151. Three U.S. brass buttons. Were secured by W. H. H. Lea from Mr. R. Lane, owner of the Crater farm at Petersburg, Va. On this farm the Confederate fort was blown up, July 30, 1864. The following full description of finding was clipped from the Petersburg paper of April 2, 1910. The paper was sent to W. J. Winstein and by him turned over to W. H. H. Lea, who at once communicated with Mr. Lane, requesting some part of the relics for our Memorial Hall. On July 13, 1910, Mr. Lane forwarded the three buttons.
"Remains of Union Soldier Unearthed at Crater Farm This
Morning--Today is Forty-Fifth Anniversary of Evacuation of Petersburg
by Confederates.
"This morning, while plowing on the 'Crater' farm, Mr. R. Lane
unearthed the bones of a Union soldier. The skeleton was found at a
point midway between what were the picket lines of the Union and
Confederate armies, the poor fellow evidently having been buried where
he fell. Remarkable to state, with the bones were found fragments of
the soldier's uniform from which Mr. Lane cut eleven brass buttons. Mr.
Lane also found with the remains a wooden ink well (apparently made of
mahogany) which was half full of ink. Before the top could be screwed
off the ink well it was necessary to place it in hot water. The bones
of the soldier will probably be buried in the National (Poplar Grove)
Cemetery.
Today, April 2d, is the forty-fifth anniversary of the evacuation of
Petersburg by the Confederate army. At least, tonight is, for it was on
Sunday night, April 2, 1865, that Lee's army left the trenches around
Petersburg, passed through the city to the northern bank of the
Appomattox River and retreated westward. The next morning, June 3rd,
the Union army, under Gen. Grant, entered the city, established martial
law and followed the Confederates, who surrendered at Appomattox
Courthouse April 9th.
"On the morning of April 2, 1865, Gen. Lee informed the late D'Arcy
Paul, President of the City Council, of his intention to evacuate and
turned over the government of the city to the civil authorities. A
meeting of the Council was hastily held at the residence of Mr. Paul on
Union Street and committees were appointed to meet the Union forces the
next morning and turn over the government of the city. These committees
met the Union army early next morning on the several county roads
leading into the city. Of the members of the Council at that time only
one survives, Mr. J. Pinkney Williamson, at present one of Petersburg's
oldest and most respected citizens."
3 coat (small) cuff buttons. Poor condition. Location: Section C, Case 3. See image at entry number 26.
152. Cartridge box. Carried by Capt. Thos. E. Kirkbride, Co. B, 102d Regt., Pa. Vet. Vol. Inft. Was for revolver cartridges. Was on his belt when mortally wounded at the battle of the Wilderness, Va., May 5, 1864; died May 21, 1864. Was turned over to his wife at General Hospital. Was in her possession until her death. Has been in the possession of his two sons, Chas. and Geo. T. Secured from them for Memorial Hall, 1909.
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153. Pin--crossed pick and shovel, mounted on butternut pin. Was made by Alva Pollock, Co. H, 62d Regt., Pa. Vol. Inft., while in winter quarters. The pin was cut by hand from a butternut. The pick and shovel was made from a small pewter dish taken from a Confederate residence while on the march. Was sent home to Amos Holland of Upper St. Clair. After his death, was given by his daughter, Miss Kate Holland, to Miss Poellett of Bridgeville, Pa. At her death, was given to her sister, Mrs. Samuel Patton of Bridgeville, Pa. Was presented by Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Patton to G.A.R. Memorial Hall, 1909.
