Biographical sketches have been written for each escapee and are included inthe appendix of Escape From Libby Prison. Following
is a typical biography, thisone of Col. Thomas Rose, mastermind behind the tunnel escape (the photo of his grave does not appear
in the book).
ROSE, THOMAS ELLWOOD,Colonel, 77thPennsylvania Volunteer Infantry
Captured at Chickamauga, September 20,
1863. Originally escaped while enruoite to Libby but recaptured near Weldon, North Carolina. Led the February 9, 1964
tunnel escape. Recaptured within sight of Company K of the 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry. Suffering badly from scurvy, he
was exchanged for a Confederate colonel April 21, 1864. Many who knew him prior to his capture said later that he suffered from
a personality change as result of his imprisonment, ecoming uncharacteristically irritable, emotional, and suspicious. Wounded
at Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 26, 1864. Brevetted brigadier general July 22, 1865. Mustered out December 6, 1865.
After war served as captain in 11th U.S. Infantry. Brevetted major, March 2, 1867 for gallantry and meritorious service at Chickamauga.
Also honored in official reports of the Battle of Stones River for having taken command of his regiment when commander was wounded
and for ". . . keeping the regiment together and setting a good esample by leding the attack." Transferred to 16th U.S. Infantry
in 1870. Retired March 12, 1894 and died November 6, 1907 inWashington, D.C. of cerebral hemorrhage. Buried in Arlington
Cemetery.
Sample Reviews
North Carolina Historical Review:
"The author graphically depicts the horror of a prison camp of the Civil War. The volume is an eye-opening view of one of the
cruel outgrowths of the costliest war in the nation's history."
Will Molineux, Newport News (Virginia) Daily News:
" . . . event is recreated in detail and dramatic fashion."
CompuServe Genealogy Forum:
"Entertaining and fascinating reading, and will appeal to genealogists, historians, and Civil War buffs alike."
Dan Danbom, Alverda (CO) Community News (suburban Denver):
"Does a great job in giving the reader a feel for the event and its heart-pounding drama."
Duane Benell, The Civil War Courier:
"The fictional style in which the book is written makes it very readable, yet authentic. For those who want to learn more about
the famous escape from this infamous prison, this book would be a nice place to start."
Scott Merriman, Civil War History:
"Gindlesperger pens a good story that also serves as a competent cultural study . . . a very interesting, stimulating, and revealing
dramatization of the historical record."
Roster of Escapees
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Music: Soldier, Soldier, Will You Marry Me?- midi file sequenced by Lesley Nelson-Burns
