Was Anna Glud Really a Drummer Boy?

Wanderlust? Pride? Vanity? Sex?

Why Girls Turn “Men”
[Excerpt]

Mrs. Anna Glud of Oakland, Calif., at the outbreak of the Civil War, donned the uniform of a Union drummer boy and marched away to the front.

For more than two years she saw active service where the fight was thickest and amid the cannon’s roar beat out upon her drum the rally call which once turned near defeat to victory and stemmed the tide of battle.

SECRET 50 YEARS.

Mrs. Glud is now 68 and kept secret her experience as the boy drummer, “Tom Hunley,” for almost 50 years.

General Grant, though, was “let in” on it while the war was still in progress.

The general was inspecting “Tom Hunley’s” regiment and, seeing the diminutive “drummer boy,” ordered “him” mustered out as too young for service.

Mrs. Glud’s father interceded at this juncture and told Grant that his daughter was motherless and that he could not bear to leave her home alone.

The general swore himself to secrecy and ordered “Tom” to be retained.

Said the former “drummer boy” reminiscing:

“During all the time that I was in the army many remarked that I looked more like a girl than a boy. But not one soldier actually found it out.

SAW MANY DIE

“Father and I kept so constantly together that I was always protected. Had I not had his assistance at all times, I doubt that I could have stood the rigors of a soldier’s life.
“Why, in a battle near Davisville, where 7000 Confederates and Northerners were killed, our little body of men literally had to climb over the bodies of dead soldiers in order to fight our way out. My little feet were red with blood. And when we were mustered out in the fall of 1864 there were but 17 members of our company left.”

After the war “Tom Hunley” and her father settled down on a farm in Indiana. But the rigors of the conflict proved too much for the father, who followed his wife and four sons into the Beyond six months later.

Then “Tom Hunley” became Anna once more and never since has she changed the attire of her sex.

Other women, too, have put on masculine guise in time of war.

Patriotism moved them to such tactics, but more often they entered service to be near loved ones.

Modesto Evening News (Modesto, California) Sep 6, 1924

This article is almost the same as the one above, but it names her father as Jeremiah Hunley:

AGED WOMAN BARES SECRET OF YOUTH; SHE WAS DRUMMER BOY IN UNION ARMY

OAKLAND, Cal. — For 58 years Mrs. Anna Glud, of this city, has nursed a romantic secret.

And then, on her 68th birthday, with a family group about her, the white haired old lady revealed the amazing story of how, at the outbreak of the civil war, she had cut her hair, donned the uniform of a Union fighter and gone to the war as Tom Hunley a drummer boy.

That she had not previously bared her secret was due partially to the fact that her family had been divided on the war issues and she waited for time to heal the wounds; partially because of a somewhat natural reluctance.

But she did not wish the secret to go to the grave with her and so the story of Tom Hunley came to light.

Two persons had known her secret — Jermiah Hunley, her father and Gen. Grant, in whose charge her father had placed her.

The Hunley’s lived in a “border” state. Two sons went with the Union forces and two with the Confederate. Then the father was called.

Father Cuts Hair.

The prospect of leaving his little girl among strangers, unprotected and uncared for, was too much, so he dressed her in the uniform of a drummer boy, cut off her hair, told her to always remember her name was “Tom,” and joined the regiment.

For two years “Tom” Hunley and “his” father served with the Union forces in the bloodiest battles of the civil war. Never once was the identity of the little “drummer boy” suspected. There came a day, however, when Jeremiah was forced to reveal the secret of his daughter’s masquerade. General Grant inspected the regiment and seeing the diminutive “drummer boy” decided “he” was too young for active service, and ordered “him” mustered out. Thereupon Jermiah told him the story of the motherless little girl. The General swore himself to secrecy and ordered “Tom” Hunley’s retention in the service.

Reminiscing, the former “Tom” Hunley said: “During all that time though many remarked that I looked more like a girl than a boy, not one soldier discovered that I was a girl. Father and I kept together so constantly that I was always protected. Had I not had his assistance at all times, I doubt that I could have stood the rigors of a soldier’s life during those two dreadful years.

Feet Red With Blood.

