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This weekend, Sara Vogt spoke with Matt Herring (Private C.C. Hastings) – a member of a group of people re-enacting the lives of the Civil War voluntary Infantry Regiment from PA, known as the Bucktails. Over the weekend, the Bucktails celebrated their 21st annual reunion and first visit to Wellsboro.

Matt Herring explained why he participates in Civil War re-enactment. First, a number of his ancestors fought in the war. He wanted to keep their memory alive and honor them through his actions. Herring also wants the public to think about what the Civil War really was – Americans fighting Americans – and how we can grow from learning this. “Move forward from that and build this great country,” Matt stated.

Secondly, he lamented how Civil War history is not taught in depth in many schools, and re-enactment is a great teaching tool for children.

The Regiment is most noted for its service and sacrifice on July 1, 1863, at the Battle of Gettysburg. One source reports 53 soldiers killed, 172 wounded, and 111 missing or captured out of 450 soldiers engaged for a total casualty rate of 74.7% at the epic Battle.

No language can do justice to the conduct of my officers and men on the bloody “first day” to the coolness with which they watched and awaited, under a fierce storm of shot and shell, the approach of the enemy’s overwhelming masses; their ready obedience to orders, and the prompt and perfect execution, under fire, of all the tactics of the battle-field; to the fierceness of their repeated attacks, or to the desperate tenacity of their resistance. They fought as if each man felt that upon his own arm hung the fate of the day and the nation.” – Major Roy Stone

The Battle of Gettysburg ended on July 3, the Union forces under General George G. Meade having defeated General Lee. The weakened Union forces allowed Lee to retreat to Virginia. (Source: Wikipedia)

Also in this feature, local author Audrey Barber discovered her roots that lead her to her great-grandfather. About 12 years ago, Barber searched her family history online. She submitted her known relatives into an ancestry website and received a call the day after. The gentleman on the phone was a relative of her great-grandfather who shared that her great-grandfather was a captain of the Bucktails who gave his life at Gettysburg. Audrey is currently writing a book called Wellsboro Roots – filled with wonderful stories of heritage, honor and love. It should be completed sometime this year.