Alexander C. McClurg facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alexander Caldwell McClurg
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| Born | September 9, 1832 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Died | April 15, 1901 (aged 68) Saint Augustine, Florida |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  Lieutenant Colonel Brevet Brigadier General |
| Unit | 88th Illinois Infantry Regiment XIV Corps |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Signature |  |
Alexander Caldwell McClurg (September 9, 1832 – April 15, 1901) was an American soldier and successful bookseller. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but grew up in Pittsburgh. After studying law, he moved to Chicago to work in the book business.
During the American Civil War, McClurg served as a captain. He later became an important military adviser to several generals. His most notable role was as Chief of Staff for Major General Jefferson C. Davis. After the war, McClurg returned to the book business. His company eventually became a very large and well-known bookselling house called A. C. McClurg & Co..
Contents
Biography
Early Life and Education
Alexander Caldwell McClurg was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 9, 1832. He spent his childhood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His father, Alex McClurg, owned a successful metal factory called the Fort Pitt Foundry.
McClurg went to Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. After college, he started studying law. He learned from Walter H. Lowrie, who was a top judge in Pennsylvania. However, McClurg's health wasn't good, so he stopped studying law. He decided to work in business instead. In 1859, he moved to Chicago, Illinois. There, he joined S. C. Griggs & Co., which was a leading book company in the city.
Serving in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, McClurg joined the army. He first enlisted as a private soldier. His first regiment was soon disbanded. He then returned to his book job briefly.
Later, McClurg helped to form a new group of soldiers. This group joined the 88th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment. McClurg became a captain in this regiment. Within a month, his regiment fought in the Battle of Perryville.
McClurg's skills were quickly noticed. He was named a judge advocate for military trials. Major General Alexander McDowell McCook saw how good McClurg was at these proceedings. He then made McClurg his assistant. McClurg helped plan the Tullahoma Campaign.
After a big battle called Chickamauga, McClurg worked with other generals. He assisted Philip Sheridan, George Henry Thomas, and Absalom Baird. Baird made McClurg his main assistant, helping with the Chattanooga Campaign.
In April 1864, McClurg became an assistant to John M. Palmer. He helped with the Atlanta Campaign. When Palmer left his position, Major General Jefferson C. Davis asked McClurg to join his team. McClurg became Chief of Staff for the XIV Corps. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel.
As the war was ending, McClurg was offered another important military job. But he chose not to take it. On September 18, 1865, he was given the honorary rank of brevet brigadier general. This meant he had the rank of brigadier general, but for special recognition, not for regular command.
Life as a Bookseller
Even though General Davis wanted McClurg to stay in the army, he went back to his book business. He rejoined S. C. Griggs & Co. as a junior partner. In 1872, the company changed its name to Jansen, McClurg & Co. This happened after a big fire in Chicago.
In 1874, McClurg helped start the 1st Regiment of the Illinois National Guard. He led this group for three years. In 1887, McClurg became the main partner in his company. The business was then renamed A. C. McClurg & Co..
President Grover Cleveland appointed McClurg as an examiner at the United States Military Academy. Later that year, Yale University gave him an honorary Master of Arts degree. In 1899, a fire destroyed the A. C. McClurg & Co. building. However, McClurg paid for it to be rebuilt. The new building is now recognized as a historic place. When he passed away, A. C. McClurg & Co. was one of the largest book and stationery companies in the country.
Personal Life
McClurg married Eleanor Wheeler in 1877. She was the niece of William B. Ogden, who was the first Mayor of Chicago. They had two children, but one died when it was very young.
McClurg was involved in several clubs and societies. He was president of the Chicago Literary Club. He also led the Commercial Club of Chicago. He served as vice president of the Chicago Historical Society. He was also a vice president of the University Club of Chicago. McClurg was one of the first trustees of the Newberry Library in Chicago. He also helped start the American Publishers Association. He was its first vice president shortly before his death.
Alexander Caldwell McClurg died in Saint Augustine, Florida, on April 15, 1901. He was buried in Graceland Cemetery in Chicago.
Images for kids
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McClurg's grave at Graceland Cemetery
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