Civil War Buff

      The Civil War in Arkansas

   Home     What's New     Search     People     Places     Units     Groups     Forum     Books     Calendar     About Us

 

 

Civil War Round Table of Arkansas

Promote Your Page Too

  

 

What's New - 2009

What's New Archive

April 30, 2009

Added the following men:

 

Announcement from Mike Dyer:

Hello Arkansas Civil War Round Table,

In April 2005 National Geographic Maps in collaboration with the Civil War Preservation Trust and the National Park Service published a supplement map to accompany the magazine article “Civil War Battlefields: Saving the Landscape of America’s Deadliest War” which ran in National Geographic Magazine. Since then we have received requests from Civil War aficionados, students, and preservationists to purchase reprints of this highly detailed thematic map. 

I’m writing today to let your organization know that the map is once again available as a premium printed edition, ideal for framing. Additionally, we are offering the map to members of civil war round tables, descendent, historical, genealogical and preservation organizations like yours at a 40% discount and free shipping until June of 2009. If you or other members of your organization are interested in taking advantage of this special pricing simply visit www.natgeomaps.com/vip and enter the promo code: NGCIVILWAR  in the “New Member Registration” section on the left-side of the page. 

Proceeds from the sale of this map go to support The National Geographic Society’s non-profit mission to increase global understanding and promote conservation of our planet through exploration, research, and education. 

Please feel free to spread the word to your members and other Civil War enthusiasts. We hope our map falls into the hands of those that truly appreciate it and find its content useful and beautiful. 

Should you wish to view the map online or read the original article, you can visit:http://www.natgeomaps.com/battles_civilwar  

Thank you – Mike Dyer

 

April 29, 2009

Last night was a great meeting, I really enjoyed Terry Winschel's program!

Brian Brown, Rick Meadows, Terry Winschel, & Jan Sarna

We received the following press release:

“CIVIL WAR HISTORIAN THOMAS CARTWRIGHT

STARTS ‘BATTLEFIELD WALKING TOURS’

IN ASSOCIATION WITH LOTZ HOUSE” 
 

(Franklin, Tenn.)—April 15, 2009--- Thomas Cartwright, one of the nation’s leading authority on the Battle of Franklin, announced today with Lotz House Executive Director J.T. Thompson they are teaming up to bring “Battlefield Walking Tours” to Franklin.  Cartwright, well-known internationally for his knowledge and passion for the Civil War and the Battle of Franklin, will walk the battlefield with enthusiasts while recounting the steps and the stories of the historic battle held on November 30, 1864.  
 

In making the announcement, Thompson said, “Teaming up with Thomas Cartwright is an amazing opportunity for not only Franklin, but for the many Civil War students yearning for the unique experience of actually walking in the steps of the soldiers, hearing the gripping stories and understanding the feelings of the soldiers from the ultimate authority on the Battle of Franklin.” 
 

Thompson added, “Since we opened the Lotz House last fall, we’ve been focused on telling the compelling story of the Lotz family, the times and the antiques.  This walking tour with Thomas Cartwright complements and completes our goals to educate others on the tragedy that happened here in 1864.”  
 

Cartwright is often seen on the History Channel and quoted in national publications on the topic of the Civil War and the significant role played in the Battle of Franklin.  He most recently was Executive Director of The Carter House, located across the street from the Lotz House, where he worked for nearly 20 years. 
 

Cartwright said, "It is a great honor to help in keeping the memory of those brave Americans alive. I am grateful to be allowed to tell the stories of some of the bravest men the world has ever known."  
 

Williamson County Convention & Visitors Bureau Heritage Tourism Manager Deborah Warnick said, “I am thrilled to learn about Thomas Cartwright joining the Lotz House for the battlefield tours.  He is an icon and represents the face of the Battle of the Franklin due to his impressive knowledge of the battle and the many colorful stories surrounding the events that led up to the battle, during the battle as well as the fall out afterward.  He’s a true national historian and we’re proud to have him bring these stories alive for visitors to Williamson County.” 
 

Prior to this entrepreneurial effort, Cartwright was Director of the Carter House from 1997 until 2008.  He joined the Carter House in 1989 and was Military Curator and Historian until he was promoted to Director. 
 

Thomas Cartwright frequently appears on various documentaries for the History Channel, A&E, Travel Channel, CNN, Discovery, and Preservation Channel. For many years, he has lectured throughout most of the United States for Civil War Round Tables, corporations, preservation groups and heritage organizations. 
 

Cartwright is a supporter of the Civil War Preservation Trust, and many other local and national organizations.  For the last 20 years, he has guided groups throughout most the Western Theater battlefields.  
 

In addition, Cartwright authored several articles and essays published in Tennessee Celebrate South Museum of the Confederacy, A Meteor Shining Brightly Essays on Maj. Gen. Patrick Cleburne, Black Southerners in Gray, The Encyclopedia of the Irish in America, Civil War Times and Around the State A Publication of Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association.  
 

He is currently authoring two books: Mascots in the Civil War and Battle of Thompson's Station. Cartwright began visiting battlefields as a young boy, and his interest was encouraged by listening to stories about his great-grandfather, who was in the war, the Civil War Centennial, and many great historians including the late Stanley Horn.      
 

