Voices from the Past: The Kelton Family Letters During the Civil War

Reenactment Performance At Green Lawn Cemetery

Join us at historic Green Lawn Cemetery at the gazebo to witness a dramatic reading of the letters written between Oscar, his older sister Anna, and his loving parents during the years 1862 to 1866. Experience the insightful and detailed first hand descriptions of Oscar’s military experiences and ambitions, his candid conversations with sister Anna, and the parental concerns of Fernando and Sophia Kelton that are depicted in these compelling family letters.

About: Oscar Dwight Kelton was the eldest son of Fernando and Sophia Kelton, prosperous merchants and known abolitionists in Columbus. An abolitionist himself and a student at Kenyon College at the advent of the Civil War, Oscar very much wanted to serve in the Union Army. After obtaining his parents’ permission, Oscar was the first man to enlist in Company A of the 95th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He enlisted as a private and was quickly promoted to Orderly Sergeant. Oscar’s regiment saw battle in Tennessee and Mississippi and eventually joined the ill-fated Sturgis expedition at the Battle of Brice’s Crossroads where Oscar was tragically killed in action.

 

Reservations required