There are over 1250 biographies. Some of the stories are amazing. A priest from
Monroe County served in the Civil War. One World War I soldier woke up in the morgue as
medics thought he was deceased. He lived to return to Waterloo and have children, including twins. A World War I Navy soldier had his aircraft carrier sunk with only one raft
not big enough to hold the survivors in the water so they took turns clinging to the side of
the raft for 2 days in shark infested waters. Not all survived but one local did. Another
soldier from Waterloo was in charge of all secret communications on D-Day! Yet more
recently another story in the book is of a soldier responsible for transportation of all
nuclear weapons for the Department of Defense: Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines.
We have one Columbia family, the Wilds, who had five brothers in World War I. Another Vogt family had five brothers serve in the military. And recently Eileen Curran
turned in stories of the six Curran brothers, all who served. Four Woodcock brothers served as well as six Eskers, five Mays, four Goesslings and three Hurseys.
EVERY soldier is important. All went into service with the realization they may be
giving their life to protect us. And many did give their life. Many of the veterans we spoke to are humble about their service. Yet we hope to ensure our military veteran histories are not lost or forgotten.
Monroe County served in the Civil War. One World War I soldier woke up in the morgue as
medics thought he was deceased. He lived to return to Waterloo and have children, including twins. A World War I Navy soldier had his aircraft carrier sunk with only one raft
not big enough to hold the survivors in the water so they took turns clinging to the side of
the raft for 2 days in shark infested waters. Not all survived but one local did. Another
soldier from Waterloo was in charge of all secret communications on D-Day! Yet more
recently another story in the book is of a soldier responsible for transportation of all
nuclear weapons for the Department of Defense: Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines.
We have one Columbia family, the Wilds, who had five brothers in World War I. Another Vogt family had five brothers serve in the military. And recently Eileen Curran
turned in stories of the six Curran brothers, all who served. Four Woodcock brothers served as well as six Eskers, five Mays, four Goesslings and three Hurseys.
EVERY soldier is important. All went into service with the realization they may be
giving their life to protect us. And many did give their life. Many of the veterans we spoke to are humble about their service. Yet we hope to ensure our military veteran histories are not lost or forgotten.
We need your help making this publication a success so present and future generations are educated about our local veterans. We strive to preserve their
memories. Books should be ready by or before Christmas. Orders due by July 9, 2025.
memories. Books should be ready by or before Christmas. Orders due by July 9, 2025.
Veteran’s Book Volume 2
Price: $65.00 per book
Tax: $4.06 per book
Shipping (if mailed): $7.00 per book
Order form: MCGS Form
Send Order and Checks to:
Monroe County Illinois Genealogical Society
P.O. Box 391
Waterloo, IL 62298
or drop off at:
Morrison-Talbott Library
Attn: Genealogy Dept.
215 Park Street
Waterloo, IL 62298
Contacts: Tom Smith 618-939-8342, Mary Huetsch 618-939-6125, Sue Watters 618-939-5545, Brenda Lanman 618-660-6087, Carol Sondag 618-939-8961, Sherri Tjemmes (at Morrison-Talbott Library) 618-939-6232