Audrey Gilbert

Civil War buffs may be interested in this 485 page compilation by Audrey Gilbert: Preble County, Ohio and the Civil War. Years of work have produced an interesting collection of personal stories and historical accounts that were gleaned from the Eaton Register. Here is what the author says about her project.
“Official records of Civil War battles are to be found in numerous books and records. The following are abstracts of information found in the EATON REGISTER for the war years, including parts of letters from men on the battlefields. It was felt these first hand accounts might be more interesting than the official reports.”
Here is a excerpt from a letter from Julius Blythe to his mother----- “Aug. 12, 1861, Camp Dix, Baltimore, MD.------ To Mrs. Blythe – After leaving home last year, I worked at a number of jobs in a number of places, ending in New Orleans where I found the country up in arms and that northern men had no chance at all. Those for whom I had labored paid me less than what was due. The Secessionist were drilling a company on the bank of the river when a boat landed at the wharf. The Captain of the company demanded the crew give three cheers for Jeff Davis. They all did except a little Englishman, who gave three cheers for Lincoln as loud as he could yell. He paid dearly because in five minutes, he was taken and hung until dead. This produced much excitement yet no man dare say one word against the inhuman act without losing his life in a like manner. Following the murder my own life was threatened. I was notified to leave in 30 minutes and was compelled to go without taking any of my clothes except what I was then wearing. I departed immediately; the day after a rain storm came up, when I was compelled to seek shelter in a little grocery along the road. I found the grocery full of men; they were disposed to ask me a great many questions and afterward treated me inhumanly. They laid me down on the floor, shaved my head and took what money I had, kicked me out of the house. …... I am now in Baltimore... Julius Blythe”
This compilation also contains a name index. Each copy is signed by the author and printed on demand on acid free paper and in a three ring binder. The cost is $88.00 (plus tax in Ohio) which includes shipping. Allow three weeks for delivery. Contact the Brethren Heritage Center at 937-833-5222 or amack1708@verizon.net.

Neal Fitze
Volunteer
Brethren Heritage CenterBrookville, Ohio
www.brethrenheritagecenter.org… (plus d'informations)