Edward L. Hager
known as
"The Drummer Boy of Shiloh"

Edward L. Hager grew up in White Hall where he was engaged in farming. On November 13, 1861 he enlisted at Carrollton, Illinois in Company 61st Illinois Infantry. Presumably as a member of the Band, Fife and Drum Corp. Military records show he was 16 years of age (though local records disagree). The 61st Illinois was one of the many proud units which took part in the "Battle of Shiloh," at Pittsburgh Landing, Tennessee. On April 16, 1862, the Confederates launched a strong surprise attack against the Union Forces. It was in this battle that Pvt. Edward L. Hager was mortally wounded. He was returned to White Hall where he died of his wounds on May 30, 1862. (Legend says young Hager put down his drum and took up a musket during the heat of the battle.)