“Toe the mark” was a commonly used 19th Century phrase. It literally conveys an image of men and boys stepping up to a line scratched in the dirt or sand before beginning a race or fight. To the Civil War soldier, toe the mark meant – do one’s duty – follow orders.
Toe the Mark is a historical fiction series depicting the experiences of real men and women who lived during the American Civil War. The series is based upon extensive genealogical and historical research.
Toe the Mark chronicles the experiences of…
- Henry Marts, a seaman who enlists in the New Jersey volunteer infantry. Now available.
- Jesse J. Cook, corporal in a Union Army Kentucky mounted regiment on Stoneman’s first raid into Virginia. Now available.
- Charles W. Webster, the state’s attorney, whose staunch Unionism makes him a target of Confederate General JEB Stuart’s raid through Maryland.
- Francis Marion Allender, cavalryman in the 8th Kentucky (CSA). He would later ride with John Hunt Morgan, a "raider" living up to the reputation of his namesake Francis Marion from the Revolutionary War. "Cousins at War" - coming 2019.
- Francis Marion Stallcup, his cousin, who rode for the other side with the 10th Kentucky Cavalry (USA). "Cousins at War" - coming 2019.
- Samuel P. Stallcup, Frank's younger brother, who made the ultimate sacrifice for the Union at Murfreesboro. "Cousins at War"- coming 2019.
- Alexander Allender, Marion's older brother, who chose the Union while his brother rode for the South. "Cousins at War"-coming 2019.
- Benjamin Ramsey, a cousin of Jesse, whose time serving aboard an armored boat, then with an Ohio artillery battery on Stoneman's second raid, forever shapes his destiny.
- John Ramsey, Ben's older brother and soldier in the Ohio Sixth Infantry, a regiment deeply engaged at Shiloh, Stones River, and Chickamauga.
