My Brother's Keeper: A Civil War Story

The American Civil War was a pivotal moment in the history of the United States. Families were torn apart as brothers found themselves on opposing sides of the conflict, fighting for their respective beliefs. One such story that exemplifies this divided loyalty is the tale of the Johnson brothers, George and Samuel, who enlisted in the Union and Confederate armies, respectively. Their journey through the war, filled with courage, sacrifice, and a longing to protect one another, became known as "My Brother's Keeper."

Early Life and Family Ties

George and Samuel Johnson were born in a small town in Kentucky to a loving family. They grew up together, spending countless hours exploring the outdoors and dreaming of the future. As they grew older, their interests diverged. George developed a passion for social justice and abolitionist ideals, while Samuel held onto the traditions and values of their southern heritage.

When the Civil War broke out in 1861, it tore families apart. The Johnson family was no exception. George, driven by his principles, joined the Union Army, while Samuel, bound by loyalty to his roots, enlisted in the Confederate Army.

My Brothers' Keeper: A Civil War Story

by Nancy Johnson(Kindle Edition)

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	629 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	137 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The Divide Begins

As the war progressed, the brothers found themselves on opposite sides of the battlefield. George fought gallantly for the Union, passionately advocating for his beliefs and fighting for the liberation of enslaved individuals. Samuel, equally committed to his cause, defended the Confederacy, believing in states' rights and fighting for what he saw as a way of life.

Despite the ideological divide, the brothers maintained a deep bond and an unbreakable sense of family. In the early years of the war, they exchanged occasional letters, expressing their hope for a swift resolution to the conflict and a safe return to their loved ones.

The Battle of Gettysburg

However, their paths were destined to cross again on the infamous fields of Gettysburg. The Battle of Gettysburg, fought from July 1-3, 1863, was a turning point in the war. It became the bloodiest battle with over 50,000 casualties.

During the chaos and confusion of the battle, George and Samuel found themselves facing each other on the front lines. As fate would have it, they were both positioned in the same regiment, unaware of each other's presence until that moment. Recognizing one another, they momentarily ceased fighting, locking eyes in an expression of sorrow and love.

The Ultimate Sacrifice

The reunion was short-lived, as duty and loyalty compelled them to resume the fight. In the midst of the chaos, they made an unspoken agreement to protect each other as best they could while fulfilling their obligations to their respective sides. The battle was fierce, and losses were heavy on both ends.

Tragically, in the final hours of the Battle of Gettysburg, George and Samuel were wounded, lying side by side on the blood-soaked ground. The medics, overwhelmed by the sheer number of casualties, could not tend to them immediately. They clasped hands, their eyes reflecting a deep understanding that this would be their last encounter.

They spoke softly to each other, expressing their love and gratitude for one another. They reminisced about their childhood, their dreams, and the time they spent together. The bond between the brothers remained unbreakable until their last breaths.

George and Samuel's sacrifice on that fateful day epitomized the devastating toll the war took on families across the nation. They became an enduring symbol of the conflicted loyalties and personal sacrifices made during the Civil War, forever remembered as an example of "My Brother's Keeper."

The Johnson Brothers' Legacy

Today, the story of George and Samuel Johnson serves as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of war on families. Although their beliefs and choices brought them to opposite sides of the conflict, their unwavering bond and love for one another remained untarnished.

We must remember the sacrifices made by soldiers like George and Samuel who fought with conviction, each believing they were fighting for a just cause. It is a poignant tale that teaches us about empathy, forgiveness, and the enduring strength of family ties.

The Johnson brothers may have been separated by war, but in the end, they proved that blood runs thicker than ideological differences.

The story of My Brother's Keeper is one that highlights the profound impact of war on individuals and families alike. It reminds us that even in times of great division, love and familial bonds can transcend political differences.

The Civil War was a tumultuous period in American history, and the Johnson brothers' story encapsulates the struggle faced by many families torn apart by conflicting allegiances. Their story serves as a poignant reminder that, ultimately, we must strive for unity and understanding, even in times of great strife.

My Brothers' Keeper: A Civil War Story

by Nancy Johnson(Kindle Edition)

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	629 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	137 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

My Brothers’ Keeper is the story of Joshua Parish, a farm boy who goes off to the Civil War when he is just thirteen. He soon has to face long, hot marches, a deadly ambush, and the danger, noise, and smoke of the battlefield. He serves as a drummer, a messenger, and a doctor’s helper, slowly finding the right way to do his part in the war. Captured by the Confederates, he escapes, delivers important information to the Union camp, and receives a reward he never expected.

Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Gr 6 Up--Based on the true experiences of the author's great-great-uncles, this book follows the orphaned Parish brothers, upstate New Yorkers who join the Union Army. Strong, high-spirited, and often reckless, 15-year-old Jeremiah can't wait to lie about his age and enlist for adventure and glory, once he shepherds his younger siblings, Joshua and Mattie, safely away from their alcoholic, violent stepfather. Careful, introspective Josh, just 13, is unsure about the war, but knows he must keep the deathbed promise he made to his mother to watch out for Jere, no matter what. Leaving Mattie with a loving aunt and uncle in Rochester, the brothers find a company of volunteers to swear in Jere as a soldier and Josh as a drummer boy. When the training is over and the company joins General Meade's Fifth Corps in Virginia, the boys encounter the reality of combat all too soon. Suddenly alone and surrounded by blood and tragedy, Josh must grow up quickly and decide his views on war while in the midst of it. The story unfolds in a tight narrative that will hold readers' interest, and Josh's character development is both believable and touching. Historical details are accurate; anyone who has visited Civil War battle sites will find the experiences at Little Round Top and The Wilderness as convincing as they are exciting.
Starr E. Smith, Marymount University Library, Arlington,
Copyright 1998 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to the print edition of this title.