“Civil War Tales,” a new book by David L. Richards, is a refreshing look at history, bringing to life more than 100 human-interest stories and incredible tales of fortitude from the past. The author will sign his newly released book at Muncy Historical Society from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 13 at the society’s museum, 40 N. Main Street.
Richards has had a great fascination for history since childhood. The native of Picture Rocks credits his parents and teachers in nurturing that interest. After graduating from Lycoming College, David moved to Gettysburg and became a battlefield guide. He had two ancestors at the battle of Gettysburg serving with the Forty-second Regiment, the legendary “Pennsylvania Bucktails.” He has traveled across America in search of historic places, including countless Civil War sites where natives of northcentral Pennsylvania camped, marched, fought and died.
Richards has been researching units from northcentral Pennsylvania for 35 years and his 160-page book contains stories of courage and sacrifice await to be rediscovered as the sons of Lycoming County and northcentral Pennsylvania participated in most of the great events of that war. Illustrating that role, over 100 stories are recorded, with most about two paragraphs or two pages in length. Many accounts were chosen for their unusual character and others for their historic interest. Several narratives are from original research by the author, while other tales were uncovered in period newspapers and published sources. No matter the level of expertise in history, everyone will find something of interest in “Civil War Tales.”
In addition to “Civil War Tales,” Richards authored “Priceless Treasures” in which he documents the Civil War experiences of the seventy-one soldiers from the Muncy area whose names are inscribed on the Soldiers’ Monument located in Muncy’s public cemetery. He has also co-authored “From a Bygone Era: Views of the Muncy Valley. Muncy, Hughesville and Vicinity” and “Ghost on the Alleghany.”
