Wednesday, August 2, 2006

"Civil War Love Story" Program at CVGS

We had an interesting speaker and topic at our special Fifth Saturday meeting of the Chula Vista Genealogical Society over the weekend.

Susan Zimmer, who is a CVGS member and board member, spoke on "The Blue or the Gray - Which Side Were Your Ancestors On?" This is the story of Keith and Malinda Blalock of North Carolina, who were caught up in the Civil War. They both enlisted on the Confederate side, but Malinda was wounded and discovered, and then sent home. Keith eventually enlisted on the Union side in Tennessee and Malinda joined the camp as a helper. The story was told in the book "Ghost Riders" by Sharyn McCrumb.

Susan also told a bit about her Civil War soldier, Lt. Amos W. Downes of Company F, Illinois Infantry. Finally, she offered a list of web pages to help others do Civil War research, including a list of hereditary organizations. Susan is a member of the Nancy Hanks Lincoln Text #5, Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War.

It was an interesting topic, a story well told, and useful information was provided.

The CVGS regular meetings are on the last Monday of each month at 10 AM. In our attempt to reach out to genealogists who work, or cannot otherwise attend our Monday regular meetings, we provide "fifth Saturday" programs three times a year. Other San Diego societies meet on the first, second, third and fourth Saturdays of each month. We had 8 visitors at this meeting, so our Saturday strategy is fairly successful.

No comments: