ASHLAND — John David Preston takes delight in locating lost details of local Civil War history.
While researching his latest book, a second edition of his 1984 publication “The Civil War in the Big Sandy Valley of Kentucky,” Preston pored over original muster rolls and nearly forgotten microfilm records to better develop the historical picture of eastern Kentucky’s Civil War soldiers. He becomes almost animated as he describes the experience of hand copying information including each area soldier’s eye color, hair color and dates of service from highly fragile original military documents preserved from 1864.
“It does not get any better than that,” he said, pausing between each word for emphasis, soon describing the tedious process of copying information regarding 750 militia soldiers from Louisa and Johnson County as “a labor of love.”
The latest edition of his book, with 520 pages, reveals a wealth of knowledge discovered since the 180-page first edition was printed.
“I sold out of the first edition in about a year and a half and had a steady stream of people asking about it since,” Preston said Saturday during a book signing at the Jesse Stuart Foundation in Ashland. “I said I was going to do a second edition one of these days. Now it is those days.”
In many ways, the new book was born of research and queries started by the first edition, Preston said.
“There is a tremendous amount more of available material than we knew about in 1984,” he said, explaining those materials allowed him to develop comprehensive lists of soldiers from the Big Sandy Valley, generally recognized as Lawrence, Johnson, Martin, Floyd and Pike counties, as well as men from parts of adjacent counties.
For anyone seeking the name of a relative who fought in the Civil War, Preston said the depth of information can be overwhelming when discovered.
“You can’t imagine how good that makes you feel,” he observed.
There are 1,200 footnotes in the book, Preston said.
“I want people to know those sources,’ he said. “And some of the best stuff is in the footnotes.”
Much of Preston’s book focuses on the reasons local residents signed up to fight for either the Union or Confederate cause, or both.
“In this area loyalty was a mile wide and an inch deep,” he said with a smile, citing a member of his own family whose documents clearly show he signed up to fight for one side, then soon deserted and joined the ranks of the opposition.
“It is an unanswerable question,” he said, explaining people in neighboring counties drew their conflicting military motivations from different events and attitudes, but essentially did what they felt was best for their own families.
Copies of Preston’s book are available at the Jesse Stuart Foundation at the corner of Winchester Avenue and 17th Street in Ashland.
TIM PRESTON can be reached at tpreston@dailyindependent.com or at (606) 326-2651.
Local News
Related Photos
-
Kevin Goldy
Discussion
Author details war lore
- Local News
-
-
Search for new ACTC president to begin soon
A national search will begin soon to replace Ashland Community and Technical College President Gregory D. Adkins, who is retiring.
-
Red Tails recommended
With sincere appreciation to their hosts, local military veterans whose service spanned World War II to Iraq and Afghanistan gathered at Kyova 10 Theatre late Tuesday afternoon for a screening of the film “Red Tails.”
-
More updates coming to Boyd jail
While a nonfunctional fire alarm system has been fixed, the Boyd County Detention Center is now dealing with problems in another of its security systems.
-
APD probes early morning stabbing
Ashland police are investigating a stabbing in the area of 30th Street and Greenup Avenue early Tuesday morning.
-
Local briefs: 2/8/12
A Carter County man was killed Monday in an all-terrain vehicle accident.
-
3 indicted in grave-marker thefts
A Carter County grand jury has indicted three in connection with the December theft of metal markers from the graves of World War II veterans.
-
Boyd to save money with refinancing
The Boyd County Fiscal Court is planning to save money by refinancing a bond issued for work on the county’s jail and sewer system.
-
White-nose syndrome found in more Kentucky caves
The mysterious and deadly disease that has been killing bats for several years in the United States has reached more caves in Kentucky.
-
A haunted hunt for a hidden hundred
On the heels of a tremendously popular effort in Louisa, “the Scare Crew” from the Fallsburg Haunted House will begin its next Haunted Hunt for Cash in Ashland this week, starting with a clue on the organization’s Facebook page.
-
Minton asks for additional funding
With several circuit clerks seated behind him, Kentucky’s Chief Justice of the Supreme Court told a legislative budget subcommittee Tuesday the court system can’t retain entry-level employees because as soon as they are trained they’re hired away by the executive branch.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Search for new ACTC president to begin soon
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
