One man’s exploration of his family history has led to a remarkable discovery: he is related to two soldiers who fought in the American Civil War. Tony Butara, a resident of Mentor, Ohio, unearthed this connection while tracing his ancestry, revealing that his relatives, Christian Pfahl and Charles Oberlay, both served in the Union Army during the conflict.
Butara’s journey into the past began when he was just a child. His life changed during a family trip to Gettysburg, a pivotal battle site in the Civil War. As he recalls, “The Ken Burns mini-series on PBS came out in the late 80s, and I was glued to it. I was six years old. How many six-year-olds are watching this Civil War stuff? But I was.” This early fascination laid the groundwork for his later research into his family tree.
Two and a half years ago, his curiosity drove him to delve deeper into his ancestry. The discovery that he was related to men who had fought in such a significant historical event was a profound moment for Butara. “Walking over here that day when I found out about this was just a crazy moment for me,” he stated. “Especially someone who has been studying this my whole life.”
Butara now takes an active role in preserving the memory of these soldiers. He is part of the dedicated team that cares for the Cuyahoga County Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument located in Cleveland’s Public Square. “Our job is everything from being a tour guide to being the physical caretakers, cleaning the monument,” Butara explained.
The monument serves as a tribute to those who served and died in the Civil War, and Butara feels a special connection to it. As he maintains the monument and shares its history with visitors, he does so with pride, knowing that his ancestors’ names are engraved there. “These men can’t talk anymore about why they fought, so I get to now. I get to help explain that,” he remarked.
His work not only honors his family’s legacy but also ensures that the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers are remembered by future generations. Butara’s enthusiasm for history and his dedication to preserving it reflect a deep respect for those who fought for their beliefs.
As he continues to explore his heritage, Butara remains committed to making the stories of these soldiers known. His journey serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding one’s roots and the impact of history on personal identity.
