About the Author: Thomas Tear
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My love of history was handed down to me by my paternal Grandparents.
My Grandfather loved to tell stories about his Scottish ancestors and to quote Mark Twain. Grandmother would
entertain us with tales told to her by her uncle, John Dean, who had fought in the Civil War.
Both of my grandparents had a treasure chest of historical letters,
photos, and documents. I am fortunate to have inherited a number of these including my great grandmother's
bible from the 1800's.
My involvement with living history came about by chance. A good friend who was involved with
the reenactment community encouraged me to attend an event in Maryland. I went and I was hooked.
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Thomas Tear, author
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The inspiration that would lead to the concept for the book came to me one afternoon in March. We were to
attend a Civil War reenactment ball in April in Annapolis, but the ball was canceled. We decided to have a
dress up dinner at a historic restaurant with our friends instead; this would give the ladies the chance to
show off their new gowns. Since Karen’s birthday was one week later, the dinner became an impromptu party
for her. Everyone's "present" to Karen was to create a "persona" who had lived during the war and tell
a short story about who they had been.
Karen created the persona of Josephine, Roxanna created Aunt Effie, and I became Maj. Charles McGuire.
It was from the characters created for this evening's entertainment that the concept for the book grew.
As the book began to take shape in my mind, I found inspiration in Charleston, South Carolina,
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and many other historic sites from north to south. In addition I drew from a
wealth of family stories and events. I have changed names and embellished details for the sake of making the
story more interesting.
I hope you enjoy, Memoirs of a Confederate Gentleman. Look for more stories of the McGuires and the St Johns in,
Camellias have no Memory,coming in 2015.
Thomas William Tear
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