The History of the Old Town of Derby lists 105 names of Oxford men who are recorded as serving in the Civil War.
    Wilcoxson in his Centennial address said, "In 1861, at the breaking out of the Civil War, Oxford's sons proved equal to the emergency. No fewer than seventy-five men entered the loyal army by enlistment, as I, who then kept the record very well know. Of this number, but few, probably not more than five disgraced themselves by desertion.
    During the war itself, it appears that sentiment in Oxford was divided, probably owing to the fact that much of Oxford's industries were engaged in the southern trade.
    It is said that at one time the Confederate flag was raised at Oxford Center.
    Wilcoxson said of those who served in the Union army from Oxford, "Cheerfully they left their homes and with alacrity they proceeded to the scene of the war. Mainly they stood manfully at their post and bravely fought the battles of their country, and so continued till crowned with victory over the enemy. Thanks and more than thanks are due to them."