The Surviving Works of William David Sutton

1843- 1899

De: William David Sutton

Narrado por: Virtual Voice

The wit and wisdom of William D. Sutton can now be shared with all. “As the muscles in the human frame, Is strengthened by our avocation, The human intellect it’s the same, By constant use and occupation” –William D. Sutton For a man of humble means from Grayson County, Kentucky, Sutton became a fairly well-off man, served in the Confederate army, where he was captured by his own brother, who was serving in the Union army. He languished as a prisoner of war and eventually lost his fortune. Sutton’s surviving works include never before published material from his own journals that have recently been discovered. These have been laboriously transcribed in detail from Sutton’s own hand and organized accordingly. Sutton’s subjects cover a broad spectrum, including his description of his home county, his childhood, courting a young lady for the first time, superstitions of the day, the nature of God, organized religion, a story from his own grandfather about General Andrew Jackson, and a scathing commentary for a saloon keeper, who complained about not having enough business. There is much more material, including two letters of advice to his younger friends Much of his material was written in rhyme, even his letters. His advice is as relevant today as ever. Had William “Wildee” Sutton been published in his day, he might well have been thought of at the Mark Twain of Kentucky. These surviving works are important for every collection of 19th century American literature. Text has been transcribed and edited by Daniel B. Rundquist.