R316Z Spring 2024 A Deep Dive into the Life and Times of John Singleton Mosby

R316Z  A Deep Dive into the Life and Times of John Singleton Mosby
Wednesdays, 2:15—3:40, Apr. 24—May 15
Four sessions
Rose Gallery at Reston Community Center, Lake Anne
Instructor: David Goetz
Take a deep dive into the life and times of John Singleton Mosby, known as the “Gray Ghost of the Confederacy.” The course will consider Mosby’s life from his birth in 1833 to his war experiences as cavalry leader and to his post-war life. His part in the Lincoln conspiracy will be examined as will his relationship with President Grant. The instructor will also examine retirement and death. Finally, he will share a large number of authentic Civil War artifacts with the class, encouraging participants to hold the many museum-quality items.  
Sessions One and Two will cover John Singleton Mosby’s life from his birth in December 1833 to the end of the war.  
Session Three will cover John Mosby's life after the War Between the States, including his relationship with Grant.
Session Four considers Mosby’s role in role in the Lincoln conspiracy.
Sessions may include many artifacts which were used by soldiers in the field. These include playing cards, matches, shaving brushes and razors, mirrors and compasses, bone dice, a courier’s case, artillery fuse holders and fuses, lanterns and ingenious candle holders, a thimble, leg irons and handcuffs, soldiers’ pipes, bullets in wood, a cannon ball, sharpshooter eyeglasses and many more. Additionally, the instructor will share extremely rare items from Mosby’s life, including an unpublished daguerreotype of Mosby as a teenager and other photographs, his “housewife” sewing kit made by Mrs. R. E. Lee, and books by and about Mosby, some of which Mosby personally autographed.
David Goetz has studied the life and times of John Singleton Mosby for more than a quarter century and has written two books and numerous articles about his 82-year life and service to this country. He also owns and operates Mosby's Confederacy Tours in Fauquier, Loudoun and Clarke Counties in Virginia. Dave holds an undergraduate degree in English from Bellarmine University, Louisville, Kentucky, and a Master’s of Science degree in Community Development from the University of Louisville. He is a U.S. Army veteran, received an honorable discharge and lives in Culpeper County, Virginia.