The Lotz House, which has been on the National Historic Register since 1976, is located in the heart of downtown historic Franklin, Tennessee at “epicenter” of the Battle of Franklin which was a pivotal battle in the Civil War on November 30, 1864.  
 

Guided tours of the Lotz House includes stories of the Lotz family, history on the house which features the battle scars from the battle, and some of the finest antiques of dating from the 1820’s – 1860’s.”

 

Wendell Garrett, editor at large at The Magazine Antiques said, “This collection of antiques is by far the finest private collection of American Victorian Furniture in the Southeast.”   
 

The Lotz House Foundation is a non profit organization which manages the Lotz House activities.  Thompson is also currently a member of the Board of Directors of The Carter House and serves on the Task Force for the Mayor of Franklin, Tennessee. 
 

Thompson added, “The Lotz House is the perfect complimentary companion to the historic Carter House, Historic Carnton Plantation and the McGavock Confederate Cemetery. It takes only 110 short steps to walk from the front door of the Lotz House to the front door of the Carter House located directly across the street, and Carnton is just one mile away.” 
 

The Lotz House is open Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. or by appointment.  Admission charged.   
 

Thomas Cartwright’s Battlefield Tours are held on Thursdays and Saturdays or by making a reservation at the Lotz House.  Fee charged.  Guests begin the tour at the Lotz House. 
 

The Lotz House is located at 1111 Columbia Avenue.  The telephone number is 615-790-7190 and the website iswww.lotzhouse.com.  Tennessee Bank & Trust is a proud Founding Patron of the Lotz House. 
 
History of the Lotz House

In 1855, German immigrant Johann Albert Lotz, purchased 5 acres of land from Fountain Branch Carter. Three years later, after doing most of the work himself, Lotz completed his home in 1858.  By trade, Mr. Lotz was a master carpenter and a piano maker. He also repaired guitars and violins.  His home, served as his “show house” to demonstrate his carpentry work to potential clients interested in hiring him for his services.  The three fireplace mantles demonstrated his range from simple to very complex designs.  There are also several battle scars including the charred rounded indention in the wood flooring where a cannonball flew through the roof, a second story bedroom and landed on the first floor and rolled.   
 

In addition, the home has an impressive solid black walnut stair hand rail that starts on the ground floor and wraps all the way around and up to the second floor. To accomplish this engineering feat in the mid 19th century is truly remarkable.  What’s more, the newel post at the bottom of the staircase is actually an inverted leg of one Mr. Lotz’ pianos. The outside of the home indeed is a testament to Mr. Lotz’ talent.  All the hand carved acorn finials, millwork and cartouches were constructed by Lotz. 
 

The Lotz Family

When the Lotz family awakened on the morning of November 30, in effect the Union Line had been established in their front yard!  Mr. Lotz, fearing that his family, his wife Margaretha, his sons Paul and Augustus and daughter Matilda would not survive the battle in their “wooden plank house,” they sought refuge in the brick basement of the Carter House, a home across the street.  For 17 hours, while the horrific battle raged all around them, the Lotz along with 20 other people remained safe and survived.  When they exited the basement the next morning, they were horrified to see the bodies of dead soldiers “so thick that you couldn’t take a step without walking on one of them” between The Carter House and their home across the street, just 110 steps away.  Indeed, historians describe the fighting that took place at the Battle of Franklin and in the Lotz front yard “some of the most severe hand to hand fighting during the four year long war.” When the dust had settled the body count would be staggering.  Ten thousand Americans had been killed, wounded or missing. 
 

The Lotz house served as a hospital for the wounded soldiers on both sides until the following summer.  To this day, one can step into the Lotz House and see numerous blood stains in all of the rooms.  The house itself suffered severe battle damage, but as the structure served as Lotz’ “show house,” he was quick to make repairs. However, some of the battle scars do remain.  During the battle a solid shot cannon ball crashed through the roof, smashing into the floor of an upstairs bedroom and down to the first floor.  The large repaired patch made by Mr. Lotz remains in the second floor, as well as the first floor where the cannon ball finally came to rest where one can clearly see where the hot lead ball first hit, burning the floor then rolled. 
 

Decorative and Fine Arts

While on the guided tour of the Lotz House visitors will learn about the history of many of the antiques and furnishings.  Some of the most exquisite examples of John Henry Belter and Prudent Mallard furniture from the 1820’s – 1860’s are on display.  An extraordinary collection of Old Paris Porcelain pieces including an historic peach and cream colored formal set of dishes from which

3 United States presidents used at The Bedford Springs Hotel in Bedford Pennsylvania. 
 

While visitors may be familiar with Audubon paintings and prints, they may not be aware that John James Audubon actually painted from birds he captured and mounted to examine them in their more natural form. The Lotz House features an incredible display of Audubon’s stuffed birds placed under their original glass dome. The Lotz House is currently not aware of any other surviving examples of his taxidermy work. 
 

Lotz House Features 
 

Appraisal Services:  One of the services offered at the Lotz House is personal property appraisals, specializing in antique, decorative and fine art appraisals.  Clients include attorneys, accountants, insurance companies, charitable organizations and the general public.  Check the website for an upcoming schedule of appraisal fairs which will be open to the public. 
 

