Isaiah Stillman

Who was Isaiah Stillman?

Cavalry Major Isaiah Stillman led Illinois militia in the first armed confrontation of the Black Hawk War against Black Hawk's Sauk Indian Band. The first armed confrontation would be named Battle of Old Man's Creek, but would later be named Stillman's Run.

Isaiah Stillman was born and raised in the state of Massachusetts, but he left the east and traveled to Illinois to become a trader of pots, pans, and other items. For a time, he lived in Coopers Creek Landing in Fulton County, before deciding to join the Illinois militia as a captain at the age of 35 in 1827. By the early part of 1832, Isaiah had attained the rank of Brigadier General-elect. With this new position, he gained the responsibility of defending everything west of the Illinois River. This land was mostly an empty place, with few First Nation's tribes and settlements. In April 1832, Governor Reynolds Governor of Illinois John Reynolds ordered Stillman to raise a battalion for the Illinois militia. He was unable to recruit a full battalion, so he was made a major rather than a general. The next year after Black Hawk War, he was promoted to general.

He died in Kingston, Peoria County, on April 15, 1861, at the age of 67. He is buried in Peoria.