Campaigns · First Bull Run, Peninsula, Seven Days', South Mountain, and Antietam
Israel Bush Richardson was born on December 26, 1815, in Fairfax, Vermont. Descended from Revolutionary War general Israel Putnam, he graduated from West Point in 1841. Richardson fought in the Seminole and Mexican Wars, then resigned in 1855 to become a farmer in Michigan. When the Civil War began, he put together the 2d Michigan, and led a Union brigade at the First Battle of Bull Run. Promoted to brigadier general on August 9, 1861, he led a brigade at the Army of the Potomac until the spring of 1862.
He led a division of the II Corps in the Peninsula and Seven Days' Campaign, and was promoted to major general to date from July 4, 1862. Richardson was transferred to the II Corps before the Second Battle of Bull Run, in which he led a division. He also led a division at South Mountain and Antietam. While he directed Union fore in the "Bloody Lane" at Antietam, Richardson was wounded by Confederate artillerists.
He survived until November 3, 1862, then died in the army's headquarters, and was buried in Pontiac, Michigan.