Local historians to lecture about Winnebago County and Rockford’s part during the Civil War period

Staff Report

Veterans Memorial Hall will present its “Lunch and Lecture Series” with the theme “The American Civil War: Winnebago County and the Forest City” during the months of June through September. The Hall is at 211 N. Main St., downtown Rockford.

Local historians Robert Lindvall and Terry Dyer will share their expertise of Winnebago County and the Forest City before and during the Civil War with this four-part series. Expand your knowledge of Rockford and Winnebago County’s involvement in the most monumental war on American soil. Robert Lindvall is a retired Winnebago County attorney and has been involved in local history since his days at Machesney Park Harlem High School. He has written several articles for the Rockford Historical Society and given many presentations throughout the years. He authored a complete history of Winnebago County’s 17th Judicial Circuit and co-authored the history of the Winnebago County Bar Association.

Terry Dyer was born in Rockford and is a lifelong resident of northern Illinois. He is passionate about the Civil War and has extensively researched the war and the citizens of Rockford and Winnebago County’s involvement in it. His passion has made him a local favorite, and he has given many presentations about the subject. Dyer is the past State Commander of the Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War, a member of S.U.V.C.W. John A. Logan Camp No. 26, the Gettysburg Foundation and the Rock River Civil War Round Table.

Wednesday, June 20 — Robert Lindvall

Winnebago County’s settlement, its people and their politics: 1830s to 1848.

Lindvall will share his knowledge and extensive research of Winnebago County and its growth toward an anti-slavery position. He will speak of how early Illinois lawmakers did everything they could to honor the slave owners’ contracts.

Wednesday, July 18 — Robert Lindvall

Winnebago County’s settlement, its people and their politics: 1850s to the 1860s.

Lindvall will explore the area’s reaction to national events of the day, including the Kansas-Nebraska Act and the Lincoln-Douglas debates. He will share with the audience his research and interpretation of the election of 1860 and how this community became a great force in the Western campaign of the Civil War after only 15 years of settlement.

Wednesday, Aug. 15 — Terry Dyer

Winnebago County: its citizens and the second year of the Civil War.

Dyer’s presentation will look at the second year of the Civil War and how the citizens of Winnebago County dealt with the ongoing conflict. What was their reaction to the battles of Fort Donelson and Shiloh? Why did the losses of these battles have such a profound effect on this community and strengthen the resolve for the war, preparing them for the losses yet to come?

Wednesday, Sept. 19 — Terry Dyer

Winnebago County: its citizens and the second year of the Civil War.

As President Lincoln called for more troops, how did Rockford/Winnebago County respond? How greatly was their enthusiasm and patriotism displayed? And to what level did they cooperate in raising those troops? Why and for what was adjutant General Allen C.G. Fuller in the city inspecting land on orders from Illinois Gov. Richard Yates?

Cost is $10 per session, including lunch. For reservations, contact Veterans Memorial Hall at (815) 969-1999. Lunch will be provided by ABC Catering and will consist of your choice of ham, turkey or roast beef sandwich, chips, pasta salad, cookie and beverage. State your sandwich choice at time of reservation.

From the June 13-19, 2012, issue