The Lincoln Forum is an assembly of people who share a deep interest in the life and times of Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War era. Through a roster of activities and projects including symposia, tours, student essay competitions, a newsletter and an annual award to recognize special contributions to the field of Lincoln studies, the Forum endeavors to enhance the understanding and preserve the memory of Abraham Lincoln.

John Y. Simon

June 25, 1933 – July 8, 2008

The Lincoln Forum is saddened to report the passing of Professor John Y. Simon, our esteemed friend, colleague and member of the Forum Executive Committee. This is a tragic loss for all who knew him.

John was regarded as the dean of documentary historians for editing 31 volumes of the papers of Ulysses S. Grant. He was also a highly respected Abraham Lincoln scholar and a beloved teacher who served on the history faculty at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale and Edwardsville.

Professor Simon was to join Professor John Marszalek, biographer of William T. Sherman, at our panel, “Who Won Lincoln’s War? Grant or Sherman,” on November 17 at Forum XIII. Grant biographer Jean Edward Smith has agreed to serve in John’s place. The panel will be in honor of Professor Simon.

There will be a memorial service at Shryock Auditorium, Southern Illinois University at 1 PM on August 24, 2008. Professor Simon leaves Harriet, his wife of 51 years, a daughter Ellen, and two grandchildren – Rachel, 14, and Amanda, 10.

Those wishing to remember John can send donations to either The Philip Furst Simon Memorial Fund, Friends of Carbondale Public Library, 405 West Main Street, Carbondale, IL 62901 or The Ulysses S. Grant Association, c/o Frank J. Williams, President, 300 Switch Road, Hope Valley, RI 02832.

Frank J. Williams
Chair

Please see Mr. Simon's biography by clicking here.

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Three ways to order the new Lincoln Forum book: Lincoln Revisited, edited by John Y. Simon, Harold Holzer and Dawn Vogel: Click on the "Buy from Amazon" link to the left. The Forum receives a small percentage from the purchase if this link or the link at the bottom of this site is used   Contact the publisher: www.fordhampress.com 1-800-996-6987 and tell them the discount code: Lincoln Forum for a 20% discount for the purchase of the book   Buy the book in November from the Forum bookseller at our Symposium and get author signatures in person!

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