New Commentary

I just added a lengthy commentary entitled “Univeral Liberty and Universal Suffrage, Secured by Universal Education.” It is about the 1875 Ohio election where Rutherford B. Hayes won a third term as governor. The piece, from William D. Howells’ Sketch of the Life and Character of Rutherford B. Hayes, presents the conflict between the Democratic Party and the Republican Party over state-funded parochial schools. It reminded me of the battle currently being fought in the Texas legislature and the attacks on public education.

From Battlefield to Oilfields at McFarland Publishers

I just delivered the final draft of my latest book, From Battlefields to Oilfields to my publisher. The following is a brief description of the non-fiction work.

From before the discovery of oil at the Drake well in Titusville in 1859 to Ida Tarbell’s article in 1909 about how the Northern women “met the experience of war,” there has been a connection between the American oil and gas industry and the Civil War. When the war ended thousands of veterans rushed into the oil regions to start their lives again and seek their fortunes in the new petroleum boom.

From Battlefields to Oilfields explains the relationship between the American Civil War and the development of the United States petroleum industry. After the discovery of oil by Edwin Drake in 1859 in Titusville, Pennsylvania, Union oilfields became strategic targets and attacks on northern whaling ships helped grow the demand for kerosene. After the Rebellion, Civil War veterans helped spread the growth of oil exploration. former soldiers and officers searched for oil and gas, developed new transportation and production technology, and found new uses for petroleum products.

From Battlefields to Oilfields examines the involvement of Civil War officers and soldiers in all areas of the oil and gas industry. Their sacrifices on the battlefield saved the nation. Their contributions to the petroleum industry helped build the country.