This post doesn't have much to offer concerning the Civil War except for the subject matter, which is our family has located a little travel-type Bible book, 3"X4 1/2 Bible book with a folder closure and slide that may have been carried by my great-grandfather, James G. Ford when he enlisted in 1861. It has been in the family since his children were orphaned by 1866.
The little Bible book was published in 1854 by the New York American Bible Society, instituted in 1816, with 356 pages, 187th Edition. Although it has been in the possession of our Fords, the trunk had not been fully sifted through, the previous owners taking it for granted it was a little book carried by a Ford who died in France during WWI. The latest receiver of the trunk has gone through it and from the info jotted down in it, we believe its likely the 15th (NW) AR. Infantry soldier's book. It has ALL of his children's birthdates and full names, plus his wife's name and birthdate. It has nothing about the soldier in it except the last entry is October 1861. (This date coincides with the date James Ford was mustered into the 15th (NW) AR. Infantry.
I don't believe this book was a family Bible because of its size and also since it doesn't have James's name in it; only his children and wife. If it had been in his wife's possession I think that his name would have been included?
A cousin thinks its possible the AR. Confederacy issued these little books but I've never seen anything mentioned on the list before about Bibles being issued.
My reasoning for thinking it was one he brought from home is that so many of the Confederate soldiers weren't issued Army uniforms or guns, bringing what they had, wearing what their family sewed for them, and riding their own horses, etc. and with commodities being scarce, I just don't think issuing a Bible was high on the list to pass out to the soldiers. The book was red but with age most of it is brownish in color.
Would appreciate any input on this if its worth listing.
Glynda Ellman