Interview with Col. Chivington

Many people remember John Milton Chivington in connection to the 'Sand Creek Massacre' which took place in Colorado in November of 1864. What others may remember is his campaign during the Civil War and Glorieta Pass. The true story lies in the story of his life from his birth in 1821 and his death in 1894. Here is a short interview with the man himself as portrayed by Ken Oyer. 

Glorieta Pass 2012

Why did you come to Pikes Peak Region, and where did you locate?

As a Methodist minister, I was sent by the church, from Omaha, Nebraska, to Denver in 1860, where I served as a Presiding Elder in Denver's First Methodist Episcopal Church. 

As a side note, if you wish to know more about this church here is a link to a brief history:
http://www.stpauldenver.com/history-denvers-first-church-1860

What about your family life, your parents, your wife and children?

I was born on January 27, 1821 to a farm family in Lebanon, Ohio.  My father died when I   was only five years old and the burden of providing for the entire family fell to my mother     and older brothers. I married my first wife, Martha, in 1844, the same year I became a         minister.

How do you see yourself and what would you want your legacy to be?

I went to my grave standing by my decision and my actions at Sand Creek, a battle which eventually became my biggest burden in life and that ruined any political aspirations I had. I would prefer to be remembered as a Civil War hero for my actions at Glorietta Pass, New Mexico. I would also like to be remembered as a minister with enough bravery and passion to speak out against slavery in pro- slavery towns.

Any words you would like to share about your life not included above?

History will sometimes judge a man entirely based upon certain portions or aspects of his     life rather than the entire life; what that man did, or failed to do, can very well become his      legacy whether or not he wishes it. His legacy is not always his choice.

As Ken, what about Chivington do you find most interesting or complex?

I would have to say that I find it interesting (perhaps odd) that Colonel Chivington
could be a man of God and stand so vehemently against slavery, and yet find it in himself
to despise the Native Americans as much as he did.

Thank you Ken for taking the time to share you knowledge about this very interesting and controversial man. If you would like to hear more from Chivington, join him at the Historic Chapel in    Evergreen Cemetery, 1005 South Hancock Expressway, Colorado Springs, CO., on Sunday September 21 at 2 PM. Cost is $10 per person. For more information or to reserve  your seat, contact:  evergreencemeterysociety@yahoo.com

Historic Chapel, Evergreen Cemetery

Pursuing a Dream

As I write this it is 2:36 in the am. I find I am not ready for sleep. This happens many times after a show. The adrenaline is rushing and it takes while to get rid of the excess. And before you say anything, I could just not do shows, that defeats the purpose of moving in the direction of my dreams. You see I believe that to pursue a dream you must move in a direction that is compatible with where you want to go.



While you are on that path, you will hear many who will tell you it is a pipe dream, you cannot possibly achieve that. You will also have those who will tell you anything is possible. It is up to you to take what is best of both and move onward.

Many of my acting students say they want to go to New York or LA. I encourage them to try. Some will succeed, some will not. It is not about fame or fortune. It is about finding the peace that comes from trying. One went out to LA, then came home. The reason, the town was too big, they were a small town person. That is not failure. That is success. You see, if they had not tried then the rest of their lives the question would have been 'what if?'. Now they know. Others have gone on and stayed. They are doing what they love.

If someone tells you that your dream is ridiculous, don't listen. Follow you heart and your desire. The only failure in pursuing a dream is not pursuing your dream. If you continue on in the direction you want to go, stop to listen for course changes and then trust, you will be on your way and probably very happy in the end.

What will we leave?

I truly believe we are all creative in some way. Whether we are writers, bakers or candlestick makers we all have something to contribute to life. The trick is, who do we affect and what are we leaving behind.

As historians we are looking at newspapers, diaries, letters, any first hand information we can find. Writers use that same information to ask 'what if'. For me there is nothing so exciting as to hold a piece of paper that someone a hundred years ago also handled. Perhaps they were writing a letter. Maybe they were just jotting down the grocery list. It is a tangible reminder of their lives. When I hold a quilt made by my great-grand mother, I remember her and my great-grandfather. Their faces become familiar again. The stories they told and lessons they taught are remembered. As long as I live so will their lives be remembered. When I am gone, what will be left? Sure someone could read this blog and perhaps it will trigger a memory of their own, but not Ertie and Oliver.

Perhaps in the future, there will be no paper. Good for the trees, perhaps not so good for those who follow. Cyber space is great, we all use it and they benefits are amazing. Still, where are the letters we no longer write? Where would we be if the founding mother and fathers had not written those wonderful letters? Will we be leaving anything? How will we be remembered a 100 years from now? What will be our legacy?

When you write that book, crochet that shawl or create that new banana bread recipe, perhaps it would be wise to also note why you created what you did. Leave a message for the future. It may make a difference in someones view of who we were.