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STEPHEN DECATUR CHAPTER
NATIONAL SOCIETY DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
Decatur, Macon County, IL

This page updated October 11, 2002

SITE OF RICHARD J. OGLESBY MANSION

Located - 412 West William Street, Decatur, Illinois

Marked Oct 23, 1976


   




THE
RICHARD J. OGLESBY
MANSION

A THREE TIME GOVERNOR OF ILLINOIS
A MAJOR GENERAL IN THE CIVIL WAR
A UNITED STATES SENATOR

PLAQUE PLACED BY THE STEPHEN DECATUR CHAPTER
OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
ON OCTOBER 23, 1976

Excerpts from Decatur Sunday Herald and Review October 26, 1976, page 3:

OGLESBY'S MANSION DEDICATED DURING DAY-LONG CELEBRATION

Dedication ceremonies for the Oglesby Mansion were Saturday at the Decatur home of the man who was elected three times as Illinois governor during the mid-1800s. The Oglesby Mansion, former home of Richard J. Oglesby, is at 421 W. William St.

Two bronze plaques, one donated by the Daughters of the American Revolution, outlining Oglesby's record, and another marking the home's acquisition as a landmark site, were unveiled. Rifle salutes punctuated flagraising ceremonies at the mansion. The flag was donated by the Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic. The honor guard was from American Legion Post 105.

More than 150 persons at the ceremonies crowded into the mansion to hear George Cashman, retired curator of Lincoln's Tomb in Springfield, speak on the accomplishments of Oglesby. Oglesby was elected Illinois governor in 1865, 1873, and 1885. Shortly after his second inauguration, he resigned to appoint himself a U.S. Senator.

Earlier Saturday, more than 200 persons appeared at the "patriotic luncheon" sponsored by Gov. Oglesby Mansion, Inc. "This fellow has done so many things in the history field," said master of ceremonies Ralph M. Colburn as he introduced guest speaker Maj. Gen. Wayne C. Temple of the Illinois State Militia. Temple spoke about Abraham Lincoln, Lincoln's second cousin John Hanks, and most importantly, Decatur's Richard J. Oglesby. Describing Oglesby as "a very great leader" and "kind, great-hearted man," Temple, an historian and archivist, told his audience that the illustrious man was placed in charge of erecting the wigwam for the Wigwam Convention held in Decatur in 1860. It was during that convention that Oglesby promoted the slogan "Lincoln the Railsplitter for President."