A ceremonial sword, once owned by Dr. John F. Stevenson of New Brunswick, who served in the American Civil War, will soon be displayed at the Loyalist House museum in Saint John. Stevenson, a native of St. Andrews, N.B., was a surgeon in the United States Medical Corps during the Civil War and served with the 29th Connecticut Infantry, an African-American regiment. His service was recognized with a nickel-plated steel dress sword, which the New Brunswick Historical Society has successfully acquired for $6,200, facilitated by a donation of a display case from the Canadian Museum of History.
Troy Middleton, vice-president of Loyalist House, expressed excitement about adding this sword to their collection. He noted the significance of connecting a tangible artifact with a personal history and pointed out that ceremonial swords from the 1800s are particularly rare. Stevenson’s contribution as a medical officer during the war is of such historical interest that a ceremonial event is being planned by the Historical Society to honor his memory at his resting place in St. Andrews’ cemetery.
Stevenson, who became ill and died on November 8, 1865, in New York while returning to Canada, represents one of the many Canadians who played roles in the American Civil War, a fact not widely acknowledged. It is documented that up to 50,000 Canadians, including doctors from Atlantic Canada, participated in various capacities, reflecting the cross-border histories intertwined through events like the Civil War.
