"Field Music" explores the poignant story of a teenaged boy's journey to manhood from Berlin, Connecticut through the battlefield of Antietam, Burnside's Mud March, the Siege of Plymouth, North Carolina and the horrors of Andersonville. The Civil War letters of Lyman B. Wilcox, a young Union drummer in the 16th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, are reprinted, along with research on Wilcox's life, including his family, history, regiment, and hometown. Many of Lyman B. Wilcox's own drawings are included, as well as pictures of his family and letters sent home, mostly to his brother Robert M. Wilcox, who married famed poetess Ella Wheeler. "Field Music" provides a view of a Civil War soldier's life through a young drummer's eyes, as well as the context of a struggling, tight-knit family in mid-nineteenth century Connecticut.
Sarah (Sallie) Caliandri grew up in an old farmhouse in Berlin, where her family has lived for over 100 years. Her mother, a teacher, told many stories, and Sallie delighted in hearing tales of the "old days" of the 1920s and 1930s when the civil war veterans would ride in the parades. Trips to the CT State Library and to cemeteries in search of family history contributed to her lifelong love of history and genealogy. She is a board member of the Berlin Historical Society. Sallie has written a number of articles for the Berlin Citizen and for the Historical Society, and is currently working on a history of Berlin. This is her first book. She has spoken on a variety of topics related to Berlin history.
Lisa Marie Jacobs grew up in an old house built by Benjamin Wilcox (a relative of Lyman B. Wilcox) in East Berlin, CT. Raised by parents with a love of history, she now sells antiques and serves on the Board of the Berlin Historical Society. She also enjoys historical research, genealogy and photographing cemeteries and historic sites. Similarly, Lisa has written avidly since childhood, including essays, poetry and fiction, and has a passion for wildlife and natural photography.
Nancy Moran developed her interest in local history after purchasing and lovingly restoring an old home in the historic district of Berlin, CT. She has been active in the Berlin Historical Society for many years, and is currently on the Board of Directors. She dabbles in writing historical sketches as well as short stories with family connections. Nancy is also a student of the Civil War, especially Gettysburg, which she visits annually on the battle anniversary. She has stood in the Antietam cornfield where the 16th Conn. had its inaugural engagement. Nancy and her husband, Rick, enjoy time with their four sons and wives, family and friends. They continue to lovingly care for their old home, which is located a scant half mile from Lyman B. Wilcox's grandmother's home.