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154. Silk flag. Was presented to the National Lancers, a State Company, afterwards Co. K, 1st Pa. Vol. Cavalry Regiment. The flag was presented to the Company by the ladies of Bridgeville and vicinity on the eve of their departure for Washington, D.C., August, 1861. The presentation was made on the lawn of the present residence of Albert B. Murray, Bridgeville, Pa. The presentation address was made by Rev. C. G. Braddock, then pastor of Bethany Presbyterian Church, Bridgeville, and received on behalf of the company by Lieutenant S. W. Morgan. After receiving the regulation flag from the State, this flag was returned to the home of Capt. Wm. Boyce, then Captain of the company. Has been in the possession of Capt. Boyce's family until 1910, when it was turned over to John M. Boyce, a member of the Company, to be placed in G.A.R. Memorial Hall, Carnegie, Pa., and was turned over to Memorial Hall by him, January 11, 1911.
Lancer flag; silk. Extremely poor condition. Location: Section B, Case 2.
155. Silver spoon. Was owned and carried by Thomas N. Lea, Sergt. Co. I, 112th Regt., Pa. Vet. Vols. Was used by him daily from November 27, 1861, to December 3, 1864. Was in his possession until his death, March 4, 1899, then came into the possession of Miss Ada Lea, Woodville, Pa., and by her presented to G.A.R. Memorial Room in 1910.
Good condition. Location: Section C, Case 2. See image at entry number 20.
156. Silver watch. Was owned and carried by Thos. Pasco, Sergt. Co. A, 4th Regt., W. Va. Vol. Inft. Was carried by him daily from June 5, 1861, to July 16, 1865. This watch passed through the campaigns with Gen. Grant at Island No. 10, Fort Donaldson, Vicksburg, Atlanta, Mission Ridge and Kenawsaw Mountain; also with Gen. Sheridan in the Valley of Virginia and the siege of Petersburg. Was in his possession until his death, February 18, 1906. Remaining in the family until 1910, when it was presented to G.A.R. Memorial Hall by Mrs. Thomas Pasco and family.
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157. Bullet. Was presented to W. H. H. Lea, Co. I, 112th Regt., Pa. Vet. Vols., while attending the dedication of a monument to his Regiment on the battlefield of Cold Harbor, October 20, 1909. This bullet was found by the Superintendent of the Cold Harbor National Cemetery, while clearing the grounds. Placed in Memorial Hall, January, 1910.
Appears to be .57 Enfield? bullet. Fair condition. Location: Section C, Case 3. See image at entry number 113.
158. Six bullets. Were secured by W. H. H. Lea, Co. I, 112th Regt., Pa. Vet. Vols., while visiting the battlefield of Fredericksburg, Va., October 23, 1909. Had laid on the field for over 40 years. The bullets were collected from different parts of the field. Placed in Memorial Hall January, 1911.
One .69 caliber; four .58 caliber; one .54 caliber; corroded. Fair to poor condition. Location: Section C, Case 3. See image at entry number 113.
159. Combination knife, fork and spoon. Were owned and carried by J. B. Fife, Corporal Co. H, 62d Regt., Pa. Vol. Inft., from July 4, 1861, to July 13, 1864. The knife can be closed up and carried in the pocket as an ordinary pocket knife. This knife had passed all the campaigns of the Fifth Army Corps to July, 1864, and was in his possession until the time of his death, May 21, 1904. Has been in the possession of his family until February, 1911, when it was presented to Capt. Thos. Espy Post Memorial Hall by Mrs. J. B. Fife and family.
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160. Collection of bullets. Were picked up on the battlefields of Petersburg, Chapins Farm and Fredericksburg, Va., and Gettysburg, Pa., by W. H. H. Lea, Lieut. Co. I, 112th Regt., Pa. Vet. Vols., while visiting these fields in 1884. Have been in his possession 27 years. Presented to G.A.R. Memorial Room, February, 1911.
Collection of 17 bullets on burgundy felt consists of 8 unfired .58 caliber minies, 1 Williams cleaner bullet, 7 spent rounds; 1 approximately .25 caliber bullet. Total of 17. See image at entry number 118.
