Backward Glance

NEW BOOK AT HISTORICAL SOCIETY

 The Bland County Historical Society is proud to announce the arrival of a new book, Life Along Walker Creek, A Story About Sarah Jane Mustard Byrnes During the Year 1862-1865 by Robert Hetherington. This historical novel has just been published, and is available exclusively at the Society gift shop for $20 (add $5 if shipped). Buy Now!

 Sarah Jane Mustard Byrnes was the great-great grandmother of Bob Hetherington. Sarah’s life was greatly impacted by the Civil War, and her life story represented countless others, regardless of their side in the conflict.

 According to Hetherington, Sarah’s daughter, Matilda Ann, married Gordon Wohlford (his great-grandparents). Their daughter, Cynthia Ellen, married Hoge Hetherington (his grandparents). And their son, Willard Stuart, married Margie B. Farmer (his parents).

 Robert “Bob” Hetherington was born 23 October 1946 in Norfolk, VA. His father, Willard Hetherington was born in Crandon and lived on a farm near Mechanicsburg. Bob Hetherington has two children and two grandchildren, is presently the Executive Director of the Roanoke Valley Baptist Association, and lives in Hardy, VA.

 This soft cover book, containing 134 pages, is dedicated to the memory of Hetherington’s wife, Judith “Judy” Lynn Shoulars Hetherington (1947-2010), with whom he shared forty-one great years of marriage.

 This book is a “must read” for folks living throughout our wonderful county, and beyond. Please contact Brenda King at the Society office if you have questions (276-688-0088).