A Man Named Louis

“I’m going to Springfield and put flowers on that man’s grave.”

That’s what a friend told me today when I happened to see her at the grocery store. She had read my book, River to Redemption, and was moved by the actions of Louis Sansbury. (In my book, I changed his name to Sanderson since my story is fiction.) But my friend wanted to do something to honor his actions. She’s not the only reader so impressed by the truth of what this man named Louis did that she wanted to see the monument in his honor. Not long ago another friend came to the Washington County Library when I gave a book talk. She made sure she left while she had plenty of daylight so she could drive up to the Springfield cemetery and take a picture of the monument.

I told my friend today that the monument doesn’t mark Louis’s grave. From what I read, his grave was unmarked and no one is sure exactly where it is in the cemetery. But the monument is in the area where Louis buried the victims of the cholera epidemics. Those grave are also unmarked and the monument above was placed there in memory of Louis and the cholera victims he buried.

So who is this man, Louis? Most of you probably know that River to Redemption was inspired by a story I read about a slave named Louis who heroically served the town of Springfield, Kentucky during the cholera epidemics of 1833 and 1854. I introduce fictional characters and fictional events around the nugget of truth of what Louis did. He was one of those unusual people who wasn’t affected by cholera and so he worked tirelessly to care for those sickened by the disease and then to bury those who didn’t survive. That was fifty-five victims in 1833 and an additional fifty-one victims in 1854. The town repaid Louis’s service in that first cholera epidemic by buying his freedom in 1849. While I couldn’t find out a great deal about Louis, I do think he must have been a man of faith and character. That’s why I could be comfortable writing him into my story as a man who often told my character, Adria, to “pray believing.”

Many of those who have reviewed River to Redemption have also mentioned how Louis was a character that touched their hearts.

“This is a very character-driven story, and Adria Starr, Louis, and Aunt Tilda completely owned my heart. Their story is compelling. It’s heart-rending and heart-warming. I love that the character of Louis is based on a true account of a slave that was well-loved and respected by a whole community for his faith, love, and wisdom.” (Amazon review by Patti)

“Louis, however, is the character I admired most, so I was thrilled to read the author’s note revealing that Louis’s story was true.” (Amazon review by Kathleen)

“This story is based on a real story of a slave named Louis. His story is one of a true hero with a heart that loves the Lord completely. His story is certainly one we should all hear. He was selfless and kind when he could have headed north and saved himself. He blessed many people in that small town and in time God worked in the hearts of the people to give him the best gift he had ever received.” (Amazon review by Leann)

You can check out more reviews at Amazon and more about the book and other buy links here.

I count it a blessing that I was able to write a story around the nugget of truth about Louis and his actions in 1833. I’m also blessed by those of you who have read the story and been glad to know my characters and especially this man, Louis. So glad that some of you would like to put flowers on his grave.

As always, thanks for reading.