Antique Appraisal Fair scheduled for Saturday, April 18 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Museum Shop:  The Museum Shop is well stocked with unique, intriguing gifts and souvenirs awaiting discovery. A wide selection of items commemorate each visit, including a variety of one of a kind antiques and collectibles as well as meticulously crafted items from local artisans. Also featured are an array of DVD’s & VHS Tapes, prints and books, about The Battles of Franklin and Nashville, the Civil War and history in general. Relics are also on display in the Museum Shop for viewing.

Volunteers:  Volunteers are needed at the Lotz House.  Those interested may contact J.T. Thompson at 615-790-7190. 

April 28, 2009

 

The big thing this past weekend was the Marks Mill re-enactment and hopefully some one will share some pics with us as I was not able to attend.  I did make it to the Col. Allen R. Witt graveside memorial in Conway that was sponsored by the Col. Allen R. Witt Camp #615 and members of the 10th Arkansas and NW 15th Arkansas Re-enactors.  Colonel Allen Rufus Witt Memorial - One | Two

Thanks to Polly and Desmond for helping me take pics and a special thanks to all the men and women who work hard to keep our history alive and put on these events.  Many of these events would not even be attended if there were not re-enactors, everyone loves seeing them, so be sure and show your support!

Also, the newspapers have been observing Confederate Heritage Month:

Nice job Gentlemen!  For anyone that wants to contribute to the Jonesboro Memorial Fund, mail your checks to:

Arkansas Southern Heritage Foundation
PO Box 16876
Jonesboro, Arkansas 72403

The Roundtable Meeting is tonight at 7 with speaker Terry Winchel.  Come out and join us, we would love to have you!

Added the following:

Lonoke County:

Miller County:

Mississippi County:

Monroe County:

Nevada County:

 

April 27, 2009

Added the Arkansas memorial for the Battle of Franklin.  Thanks Ray!

April 24, 2009

 Lots of new items going into  the weekend:

First up, the new Civil War Roundtable Newsletter is up.  Special thanks to Rick Meadows for writing it!  April - 2009

Second up, Morris Antiques in Keo has the following collection for sale: 

Blythe family estate in Blytheville,with about a dozen trunks that are filled with Victorian clothes and memorabilia.  There is a Victorian gown that has a Paris label, there is a shirt worn by a Civil War soldier, there are purses, hats, shoes, wedding gowns, frock coats, wonderful appliquéd ladies jackets, etc.  You name it and it's in one of those trunks.  Its a fabulous collection and many of the items had hand written documentation attached to the articles. This collection is not on the floor so if you are interested in looking at the collection, contact Terri at  terrie@morrisantiques.com

The following events are coming up:

Marks Mill will be the place to be this weekend:

The 25th of April will mark the date of the 145th Anniversary of the Battle of Marks' Mills, located near New Edinburg, Ar. This will be the premiere Living History/Battle in South Arkansas this year.   The ladies and  gentlemen are working very hard to put on a great event, come on out and show your support.

http://www.Arkansastoothpick.com

--------------------------

Also, the Col. Witt re-dedication is this weekend in Conway:

Shelby Gately, the Commander of the Conway Chapter SCV has announced their annual re-dedication at Oak Grove Cemetery in Conway in honor of the Chapter's namesake, COL Allen Rufus Whitt.  COL Whitt was the Commander of the 10th AR Cav. 
 
The Service is this Saturday, April 25th at 2:00 P.M.
 
Oak Grove Cemetery Directions: 
 
From Interstate 40, take exit 129, go through 2 red lights to Highway 164.  Before overpass and yellow buses, the cemetery is located next to the airport and at the east end of Bruce Street

--------------------

Arkansas Roundtable meeting on April 28, 7 p.m.  - See the newsletter - April 2009

--------------------

July 22 - 25th, 2009

2009 Sons of Confederate Veterans National Reunion

Hot Springs, Arkansas

 

List of events and speakers:

http://www.scv2009reunion.com/calendar.php

Home Page:

http://www.scv2009reunion.com/index.php

 

-----------------

Added the following in Johnson County:

Lawrence County:

Lincoln County:

Lonoke County:

April 23, 2009

 

Added the following in Jefferson County:

April 17, 2009

 

Added the following,

In Lonoke County:

Also the following, which covers several locations:

 

April 16, 2009

 

First up from Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farms ( I love her work!)

Second, I have added the following:

In Fulton County:

In Garland County:

In Grant County:

In Greene County:

In Hempstead County:

In Independence County:

In Jackson County:

In Ouachita County:

 

April 15, 2009

Added the following:

In Craighead County, I added the following:

In Crawford County:

In Drew County:

In Faulkner County:

 

April 14, 2009

 

Two items up today...

LITTLE ROCK - Daily World

The Battery D Boundary Expansion at Helena-West Helena was among 20 properties in 14 Arkansas counties that the State Revue Board of the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program nominated for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.  The nomination was submitted during the board’s meeting on April 1, according to Frances McSwain of the AHPP. The Battery D boundary Expansion is located between Highway 49 and Military Road.


