A Civil War Re-dedication Along “66”

We thank local historian and author, Joseph D. Kubal for writing the following story and contributing it to our website for us to share.

By Joseph D. Kubal

“Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lakes, from the hills, from the sky,
All is well, safely rest,
God is nigh.”
-Taps, words by Horace Lorenzo Trim

Within a stone’s throw of historic Route 66 (Joliet Road) at Wolf Road in Indian Head Park, several Civil War soldiers peacefully lay at rest. The stately Lyonsville Congregational United Church of Christ with its Greek Revival façade and elegant white steeple stands next to the old cemetery, reminiscent of a small town New England landscape. The tidy cemetery, which predates the Civil War, was founded in 1848 on lands donated by the Henry family.

Photo ©2012 by Joseph D. Kubal; all rights reserved.

On Saturday, September 8, 2012, at 2:00 p.m., a public ceremony in the Lyonsville Church Cemetery will honor local Union soldiers who enlisted to fight in the Civil War, also known as the War Between the States or the War of the Rebellion. Twelve new headstones are being installed as the first part of the event. A re-enactor ‘soldier’ will be posted at each gravesite. Afterward, coinciding with the Sesquicentennial of the War Between the States will be a remembrance of the men who were mustered into the Union Army at the church on September 6, 1862. The event will be just two days after the actual 150th anniversary of the local men’s enlistments.

Photo ©2012 by Joseph D. Kubal; all rights reserved.

During the 19th Century, Congregational churches were staunch advocates of social reform movements in America. In particular, there was strong support for the abolition of slavery in Congregational churches throughout the U.S. and, consequently, also firm support for the Union cause. “Local soldiers on leave from the Illinois 127th Regiment would place the muster roll on the communion table and ask for recruits to fill the ranks of those who were injured or died,” according to the church history. 

Plaques within the original section of the 1858 Lyonsville church presently honor the area’s Civil War, WWI and WWII veterans. The plaque commemorating the 72 Union volunteers (1861-65) was last dedicated on June 1, 1924 by the Hiram McClintock Post (#667) of the Grand Army of the Republic. The post is named after one of the Union veterans whose name was added to the gray plaque. Many of those who enlisted were part of the 127th Illinois Regiment, which served in the Vicksburg, Mississippi campaign.

Photo ©2012 by Joseph D. Kubal; all rights reserved.

The free hour-long event is being sponsored by the Illinois Department of the Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War. “The Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War are direct descendants of Civil War veterans whose goal is to perpetuate the memories of those who fought and, sometimes died, in the War of Succession,” explained Steve Westlake, past Post Commander of the IL Dept. SUVCW and ceremony emcee.

The day’s highlights will include a visit by Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Lincoln (acted by Max and Donna Daniels), an invocation by SUVCW Chaplain Jerry Kowalski, a cannon salute by the Mulligan’s Battery, and a rifle salute by the LaGrange American Legion Post (#1941). Indian Head Park Mayor Richard Andrews is expected to attend and say a few words. Re-enactors from the 10th Illinois Volunteer Infantry will attend. Hazel Sharp, Flagg Creek Heritage Society historian, will give a presentation highlighting the area’s colorful past, and Dave Bailey, (past Illinois Department Commander, SUVCW) and amateur historian, will provide biographical insights into the men who served in that national conflict. So, plan on being there if you can – and remember that Memorial Day is not the only day to recall those who served the nation and, in some cases, made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.