"President Abraham Lincoln" to Join Monroe, Michigan, Residents in Civil War Celebration

According to the schedule of events found at www.georgecuster.com, Monroe, Michigan, will welcome President Abraham Lincoln portrayer Joseph W. (Bill) Ames as the city celebrates General George A. Custer and Michigan's participation in the American Civil War.

Details

President Lincoln, portrayed by Mr. Ames, will give the Gettysburg Address on Sunday, September 30 at the Sawyer Homestead on East Front St. in Monroe.

President Lincoln Portrayal

Mr. Ames said in a private communication that his interest in President Lincoln goes back to his childhood. A Michigan native, he was raised on a farm in Eaton County.

After participating in a Heritage Day Parade in Vicksburg in 1968, he kept the beard that made him resemble Lincoln until he was asked to shave it for his job as an Extension Agriculture Agent. He later re-grew the beard and began giving presentations highlighting Lincoln's perseverance to farmers suffering through the agricultural depression of the 1980's.

After retiring from the Michigan Sate University Extension Service in Washtenaw County in 1995, Mr. Ames embarked on a study of President Lincoln's life, family and times. He portrays Lincoln at various events throughout the country.

Civil War Celebration

Monroe will be hosting its Ninth Annual Custer Week beginning on September 29 and ending October 7. The celebration will focus on General George Custer and Michigan's Civil War history.

Representing the Union

President Lincoln will not be the only Union character portrayed. Other historical characters represented Generals Grant, Custer, Sherman, Sheridan, Reynolds, and Sturgis. Also representing the Union will be Admiral Farragut.

The ordinary fighting men of Michigan will also be represented at a living history Civil War encampment at Navarre Trading Post.

Confederate Americans Portrayed

Confederate officers in town for the festivities include the portrayers of Generals Lee, Longstreet, Gordon, Armistead and Pickett. Colonels Charles Marshall and E. Porter Alexander of the CSA will join them.

Custer Week

The Ninth Annual Custer Week is presented by the Custer Celebration Committee. The committee, made up of local volunteers, hopes to raise awareness of Michigan's Civil War history with the week-long program.

The General's Adopted Hometown

Monroe became General Custer's adopted hometown when he was still a child. He married Monroe resident Elizabeth (Libbie) Bacon at the First Presbyterian Church in Monroe in 1864. Custer Week will conclude with the reenactment of the wedding at the church, which still stands on First St.

More Info

For a schedule of events or further information about Monroe's Ninth Annual Custer Week, visit www.georgecuster.com.