“It’s worth noting that partial remains of six confederate soldiers were uncovered by the clear-cutting operations in 2002, excavated by the Arkansas Archeological Survey in 2003, and reburied in the Helena confederate Cemetery in 2004,” the National Register nomination says. “Union accounts of the aftermath of the Battle of Helena document that Confederate dead were buried in scattered graves where they fell all around the battlefield. There is a strong possibility that other battlefield graves exist in the area.”

Also....

Writer Tom Pearson has sent us info on his new book:

Announcing a new Missouri Civil War research reference title:

THE MISSOURI STATE GUARD: A SELECTED, ANNOTATED UNIT BIBLIOGRAPHY
by Thomas A. Pearson, M.S.L.S.

This paperback book is a unit-by-unit guide to sources of information in book, periodical, and microfilm formats on the Missouri State Guard (Missouri’s Confederate Civil War militia). Also included is an historical sketch of the MSG, an appendix that notes the MSG division of which each Missouri county was a part, and a guide to Internet sources of information on the MSG.

An 11-page preview of the book that provides Table of Contents and a sample chapter is available on the Lulu.com website:

http://www.lulu.com/

Type "Missouri Guard" in the search box and click Go.
Perfect bound; 166 pages; unit-by-unit bibliography; MSG historical sketch; MSG divisions guide; guide to MSG Internet resources. Cost per book ordered from Lulu.com is $19.95 plus shipping.

You may prefer to order directly from the author:

Thomas A. Pearson
1236 Lynfield Place
St. Louis, MO 63147-1516

Price per book when ordered directly from the author is $19.95. Price when 2 or more books are ordered is $18.95 per book. Shipping is free when two books or fewer are ordered. For orders of three books or more, $5.00 (total, not per book) must be added to cover shipping.

Tom is also the author of ILLINOIS CENTRAL: A GUIDE TO GENEALOGICAL RESEARCH IN SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS. Perfect bound; 150 pages; Illinois genealogy chronology; index. Cost per book ordered from Lulu.com is
$19.95 plus shipping. Price per book when ordered directly from the author is $19.95. Price when 2 or more books are ordered is $18.95 per book. Shipping is free when two books or fewer are ordered. For orders of three books or more, $5.00 (total, not per book) must added to
cover shipping.

About the author:

Tom Pearson is a reference librarian who has worked with genealogists and historians since 1989. He is an Air Force veteran, and a graduate of Eureka College, Eureka, IL (B.A in History) and the University of  Illinois (M.S in Library Science). Tom is editor or co-editor of three newsletters: St. Clair County (IL) Genealogical Society Newsletter; "Show Me" State Genealogical Society News; and Gateway Family Historian. He is also editor of MoSGA Messenger, the Official
Blog of the Missouri State Genealogical Association.

http://mosga.blogspot.com/


Tom has been providing talks on genealogy and military history since 1997 for libraries, genealogical societies, and lineage and patriotic societies. He was a featured speaker at the St. Louis Genealogical Society Annual Fair in 2007 and 2008, and will be a featured speaker at the Missouri State Genealogical Association Annual Conference in August 2009.

Tom lives in St. Louis, Missouri. He can be contacted at 89ilguy@gmail.com.

Note: You are encouraged to forward this to any individuals or
organizations that you think might be interested in either of these
reference books. Thanks!

April 13, 2009

 
 
First up....
Danny Honnoll sent us photographs of the Confederate Flag Day Ceremony at 
the Arkansas State Capitol. Thanks Danny!
Flag Day - 2009
--------------
Second up....
We sadly received the following news:
Fellow CWRTs,
You have no doubt heard of the tornadoes that hit Middle Tennessee yesterday in
the mid-afternoon. What we thought was a single twister turned out to be two of
them, one going through the town and the other crossing I-24 right into the core
of the Stones River National Battlefield. 
I just got off the phone with Park Ranger Jim Lewis who is a good friend of
mine and he told me that the twister hit Tour Stop Three, moved through the
Round Forest and then hit Tour Stop One and the Hazen Monument and cemetery. 
He said the trees now look like they would have during the battle - thousands of
them shattered and blown down. Other than massive tree damage, the Hazen
Monument (the second oldest CW monument in the country, erected during the war,
and the oldest still on its original site) and the cemetery stones came through
just fine. No cannons of the park were damaged but a caisson was moved and
needs to be replaced. Thankfully, none of the park staff was hurt.

Subdivisions around the park have been smashed quite badly. I am told that one
tornado was an F2 and it grew to F3 by the time it hit the park itself. A
number of reports and pictures came in on the news showing a very large funnel
cloud.

Stones River Park will be closed for quite some time as the staff assesses the
tree damage and what ones need clearing away. I will keep this list apprised as
the Spring and Summer go onward as to the park's condition. There will be a
call for volunteers to help with cleanup at some point.

I think it would be terrific if each of the CWRTs that gets this email would
pass the hat at your next meeting to take up a donation for the park to help
with its cleanup. The Clarksville CWRT certainly will be doing so. If you are
interested in doing so please let me know and I will secure the address to send
such donations for you.

