This historic newspaper article from 1902 provides a colorful, anecdotal glimpse into the settlement and beliefs of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Lamoni, Iowa. Written by journalist Alex Miller, it distinguishes this “Reorganized” branch from the more infamous Utah Mormons led by Brigham Young, emphasizing their rejection of polygamy while weaving in humorous references to figures like Artemus Ward. The piece reflects early 20th-century perspectives on religion, migration, and Midwestern life, capturing a tone that blends curiosity, light satire, and respect for the community’s resilience.
https://humblymybrain.substack.com/p/the-split-saints-a-1902-newspaper
In the aftermath of the American Civil War, personal accounts from soldiers offered raw glimpses into the brutal realities of conflict, far removed from romanticized histories. George Cary Eggleston’s Southern Soldier Stories captures the unvarnished experiences of Confederate troops, emphasizing not just battles but the everyday struggles against scarcity and deprivation. This excerpt from his collection, titled “Random Facts,” vividly illustrates the ingenuity and endurance of Southern soldiers amid profound shortages—of clothing, medicine, ammunition, and even food—highlighting how necessity forged both practical innovations and spiritual resilience. It serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war, where survival often depended on makeshift solutions and unyielding determination.
https://humblymybrain.substack.com/p/confederate-soldiers-hardships-scarcity