“Why, in a battle near Davisville, when 7000 confederates and northerners were killed, our little body of men literally had to climb over the bodies of dead soldiers in order to fight our way out. My little feet were red with blood. And when we were mustered out in the fall of 1864 there were but 17 members of our company left.”

The war over, Jermiah and “Tom” Hunley settled down in Indiana. But the rigors of war were too much for the father and in six months time he followed his wife and four sons into the Beyond, leaving his little girl, now re-attired in the dress of her sex, to continue life under the guidance of newly-made friends.

Twenty years later, General Grant died without having revealed the secret of “Tom” Hunley, and a secret it has remained until recently when Mrs. Glud revealed it.

Logansport Pharos Tribune (Logansport, Indiana) Apr 11, 1921

The above clipping ran in the following papers, as well as others:

Logansport Pharos Tribune (Logansport, Indiana) Aug 18, 1922
Iowa City Press Citizen (Iowa City, Iowa) Aug 26, 1922

Mansfield News (Mansfield, Ohio) Aug 19, 1922

WOMAN WHO WAS DRUMMER BOY IN THE CIVIL WAR KEPT IT SECRET FOR SIXTY-THREE YEARS

BY H.O. THOMPSON
United News Staff Correspondent

Oakland, Cal., June 1 — Tom Hundley, the drummer who thumped away bravely while bullets whined on a dozen battlefield of the Civil war, was a girl.

After keeping her secret for 63 years, Mrs. Annie Glud celebrated Memorial day by pulling a battered old drum from its khaki case and casting aside the mystery with which she concealed the exploits of her early years.

Mrs. Glud was the “Tom” who enlisted at the age of 10 and who served for nearly three years in the trouble-laden days of the sixties. Only General Grant and the girl’s father knew the truth.

Erect and with a sparkle of excitement in eyes that still need no spectacles to aid them, Mrs. Glud strapped her beloved drum to her waist and beat again, but not so vigorously, the old battle rhythms.

There is a spot of fading red in the center of that drum. It has been there for more than a half-century.

“Tom” and the company were before Richmond. In a shot skirmish with the Confederates the bugler fell. The “drummer boy” caught the dying lad and propped him against the drum head as life passed. A few days later “Tom” was mustered out of service.

Tanned, and with lines that seemed out of place in a youngster’s face, “Tom” became Annie Hudley again and went back to pig-tailed girlhood.

“How did it feel to be in battle?”

Mrs. Glude asked, repeating a question. “Well, I remember that I used to get mad, real mad when the bullets whistled by.”

Mrs. Glud had two brothers in the Confederate army and four who wore the blue of the north. she herself was with her father, who, acting as a scout through territory well known to him, led the Union armies on quick dashes against the enemy. Father and daughter were always together. “Tom” would follow closely behind the guide as they pressed ahead on forced marches.

Sixty years had dimmed the memory of many of those exploits, but in hesitating words that leave no room for doubt, Mrs. Glud speaks of night bivouacs under the open sky, of violence and death, and of the torture of a family divided against itself.

“There is no glamor in war,” she said. “It brings only unhappiness.”

The Evening Independent (St. Petersburg, Florida) – Jun 1, 1925

Oakland Woman Fought As Drummer Boy in ’61

A drummer “boy” who marched with the Union forces in 1862 paraded again yesterday to the stirring notes of martial music, this time at the head of a party that rode a float entered by the Ladies of the Lyon Relief Corps.

The drummer “boy” was Mrs. Annie Glud, 416 East Fifteenth street, who, at the age of 10, enlisted with the Union forces as a drummer boy under the name of Tom Hundley. Only General U.S. Grant and Mrs. Glud’s father knew that “Tom” was a girl. And it was not until 1921, when Mrs. Glud celebrated her sixtyeighth birthday, fifty-eight years after she enlisted, that the secret leaked out.

The war to “Tom Hundley” was not merely a great adventure. Two of her brothers were in the Confederate forces, and two others fought on the side of the North.
Gettysburg and the battle at Richmond just before General Robert E. Lee surrendered were two of the bloodiest battles in which the drummer “boy” participated.
Mrs. Glud still owns the drum which she carried during the hectic days of the sixties. It is her proudest possession, she says.

