John Hotaling

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John Ritter Hotaling (1824 – 1886) was an American soldier, engineer, and businessman.

Contents

[edit] Early Life and career

Hotaling was born in Sharon, New York in 1824. His father was a farmer and, at the age of 15, the younger Hotaling began training in printing. Before fully completing his three-year apprenticeship, Hotaling's father allowed him to move to New York City, and upon arrival, he began working in a printing business there. He then moved to Europe briefly, returning to the United States after a five-month stay, and took work in a wire factory for several years.

When the Mexican-American War began, Hotaling enlisted in the US army as a dragoon. During guerrilla action in the Battle for Mexico City, he was severely wounded by a slash to the throat and would have died, were it not for the medical attention of a fellow soldier.

In 1849, at the height of the California Gold Rush, Hotaling, now a civilian and veteran, accompanied 60 other men on a trip to California by sea. Their ship proved to be very cumbersome, and they were forced to dock for a period in Brazil, where they were invited guests at the birthday celebration of Brazilian Emperor Pedro II. Eight months after initially setting sail, the group finally arrived in California. Hotaling lived for two years in California, but then returned to New York.

He married Sophia Waterhouse of Brooklyn, and the newlywed couple moved West, settling in Lindenwood, Illinois, where they lived as farmers. In 1852 Hotaling was contracted to build a two-mile stretch of track through Ogle County. In 1855, Hotaling built what was said to be the first brick building in Lane, Illinois (now Rochelle): a three-story office building which also included an elevator.

[edit] Civil War and the death of Sophia

At the start of the American Civil War, Hotaling raised a company of Union cavalrymen that was recognized by the Army as Co. A, 2nd Illinois Cavalry Regiment. Hotaling, newly commissioned as a captain, was their commanding officer. Hotaling would also command company B of the same regiment.

Union General Grant made frequent use of both companies in battle, considering them very mobile and efficient. Hotaling's skill later caught the eye of Union General Edward Ord, who appointed Hotaling and his men as his personal escort group. Hotaling commanded both companies A & B at the Battle of Fort Donelson. Hotaling and Capt. Larison commanded 126 men in the Battle of Shiloh. On November 19, 1863, Hotaling was promoted to the rank of major. After Ord was wounded, Hotaling and his men served as escort to Union General John A. Logan, who later appointed Hotaling as his personal chief of staff. In the summer of 1864, Major Hotaling served under Logan in the ranks of the XV Corps in the Battle of Atlanta. As a part of the Atlanta force, Hotaling may have taken part in Sherman's march to the sea, though since General Logan had temporarily passed command of the XVth to General Oliver Howard after Atlanta; it is not certain. Major Hotaling, however, did serve under General Logan once more in the Carolinas Campaign.

Those who served with and under Hotaling regarded him as a born leader; charismatic, intelligent, and friendly. There soon began talk within the higher ranks of promoting Hotaling to the rank of Colonel and a command of his own, but Logan so well-liked his adjutant that he would hear nothing of it. Hotaling was repeatedly passed over for promotions, and would stay at his rank of Major until the end of the war. After the war, during Army reunions, Logan was regularly heard praising Hotaling's bravery and resourcefulness.

While he was in service, Hotaling received word that his wife Sophia had died in Illinios of tuberculosis.

[edit] Postbellum career

Hotaling retired from service after the war and returned to Illinois, marrying Carrie Cass in 1868. He took up employment as a grain buyer. Hotaling served as postmaster of Rochelle from 1869 until 1884. He, during this time, also worked for a railroad company in Central America. After purchasing some land in the Dakotas, Hotaling moved to Huron but died of a heart attack shortly after, at the age of 62. His body was returned to Rochelle in 1886, where it is buried in the Lawnridge Cemetery.

During his life, Hotaling had three children with his first wife Sophia, and one son with his second wife Carrie.

[edit] Sources

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