Charlotte Russo Oglesby

Charlotte was born August 17, 1922, in Chicago. She is the daughter of Italian immigrants, Nunzio and Olga Russo, founders of the Russo Spaghetti Company. They precede her in death, along with her brother, Arthur Russo, of Chicago.

Charlotte spent her childhood on the North Shore of Chicago, and also lived for two years with her mother and brother in Florence, Italy.

In 1941, Charlotte married John Lewis Oglesby, grandson of Richard J. Oglesby who served as the 14th Governor of Illinois (1865 – 1869). In 1872 and 1884 he was reelected, becoming the first man in Illinois history to serve three times as governor. Known for his close friendship with Abraham Lincoln, Oglesby also served as a U.S. Senator from 1873-1878.

Charlotte and John made their home in Elkhart, Illinois, where they raised two daughters, Carlotta Gillett Oglesby Tibbals, who died in 1998, and Victoria Wright Hallam, of Madison, Wisconsin, who survives her.

In 1973, Charlotte’s husband, John Oglesby, passed away whereupon she moved to Springfield and lived for 37 years until just prior to her death.

Charlotte was employed in 1978 by the Illinois Department of Conservation, Lands, and Historic Sites as a sight interpreter at Lincoln’s Tomb. For her efforts she received the state award as most outstanding interpreter in 1981. During her tenure, Charlotte coordinated the flag ceremonies for both the Boy and Girl Scouts of America, and hosted numerous national and state leaders like President Ronald and Nancy Regan, Mr. and Mrs. Jack and Susan Ford, Mrs. Lady-Bird Johnson, and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

In 1987, Charlotte took a position with the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency as a site interpreter at the Old State Capitol, Lincoln-Herndon Law Office, and Vachel Lindsay Home. As an interpreter, she participated in the Iles school outreach program for the “Mr. Lincoln’s World Living History Program,” and coordinated the annual holiday concert at the Old State Capitol.

During her 28-year career, Charlotte was especially delighted when Italians came to tour, as she would converse and interpret entirely in Italian. During her tenure, Charlotte received numerous accolades as an outstanding interpreter on the legacy and history of Illinois and Abraham Lincoln. She retired in 2006 at the age of 83, and was at that time, the oldest state employee.

Charlotte was adored by colleagues, friends and family, and was a great lover of animals, especially her cat, Daisy. She is survived by her daughter, Victoria, and son-in-law Robert Hallam of Madison, Wisconsin; grandson John Paulk of Portland, Oregon; granddaughters’ Victoria Dillon of Vancouver, Washington, Stephanie Dillard (wife of Illinois State Senator, Kirk Dillard) of Hinsdale, Illinois, Charlotte Blotz of Madison, and Jessica Hallam of Chicago. They, along with nine great-grandchildren, will miss her tremendously.

A memorial service will take place at 2 pm, April 20, at the St. John the Baptist Chapel in Elkhart. Burial will be in Latham Cemetery on Elkhart Hill. A reception for friends and family will follow at Saputo’s restaurant in Springfield at 5 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Protective League of Springfield, or the Governor Oglesby Mansion, 421 W. William St., Decatur, IL 62522. Condolences can be offered via email to Charlotte’s daughter, Victoria Hallam at [emailprotected]