Carroll 250 Speaker Series: The Dark Winter of 1776-1777

Presented by John Laycock:  It is Christmas 1776, and all is not well for George Washington and his Continental Army. They have suffered a string of defeats and have retreated into New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Fighting through a blizzard and smallpox, Maryland Militia reinforcements start filling the New Jersey countryside. The story of Private Jacob Zoll and his company led by Captain John Ross Key is an under looked part of the Revolutionary War. This talk will share Private Zoll’s struggle as he begins his journey to fight for his liberty.

Mr. Laycock has a love of genealogy and local history. He is a member of the Westminster Sons of the American Revolution and the Historical Society of Carroll County. He lives in Sykesville with his wife and 3 kids. He can often be found watching his beloved Chicago Cubs and still can’t believe that they finally won it all.