Studio tintype photo of Civil War soldier, full length, holding his rifle.
Sticker on back reads: "Zaloudek 10-28-72" (original date of donation). Handwriting on back in faint pencil is: "Benjamin McComsey 61 to 65."
Benjamin McComsey volunteered to serve in the Civil War. He was killed Nov. 7, 1862 in Berlin, MD. This item transferred to Objects collection from Archives. See Notes for typed biographical info.
This item transferred to Objects collection from Archives. Accompanying this tintype is a perforated paper bookmark with cross-stitched "A Present for Bennie." Typed biographical info is:
"This is the chief treasure of the McComsey family. Young son Benjamin volunteered to serve in the Civil War, and these letters (In Archives) tell the story of the remainder of his life.
Benjamin was the son of William McComsey, who was City Treasurer of Lanc. in the late 1880's. A descendant of Mathias McComsey, who was born in Manor Township in 1787. Benjamin's mother was Mary Dorwart, daughter of Henry, a tailor in Lancaster.
Benjamin died Nov. 7, 1862 in Berlin, Md. in the 18th year of his life. He is buried in the McComsey plot at Lancaster Cemetery."
Additional items given by this donor are 1972.026.1-.5. This includes a wedding hat, pair of lady's snow glasses and three shawls.
Set of 12 placecards in frame. Placecards made by Elizabeth (Zoe) Kauffman (also called Zoe Toomer Kauffman) for donor in 1960. Ink and watercolor drawings of PA German motifs and "folk" characters such as flowers, hearts, birds, and people, one rider on horseback. Two placemats with couples are dated Anno 1961. done in bight colors. Framed with museum quality materials, backer adhesives, spacer and plastic on front. Frame is light colored wood, one half inch. Bumpers on back. Holes drilled but clamps/bolts and wire for hanging have been removed. Framed by "The Framery, Etc."
Christmas card featuring Amish family in front of fireplace "O Come All Ye Faithful." Hand watercolored. Inside printed "May the peace of Christmas abide with you throughout the year Elizabeth and Henry Kauffman." Printed "Zoe T. Kauffman" on front.
Christmas card. Front has angels and the Virgin and Child with the words "May the Christmas tide remind us of our faith let us.. close our eyes to man's... Creations and pray that. The true Christmas... Spirit pervades the earth." Inside written "Christmas Greetings from Henry and Zoe Kauffman." Printed on front "Zoe T. Kauffman."
Christmas card. Front has Amish family walking by house. Printed with hand watercoloring. Inside is printed "Glory to God in the highest and on earth pease, good will toward men" and signed "Zoe and Henry Kauffman." Printed on front "Zoe T. Kauffman."
Christmas card. Front has top of steeple of Trinity Lutheran Church. Printed with hand watercoloring. At bottom written "Trinity Tower, Lancaster" and printed "Zoe T. Kauffman." Inside written "Christmas Greetings from Zoe and Henry Kauffman."
Christmas card. Front features house, horse, and sleigh in winter. Printed with hand watercoloring. Inside written "A Merrie Christmas from 'The Patch' Zoe and Henry Kauffman." Printed on front "Zoe T. Kauffman."
Christmas card. Front says "Our cookie tree" with drawing of multi-tiered stand with candles, figures and animals. Red print with green and yellow watercolor and silver paint done by hand. Inside written in red in the shape of a Christmas tree "A very merry Christmans from the Kauffmans." Unsigned on front.
Christmas card. Front features PA German design--two angels and doves on either side of a heart in which is printed "1946 An Old Fashioned Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas." Printed with had watercoloring. Inside is written "Merry Christmas from Henry and Zoe Kauffman/" Printed on front "Zoe T. Kauffman."
