I report, with great sadness, that long-time Civil War reenactor and founder of Birney's Division, Major General Edward Kelley has fought his final battle. General Kelley passed away this morning at his home in West Newton, PA after a long struggle with cancer.
To so many of us, Ed was a friend, mentor, leader, Masonic Brother, and sometimes provided a kick in the ass when we most needed it. This is a loss to us personally as well as the Civil War living history community.
Calling hours will be held on Monday with services on Tuesday. More information to follow.
It is hard to find the right words in times like these but I wanted to share some from Colonel Baltzer:
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you that our great leader has passed away today. General Ed Kelly has lost his battle with cancer. His vision of what we could grow into as a reenacting organization, his shepherding of the division from those that would minimize us and his respect by the reenacting community for the impact he made to the hobby is what makes him an icon among the rank and file as well as those leaders of national organizations. His drive and determination is what enabled Birney’s Division to grow into a force to be reckoned with within a few years, when many would take decades. “No nonsense” was his motto and hard fighting was his style on the field.
Yours in reenacting,
Paul Baltzer, Colonel
2nd Battalion
Birney’s Division
