Check with the American Institute for Conservation -- the AIC -- and see if they have any records of a Wooden Artifacts or an Objects conservator that matches the description given above. Easy web site to find.
As well, you may wish to call Winterthur's Conservation Lab directly, to see if was an early day restorer/conservator for them. Also, the Winterthur Museum has regularly given classes for membership and interested parties, about the collections -- including the furniture.
The University of Delaware runs the Conservation Training Program in concurrence with Winterthur, so perhaps the fellow was a lecturer, or may be otherwise known.
Southern Illinois isn't overrun with conservators, so the location would be a good identifyer with which to start.
Unfortunately, my so-called spare time has been on leave -- hell, it's actually been AWOL - and for the nonce I can't pursue this. I will make a phone call or two, however to the MidWestern Furniture Mafia and see if he's was/is known.
