ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – After nearly 100 years in an unmarked grave, a Rockford veteran is honored for his role in America’s bloodiest battle.
On Thursday, Samuel H. Bogenrief, a farrier with the 17th Illinois Calvary during the Civil War, received a proper farewell. He is the only Civil War veteran laid to rest in Arlington Memorial Park on Rockford’s southeast side.
“Because he was a blacksmith, they made him a farrier, which meant he took care of the trimming the horses’ hooves and taking care of the horses’ shoes,” said cemetery secretary Beverly Krenek.
Krenek says during the waning days of the war, Bogenrief was involved in a disagreement with an officer, which led a dishonorable discharge from the Union. However, that was overturned years later…