behind the works, and the enemy in the open field, almost the first battle in which the 100th had this advantage. There was a small grove of young locust trees just in front of part of our line, every tree of which was cut off by bullets. The enemy withdrew having been repulsed each time. Clayborne`s division was nearly annihilated. Our list of casualties was again a sad one, for we lost one of the most valued of our remaining officers. Maj. Rodney S. Bowen was wounded in the thigh, and was placed in the last ambulance that started for Nashville, and died at that place three days after. Michael Murphy our brave color sergeant, Co. C. was shot down while planting the colors in the face of the foe. and when Murphy fell, Andrew W. Johnson of co. D. sprang forward and snatched the colors and saved them from capture, for which he was made color sergeant.”
Source for excerpt and image:
The Battle of Franklin, November 30, 1864 
Fascinating. He mentions that “Gen. Clayborne and his horse fell right on our works.” We know that Cleburne fell elsewhere on foot, but that Gen. Adams was killed on the works with his mount. Apparently word spread the dead officer was Cleburne–which perhaps speaks to his high regard within Union ranks. That would have been news they wanted to believe.
Thanks so much for these posts. Being a CW “nut”, I always enjoy reading live history. He was there…not told by some Monday-morning quarterback!
My Great Great Grandfather was in Lane’s Brigade, 40th Indiana Vet Vols. I am amazed that any of the two Brigades (Lane’s, Conrad’s) survived. But many accounts of those men (including letters of my 2G Grandfather) are so nonchalant about the predicament they were put in being out in front. I guess after 4 years of war they were used to “tight spots.” They just regrouped and fought where they were, with whoever they fell in with.
My 3rd great grandfather fought in the 100th, Company I (as in Illinois). I’m amazed at the long marches, starving conditions, and intense battles he fought in the 3+ years he was enlisted. I wish I could find even more information, and I keep digging every day.