Teenage Boys of Civil War Forced to Steal for Survival

Most were little boys, 14 or 15 years old, frightened for their families and homes.

They were frightened for their own lives.

Yet they crept about Blair and Bedford counties, loaded gun in hand and stomachs growling for lack of food.

The country these kids were determined to defend and save could not or would not deal with the basic needs of the unpaid northern soldiers of Pennsylvania.

To stay alive and able to do battle, they had to resort to measures they detested, actions that left them with a scarred reputation they carry to this day and one that angers Civil War enthusiasts.

These teenag...