About this Site

This site provides access to the archives of Tom Kelley, columnist for THE CIVIL WAR NEWS since 1991. These columns provide insight and information into the shooting and use of muskets, carbines, blackpowder revolvers and artillery of the War Between the States.

Every month, a new article is added to this database. Additionally, occasional articles that are authored by Tom Kelley which appear in other publications will also be included at this site. For a complete list of available articles on this site , click on one of the years of original publishing listed below.

About Tom Kelley

Tom Kelley is a noted national writer whose monthly column, "On Shooting & Skirmishing," has appeared in The Civil War News since 1991.

Tom Kelley is also a medal winning shooter and artillerist, having won more than a dozen individual and team medals in N-SSA and NMLRA competitions in the last ten years. He regularly competes with Civil War ordnance, original and replica, in exciting competitions staged by the North-South Skirmish Association. He also competes in National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association competitions in the Musket Classes.

Tom Kelley is the editor of The Personal Memoirs of Jonathan Thomas Scharf of the First Maryland Artillery, now out of print. Through the use of records in the National Archives, Tom was able to identify Scharf as the author of this manuscript, which is in the custody of the State Library in Albany, New York. His efforts have added to the fascinating information about former Maryland Confederate Artillerists.

Click here to review a part of the Scharf Diary.

Tom's writings have also appeared in The Artilleryman, The SASS Chronicle, and The Skirmish Line magazines.

Tom Kelley has experience as a National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association Blackpowder Safety Instructor and he has taught Adult Education classes in Blackpowder Rifle construction.

For a list of available articles by year of publication, click on the year link below:

2002 2001 2000

1999 1998 1997 1996

1995 1994 1993

The Early Years 1991 & 1992

To contact Tom Kelley by e-mail click here.

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