THE FOLLOWING IS A VERMILION COUNTY WAR MUSEUM RELEASE
ABOVE: William J. Calhoun
The War Museum’s First Saturday event on August 1, 2026 will feature retired attorney, local historian and Joseph G. Cannon scholar, Timothy O. Smith. In Smith’s extensive research on Cannon, he kept seeing the name of William J. Calhoun regularly. In his research, Smith learned that Calhoun came to Danville as a schoolteacher while studying law at night. Upon being admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1873, Calhoun’s law practice in Danville soon earned him “fame for his brilliance and eloquence as a criminal defense attorney.” He also served as a corporation attorney for several large companies throughout the state and nation.
In 1882, Calhoun was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives. While continuing his career as an attorney, he later moved on to work in Federal government assignments under three Presidents including special counsel to Cuba, Commissioner of the Interstate Commerce Commission, envoy and Minister to China, and as a diplomat to Venezuela.
Calhoun’s ties to the military include proudly serving the 19th Ohio Infantry as a teenager during the Civil War. On October 26, 1906, Calhoun was the featured speaker at the dedication ceremony for the Illinois Monument at Vicksburg National Military Park. The Illinois Monument is the largest monument in the Park.
Learn more about William J. Calhoun and his impact on America at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 1, 2026 at the War Museum, 307 North Vermilion Street in Danville. First Saturdays are tied into the 200th Birthday of Vermilion County and America’s 250th Birthday Celebration. Admission is free.
