February 16, 2015

** This blog now published Mondays and Wednesdays **

In case you haven’t had a chance to visit the McPherson barn up close and personal, here’s a view of the rear of the barn, which faces Stone-Meredith Avenue and Herr’s Ridge. Part of McPherson’s Ridge can be seen in the distance. The object hanging on the far left section of the barn is an American flag, a gesture I found very touching. 



My second photo showcases the simple reverence conveyed by this little flag. The McPherson barn might not be in the best shape, it’s surprisingly sturdy for its almost two hundred years of age.

Being a dreamer, I found myself wondering (then and now) who left this flag, whether it was lovingly placed by the modern-day relatives of a wounded or dead soldier, or whether it might have simply been someone who, like me, loves and cherishes Gettysburg and its fallen heroes. Either way, seeing this sight made my day.

**HONORED TODAY**

LT. COL. MAX A. THOMAN

59^TH New York Infantry

Born about 1830 --- Died July 11, 1863 at age 33 

Lt. Col. Thoman had more than his fair share of ‘adventure’ in his lifetime. Born in Germany, he attended school at Hannover, and was involved in the English Foreign Legion. He also took part of the Schlesweig/Holstein War of the 1840s/50s. Lt. Col. Thoman was a bit of an adventurer in Central America throughout the late 1850s and finally settled in New York City, only to enlist when the need arose. He was wounded on the 2^ND of July and died nine days later, eventually resting in Gettysburg’s National Cemetery. A photo can be found here.


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