1st Illinois Battalion

Meet the Major

Major William Turton - began reenacting in 1989 with Co G of the 36 IL, a unit that had been around for 18 years.  However, they had not recruited any new members in 7 years and were only doing 2 events a year.  Over the next 2 years, Bill recruited 5 new members and this core unit started attending 12 to 15 events a year.  In 1991 and 1992, Bill was elected corporal and in 1993, sergeant and commanding officer.  However, these were honorary ranks only since Co G always fell in with other units.  In order to preserve the integrity of Co G, but also to form a Company that would grow, be more military, and, to eventually be their “own company” at events, Bill was instrumental in forming Company B of the 36 Illinois in 1994.  Bill served as commander of Co B until 2000, holding the temporary rank of 2^nd and 1^st Sergeant with other units 1993 to 1995 until Co B was consistently their own company, at which time he held the rank of 1^st Sergeant in 1995 & 1996, 2^nd Lieutenant in 1997, 1^st Lt in 1998, Captain in 1999.  In 2000 Bill served as long as allowed according to the 36 Illinois by-laws and was ineligible to continue being Co B’s commanding officer.  Because of his experience in the hobby Bill was offered the position of adjutant of the 1^st Illinois Battalion beginning with the start of the 2000 season.  During the 2001 season Bill was promoted to Left Wing commander of the battalion.

e-mail:  cw36il@aol.com