From Civil War Reenactor to Daughters of the American Revolution

Libertyville’s Ansel Brainerd Cook Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, first met the McGlades at a book signing hosted by the village of Wadsworth. Diana Dretske, curator and Lake County historian at the Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County, was presenting her book, “The Bonds of War: A Story of Immigrants and Esprit de Corps Co C 96th IL.” The McGlades came dressed in their finest Civil War era period attire.

Dretske’s book highlighted five men that were in Company C of the 96th Illinois, three of whom are buried at Mount Rest Cemetery in Wadsworth.

Other speakers included a member from the Ansel Brainerd Cook Chapter and a Mount Rest Cemetery board member, Heide Olson, who provided additional information on the three soldiers.

A few of Ansel Brainerd Cook Chapter’s members chatted it up with Susan McGlade, and after a few weeks, the chapter’s in house “Genies” found a Revolutionary Soldier, William Flagg, who was a Corporal in the Massachusetts Army, of whom McGlade was a direct descendant. The chapter welcomed McGlade to the Ansel Brainerd Cook Chapter, NSDAR. The McGlades have participated in several DAR events dressed in their Civil War attire including walking in the Libertyville Days Parade, Wreaths Across America at Mount Rest Cemetery where they placed wreaths on the graves of Civil War soldiers, and presenting at chapter meetings.

When asked how they became Civil War reenactors, the McGlades said one word described it all: “fire.”

That’s the command given by the Gunner to pull the lanyard on a Civil War cannon and let loose the power within it. It’s also all it took to get Ed McGlade hooked on becoming a Civil War reenactor.

It took a little more cajoling to get Susan McGlade to don a corset and hoop skirt, but they are both committed to the hobby. Being reenactors has truly become a family affair.

“There are so many facets to get involved with, from learning about history, to taking part in reenactments, parades, flag retirement ceremonies, living histories, and other local events honoring our veterans and country,” the McGlades said. “If you enjoy traveling, there are numerous battle fields you can visit to learn more about our history. It’s also a great way to meet new friends who share common interests. Most importantly for us though, it’s how we keep history alive.” They both belong to Taylor’s Battery 1st Illinois Light Artillery Company B.

So, their advice is, “if anyone offers you the opportunity to fire a cannon or take part in a Civil War event, do it! You’ll have a blast!”

The McGlades and other Civil War reenactors from other light artillery batteries and infantry units in Illinois will be holding a special event at Mount Rest Cemetery in Wadsworth. On Sept. 21, the Ansel Brainerd Cook Chapter will be unveiling and dedicating a Veteran Administration reproduction Civil War headstone for Samuel E. Ames, who up until recently has been unmarked for 125 years. They will also be recognizing and honoring 14 other Civil War soldiers that are buried in Mount Rest Cemetery.

For more information on the Ansel Brainerd Cook Chapter, email ABC4DAR@gmail.com.

For more information on how to become involved in Civil War reenacting, visit the Taylor’s Battery 1st Illinois Light Artillery, Company B Facebook page, at facebook.com/groups/407976944347.

For information on the upcoming program “A Civil War Salute: 125 years in the making,” visit the Mount Rest Cemetery Facebook page at facebook.com/Mount-Rest-Cemetery-183205871712621 or email mountrest1848@gmail.com.