Historian Chuck McCue to present “Lincoln and Oglesby: The boys from Kentucky” at Elkhart dinner lecture

[May 16, 2017]   ELKHART - The long-time friendship between Abraham Lincoln and Gov. Richard Oglesby will be discussed at the Elkhart Historical Society’s May dinner lecture, Friday, May 19, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. at the Wild Hare Café in Elkhart, Illinois.

Elkhart native, historian Chuck McCue will present, “Lincoln and Oglesby: The Boys from Kentucky”, following a delicious dinner of either Red Lasagna or Chicken Pot Pie served with garden salad freshly baked rolls and a choice of dessert. The cost the meal includes taxes and tip as well as a donation to the Elkhart historical Society of $10. Reservations can be made by calling 217 947 2238 or going to www. elkharthistoricalsociety.org  for the reservation form.

McCue’s talk will explore the life paths of two men, born as sons to Kentucky farmers just a few miles and a few years apart, who each grew to have an enormous impact on the legal system and government of Illinois and the nation. Chuck McCue will recount how their tragedies and successes brought them to the highest levels of state and federal office, both individually and when their paths crossed.

The primary theme will be the relationship between Abraham Lincoln and Richard J. Oglesby, starting with a chance meeting in Decatur in 1840, through 1865, when then-Governor Oglesby stood at the bedside of his friend who lay dying from an assassin’s bullet. Even after Lincoln’s death, the bond continued, as Oglesby oversaw the project of building a suitable resting place for our 16th president.

Following a 20 year career in the Air Force, Chuck McCue returned to the area, and re- upped his long time interest in history, which he credits to his friendships with the late Rick Gehlbach and Jim & Betty Hickey, all of Elkhart. The exposure to a tremendous amount of historical material as well as conversations with visiting Lincoln experts, he developed a deep respect for our local history that continues to this day. Upon his return to the area, he became a volunteer docent at the Mt. Pulaski Courthouse State Historic Site, and continues to provide tours one Saturday a month and on special occasions.

[J. Rob Wilson]