Although the drummer “boy” has marched in so many Decoration and Armistice Day parades that she has almost lost count of them, she never tires of taking part. They bring back, she says, the stirring experiences of the Civil War.

Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) Nov 12, 1927

Image from http://www.cowanauctions.com

American Heroines

By LOUISE M. COMSTOCK

“Tom” Hunley

IN 1862 there was enlisted in the Union forces engaged in the Civil war a drummer boy named Tom Hunley. He was a frail little fellow, whom the soldiers often teased with looking more like a girl than a boy. But his father, Jeremiah Hunley, enlisted in the same regiment, kept Tom close at his side and protected him not only from the taunts but even from the friendship of their comrades in arms. And for three years little Tom drummed the Northern troops along their weary marches and into desperate battle, and only two people, his own father and General Grant, ever knew that he was no drummer boy, but a little girl!

Tom’s father carried the secret to his grave a few years after the close of the war. And General Grant told none. So that is was not until 60 years after her heroic deeds that the drummer boy herself, then a white-haired old lady, Mrs. Anna Glud of Oakland, Calif., told the strange story.

Jeremiah Hunley and his five motherless children lived in a border state. When the Civil war opened, two sons joined up with the Union side, two with the Confederates. Then the father was called. Afraid to leave his only remaining child, Anna, then ten years old, alone, friendless in a contested territory, he cut off her hair, dressed her in boy’s clothes, told her to answer to the name “Tom” and set off to join the Union army. For two years “Tom” gallantly accompanied her father.

Then, on day, General Grant inspected his troops. He was particularly struck with the diminutive drummer boy, decided she was too small for action, and ordered her mustered out and sent home to her mother! There was only one thing for her father to do. As soon as he could gain a private hearing with the general he explained that the drummer boy was no boy but his own daughter, and laid before him the circumstances which had prompted the deception. He begged that he might be allowed to keep her with him. And General Grant straightway shook the little drummer boy’s hand, swore himself to keep her secret, and ordered her retained in the service.

Thus it was not until the end of the war that little Anna Hunley returned to the dress and life that befitted a little girl.

The Nashua Reporter (Nashua, Iowa) Dec 7, 1932

Title: Tom Hundley, the drummer boy: or, A secret that General Grant kept. A drama of 1861
Author: Mrs. Annie Hundley
Publisher: Published by the author, 1899 (Google Book LINK)

You can read Annie’s book online. The first part of it is basically a play script, followed by a narrative of her life. What came to mind when I started reading it, was the play, The Drummer Boy of Shiloh that was all the rage in the late 1800’s.  I wonder if that is what inspired her to write her story. The whole book is only 44 pages, so it is a really quick read, although, in my opinion reads like a dime-store historical fiction/romance novel.

I wonder if the play mentioned below, is the one from her book:

WOMEN, GIRLS ’61-’65.

The Women and Girl Workers of the Civil War, ’61-’65, met at 2 o’clock Wednesday afternoon. The sick were reported no better and the sick committee asked to visit them.

A rising vote of thanks was extended to Sister Glud, the author of the play put on Saturday night at the Auditorium. The workers will hold their annual birthday party on the third Wednesday in November. Songs and recitations by various members of the workers composed the program for the afternoon’s entertainment. The meeting closed with community singing.

Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) Oct 24, 1920

GIRLS OF ’61-’65

On Wednesday, March 30, the third anniversary of the Girls of ’61-’65 was celebrated in Memorial hall. A chicken dinner was served in the banquet room to members, comrades and a number of invited guests. A table was reserved and decorated for those having birthdays this month. Mrs. Anna Glud and Mrs. Mary Morrin furnished two delicious birthday cakes for this table.

After dinner all adjourned to the hall and listened to the program of the afternoon. Comrade Stern, a visitor from Wisconsin, gave an interesting talk, taking for his subject “A Lincoln Monument.” He expressed surprise that a city the size of Oakland should not have some memorial to Lincoln. He congratulated the Girls on taking the initiative for the work, by giving an entertainment at the Auditorium on March 26.

An original poem written in honor of the day was read by Comrade Brinkerhoff. Another pleasing reading entitled “Old Chromos” was given by Comrade Eastman. Mrs. Fannie Ward Miller took over the program and read a description of Lincoln written fifty years ago by Governor Ogelsby as an introduction to Lincoln’s Gettyburg address.

Another enjoyable number was the singing of Mrs. Florence Sewell, accompanied by Miss Randolph. Mrs. Sewell sang “Mignon” and as encore gave “Silver Threads Among the Gold” and “Clover Leaf.” A piano and violin solo was given by the Misses Cook and Kolmodin. Mrs. Blake Alverson, who is 84 years old, was present and spoke to the girls and for the first time since the days of ’61 was not able to sing, but recited an old song, the rage in the days of the Civil War.

Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) Apr 3, 1921

WOMEN AND GIRL WORKERS HEAR CIVIL WAR STORY

Once applicant was received at the meeting of the Women and Girl Workers of the Civil War last Wednesday afternoon in Memorial hall. Captain Viola Murphy presided.

Captain Murphy read “The Childhood History of Mrs. Anna Glud,” telling of her home and surroundings and her experiences as a drummer boy in the Civil War.

Comrade Garfield, Spanish War veteran, spoke on one of the leading topics of the day. Comrade William Crowhurst announced that at the convention of the grand lodge of Odd Fellows at Pasadena recently over 1600 were present and the main subject discussed was “Home and Mother.”

Comrade Scupham introduced Comrade Smith who was for four years in naval service. Captain Clara Wood of Division 5, of Sacramento recited “Starry Flag of Ours.” Mrs. Anna Jordan favored with a piano selection. The order accepted an invitation from Col. Wyman Circle, G.A.R., to attend a picnic.

Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) Jul 26, 1924

G.A.R. Auxiliary To Give Dinner For Post on 15th

Plans were completed for the dinner to be given the men September 15 by Colonel John B. Wyman Cirle No. 22, Ladies of the G.A.R., Tuesday afternoon. Dinner will be served at noon, to which comrades and their wives are invited.

At the meeting one applicant was initiated and two applications received.

Louise Noack, chairman of the home committee, thanked the committee for aiding in the decoration of the float for the Dons of Peralta parade. Anna Glud was thanked for her drum beating in the parade.

About a hundred members attended the Bay District Association of the Lady Maccabees Tuesday evening the women being entertained by Golden Poppy Hive No. 1016.

A banquet followed.

Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) Sep 12, 1925

CIVIL WAR GIRL WORKERS THANK TWO FOR GIFTS

A rising vote of thanks was given to Mrs. Anna Glud at the meeting of the Women and Girl Workers of the Civil War, Wednesday afternoon in Memorial hall for a large decorated cake. Harry Williams was thanked for floral gifts.

Clinton Dodge and T. Thompson spoke on the Anita Whitney case. Captain Viola Murphy presided.

Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) Oct 31, 1925

G.A.R. Women Visit at County Home With Gifts

Because of the inclement weather last Saturday only a small group of members of the Women and Girls Workers of the Civil War and Col. John B. Wyman Circle No. 22, Ladies of the G.A.R. visited the County Home. The Assembly hall at the home was packed with men and women waiting to welcome the visitors.

A short program was given under the direction of Anna Glud and May David. Mrs. Glud recited “The Drummer Boy in the Civil War,” and gave taps, assisted by Mrs. Ada Rowe at the piano.

Candy and fruit was distributed, and many magazines presented. Greetings were expressed for a merry Christmas and happy New Year.

Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) Dec 26, 1925

Lyon Corps Entertains

Lyon Relief Corps No. 6, G.A.R., entertained the department president of the W.R.C. and staff at luncheon Wednesday at the Hotel Oakland. Honored guests were Emma J. Alexander, department president; Rosa B. Sturtevant, department senior vice president; Kate Humphreys, department counselor, and Carrie Bartlett, first member of the executive board.

At the regular meeting of the corps held in the Veterans’ Memorial building, Alice Harrington presided. Many relief calls were reported and flowers were sent sick members. Mrs. Anna Glud was reported seriously ill.

Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) Feb 9, 1929

Mountain View Cemetery (Image from Find-A-Grave)

Corps Sponsors Club for Juniors

Lyon Corps, auxiliary to the G.A.R., in compliance with the request of the national organization, has endorsed the suggestion that the corps sponsor a junior club. Any loyal girl between the ages of 8 and 16, is eligible to membership.

At the meeting Wednesday, a fitting tribute to the late Mrs. Anna Glud, written by Comrade G.A. Blank, was read by Department Senior Vice President Rosa B. Sturtevant.

The corps voted to accept the invitation of Oakland Post No. 5, American Legion, to attend a patriotic program in the Veterans’ building next Tuesday.

Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) Feb 16, 1929

Annie Glud seems to have been a woman of many interests and talents:

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ANNIE GLUD, a citizen of the United States, residing in Oakland, county of Alameda, State of California, have invented an Improvement in Fuel Saving Appliances for Grates; and I hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the same.

Patent number: 538511
Filing date: Feb 12, 1895
Issue date: Apr 1895

GOOGLE LINK to the complete patent.

WOMAN FINDS A GOLD MINE.

Mrs. Annie Glud Says That She Has Discovered Rich Treasures in the Shasta Mountains.

With her own hands, Mrs. Annie Glud, wife of an Oakland, Cal., sailor, has uncovered a vein of gold in the heart of the Shasta mountains.

It was by merest accident that the hidden wealth was revealed to her, and she has kept the secret for nearly a year. A serious illness prevented her from delving further for the gold. Now she has regained her health, and is ready to start for the claim, which is registered under her own name in the United States land office, at Redding, Cal. Twelve miles from there, in the Shasta mountains, is Stillwater creek, running through the gulch where Mrs. Glud and her husband has pre-empted a quarter section of land.

“One day last October,” she said, “I was strolling down the gulch and was attracted by some shining particles mixed in the black, sandy loam. The thought struck me that they were gold. I thought, if gold is was, I would not dare tell the story of the discovery, fearing some one would ‘jump’ the claim.

“I had heard of panning gold, but there were no mining utensile on the ranch. Finally I decided to try my hand. I went to the cabin, got a tin wash basin, and, crawling to the creek, scooped up a pan of the dirt. After twisting and turning that old wash basin my eyes were delighted with the sight of glittering particles of gold.

“As soon as I was assured the gold was real, I made up my mind that I would own a claim and turn miner. I quietly found out what was necessary to be done and then I staked off a claim 600×500 feet and went to Redding, where I filed on it.”

Then came Mrs. Glud’s serious illness, that stopped further developments temporarily.

“I am going to my mine very soon. You would be surprised at the number of women that want to go with me. Why, this is a Klondike craze in miniature. But I am going to be very careful in the selection of my company, I shall accept no one who cannot meet her own expenses.”

Kansas City journal (Kansas City, Mo.)Aug 25, 1897

GOLD IN THE STREET

Mine Is Discovered at Sixth and Franklin.

Gold has been found on Franklin street. There is excitement in the neighborhood and plans are being evolved to tunnel under some of the houses.

Mrs. Annie Glud of 804 Franklin street is the discoverer of the gold mine at the corner of Sixth and Franklin streets. She has the nuggets and fine gold to show that the mine exists.

Two days ago the electric light men had trouble with Mrs. Mary Kelly over the placing of a pole in front of her house at Sixth and Franklin streets. During the night Mrs. Kelly was outwitted and the men dug the hole and placed the pole. Mrs. Glud happened along while the work was in progress, and she secured a small valise full of dirt taken from the hole. She knows how to mine. The next day she panned the dirt and it netted her $5.25 in gold.

A committee waited on President John A. Britton of the Oakland Gas, Light and Heat Company and told him of the find. Mr. Britton was surprised to hear that his workmen had struck a gold mine.

Yesterday several people called on Mrs. Glud to secure information on the subject. Mrs. Glud said, “Yes, it is true that I made the find. I’ve go the gold.”

Mrs. Glud is now trying to make arrangements with Mrs. Kelley to tunnel under the latter’s house in pursuit of gold. She wants to prospect for the gold.

Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) Apr 12, 1901

These clippings are just a small sample of all the real estate dealings I ran across in the Oakland Tribune, which involved Anna Glud.

TRUSTEES’ SALE.

Notice is hereby given that in accordance with the terms and under the authority of a certain deed of trust, dated September 29, 1898, duly executed and delivered by Annie Glud and Paul C. Glud, her husband, of the City of Oakland, County of Alameda and State of California… [default on real property at Center and Fourteenth St]

Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) May 28,  1901

June 1904

*****

October 1904

*****

May 1908

*****

1912

The one above is interesting because the transaction involves her son, Charles T. Hunley and his wife.

This headline is a bit misleading! After reading about Anna the “drummer boy,” I thought this was going to be about her once again posing as a male, but it is something much less interesting.

USES DEAD MAN’S NAME.

WOMAN PRIVATE DETECTIVE APPLIES TO BE APPOINTED CITY PRISON MATRON.

Mrs. Anna Glud of 804 Franklin street, who styles herself a private detective, made application to the Board of Police and Fire Commissioners this morning to be appointed matron of the City Prison, vice Mrs. Reed, deceased. The board met to pass the salary warrants for the next month. The application was referred to Chief of Police Hodgkins for a report.

Mrs. Glud had the recommendation of Ex-Mayor Barstow and other prominent members of the community, but inadvertently she appears to have used the same application made two years ago to be appointed matron of the County Jail.

The application had been originally addressed to the Board of Supervisors and Sheriff John Bishop. Whether the old application will prejudice her case or not is a matter for the board to determine.

The discovery was made by Secretary Walter Fawcett, who noticed the name of E.E. Baunce, deceased, in the petition for appointment.

The original application bears the date of December 27, 1902. This date and the name of the Supervisors and that of Sheriff Bishop was turned under.

Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) May 31, 1904

THREE YOUTHS ARE MISSING FROM HOME

Three more young boys have left their homes in this city and their anxious parents have asked the police to locate them. Mrs. A.B. Burbank of 1361 Thirteenth street reports that Everett Dolan, fourteen years of age, has disappeared. Everett is light complexioned and when he was last seen wore a dark coat and a soft hat.

George Marshall, a messenger, fourteen years of age, has left his home at 15 Eighth street. Young Marshall has been living with Mrs. Glud at the above address. Mrs. Glud called at the police station this morning and stated that she had been caring for the lad for some time and she asked that the police arrest him and place him in jail for a short time, so that he would learn not to run away. The third boy who ran away yesterday was Willie Sparks of 878 Lydia street.

Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) Oct 11, 1906

I think the Oakland area is lucky the City Council did NOT choose the name suggested by Anna Glud:

LADY SUGGESTS A CONSOLIDATED NAME

“City and County of California” is the new suggestion of Mrs. A. Glud, of 1062 Oak street, for a name for the proposed consolidated city of Oakland, Alameda and Berkeley. Mrs. Glud sent her suggestion to the City Council, and it was referred by that body last night to the public improvement committee. Mrs. Glud believes that her suggestion for a name is a fitting one.

Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) May 21, 1907

Image from flickr - by Tom Spauling

CALAVERAS WOMAN VICTIM OF BUNCO

OAKLAND, July 20. — A.E. Williams, a real estate agent with offices in the First National Bank building, is under arrest here on a charge of felony preferred by Mrs. Anna Glud. Williams is accused of having mulcted many victims of thousands of dollars by means of a fake prospectus and he sale of worthless stock in a fraudulent mining scheme.

The investigation resulting in the apprehension of Williams was made by H.W. Gray of the State Mining Bureau. According to Gray, Williams has cleaned up about $15,000 in his dealings with con???ing school teachers and others.

In a prospectus which was seized as evidence Williams calls himself secretary of the Calaveras Consolidated Mining Company, whose capitalization is named as being 16,000,000 shares.

Several weeks ago Mrs. Glud called on Captain of Inspectors W.J. Petersen. With her in this transaction were Alice Gerkle of Portland, Ore., Eleanor Hilbeard and Byron Hilbeard of Portland and Bertha Nitch and Charles Huntlee of Oakland.

