Civil War diaries offer a treasure trove for historians. Providing insights into the lifestyles and challenges that confronted people, Lucy Pier Stevens’ diary is no exception. However, Lucy’s story has an ironic twist. She was a Yankee, an Ohioan stranded in Austin County, Texas, when hostilities erupted, and returning to her home was impossible.
In this volume, carefully edited by Vicki Tongate, Lucy describes life in Austin County from January 1863 through her return to Ohio in May 1865. Ms. Tongate will discuss Lucy’s life in Texas at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, October 10, at the Allen Public Library.
Twenty-one-year-old Lucy Pier Stevens came to Austin County to visit family in 1859. Her aunt and uncle, Lu Merry Pier and James Bradford Pier, had settled in Stephen Austin's colony in 1835, a year before the Republic Texas was formed.
Concern for the war and loss of life permeates the dairy, but deadly outbreaks of measles, typhoid and yellow fever threaten her community. The sad incidence of infant mortality was noted, and she mourns the loss of her namesake, Sallie Lu Bell.
During the last months of the war, Lucy planned her return to Ohio that proved to be an adventure requiring dauntless courage.
Sponsored the Allen Public Library, the program is free and copies of the book will be available for purchase. The library is located at 300 N. Allen Dr. Call 214-509-4911 for additional information.
Price
- FREE!
Box Office
- 214-509-4911
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