Pam Dudding Contributing writer
Many older Americans have watched Andy Griffith and heard him say, “Judy, Judy, Judy,” or “Jubal, Jubal, Jubal,” both popular names in those days.
Jubal is also a well-known name in one of Craig’s neighbors, Franklin County, where he is a native.
On Monday, August 19, the Emporium General Store has invited author and historian Thomas Perry to speak on Jubal Early at 6:30 p.m. at the New Castle Fire Department.
Perry, a native of Patrick County, Virginia, graduated from Virginia Tech in 1983 with a history degree. Today, he is a respected teacher, historian and author of over 40 books on Regional Virginia history.
Perry has also written several books on J.E.B. Stuart, and in 1990 he founded the J.E.B. birthplace preserving 75 acres of the Stewart family property.
Jubal Anderson Early was a Virginia lawyer and politician who became a Confederate General during the American Civil War.
Later, he resigned his military commissions to practice law and become involved in his true passion, politics. He was later recommissioned.
Early made daring raids to many areas, securing money and supplies which then delayed the Confederate surrender for several months.
Research suggests that after the war, Early fled to Mexico, then Cuba and Canada upon returning to the United States as an “unrepentant rebel.”
After the death of General Robert E. Lee in 1870, Early delivered speeches establishing the Lost Cause, as well as helped found the Southern Historical Society and Memorial Association.
Perry will have his books available for purchase, and the proceeds from the sales will help with the preservation of Early’s Home Place in Franklin County.
“We hope you can join the Emporium in welcoming Mr. Perry to New Castle,” Spence said. “Everyone is welcome.”
