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Civil War Blog

A project of PA Historian

Edward Crabb – Victim of Bigotry in Gratz

Another Memorial Day has gone by and the grave of Edward Crabb, an African American Civil War soldier buried in Gratz Union Cemetery, continues to be un-decorated [no G.A.R.-Star-Flag-Holder and Flag].  In addition to being un-decorated, the Crabb family plot is one of the worst maintained in a cemetery which is known for its manicured […]

Was William P. Crabb an African-American?

The William P. Crabb who joined the 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry on 15 August 1864, did so at Harrisburg, claiming to be 25 years old (born in Adams County), was of dark complexion, residing in Frailey Township, Schuylkill County, and was employed as a miller. Prior to the above enlistment, a William P. Crabb, age 21 […]

Three Unusual Deaths of Civil War Soldiers in 1903

LONGEVITY – From the Harrisburg Patriot, 11 February 1903: Pennsylvania Veteran Dead at 104 Philadelphia, 10 February 1903 — Lewis Butler, colored, aged 104 years, died at his home in this city today of general debility.  He was born in York, Pennsylvania, and was a veteran of the Civil War, serving as a Sergeant in […]

Portrait Found of Rev. James A. Stokes

Rev. James A. Stokes was previously profiled here on this blog on 17 September 2014 in a post entitled, Rev. James A. Stokes – African American with the 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry?  Additional information has been located about him, including a picture, in the Harrisburg Telegraph of 10 February 1916. On the occasion of his 75th […]

Cassius Mars – Founder of Stevens Post in Harrisburg

On 8 April 1914, the Harrisburg Patriot reported that Cassius Mars had died: WAR VETERAN DIES Cassius Mars, aged 71 years, a Civil War veteran, died Monday at his home, 1201 North Fourth Street, after a few days’ illness, of pneumonia.  He was a charter member of David R. Stevens Post No. 520, Grand Army […]