Behind all descriptions of historical events are the stories of real people. This is the extraordinary true story of a citizen soldier and the girl he loves, as both become embroiled in the cauldron of our nation's Civil War.
Steve Magnusen enjoyed a nationally recognized management and engineering career in north suburban Chicago after receiving his degree from Purdue University. He has led several professional and non-profit organizations, and served fifteen years as an infantry and armor officer in the US Army Reserve.
Steve’s particular interest in the Civil War’s elite “Iron Brigade” led him to diligently research the life of Rufus Dawes, the intrepid young commander of the Sixth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. Extensive original documentation revealed new details of battlefield heroism and his incredible wartime romance with young Mary Beman Gates of historic Marietta, Ohio. Steve was inspired to bring their captivating personal saga to life in To My Best Girl.
Steve Magnusen enjoyed a nationally recognized management and engineering career in north suburban Chicago after receiving his degree from Purdue University. He has led several professional and non-profit organizations, and served fifteen years as an infantry and armor officer in the US Army Reserve.
Steve’s particular interest in the Civil War’s elite “Iron Brigade” led him to diligently research the life of Rufus Dawes, the intrepid young...
Courage, Honor, and Love in the Civil War: The Inspiring Life Stories of Rufus Dawes and Mary Gates
Behind all descriptions of historical events are the stories of real people. This is the extraordinary true story of a citizen soldier and the girl he loves, as both become embroiled in the cauldron of our nation’s Civil War.
Rufus Dawes will emerge from a prolific yet troubled family background to become a heroic officer thrust into horrific...
War veterans often prefer to keep scenes of battle to themselves. Perhaps late in life a combat veteran might share certain incidents. Ephraim and older brother Rufus Dawes were...
