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Photographer: Mike Wintermantel
Taken: March 15, 2015
Caption: Zoar Village - Panel 2
Additional Description: Top Middle Caption
Times of war often create internal conflict for the individual and community. While the Zoarite community as a whole stayed out of the conflict, they actively disagreed with slavery and contributed to the United States Soldiers' Aid Society, which provided food and clothing to Union Soldiers.

Bottom Right Caption
While their religious beliefs promoted pacifism, many younger men in the village were drawn to military service. In September 1861, the first recruits from Zoar enlisted in the Union Army. Although this action was against the founding principles of the separatist society, all enlisted Zoarites received $2 from the community.

Bottom Left Caption
"How could I defend myself? As one who thanklessly enjoys our free rights, and as an idle participant in the fate of my fatherland and fellow man..."
Letter home from an unidentified Zoarite soldier
Submitted: March 16, 2015, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Database Locator Identification Number: p302945
File Size: 2.499 Megabytes

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