General Benjamin H. Grierson Society

James D. Proffitt is an assistant professor at Illinois College in Jacksonville, IL. He was raised in Alexander, IL; a location that plays a prominent role in his first novel: "Manchester Bluff, A Civil War Novel." He will be selling and signing his book in the Blue Room at Hamilton's the night of the Grierson Society Winter Gala, February 25^th, 2012.

The items for the action are listed numerically below in the same order as they appear in the photo gallery.
Note: numbers 41 and 45-49 are not pictured.

Absentee bids can be placed by calling Gary Morris at 217-248-2040 or email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by stopping by Hamilton's the evening the Gala after 3:00 PM. 

 

 

Description List Grierson Auction 2012
1. Old Wicker Baby Carriage with spoke wheels, movable wicker canopy and reclining backrest. Produced by Loyd Koom Products Baby Carriage & Furniture Menominee, Michigan. Dated "1917".
2. Old hand stitched quilt top "Dresden Plate" pattern. 86"x 86" Circa 1930.
3. Glass compote "Moon and Stars" pattern.
4. Glass footed bowl with matching candlesticks. Floral Etching. Circa 1910.
5. Heavy molded crystal dresser jar with silver plated "Repousse" floral lid. Art Nouveau period. Circa 1880-1910.
6. 3 Book set "Illustrated History of The Civil War" and a large coffee table book titled "Civil War Battle Flags".
7. 19th Century German tinted lithograph in pine frame. Subject "The Honeymoon". Donated by Antiquarius 701 West State St. Jacksonville, II.
8. Large Haviland Plate measuring 13". Floral and gilt motif. Donated by Antiquarius 701 West State St. Jacksonville, IL.
9. A tinted chromolithograph of child with dog and puppy titled "Kiss Me" Circa 1880. Measures 19 Yt x 23".
10. Pair of framed floral watercolors by Deb Baughman Pulaski, IA. Measures 9" x 12" each.
11. Hand painted child's tea set. 17 pieces. Violets and scenery.
12. Hand woven berry basket with oak handle by Penny Newton of Petersburg, IL Measures 12 1/2" x 9".
13. Inlaid parquetry box 11" x 8" x 3 Vi". Circa "1860" and service for 8 plus serving pieces brass with teak handles.
14. Georgia OKeefe poster "Plums 1920" for the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival.
15. 30" Victorian dressed porcelain character doll. Made by "Collectors Choice" with certificate of authenticity.
16. 18" x 14" x 28" Victorian style Marble top 1 drawer stand with Lyre Base.
17. Red cut glass Bohemian vase from Czec Republic.
18. Framed "Mary Susan Farmer" calligraphy "Always Yield To Temptation" 12"x15".
19. Wooden carving of Raccoon 10 1/2 "x7 Yi.
20. 3 Ladies hats from the 50's and 60's in boxes.
21. Framed print "Early Autumn" by Robert Wood 24 1/2" xl81/2'.
22. 6 First edition hard-back books with dust jackets 1991 and newer.
23. Old pair oak children's wooden skis 38" long.
24. Service for 8, plus serving pieces and extras, 1847 Rogers Brothers "Heritage" silver plated flatware.
25. 72" x42" wool horse blanket. Red, black and gray.
26. Metal casting Indian Chief Head 9" tall.
27. Reproduction clay tribal vessel 6 1/2 "x 7 "A".
28. Stained and carved gourd with Indian motif "Running Goat" by Michael A. Wager, Moab, Utah.
29. Reproduction Indian painting on clay 5 JS" x 9".
30. Pair of 5" black on black Indian bowls in a feather pattern by Cruz Villa.
31. Copper powder horn 7 1/2'" x 3 "A".
32. A 4 pound Michigan copper specimen from Copper Harbor, Michigan.
33. Signed limited edition Indian pot by Steven Kaye Tempe, Arizona.
34. Old fishing lures, 2 Heddon and 1 Southbend, in original boxes.
35. Diamond Brand spiral spring game trap with chain and stake.
36. Bean shaped side table with beveled glass sides and removable top tray, Queen Ann style legs and hinged front door.28"x 17" x 31".
37. Reproduction lamp with metal base and stained glass shade.
38. Print of a younger Lincoln by Marsha Robinett of Lincoln, IL. Framed and matted by Serendipity Custom Frame Shop Lincoln, II.
39. Soft, glossy cover book "Manchester Bluff a Civil War Novel" by J. D. Proffitt.
40. Thomas Pacconi "Classic" CD player, AM-FM radio, cassette player and phonograph.
41. Dinner for 8 at the historic General Benjamin H. Grierson home, 852 East State Street, Jacksonville, II. Enjoy a catered repast in this lovely circa 1840's dwelling listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Homeowners Ron and Mary Gray will welcome you and your guests to their beautifully restored home in the tradition of gracious 19th century entertaining. (Time of dinner to be mutually arranged by both parties).
42. Gilded oval mirror, urn with drape design. 33" x 19 Yt".
43. Handmade pink porcelain rose pin and clip earring set.
44. 30 inch Multicolored Austrian Crystal necklace and earring set.
45. A photo session with Cheryl Kelly of "Cheryl Kelly Photography", 29 South Central Park Plaza Jacksonville, IL This package includes a session for up to 4 people and an 8" xlO" print.
46. A $50.00 gift certificate from "Dawn of Creation Art Studio", 56 North Central Park Plaza Jacksonville, and IL
47. A $25.00 gift certificate from "Our Town Books", 64 East Central Park Plaza Jacksonville, and IL.
48. 2 Eastlake style chairs with red velvet backs and seats.
49. Pair of clip cameo earrings

The items for the action are listed numerically below in the same order as they appear in the photo gallery.
Note: numbers 41 and 45-49 are not pictured.

