No work of this kind is remotely conceivable without the aid of good people.
Deep thanks go to longtime assistant Jacqueline Tinney, who ably put together the manuscript; Sandra Sageser Clark, Michigan’s historian, who lent helpful resources; State Archivist Mark Harvey, who supplied images from a treasure trove in the Archives of Michigan; and Michigan Historical Commission president Ed Surovell, who agreed to review the manuscript. I am thankful for Civil War students, reenactors, researchers, living historians and professional and volunteer instructors all across Michigan for their inspiring examples.
Nurturing an interest in history began very early in my family. Brother Tom recalls a 1963 trip to Gettysburg on an overcast day where three brothers sat enthralled in the back of our station wagon as a guide in the front seat regaled everyone with the lore of the battlefield. Brother Dave, the writer in the family, who helped strengthen this work, grew up to pen the seminal environmental history of the Great Lake State and launch a Michigan conservation historical marker trail. Appreciation of the passion for heritage instilled by my parents and grandparents is abiding.
Of Michael and Anna, no parent could be prouder, and none could have valued your encouragement on this project more.
Of Suzzanne, with whom a lifelong relationship deepened early during battlefield wanderings, you remain every day more than this husband could ever deserve.
Errors, omissions and sins herein are all mine.