Preserving the Union:
Honoring the Past
The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, John T. Crawford Camp #43, with the support of the Indiana County Tourist Bureau, and the Historical and Genealogical Society of Indiana County, have come together for the purpose of honoring Indiana County Civil War veterans. This honoring of our veterans will take the form of a life-size bronze statue of a Civil War private atop a barnstone base. The memorial will be placed in the front lawn of the Silas M. Clark House, a former GAR Post 28 meeting hall.
As with any endeavor that is to encompass and honor so many lives, there is a lot of work to be accomplished to bring about a successful completion. Approximately 2,800 Indiana County veterans sacrificed and put their lives on hold so that our Union could be preserved. In the process, the abolition of slavery occurred – a grand undertaking by anyone’s standards. This undertaking makes our current memorial project seem much less arduous; however, the project still requires a concerted effort from the parties involved. We need any Civic minded citizens who have ever longed to be a part of making history in a tangible manner to support this project. As the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War approaches, the timeliness of this project is paramount.
The Soldier’s Pose:
“Rest on Arms”
“Rest on Arms” is a ceremonial pose of the Union soldier. This thoughtful, prayerful, reflective and respectful pose is a non-warrior position, reflecting the longing for peace and reunion with family, friends and community that was always on the mind of the ordinary soldier. The pose reflects the sacrifice for freedom that our soldiers accepted with courage and honor.
About the Sons:
Caring for the Past and Future
The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War is a patriotic and educational organization similar to the Grand Army of the Republic, founded in 1881, and incorporated by an Act of Congress approved on August 29, 1954.
The local camp, known as the John T. Crawford Camp #43, was originally formed in 1904, and was named in honor of John T. Crawford, a former attorney and physician, who enlisted in the 63rd Regiment of the Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He was soon promoted to Brigade Surgeon. While tending to his wounded men in Virginia, Major Crawford contracted typhoid fever, and was sent home to recuperate in 1862. After returning to Kittanning, the disease worsened, and on June 7, 1862, he died from its effects.
His wife, Sarah Colwell Crawford, for whom the Auxiliary is named, never remarried, and remained in Kittanning until her death in 1912. Both John and Sarah are buried in Kittanning Cemetery.
The Sculptor:
John McCombie
Indiana County Sculptor, John McCombie, grew up in the hills and valleys of Western Pennsylvania. After two years at Kent State University, he was drafted into the United States Army and served a year in Vietnam. Upon arriving home, he married his wife Barbara, and they started a family Although John returned to finish college, he has a burning desire to work as an artist in bronze. Soon he built his own foundry and pursued his dream. His sculptures of animals portray the balance of nature contrasting with man’s frequent inability to achieve similar harmony. John’s native American sculptures portray a search for spiritual communion with a more natural world. John’s Civil War statue leaves one free to ponder what it means to see the horror of war between brothers and believe in humankind.
