APRIL 22ND MEETING:

"A Wolverine's Relics:
Maj. Robert C. Wallace
of the 5th Michigan Cavalry"

Born in Scotland in 1837, Robert Wallace was one of the many immigrant sons to join the Union Army. He joined the 1st Michigan Infantry and fought with them at First Bull Run. After his enlistment with this 90-day regiment expired, he mustered in with the 5th Michigan Cavalry.

This month's program will take you through Wallace's wartime experiences: a prisoner of war, serving time in Libby Prison, a parole in 1863, and his participation with the Michigan Cavalry Brigade under Brigadier General George Armstrong Custer. Wallace rose to the rank of Major, and survived the war to be mustered out in June, 1865. He migrated west to Montana, and lived to the ripe old age of 91.

More than just the story of this soldier, the program will be uniquely illustrated by the display of a marvelous collection of artifacts (including a frock coat) belonging to Major Wallace.

Our speaker, John Beckendorf, is a member of the Los Angeles Civil War Round Table. A commercial insurance broker, he became interested in the Civil War through the experiences of his two ancestors who served in the 2nd Kansas Cavalry and 6th Minnesota Infantry. As his interest expanded into collecting Civil War artifacts, he came across the "Wallace Collection," and was able to purchase it and keep it intact. John will share with us the twists of fate that allowed him to acquire this wonderful set of memorabilia, and the research he has done on Wallace and his regiment.

Join us as we learn more about one Civil War officer through the legacy of his letters and belongings.

Janet Whaley
Program Chair