The Civil War came to Clarion County Saturday afternoon when the Perry Township Historical Society hosted a commemorative event at Wetzel Park in West Freedom.
Event organizer Sally Reed said the Underground Railroad operated in Clarion County prior to the Civil War. She said one of the conductors on the railroad was James Hogan who wrote, “In regard to my personal life, I am a strong believer in the cause of freedom for the Black man.” Hogan said he was an “extreme abolitionist” who “helped many a Black man to obtain the state of freedom with the help of celebrated Underground Railroad.”
Reed said the Freedom Trail in western Pennsylvania began at Uniontown. One branch ran through Indiana and another to Franklin. The trail ran through West Monterey, Parker, Foxburg and Emlenton.
Lew Basinger of Summerville portrayed a Civil War era doctor. He said there were very few surgeons in the army when the war began so many civilian doctors volunteered. “More than a few had no surgical experience at all,” said Basinger. “They learned on the job.”
Von Rhoades of Knox portrayed a member of the 2nd Regiment of the U.S. Sharp Shooters. He said they were skilled marksmen who acted as scouts and snipers.
Larry Anthony of Brookville represented a private in the 105th Pennsylvania Volunteers. The regiment, commonly known as the Wildcats, drew their recruits from the Clarion, Jefferson and Indiana counties.
Rory Biggins of Hermitage portrayed a private in the 23rd Virginia, a regiment that tangled with the 105th Pennsylvania several times during the war.
Judy Rawson of Rimersburg presented the latest fashions at her station. She demonstrated her skills on the recently invented sewing machine and several finished dresses.
A ceremony was conducted to honor the men from the township who died during the war. The name of every soldier was read and a rifle salute was performed.