The March 22, 2008, Decatur (Il) Herald & Review had an article by Ron Ingram about the five Civil War generals hailing from the city. They were Isaac C. Push, Hermann Lieb, Gustavius Aldophus Smith (now there's two first name to go with the last), Jesse H. Moore, and Richard Oglesby.
Most people in town know of Oglesby who was also a three-time governor of Illinois and a close friend of Abraham Lincoln.
Local historian Dayle Irwin has spent years researching these men and she hopes to write a book.
Some of her research so far:
RICHARD OGLESBY-- volunteered within three hours of Governor Yates' call for troops. Appointed colonel of the 8th Illinois and held that post until April 1, 1862, when he was promoted to brigadier-general for his valiant service at Fort Donelson.
He received what was thought to be a mortal wound Oct. 3, 1862 near Corinth, Mississippi, but survived. Promoted to Major General Nov. 11, 1862.
ISAAC PUGH-- born in Kentucky in 1805 and came to Macon County in 1828. Fought in the Black Hawk War as a 2nd lieutenant. Discharged with a bullet hole in his hat brim and a captain's commission.
In the Mexican War, he was the captain of Co. C of the 4th Illinois Infantry. His company captured Mexican general and leader Santa Anna's carriage with cork leg and $25,000 in silver. The leg can now be seen at the Illinois State Military Museum in Springfield. At one time, it was displayed at county fairs for a dime a look.
Back in Decatur, he held various county government offices.
Enlisted for three months at the onset of the CivilWar as captain of Co. A, 8th Illinois. He returned to Decatur after the enlistment ended and raised the 41st regiment and became its colonel.
At Shiloh he got a bullet hole in the front and cape of his coat, but was not wounded. He fought at Corinth, Coldwater, and elsewhere in Mississippi and was promoted to brigadier general.
Pugh Elementary School was named for him. It was constructed in 1895 at 1255 N. Monroe, but was razed in 1970.
More Decatur Generals to Come. --Blockade-R
The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.
