Monday 2 January 2012

USCT

A United States Colored Troop Civil War vet
Nelson Stevens 1832-1890
Originally in an unmarked grave, Nelson Stevens was born in Virginia as a slave but was already in Hamilton at the time of the Civil War. He must have arrived in Canada by underground railway to escape slavery and crossed back to the US, to Buffalo, in 1865 to sign up to fight for the North. The Washington Veteran's Dept arranged for a stone to be made and was sent to the Hamilton Cemetery.
Photo includes members of US Veterans and Civil War re-enactors.
for Taphophiles Tragics

5 comments:

Julie said...

I have seen documentaries about the 'underground railway' before and during the American Civil War. I love the pride with which these gentlemen perform their duty. I am intruiged by those who are stung by the 're-enactor' bug. They exhibit immense dedication and give so much time.

Once again, thank you so much for your contribution to Taphophile Tragics. The breadth of the work that we view is heartening, and I value it immensely.

Lowell said...

A fascinating story. I know many runaways made it to Canada. He must have been a very brave man (with a bit of vengeance in his soul) to go back and enlist with the Union forces. Nice that his grave is now marked.

Jim said...

Very interesting.

Oakland Daily Photo said...

To escape slavery and then risk all to return to fight it, must be the absolute definition of bravery.

Melbourne Australia Photos said...

Interesting post. Good to see history being preserved and brought to life in this way.