John Oliver Duer

Upon his return to Galena with the 45th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment on July 22, 1865, General John Duer addressed a group of celebratory citizens: “We went forth to fight the battles of our country with the single purpose of doing our duty, and if we have succeeded in convincing our friends at home that we have never fallen short of this, our happiness is indeed complete.” Galena Daily Gazette Saturday July 23rd 1865.

Born February 12, 1838, Baltimore, Maryland; moved to Galena in 1860 at the age of 22
Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant Company D, 45th Illinois Infantry, September 1861; promoted 1st Lieutenant, March 1862
Promoted Captain, April 1862; promoted Major, June 1863; promoted Lieutenant Colonel, January 1865; promoted Colonel, May 1865
Promoted brevet Brigadier General, for war service, July 12, 1865; mustered out the same day
Removed to Monticello, Iowa, as head of dry goods firm of Duer & Estey; elected mayor of Monticello; died 1880; buried in Monticello, Iowa