Program To Profile Obscure Revolutionary War Battle In Indiana
Dr. Russ Gilliom will give a presentation on the career of Augustin de La Balme.
NORTH MANCHESTER — On Monday, Oct. 8, the North Manchester Historical Society will welcome Dr. Russ Gilliom for a presentation on the Augustin de La Balme Memorial Site on the Eel River. The program will be held in the Assembly Room at Timbercrest Retirement Center, 2201 East Street, at 6:30 p.m. and is open to the public at no cost.
De La Balme, a French calvary officer, came to the newly-established United States to assist in the American Revolution in 1777. In 1780, General George Rogers Clark’s capture of Fort Sackville at Vincennes inspired De La Balme to attempt a similar feat against the British at Fort Detroit.
De La Balme recruited militia from Kaskaskia, Cahokia, Vincennes, Ouiatenon and Kekionga, the current site of Fort Wayne. His force eventually marched along the Eel River where it was attacked by Miami Chief Little Turtle. De La Balme died in the battle, and Little Turtle gained a reputation as a successful war chief.
Dr. Gilliom is president of the Whitley County Historical Society and president of the 30th Indiana Civil War Re-enactors, where he participates as an infantry soldier, artillery crew member, medical officer and brown-water sailor of the period. He enjoys giving presentations on a variety of historical subjects, with emphasis on Civil War history, other 1860s topics and early Indiana history.
In addition to the love for historic research, Gilliom, retired from the private practice of dentistry after 38 years and now serves as chairman of the Whitley County Board of Health. He and his wife have been on numerous dental mission trips including to India, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico and in the U.S. He helped establish four dental treatment centers overseas. In addition to being active in his church, he is a member of the Mennonite Choral Society in Berne, participating in the oratorio “Messiah” for the past 10 years.
All are welcome to attend this program and learn about a little-known Revolutionary War battle fought right here in northeastern Indiana.
