Sgt. John Harrison

[sarge]

I am portraying Sgt Harrisonin Sept at a reenactment in Indiana. Harrison was called "Captain" after his service as a mounted militiaman during the summer of 1833. Does anyone have any information on the Indiana Militiamen that fought in the Blackhawk War?
Thanks for any and all assistance!

[Robert Braun]

Well... not too many Indiana militiamen made it to the so-called "seat of War" in northwestern Illinois and the southwestern Michigan Territory. And your stated year of "1833" post-dates the Sauk War.

However, I have one reference, with which you may already be familiar. Go to the Connor Prairie website:

www.connerprairie.org/edu/index.html

Go to the menu at the left and click on "History Online." This will bring up a series of articles. I would start by reading the article on the militia in Indiana contained in this group.

RE: The name "Harrison." My consult of Whitney's indicated that no "John Harrison" listed that served from Illinois. Of course there was a "George Harrison" (not the future "Beatle") who served with Abraham Lincoln. And I am aware of a militiaman in the Michigan Territory surnamed Harrison, who had his horse stolen by a fellow volunteer so that that man could ride with Dodge against the Kickapoo at the Battle of Bloody Pond ("Horseshoe Bend"/"Pecatonica".)

[Robert Braun]

Found this in Whitney, Vol 2, Pt. 2., pp.748-9:

Kankakee July 7, 1832.

To the commandant at Fort Dearbourne or Indian Agent at Chicago

Sir I have the honour to command a company of Indiana mouinted volunteer Rangers, raised under the authority of the Gov of Indiana. A copy of the order is herewith enclosed. Our company Rendezvoud and was organized at Attica Indiana on the 2d Inst. and is Eighty eight strong including Officers. I have stationed a small corps under Lt. Davidson near Hubberts Trading House Iroquoise and advanced the remainder (74) to this place shall advince the remainder to Hickoy Creek where we shall halt untill advised of the location of the friendly as well as the probably movements of the hostile indians [and also of] The location or movement of the army of other troops or Rangers in the vicinity of our, on the frontioer of this state, and west as far as Fox River. Information on all these particulars I hope you will give us at an early a period as posable. You will please inform me where the Head quarters of the U. S. army officer in command in the N W may be found and such other information in your reach as will enable us to quiet the fears of the frontiers along the West & East of Indiana & this state & act efficiantly in the service in which we are employed.

The Bearers Majors Sigler & Bryant will bear any communication which you may see proper to send.

I have the honor to be Sir your obdt. Servt.

Joseph Orr Commandant of a company of Ind. Mt. V. R.

Looks like this may be the only company authorized by Governor Noah Noble, who issued Orr orders to raise a ranger company for service between Chicago and the Wabash settlement of Indiana.

Apparently, part of Orr's ranger unit went as far as Hickory Creek, at present-day Joilet, and stayed on station there for the remainder of the summer.

If your Sergeant Harrison served in the BHW, I willing to bet he might be associated with this command.

Also... check out the Indiana Historical Collection at your local library. There's got to be more information there than what I can provide you here.

Good Luck! r.

[Robert Braun]

Check out

www.mountainpress.com/books/military/details/fi-0129w.html

There is a book entitled Indiana Militia in the Black Hawk War that mentions the surname "Harrison." Only 17 pp., but might be worth a look, if you have not already seen it.

I have not seen this book, but should it prove that al the names listed served from Indiana, I will officially retract my statement that "not too many persons from Indiana served in the BHW." Looks like enough for at least a good sized regiment of the period.

I would be very interested to learn how many saw active action.

r.

[sarge]

Its funny you mentioned Conner Prarie as Harrison was raised in that particular area of Indiana.
Any idea of the type of saddle used during this conflict and boots and such? It sounds as if Harrison might have just been watering ponies during this conflict.