From an article in the Toledo (Oh) Blade, by Jennifer Feehan.
"Opposing flags go on brothers' grave markers."
In Fremont, Ohio's Oakwood Cemetery, there were a lot of US flags flying this past Memorial Day. However, there was a Confederate flag on the grave of John G. Emst. And nearby, there was a US flag on the grave of his older brother George W. Emst.
The family lived in Fremont, but before the war, moved to Indiana in 1854 where they operated a dry goods store. Then, later, the parents and John relocated to Mobile, Alabama. George remained in Indiana.
In 1862, George enlisted in the 26th Indiana and was at a camp in Mobile from March 17th to April 12th. John was in Mobile at the time as a member of the 21st Alabama.
Both men later married and had children. George lived from 1839 to 1924. John from 1842 to 1923. According to a newspaper article from 1923, George and 11 other Union veterans were at the service for John.
Unfortunately, there is no mention how John ended up back in Ohio.
A Real Brothers War. --Old B-Runner
The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.
