Alfred Shively was born 9-Sep-1835 Bowling Green, Wood County, OH and died 20-Sep-1863 in Chickamauga, Walker County, GA. He was the son of Henry Ambrose Shively (born 28-May-1802 in Union County, PA and died 5-Mar-1886 Wood County, OH) and Margaret McCartney (born 10-Mar-1804 and died 5-May-1879). Alfred Shively entered service in Macon County, IL on 11-Aug-1862 and mustered in on 13-Sep-1862 at Camp Butler, IL. He was a Private in Company F, 115th Illinois Infantry. He was listed as being 5' 9", Light hair, Gray Eyes and Dark Complexion.
The following article was extracted from the Weekly Perrysburg Journal, Perrysburg, Wood County, OH, Wednesday, November 25, 1863, Page 3, Column 4:
In Memoriam
(A few days ago since we received a letter postmarked "Vicksburg, Miss., Nov. 10," which contained the following obituary notice of Alfred Shively -- son of Henry Shively, Esg., of Bowling Green, this county --who was killed at the battle of Chicmauga. Except the postmark, there was nothing about the letter to show from whence it came. We do not know the author's name, but believing it to be the heartfelt tribute of a solider to one of Wood County's gallant sons who fell in the service of his country, we gladly publish it. --Eds-Journal.)
OBITUARY. Alfred Shively, who fell at the battle of Chicamauga, in Northern Georgia, was well and favorably known to many in this community. He came among us a stranger, but his honest, manly face and frank, gentlemanly bearing, soon won for him good and true friends--such only as the good and true are capable of winning. No man ever distrusted him, or had cause of distrust. The golden rule was to him the law of life, and no one could know him without feeling that the world was the better for his living in it He left his plow, and the peaceful pursuits of the farmer, for the battlefield--not, as he said, from choice, but because his country had a right to claim his services, and they should not be withheld, whatever might be the sacrifice on his part. In his last letter, written the day before the battle, he says: "do not give yourselves any unnecessary trouble in regard to me. If it be my lot to fall in battle, rest assured that I shall fall at my post of duty. I shall never disgrace my friends nor the cause I am fighting for, but will do my duty as a true patriot and lover of my country, and the glorious old flag that is now unfurled to the breeze, and under whose shadow I now write". As to how well he kept his promise, let his brave companions in arms testify. His last words were, "Come on, boys, the day is ours; the enemy is retreating"!
Beneath the far-off battle field he rests quietly and well. He leaves a large circle of friends to mourn his loss, which is deeply felt. His brother he often spoke of, and seemed to have a great anxiety for his welfare. He is highly spoken of by his officers, as a true patriot and a good soldier.
November 8, 1863 SOLON.
The following was found in the Weekly Perrysburg Journal, Wednesday, November 10, 1863, Page 4, Column 2:
In Memoriam
Among the many who laid down their lives for their country, on the bloody field of Chicamauga, was Alfred Shively, son of Henry Shively, Esq., of this place. In his death, his parents and community have sustained a severe loss. No more worthy young man ever lived. He was one who made warm friends wherever he went. At the time of his enlistment he resided in Illinois, and his employers tried to persuade them not to leave. Said he: "When I see men with families turning out to defend my country, I cannot stay behind". His memory will every be fondly cherished by all who knew him. May He who tempers the wind to the shorn lamb, sustain and comfort his aged parents to this their hour of affliction. And in view of the new call for more men to crush this infernal rebellion, may our young men remember the example set them by young Shively, and "go and do likewise". W. R. P.
Bowling Green, October 20, 1863 (Independent copy.)
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