When William Gould Raymond published his now largely unknown autobiography in 1891, he used the title “Elder” and proclaimed that he shared his story in “the honor and glory of God.” He also placed his descendants at the beginning of his list of those to whom he dedicated his volume. It is therefore no surprise that his account of his life focuses on his devotion to the human family. Yet as Donna Burtch and William Burtch have demonstrated in their updated version of their great-great-great grandfather’s memoirs, Raymond did so much more. Through their research they provide additional evidence that not only corroborates but expands on Raymond’s recollections and transcriptions of his personal and professional papers. During the mid-nineteenth century, Raymond preached for the Baptist Church, he was a key figure in the formation of the 1st United States Colored Infantry in the District of Columbia, and he assisted the Pottawatomie in Kansas. Later in the century he continued to serve the Baptist Church through his work as a faith healer and struggled with his own opium addiction. Raymond’s experiences not only span the nineteenth century, but his journeys took him from New England to the upper South, and from the Native American reservations in Kansas to New York. General audiences will be fascinated by William Gould Raymond’s personal story, but they will also benefit from the multiple lessons in United States history that are much needed for us to better understand our nation and citizenry today.

A riveting account of a Baptist chaplain who stepped up as the first leader of Black troops to defend the Union cause during the Civil War, only to have that role erased by the War Department. This compelling work by Donna and William Burtch is certain to cause a reevaluation of a lost piece of U.S. history.

A thorough and engaging bio of an obscure but pivotal player in some of the most important events in America’s nineteenth century. From itinerant ministry, to enforcing martial law, raising the 1st U.S. Colored Troops [U.S.C.T.] in the Civil War, battling addiction, and faith healing, W. G. Raymond’s story is a vividly rendered window into an era when men and women deeply believed, and acted boldly on their faith.