Capt. John D. Hatfield was born July 4, 1834, near Rockville Indiana.                                                                                    

In 1861, he enlisted with the Union Army serving in Company H, of the 53rd Regiment of the Illinois Infantry. Capt. 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. After a short recovery, Capt. Hatfield went on to fight at Vicksburg and Jackson, where he was taken prisoner.                                                                                                                                                  

Captain 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, Capt. Hatfield, along with 109 of his fellow prisoners, escaped in February of 1864. He was one of only 59 who were successful in their attempt. After his escape, he was honored in Washington by having dinner with the President and Mrs. Lincoln and was introduced to both houses of congress.