Hippolyte Francis
Claire
39th Illinois Vol. Infantry
Hippolyte
Francis Claire
Corporal, Company F 39th Illinois Volunteer Infantry
Hippolyte Francis Claire was born on January 12, 1843 in the parish of
Froideconche,County of Luxeuil, France. He
immigrated to the United States with his parents as a young boy in 1857.
Hippolyte Claire volunteered as a private of Company F, 39th
Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He
enlisted in February 1864 at Chicago, Illinois. He was to receive a war bounty of $180 to be paid in
installments. He was present at the
action of Wier Bottom Church near Richmond, Virginia.
On or about June 16, 1864, the brigade which included the 39th
Illinois Volunteers was attacked. They
were forced to fall back. Hippolyte
Claire’s collarbone and shoulder was injured in the retreat.
He was treated by a surgeon and was sent back to duty.
Hippolyte Claire was involved in action at the battle at Deep Bottom on
August 16, 1864. He was wounded by
a musket ball in the left leg below the knee.
He was sent to a military hospital in New Jersey for treatment.
He was discharged as a corporal on December 6, 1865 at Norfolk, Virginia.
He later received a disability pension for his injuries.
Hippolyte Claire married Melanie Grossaint
in 1871 in L’Erable, Iroquois Co., Illinois.
They had eight children. He
was a faithful member of the Sacred Heart Church in Remington, Indiana.
He died on August 29, 1932. He
was given a military funeral. His
remains were taken to L’Erable, Illinois where he was laid to rest beside his
wife, who had preceded him in death.
Hippolyte Claire was the Great-Great-grandfather of:
Julia Marie Hicks
Flag photo courtesy of Illinois Historical Society
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