By Albert G. Gross
Hecker Camp #443

Mail calls are an important part of every soldier’s life, so
they can receive news from friends and relatives from
home. The image (right) is an envelope containing a letter to
Preston, Illinois native Fountain Pollack while he was a member
of Company F of the 14th Illinois Infantry Regiment during the
Civil War.

The 14th was organized in Jacksonville, Illinois on May 25,
1861, and participated in several battles including Fort Donelson
and Shiloh in Tennessee and the Battle of Corinth in Mississippi.
It took part in the Atlanta Campaign and was consolidated with
the 15th Illinois on July 1, 1864.

Fountain Pollack was born in Preston in 1834 and enlisted as a
private when the 14th was organized. He was promoted to
second lieutenant on April 30, 1863, and was mustered out
when the 14th and 15th consolidated.

Pollack owned a farm outside of Preston in 1876, but he
eventually moved to Carbondale. He died on Nov. 13, 1912 and
was buried in Oakland Cemetery in Carbondale. He left a wife,
Margaret, and two sons, Fred and Harry.

References:
Dyers History of the 14th Illinois Infantry;
1876 Randolph County Atlas;
and Find-a-Grave.