Absentee bids can be placed by calling Gary Morris at 217-248-2040 or email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by stopping by Hamilton's the evening the Gala after 3:00 PM.

I would like to take a moment to express our disappointment that the 2011 event had to be cancelled. Grierson Days is not a “camp out” for the reenactors but a “reenacting campaign” to show how the soldiers lived and fought in a period that changed the history of our nation. The camps were flooded ankle deep to knee deep. The battlefield was so wet that we could not put horses on it, for fear of injuring horse or rider. It took six people to move one cannon to the parks edge so that it could be loaded. Some could not be moved out for several days, but instead of dwelling on the bad, we are choosing to focus on all the good things we have planned for 2012.

The popular candy cannon, scavenger hunt, kid's drill & Prairie Play will return. Everyone will enjoy Friday night's FREE concert in the park. The Pilot Club will once again be sponsoring a Lady's Tea; Deborah Kelly will emcee the Fashion Show featuring men and women in period clothing; Dance mistress Deborah Hyland invites everyone to attend the Civil War Grand Ball at Nichols Park (the pavilion is air conditioned). Period music, dance instruction and refreshments will be provided. A FREE shuttle service will be provided to reenactors in period attire from Community Park to Nichols Park for the ball. Check the registration table to locate shuttle stops and running times.

We do offer reenactors a few perks. Bounties are paid for Artillery, Mounted Cavalry, and Infantry. Infantry & Dismounted cavalry troopers will receive one half pound of black powder each IF in a unit of 6+ troops. Distribution will be made to unit commanders on Sunday. We also provide Free hay for horses, Free firewood, and each reenactor receives a meal ticket to use at any of the food vendors. Nichols Parks opens their showers to the reenactors, so reenactors can take showers throughout the weekend. Check at the registration table for the times showers will be open.

Mark your calendars now, we are planning a great weekend the whole family can enjoy. We hope to see you there.

Ron Gray
Chairman General Grierson Days Committee

General Grierson Days Facebook

Veterans-Remembered Facebook

Letter to the Editor

From The Grierson Society

Ron Gray

Chairperson

 

To Our Community,

 

For several weeks I have been at a loss for words to express our deep disappointment in having to call a halt to the 16th Annual Grierson Days activities. A year’s worth of planning by the Grierson Days Committee coupled with the support of the Community, the effort by Bruce Surratt and his Park and Lakes Crew, the continued support of our financial sponsors, all brought to a halt by flooding that effected much of our community, and pales in the comparison of the loss by others.

Grierson Days is not a “camp out” for the reenactors but, a “reenacting campaign” to show how the soldiers, both Union and Confederate, lived and fought in a period that changed the history of our nation. The camps were flooded ankle deep to knee deep meaning the public could not get onto the grounds. The battle field was so wet that we could not put horses on it, for fear of injuring horse or rider, and of course destroying the grounds of Community Park. It took six people to move one cannon to the parks edge so that it could be loaded. Some could not be moved out for several days.

It was with a great deal of anguish that all involved, reenactors and committee members that were present that Saturday morning decided to call a halt to the weekend’s activities. The first time in sixteen years. Many of the reenactors found it difficult to get out of Jacksonville because of the high waters, and one of our local reenactors awoke Saturday morning only to find that his home and truck were completely under water.

We have talked to the reenactor community and found that their season is completely booked for the remainder of the year. So it is doubtful that we will be able to reschedule our event for this year. We do want to reschedule the rededication of the downtown Civil War Monument. Jacksonville Main Street and the Veteran’s Remembered Committee are crrently working to determine a date.

