Friday Fun: A Commissary Sergeant, Foraging, and "Mountain Rabbit."
Mar 25, 2022 by Jason Baker
Hoping to begin blogging a bit more with stories of the 39th that did not make it into the book, here is a brief tale for some Friday Fun on the elusive treat when campaigning in the field: Mountain Rabbit!
Civil War Winters for the 39th Illinois Infantry
Jan 12, 2022 by Jason Baker
As I write this from my home in northern Virginia, the remnants of a foot of snow a week ago are still on the ground, and the days have seen high temperatures around freezing, and overnight windchills in the single digits. Putting the finishing touches on the post, I see that another 2-4 inches is expected this weekend. As a native of north-central Illinois none of this is new to me, but it is a new experience in my limited time in Virginia. Such a thought got me thinking about some other Illinois boys who spent frigid cold winters in the areas near where I currently live between 1861 and 1865.
A Day at Antietam
Jun 17, 2021 by Jason Baker
What I learned--and will never be able to unlearn--from a day spent walking the field at Antietam.
My Motivation
Mar 01, 2021 by Jason Baker
Thank you for taking the time to check out my website, and learn a little more about my forthcoming book. I look forward to sharing updates on my progress with McFarland Books as a title is nailed down, a cover is chosen, and the editing and formatting process begins.
While the exact title may be up in the air, my motivation for having written the story has always been solid... My great-great-great granduncles, Cicero and Alden Barber, were members of the 39th Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Researching their brother, my great grandfather, led me to discovering their service, which led to learning about the 39th Illinois, which led to their unique story. The vast majority of Illinois regiments served in the western theater. Being interested in my own ancestry, and local history, has always been a passion--but I knew nothing about this regiment! I wanted to change this for others like me who may one day look for information on a family member, or Illinois involvement in the war.
Please check back often, as I provide details on how I learned their story, share various "on this day" posts, and keep you all updated on the book's process. The 39th Illinois had a fascinating journey from Chicago to Appomattox, and I look forward to sharing it!
While the exact title may be up in the air, my motivation for having written the story has always been solid... My great-great-great granduncles, Cicero and Alden Barber, were members of the 39th Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Researching their brother, my great grandfather, led me to discovering their service, which led to learning about the 39th Illinois, which led to their unique story. The vast majority of Illinois regiments served in the western theater. Being interested in my own ancestry, and local history, has always been a passion--but I knew nothing about this regiment! I wanted to change this for others like me who may one day look for information on a family member, or Illinois involvement in the war.
Please check back often, as I provide details on how I learned their story, share various "on this day" posts, and keep you all updated on the book's process. The 39th Illinois had a fascinating journey from Chicago to Appomattox, and I look forward to sharing it!
