March 1, 1864---The Death of Henry Bellew, a McDonough County man

MARCH 1, 1864:         

Henry H. Bellew, of McDonough County, Illinois, died while a prisoner of war at Richmond, Virginia. He is one of 248 Union men of the County to die in the service of their country during the war. The total population of McDonough County in 1860 was just over 10,000. The losses of this rural county equaled just under 2.5% of the residents; this was the national average.

February 29, 1864---Ulysses S. Grant becomes the Commanding General of all Union Armies

FEBRUARY 29, 1864:        

On the only Leap Day of the Civil War, Ulysses S. Grant is promoted to Lieutenant General of the Union Armies. He is the only Lieutenant General in American history to that point, excepting George Washington.