Who Wrote Si Klegg?

[Rob Weaver]

OK - who was the author of "Si Klegg and His Pard Shorty?" Project Gutenburg attributes the 6-book novel to John McElroy, newspaperman better known for his memoir "Andersonville." A reprint edition on Amazon, and the googlebooks online edition attribute the book to Wilbur Hinman. Both editions seem to contain the same material, although the chapters are not in the same order. Is there some skullduggery surrounding the publishing history of this fine little novel?

[daveproc26]

Rob, They are actually two different books written by two differnt men. Hinman wrote Si Klegg and His "Pard" in 1889. And McElroy wrote Si Klegg: His Transformation from a Raw Recruit to a Veteran in 1910. There were actuaully charges brought against McElroy by members of the GAR concerning his use of the same main character as can be seen starting on page 202 of Journal Vol. 45, Grand Army of the Republic

http://books.google.com/books?id=i98...d=0CDgQ6AEwAw#

Hope this helps.
Dave

[sbl]

Si: "Shorty, should we suffer manfully or get into some youthful high-jinx?"

Shorty: "Well Si...you aire a good boy but i think we should dodge the picket, git a jug and find a couple of Dutch girls."

[Spinster]

Dutch Gals Tomorrah!


Anybody have the picture of THAT sign?

[sbl]

Fun book. I was reading it in installments through Camp Chase Gazette (late 80s?) I was on guard duty at an event when two guys pasted by discussion the story. "It was sad when ******* dies." said one. "What!!??" said I.

[lincolnsguard]

A photo of that sign does exist somewhere yes. As well as photo's of "Not responisble for flux" and "Dutch Gals 25 cents." If only I hadn't lost my mind.....I might find them.

[Spinster]

A photo of that sign does exist somewhere yes. As well as photo's of "Not responisble for flux" and "Dutch Gals 25 cents." If only I hadn't lost my mind.....I might find them.

Thank you Eli.

Images received.

I got a note the other day, from a man who was in receipt of a box of worn things, sent by a kind and generous woman. And when he opened the box and put on the clothes, he heard a voice, laughing.....

I hear a voice...........

[flattop32355]

Last year I managed to spot a second edition, 1910 copy of Book 4, "Si Klegg: Experiences of Si and Shorty on the Great Tullahoma Campaign". It ends just after Chickamauga. Twelve bucks....not a bad deal.

As I recall, the original by Hinman carried Si from war's beginning to its end. The McElroy series is in stages, fleshing out the experiences of Si and Shorty along the way. As noted, the writing styles are quite similar from each author.

[Rob Weaver]

LOL - I just read book IV yesterday. That stuff about rain and insects will stay with you a long while. There are a wealth of very plausible scenarios in this book that would work if you needed set-piece "skits."

[OVI]

Wilbur Hinman, the author of the original Si Klegg, was an officer in the 65th OVI and served the entire war in the Western theater with the Army of the Ohio becoming the Army of the Cumberland. At the same time he was writing Si Klegg he was also compiling the splendid regimental history of the Sherman Brigade which was 4 units (64th OVI, 65th OVI, 6th Ohio Light Artillery and McLaughlins Squadron of Cavalry) all raised together in north central Ohio. It was named for Ohio Sen John Sherman (Uncle Billys brother) who was instrumental in organizing this force for the war effort.

Kent Dorr - Summer in Ohio
"Devils Own Mess"