David Bourhenne probably didn’t have to study much to win the youth division Civil War Quiz Bowl sponsored by the Cumberland County Library on January 27 in Fayetteville.

He has been living--or re-living--the Civil War for several years and learning as goes.

In fact, David, 15, won the Quiz Bowl once before, in 2009, during the second of four years of entering.

For his prize at the latest Quiz Bowl, David won a copy of the book Fields of Glory by Edwin C. Bearss.

David has been a reenactor since he was age eligible to become one, and he has introduced his brother, Daniel, 12, to the living history adventure.

David himself became interested in portraying Civil War soldiers after he saw a reenactment at age 8 in South Carolina.

He took it a step further when he joined the Battle of Ashpole reenactment near Fairmont in 2008. Still too young to portray a soldier, he served as a musician, playing drums or fife for both Confederate and Union troops.

He is now able to carry a reproduction 1853 Enfield rifle, but still serves as a musician with the 13th North Carolina Artillery and with the 3rd US Light Artillery units.

David is prepping for his future as a reenactor. He recently attended a period instrument training school called School of The Piece, at Fort Anderson (near Wilmington) which taught him the basics of cannon operation, and he is now able to help fire cannon during battles.

When he turns 16, he will become a full fledged reenactor and get to carry a rifle and participate more fully in the military maneuvers during reenactments.

A home schooled student, and docent at the Museum of the Cape Fear in Fayetteville, David said he wants to join the US Army after high school graduation.

“I really enjoy doing this,” he said, “and find it always more interesting. I’ve played baseball, but I can’t anything as interesting in sports. I’m more into the military and history, and combining them is what I truly enjoy.”