Author Bob Hileman, Jr. will present a 45 minute program on the life and military career of Colonel James E. Crowther at the Pennsylvania Military Museum on Monday, July 25 at 7:30 p.m.
Colonel Crowther commanded the 110th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers composed of men from Central Pennsylvania and the city of Philadelphia.
The author of two books, The Crowther Letters: Family, Companions and Rebels and The Crowther Letters: Chasing Stonewall to Chancellorsville, Hileman’s books are based on letters written by Colonel James E. Crowther, telling of his experiences during the American Civil War.
Colonel Crowther was the owner of a livery stable, whose family lived in Tyrone.
The books use letters written by Crowther to his family to tell of more than death and carnage on the battlefield. The letters tell of how he had to deal with the unique problems of a regiment where half of the companies came from a city environment and the other half from country communities. The differences between the two groups were apparent and bringing them together presented a major problem.
At the same time Crowther dealt with problems within the regiment, he also had to handle family and business matters at home.
His story is not a typical Civil War tale, although the description of significant engagements are still there, including important battles at Kernstown, Port Republic, Second Manassas, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville.
It is in Chancellorsville where Colonel James Crowther, along with half of the men in the regiment, died honorably after refusing to surrender.
Not only a great book for Civil War enthusiasts, this story may interest and entertain people of all walks of life.
The Pennsylvania Military Museum is located on Business Route 322 in Boalsburg. It is one of 26 historic sites and museums on the Pennsylvania Trail of History, and administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.
For more information, visit www.phmc.state.pa.us or call 466-6263.
To request a free 24-page visitor’s guide, visit the PHMC website or call toll free, 1-866-PA TRAIL.
