Eli Slifer
Kelly Township, Union County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Home, 1861-1888, of Civil War Secretary of the Commonwealth, who as assistant to Governor Andrew Curtin had leading role in mobilizing State's men and resources for war. Elected State Assemblyman, State Treasurer. Born 1818, died 1888. House is now office of Evangelical Home.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Eli Slifer (1818–1888) lived in this house during the crisis years of the Civil War, serving as Pennsylvania's Secretary of the Commonwealth. As a close aide to the state's wartime governor, Andrew Curtin, he helped organize the enormous task of raising troops and marshaling supplies for the Union effort. A veteran state legislator and treasurer, he was one of the administrative hands behind Pennsylvania's war machine.
Why it matters
The Union war effort depended on state officials who could turn political will into mustered regiments and delivered supplies, and Slifer was one of those indispensable organizers behind the front lines.
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Related people
- · Eli Slifer
- · Andrew Curtin
Themes & tags
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