The Warrior, The Savior, and The Humorist at the Governor John Woods Mansion

By Professor Earnest Veritas · Originally published November 2022 · pp. 10–11

American Legion color guard at the opening of the re-

Special Correspondent to – Western Theater – On August 13, last, the Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County, Ill., held a most unique event for the citizens of Quincy and neighboring communities, when it hosted an afternoon of meeting President Lincoln, General Grant, and Mark Twain: ‘The Savior, The Warrior, and the Humorist.’ The three historic men were in adjoining rooms of the Governor John Wood mansion. The visitors were welcomed to the Greek Revival mansion by the governor’s wife, Mrs. Ann Streeter Wood (Kelsey Pigg), who warmly received them into her and the governor’s home. They were then organized into small groups of ten or twelve and spent about ten minutes with each historic figure as they walked through the first floor of the mansion. President Lincoln (Fritz Klein) was the first person they met in the front parlor of the house. After talking with them, the president then graciously passed them on to spend a little while with General Grant (Curt Fields) and Julia Grant (Lena Moody) in the governor’s study, where John Wood was given special permission to conduct official business of Illinois from his home rather than the state capitol in Springfield. They ended their history walk through the mansion by meeting and laughing with Mark Twain (Warren Brown) in a sitting room/parlor with a pump organ. Upon exiting the mansion, they were walked to a two-story cabin

Mark Twain (Warren Brown) in a sitting room/ parlor with an antique pump organ.

Mrs. Ann Streeter Wood (Kelsey Pigg) and Governor Wood (Dr. Tim Jacobs).

American Legion color guard at the opening of the rededication. close by the house and introduced to Governor Wood himself (Dr. Tim Jacobs), as he talked about his unique two-story cabin, of which he is quite proud. The Mansion was built between 1835 and 1838 by John Wood, one of the founders of Quincy. Mr. Wood also served as the twelfth Governor of Illinois for ten months in 1860. Governor Wood served out the remaining term of his predecessor who died in office. He was a long-time friend of Abraham Lincoln and supported him in his political efforts. Wood then became the Quartermaster General for Illinois in the months leading up to the Civil War. Illinois was better prepared for the war than most other states due to the diligence of John Wood. The story of the mansion, designated as one of Illinois’s most historic buildings, is spiced by the fact that a replica of the unusual two-story log cabin built

General Grant speaking to the crowd during the ceremony.

by John Wood when he moved to what became Quincy has been built for tours to enjoy. John Wood built the cabin and lived in it for several years while building the mansion. The fund raiser was a great success. The crowd was so large that two additional tours were added to the program to allow all to meet the President, General Grant, and Mark Twain. Other participants in this effort to lift up Quincy Civil War History were: Jon Cook – who portrayed a soldier with all his accoutrements, weapons, gear, and personal

CivilWarNews.com items needed for the field. The Pike Pipers – a musical group from Pike County, Ill. They performed authentic period music on the grounds for the event. The food truck: 8te (Eight) Open – provided food with themed sandwiches for the public. A second memorable event that weekend was held the next day on August 14, at the Mississippi River. A monument marking where Colonel Grant first arrived in Quincy on his way to involvement in the War was rededicated. On July 11th, 1861,

Colonel Ulysses S. Grant brought the 21st Illinois Volunteers to the Mississippi River to cross into Missouri and pursue Confederate raiders. The monument was originally placed and dedicated in 2018. This ceremony was held at Clat Adams park on the Quincy riverfront and was very wellattended by the public. Quincy Mayor Mike Troup spoke briefly about the significance of the monument and the importance of its place. General Grant described his feelings when the 21st Illinois arrived at Quincy and was about to enter the War. The event was very wellreceived, indeed. For more information about the Quincy and Adams County Historical Society, please contact: Susi L. DeClue Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County

General Grant (Curt Fields) and President Lincoln (Fritz Klein) in the parlor discussing the War.

Mr. Clemens may be contacted at his E-telegraph address of: [email protected] or his handheld telegraph at: 815-468-0635. “Simply put: tell the simple truth, simply.” – Professor E. Veritas Photos by Arts Quincy, Abigail Oakley and Rich Keppner.