Civil War Authors Highlight Dexter Hero Harrison Jeffords at Dexter Library

In preparation for the second annual Civil War Days in Dexter, authors Martin Bertera and Kim Crawford will lead a discussion on Col. Harrison Jeffords, a Dexter resident and war hero who was killed in the Battle of Gettysburg.

The presentation will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday at the and is sponsored by the Dexter Area Historical Society.

Bertera and Crawford published their book, "The 4th Michigan Infantry in the Civil War," in 2010, and will document the life of Jeffords in a multimedia presentation featuring photos, slides and stories collected from their research.

"Jeffords was truly liked and respected by his men as well as his superior officers in the Union Army of the Potomac," Crawford said. "He literally gave his life, fighting hand-to-hand and trying to save his regiment's U.S. flag as his regiment was hit by an overwhelming Confederate attack."

Crawford said he is looking forward to the presentation in Dexter.

"We love bringing to life the soldiers' stories as accurately as we can 150 years after the war," he said. "What were their lives like? I don't think any of us will really understand what it was like to fight, march and camp in horrific conditions. These young men risked life and limb to suppress the treason of the south.

"Our presentation will focus on telling the stories of soldiers as real human beings."

Crawford said Bertera has been researching the 4th Michigan Infantry for the past 30 years and the authors will present some of their findings at the Dexter event.

"As the Dexter community has always had a strong interest in the history of Harrison Jeffords, the research by these two authors offers the best look into his life and death. This is an great opportunity to hear what they discovered," Jim Smith, a member of the historical society said.

Crawford said books will be available to purchase for anyone interested in knowing more about Jeffords' life and the lives of other Civil War soldiers from Washtenaw and Lenawee counties.

"We tried to write the book so that anyone could understand it, but it's really pretty much a book for Civil War buffs who want to know about the day-to-day and week-to-week lives of soldiers in the 1860s."

The event is free and open to the public.