Local Author Unveils New Book at Signing Event

ZANESVILLE, OH – The John McIntire Library hosted a book signing Thursday in partnership with the Nelson T. Gant Foundation.

Author Larry Shirer wrote the book “Nelson T Gant: From Slave to Prosperous Business Owner and Respected Citizen”. Todd E. Ware, President of the Gant Foundation, talked about the book and partnership with Shirer to host this book signing.

“In conjunction with Larry Shirer we [decided] to present a book signing,” Ware said. “Shirer wrote this book about Nelson T. Gant’s story and the Gant life.”

Sean Fennell, the Marketing and Community Relations Director, said they’re proud to be able to partner with the Gant Foundation for an event like this.

“We’re just always excited to have local authors in and help get the word out,” Fennell said. “[While] supporting writing and literacy and history and connections right in our own backyard.”

Shirer said it meant a lot to him to be able to share his story with the community.

“This is my 8th book, I like to write books. I keep a list of 5 or 6 books on my ‘to-do’ list,” Shirer said. “In the summer of 2022 I added to the list to write a book about the Underground Railroad. I knew Putman had a reputation as being a nest of abolitionists so I did a little research and came across the name of Nelson Gant. I came to Zanesville for a funeral, went out to the Gant Foundation and they told me a little about Gant.”

If you are interested in reading “Nelson T. Gant: From Slave to Prosperous Business Owner and Respected Citizen” you can find it on Amazon.