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Charles MITCHELL obituary,
and item about the formation of Kelleys Island Home Guard:
On July 14, 1863 a company of volunteer militia for state defense
called the Kelleys Island Home Guard was formed. This consisted of 52
privates and 17 officers and non-coms. William True, was named as 1st
corporal. The reason that this company was formed is that in 1863, rumors of
rebel activities in Canada and threats of raids from that direction by bands
of southern sympathizers led by rebel officers kept the island people in a
more or less anxious state.
Daily Commercial Register, Sandusky, Ohio - July 13, 1864
The remains of our friend, Charles Mitchell, Co. K, 130th O.N.G., who
died at City Point, Va., July 2nd, arrived here on the ISLAND QUEEN, Friday
evening, July 8th. They were taken to Kelley's Hall to remain over night.
Saturday morning he was interred at the cememtery. The Episcopal burial
service was read by Mrs. J. Kelley, and a hymn sung at the grave. On Sunday
the Rev. Mr. McCune preached his funeral sermon. (Charles is buried next to
Hattie True, with the same stone, on Kelley's Island. Hattie True was a
sister to Sarah wife of Charles.)
Mr. Mitchell moved to this place with wife about three years ago from
the State of Maine. He was one of those social, happy, and truly honorable
men who are ever welcome to all social circles, and most deeply do we feel
the great loss and we have sustained in his death. He did not enlist as a
soldier as a matter of choice, but purely as a duty which he owed his
country; yet few went more cheerfully. His comrades write that his death has
cast a gloom over the company which will be long felt. Everyone supposed he
was getting along well with the measles, until within an hour or two of his
death. That his wife and remaining relatives may take consolation in the
remembrance of his many virtues is the sincere wish of a friend. E. H.