Description
Book SynopsisOffers an uncommon and intimate account of the lives of two conscientious objectors. In 2013 Suzanne Kesler Rumsey discovered hundreds of letters exchanged between her late grandparents. What is unusual about their story is that Ben Kesler was not writing from a theater of war. Instead, as a conscientious objector.
Trade Review"Blessed Are the Peacemakers provides an excellent example of how historical scholarship in rhetoric and composition, as well as in other fields, can be made stronger-meaning more self-aware and more engaging-by emphasizing and even prioritizing the narrative and personal/familial frameworks that structure and support that scholarship." - Wendy Sharer, author of
Vote and Voice: Women's Organizations and Political Literacy, 1915-1930"Rumsey does an admirable job weaving together family history and public history, the story of two lives, a couple, as revealed via their love letters during a tumultuous time, WWII. Emphasizing the challenges and conditions faced by Conscientious Objectors (CO), especially those affiliated with the major Peace Churches. A well-researched, engaging project that offers new insights into the lives, work, and literate activities of COs during WWII." - Gesa Kirsch, author of
Feminist Rhetorical Practices: New Horizons for Rhetoric, Composition, and Literacy StudiesTable of Contents
- List of Figures
- Acknowledgments
- Introduction
- Chapter 1. Conduit and Platform
- Chapter 2. Beginnings (Early Life)
- Chapter 3. Conscription, Nonresistance, and Civilian Public Service
- Chapter 4. Leaving and Nesting
- Chapter 5. Ben's Work and Camp Life at Sideling Hill
- Chapter 6. Miriam's Story-the First Six Months
- Chapter 7. Finances and Interpersonal Conflicts
- Chapter 8. The Holidays
- Chapter 9. Transition to Rhode Island
- Chapter 10. Archives, Family History, and the Personal
- Chapter 11. Conditions of the State Hospital in 1943
- Chapter 12. Daily Life at the State Hospital
- Chapter 13. Finances and More Conflicts
- Conclusion
- Notes
- Bibliography
- Index