161. Bullet. This is a Confederate bullet that wounded Corporal John M. Boyce, Co. K, 1st Pa. Cavalry, at the battle of New Hope Church, Va., November 27, 1863. When taken to the hospital and his boot removed, the ball fell on the floor, his pants being inside his boot. The ball, after passing through his leg, had not force left to go through the pants and fell into the boot. Has been in his possession over 47 years. Presented by him to G.A.R. Memorial Hall, March 3, 1911.
.58 caliber minie. Fair condition. Location: Section C, Case 2. See image at entry number 20.
162. Hat ornament. The dress hat of the army from 1861 to 1865 was worn with one side turned up and held in place by brass ornament; also held the black feather in place, was found by Wm. R. Yates of Carnegie, Pa., on Bolivar Heights, near Harpers Ferry, Va., in 1899. Has been in his possession 10 years, and presented by him to G.A.R. Memorial Room April 6, 1911.
Brass dress hat ornament. Fair condition. Section C, Case 2. See image at entry number 31.
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163. Case of relics. Were collected by Thos. E. Morgan, Co. E, 155th Regt., Pa. Vol. Inft., while visiting the different battlefields, Gettysburg, Fredericksburg, Petersburg, Wilderness, Chancellorsville, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Richmond and Appomattox. Have been in his possession over 40 years. Presented by him to G.A.R. Memorial Hall, February, 1911.
Seashells, rocks, pine cones, doll, etc. Good condition. Location: Corner cupboard at walls E and F.
16 Oct 2007: Original contents questionable, extremely soiled, rear door of cabinet separate from highes with lock engaged. Contents found to include: 1. Shell, about 3” diameter, very thin: 2. Box “Corticelli Silk Cocoons” from Corticelli Silk Mill, Florence, Mass. Includes one sample cocoon; 3. Broken spring; 4. Shards from machining process; 5. Small screw cap lid bottle filled with pebbles; 6. Fragment of ribbon “Visitor to the Firemen’s Tournament held at Heppner, Ore., June 11, 12 & 13th, 1901”; 7. Small metal fragment; 8. Chestnut (?) labeled 1897; may be Christmas ornament; 9. Small pectin shell; 10. Fragment of ribbon “National Veteran Legion, Columbus, Ohio,” no date; 11. Folding scissors; 12. Tiny kepi with red, white and blue chin strap; 13. 2 pieces of rock; 14. Seed pod; 15. Button “for President” with PA keystone and photo. “Boury” (?) on bottom; 16. Lead soldier, painted, “Helen C. Imre 21” on bottom; 17. Rock, heavy; 18. Rock with mica (?) crystals (3); 19. Rock with clearly defined facets; 20. Rock, possibly petrified wood; 21. Sea shell, partially decomposed; 22. Rock, reddish color, few crystals; 23. Rock, grey, with white flecks; 24. 3 fossil shells; 25. Small box with small sea shells; 26. Small doll missing left arm; 27. Fabric fragment, possibly from officer’s shoulder strap; 28. Small box filled with sea shells; 29. Toy skillet; 30. Undifferentiated sea shells; 31. Pine cone; 32. Seed pod of Magnolia; 33. Tiny metal bell; 34. Two metal shards, possibly from machining process; 35. 2” long crab shell; 36. Card “In Memory William McClaren Company G Independent Artillery Pennsylvania.
164. Battle of Shilo[h]. Presented to G.A.R. Memorial Hall by Thos. E. Morgan, Co. E, 155th Regt., Pa. Vol. Inft., February, 1911.
Print of watercolor, April 6-7, 1862, in gold and black wood frame, 22 1/2" x 29". Good condition. Location: F wall on organ.
165. Martha Washington. Presented to G.A.R. Memorial Hall by Thos. E. Morgan, Co. E, 155th Regt., Pa. Vol. Inft., February, 1911.
Print in wood frame, 23" x 29". Good condition. Location: Section G, Case 3.
