Petersburg, IL: Mar 1 presentation on 19th Century Illinois gun makers

“Judicial Candidate Grosboll to Hold Event on 19^th Century Gun Makers”

Citizens to elect Gabe Grosboll as Menard County Judge are holding an event on Saturday, March 1^st, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. at Gillmore’s Cafe in Petersburg, IL featuring author Curtis Johnson who will speak on 19^th century gun makers from central Illinois.  His presentation will largely focus on Illinois gun makers from the 1840’s to the 1890’s.

“Central Illinois had quite a number of makers.  One of the more notable was Robert Bishop, who made rifles in Petersburg from the time of his arrival in 1841, until at least as late as 1881,” said Johnson.

Mr. Johnson will speak on this topic and bring a sample of rifles from the 19^th century that were made in central Illinois, including a rifle made by Petersburg’s Robert Bishop.   Mr. Johnson will also speak on the relationship between gun maker Robert Bishop and Abraham Lincoln.  Curtis Johnson is the author of a two volume set of books entitled, “Gunmakers of Illinois, 1683-1900.”  These books will be available for purchase on March 1^st.

Grosboll is a candidate for Resident Circuit Judge of Menard County.   He currently serves as an Administrative Law Judge for the State of Illinois.  Before his position as Administrative Judge, Grosboll prosecuted criminal cases for the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s office and the Illinois Attorney General’s office.  Grosboll grew up in Menard County on his family’s farm.   He received his undergraduate degree from Illinois State University and his juris doctorate from Southern Illinois University.  For more information on any of the upcoming events, please email ggrosboll@hotmail.com or call (217) 691-5801.