Dundee historical society looks at Civil War heroes
The Dundee Township Historical Society will present "The Heroes of the 52nd" at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 11, at the museum, 426 Highland, West Dundee.
Join society members as they hear the story of the heroic 52nd Illinois Infantry Volunteers who answered President Lincoln's call to arms after the firing upon Fort Sumter in April of 1861.
Excerpts from a Civil War diary will be shared, as well as letters and personal recollections of some of the brutal conflicts of the war.
The 52nd, which came to be known by the locals as "The Dundee Regiment," was made up of men from Dundee, Algonquin, Elgin, Nunda and the surrounding area throughout much of mid Illinois. Some of the volunteers were just boys, fresh off the farm, ready for a good scrap.
They left home and family and gathered in Geneva, a great adventure ahead of them. Thinking the war could not last long, little could they imagine the horrors the next four years held for them.
The 52nd traveled through the Southern states, the newly formed Confederacy, and took part in the Battle of Shiloh, or Pittsburg Landing, said to be the bloodiest battle of the rebellion. Jerome Davis was a hero of that conflict. His story is just one of many that will be shared.
They met the enemy at Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga, Tenn. Anson Buck relates in his diary his recollection of the battle there. He writes often of his friends from home.
They fought at Corinth, Pulaski, Kennesaw Mountain and other locations unfamiliar to them.
Somehow, letters made there way to the soldiers on the battlefield, as well as from the battlefield to home. Portions of letters from camp during a break in the action will be shared. They tell of life in camp, the longing to be home and safe once more.
Were these soldiers paid for their contribution to the war effort? What price can be compensation for taking up arms against a fellow countryman?
Join the historical society as they take this trip through the south and visit the battlefields of the Great Rebellion and hear the stories of "The Heroes of the 52nd."
The public is invited. There is no fee; however, donations are appreciated.
In addition, take a tour through the expansion of the Civil War Sesquicentennial Exhibit for 2012, which includes additional photographs of buildings and other sites that were in the township before 1861. Quite a number have survived more than 150 years.
For details, call the museum at (847) 428-6996 or visit www.dundeetownshiphistorical.org.
Volunteer docents needed: Do you have a few hours a month to volunteer at the museum? Consider becoming a docent. The museum is open Sundays and Wednesdays from 2 to 4 p.m.
It is an opportunity to learn local history and share that knowledge with visitors. There is also a need for volunteers in the research library. There are obituaries, newspaper clippings, pictures and family histories to be filed, as well as research assistance for visitors and phone and mail correspondence.
If you have a few hours a month that you would like to spend doing something interesting and rewarding, consider volunteering. Training is provided.
To volunteer, leave a message at the museum for Marge or Jack by calling (847) 428-6996.