Bristol Historical Association: Christmas Luncheon

Michael Shaffer to speak at BHA Christmas Luncheon

Bristol Virginia – Author and historian Michael Shaffer will present a program for the Bristol Historical Association on Sunday, December 15 for their 32^nd Annual Christmas Luncheon, to be held at the Bristol Train Station. Shaffer’s will speak about the recollections of Thomas Wallace Colley who served in the 1^st Virginia Calvary during the American Civil War.   The luncheon meeting is open to the public but reservations are required in advance of the deadline of December 8.

Thomas W. Colley served in one of the most active and famous units in the Civil War, the 1st Virginia Cavalry, which fought in battles from First Manassas/Bull Run to the defense of Petersburg. In May 1861, along with the other members of the Washington Mounted Rifles, Colley left his home in Washington County, Virginia, and reported to camp in Richmond. During the war, he received wounds on three different occasions: first at Waterloo Bridge in 1862, again at Kelly’s Ford in 1863, and finally at Haw’s Shop in 1864. The wound received at Haw’s Shop resulted in the amputation of his left foot, thereby ending his wartime service.

Shaffer is a Civil War historian, author, instructor, and frequent lecturer.  A member of the Society of Civil War Historians, Historians of the Civil War Western Theater, and Georgia Association of Historians, he serves as a Civil War consultant for the River Line Historic Area.  He is a native of Bristol and holds BA and MA degrees, with honors, in Military History – Civil War Studies from American Military University.  He frequently lectures to various groups across the country. After the program, he will have copies of his book available for purchase at $40, and accepts cash, checks, or credit cards.

The public is invited to attend the BHA Christmas Luncheon and enjoy a great meal and program. Reservations are $30 per person and will be accepted until December 8. Mail your check to the Bristol Historical Association, P.O. Box 204, Bristol, Tennessee 37621. Contact Tim Buchanan, Program Chairman, for details of this or other upcoming programs, by e-mail; buchanan03@bvu.net. Visit their Facebook page for details, BRISTOL HISTORY. Sid Oakley is the president of the Bristol Historical Association.