Author Archives: SUMPTER

“feeling of friendly union”

Posted on May 30, 2024 by SUMPTER

According to a northern newspaper 150 years ago, that year’s Memorial Day was going to be more inclusive – Confederate dead would be honored along with those who fought for the Union. The paper saw a similar spirit in a … Continue reading →

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Laurels to the Chief

Posted on May 15, 2024 by SUMPTER

The Panic of 1873 led to a long-lasting depression in Europe and North America. In early 1874 Congress passed a bill that would expand the supply of paper currency not redeemable in gold. On April 22, 1874 President Ulysses. S. … Continue reading →

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no foolin’

Posted on April 12, 2024 by SUMPTER

Libby Prison was one of the places in Richmond. Virginia where the Confederate government housed Yankee prisoners. Last year I was surprised while glancing through a newspaper at the Library of Congress. I noticed what seemed to be an advertisement … Continue reading →

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Cold Easter

Posted on March 31, 2024 by SUMPTER

Easter was on April 5th in 1874. In its April 11, 1874 issue Harper’s Weekly observed the holiday like this: Happy Easter! Alice Arnold Crawford “was a 19th-century American author of poetry and short stories. She furnished articles in prose … Continue reading →

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Staunch in the Senate

Posted on March 11, 2024 by SUMPTER

150 years ago today U.S. Senator Charles Sumner died in his Washington, D.C. home. He had represented Massachusetts in the Senate since 1851. In its March 28, 1874 issue Harper’s Weekly praised Mr. Sumner for his strong anti-slavery leadership: CHARLES … Continue reading →

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house still divided?

Posted on February 12, 2024 by SUMPTER

150 years ago Harper’s Weekly published a brief bio of a member of the 43rd Congress. From its February 14, 1874 issue of : THE HON. ROBERT B. ELLIOTT. The South Carolina district that for many years sent JOHN C. … Continue reading →

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a good word

Posted on January 22, 2024 by SUMPTER

for a bête noire There was a report 150 years ago last month that the ex-Vice President of the Confederacy admired the incumbent U.S. President, U.S. Grant. From the December 25, 1873 issue of The Valley Virginian (page 1): Alexander … Continue reading →

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new governor

Posted on January 1, 2024 by SUMPTER

It was a new year with a new governor for Virginia. 150 years ago a Richmond newspaper looked back with appreciation on the exiting governor – even though he was a northerner – and looked forward to the incoming governor … Continue reading →

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In a manger

Posted on December 25, 2023 by SUMPTER

Saint Francis of Assisi is given credit for creating the first live Nativity scene in Greccio, Italy 800 years ago this Christmas. St. Francis used live people and animals, I think, for the Bethlehem manger scene. This is how St. … Continue reading →

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bicentennial

Posted on December 23, 2023 by SUMPTER

“A Visit from from St. Nicholas” was first published anonymously in the Troy Sentinel on Dec. 23, 1823. The poem was later attributed to Clement Clarke Moore and has become more widely known as “The Night Before Christmas.” According to … Continue reading →

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