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Simpkins Military Museum Hosts Annual Civil War Encampment

An annual event takes place this weekend to inform and educate on the history of the Civil War.

The annual Civil War Encampment takes place this Saturday at the Simpkins Military History Museum in Heyworth. Owner of the Museum, Gary Simpkins explains the focus the next few years will be on the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, and this year it will be 1862. Simpkins notes, during that year, the Union was primarily losing the war.

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Re-enactors come from all over Illinois and the Midwest to be a part of this yearly event. They come and do not charge the museum for their time or travel. Simpkins says they will have a Confederate and Union Soldier discuss the war at that time. There will also be a model cannon on hand that will be fired several times throughout the day.

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The afternoon holds a special event at Heyworth Cemetery. Simpkins has been investigating the grave a Confederate soldier. Simpkins research has revealed the grave belongs to Mr. Luther Chaudoin. Chaudoin was native to Kentucky, but when he enlisted with the Confederate army, it was told to him and the other enlisting with the Confederate army, would not be welcome back to Kentucky again.

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Simpkins found Chaudoin was injured while in the war. He suffered wounds to his face and would spend about 10 months in the hospital. Upon the grave being identified as his, an organization out of Iowa donated a plaque to his grave site and it is marked that he served the Confederate army.

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A special ceremony will take place at Heyworth cemetery and you can learn more about the history of Chaudoin.

The full day of activities get going about 10 am and will go until about 4 pm. The Simpkins Military Museum is located in Heyworth at 605 East Cole Street. For more information on the event, you can contact Gary Simpkins at 309-473-3989.

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