PONTIAC - By mid-October, the house that helped to conceal the true identity of a Civil War soldier will return to its hometown. The Village of Saunemin plans to move the Albert Cashier/Jennie Hodgers house from Pontiac to Saunemin, where it was built for the Civil War veteran who lived as a man, but was born a woman.

Once the house has been returned, Saunemin Mayor Mike Stoecklin said the village will start efforts to restore the house to its appearance when it was built in the late 1800s.

"It is an important part of our local history, due in part to the fact that he was a she," Stoecklin said. "We are prepared to have the Cashier home returned to Saunemin."

Cashier was the identity taken by Hodgers in 1862 when she enlisted in the Union Army. Hodgers, born in 1844, came to the United States from Ireland and kept her identity a secret until a few years before her death in 1915.

The small home is in disrepair: Much of the roof and floor are gone, and large metal bands hold it together. Restoring the home could take a few years. Stoecklin hopes the home is ready to open by August 2008.

The Pontiac City Council has approved the village's plan to take back the home, but is waiting for a final proposal before giving up possession.

"We need to get the house back to where is belongs," said Pontiac Alderman Bill Kallas. "To have it any place but Saunemin would be a shame."

Albert Cashier in 1864

The house is stored in a city garage at the street department. The city took possession of the house in 1995 after it had been moved from various locations in Saunemin and Pontiac.

In August, the Saunemin hosted several Civil War reenactments that increased interest in the home. The events included talks about Cashier at his grave site in Sunny Slope.

The home will be moved to a village-owned lot near the intersection of Center and Maple streets. Stoecklin said that is just 10 to 15 feet from where the house was first located.

Stoecklin said the home will be restored within historic guidelines and seek designation as a historical site.

Cashier was a member of the 95th Illinois Infantry during the Civil War. After the war, Cashier moved to Saunemin and worked as a laborer. Cashier's employer built the house for him in the 1860s to 1870s.

Cashier's gender was discovered after he was in a car accident. He was placed in a mental institution and forced to live as a woman, but drew an army pension. He died in 1915 and was buried wearing his Union Army uniform.

The Albert Cashier House

1860s to 1870s: Built in Saunemin by J.G. Chesebro for Cashier

1910: Moved to Lannon family property, Saunemin

Unknown date: Moved to E.G. Bennett property, Saunemin

1940s: Moved to E.R. Smith property, Saunemin, where it was used as part of a hatchery.

1962: Moved to 4-H Park, Pontiac, under the care of the Central States Threshermen's Reunion.

1986: Returned to Saunemin, unknown location.

1995: Moved to street department property, Pontiac.

2006: Plans to return to Saunemin.

SOURCES: Central States Threshermen's Reunion; City of Pontiac; Compiled by Karen Walters