166. Harpers Ferry flint lock musket. This musket was secured by Mr. John H. Deer of 447 Bluff Street, Carnegie, from Etna Council, No. 439, Jr. O.U.A.M., of Sharpsburg, Pa. The musket is stamped Harpers Ferry, Va., 1819. Was presented G.A.R. Memorial Hall by Mr. John H. Deer, March 9, 1911.
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167. Sword. This sword was worn by Colonel Walton Dwight, 149th Regt., Pa. Vol. Inft. Was worn by the Colonel when wounded in the first day's fight at Gettysburg, and was taken to the Seminary Building which was used as a hospital for Union soldiers. On the evening of the first day the Confederates had taken possession of the hospital and all that were in it. A Confederate Lieutenant took the Colonel's sword and belt and buckled it on himself against the Colonel's protest. On the fourth day of July the Union troops re-entered the hospital, capturing a few Confederate officers in the building, among others was the Lieutenant with this sword, and as he was escaping through a window, he was shot and killed by a Union soldier, falling back on the floor. The sword and belt were taken off him and returned to the Colonel on his couch nearby. When the Colonel returned to his Regiment a few months later, he was unable to do duty, and soon resigned his commission as Colonel. Before leaving for home, he presented the sword to Lieut. John A. Snodgrass, Co. D, 149th Regt., Pa. Vol. Inft., who carried the sword to the close of the war. Has been in his possession 48 years. Presented to G.A.R. Memorial Room, March 11, 1911.
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168. Admiral George Dewey. Born at Montpelier, Vt., 1837, graduated from Annapolis Naval Academy 1858, served from 1861 to 1865 with Admiral Farragut and Porter. For heroic service at the battle of Manila, May 1, 1898, President Wm. McKinley promoted him from Commodore to Rear Admiral. Presented to G.A.R. Memorial Room by W. H. H. Lea, March 11, 1911.
Sketch in good shape; mat has some mildew; water stain in upper right corner; frame in good condition; paper backing missing. Location: Section C, top of display case.
169. Bayonet. This bayonet was found on the Andersonville, Ga., prison grounds by J. T. Bickel, Co. D, 39th Regt., Ind. Vol. Inft., a member of Capt. Espy Post, 153, and at the present time keeper of the Andersonville National Cemetery. Was found while clearing the cemetery grounds. Was given to his son, Charles Bickel, while visiting his father in July, 1910. Was presented by Charles Bickel to G.A.R. Memorial Room, July, 1910.
Socket is broken off blade; blade deteriorated; at socket end of blade there appears to be a heart-shaped strap. Poor condition. Location: Section C, Case 2. See image at entry number N26.
170. Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. Presented to G.A.R. Memorial Room by W. H. H. Lea, March, 1911. The frame was furnished by A. D. Walker, late 1st Sergt. Co. C, 126th Regt., Ohio Vol. Inft.
Print in oak frame, 19 1/2" x 24"; two ink stains on left side (midway to 2/3 of the way down); Lincoln is unbearded; log house at upper left corner; battle scene at upper right corner; at bottom is eagle with a stand of flags. Good condition. Location: Section G, Case 2 (Sr. Vice-Commander).
171. Morning report book. This morning report book of Co. I, 2d Artillery, 112th Regt., Pa. Vet. Vols., for December 1865, and signed by W. H. H. Lea, Lieut., commanding the Company, was brought home by him February 15, 1866, at the time of discharge. Has been in his possession over 45 years. Presented to Memorial Room March 27, 1911.
Report book of William G. ? Pa. Vet. Volunteers 2nd Artillery - Dec. 1865; 1" oak frame, 23 1/2" x 18". Faded; fair to good condition. Location: F wall, below Gettysburg print.
172. Morning report book. This morning report book of Co. I, 2nd artillery, 112th Regt., Pa. Vet. Vols, for October, 1864, was carried and kept by W. H. H. Lea, Orderly Sergeant of Company. Was brought home by him when discharged, February 15, 1866. Has been in his possession 45 years. Presented to G.A.R. Memorial Room, March 27, 1911.
