Springer, John B.

SPRINGER, BATCHELDER, MITCHELL, MCCROSKEY, TUCKER

Posted By: Mary H. Cochrane, Volunteer
Date: 7/9/2019 at 06:27:04

Biography ~ John B. Springer

"Biographical and Historical Record of
Ringgold and Decatur Counties, Iowa"
(Lewis Publishing Company (1887)), p. 517.

JOHN B. SPRINGER, deceased, was born in the State of Vermont, March 10, 1836, a son of B. O. and Eliza (Batchelder) Springer. The mother died in Darke County, Ohio, and the father was again married in that county to Mrs. Mary Ann Mitchell. They were among the early settlers of Burrell Township, Decatur County, Iowa, locating there about 1855. John B. Springer, our subject enlisted in Company D, Fourth Iowa Infantry, at the first call for troops, as Second Lieutenant. He was soon promoted to First Lieutenant, and from that position to Captain, his promotions being won in battle. He was under Sherman at Chickasaw Bluff, and participated in the first assault against the defenses of Vicksburg. The following summer he was in the campaign which led to the capture of Vicksburg, and later at the battle of Jackson. He took part in the battles of Mission Ridge and Lookout Mountain, and was with his regiment in all the engagements to the campaign against Atlanta, among them being the battles of Resaca and Kenesaw Mountain. He was a brave and gallant soldier, and during his term of service participated in thirty-two engagements. While home on a furlough he was married, August 23, 1863, to Sarah McCroskey, who was born in Monroe County, Tennessee, a daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Tucker) McCroskey, both of whom died in Tennessee. To this union were born three children -- Jessie Atlanta, James Greer and John Worth. Mr. Springer made his home on section 18, Decatur Township, after his return from the war, and there built a good residence, and improved his land, on which he lived till his death, which occurred March 10, 1875, the thirty-ninth anniversary of his birth, his death being hastened by his army service. He was a member of the Masonic Fraternity. In politics he was a Republican. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mrs. Springer is a member of the Presbyterian church."

(Submitted to the Decatur County GenWeb site by Christy Jay, email: Jaygenie@aol.com)