Another great meeting at The Pirates House! One of the highlights of the meeting was initiating new member Jim Wellen into the club. Once again, Cindy reminded all members of the Rotary Social on Thursday, October 4th from 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm at The Pirates House. After all Rotary business items were discussed, Laura Lane McKinnon introduced author Jan Croon.
Jan Croon is the author of "The War Outside My Window - The Civil War Diary of LeRoy Wiley Gresham, 1860-1865." LeRoy was a member of a prominent family in Macon, GA and kept a diary during the Civil War. His journal is kept in the Library of Congress and is the only known detailed account of someone with TB in the 19th century. LeRoy's family had a house in Macon and two plantations South and East of the city. They owned 100 slaves. When LeRoy was 8 years old, he and some friends went into an unstable building in Macon. While they were there, the chimney started to fall and LeRoy's leg was badly crushed and severely injured. Over the next few years, LeRoy developed a cough and sores on his back. His father decided to take him to see a doctor in Philadelphia. His mother gave him a journal to take on his trip which started his writing.
LeRoy's journals show social life during that time (describes food, clothing, well known people, slaves, crops) as well as the political landscape. As his journal progresses through time, LeRoy starts forming his own opinions on the war rather than his parents opinions. During the bombardment of Macon, LeRoy watched from upon his roof. LeRoy's last journal entry was on June 8, 1965 and he died 10 days later. The decline of the South parrelled his own decline. LeRoy had TB but didn't know it. It is estimated that approximately 70% of people during that time had active TB in their bodies. Due to LeRoy's leg being crushed, his immune system was compromised which led to his body not being able to fight off the disease. If you are interested in purchasing a copy of the book, it is available on Amazon.