News Release

Author Justin Carisio Speaks at Wilmington University about Quakers, Pacifism and the Civil War

Despite belief in pacifism, many Quakers willingly engaged in the "war to end slavery."

Wilmington University College of Arts and Sciences will present Justin Carisio, author of A Quaker Officer in the Civil War, on Tuesday, November 18, at 6:00 p.m. in the Pratt Student Center on the New Castle Campus. 

The event is free and open to students, faculty and the community.

Henry Gawthrop was a member of the Society of Friends, otherwise known as a Quaker, who enlisted in Delaware’s 4^th Regiment during the Civil War and rose to the rank of brevet major. He was wounded three times, with the last time resulting in the amputation of his right foot. Gawthrop later wrote of his experiences in a book entitled Diaries and Letters H.G. that was published in 1915. 

Carisio's book builds on Gawthrop's experiences and details how uncommon it was for a Quaker to enlist in the Union Army despite their well known belief in pacifism.

“Justin Carisio does an excellent job of expressing the historical account of the experiences of Major Henry Gawthorp and other Quakers in the Civil War,” said Lynn Moore, Regional Chair/History Chair of the College of Arts and Sciences at Wilmington University. "We anticipate that Mr. Carisio will give all those who attend a better appreciation and understanding of why Quakers in Delaware were willing to fight for the Union and against the evil of slavery despite their basic religious belief in pacifism.” 

Originally from Pennsylvania, Carisio relocated to Delaware and worked for DuPont for more than 30 years primarily in communications as an executive speech writer. Today, he serves as a company historian and is a past member of the Board of Trustees for the Delaware Historical Society. Carisio holds degrees from both LaSalle University and John Hopkins University. 

About Wilmington University

Wilmington University is a private, nonprofit institution committed to providing flexible, career-oriented, traditional and online associate, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs. Ranked as the second fastest growing doctoral, and the fourth fastest growing private, nonprofit university in America 2001– 2011 by The Almanac of The Chronicle of Higher Education, affordable tuition, academic excellence and individualized attention are hallmarks of the University that enable greater student success in their chosen careers. For more information, contact Wilmington University at 302-356-INFO (4636), via email at infocenter@wilmu.edu, or visit our website: www.wilmu.edu.

Published: Monday, November 17, 2014 - New Castle, DE