The above photo is of Epperitus McIntosh of the 14th Illinois Infantry Company E. Despite having his autobiography on the back of his photo, Mr. McIntosh remained unidentified due to the lack of his name on the card! Luckily, a patron who works at the Morris Library at Southern Illinois University Carbondale was recently in to view our Boys In Blue exhibit, and rescued Mr. McIntosh from anonymity by identifying his photo. You can hear “Epperitus” read his card above and below is the transcription:

“I was born in Terre Haute, Vigo County, Ind., Nov. 25. 1843, emigrated to Bloomington, Ills., in 1852, resided there until 1861 when I enlisted in Co. E. 14th Ill. Inf. in Jacksonville, May 25th. Participated in many hard fought battles and to day carry scars received from the same; was finally captured by the Rebs at Ackworth, Georgia, Oct. 4th, 1864; was then taken to Andersonville prison, where through intense suffering and frightful starvation, I became a physical wreck, the effects of which remain with me to this day. I am one of the survivors of the fatal steamer Sultana, which was blown up on the Mississippi River April 27, 1865, and was in the water until the late afternoon ( ) when I was rescued by some colored men and taken to Overton hospital, Memphis, Tenn. I was discharged at Springfield, Ills., June 30th 1865, and have been under the doctor’s care ever since. I now travel for my health and sell my photos to defray expenses. Every citizen ought to buy one of each kind as he appears, and as he appeared when at parole camp near Vicksburg, just out of Andersonville prison, a total wreck for life. I also sell my songs with music, ‘Dixie’s Sunny Land.’ Patronize an old vet.”