Another Middle Tennessee Civil War area also affected by tornadoes was the
Tullahoma Campaign. Twisters were reported between Wartrace and Bell Buckle as
well as near Tullahoma itself along with near Estill Springs (formerly Allisonia
where the railroad and road bridges crossed the Elk River at the time as they
still do). I have not heard of damage down there as yet. I led a tour of that
area just a couple weeks ago for the CWRT in Columbus, OH and it is one of the
most beautiful parts of Tennessee.

A lot of people lost homes and businesses yesterday - and a few lost their
lives. Please keep them and their families in your prayers. Please also pass
this around to all of your CWRT members so they know of the damage and recovery
efforts.

Greg Biggs
Clarksville TN CWRT
biggsg@charter.net
 
Checks can be sent to:
National Park Service 
3501 Old Nashville Highway
Murfreesboro, TN 37129

If you can help, please drop Greg a line at biggsg@charter.net

April 9, 2009

First up...I am doing some major cleaning and reorganization of the website...hopefully making things easier to find and lay the ground work for lots of new growth.  Please be patient as work continues.....

Second up...If you are into podcasts, we have an announcement from Brass Cannon Books:

We are sending this link out to Civil War related groups everywhere. The third item on the list is a podcast of the speech I gave on November 8, 2008, at the West Coast Civil War Roundtable Conference in Clovis, California. It is provided without charge and may be passed on to any of your friends on a non-commercial license. I love going to these events and meeting people, but there are just too many groups for me to meet them all. There are also two interviews I've done to promote my fact-based novel "The Shenandoah Spy". Those, too, are free for the taking.

http://brasscannonbooks.net/podcasts.htm

You can get a personally signed copy of "The Shenandoah Spy" from this web site, or order it at Amazon.com or any other general bookstore; Hastings Entertainment stores carry it on the shelf. We are working on getting an audio book version made. That may be released sometime this fall. We will be doing other live events as we can work them into our schedule, so keep checking BookTour.com for those.

And thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Francis Hamit
Brass Cannon Books

April 8, 2009

Added the Yell County Confederate Memorial.

April 6, 2009

Danny Honnoll has sent us transcripts of the Pocahontas Riverwalk in Randolph County which covers the following topics:

Thanks Danny!

April 3, 2009

 

Recently I had the opportunity to photograph the Civil War Veteran's Section at Mt. Moriah Cemetery in Deadwood, South Dakota, so I have decided to go ahead and kick start our burial registration.  "Wild Bill" Hickock is buried at Mt. Moriah and many people may not know that he was a scout for the Union Army during the Civil War. Civil War Soldiers

Lots of activities for the month of April so be sure and to get out and enjoy some of the Civil War activities this month!

 

 

April 2, 2009

From Lisa Meyer:

I am pleased to announce the release of my new CD – Voices Hushed and Still…a collection of Southern Songs and Rare Gems from the Civil War Period.  

I was born and raised in Harrisonburg in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and now reside outside of Nashville , TN.

I am a member of the UDC Kate Litton Hickman Chapter in Nashville and am a chairman for The Music of the Confederacy for the state of Tennessee.  

CD layout was shot at the McGavock Confederate Cemetery in Franklin, TN.

 

The Song List includes:

The Homespun Dress

Old Folks at Home/Oh Shenandoah

Somebody’s Darling

Long, Long Ago

The Rebel Soldier

Slumber On, Baby Dear

Richmond is a Hard Road to Travel

Cruel War/Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier

Pray, Maiden Pray!

I’m Going Home to Dixie/Dixie’s Land

Home, Sweet Home

When Upon the Field of Glory  

 

You can hear samples of the songs, download and/or purchase at:  

http://cdbaby.com/cd/lisameyer  

CD can also be purchased directly from me for $14.00 – includes shipping and handling (check or money order made out to me). 

 

Sincerely,

Lisa Meyer

6112 Tuckaleechee Lane

Antioch, TN 37013

 (615) 469-4046

www.voiceshushedandstill.com

 

March 31, 2009

Lots of new Civil War books coming out. Please note, unless specifically stated, we have not read any books posted here.  These are news releases that may or may not benefit you. 

"We believe…our government will respect the principle of religious liberty…. We feel ourselves impelled by the most sacred obligations of duty, to decline rendering our personal services, hiring substitutes, paying an equivalent, or doing anything whatever to aid, or abet the cause of war, let the consequences be what they may.”  -- Shaker leadership

 

 

Greetings!
 
This message from McDonald & Woodward Publishing Company is being sent to you because of your interest in American history, with special emphasis on theCivil War.

This note announces a new book titled Mr. Lincoln’s Chair—The Shakers and Their Quest for Peace by Anita Sanchez.

 

Mr. Lincoln’s Chair is a non-fiction book that provides an interesting and engaging look at the Shakers, one of the most complex but largely ignored religious groups and one of the most unusual and most successful Utopian communities in American history.  The book tells the story of the Shakers from their tumultuous beginnings in the eighteenth century to the present day.  It provides a broad overview of the Shaker history, culture, religion, life, and work, and presents the Shakers against the backdrop of the Civil War, contrasting their peaceful and productive lives with the carnage of America’s bloodiest battles. The book details the Shakers’ struggle to obtain legal conscientious objector status, a quest that let them all the way to the White House and an audience directly with President Abraham Lincoln. As a token of their appreciation, the Shakers gifted one of their rocking chairs to Lincoln, hence the title's name.

