Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Oglesby, Richard James

OGLESBY, RICHARD JAMES, an American lawyer; born in Oldham co., Ky., July 25, 1824. He was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1845. He served as a 1st lieutenant in the Mexican War; in 1849 was among the goldseekers who made the overland trip to California, engaging in mining for two years. In 1851 he returned to Illinois and resumed law practice; was elected State Senator in 1860, but resigned to enter the army in the Civil War. He was colonel of the 8th Illinois Volunteers, and later Major-General. He was three times governor of Illinois, being first elected in 1864, re-elected in 1872, and again in 1885. He was elected United States Senator in 1873 and served six years. He died in Elkhart, Ind., April 24, 1899.