RALEIGH – The experiences of a Confederate prisoner of war and a state legislator during the last days of Reconstruction are chronicled in the newly published book, “Worthy of Record: The Civil War and Reconstruction Diaries of Columbus Lafayette Turner,” edited by Kenrick N. Simpson. It was published by the Historical Publications Section of the N.C. Office of Archives and History in conjunction with the Department of Cultural Resources’ 2008 theme, “Telling Our Stories.”
Columbus Lafayette Turner (1842–1918) of Iredell County was twice captured by Union forces during the Civil War and served as a prisoner of war in two Federal prisons (Fort Delaware and Johnson’s Island). In his Civil War diary, Turner records in great detail the physical layouts of the prisons, the food and other provisions, illnesses and medical care, recreational activities, and efforts to escape.
After the war, Turner became a partner in his father’s Iredell County cotton milling operations. In 1872 he was elected to the General Assembly for 1872–1874. Reconstruction was coming to an end, and North Carolinians were seeking to define the direction of their government. Turner’s legislative diary briefly covers January and February 1874, but it is significant in its detailed recording of the daily experiences of a legislator. It examines government finances, efforts to impeach Superior Court judge Samuel W. Watts, the work of the state geologist, and the alleged mismanagement of the Insane Asylum of North Carolina and the N.C. Institution for the Deaf, Dumb and Blind.
Turner did not seek re-election to the General Assembly and returned home where he continued to pursue business interests. Later he was the principal shareholder in the Monbo Manufacturing Company in Catawba County and managed the daily operation of that important cotton milling concern.
“Worthy of Record” includes well-researched introductions that set the historical context of the diaries, exhaustive annotated endnotes, a detailed index and 54 black-and-white illustrations, and is limited to 750 first edition hand-numbered, hardbound copies.
Kenrick Simpson, of the Historical Publications Section of the Office of Archives and History, holds B.A. and M.A. degrees in history from East Carolina University.
“Worthy of Record” (228 pages, illustrated, index, hardbound) costs $34.69, which includes tax and shipping. Order from the Historical Publications Section (N), Office of Archives and History, 4622 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-4622. For credit card orders call (919) 733-7442, ext. 0, or access the Publications Section’s secure online store at http://nc-historical-publications.stores.yahoo.net/.
The Historical Publications Section offers more than 190 North Carolina books, maps and document facsimiles. For a free catalog, write to the address above; call (919) 733-7442, ext. 0; or e-mail trudy.rayfield@ncmail.net.
The Historical Publications section www.ncpublications.com is administered by the Office of Archives and History in the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources www.ncculture.com.