I’m pleased to introduce JI readers to an old friend of mine from BYU, Brant E., who will be guesting with us for a couple of weeks. Here’s Brant’s bio:
I only recently discovered a deep-interest in Mormon history and have been frantically trying to learn as much as I can. I thank the contributors at the JI for keeping me current with some of the current thoughts in Mormon Studies. Currently, I am in the final semester of my MA in American Studies at Penn State. I received a BA also in American Studies from BYU in ’06. My thesis explores the motivation of Mormon soldiers who fought in the Civil War.
Let’s welcome Brant.
Welcome, Brant.
I’m especially interested in your thesis — I hope you’ll give us some ideas from that.
Comment by Ardis Parshall — March 17, 2009 @ 8:01 am
Were there members who traveled from Utah to fight in the war?
I am aware of one church leader who fought as a union soldier, 123rd Illinois Volunteer Regiment, but that was before he joined the church.
Welcome! Best wishes on your thesis.
Comment by Researcher — March 17, 2009 @ 8:57 am
Welcome. Your thesis sounds very interesting, and I echo Ardis’s hope that you’ll share some of that research with us here.
Comment by Christopher — March 17, 2009 @ 9:13 am
This topic sounds very interesting. I am particularly interested in the effects the Book of Mormon had in their motivations for fighting. (if any) Like the others I hope you share your research with us in the future.
Comment by Morgan Deane — March 17, 2009 @ 9:21 am
Welcome.
Comment by Ben — March 17, 2009 @ 9:51 am
Welcome!
Comment by Edje — March 17, 2009 @ 2:22 pm
About the question did any one travel from Utah to fight in the war? My great great grandpa didn’t leave with the intention of fighting but he ended up a casulty of the war. He carried mail from utah to California and back and he was not getting his pay as contracted. So he whent to D.C. To collect. To make a long story shortbhe ended up joining the 1st D.C. Volunteer Cavalry as a Lt. He had served in the Mormon battallion and in many of the Indian conflicts in Utah so he had lots of experience. His name was Henry Jackson.
Comment by C. Turner — May 31, 2010 @ 9:32 pm