"A Visit From Southern California's
Civil War Personalities"

Los Angeles was a very different place when the Civil War broke out in 1861. Violence and murder were daily occurrences and politics divided the population. It took a strong, determined person to survive. We will be introducing you to four of those fascinating people at the February meeting.

Mrs. Mary Stoneman, wife of the 15th Governor of California and Civil War General George Stoneman, will be portrayed by Janet Whaley. She will discuss life with her husband during the Civil War, his subsequent posting as Commander of the Drum Barracks, and his years in California before and after his term as Governor. Janet is a long-time member of the CWRT of San Gabriel Valley, and a reenactor with the Alta California Branch of the U.S. Sanitary Commission at Fort Tejon. In real life, Janet is the V.P. of Human Resources at a Pasadena investment company.

Mrs. Eliza Griffin Johnston, wife of CSA General Albert Sidney Johnston, will be portrayed by Kathy Ralston. She will share the tragic life story of this southern lady who found herself raising her children in Los Angeles while her husband was off fighting in the Civil War, as well as her life after the death of her husband. Kathy is a member of the CWRT of San Gabriel Valley, and President of the Drum Barracks Garrison and Society, which supports the Drum Barrack Civil War Museum. In real life, Kathy is the Director of the Store Systems for Smart & Final Stores.

Lavinia Morgan Drum grew up in Louisiana with strong southern values. Sandy Ashdown-Turner will portray this southern belle, telling of her marriage to Major Richard Coulter Drum while he was stationed in Baton Rouge, why they came to California, and the important role they played while living at the Presidio in San Francisco during the Civil War. Sandy is a member of the CWRT of San Gabriel Valley, Treasurer of the Drum Barracks Garrison and Society, Chaplain of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, Altadena Chapter and started the Order of the Confederate Rose Chapter in California. In real life, Sandy is the Controller and Human Resources Manager at Universal Plastic Mold in Baldwin Park.

Doctor John Griffin came to California with Kearney's Division in 1846. Bob Ralston will portray this Los Angeles pioneer, telling stories of the early days in Los Angeles, how he developed the first East Los Angeles "suburb," and the story of how Pasadena came to be. Bob is a member of the CWRT of San Gabriel Valley, a member of the Orange County CWRT and a volunteer at the Drum Barracks Civil War Museum. In real life, Bob is the Personnel Supervisor for Conway Western Express at their Long Beach terminal.

Come meet the "Who's Who" of Southern California during the Civil War.

Janet Whaley
Program Chair

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