American Flags and Poles will host two authors of considerable appeal to those with interest in local history at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 6, 2019, at the First Congregational Church, 318 Front Street, Marietta, OH. 

Pamela Douglas Brust, author of The Hendersons:  One Family’s Legacy, will speak about her work organizing and cataloging the personal letters, business ledgers, journals, diaries, newspaper articles, and legal documents, including deeds, and wills, of the Henderson family; and, then, using this information to write the first-ever book about this remarkable family.  The Henderson family’s roots can be traced to Alexander Henderson who was born in Scotland in 1738.  His three sons, Archibald, Richard and Alexander, all made their ways to the American colonies where they prospered as successful businessmen in Virginia.  The Hendersons are considered among the First Families of Virginia with personal connections to many of our founding fathers. 

Alexander, Sr., became a land speculator and acquired thousands of acres in Western Virginia.  He sent his three sons here in the late 1700’s to what was then the wilderness of the Ohio Valley.  The family prospered.  George and Elizabeth Ann Tomlinson Henderson constructed the stunning Italianate Henderson Hall Mansion located on Old River Road in Boaz, WV, between Williamstown and Vienna, WV, in 1859.  It is a living monument to Henderson family members who have played crucial and controversial roles in both our nation’s and region’s histories, and, walked its halls for an unbroken chain of five generations.

Pamela was born in Athens, Ohio and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from Ohio University.  She served for more than 35-years as a news reporter and photographer in Parkersburg, WV, covering government, legal proceedings, and social service agencies.  She has received recognition at both local and state levels for human interest feature stories and recently received an Arts and Letters Award from the Wood County Historical and Preservation Society.  She resides in Belpre, OH. 

Author Steve Magnusen’s book, entitled To My Best Girl – Honor Courage and Love in the Civil War, is dedicated to the inspiring life stories of Rufus and Mary Gates Dawes of Marietta.

Mr. Magnusen observes, “I became a Civil War enthusiast at the age of nine during a family trip to Gettysburg.  I developed a special interest in the Iron Brigade and read about the exemplary service and harrowing military experiences of Rufus Dawes, 6th Wisconsin Infantry.   Research of many letters and journals preserved through the years offered much more information about a man that I admire and was eager to investigate.

My research revealed a remarkable love story between young Rufus Dawes and Mary Gates, plus dramatic family trials and life struggles back home in Marietta during our nation’s brutal Civil War.   This fascinating story begged to be told.  There is the obvious historical perspective, but more powerful is their display of character, courage, and love amidst chaos and tragedy.  These Marietta citizens bear incredible burdens with exemplary courage, duty and honor, all held together by undying devotion to each other.  Theirs is a timeless and inspiring story that provides life lessons for us all.”

Mr. Magnusen is a native of Elkhart, Indiana, and earned a degree in Civil Engineering from Purdue University.  He was commissioned a U.S. Army officer through the ROTC program, achieving the rank of Major in a 15-year career with both infantry and armored reserve units.  Mr. Magnusen’s professional career includes 35-years of service as a registered professional municipal engineer and public works director for the cities of Winnetka and Libertyville, IL, and as a consultant.  He is active in church and community, and resides in Indianapolis, IN.

The public is welcomed and there is no cost to attend.

A book signing event featuring both authors will follow on Marietta Main Street’s June First Friday celebration from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, June 7, 2019, at American Flags and Poles, 276 Front Street, in Marietta.   Light refreshments will be served.

For more information contact American Flags and Poles at 740-373-4262,  flagsandpoles276@gamil.com.
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