Cousins In The War

There were certainly a multitude of cases of brothers serving on opposite sides in America's Civil War, though this is a story about cousins in the same situation.  Based on the author's knowledge of his own ancestors from his genealogical research, Cousins In The War tells the tale of a Union soldier from Pennsylvania and a Confederate soldier from Missouri.   In real life, these first cousins met as children in 1850.  Using all the historical data he could uncover on both, the writer filled in the unknown details with his own imagination and God's guidance to paint a picture of a tragic time in America's history.  Suitable for young readers, Cousins In The War allows a glimpse into everyday life in the mid-19th century that might otherwise be missed by learners interested in our nation's history.

Russell J. Ottens was born in 1954 on Long Island, NY, the son of Marguerite I. Seiders Ottens and Harry Ottens. He's retired from a long career with the Univ. of Georgia's Department of Entomology.

His wife is the former Mary Elizabeth Bagley. They have been blessed with three wonderful children and three lovely grandchildren.