Morning Report Book. Co. I, 2nd Artillery, 112th Reg., Pa. Vet. Volunteers Oct. 1864; 1" wood frame, 23 1/2" x 18 1/2". Faded; fair to good condition; needs to be cleaned. Location: Section G, Case 3.
173. Bayonet. Was found by James A. Boles, about 1891. Mr. Boles, while passing through the timber on the battlefield of Chancellorsville, Va., the bayonet was seen high up, sticking in the trunk of a pine tree. The tree was cut down and the bayonet and wood cut out. The theory is that a Confederate sharp shooter had stuck the bayonet in the tree to support his leg or used it for a rest for his rifle. The tree was in the Confederate lines, opposite the Chancellorsville house. Mr. Boles died several years ago. Was secured from Mr. Bole's family by James C. Harper, late Co. G, 123d Regt., Pa. Vol. Inft., while visiting the battlefield in 1909, the Boles family living near the battlefield. Presented to the G.A.R. Memorial Hall, 1910.
Springfield bayonet; stamped "U.S."; wood is attached to the end; bayonet is intact. Fair condition. Location: Section C, Case 1. See image at entry number 41.
174. Roll Book. Original roll book of the St. Clair Guards, organized July 4, 1844. Thomas Espy was elected the first Captain. On July 4, 1861, just 17 years after its organization, it became Co. H. 62d Regt., Pa. Vols., with Thos. Espy as its Captain. The book has been in the possession of E. P. Holland, one of the first members of the St. Clair Guards. Was presented by him to Memorial Hall, 1911.
St. Clair Guards roll book. Fair condition. Location: Section C, Case 2.
175. Ball and photograph. The photograph is of Capt. Thos. E. Kirkbride, Co. B, 102d Regt., Pa. Vol. Inft., mustered into U.S. service August 19, 1861 as 2nd Lieutenant; promoted to Captain July 19, 1862. In the battle of the Wilderness, Va., May 5, 1864, Capt. Kirkbride, while in command of his Regiment, was mortally wounded by this ball. He was taken to the Field Hospital on Wilderness Run, near the old gold mine, where he was for a day or two, then to Chancellorsville, and finally to Fredericksburg, where he was placed in one of the hospitals, where he died, May 21, 1864. This ball was taken from his body before his death. His wife, receiving word of him being wounded, went to see him, when this bullet was turned over to her. Was in her possession until her death in 1867, then passed to the keeping of Mr. and Mrs. John Monsher, parents of Mrs. Kirkbride. At their death, some years later, it passed to the keeping of Charles E. and George T. Kirkbride, sons of Capt. Kirkbride, and was by them presented to G.A.R. Memorial Hall, 1909.
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176. Sword and sash. Was worn by Capt. Thomas E. Kirkbride, Captain Co. B, 102d Regt., Pa. Vol. Inft., at the battle of the Wilderness, Va., May 5, 1864, where he was mortally wounded. Died May 21, 1864, in the hospital at Fredericksburg, Va. The sword and sash had passed through the battles of Williamsburg, Va., May 5, 1862; Fair Oaks, May 31 and June 1, 1862; Malvern Hill, Va., July 1, 1862; Fredericksburg, Va., December 13, 1862; Salem Church, Va., May 3, 1863; Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 2 and 3, 1863; Mine Run, October, 1863, and Wilderness, May 5, 1864. Was turned over to Mrs. Kirkbride when she visited the hospital at the time of the Captain's death. Was in Mrs. Kirkbride's possession from the death of her husband until her death in 1867. Was then in the possession of Mr. and Mrs. John Monsher, parents of Mrs. Kirkbride. At their death, some years later, it passed to Charles E. and George T. Kirkbride, sons of Capt. Kirkbride, and was by them presented to G.A.R. Memorial Hall, 1909.
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