The 4th of July

Today is the 4th of July. The day when Americans celebrate their freedom. We remember the enormous risk that the Founding Fathers took to give us our freedom. In celebration, I thought that I would post a few quotes as well as a short speech. I hope that you enjoy and that you have a happy and a safe 4th of July.

"Freedom is not free."
-Anonymus

"Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!"
-Patrick Henry

"I have never had a feeling politically that did not spring from the Declaration of Independence."
-Abraham Lincoln

"Sirs: (Congress) I am now to acknowledge the receipt of your two favors of the (July) 4th and 6th instants, which came duly to hand, with their important inclosures. I perceive that Congress have been employed in deliberating on measures of the most interesting Nature. It is certain that it is not with us to determine in many instances what consequences will flow from our Counsels, but yet it behoves us to adopt such, as under the smiles of a Gracious and all kind Providence will be most likely to promote our happiness."

-George Washington

"The highest glory of the American Revolution was this: It connected, in one indissoluble bond, the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity"

-John Quincy Adams

"Perfect freedom is as necessary to the health and vigor of commerce as it is to the health and vigor of citizenship."
-Patrick Henry

"That these United Colonies are, and of right, ought to be, free and independent states."
-The Declaration of Independence

"I leave you, hoping that the lamp of liberty will burn in your bossoms until there shall no longer be a doubt that all men are created free and equal."
-Abraham Lincoln

JM

Person of the Week!

It's time for another Person of the Week! This week's person is.....
John D. Hoban

Born: December 25th, 1846 (Census records have his birth date listed as Christmas Day 1838*)
Enlistment: February 14th, 1865
Discharge: September 17th 1865 by a special order
Married: October 5th, 1868
Spouse: Mary Gallheger
Died: July 16 1923

John Hoban was born on Christmas Day, 1846** (Or 1838, according to the US Census) in Ireland. At eighteen years old he was 5 feet 4-1/2 inches tall, blue eyes, light complexion, light hair and his occupation was a farmer.  John enlisted in the Union army at the age of eighteen. He was honorably discharged from the service of the United States on the 17th of September 1865 in Memphis, Tennessee.  He stayed in Illinois for several decades before moving to Kearney, Nebraska sometime in the late 18th century. They had ten children, 5 girls and five boys. Their exact birth dates are unknown to me. Here is a list of their children:

Lily Ann
Delia
Mary
James
John
Lucy
Francis
Joseph
Florence 
Frank

Florence was my great great grandmother on my Mom's side. If you know anything regarding John Hoban, if you could leave a comment below, that would be very helpful. Thanks for reading! 
JM

*Date listed on the United States Census, 1870, 1880, 1890
**Date listed on Discharge Papers as well as family tradition.