Overview
Source Photo: Chris Bornhoeft
According to Village Minutes from April in early 1922, the Village of Hampton Board began discussing the placement of a permanent historical monument and cannon on village property, a matter that quickly proved more complex than routine business. Instead of approving the request outright, the board appointed a committee to work with the Historical Monument Building Committee and examine possible locations, particularly the Village Hall lots. By February, the board decided that legal questions needed to be addressed and authorized the committee to seek legal advice before making any decision. This careful approach shows that the board understood the monument would be a long-lasting feature on public land and wanted to ensure it acted within its authority.
By April 1922, the board chose not to settle the issue on its own and instead placed the decision before the voters. The trustees ordered that the question of allowing a historical monument and cannon on specified village lots be submitted at the April 18 election. The election results were canvassed on April 19, with a clear majority voting in favor of the proposal. This vote formally empowered the board to grant permission for the monument, while leaving responsibility for care and maintenance to the monument committee and reserving the board’s right to determine the exact placement. The monument issue stands out as an example of the board deliberately involving the public in an important decision affecting village property.
Monument Commission Day (September 6, 1929)
The following passage is from: A HISTORY OF HAMPTON, ILLINOIS 1838-1938, by George McNabney, Hampton Historical Society, October 11, 1974, p. 14.
A beauty spot in Hampton is the Soldiers’ Monument on River Street. The construction of the monument was undertaken by a committee selected by the Sons of Veterans and the Ladies Auxiliary. The committee was as follows: Maniel Smith, of the Civil War; Robert E. Lee, of the Spanish American War; Henry Hermes, of World War I; Charles E. Sikes, of the Sons of Veterans; and Wilhelmina McGinnis, of the Ladies Auxiliary. Charles E. Sikes was the chairman and manager. The location, after months of deliberation, was finally settled by Henry McNeal, who is a grandson of the pioneer. Henry McNeal. He came forward and presented a deed to Lot 7 in Block 6, on which to place the monument. The monument is next to the Village Hall on 1st Avenue.
Special tributes were paid to the memory of three deceased Civil War Veterans. viz: Joseph Hermes, Henry Baumbach, and Daniel Young.
- Joseph Hermes had insisted on removing Campbell’s rock from the Mississippi River in 1868. Parts of the granite rock are the two front cornerstones of this monument.
- Henry Baumbach was commissioned fife major at the age of 14 and was one of the youngest in the army.
- Daniel Young, whose body was the first one brought back for burial, was the third of this group who received tributes.
In selecting this location, it commemorates a historical spot. It is on the site where Henry McNeal built his long cabin in 1828, and where his son George was born Nov. 27, 1833. He was the first white child born in this township. September 6. 1926 was the date set for the cornerstone laying. Several Civil War veterans and ex-servicemen from other wars were present.
Source Photo: Hampton Historical Society
The presentation of the deed was made by Dan McNeal, in behalf of his father. Henry McNeal to the Sons of Veterans and Ladies Auxiliary. James Maxwell accepted the generous gift on behalf of said organizations. The address of the day was made by Honorable Floyd E. Thompson.
The Cannon
Passage from: Beverly Coder, Hampton Historical Society, c.1970.
Source Photo: Hampton Historical Society
The large cannon between the Monument and the Town Hall is an American‑made gun cast in 1857 and probably saw service in the Civil War. How it got to Rock Island or who brought it there is not known. When Charlie first located it, it was in the yard of the Gas House at the foot of 17th Street; no one claimed it. When Charlie tried to get it, it was gone, and no one knew where.
Years later, Ben Payne was on the ferry dock in Rock Island waiting for the ferry. The river was low and the water clear, and Ben discovered this old cannon was being used as an anchor to moor the ferry dock. Charlie persuaded the captain to let him have it, and it was removed from the river bottom, brought to Hampton, and placed where you see it today.
Then he had to have some cannonballs for it. He called on Col. King again, and there were none of that size at the Arsenal. Col. King said that cannon must have some balls, and he wrote to other arsenals, finally located some in Massachusetts, and had them shipped here. So to Col. King, we are indebted for furnishing these appropriate decorations to surround this Monument.
Charles E. Sikes
Passage from: Heagy, Morris S., Recollections of My Old Hometown, 1936.
Source Photo: Hampton Historical Society
Hampton is indebted to one man for this enduring memorial to her soldier sons, and that man is Charlie Sikes. He conceived the idea, designed the structure, and originally built it.
Charlie is one of those geniuses who originate in a small town, get buried up there, and never get away from their environment, and so never get a chance to expand and show what is really in them. Charlie is a useful citizen to have around, being skilled with the tools of many trades. He could and did fix anything that was out of order. It was known that he was an accomplished mason in brick and stone when the few opportunities arose to show his handiwork. Witness the fireplace in his shop, in my house, and the summer home of Ted White. We did not know he had artistic and creative ability in design until he brought forth this monument.
The proportions are good, the design simple and pleasing, and the workmanship perfect. Charlie says he never put the plan of this monument on paper; he just thought it out and went ahead and built it. How he accomplished the result he did, without working drawings, is beyond the understanding of those who view the finished product. That does not bother Charlie; people generally don’t understand him. He is usually too far ahead of them, and they never catch up to him.
Monument Repaired in 2025
The Hampton Historical Society completed a complete restoration of the monument in 2025.
Source Photo: Michael Klouser (2026)