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Kings Mountain Historical Museum hosts "The Mauney Brothers Civil War" a presentation and book signing

On April 13, Kings Mountain Historical Museum hosted "The Mauney Brothers' Civil War," a presentation and book signing by Lawrence Lohr. This program was presented in celebration of the digitization and online publication of the Civil War diary of William Andrew Mauney through the North Carolina Digital Heritage Center. To view the diary, visit http://www.digitalnc.org/institutions/kings-mountain-historical-museum/.
Historian, author, and Jacob S. Mauney descendant, Lawrence Lohr discussed his book which chronicles the Civil War experiences of the Mauney brothers, Jacob, Andrew, and Peter. The war claimed Peter's life, and Jacob and Andrew went on to have a major role in the establishment of the City of Kings Mountain and the area's industries.
Through his extensive research, Lohr was able to reveal details about the Mauney brothers that give perspective to the course of their lives. For example, W.A. Mauney was well-educated and did well as a young student; he taught school at age 15, and so was well-suited to become a Commissary Sergeant during the Civil War. This experience also prepared him to succeed as a merchant when he and his brother Jacob opened the first general store in Kings Mountain in 1872.
Many descendants of the Mauney brothers were in attendance for the program, as were descendants of other Civil War soldiers. Three men came dressed in period uniforms to portray the 28th Regiment North Carolina Troops, in honor of their ancestors who fought alongside Andrew and Peter Mauney.
The discussion that followed the program was revelatory for many in the audience. While it is known that Peter Mauney died in the Civil War, the details of his death are incomplete, and Andrew's diary and letter make no mention of his brother's death. Audience members, from their own research and recollections, were able to fill in gaps about this history. Trip Herndon, an Andrew Mauney descendant, recalled his grandmother saying that Andrew wasn't at Shepherdstown when Peter was killed, and that in fact Andrew had no idea what had happened to Peter. Bruce Cloninger, who has extensively researched the graves of the 28th Regiment North Carolina Troops, remembered reading that Peter was killed by a blow to the head with the butt of a riffle. The details that emerged in this discussion brought light to the story and will undoubtedly spur on further research.
The museum is grateful to Lawrence Lohr and the program attendees for a fantastic program. To find out more about upcoming exhibits and events, please visit us at: www.kingsmountainmuseum.org or call 704-739-1019. You can also follow the museum on Facebook, Twitter, & Pinterest.
Submitted by Adria L. Focht


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