 

Many books have been written on the Civil War, but to our knowledge, nothing has been written about how American pacifists gained conscientious objector status during that time.  The Shakers were one of a few religious groups who felt that it would be hypocritical to participate in the war in any way.  This book tells the story of how the Shaker leaders challenged the United States government by requesting exemption from service.  The book briefly includes information about several Civil War battles--from Harper's Ferry and Gettysburg in the North to Shiloh in the South, and describes how both Union and Confederate soldiers were given food, shelter, and first aid by Shakers, as they passed through Shaker communities.

 

This title will be released on March 29, 2009, with a special book launch at the New York State Museum in Albany, where Ms. Sanchez will give a program titled Mr. Lincoln’s Chair—The Shakers in the Civil War.

 

This book lists at $17.95 (ISBN: 978-0-939923-94-6); additional information may be reviewed athttp://www.mwpubco.com/titles/shakers.htm.

 

Special New Book Discount


As is our policy, McDonald & Woodward Publishing offers a special discount of 30% off the list price on the purchase of any title just prior to its release and for a period of 90 days beyond the launch date.  As a bonus, when a new title is purchased during the special discount period,any other of our books purchased at the same time as the new title will receive 30% off the list price. 

 

We are now accepting orders for this book!  

 

Orders may be placed by calling our office at 800-233-8787; by fax at 740-321-1141; or email atmwpubco@mwpubco.com. Purchases may also be made directly from our website’s shopping cart.  We accept VISA, MC, Amex, and Discover. 

 

 

With appreciation,
 

Liz Hammond

McDonald & Woodward Publishing

431-B East College Street

Granville OH  43023

Toll Free: 800-233-8787

Voice: 740-321-1140

Fax: 740-321-1141

lhammond@mwpubco.com  

http://www.mwpubco.com  

March 27, 2009

The following was received from Sandy Clark at the Kent State University Press:

Dear Civil War Round Table members,

Civil War History is pleased to announce the start of its fifty-fifth year of publication. The leading scholarly journal of the "War Between the States," Civil War History features articles by some of the nation’s top historians, including David Eltis, winner of the renowned Frederick Douglass Prize in 2000, and Drew Faust, President of Harvard University.

Perfect for both academics and history buffs, Civil War History offers groundbreaking scholarship on a wide array of topics. Past issues have included articles on Lincoln; slavery and abolition; Reconstruction politics; military history; and social and cultural developments in mid-nineteenth century America.

Also included in each issue are comprehensive book reviews that keep readers aware of the best current Civil War literature.

For additional information, including our publication schedule and subscription information, please see http://upress.kent.edu/journals/index.htm or contact Sandy Baker (contact details provided below).

Sandy Clark
Journals Manager
The Kent State University Press
330.672.8090
sclark1@kent.edu

March 26, 2009

 

History Under Siege
Most Endangered Battlefields 2009

Although they did not make the Most Endangered List, the following actions in the Trans-Mississippi Theatre are listed in the 15 At Risk list by the Civil War Preservation Trust:

Honey Springs, OKLAHOMA – July 17, 1863
The combatants at Honey Springs included Native Americans and African Americans, making it one of the most diverse engagements of the war. Despite early and frequent calls for preservation at this unique site, still only about one third of the total battlefield is permanently protected.


Lone Jack, MISSOURI – August 16, 1862
This small battlefield southeast of Kansas City is quickly being hemmed in by development. The final phase of a housing development is going up to the east, while a new high school has eaten up land to the south. A fast food restaurant on the northern portion of the field will soon be joined by a strip mall. The approximately 30 acres on the western side of the battlefield that remain empty are zoned commercial and are currently on the market.

Bayou Fourche, ARKANSAS – September 10, 1863
The growth of Little Rock, Ark., has obscured many of the sites associated with the battle and subsequent evacuation of the city. Today, several markers and monuments are located inside Pratt Remmel Park, near Interstate 440, but further expansion of Little Rock National Airport threatens to consume additional battlefield land.

Picacho Pass, ARIZONA - April 15, 1862
A six-mile-long, 913-acre railroad switching yard has been proposed for land just outside Picacho Pass State Park. Although the county has already approved the project, state legislation passed in the summer of 2008 will require environmental impact studies to be performed before construction can begin on the westernmost battlefield of the Civil War.
Reed’s Bridge, ARKANSAS – August 26, 1863
Several parcels are for sale in the core area of this battlefield northeast of Little Rock. Despite ongoing efforts to link the various Civil War sites in the capital region, the Jacksonville City Council declined to buy a half-acre portion of the battlefield in November 2008, citing the land’s $56,000 price tag.

Although not in our Theatre, Vicksburg is added because it played an important part:

Vicksburg, MISSISSIPPI – May 18–July 4, 1863
A recent “State of the Parks” report issued by the National Parks Conservation Association found that only five less-than-full-time interpretive staff serve the park’s approximately 600,000 visitors each year. Poor archival conditions for cultural resources — particularly the USS Cairo, which is exposed to the elements outdoors under a canvass tarpaulin — also provide considerable challenges for this under-funded battlefield park.

