Israel Richardson was an officer in the United States Army during the Mexican-American War and would serve in the Union Army during the Civil War. He was known as "Fighting Dick" for his prowess on the battlefield. He was mortally wounded at the Battle of Antietam and died in Sharpsburg, Maryland.
Biography and Military Career
Israel Richardson was born in Fairfax, Vermont, on December 26, 1815
It is believed that his lineage included the Revolutionary War General, Israel Putnam.
He was appointed from Vermont to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.
He graduated 38th out of 58 cadets in the Class of 1841.
Richardson served as a second lieutenant in the Second Seminole War in Florida, which was the bloodiest war with the Seminole tribe. He was promoted to the first lieutenant on Sep 21, 1846.
He received two brevets for meritorious service during the Mexican–American War, to captain and major for the actions at Contreras, Churubusco, and Chapultepec.
He received the nickname "Fighting Dick" while serving under General Winfield Scott.
He later served as a captain in the 3rd U.S. Infantry at various frontier outposts in Texas and New Mexico Territory, San Antonio, Texas 1848–49, Post Opposite El Paso del Norte, 1849–1850; Fort Fillmore 1851–52, 1852–53; Fort Webster, 1852, 1853–54; and Fort Thorn, 1854–55.
He then resigned his commission in 1855 and began farming near Pontiac, Michigan.
Civil War
Israel Richardson was still on his farm when he learned of the Civil War breaking out.
He quickly joined the cause of the Union Army and raised the 2nd Michigan Infantry.
His brigade saw limited action at the First Battle of Bull Run and in covering the subsequent federal withdrawal to Washington.
He was promoted to brigadier general, ranking from May 17, 1861
He commanded several brigades in the Army of the Potomac and then the 1st Division of the II Corps during the Peninsula Campaign in mid-1862.
He was involved in the fighting at the battles of Yorktown, Seven Pines, and the Seven Days.
He served with distinction in fighting near the Chickahominy River.
He was promoted to major general after the Seven Days Battles.
Richardson's 1st Division played an important role during Antietam when they attacked the Confederate positions in the center of the Sunken Road.
Richardson gained control of the high ground in front of the line.
Richardson pushed forward beyond the road and was directing the fire of his artillery and organizing another attack when he was struck by a shell fragment.
Richardson was carried to the rear and then moved to the house of George McClellan and visited by President Abraham Lincoln. His wounds were not believed to be severe, and was expected to make a full recovery.
Unfortunately, infection set in, and the popular officer died of pneumonia.
His body was escorted to Detroit. Large crowds lined the streets during his funeral procession to nearby Pontiac, where he was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery.