Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 declared "that all persons held as slaves" within the rebellious states "are, and henceforward shall be free." The Proclamation announced the acceptance of Black men into the Union Army and Navy, enabling the "liberated to become liberators." The United States Colored Troops were born.

Oscar Dwight Kelton was the eldest son of Fernando and Sophia Kelton An abolitionist and a student at Kenyon College at the advent of the Civil War, Oscar very much wanted to serve in the Union Army. After obtaining his parents’ permission, Oscar was the first man to enlist in Company A of the 95th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Oscar’s regiment saw battle in Tennessee and Mississippi and eventually joined the ill-fated Sturgis expedition at the Battle of Brice’s Crossroads where Oscar was tragically killed in action.

Oscar Kelton's Union regiment — organized and trained at Camp Chase — volunteered to become officers in the United States Colored Troops while on the field and after the Battle of Vicksburg. Learn the history of these officers and the regiments of the United States Colored Troops at a Civil War flashpoint, Natchez, Mississippi, during the war and Reconstruction.

Founded in 1923, the Junior League of Columbus is part of a network of 298 Junior Leagues across the world. We are a learning organization dedicated to; promoting voluntarism through our Quick Impact opportunities, developing the potential of women through our hands-on training through placements, and improving communities through projects and programs developed by our organization. Our programs included Kelton House Museum & Garden and our Bridging the G.A.P. Project.

Kelton's Emancipated Regiments

By Junior League of Columbus

Kelton's Emancipated Regiments

In honor of Veterans Day