Posts

Treasure Chest - Civil War Portrait of Nelson Spicer Westcott

Image
What does a 10-year old internet post and the Civil war have in common? In this case, the internet uncovered a striking photograph of Union soldier and brother of my 3rd great-grandfather, Nelson S Westcott. Thank you to my great Aunt Barb for pointing me in the direction of finding Nelson's civil war service information. She turned me on to Nelson Spicer Westcott by way of a record she found on the Toledo Library website. The library holds two of Nelson's civil war diaries (I already requested scans) and a genealogy summary. From there I did a little searching and came across a forum post from someone in Kansas who held the original portrait. I figured it was a long shot to send an email requesting a copy due to the age of the posting, but lo and behold a few days later I received the original print. What luck! Nelson Portrait (front) Back of Portrait Back of Photo Reads: N.S. Westcott Co H W.S.S Arlington Ohio This photograph is over 150 years old. The writing...
1 comment
Learn more »

Henry Harmon and the Civil War - Part 2

Image
Civil War Pension Index 1 (click to enlarge) A few weeks ago, I wrote an introduction to Henry's military life in  Henry Harmon and the Civil War - Part 1 . After finding Henry's obituary, I immediately went in search for a pension file. A civil war pension file can provide first hand information regarding life and service for a soldier. So after digging around FamilySearch and Fold3.com, I found the index file which stated that Henry not only served in the 82nd Ohio Infantry, but also Company I of the 1st Ohio Infantry. They type of application made was as an invalid, but it does not state the type of injuries that he sustained. It also shows that he applied for a pension at two different times, first on March 3, 1890, and again on April 25, 1907 (following the Pension Act of 1907). Along with the index card, I landed upon Henry's pension payment card. This card shows the payments that he received by the government for his service in the civil war. The payments begin ...
Post a Comment
Learn more »

Henry Harmon and the Civil War - Part 1

Image
As Memorial Day approaches this year, I thought it was perfect timing to start sharing a few pieces of family history I have found over the past few years. I have been looking into my family's history for about 5 years now, and have been curious to find more ancestors who served in the major wars of American History. I am so appreciative of my grandpa, great uncles, and cousins for their sacrifice and service to our country in the Marine Corp, Army, and Navy. And their service makes me wonder how many others in my family heeded the call to serve their country in the past. The amount of military records available is immense, and they provide insight into some of the most intense moments of America's past, as well as the families who lived through them.
Post a Comment
Learn more »