Michael Piggott (1834 - 1921)

Born 1834 in Thurles, County Tipperary, Ireland

Died 10 Jul 1921 at about age 87 in Quincy, Adams County, Illinois

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Biography

Among those who gave their time and services to the nation during the late war, none devoted themselves with more ardor and heroism to the cause of the Union, or retired from the army with a better record for fidelity and valor, than the veteran whose name heads this page.

Captain Michael Piggott, present Post Master of Quincy, was born in Ireland, in 1834, and emigrated to this country with his parents in 1811, settling in St. Louis, Mo. His parents being in indigent circumstances, when quite a boy young Piggott obtained employment as cabin boy on one of our Mississippi river steamers, and by his labors not only relieved his parents from the burden of his own support, but contributed materially to their aid and comfort from his scanty wages. — In 1850, young Piggott, then only sixteen years old re- tired from the river, and with commendable foresight apprenticed himself to a bricklayer, to learn that trade, that he might have something permanent upon which to rely in the future. In the spring of 1854, he removed to Quincy, and began life here a young man of twenty, with a clear head and good habits, but without even a common school education. Realizing the disadvantages under which he labored for want of an education, he at once resolved to supply that deficiency, and with a determination peculiar to the man, he at once commenced the work of educating himself. While following the business of a contractor, erecting buildings, &c., he obtained books and took his first lessons in self education, learning the alphabet, and then to spell, read and write. This accomplished the path of life grew brighter before him, and he unfortunately determined to enlarge his business, and at once contracted to erect the Hess House, now the Adams House. Mr. Hess failing, he received for his work on this building almost nothing, and lost all that he had saved in the previous four years.

At the breaking out of the war in 1861, he enlisted in the " Burge Sharpshooters " as a private. Like most of volunteers he was little versed in the art of war, but by applying himself assiduously he soon acquired a knowledge of the tactics, and was detailed to drill his comrades. Before leaving for the field of action he was promoted to Second Lieutenant, and shortly after taking the field to First Lieutenant. At the siege of Donelson he was made Captain, and served as Provost Marshal under Gen. Dodge, of Danville, Miss, in 1862. His first term of service expiring in 1864:, he re-enlisted with his company in that year, and received the unanimous vote of his company for captain for the second term. With his company Captain Piggott followed the fortunes of his regiment through all its engagements, from North Missouri, to Resaca, Georgia. At the last named place he lost his leg, on the 14th of May, 1864, but continued in the service until January 21st, 1865.

Returning to Quincy, Capt. Piggott devoted himself to the laudable object of educating himself. With this object in view he purchased a scholarship in the Bryant & Stratton Commercial College, and attended two months. He soon after received the appointment of Deputy United States Assessor, but resigned this position and secured an appointment as messenger in the House of Representatives at Washington.

Upon the election of President Grant, through his individual efforts, and as a reward for his services in the cause of the Union' he received the appointment of Post Master of Quincy. which position he now fills.

An ardent republican in politics, Capt. Piggott was nominated by that party for Circuit Clerk in 1866, but the county being strongly democratic, he was defeated at the election. In his present position as Post Master Capt. Piggott has administered the affairs of the office with ability and success, rendering entire satisfaction to Democrats and Republicans alike. An industrious and faithful officer, and a thorough gentleman, no bet- ter selection for Post Master of the " Gem City " could have been made.^[1]

Sources

1. ↑ History of Quincy and Its Men of Mark, 1869

• https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/174691946/michael-piggott