New Book Tells Story
Of Civil War Soldiers

The Vermont Civil War Hemlocks, dedicated to bringing Vermont's Civil War history to life, has announced the publication of its first book, "Everlasting Glory," compiled by Phil S. Rogers, a longtime member.

This book tells the story of each of the 48 Vermont Civil War soldiers who won the Medal of Honor, giving vital information on each individual as well as photographs of many of the soldiers. These included one of Cassius Peck, who is buried in Brookfield.

It was produced with the help of Dr. William Minsinger of Randolph, a history and Civil War buff who has produced five books. Minsinger helped set up the book and also hunt down the photographs.

The book runs in chronological order, so the reader follows the Vermont troops through the war. Each battle in which a soldier won the Medal of Honor is summarized, as well as the particular action for which the soldier won the medal.

The reader comes away with a good sense of where and how Vermont's soldiers served during the Civil War. Included are 19th century line drawings of some of the battles where Vermonters fought.

This 78-page book is available in both soft and hardcover with a four color cover or dust jacket.

The Vermont Civil War Hemlocks were founded in the early 1960s and are one of the oldest Civil War living history organizations in the country. Members come from all across the state and all walks of life.

The organization makes appearances throughout Vermont at such events as the Vermont History Expo, the Civil War Expo, and select living history events, sometimes firing off its original three-inch cannon.

The organization has also completed the purchase of the Sgt. William Chapin artifacts and has placed them on permanent display at the Militia Museum at Camp Johnson in Colchester. Profits from sale of "Everlasting Glory" will go toward retiring the debt from the Chapin purchase.

"We are always seeking recruits who want to go back in time and take on a 1860s mindset in order to fully appreciate what it meant to serve in the Old Vermont Brigade or to fire an original Civil War cannon," Minsinger said this week.

"By participating as a member of the 3rd Vermont, Company A or the First Vermont Battery of Light Artillery, a recruit will learn first hand what the Civil War was all about."

Books can be ordered through the Hemlocks’ web site at: users.pshift.com/~vtcwarhemlocks.

Mail orders and inquiries can be sent to Minsinger at Box 256, Randolph Center.