A Kansas Soldier at War: The Civil War Letters of Christian & Elise Dubach Isely

by Ken Spurgeon

When war broke out in 1861, Christian and Elise Dubach Isely, soon to be married, found themselves in the midst of the conflict. Having witnessed the atrocities of Bleeding Kansas firsthand and fearful of what would come from this war, Christian enlisted with the 2nd Kansas Cavalry to fight alongside Union forces. During the next three years, the couple would write hundreds of letters to each other, as well as to friends and family members. Their writings survive today, providing a unique look at the Civil War--one of both military and civilian perspectives--in a passionate exchange between husband and wife in which the war, faith and family are discussed openly and frankly.

Genres: History

192 pages, Paperback

First published March 7, 2013

Reviews

[Linda]

I enjoyed this book based on the actual letters, diary and memoir written by Swiss immigrant and Union soldier Christian Isley and his wife Elise Dubach Isley also a Swiss immigrant to the U.S. I have to say that reading this was quite timely because the constant political disagreements between Christian and his family back in Ohio seemed very contemporary with each side sure that the other was totally wrong. I knew that many Northerners were not huge supporters of ‘Mr. Lincoln’s War’ but in the part of Ohio where Christian’s parents lived there didn’t seem to be any supporters (until he was assassinated of course).

[Kbarker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book was interesting, but I didn't fact check the history. I expected it to be written in letter form and it wasn't. The author just kinda told you what the letters said. It was a hard time back then with letters slow in coming, the couple also lost a child and that would have been difficult with being apart. I do admire the courage of the couple and their faith in God through it all. The author did a good job of conveying those ideals.