Descendant of Civil War hero Hatfield donates to county museum

Jane Hatfield Anchustegui, a descendant of Civil War veteran Capt. John D. Hatfield, recently met with Antelope County Historical Society members, in Neligh, to announce a donation to support the historical society and county museum.

The board expressed its gratitude and presented Anchustegui with a basket filled with Nebraska-produced products.

"Thank you so much for such a great contribution to assist us in preserving and celebrating the history of Antelope County," said Boyd Pedersen, board chairman. "Your continued generous support of the museum is an inspiration to all of us."

Anchustegui's great-grandfather, John Hatfield, is a big part of Antelope County history. A display in the museum honors him.

Hatfield was born July 4,1834, near Rockville, Indiana. In 1861, he enlisted with the Union Amy, serving in Company H of the 53rd Regiment of the Illinois Infantry. Hatfield participated in the battle of Shiloh, the siege of Corinth and the battle of Hatchie Bridge. At Hatchie Bridge he was shot in the jaw and left on the battlefield for over two days. Following a short recovery, Hatfield went on to fight at Vicksburg and Jackson, where he was taken prisoner.

Hatfield was captured along with many in his unit at the battle of Jackson on July 12, 1863. From there, he was transported to the infamous Libby prison in Richmond, Virginia. After spending seven months in captivity, Hatfield, along with 109 of his fellow prisoners, escaped in February 1864. He was one of only 59 who were successful in the attempt.

After his escape, Hatfield was honored in Washington, D.C., by having dinner with the President Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln and was introduced to both houses of Congress.

Hatfield moved to Neligh in 1885 and served as an Antelope County Treasurer and was elected to the Nebraska legislature in 1909.

He died on June 9, 1918. He is buried in Laurel Hill Cemetery.

The Antelope County Museum has preserved the history of Antelope County since 1886. The Museum complex includes the historic main Museum, the One-Room Schoolhouse, the log cabin and St. Peter's Episcopal Church.