Vol. IV, Issue 1 – May, 2007
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Vol. IV, Issue 1 – May, 2007 |
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Jack Davis to Speak at 3rd Symposium
The Lincoln Society of Virginia’s 3rd Annual Symposium will feature Civil War historian and writer Dr. William C. Davis. Dr. Davis will speak on “Lincoln’s Men: Lincoln and the Soldiers of the Union” which will focus on how Abraham Lincoln motivated young men into enlisting and re-enlisting in the Union Army after years of war and its growing unpopularity, Lincoln’s personal, managerial, and inspirational skills, his command of the language, and his use of other tools at his command. In the end he forged a bond with the soldiers that became a major weapon for saving the Union.
The symposium, free and open to the public, will be held May 3 at 7:30 p.m. in the Boitnott Room of Kline Campus Center on the Bridgewater College campus. It is dedicated this year to the memory of local historian, sculptor, folklorist and Society charter board member John Heatwole, who died November 22, 2006.
Dr. Davis is Professor of History and the Director of Programs for the Virginia Center for Civil War Studies at Virginia Tech. He is a member of the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission Advisory Committee, The Lincoln Forum Board of Advisors, is a past president of the National Historical Society and the former editor of “Civil War Times Illustrated.”
He was the on-camera senior consultant for 52 episodes of the A&E Network/ History Channel series “Civil War Journal,” many commercial, Public Television, and BBC productions, and has acted as historical consultant for several productions, including “The Blue and the Gray,” “George Washington” and “The Perfect Tribute.”
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Think About This…
“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you
want to test a man's
character, give him power.”
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Over 100 Attend Cemetery Event
Experiencing one of the best Lincoln Days ever, LSOV President Phil Stone spoke to a crowd of more than 100 on February 12. With a history of consistently bad weather for the occasion, this year’s dry weather and temperatures in the low 40s seemed balmy by comparison with the Lincoln birthdays of the past. In recognition of the “good weather,” a large crowd turned out. As usual, Stone summarized the local Lincoln Family connections and identified Lincoln landmarks in the area. Following his practice of developing a new Lincoln topic each year, he focused this year on the assassination of President Lincoln and the conspiracies (real and imagined) connected with Lincoln’s death. Stone claimed that the “orthodox explanation” of the Lincoln assassination is the correct one: Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth; after a 12-day flight, John Wilkes Booth was shot and died at the Garret farm near Bowling Green, Virginia; the persons executed after the military trial were the only other persons directly involved in the murder conspiracy; neither Secretary of War Staunton nor any other politician, including those in the Confederacy, were involved in the conspiracy. Stone rejected claims that Booth was not in the Garret barn and lived for years thereafter; he also rejected any claims that Secretary Staunton or other politicians were involved in the conspiracy to kill Lincoln; and he rejected claims that Jefferson Davis or others in the Confederate government might have authorized the assassination.
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Tribute to LSOV Director
The Society was one of the sponsoring groups to host a reception for John Heatwole, charter member and director of the Society, at Bridgewater College on October 31, 2006. Following John’s death on November 22, 2006, the Board of Directors of the Society took action to name the 2007 Lincoln Society Symposium in memory of John. It also passed the following Resolution of Respect:
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RESOLUTION OF RESPECT FOR JOHN L. HEATWOLE
WHEREAS, MR. JOHN L. HEATWOLE, a respected and beloved charter member of the Board of Directors of the Lincoln Society of Virginia, died November 22, 2006, and
WHEREAS, MR. HEATWOLE’S many talents as a sculptor, woodcarver, folklorist, historian and author were generously shared by him with the citizens of this community, the Commonwealth of Virginia and this Nation, and
WHEREAS, BECAUSE OF MR. HEATWOLE’S sharing nature, we all enjoy a better understanding of the history of the Shenandoah Valley, the American Civil War, and the roles played by many important persons, including among them, Abraham Lincoln,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of the Lincoln Society of Virginia, by unanimous consent, at its regular meeting this 16th day of April, 2007, mourn the passing of an exceptional man who brought us joy through his art, understanding through his knowledge, and happiness by his friendship, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of this Society shall spread a copy of this Resolution upon the minute books of this organization and that a copy be presented to Miriam Heatwole, his widow.
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LSOV Web Site
A Web site has now been established at (www.lincolnva.org). There you will find not only information about current and previous Lincoln Symposium programs and Cemetery events, but also pictures and other information of interest. The Society is deeply grateful to Dr. Raymond Schneider, Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Bridgewater College, and several of his students who developed the Web page and have helped us maintain it.
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Lincoln Documents?
On several occasions, people from this community have informed us that they have Lincoln papers and documents or even Lincoln furniture and furnishings. These almost always relate to the descendants of Jacob Lincoln, great-uncle of President Lincoln. All such documents and artifacts are valuable and should be preserved. It would be helpful if you notify us (540-828-5620) of any such artifacts and advise us whether you are willing for those to be turned over to the Society for preservation.
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This and That
It’s not too late to renew your LSOV membership for 2007. The dues are $20 for individual and $25 for a couple/family. If you didn’t renew in 2006, you can still renew in 2007. The membership form can be found on our Web site (www.lincolnva.org), or you may contact Elaine Dellinger (540-828-5620 or edelling@bridgewater.edu) to have one mailed to you.
A few DVDs of the 2006 Lincoln Symposium are still available at a cost of $6 each. Barry Schwartz and Jeff Wert were speakers at that Symposium. These will be on sale at the May 3rd Symposium or you can contact Elaine Dellinger if you would like a copy.
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