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.
Certificate, Pennsylvania Business and Shorthand College
Description
Printed certificate for efficiency in rapid calculation awarded to Lydia G. Carpenter presented by the Pennsylvania Business and Shorthand College, Lancaster; dated November 13, 1912. Round gold seal on bottom center. All within a red border.
Metal plate, brass colored on reverse, tarnished silver on front corners cut on diagonal. Two 1/16-inch holes, 1/4" from side edges. Between these holes, engraved in 1/4-inch high block shadowed letters, all capitals: "Buchanan"
Nameplate had been placed on pew at First Presbyterian Church. (L. Flick 3/12/1991)
Provenance
James Buchanan- Dr. Samuel Welchen [friend of JB's]- Miss Frances Welchen- Foundation
