Title: The Centum Diary: One Year in the Life of a Civil War Union Soldier, Freeman Woodman, As Presented in the Geneva Republican from January to December 1963
Author name: Montgomery J. Granger
ISBN: 978-1682358443
Publisher: Strategic Book Publishing
Publication date 7 August 2025
Format: Paperback
Page count: 224
Description:
What Lessons Can Be Learned From a Civil War Soldier?
162-Year-Old Diary Transports Readers Back to a Historic Period
What is the true cost of freedom? In 1963, exactly 100 years after American Civil War volunteer Freeman Woodman wrote in his diary about the hardships faced by a Union soldier, his great-granddaughter, Gail Merrick Lee, began publishing his 1863 diary.
Now, 62 years later, her son, editor Montgomery J. Granger, has reproduced this family memoir from the original newspaper series, as published by The Geneva (Illinois) Republican, which brought Woodman’s wartime diary to light.
The Centum Diary, a firsthand account by Woodman, a soldier with the 52nd Illinois Volunteer Infantry, reveals the harsh realities of a young soldier’s daily life. From bitterly cold winter campsites to exhausting marches, to his steadfast faith and moral convictions, Woodman’s responsibilities included caring for his sick brother. The young man found comfort in reading the Bible, even as the war tested his faith.
His resourcefulness in foraging and his fascination with nature offer unique glimpses into how Union soldiers survived living off the land, and his moral convictions informed the reality of how freed slaves, or “contraband” were cared for.
The Centum Diary connects past to present, telling how one man’s courage and dedication can resonate and enlighten across generations. This authentic portrait of sacrifice, resilience, and compassion is a reminder of our nation’s vulnerable ideals and the enduring cost of freedom.
About the Author: Montgomery J. Granger is a Christian, husband, father of five, retired educator, U.S. Army combat veteran, and author.
“Civil War buffs and everyone interested in life during this important period of American history will thoroughly enjoy this information-packed diary of the times,” said Lynn Eddy, VP of Acquisitions, Strategic Book Publishing.
The Centum Diary: One Year in the Life of a Civil War Union Soldier, Freeman Woodman, As Presented in the Geneva Republican from January to December 1963
Author name:
Montgomery J. Granger
ISBN:
978-1682358443
Publisher:
Strategic Book Publishing
Publication date
7 August 2025
Format:
Paperback
Page count:
224
Description:
What Lessons Can Be Learned From a Civil War Soldier?
162-Year-Old Diary Transports Readers Back to a Historic Period
What is the true cost of freedom? In 1963, exactly 100 years after American Civil War volunteer Freeman Woodman wrote in his diary about the hardships faced by a Union soldier, his great-granddaughter, Gail Merrick Lee, began publishing his 1863 diary.
Now, 62 years later, her son, editor Montgomery J. Granger, has reproduced this family memoir from the original newspaper series, as published by The Geneva (Illinois) Republican, which brought Woodman’s wartime diary to light.
The Centum Diary, a firsthand account by Woodman, a soldier with the 52nd Illinois Volunteer Infantry, reveals the harsh realities of a young soldier’s daily life. From bitterly cold winter campsites to exhausting marches, to his steadfast faith and moral convictions, Woodman’s responsibilities included caring for his sick brother. The young man found comfort in reading the Bible, even as the war tested his faith.
His resourcefulness in foraging and his fascination with nature offer unique glimpses into how Union soldiers survived living off the land, and his moral convictions informed the reality of how freed slaves, or “contraband” were cared for.
The Centum Diary connects past to present, telling how one man’s courage and dedication can resonate and enlighten across generations. This authentic portrait of sacrifice, resilience, and compassion is a reminder of our nation’s vulnerable ideals and the enduring cost of freedom.
About the Author: Montgomery J. Granger is a Christian, husband, father of five, retired educator, U.S. Army combat veteran, and author.
“Civil War buffs and everyone interested in life during this important period of American history will thoroughly enjoy this information-packed diary of the times,” said Lynn Eddy, VP of Acquisitions, Strategic Book Publishing.
Publisher’s Website
https://sbprabooks.com/MontgomeryGranger