Civil War speaker scheduled for Logan County Genealogical and Historical Society annual dinner

[October 31, 2015]   LINCOLN - Thousands of men from northern states joined the Union cause and became soldiers during the Civil War. They went to places they had never heard of, using weapons they held for the first time, to fight an “enemy” that looked just like themselves. The men (and boys) who fought came from every corner of every state, north and south. Illinois was a young state of barely 30 years, but was President Lincoln’s home, and central Illinois, especially, was supportive of his mission to save the Union.

Logan County soldiers hailed from an area that was already politically connected, and had a strong loyalty to Abraham Lincoln. Over 400 individuals representing every corner of the county became the majority of a roster for the 106th Illinois Infantry, organized at Lincoln. Approximately 200 additional men came from the adjoining counties of Sangamon and Menard. Residents from Logan County are listed in other infantries and cavalries, but the 106th held a large number in its ranks. The troops saw action in battles across Arkansas, but also served in the siege and surrender of Vicksburg.

Minnesota resident and Civil War historian Gary Blessman will present details and history of the 106th Illinois Infantry at the Logan County Genealogical and Historical Society’s (LCGHS) annual dinner program – Monday, November 16. The event will be held in the fellowship hall of Zion Lutheran Church, 205 Pulaski St., Lincoln. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m., with the speaker to follow.

The dinner/program is open to the public, with paid reservations due by Friday, November 6th. Reservations are not complete without payment. Reservation forms are available at LCGHS, 114 N. Chicago, Lincoln, IL, 62656, on Tuesday, Thursday or Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; or mail/drop off information - including name, phone or email contact, and payment to cover the number of persons in your dinner/program reservation. Please call LCGHS, 217-732-3200, with questions.

[Marla Blair, President, LCGHS]