As the swords cross on the front cover of this book rise from the flames of the Civil War, they symbolize more than just two images that you see. They represent survival, sacrifice, and a stake in our American History that was a legacy forged in battle.

When Darrell Anderson uncovers the story of his 2nd great-grandfather who was a black Cook and Artilleryman in the Civil War in the year 1859 with the Confederate Army over 166 years ago, he discovered that the same flame burned inside of him also by becoming a Chef and opening two restaurants 166 years later.

After Darrell’s great-grandfather’s captain was killed in battle, his grandfather returned back to Virginia to get his deceased captains father so that they could have a proper burial for his son.

This act of service landed him a seat listed in the “Sons of Confederate Veterans Resolution,” along with his actual sword and artifacts placed inside the Bedford Museum and Genealogical Library, located at foot of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in Bedford Virginia.

From the struggles of being homeless for over 9 years to becoming a full-time entrepreneur in the food industry, Chef Joseph’s: He Came During the Civil War is a powerful story of resilience, faith, and generational strength by blood.

Some battles are fought with swords, others are fought with faith, but no matter the battle, you will always come out on top if you don’t quit!