Naperville artist tackles Civil War generals

By Jini Clare

Clare Communications

As the nation observes the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, Naperville illustrator Jim Weren has used his talents as a portrait artist and storyteller to make the history and the people of that era come alive.

Through a series of detailed pencil drawings, intriguing anecdotes and historical facts, Weren tells tales of the Civil War and enhances the history lessons found in textbooks.

“I don’t pretend to be a historian or a scholar,” the Weren said, “just a well-read hobbyist with a passion for the subject.”

Weren’s work includes four special presentations.

In his 60-minute program, “The Civil War in General,” he highlights the strengths and weaknesses of Civil War generals, including Ulysses S. Grant, William Tecumseh Sherman, Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, Joshua L. Chamberlain, James Longstreet, George Pickett and others.

The artist begins his presentation by paraphrasing the words of Admiral William Halsey: “There are no extraordinary men — only ordinary men doing the best they can when faced with extraordinary circumstances.”

“In all, there were 1,008 officially designated Civil War generals, but as many as 10,000 men may have served or claimed to have served unofficially as general officers during the war,” he said.

“Civil War battles produced more unforgettable generals than any other in the nation’s history. They led by example and personality. Whether they proved to be successful or failed, their stories have become a vital part of our heritage.”

A second presentation, “Lincoln: Commander in Chief,” focuses on Abraham Lincoln and many of the colorful people he dealt with as president.

“Many historians point out that when Abraham Lincoln took the office of president of the United States, he was perhaps the most inexperienced president in American history,” Weren said.

“Despite the iconic stature he would ultimately assume, he was, until he entered the White House, simply an Illinois pr airie lawyer, a political operative and a man of great underdeveloped capacities with limited experience.

“From the moment Lincoln took office, he had to manage the enormous military and political dimensions of the war. Owing to his intellect and leadership skills, he masterfully coordinated the people and events surrounding these two aspects.”

As president, Lincoln’s days were filled dealing with politicians, generals, inventors, bureaucrats, lobbyists, diplomats and his cabinet. Many of them are featured in Weren’s history lesson.

“Women of the Civil War” features more than 50 women of the era — living as soldiers, doctors, lawyers, freed slaves, nurses, teachers, spies, writers, abolitionists, artists, journalists, wives and mothers.

“The women of the Civil War era did not command on the battlefield or hold the reins of power,” Weren said. “Nor do their names fill the pages of the history books. Yet their participation in the conflict impacted its outcome and radically changed their lives and the future of women in America.”

“The mobilization for war sparked the transformation of gender and racial roles, upsetting long-held customs and attitudes,” he said. “On the home front, women assumed tasks left unattended by the men gone off to war. For women who refused to stay home, their patriotism and spirit of adventure drew them to the battlefield alongside the men in the midst of bloody combat.”

Weren recently put together his fourth Civil War sesquicentennial presentation, “Soul Soldiers — Chaplains of the Civil War.”

According to Weren, “While Civil War historians have concentrated on the commanders of vast armies, great battles and the perils of wartime politics, the story of the army chaplains has been largely ignored. Yet religions of the era were a major factor in bringing the nation to disunion and had a profound influence on the outcome of the war. Theirs is an extraordinary tale of courage, sacrifice and dedication to the spiritual well-being of the soldiers and a testimony to their faith.”

Weren, who spent 40 years in the Chicago marketplace as an illustrator, art director and creative director, is now retired.

“My biggest joy in life is illustrating. And that’s what I am doing,” he said. “I’m having a great deal of fun!”

Weren’s interest in the Civil War began about 30 years ago, when he first saw the movie, “Gone with the Wind.” Over the years, he has read 350 to 400 books on the war.

Weren’s Civil War artwork is on display through the end of the month in the main lobby of the Naperville Municipal Center. He also is featured on NCTV17 in April.

He also has scheduled numerous presentations about the Civil War, including May 4 at the Naperville Public Library, May 12 at the Winfield Public Library, Sept. 13 at the Glenside Public Library, Oct. 11 at the Lake Bluff Public Library, Oct. 19 at the Clarendon Hills Public Library and several others.

For details about his schedule of appearances or to schedule a presentation, contact Weren at (630) 983-0290.