BRADFORD UNION OFFICER. Brother and sister pair, Donna and William Burtch have written a number one new release in the genre of Civil War Regimental History about the compelling story of a Union Army Officer, who once resided in Bradford.

W.G. Raymond was our 3x great-grandfather who’s 19th century memoir was hidden away in our aunt’s attic, held together with tape and rubber bands. From there the siblings transformed his memoir into an epic tale entitled “W.G.: The Opium-addicted Pistol Toting Preacher Who Raised the First Federal African American Union Troops” which was just published in May by the Sunbury-Press.

This biography uncovers a flawed but dedicated Union Officer at a pivotal moment in history. It tells the remarkable, but little-known, story of the first District of Columbia Colored Volunteers — who’d later become the first United States Colored Troops (USCT) — and their complex abolitionist Union Officer W.G. Raymond, appointed by President Abraham Lincoln himself.

Despite being authorized by President Lincoln, the War Department essentially ignored the fledgling USCT troops, leaving W.G. to pay for troop provisions out of his own pocket, never to be repaid.

Subsequently, USCT regiments were present at the Galveston, Texas emancipation in 1865 — which led to the Juneteenth celebration we know and celebrate today.

Donna and William Burtch are scheduled to appear on numerous media outlets as Juneteenth approaches, to speak about their recent publication.

“A thorough and engaging bio…W. G. Raymond’s story is a vividly rendered window into an era when men and women deeply believed and acted boldly on their faith,” said David Poyer, USA Today bestselling author.

For more information book details, including reviews can be found via https://wgthebook.com/.