Isaac C. Pugh facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Isaac C. Pugh
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| Born | November 23, 1805 Christian County, Kentucky |
| Died | November 19, 1874 (aged 68) Decatur, Illinois |
| Place of burial |
Greenwood Cemetery
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1832, 1846-1847, 1861-1864 |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Brigadier General |
| Unit | 4th Regiment of Illinois Volunteers 8th Illinois Infantry Regiment |
| Commands held | 41st Illinois Infantry Regiment 1st Brigade, 4th Division, XVI Corps |
| Battles/wars | Black Hawk War Mexican War American Civil War |
| Other work | merchant, clerk, postmaster |
Isaac Campbell Pugh (born November 23, 1805 – died November 19, 1874) was an American soldier. He fought in three major wars: the Black Hawk War, the Mexican–American War, and the American Civil War. He became a Brevet Brigadier General, which is an honorary high rank.
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Isaac Pugh's Early Life and Military Service
Isaac Pugh was born in Christian County, Kentucky. Later, he moved to Macon County, Illinois. His first military experience was as a private during the Black Hawk War in 1832.
In 1846, Pugh became a captain in the 4th Illinois Volunteer Regiment. He served during the Mexican–American War. He left the volunteer service the next year.
Isaac Pugh in the American Civil War
Pugh's most important military service happened during the American Civil War. He volunteered again and became a captain in the 8th Illinois Infantry Regiment. This was on April 23, 1861.
Fort Donelson Battle
After three months, the 8th Illinois Regiment was disbanded. Pugh then formed the 41st Illinois Volunteer Regiment. He became its colonel and led this regiment for most of the war. Colonel Pugh led his regiment into battle at Battle of Fort Donelson. They fought as part of John McArthur's brigade.
Shiloh Battle Leadership
After Fort Donelson, the 41st Illinois was part of the 4th Division. This division was in the Army of the Tennessee. During the Battle of Shiloh, the brigade commander, Colonel Nelson G. Williams, was badly hurt. Command of the brigade was given to Colonel Pugh. He skillfully led the brigade for two days of fighting at Shiloh. This battle took place near a spot called "Bloody Pond."
Vicksburg and Jackson Campaigns
After Shiloh, General Jacob G. Lauman took command of the brigade. Pugh returned to leading his own regiment. He led his unit during the Siege of Corinth and the Battle of Hatchie's Bridge.
When General Lauman was promoted, Pugh again took command of the 1st Brigade. Pugh's brigade was part of the XVI Corps. They were involved in the Siege of Vicksburg and the later expedition against Jackson, Mississippi. During the Jackson Expedition, General Lauman ordered Pugh to attack an enemy position. This attack caused many casualties for Pugh's brigade. Because of this, General Lauman was removed from command.
Later Service and Furlough
Pugh continued to command the brigade until October 1863. At that time, the experienced soldiers of the 41st Illinois were given a break. New recruits in the regiment fought in the Red River Campaign and at Tupelo.
Pugh returned to duty with the veteran soldiers in 1864. He commanded the "Veterans Battalion" of the 41st Illinois. This group was sent to Georgia to join William T. Sherman's campaign against Atlanta. Pugh's battalion guarded railroads near Marietta, Georgia. He briefly commanded another brigade in the XVII Corps. This brigade was mostly made up of regiments on guard duty in Georgia. He left the volunteer service with his regiment on August 20, 1864.
Isaac Pugh's Later Life
After the war, Isaac Pugh went back to his home in Decatur, Illinois. He worked as a clerk and later as a postmaster there. He passed away on November 19, 1874. Isaac Pugh is buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Decatur.