For more go to:
http://www.civilwar.org/historyundersiege/

March 25, 2009

 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO CLEAN UP CIVIL WAR BATTLEFIELDS AND HISTORIC SITES

CWPT sponsors hands-on preservation event to spruce up our hallowed Civil War sites on Saturday April 4

(Washington, D.C.) The Civil War began as a struggle between armies of untrained but enthusiastic volunteers. Seven generations later, another army of volunteers is about to descend on America’s Civil War battlefields only this horde of dedicated men and women will be armed with paint brushes, trash bags and weed whackers.
On Saturday, April 4, 2009, history buffs and preservationists of all ages will join forces to clean and restore Civil War-related battlefields, cemeteries and shrines. The nationwide effort dubbed Park Day is underwritten with a grant from The History Channel. Park Day is also recognized by the U.S. Department of the Interior as a “Take Pride in America” event. More than 100 historic sites in 24 states are expected to participate in Park Day 2009.
“Civil War sites are often the victims of their own popularity,” noted Civil War Preservation Trust (CWPT) President James Lighthizer. “Without proper maintenance, battlefields can suffer from the ravages of both time and tourism. Our goal is to spruce up these links to America’s past so they can be enjoyed by all.”
Now in its thirteenth year, Park Day is an annual hands-on preservation event created by CWPT. Volunteers gather at designated Civil War sites to help with routine repairs and maintenance. Activities can range from raking leaves and hauling trash to painting signs and trail building. In exchange for their hard work, participants receive T-shirts and can listen to local historians describe the significance of the site.
Among the many sites that will be benefiting from Park Day activities this year are: Mansfield Battlefield in Louisiana, Antietam Battlefield in Maryland, Wilson’s Creek Battlefield in Missouri, and the Wilderness Battlefield in Virginia.
“These are the hallowed fields where our ancestors gave their lives. We cannot allow them to fall into disrepair,” remarked Lighthizer.
With 60,000 members, CWPT is the largest nonprofit battlefield preservation organization in the United States. Its goal is to preserve our nation’s endangered Civil War sites and to promote appreciation of these hallowed grounds. CWPT’s website is located at http://www.civilwar.org

For a list of the participating Park Day sites, visit http://www.civilwar.org/parkday/

For more information, contact:
Jim Campi, (202) 367-1861 x205
Mary Koik , (202) 367-1861 x231
 

March 23, 2009

If you are planning on being in Virginia the month of May, you may want to check out the following:

The University of Virginia's Ninth Civil War Conference will explore the confrontation between Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee from the fall of Petersburg through the Confederate surrender at Appomattox. The Conference will be held May 27-31, 2009 at the University of Richmond.

Through lectures, walking tours, and plenty of discussion, U.Va.’s Gary Gallagher and a faculty of top Civil War scholars will place events in the broader perspective of the war, evaluate military leadership on both sides, study in detail the tactical ebb and flow, and examine the powerful ways in which Appomattox shaped subsequent understanding of the conflict.

Full program information can be found at http://www.virginia.edu/travelandlearn/2009civilwar.html

---------------------

New book coming out in July:

A Savage Conflict (Italics)
The Decisive Role of Guerrillas in the American Civil War
By Daniel E. Sutherland
Approx. 440 pp., 61/8 x 91/4, 16 illus., 3 maps, notes, bibl., index
ISBN 978-0-8078-3277-6
Available: July 2009
The American Civil War is famous for epic battles involving massive
armies outfitted in blue and gray uniforms, details that characterize
conventional warfare. A Sava ge Conflict is the first work to treat
guerrilla warfare as critical to understanding the course and outcome
of the Civil War. Daniel Sutherland argues that irregular warfare took a large toll on the Confederate war effort by weakening support for state and national governments and diminishing the trust citizens had in their officials to protect them. Sutherland points out that early in the war Confederate military and political leaders embraced guerrilla tactics. They knew that "partizan" fighters had helped to win the American Revolution. As the war dragged on and defense of the remote spaces of the Confederate territory became more tenuous, guerrilla activity spiraled out of state control.  It was adopted by parties who had interests other than Confederate victory, including southern Unionists, violent bands of deserters and draft dodgers, and criminals who saw
the war as an opportunity for plunder. Sutherland considers not only the implications such activity had for military strategy but also its effects on people and their attitudes toward the war. Once vital to southern hopes for victory, the guerrilla combatants proved a significant factor in the Confederacy's final collapse.
 

March 20, 2009

The March Civil War Roundtable of Arkansas newsletter has been posted and the meeting is March 23, 2009.  We look forward to seeing you there!

March 18, 2009

Jeff McArthur has sent us the following on a documentary he has developed:

I just released a documentary about women soldiers in the American Civil War.  It was shot at many of the battlefields where the women actually fought, and includes some of the top experts on the subject, such as Joyce Henry, DeAnne Blanton, and Wendy King.  It can be found on Amazon at:

 http://www.amazon.com/Forgotten-Grave-Jeff-McArthur/dp/B001PR023M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1236138289&sr=8-1

There is also a website at:

 www.forgottengrave.com

Please pass this information on to any of your members who might be interested.

