Oberlin Civil War History
During the American Civil War, the Oberlin community was known for its strong abolitionist support and commitment to defending the Union. Over 1,000 men from Oberlin, Russia Township, and Oberlin College students served during the war, driven by the town’s belief in freedom and equality. Their service helped shape Oberlin’s history, further cementing its role in the fight to end slavery.
For an overview of Oberlin’s involvement in the Civil War, readers are encouraged to consult Robert Fletcher’s A History of Oberlin College, Volume II (pages 841-885).
Civil War History Resources
Explore Oberlin’s Civil War history through featured articles and research that highlight local soldiers and citizens:
7th Ohio Volunteers at Kessler’s Cross Lanes
Hiram Alonzo Pease: The Legend of a Principled Abolitionist
The 7th OVI at The Battle of Kernstown—March, 1862
The Squirrel Hunters: Citizen Soldiers and the Defense of Ohio in the Civil War
Additional Research Tools
Dive deeper into Oberlin’s Civil War history using these research resources:
Oberlin and the Civil War page of the Oberlin College Archives
About the Civil War Soldiers Database
The Oberlin Civil War Soldiers Database was compiled by AmeriCorps Member Richard Donegan during his time with the Oberlin Heritage Center, as part of the Ohio History Service Corps program. This project was initiated to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War and aimed to document Oberlin residents and students who served.
The database includes over 1,000 names of soldiers, primarily those who:
- Lived in Oberlin or Russia Township at the outbreak of the war.
- Were students of Oberlin College, Theology Department, or Preparatory Department at the time.
This detailed record aims to support genealogy research and local history projects. If using or citing the database, please credit:
“Oberlin Civil War Soldiers Database compiled by Richard Donegan for the Oberlin Heritage Center, 2013.”
What’s Included in the Civil War Soldiers Database?
Researchers can find detailed information on each soldier’s service and personal history, including:
- Name, Rank, Unit, and Company
- Occupation and Age at Enlistment
- Dates and Period of Service
- Residence at Enlistment and Place of Birth
- Oberlin College Affiliation
- Remarks on Service and Death During War
- Connection to the Oberlin-Wellington Rescue
- Appearance on the Oberlin Soldiers Monument in Wright Park
The Soldiers Monument in Wright Park is a key site featured in our City of Oberlin Historic Landmarks.
Help Us Preserve Oberlin’s Civil War History
The Oberlin Heritage Center strives to preserve and expand access to local Civil War history records. If you have corrections, additions, or information related to Oberlin’s Civil War veterans, please contact us at history@oberlinheritage.org or call 440-774-1700.
Learn more about Oberlin’s role in abolition and the Underground Railroad through our Freedom’s Friends Tour and local history research services.
Plan Your Visit
Combine Civil War history research with a visit to the Oberlin Heritage Center, featuring:
- Guided Historic Home Tours
- Self-Guided Walking Tours
- Monroe House & Historic Collections
- Westwood Cemetery Tour
Support Local History
Help preserve Oberlin’s Civil War legacy and historic landmarks by becoming a member, donating, or volunteering with the Oberlin Heritage Center: