Rollin V. Ankeny facts for kids

Rollin Valentine Ankeny (born May 22, 1830 – died December 24, 1901) was an American soldier. He was born in Pennsylvania but grew up in Ohio. As an adult, Ankeny moved to Freeport, Illinois, to become a farmer. When the Civil War began, he helped gather many volunteer soldiers. He then fought bravely with the 46th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Ankeny was wounded twice during the war. His leaders praised him for his detailed maps of battle areas. He was even given the honorary rank of brigadier general. After the war, Ankeny went back to Freeport. Later, he bought a big farm near Des Moines, Iowa.

Early Life and Moving West

Rollin Valentine Ankeny was born on May 22, 1830, in Somerset, Pennsylvania. Soon after he was born, his family moved to Millersburg, Ohio. Rollin grew up on the family farm. He also worked in his father's store. He went to public schools to get his education. In 1854, when he was 24, he moved to Freeport, Illinois.

Serving in the Civil War

When the Civil War started in 1861, Ankeny quickly got involved. He helped create a group of soldiers called Company A. This group was part of the 11th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment. After that, he helped gather seven more groups of soldiers.

Ankeny became a first lieutenant in Company B of the 46th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He fought in important battles. He was wounded at the Battle of Fort Donelson and again at the Battle of Shiloh. In 1863, he was promoted to captain of Company B. His leaders noticed he was very good at drawing maps. He made detailed maps of battlefields. These maps helped the army a lot. In June 1864, Ankeny was made a colonel. This was for the 142nd Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment. When the war ended, he received an honorary rank. He was made a brigadier general.

Life After the War

After the Civil War, Ankeny returned to Freeport, Illinois. He continued to farm there until 1868. Then, he moved to Des Moines, Iowa. He bought a large farm north of the city. It was about 640 acres, which is a lot of land!

Later, he moved to Winterset, Iowa. This happened after the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad reached the city. In Winterset, he worked in the lumber business. He also served as a deputy United States Marshal. This job meant he helped enforce federal laws.

In 1882, Ankeny moved back to Des Moines. However, he had to stop working soon after. He was hurt in a train accident. After that, he tried a business in the Black Hills of South Dakota. When that didn't work out, he took a job with the United States Department of the Interior. He eventually retired and returned to Des Moines for good.

Family and Community

Rollin Ankeny married Sarah Irvine on August 9, 1851. They had four children together: Irvina, Harriet, Rollin, and Mary.

Ankeny was an active member of his community. He was a Mason, which is part of a fraternal organization. He also attended the Christian Church. He helped start the first local group of the Knights of Pythias. This was another friendly organization. He also helped create the first local post of the Grand Army of the Republic in Des Moines. This group was for Civil War veterans.

Rollin Valentine Ankeny died on December 24, 1901. He passed away from pneumonia in Des Moines. He is buried there in Woodland Cemetery.