HLHG members haven't yet taken an active part in the candle-light tours which focus on the atrocities of the prisoners and hardships of the guards, however, we were asked this year to begin compiling information documenting interaction with civilians with that in mind.  The atrocities at Andersonville became eerily real when I discovered my husband's ancestor had been a prisoner there.  George Rumble, a farmer and blacksmith, (born 1844 in Rochester, NY), joined the 3rd NY Cav., was captured May 14, 1864 in Virginia, and sent to Andersonville where he escaped in Sept. 1864.   He then resided in New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, and South Berkeley, CA.  Though they lost their possessions, he and his wife survived the devastating San Francisco Earthquake and Fire of 1906 which still ranks as one of the nation's worst natural disasters.  For info. see www.sfmuseum.org/1906/06.html.  The "Rochester Daily Democrat" printed articles about his escape from Andersonville and participation in reunions.  In 1924 The "Rochester Times-Union" printed a lengthy article on his service, titled, "Only Surviving Refugee From Andersonville Jail is Former Rochester Man".  According to the article his location in the prison adjoined the deadline (some 20 feet from the stockade) opposite a platform where a guard stood.  He donned a worn-out Confederate uniform he obtained from an old guard and walked to where the train was loading soldiers to go to fight Sherman in Atlanta and boarded the train with them.  He spent 2 days in their camp learning the position of pickets then reported to Sherman with his information.  Because his enlistment was up while in the prison he was then discharged.  After the war he listed his occupation as "gold mining business".

 

                                                                     

 

 

 

 

 

John Beaver and friend Rachel, Lauren and Jeff Ehas and their three children, Ethan Gallo, Anne Burgamy, and myself enjoyed ourselves immensely and appreciate the park's invitation to attend next year.

Until then, 

Vickie