On Our Own Soil: William Lowther Jackson and the Civil War in West Virginia's Mountains
On Our Own Soil investigates the unsung hero, Judge William Lowther Jackson, of Parkersburg, a brigadier general in the Confederate army and commander of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Virginia cavalries.by taking an honest and unbiased look at his life, career, and character. Jackson led the first Confederate regiment in northwestern Virginia, defending the South's western front with only a few companies of inexperienced volunteers. He later served on his well-known cousin Stonewall's staff. During the last year of the war, Jackson's troops bravely defended the Shenandoah Valley. Poor communication, miserable conditions, and unending foot travel continually challenged Jackson, but he persevered throughout. After the war, Jackson was run out of Parkersburg, and exiled to Kentucky. The little surviving history of his units labels them as misfits, outlaws and horse thieves. Yet when Civil War records are examined, Jackson's units are found to have performed efficiently in every campaign in which they participated. Many Confederate leaders revered Jackson. On Our Own Soil will hopefully help elevate Jackson to his rightful place in history as a loyal public servant and judicious leader. Written by Ronald V. Hardway. 229 pages.
