Faces of the Civil War: An Album of Union Soldiers and Their Stories

Acknowledgments

245 Faces of the Civil War: An Album of Union Soldiers and Their Stories was created with the help and support of a wide circle of family, friends, and the many persons I have communicated with during the course of researching and writing these profiles. First and foremost, I thank my wife, Anne, for her patience, understanding , encouragement, and commitment. She has given much in my pursuit to chronicle old soldiers. Her candid observations and honest critiques have made this a better book, and her keen sense of humor raised my spirits when they were low. My parents, Carol and Ron, supported my interest in history and instilled in me an appreciation of the past through family trips and antique hunting. My brothers have always been helpful: Michael convinced me to buy my first Civil War photograph, and Gary always has his eye open for old photos as he hunts for antiques and collectibles. Louise Bodnar, my grandmother, has always been wonderfully supportive. I admire her courage , resolution, and endurance. “To look at, hold, and compare with others these personal images mounted on cards is what maintains and sustains my interest, the appreciation and process in understanding one of our great national conflicts.” This is how Henry Deeks of Acton, Massachusetts, a well-respected dealer and historian and a familiar face at most major Civil War shows, describes his passion for the carte de visite. His popular column in the Civil War News and his meticulously researched catalogs inspired me to investigate and write about the identified soldiers in my collection. For this and for his many thoughtful words over the years I am most appreciative. Kathryn Jorgensen, managing editor of the Civil War News, took an early and active interest in my soldier profiles. I am in her debt for her key role in establishing Faces of War. My experience with the Johns Hopkins University Press has been a thoroughly enjoyable one, due in large part to three individuals. Bob Brugger’s constructive comments at many points during the development of this project helped to shape the manuscript and sharpen its focus. Melody Herr helped me stay on top of the many deadlines associated with publishing this book. Anne Whitmore copyedited the manuscript and guided me through the production process. I am indebted to them all. Boyd Baker, the late Mike Duggan, Brennan Lukas, Chuck Myers, and acknowledgments 246 Ray Walker read the manuscript at various points and made valuable comments . They bring a wealth of editing and writing talents to the table, and I appreciate their time and effort. Author Stanice Anderson offered encouragement and advice in the earliest stage of this project, and Roger Hunt, author of Colonels in Blue—Union Army Colonels of the Civil War, provided helpful research information and tips. Several individuals provided details about their ancestors, and three men deserve special recognition. Larry Bloebaum of Jefferson City, Missouri , identified the photograph of his great-great-grandfather, Pvt. John Wesley Pierson of the Seventh Iowa Infantry, and shared a terrific article written by “JWP” in the 1890s. Paul Hacker of San Rafael, California, a descendant of Sgt. I. Goddard Hacker of the Thirty-eighth Massachusetts Infantry, provided me with a copy of his forefather’s journal. Richard Pierce of Dedham, Massachusetts, sent a well-researched profile of his ancestor, Capt. George Pierce Jr. of the Tenth Massachusetts Infantry. An army of men and women at libraries, historical societies, and genealogical organizations across the country gave of their time and expertise. Don Goetz of the Beardsley and Memorial Library in Winsted, Connecticut , stands out among them—he combed through period newspapers and uncovered several articles concerning 1st Lt. Robert Dempsey of the Seventh Connecticut Infantry. Our little pug dog Charlie, a constant companion and friend who brought so much joy to our lives, made several battlefield research trips despite his age and infirmities. He came to us the year before this manuscript was begun and left as the final paragraphs were being written. ...