August Morning Meeting Review

We had a wonderful turnout this morning for an extremely interesting talk. Jerry Allen presented "Researching Civil War Ancestors" but provided so much more.
Jerry grew up on a farm in LaCrosse County, Wisconsin. At the University of Wisconsin (UOW) - LaCrosse - he received a BS in Mathematics and Physics and at UOW - Milwaukee -  he received a MS in Mathematics. He currently works in downtown Chicago as a pension consultant.
Although not a professional historian, Jerry has had a life-long interest in history with a special interest in the Civil War and American Indian Conflicts. This morning he focused on his great-grandfather, Captain John K. Allen of the 78th Illinois Infantry Regiment. His research led him to visit the National Archives, the Chickamauga National Military Park, other historic sites, along with various internet sites dealing with Civil War history, military records and genealogy.

Jerry Allen as Captain John K. Allen of Co. H, 78th Reg. Illinois Infantry

Jerry not only instructed us with informative information but also entertained us with wonderful stories. He also came in full Union Army uniform, even though the heat of the day caused him to remove his jacket to proceed with his talk.