Mrs. Glud says that she and the others owned 160 acres of mining land in Calavera county and that Williams offered to take it in exchange for 30,000 shares in his company, claiming that ultimately she and those associated with her would realize a fortune by the transaction.

Then, Mrs. Glud says, she “signed something,” and subsequently discovered that she had deeded the land to a Mrs. Lillian Martin, who has sold the property to a Mrs. Gleason for $7000.

Later she says she learned that the “shares” she held were worthless, and that the “Calaveras Consolidated Mining Company” did not own any land in Calavera county.

Modesto News (Modesto, California) Jul 20, 1911

Anna Glud even had an extremely green thumb!

“You can’t grow a calla lily in California over three feet in height,” contended a St. Louis woman. Mrs. A. Glud of 1120 Oak street, Oakland, promptly challenged this assertion, and offered to give her St. Louis friend tangible proof that calla lillies, like other flowers, grow at their best in sunny California. In her garden in Oakland Mrs. Glud has grown a calla lily plant, two of the stalks of which are five feet three inches in height, while the giant leaves are 22 inches long. These stalks grew in 22 days.

Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) Jun 18, 1913

I wonder where Anna got this bear, and how she knew who carved it? I tried to find an image of it online, but had no luck. I would be curious to know if this Cinnamon Bear carving is still at the White House or on display somewhere. I did run across an index of Warren Harding’s papers that had her name listed. It would be interesting to read the letter she wrote him.

BEAR CARVED BY MARSHALL TO BE GIVEN TO PRESIDENT

Presentation to Be Made by Organization of Women and Girls of ’61.

The historic cinnamon bear carved by James Marshall, discoverer of gold in California, from California redwood, is to be presented to Warren G. Harding, President of the United States, as a token of respect from Oakland Chapter of the Women and Girl Workers of the Civil War of ’61 and ’65, it was announced today.

The bear, which was carved by Marshall in ’48, the same year that gold was discovered in this state, has long been the property of Mrs. Annie Glud of Oak street, a pioneer worker of the civil war, who has become nationally famous since her recent disclosure that she served in the war as a “drummer boy,” masquerading in male clothing.

Mrs. Glud recently decided to give the treasured relic to President Harding, but chose rather to give it first to the local organization in order that it might be presented in the name of the organization to the nation’s executive.

Local engravers are preparing two plates for the base of the bear, which will read:

“This cinnamon bear was carved by James Marshall in 1848 with a penknife out of redwood grown in Yosemite valley, California.”

“Presented to President Warren G. Harding, by the Women and Girl Workers of the Civil War of ’61 and ’65 (also served in three wars). Oakland, Cal., June 7, 1921.”

A letter offering the bear to the President was sent some weeks ago and has just been answered by the President, carrying his appreciation of the memento and accepting the gift.

Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) Jun 2, 1921

Census Records for Anna Glud

Finding Anna prior to 1900 has proven to be a bit difficult. Based on information I found on a HUNLEY family tree, I was able to locate her in 1860,  living with someone other than her family, in Gibson County, Indiana,  and listed as age 12, and  a servant. Here are the census records from 1900 forward:

(click to enlarge):

In 1900, Anna and husband, Paul and her son, Charles were living on Franklin St, Oakland, CA. It lists Charles T Hunley as a step-son.

In 1910, Anna, Paul and Charles (listed as son) are living on Oak St., Oakland, CA. I am not sure why Charles is still listed as living with them. He married a woman by the name of Henrietta Drennon,  and had two daughters. He must have married about 1903/1904, because Florence Ann Hunley was born about 1904/1905 and Louise E. Hunley was born in 1907. Notice Louise’s name is on the gravestone with Anna and Paul Glud.

In 1920, Anna and Paul are still living on Oak St., Oakland, CA, but Charles Hunley is no longer listed as living with them.

*****

Paul C. Glud, 3764 Ruby street, Oakland, is retired after nearly 35 years of service as bridgetender at the pier and at the Ferry building.

Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) Aug 7, 1927

In 1930, Anna had already passed away, but Paul is living on Ruby St. in Oakland, CA, and with him….another Hunley. This time it is a great-nephew (listed as great-uncle) named Arch Hunley, who, according to a family tree online, was the son of Ira, one of Anna’s nephews.

