SAGE, AUGUSTUS B. (1842-1874). Colonel, 11th New York Infantry; captain, 170th New York Infantry, Company B; 17th New York Veteran Infantry, Companies D and A; 84th New York Infantry (14th Brooklyn). Born in Connecticut, Sage, a stationer, had an interest in rare coins and medals that led to his forming an Antiquarian Society, of which … Read more
SHIPMAN, SYLVESTER D. (1821-1886). Private, 7th Regiment, New York State National Guard, Company G. Born in New York State, Shipman enlisted at New York City as a private on May 25, 1862, mustered into the 7th Regiment for three months that day, and mustered out at New York City on September 5. His last residence … Read more
SPAULDING, JOSEPH C. (1842-1864). Unknown soldier history, Confederate States of America. A Confederate soldier, details of his service record are not known. On August 22, 1864, he died at Point Lookout, Maryland, of bilious fever. Section 197, lot 27246. SPEAIGHT (or SPRAIGHT), WILLIAM A. (1826-1889). Captain, 7th Regiment, New York State Militia, Company E. After … Read more
SUMNER, ALBERT E. (1840-1882). Surgeon, United States Navy. Originally from Hartford, Connecticut, he graduated from Trinity College there and studied medicine at New York University receiving a diploma from the latter school. According to his obituary in the Brooklyn Standard Union, he served as surgeon in the Navy during the Civil War, although there are … Read more
VAIL, JOSEPH A. (1835-1876). First lieutenant, 5th New York Infantry, Companies A, K, and G. Vail, who was born in New York City and resided at 158 Grand Street in Manhattan, was a tailor by occupation. After enlisting as a private on April 25, 1861, at New York City, he mustered into the 5th New … Read more
WALTER, PAUL (1830-1882). Second lieutenant, 55th Regiment, New York State National Guard, Company E. Of German birth, he enlisted and was commissioned into the 55th National Guard on June 24, 1863, at New York City. He mustered out the next month on July 27, 1863, at New York City. His last residence was 8 Second … Read more
On the evening of April 14, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln was mortally wounded by gunshot while attending a play at Ford’s Theatre. Actress Laura Keene (1826-1873) was on stage that fateful evening, starring in “Our American Cousin.” A witness to one of the most infamous moments in American history, Keene is believed to have been the first to identify the assassin as fellow actor John Wilkes Booth. It is also widely claimed, though often contested, that the actress rushed to the President’s side just moments after the shot was fired, cradling his head in her lap as her dress became drenched in his blood.
WINSLOW, CLEVELAND (1836-1864). Colonel, 5th New York Infantry; 5th New York Veteran Infantry. Born in Medford, Massachusetts, he received a college education, worked as a merchant and served seven years in the 71st New York National Guard. A resident of Middleton, Staten Island, he enlisted in the 5th as one of its original captains. In … Read more
I came to visit my great-great-uncle who served in the Civil War! I found him via your historian’s blog post. Who knew, and how beautiful…
Three generations ago, my entire Irish family made Brooklyn their home. After a brief diversion to Ohio, most of us are back in NYC – including the original immigrants who are now in Green-Wood, up near Battle Hill.