We want to especially thank our sponsors, the people that make this one of the few free reenactments remaining. Most charge a nominal fee and if you were to attend the Civil War Reenactment at Manassas, Virginia you would pay $75.00 per person and more at Gettysburg. So, many thanks to these great people who give so generously year after year to keep our event free to the public. We are especially thankful to The Jacksonville Journal Courier, The Jacksonville Convention and Visitors Bureau representing our local hotels, Sandra W. Yeh, M.D., Prairie Eye and Lasik Center, Jacksonville and Springfield, Gregory M. Kane, D.D.S. Mason City, The Farmers State Bank and Trust Company, Reynolds Consumer Products, Home of Hefty, The members of the Western Illinois Contractors Association including Aire Serve HRI, A.J. Spreen Plumbing, Brennan Heating and Air Conditioning, Doyle Plumbing and Heating, Gano Electric, Ingram Electric, K.E. Vas Company, Morthole Masonry Contractors, Neff-Colvin Contractors. Jacksonville Savings Bank, The Hampton Inn, Bound to Stay Bound Books, Jacksonville 50 Year Pilot Club,Noon Rotary Club, Colton, Downey and Associates, Production Express, Buchheits, Mayor Andy Ezard, City of Jacksonville, Buster Sanitation, Fuhrman Sign and Graphics, Walter VincentHeating, Air and Plumbing, County Market, Westown Ford, Lincoln and Mercury. Blake Lumber of Murrayville, Bruce Surratt and the Parks and Lakes Crew, local and area radio and television stations that have helped promote the event. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Barton W. Stone, Blessings on State, Crop Production Services, Dairy Queen, Door Doctor, IRTC, Jack’s Auto Clinic, Jacksonville Main Street, Just Beds, Middendorf Brothers, North Church Nursing and Rehabilitation, Our Town Books, Passavant Hospital, Precious Jewelers, Stewarts Auto Body, Lincoln Square Shopping Center, Premier Bank, and Marshall Chevrolet, Winchester.

We have incurred many expenses that cannot be refunded, such as insurance, printing, entertainment, set up fees, advertising, so we are especially thankful to our financial supporters for staying with us.

And finally, a personal thank you to the Grierson Society Committee members, Erik Hack, David and Helen Kuhn, Suzanne Stucker, Dianne Silva, Cheri Fry, Gary Morris, David Ray, Mike Bendorf, Butch Graves, Mr. and Mrs. Gene Bencomo, Mr and Mrs. Don Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Jon Cooke and Kim Suttill.

We will be back next year bigger and better, and look forward to upcoming events such as the dedication of the Memorial, The Winter Ball, and moving forward with our year long salute to those that have served with our “Veterans Remembered” program.

 

 

Thank You

Ron Gray

Chairperson

The Grierson Society

Location: Beautiful City Park with Convenient Parking
All events are free and the public is invited to join the fun.
Food available on the grounds

Related sites:
General Grierson's Home on East State Street
General Grierson's final resting place in Jacksonville East Cemetery

General Grierson Days is held annually under the shade of more than 200 trees in a 62 acre park located in the center of the community. Saturday and Sunday feature battle re-enactments and the opportunity for the hundreds of area families that this event attracts to step back through time to experience life during the civil war.

Ladies will be hosted at a Saturday afternoon tea and discussion of fashion followed by a discussion of hair styles. While across the park a rousing game of baseball will be played just as it was during the Civil War. Bring the youngsters out, because we'll be looking for some volunteers to help! Saturday evening will feature the Grand Ball held in the historic setting of the Nichols Park Pavilion. Sponsored by the 50 Year Pilot Club of Jacksonville, the Ball will feature Deborah Hyland as the Dance Mistress and period music by the Megan Green Ensemble.

Sunday morning will find us gathered together for church services and the weekend will culminate with a Sunday afternoon civil war battle.

Through out the day there will be demonstrations, drills and activities including the opportunity to wander through settler row and see the period clothing, supplies and equipment for sale. There will also be food and craft vendors on the grounds.Have a sandwich and wash it down with a cold, homemade root beer and of course a piece of Strawberry Shortcake for dessert! All events are free,and the public is encouraged to attend.

Related sites in town include the Grierson House at 852 E. State St. (Map) & Grierson's resting place in East Cemetery.

Click here for more information on the Grierson Home and it's connection to the Underground Railroad.

From Community Park, exit right onto Morton Ave, travel a few blocks to Clay St and turn left at that stoplight. Travel a little over a mile North on Clay to Independence Ave and turn right. Go about half a mile to Myrtle St and turn right -go half a block and turn left at the arch entrance way of East Cemetery.Once inside the cemetery go past the first road to the left till you get to a Y intersection- take the left fork in the road to yet another Y intersection and take the left fork also. Travel just a little further straight and you'll see a street sign that says Hutchison Dr.- stop at that street sign and you will find the grave markers.

General Benjamin H. Grierson
1826- 1911

Benjamin H. Grierson was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on July 8, 1826. As an 8-year-old he was kicked in the face by a horse and lay in a coma for two weeks. His cheek bore a scar and he lost his vision for two months due to this injury. It is said he wore his beard to hide the scar on his cheek.Grierson move to 852 East State Street in Jacksonville, Illinois with his family in the fall of 1850 when he was 24. He taught the piano lessons.It was here he learned that he had been hand picked by Ulysses S. Grant to lead an important military mission, which would become known as Grierson's Raid. This mission encompassed 600 miles in just 16 days.

General Grierson and his wife, Alice, are buried in the Jacksonville East Cemetery.

For information about this year's event and special overnight packages that are available, contact the Jacksonville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-800-593-5678 or Ron Gray at 217-473-4099, and we also invite you to visit the following links for more info on General Grierson:

BenjaminHenry Grierson

The Grierson Workbook (pdf)

HISTORICJACKSONVILLE CELEBRATION INFORMATION
JACKSONVILLE'SUNDERGROUND RAILROAD INFORMATION