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Scroggins to share ‘living history’ story

Published 3:00am Wednesday, January 20, 2016

American Civil War re-enactor David Scroggins of Bullock County is a self-proclaimed “history nut.” He will share his fascination with the war that divided the nation and his dedication to re-enactment authenticity at Sunday’s meeting of the Pike County Historical Genealogical and Preservation Society.

The meeting will be at 2 p.m. in the community room of Troy Bank & Trust next to Lowe’s and the public is invited.

Society President Dianne Smith said all who enjoy history are invited to attend.

“We are excited to have David Scroggins as our guest speaker,” Smith said. “David participates in what he calls living history. His interest in the War Between the States dates back to his great-great-grandfather, Pvt. James W. Scroggins who fought for the Confederates States of America. But, as a Civil War re-enactor, David wears both the Rebel gray and Union blue uniforms.”

Smith said Civil War re-enactors wear both uniforms to honor both sides.

Scroggins is a poultry farmer in the Smuteye community near Union Springs and began re-enacting about 26 years ago.

“David’s interest in Civil War re-enactment began when he went on a school trip with his son’s class to the Battle of Selma,” Smith said.

The more Scroggins learned about the Civil War the more he appreciated the sacrifices of his ancestors.

“David said didn’t know how any of the soldiers survived four years of bloody warfare,” Smith said. “When the Confederate soldiers were charging the mile-long Union fortifications at Franklin, Tennessee, David said, they had to have known that few would survive but they didn’t turn back.”

Scroggins began his hobby as a re-enactor in the infantry but prefers the cavalry. He rides in a mounted unit, the 53rd Alabama Cavalry. Re-enactments require that all uniforms and equipment be authentic. About five years ago Scroggins decided to make his own riding equipment rather than purchase it.

“David makes replica saddles and tack for his horse,” Smith said. “The bits for his horse are hand-forged as are the buckles. He buys the saddle foundation and covers it in leather and hand-stitches it. In addition to making his own hand-sewn saddle, he has made 10 other saddles that are used by other members of the cavalry.”

Smith said Scroggins’ program will highlight his interest in and talent for making replica saddles and tack that were used by the Rebel cavalry during the War Between the States.

“It will be fascinating to see how he makes saddles and tack and will give us a better understanding of what life was like for those who fought in the American Civil War,” she said.

Everyone is invited to attend the meeting of the Pike County Historical, Genealogical and Preservation Society Sunday in the community room of Troy Bank & Trust next to Lowe’s.