Morale soared with 'Captain Sam'

Capt. Sam Houston was an honored member of Co. I, Fourth Infantry, of the Illinois National Guard, joining the unit in 1898 at the outbreak of the Spanish-American war.
Lest I confuse someone, I’m talking about a golden eagle who served as the mascot for Fayette County’s local National Guard company.
According to Major E.P. Clayton, one of the commanders of Co. I, “Captain Sam” was captured four miles south of Vandalia by Frank Williams in April 1898 and sold to Martin F. Houston.

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The Leader-Union | circulation@leaderunion.com | 618-283-3374
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