Sunshine and Shadows in the Life of a Private Soldier
A Dayton Soldier's Memories of the Civil War
Written by Benjamin F. Arnold
Originally written in 1909
Reprinted in book form in 1995
This book was made from a series of articles that Benjamin F. Arnold published in the Dayton Journal newspaper in early 1909. There were twelve articles in all, with the heading being "Sunlight & Shadows in the Life of a Private Soldier."
Benjamin Arnold fought in the Civil War with the 35th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company C. He was mustered in August 20, 1861. On July 24, 1862 he was discharged for disability at Tuscumbia, Alabama. Though he later went on to fight with the 4th Ohio Cavalry, these articles are of his time with the 35th.
This book almost didn't make it to publication. Though I believe that Arnold's memoirs were an important glimpse into the Civil War, still I was bothered. There were some terms Mr. Arnold used in his writings that are considered offensive today. But I was convinced by something Mr. Arnold himself later wrote on Memorial Day in 1909:
"Have you ever considered... the fact that Americans are a nation of forgetters? We are neglectful as a whole people in teaching lessons in patriotism. Are we blind to the fact that we are strangling, crushing - yes, even burying inherent love of country, when we withhold from our children the rich memories of the past, even in our own individual lives? If this be true, then how much more when we fail to keep before them that which is not solely the heritage of one family, but the common legacy of a whole nation."
Yes, some of the words are offensive, but we can't change history. Mr. Arnold was a good man who used the terms of his day when he wrote, and wrote without meaning to insult anyone.
That said, I hope you enjoy this book. It was written by a man who was born and raised in Montgomery County, and mentions several other Daytonians who served in a war that was brother against brother, father against son. These articles give us a glimpse into life between the battles; the food, the sicknesses, the loneliness of men who fought a war on grounds that they played on as children. Mr. Arnold lets us see into the hearts of the American soldiers during the Civil War, and gives us the feeling that, though he writes about Union boys, he speaks for the Confederates as well.
Curt Dalton, Editor
About The Author
Benjamin F. Arnold was born in Montgomery County, Ohio on November 14, 1842. He was the son of John W. and Eliza J. (Kelly) Arnold. Benjamin was one of seven children, the others being Mary, Lizzie, Sarah, Rebecca, John D. and Clara.
Benjamin was raised on a farm near Dayton, receiving his education in the public schools. When he was fourteen he and his family moved to Dayton. He began to study the carpenter's trade, and later became a journeyman carpenter.
During the Civil War he enlisted in Company C, Thirty-fifth Ohio Volunteer infantry, at Hamilton, Ohio, serving eighteen months. He then returned to Dayton, where he again enlisted, this time in the Fourth Ohio Cavalry, where he served for almost another nine months.
Benjamin Arnold fought in many battles, including Mill Springs, Kentucky; Pittsburg Landing, and Perryville, as well as a number of smaller engagements.
After returning home, he worked at the trade of carpenter until 1868, when he began to do his own contract work. He erected several of the buildings at the Soldier's Home, the Western engine house, and a number of residences in Dayton. He also manufactured the Ladies' Friend washing machine, a machine quite useful at its time.
Benjamin Arnold married Julia A. Powell on January 6, 1869. They had eight children.
Mr. Arnold was a member of Armstrong Post, No. 79, G. A. R., and of the Junior Order of American Mechanics. He was elected to the Dayton Board of Education and served one term.
I have not been able to find the date of his death, although I believe it to be in the early 1920s.
Benjamin Arnold was once described as "well-known throughout the country as a good workman, as a capable and successful business man, and as a useful citizen."
And, I may add, a patriotic man who served his country well.
Date of Publication of Articles in the Dayton Journal Newspaper
Chapter One: February 1, 1909
Chapter Two: February 11, 1909
Chapter Three: February 15, 1909
Chapter Four: February 22, 1909
Chapter Five: March 1, 1909
Chapter Six: March 8, 1909
Chapter Seven: March 15, 1909
Chapter Eight: March 22, 1909
Chapter Nine: March 29, 1909
Chapter Ten: April 5, 1909
Chapter Eleven: April 12, 1909
Chapter Twelve: April 19, 1909
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