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DOWAGIAC — The Dowagiac Area History Museum will host the program “‘The Worst Colonel I Ever Saw:’ Francis Quinn and the Battle of Shiloh’” presented by Bob Myers. The program will take place at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 9 at the museum.Myers will offer an overview of Niles native Colonel Francis Myers and his disastrous leadership at the Battle of Shiloh.

Taking place April 6-7, 1862, the Battle of Shiloh, also known as the Battle of Pittsburg Landing, allowed Union troops to penetrate the Confederate interior. The carnage was unprecedented, with the death toll being the greatest of any war on the American continent up to that date.

Colonel Francis Quinn of Niles led the 12th Michigan Infantry into action in the Battle of Shiloh. However, his incompetence and quarrelsome personality led to disaster, so much so, that Michigan Governor Austin Blair dubbed him, “The worst colonel I ever saw.”  This program will allow guests to follow Quinn and his command through one of the war’s bloodiest battles.

Myers is the director of history programming for the Historical Society of Michigan. He has a BA in History from Alma College and MA in history from Western Michigan University. He has published articles in Michigan History magazine, Chronicles, and Michigan Historical Review. Myers was also the longtime curator at the Courthouse Square Museum in Berrien Springs.