Friday, April 20, 2012

A Peculiar But Very Cool Thing

Last year, Conner Prairie opened a new experience area called Civil War Journey. The experience is based on confederate officer, John Morgan’s, raid on Indiana during the Civil War. Guests arrive to find what is left of 1863 DuPont, Indiana, the day after Morgan’s raiders pass through and need to decide if they will sign up to join the Union in pursuit of Morgan and his men or stay home and protect their families and property.

Also last year, my son and I started participating in Civil War reenactment events; particularly, events in Southern Indiana, which represent this same historical raid. Knowing we had ancestors who served during the Civil War, we decided to do a little more research. We discovered that my 3rd great grandfather, Theodore F. Hinton, lived near DuPont, Indiana, and was one of the men who joined the 7th Indiana Cavalry immediately after Morgan’s raid to pursue John Morgan. But what is even more interesting is that his first cousin, Benjamin T. Butler, was a member of the confederate 5th Kentucky Cavalry and was one of the men doing the raiding.

Interesting!

So…I just happen across a  job at Conner Prairie. And then…I find out they need a volunteer to help this summer in the Civil War Journey area. My son just worked his first day at it today and will be spending his summer at “The Raid” which represents his 4th great grandfather. I think that is pretty cool.

And if that didn’t raise the hair on your neck…I met Milah online because my blog is called Front Porch Indiana. Hers is called From My Back Porch. We made an instant connection and ended up taking a road trip through Kentucky where I met up with another blogging pal, Sara at Punkin’s Patch. We passed a sign that read “Hinton” on the way to her house. Come to find out, my ancestors settled that area of the country and, in fact, a Hinton descendant is Sara’s next door neighbor.

Coincidence? I think not.

I’m just following the plan. I don’t know what He has in store for me, but I don’t doubt that I’m going the right direction.

10 comments:

Evelyn said...

Hi Christine, You seem to have settled down a bit (I hope so,anyway).I don't think they are coincidences I think you are on a journey, lucky you.

knancy said...

There is a lovely little town in West Virginia called Hinton, also. I live in the city of Charleston, but I have relatives from the town of Hinton. Life is an interesting journey isn't it? Especially when you know some history.

June said...

You are so lucky to know where you came from. I was adopted and know nothing about my ancestors...in fact, hit a big roadblock every time I tried to investigate. I was born in Ohio, and have spent my life as who ever I want to be. Kind of makes up for the empty hole there (not really).

Unknown said...

Pretty cool...gives me goosebumps.

I'm glad to have shared part of this journey with you.

Karens Quilts, Crows and Cardinals said...

Absolutely the right direction -- the signs {wink} are everywhere you turn. So lucky that you can see them -- so many folks can't.

Have fun ! Nice to hear a smile and a bit of anticipation in your voice.

Karen

Nancy K. said...

My head is spinning trying to grasp it all! Fascinating! It sounds like you and your son will have a fun summer...

I wish you the VERY BEST!

Karen Anne said...

June,

More and more states are opening up adoption records. If your state isn't doing that, maybe you could start writing letters to your legislators.

Jennifer said...

I love when things like that come together in such fun ways!

thecrazysheeplady said...

Definitely interesting!

Anonymous said...

It is indeed interesting when all these things come together and I see it as the 'plan', too. Many troops of course were from S IN including several from my area and family. linda