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Three brothers, surgeon and wife remembered at Camp Chase
(by Sean Lehosit, Westside Editor - May 24, 2012)
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| Messenger photo by Sean V. Lehosit |
| Monty and Margaret Chase stand at the front gate of the Camp Chase Confederate Cemetery dressed in Civil War era clothes. |
An agreement made more than 100 years ago between two opposing veterans of the Civil War promised to care for the resting place and remember the men who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
This tradition continues through the Hilltop Historical Society’s (HHS) rememberance of 2,000 men buried at the Camp Chase Confederate Cemetery, 2900 Sullivant Ave.
The 117th Memorial of Camp Chase Confederate Cemetery is June 10 at 3 p.m.
According to Monty Chase, member of the HHS and descendent of the cemetery’s namesake, each year a member of the Union and Confederate military is remembered.
This year remembers three brothers who fought together, were captured together, died within a week of each other, and were buried at the cemetery in January 1865.
Jacob, James and John Kelly were from Coffee County, Ala. They were captured in 1864 and brought to the camp during one of the coldest and cruelest winters in Columbus, Chase said.
That month almost 500 soldiers died at the camp.
Union soldier Albert Greene Longwell and his assistant and wife, Cordelia Eaton Longwell, are also remembered.
After an accident left his spine and bowels twisted, Albert was sent to the camp in 1863 to work as a surgeon.
According to Margaret Chase, written accounts on both sides of the war showed deep appreciation and affection for Albert and Cordelia.
To ensure the wounded and sick were well cared for, Albert was closely exposed to the camp’s rampant diseases. He became fatally ill from typhoid malaria in 1865.
Margaret said hours of research uncovered these stories. Margaret and Monty examine historical documents, genealogy websites, letters and books.
The research also helped locate descendents.
Stewart Mock, relative of the Kelly brothers, is attending the memorial. Georgia Fleming could not leave her Alabama home, but submitted words to be read about her great-great-great-uncle, Jacob.
West High alumnus Paul Clay, and great-great-newphew of Albert, will speak on behalf of his family. Clay has been active in the HHS. In the late 1990s he organized a re-enactment of a Camp Chase style encampment.
The information on the Longwells was researched and recorded years ago by Clay.
The Sons of Union Veterans and Sons of Confederate Veterans C.W. will also be present.
The Spotlight Repertory Troupe from the Imaginating Dramatics Company will perform songs from Jill Eliot’s “Kids, Courage and the Civil War.”
Throughout the afternoon the Ohio Civil War Brass Band will perform. John Huffman, band director for Waverly City Schools, will lead the “Star Spangled Banner” as it was performed during the Civil War.
For information on this event and the HHS, visit www.hilltopusa.tripod.com.
| Comments (1) |
On May 31, 2012 Barbara said:
Good article and great picture of you Cousin and Margaret!! |
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