Civil War murder: The strange and tragic story of Lt. Col. Reuben Loomis of Du Quoin
(Editor's Note: Mr. Stephens is a Civil War historian from Du Quoin who researched and was responsible for the placement of a monument in Keyes City Park in memory to those of our town who died in that war. His ongoing research has found this remarkable story. He share it here.)
When researching the history of Du Quoin and the Civil War I knew that it would always be a work in progress and that more casualties would probably be found. That being said, Reuben Loomis still came as a surprise. Mike Jones, the head of the John A. Logan museum came across Reuben just a while back and was good enough to share the story.
Reuben Loomis was a local farmer who enlisted in Du Quoin on Nov. 19, 1861. He either had some previous military experience or more likely some type of political influence because he mustered in as a Captain. His description on his enlistment said he was 5-foot-10 inches, 35-years-old and married. He was assigned to Company I of the 6th Illinois Cavalry and soon proved himself an able soldier.
The 6th was engaged in Kentucky and Tennessee dealing with guerrillas and raiders which were a constant problem in these two states. In a serious surprise attack made at night, which rarely happened in the Civil War, Loomis kept his command in place and saved it from total destruction in spite of several casualties. He was promoted to Major and on April 30, 1862 he was transferred to Field and Staff and promoted to Lt. Colonel by none other than General Ulysses S. Grant.
By November of 1863 Lt. Col. Loomis was the Commander of the 6th Illinois Cavalry and was stationed in Germantown, Tenn. While on an operation led by Loomis against the rebels, a Major under Loomis's command T.G.S. Herod of Shawneetown misused his authority in Loomis's absence stating he was Major commanding the regiment. Loomis on his return reprimanded Herod for his unwarranted assumption of power. This led to a bitter exchange between the two officers.
The evening of Nov. 3, Herod appeared at headquarters and inquired about Loomis. He was told that Loomis was at supper at the Lucken House where he also boarded. Loomis was having supper with several other officers. When Herod arrived at the boarding house he encountered Loomis in the hallway. Herod told Loomis that he must take back the statements said earlier that day and if he did not he would kill him. Loomis either did not take Herod seriously, or was very brave, or very foolish. Witnesses later said that Loomis in a very mild tone said, "Major Herod, you have got a pistol in your hand and I am unarmed. If you want to kill me, kill me." Herod did just that, firing five times, two of which hit Loomis, killing him instantly.
Herod was arrested, tried by court martial and sentenced to death. But, Herod was not without his influential friends who managed to persuade Abraham Lincoln to commute his sentence to 10 years. He only served one year of that sentence and was pardoned by President Andrew Johnson.
Herod became a doctor and spent the rest of his life in Shawneetown. He died on Jan. 23, 1887.
Reuben Loomis was brought home and is buried in the Old Du Quoin Cemetery.
In the future, Reuben Loomis will have his name added to the monument in our city park, but of all the men inscribed on the monument he will be the only one who was murdered.