Trying to Locate Civil War Morning Rolls (98th IL)

[kosho1]

Does anyone know how to locate Civil War Illinois regiment morning rolls? I have found muster and description rolls, but I am looking for morning rolls (particularly for the 98th Illinois Mounted Infantry and/or Wilder's Brigade). Thanks!

[rivrrat]

What have you tried so far?

[kosho1]

I have looked at the National Archives and not been able to find anything (although I may not have been looking in the right place, so, if you know how to get morning rolls from there, that would be helpful) - and I've tried to see if the State Archives has anything but have not been able to find out one way or another. In addition, I've looked all over the Internet in order to look for guidance. I guess what I really need to know first is if they exist somewhere - I can't seem to find out if they are even available. ANY help would be appreciated!

[amhistoryguy]

First, what I think you are looking for are "Morning Report Books." Your best bet would be to look for them at the state level. Most of the surviving books were taken by the individual state at muster out, rather than turned in to the Federal Government. Unfortunately, many of those books were kept by soldiers as rememberances too, and are no longer available, but it is worth a try. Also, look for the unit's Sick Book, Clothing Book, Order Book, Descriptive Book, Account of Company Fund Book, Register of Articles Issued to Soldiers, and Report of Target Practice Book. These books were kept by regulations. You will find a wealth of information on individual soldiers there as well.
Try: Illinois State Archives Division
Archives Building
Capitol Complex
Springfield Illinois 62756

And / Or : Illinois State Library
300 S. 2nd Street
Springfield, Illinois 62701

And / Or : Illinois State Historical Library
Old State Capitol Building
Springfield, Illinois 62701

It would also be worth a try to contact a Centralia, Illinois Historical Society, as the 98th was organized in that area. It would not surprise me to find the unit took its books home. I believe Centralia is in Marion County, so look for a county historical society too. Also, check out the local newspapers of the period. Most communities were pretty proud of their boys, and kept the community informed about where they were and what they were doing. Hope this has been of some help. Also, keep in mind that when possible, do the research yourself. I've often been told, "nope, don't have this, don't have that," only to find it myself when I went to look. Besides, it's a fun adventure, no telling what else you will find. Stick to it.

Regards, Dave Gorski