Unmarked grave of Irish Medal of Honor winner is uncovered in Illinois

Civil War hero at last finds recognition as ceremony planned for 2012

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Long’s search began to preoccupy her and she often found herself tramping through local cemeteries looking for McHugh’s grave, Long said.

“I’d find myself turning on the computer at home and looking for that one little morsel of information that could help me prove where he was buried, or find out one more little bit about him.”

She finally came across his obituary in the Feb. 25, 1905, 'Daily Democrat' newspaper.

That led to documents listing McHugh, and his wife as buried at the former St. Patrick’s, now Resurrection Cemetery. Part of the confusion was that he was sometimes listed as McCue.

Last month, the government agreed to provide a gravestone for the Irish Civil War hero and his wife Catherine, who was buried beside him.

He continued to serve until the war was over, and then settled in Danville.
From his obituary it turned out that he had erroneously been reported in 1890 as having died of heart disease and had to show his neighbors and friends that he was still alive by walking “up and down the principal streets” to prove he was alive.

Long says her quest is not over and she is still seeking descendants.

A major dedication ceremony at his grave is due in 2012 around Memorial Day with Civil War organizations taking part.

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