Thank you! - Jeff McArthur

March 16, 2009

The 24th Annual Patrick Cleburne Memorial was this past weekend and thankfully Mr. Danny Honnoll sent us photographs for us to enjoy.  Thanks Danny!

Patrick Cleburne Memorial One | Two | Three | Four

Also, just a short announcement...

The Powhatan State Park (about 50 miles northeast of Batesville on Hwy 25 or near Hoxie) is hosting the following event:  

In April, from the 17th to the 20 th , PowhatanHistoricState Parkwill host an event for ladies interested in re-enacting the mid-19th century.  In two and a half days, the HistoricPowhatanSchoolof the Lady covers subjects that engage all levels of living history, from beginners to experienced, and teaches participants about all aspects of life that pertains to women including, etiquette, sewing techniques, cooking, history, music, personal hygiene and more.  The school emphasizes the accurate portrayal of these aspects during a living history encampment.  Our goals include not only the sharing of knowledge between ladies, but the formation of friendships by socializing in a near total immersion environment.  This school will help the novices and the seasoned “veterans” expand and improve their impressions.  The registration fee of $75 covers 8 meals, including a high tea, and all materials.  Deadline for registration is April 1, 2009.  If there are any questions, please feel free to contact me atkristyn.watts@arkansas.gov or call 870-878-6765.

March 9, 2009

 

Mr. James Stallings sent us this:

I would like to take this opportunity to announce the recent publication of my book entitled Georgia’s Confederate Soldiers Who Died as Prisoners of War 1861-1865. The book is a result of more than six years research in identifying over 3600 Georgians who died in United States Prison Camps and Hospitals during the War Between the States.

      I invite you to visit my website at www.jamesstallings.com  where you can view a photo of the book as well as a description of the contents and price.

      This important reference work would be an asset to any library and has already been distributed to University, Historical, Genealogical and Public libraries across the country.

      There are a limited number of copies still available and I do not anticipate a second printing. If you desire any more information please let me know.

 

With kind regards,

 

James E. Stallings, Sr.

jstallings7@cox.net

March 5, 2009

 

If you have a book, group or Civil War event that you want to promote, drop us a line at ArCivilWarBuff@gmail.com.

Mr. John Schmutz has sent us information on his new book titled "The Battle of the Crater: A Complete History. 

Dear Group:

I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce your organization to my new book, entitled The Battle of the Crater: A Complete History. The Battle of the Crater is one of the lesser known and understood, but most intriguing battles of the Civil War. It is set amongst the brutal and unendurable trench warfare at Petersburg, Virginia, which served as a remarkable foreshadowing of the situation faced by the adversaries in France fifty years later. The battle itself, and the machinations leading up to it, present a plot worthy of the most creative piece of fiction – so much so that one might find it incredulous if it was not all proven fact. The plot has all the elements necessary for the weaving of a great novel – political correctness run amuck, the commander of the critical lead element drunk and hiding in a bomb shelter as his troops pass into harm’s way, a titanic clash of egos and petty jealousy at the high command, and an unusually colorful cast of characters. Add to this mix the employment of unique military tactics and movements, war atrocities, the destruction of the military career of one of the war’s most famous generals, the blundering of an officer considered the war’s worst general, and then throw in a Congressional investigation, and one has the makings of remarkable novel, though perhaps one that strains credulity. However, these elements are all documented facts. The battle itself grew in familiarity recently with the release of the movie Cold Mountain, which opened with an eleven minute, spell-binding segment on the battle.

This new book delves into the military and political background of the battle by tracing the rival armies from the early months of 1864, through their bitter conflicts of the Overland Campaign, and ending with the crossing of the James River and the onset of the siege of Petersburg. A hard look at the way the war was perceived by both sides after over three years of blood letting is carefully laid out in order for one to appreciate the relative impact the battle had on the body politic of both sides. Thus, while this work is lengthy for an analysis of a battle which lasted less than ten hours, there is a considerable investment of time in placing the battle in its proper perspective in history. No work to date has so treated this important, intriguing conflict which has received far less than its due in serious academic analysis.

Please feel free to contact me at any time with questions.

Sincerely,

John F. Schmutz

johnschmutz@sbcglobal.net

Barnes & Noble | McFarland Pubishing  | Amazon

March 3, 2009

 

16th Annual Camden Daffodil Festival

March 6th & 7th, 2009

Camden, AR 71701

 

870-836-0023
 www.camdenfestival.com

 

 

Tour four magnificent daffodil gardens and four of Camden's historic homes only available once a year. Enjoy the quilt show and art show and sale and get a taste of Camden's warm hospitality in the process. Visit the festival activities downtown and enjoy great food, crafts, and live entertainment. Cemetery walk and civil war re-enactors. Stay around and enjoy our famous steak cook-off Saturday evening as the final finale to the festival.  The Civil War Living History will take place on the bluff overlooking Ouachita River on the East end of Washington Street in downtown Camden. For more info on this event, contact Bill Farmer at william.w.farmer@usps.gov.

Admission: Free except for tours