1894 County Directory

Anna is not listed with Paul in 1894,  but Charles T. Hunley is:

City Directory - 1894

So, it would seem Paul and Anna were probably married by that time. She was listed with Paul in 1895, also as matron of the Children’s Home as she is below in 1897:

City Directory - 1897

Anna’s son, Charles T. Hunley,  was a police officer in Oakland. He arrested lots of bad guys, per the news reports. (Prior to that, he was an electrician, and then a motorman for the A O & P E Ry Co.) I don’t know what happened to him; he was last registered to vote in 1922.  His wife was listed as a widow in 1930, worked as a seamstress, and  her daughter, Louise was still living with her. The older daughter, Florence, was shown living with a maternal aunt, Vina McDonald, and her occupation was listed as news writer for a newspaper.

*****

Now, as to my title of this post: Was Anna Glue really a drummer boy in the Civil War?

No doubt, she was a very interesting lady, who seemed to have been willing to try her hand at anything.

She did have four brothers, two of which there seems to be documentation  showing they served in the Civil War, on the side of the Union, so it is possible the other two were the ones who served on the Confederate side.

Regarding her father, Jeremiah, I did not find any proof he served, and it appears others have looked and have not found any either. According to a family tree for this family, Jeremiah may have been married six times! And he may have been married to two of them at the same time. (The family tree linked above is not the one on ancestry.com, but it has some of the information I used for reference.)

Another controversial issue with him is his date of death:

Widows Pension Records Mary E. Densmore
Detail:  Death Dates
Date:     1870 to 1871
Notes:     Thomas R. Hunley his son, told Mrs. Mary Murray who was married to Jeremiah Hunley that his father died in Dec 1863 then later told her April 1864 and that he died in prison. It was later voice in court proceedings that Thomas later said he died in 1870 or 1871, but was later reported to be alive.

From: Fletcher-Ammons, Hunley family tree on ancestry.com.

In her book linked above, Anna “Hundley” Glud states that her father knew he was dying, and told her to marry his old friend, Joe Dalton, who turned out to be a drunken wife beater who abused her. According to her story, she had a baby boy, (Charles Thomas Hunley?) and was so afraid for their lives, she took him and ran away. Eventually, she somehow ended up in California, but doesn’t say how she got there, or with whom she made the journey.

So, according to the news stories, Anna managed to hang on to her drum all these years. This is a red flag for me. She ran away from an abusive relationship, with child in arms, and still had her drum?

If she had been married, did she get a divorce before marrying Paul Glud? Did Joe Dalton die? How would she know if she ran away? I suppose that information might be found on her marriage license application for her marriage to Paul.

The accounts of her father, in her book and all the news articles don’t seem to jive with the few facts about him that are available. Clearly, he seemed to have been busy getting hitched and unhitched, while the children apparently were farmed out.  He doesn’t sound like the kind of man who “couldn’t bare to leave his little girl behind.”

In addition, the part of the story where she states that General Grant, once he heard the touching story, let her stay in, just seems too much like a romance to be true. Sure, it could have happened, but why did she wait until everyone involved was dead to tell the story? She seemed to be a lady who liked the attention the story would have brought her.

From the 1873 Memorial Day address (Fitchburg, MA) by General Devons:

That there are imposters and pretenders now, just as there were shirks and deserters during the war, cannot be denied…

The Fitchburg Sentinel (Fitchburg, Massachusetts) May 31, 1873

My intent is not to disparage a good lady’s name. When I ran across the first article about her being a drummer boy, I was excited and had planned to add it to my post on drummer boys. So I started looking for more. After reading a few of the articles, I began to question the authenticity of her story. Obviously, she lived through the Civil War, and live was rough for her in her early years. She was very active in G.A.R. related groups, had brothers who fought in the war, and had access to all kinds of stories about the war. While her “war” story was interesting to read, I think it was just that, a story.

To Readers: Any additional information that might support her story would be welcome.

Tags: "Tom Hundley, Anna Hundley, Annie Glud, California, Civil War, Drummer Boys, Hundley, Hunley, Mining for Gold, Oakland CA, Tom Hunley