Author speaks of Thomaston men

Author and historian Eve Anderson will present a talk for the Thomaston Historical Society about the involvement of the two sons of Representative Jonathan Cilley during the Civil War Tuesday, Aug. 13, at 7 p.m. at the Historical Society’s building, the Farmhouse, located at 80 Knox St.

The older son, Greenleaf, was a naval officer and the younger son, Jonathan Prince Cilley, reached the rank of Brevet General by war’s end. Anderson’s address goes into detail about one son in particular because he shared his experiences in the war in highly descriptive letters to his sister describing everything from life in boot camp to personal and severe injuries suffered during battle.

Anderson is the author of “A Breach of Privilege: Cilley Family Letters 1820-1867,” an award-winning book that was published in 2002 and is available for sale from the Thomaston Historical Society. There is no charge to attend and visitors are welcome. Refreshments will be served.

In connection with this talk, people are invited to visit the Society’s special Civil War exhibit at Thomaston Public Library, one of 28 stops along Maine’s Civil War Trail this summer. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, a turning point in the war. Maine troops played a significant role in that and many other battles.

Courier Publications’ A&E Editor Dagney C. Ernest can be reached at (207) 594-4401, ext. 115 or dernest@courierpublicationsllc.com.