The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
HENDERSON COUNTY IN THE SPANISH AMERICAN WAR:
When news came of the blowing up of the Maine, a battleship, in Havana Harbor, Henderson County, as well as the rest of the country, became greatly incensed at Spain and it at once became apparent that patriotism still lived and that many were anxious to fight for the honor of the flag.
Only seven citizens of this county, however, got into active service, Charles L. Brooks and James Hodges of Oquawka enlisted in Company H of the 6th Illinois Volunteer Infantry.
This company assembled at Camp Alger and then was taken to Charleston, S.C., where they embarked upon the ship Rita, a captured Spanish transport ship, and finally landed at Guantanamo Bay on the coast of Cuba.
After remaining there for sometime, they were taken to Puerto Rico where they marched across the island to Ponce.
Here they remained until they were brought home and mustered out at Springfield, Ill. without having been engaged in any actual hostilities.
1911 History of Henderson County