Biography

Civil War Artillery: Some Union Guys

/ Sarah Kay Bierle / Leave a comment

We’ve been talking about Civil War artillery with generalized facts and processes. I approach history wanting to talk about real people, so let’s spend this blog post focusing on some Union artillery commanders. Now, full disclaimer – I’ve picked three of my favorites and three that I’ve spent some time researching. (I’m well aware that they are all eastern theater officers and perhaps we’ll circle back to the subject when I’ve had a chance to read about western theater artillerymen.)

Today, we’ll be talking about Union artillery officers Justin E. Dimick, Alonzo Cushing, and Henry DuPont…

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Sarah Bushong: A Battle Around Her Home

/ Sarah Kay Bierle / Leave a comment
Sarah Bushong (Find a Grave)

She married for love and spent years working alongside her husband for the success of the family farm. She was a grandmother by the time the Civil War brought a battle to her doorstep. She looked after wounded soldiers who found shelter and medical aid under her roof.

Sarah Strickler Bushong lived on her family’s farm which because the centerpoint of the Battle of New Market on May 15, 1864. She experienced a Civil War battle first-hand as troops rushed passed her home and sheltered in the cellar.

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Lydie Clinedinst: “Mother of the New Market Cadets”

/ Sarah Kay Bierle / 3 Comments
Eliza “Lydie” Clinedinst

She wanted to witness history – not wait in the cellar. She helped care for wounded cadets. She helped to write New Market memory of the battle. She helped ensure that “her cadets” had their place in history. She wrote letters, and she had conversations about history.

By the end of her life, thousands knew about her and wanted to hear her stories about the Battle of New Market. Through her compassion and commitment, Lydie Clinedinst Crim became “Mother of the New Market Cadets” and guaranteed that their memory and her name would be linked in Civil War history.

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Jessie Rupert: “Though Surrounded By Enemies”

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Jessie Rupert (New Market Historical Society)

She taught African Americans to read and write when that was against the law. She burned a Confederate flag. She insisted on flying a Union flag in pro-Confederate town. She was the woman who stood in a muddy street and appealed to a Confederate officer’s humanity to provide aid for suffering Union soldiers.

Yes, everyone in the town of New Market, Virginia, knew about Jessie Hainning Rupert. Brave, irrepressible, educated, and feminine – she rocked the traditional, racist, and political views of her town during the Civil War.

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Boudica: Warring Against The Romans

/ Sarah Kay Bierle / 2 Comments

Her name has been spelled numerous ways. Her entire written history was recorded by her enemies. Her grave has never been found, but the destruction she caused is in the archaeological layers. She reshaped Rome’s opinions on colonial efforts in Britain. Her life became a legend which has lasted centuries after her death.

Meet Boudica, Queen of the Iceni, who went to war against the Roman Empire… Continue reading →