A Mennonite Journal 1862-1865: A Father's Account of the Civil War in the Shenandoah Valley

A Mennonite Journal 1862-1865: A Father's Account of the Civil War in the Shenandoah Valley by Hildebrand, Jacob R.. paperback edition. ISBN: 9781572490116.

A Mennonite Journal is a unique story of Civil War home-front life recorded by Jacob R. Hildebrand, a devout father, faithful Mennonite, and successful farmer. It provides insight into his political activities, support of the Southern cause, and the military service of his three sons, not all fully consistent with Mennonite beliefs. Jacob Hildebrand took practical steps to assist his three sons in the Army of Northern Virginia; often traveling to their camps to deliver food and clothing necessary to supplement inadequate army rations. The familys story shows that the strong pacifist beliefs of the Mennonite church were not always observed by many of its members who supported the Southern cause and honored days of prayer and humility proclaimed by Jefferson Davis. The Journal describes Augusta Countys contribution of men and supplies to three Virginia regiments: the 5th and 52nd Infantry and the 1st Cavalry: it includes Jacobs observations of Jacksons 1862 Valley Campaign, the 1864 raids by Hunter and Sheridan, the Battle of Piedmont and the death of General W. E. "Grumble" Jones and the Battle of Waynesboro, which marked the end of Jubal Earlys military career and the last major battle in the Valley. The Journal also describes the wars many impacts on families in the Augusta County farming community just north of Staunton and Waynesboro, Virginia.