Working on Mandy's Book for 150th Civil War Celebration

I'm working on finishing my Civil War era kids' book, Papa Goes to War, based on family history. Since the 150th year Civil War celebrations will be ongoing from 2011-2015, this will be a good time to finish it. Also, to present Civil War history programs to schools and groups.

So I must finish the research on Mandy's story and get this book written.  Maybe this is the inspiration I needed.

Mandy, Mr. Lincoln and Barack Obama

My book, Papa Goes to War, is set during the Civil War era, with Mandy's father and uncles fighting in the Union Army. So there is connection to her with President Abraham Lincoln.

Also, with so many references to Abraham Lincoln, during Barack Obama's Inauguration festivities, on January 20, 2009, I thought it might be helpful to have some resources so youngsters can learn more about our 16th President. He was criticized during his term in office and was blamed for mistakes in the Civil War fought at that time.

Yet he was important to the black people because he issued the Emancipation Proclamation giving the slaves their freedom. Also, his leadership ensured that our country stayed together.

Abraham Lincoln for Kids: His Life & Times with 21 Activities (For Kids series) by Janis HerbertA Picture Book of Abraham Lincoln (Picture Book Biography) by David A. AdlerA. Lincoln and Me by Louise BordenAbraham Lincoln and His Family Paper Dolls by Tom TierneyYou Are There: Abraham Lincoln's Greatest Moments: The Emancipation Proclamation/The Gettysburg Address (DVD) starring Walte Cronkite and Paul BirchLincoln's Emancipation Proclamation: The End of Slavery in America by Allen C. GuelzoLincoln at Gettysburg: The Words That Remade America by Garry WillsJust a Few Words, Mr. Lincoln (The Story of the Gettysburg Address) by Jean FritzLincoln on Leadership by Donald T. Phillips (One of my favorite books about Lincoln)Emancipation Proclamation Silk Necktie (produced for the NY Historical Society from Lincoln's handwritten original)

Mandy's Uncle Buffalo Bill

Uncle Buffalo Bill

In real life, William "Buffalo Bill" Mathewson, was Mandy's uncle. I'm writing a book about him, too, as you can see from "his" blog (link above). I don't think he'll play much of a role in Mandy's life in the book, Papa Goes to War, because he lived in the West (Kansas Territory) during the Civil War years.

He was significant in the history of that area, especially in Indian relations and development of the Santa Fe Trail. He originally went west as a fur trapper and then stayed to help develop that country.

His is a fascinating story, as well as that of his wife, Lizzie.

Celebrating Christmas During the Civil War

I received as a Christmas gift today from my granddaughter, the book, God Rest Ye Merry Soldiers (A True Civil War Christmas Story) by James McIvor. As I began reading it and learning about the soldiers at Christmas time during the second year of the war, I wondered how Mandy's father and uncles endured being away from home at this time.

• Where were they?
• What were the troops doing?
• What was Christmas like for Mandy and her family back home?

These are ideas to research. I might not include them in my present story, Papa Goes to War. But perhaps I could make a Christmas story of them. What do you think?

The Fascination of Family for Story Plots

Family History

As I've delved into my family history, I've found many interesting people. Some are well-known like Mandy's uncle...William "Buffalo Bill" Mathewson. Others, like Mandy, have disappeared into the pages of history, perhaps unknown even to their descendants.

However, I've discovered that these ancestors are fascinating, and I'm working at telling their stories and having them come alive. Some will remain as names on a family tree until I can tell their stories. Others I'll change their names slightly so I can expand upon the events of that day.

Mandy, based upon a young girl who definitely lived, will find her way into your lives as well as her descendants.

"When are you going to finish Mandy's story?" youngsters ask me after I've read them the first chapter or two during my school visits.

Author friends encouage me to do this, too.

So.....I must spend more time with Mandy and complete her story, which is in its first draft.

The Search for Uncle George

As I work some more on Mandy's story, Papa Goes to War, I think about my husband Jim's and my search for Uncle George's grave. From letters and Civil War records, I learned that he, Mandy's uncle (and my great, great uncle) died of dysentery near Atlanta during Sherman's March to the Sea.

Our search finally took us to the Union Cemetery at Marietta. There we actually did find the stone for Uncle George's grave, near the oblisk that marked his unit, as described in an old letter.

In my book, I write about Mandy and her family receiving the news of Uncle George's death and how the seriousness of the war struck home.

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Is the Photo the Original Mandy?

I found a photo in my grandmother's photo album of a girl, who may be the "original" Mandy. It's a young girl who, I think, may be the daughter of Uncle James, the widower.

Even if she isn't, I could base my description around her, develop a story about her life that becomes Mandy's story. If I look at the genealogy records a little closer I may find the names of his children. That will tell me if the girl in the photo is my Mandy...the main character of Papa Goes to War.