The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
CIVIL WAR -16TH ILL. INFANTRY: The 16th regiment was sworn in at Quincy with Co.F. having about 60 men from Henderson County. Active duty commenced at Hannibal, Missouri, under the command of Col. Robert F. Smith.
Next they moved to Grand River and were posted along the railroad to guard it.
The force at Monroe station was attacked by 1,600 mounted rebels, but Col. Smith defended his position until the arrival of reinforcements routed the enemy.
The regiment moved onward to St. Joseph in Sept and skirmished at Platte City.
It was ordered to Bird's Point and New Madrid. In company with the 10th Illinois it was thrown forward to within 900 yards of the rebel main line, threw up works, planted four heavy guns and in the morning startled the enemy with their unexpected fire.
The group received concentrated cannonade from rebel gunboats and forts throughout the day but that night the enemy evacuated.
1882 History of Henderson County