The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.

Friday, June 4, 2010

Last Local Link to the Civil War-- Part 2

Hugh McCugh was promoted three times. On April 18, 1862 to 1st sergeant; 2nd lieutenant March 2, 1863; 1st lieutenant June 22, 1865. He was discharged in Cleveland June 22, 1865 and got his final pay and returned to Hanover and worked as a farmer for seven years.

He moved to Edwardsville, Illinois, in the early 1870s and farmed. Martha A. McTee became his wife on April 4, 1874 and they had five children.

In 1890, he moved to Collinsville and joined the Samuel T. Hughs Post 534 GAR and served as post secretary.

At age 83, McCugh and four other post members were in a parade for the unveiling of the Union Soldier monument at City Hall on June 14, 1926. They were guests of honor of the Daughters of Union Veterans Tent #14 who had raised the money for the memorial and organized the parade.

He died April 9, 1935, and his being the last member of the Grand Army of the Republic post, brought the end of the GAR's presence in Collinsville. His military rites were handled by the Sons of Union Veterans and the American Legion Post 365.

An Interesting Story. --B-R'er

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