Captain Jacob F. Marks

Journal and Courier (Lafayette, Indiana) 09 Apr 1960 p.23

“UNUSUAL STORY: Capt. Jacob F. Marks, of Odell, left his college studies at Asbury College (DePauw University) and enlisted in the Union Army immediately after the first call for volunteers in ’61. Wounded at Missionary Ridge while leading men of the 40th Indiana Infantry regiment (Co. I), Capt. Marks was thought to have been killed when a shell exploded near him. Later he was discovered still living and was taken to a hospital where he remained unconscious for 12 days. In later life he was subject to spells of “fever” and during those periods would mutter “We can make it boys,” words he apparently was uttering at the time he was wounded. Surviving today is his daughter, Mrs. Borden B. Kessler, 815 North Tenth street, who loaned this picture to the Lafayette Journal and Courier.”

” The 40th regiment, organized at Lafayette, included many men who had unusual war stories. Capt Jacob F. Marks, of Odell, led a charge at Missionary Ridge and while he was giving a command, a shell exploded close behind him. He was taken to the rear by stretcher bearers who left him in the woods, thinking he was dead. After the battle he was found alive and taken to the hospital in Chattanooga where he remained unconscious for 12 days. When he regained consciousness his first utterance was the uncompleted command that he had been giving on Missionary Ridge. He was brought home and for nearly a year remained blind and deaf, then after his recovery served as county treasurer.”

Captain Marks was honorably discharged 5/16/64