In 1860, the rumors of war spread through the small agricultural community of Dover. She was comprised of less than 700 residents. There were only 340 males, including children, elderly and one black man. It had been many years since she had a military organization in the town. A local company of militia was quickly organized by Selectman Captain Amos W. Shumway. It was officered, and swelled to fifty people and a fifteen member band. The company voted to never leave Dover, and was aptly named “The Home Guard”.

After the attack of April 12, 1861, on Fort Sumter, the President called for 75,000 militia soldiers to enlist for a three month period. On April 14, 1861, Massachusetts Adjutant General Schouler issued Special Order #14, and the 4th and 6th Mass. Militia were formed. On April 15, 1861, Andrew W. Bartlett and John T. Gilman enlisted in the 5th and 6th Mass. Vol. Militia. George W. Fearing, Seth Packard and John Strang followed by enlisting in the 4th Mass. Vol. Militia. Dover acted swiftly to defend the United States.

The United States Army and Navy were in complete disarray. Half of their soldiers and sailors, along with their officers, headed south to join the Confederate States of America. The United States military forces had to be re-organized on the fly and under fire. A volunteer army would have to be created. All municipalities would be given a quota of men to supply for the war effort. Dover’s quota of men would be thirty-three.

The men of Dover fought to preserve this nation and hand a peaceful society to their children. They were motivated to be the defenders of humanity and to break the chains of slavery, the monster of their time. Dover exceeded her quota of men by fifty-one. She would send eighty-four of her men to war. Their average age was 23 ½ years. Two were killed in battle, four died of wounds and eight died of disease. Twelve were wounded, fourteen were given disability discharges and five were taken as prisoners of war.

The women experienced the same outpouring of patriotism. When news arrived about the first battle at Manassas Junction, the women of Dover began to pick lint and oilseeds from cotton to make bandages for the wounded. Bunting was scarce and expensive so Sarah Plummer made bunting with her own hands. The ladies purchased bleached cotton and Turkey red. They used it to make a flag that flew for the duration of the war. Young girls picked raspberries and blackberries along the roads, which were used to make jams and jellies that were sent to the soldiers. They united with the Boston Sanitary Commission and other organizations that greatly aided the soldiers.

Free black men accredited to Dover served in the 5th Mass. Vol. Cav., a regiment made entirely by men of African descent and another in the US Navy. Dover, in spite of her lesser size, made enormous contributions to preserve this nation and end slavery. It is this book’s ambition that it never be forgotten.