Ellis,
I found your post to be very interesting. I had never thought that perhaps Cyrus Franklin had personal relations in Southern Illinois who could've facilitated his visit there in 1863.

You reminded me that my great-great-grandfather, Wesley Phillips, who lived in Burnt Prairie, White County, Illinois, was a second (assistant) surgeon in an Illinois regiment. I've long suspected that a different line (Crains and Bullners in or near Williamson County) who came up from Tennessee, included at least one Confederate. I've just never done the work to find out.

Best wishes,

David