LEEDS — The Leeds Historical Society will host a presentation by Marilyn Burgess on “Leeds Soldiers’ Contribution to the Civil War” on Saturday, Jan. 17.

Burgess has been researching the lives and service of Leeds Civil War soldiers for more than 15 years, ever since she and her granddaughter visited Gettysburg. “It is, indeed, a hallowed place,” said Burgess, and when she returned to Leeds she was moved to discover as much as she could about the men who left their small Maine town to fight in what remains the deadliest war fought on American soil.

The program will focus on the lives of soldiers living in Leeds according to the 1860 census. According to some sources, Leeds has the distinction of having sent more men per capita to serve in the Union Army than any other Maine town.

Some, like General O.O. Howard have entered the history books for their contributions during and after the war, but there were many others who served, the Boothbys, the Jennings, the Roses, the Lindseys and Russells, whose names are also familiar to Leeds residents. It is these less well known soldiers on whom Burgess’ presentation is centered.

Burgess will also include information detailing reasons men joined the army and, with the help of letters and diaries, show the impact their absence had on the lives of the family they left behind.

There will be an opportunity for the audience to ask questions, have refreshments and look at Civil War items from the society’s collection.

The program, free and open to the public, will be held from 1 to 3 p.m., at the Leeds Community Church, 123 Church Hill Road. Storm date will be 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18. For more information, contact Laura Juraska at 524-2324.

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