Continuing.
HERMANN LIEB-- born 1826 in Switzerland and was living in France by age 19. He came to the US in 1852 and settled in Decatur in 1856 and studied law.
In April 1861, he enlisted in Co. B, 8th Illinois and served three months. Upon re-enlistment he was chosen captain and in October 1862, promoted to major and to colonel in April 1863 where he commanded the US 5th heavy artillery (colored). He placed his life in great danger commanding black troops if captured.
He was at the Battle of Millikin's Bend, a Union supply depot near Vicksburg on June 7, 1863. He was breveted brigadier general March 1865.
GUSTAVUS SMITH-- born 1806 in Philadelphia. He learned carriage and wagon making and came to Decatur in 1837, then on to Springfield, back to Decatur and back to Springfield where he got married. He returned to Decatur and established a carriage manufacturing company at Main and Church streets which employed 20-30 workers. He did a lot of business with the south and lost money when he couldn't collect after the war broke out.
To Be Continued. --B-R
The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.
