Description
CDV & Major’s Shoulder Straps For Oliver A. Horner – Cole’s Maryland Cavalry. This lot includes two “C” buttons from his uniform, and recent black and white photos of his portrait, and cemetery headstone, and other original paper & research material.
The cavalry shoulder straps belonging to Major Horner are regulation in size (1.5″ x 4″), consisting of a single bullion border, with twisted accent wire on either side, and gilt oak leaves embroidered on yellow velvet, all applied to a black wool base. The underside is unlined as many Civil War types will be found. Their condition is fine with light wear showing.
The CDV shows Major Horner in Field & Staff grade frock, most likely wearing these straps. The photographer is J.H. Young, Baltimore. The bust shot is clear and in fine condition, despite the clipped corners on the mount.
A 23 inch x 4 inch long brief history of Oliver A. Horner covers is early life, through the Civil War days, his marriage, business dealings after the war, involvement in the G.A.R. etc. There is a small tear in the paper affecting a few words. Included also are one each coat and cuff cavalry “C” buttons, made by the “HORSTMANN BROS & ALLIEN . NY.” retaining most of the original gilt finish. The two black and white photos came with the larger lot; the smaller one shows his headstone with crossed sabers, and GAR monogram, and a framed portrait photo. Other paper items include a flyer for “FLAG RAISING” for the Emmitsburg Public Library (6 x 10 inches), News clippings, mailings, business letter, photocopied Civil War documents from the National Archives, and a certification document from the family that is notarized, dating May of 1972. The small added paper with notations is mine work showing what did not come with the larger group that I purchased just recently.
Horner served continuously through the war with his regiment, except for brief periods being detailed for various staff duties in the Department of West Virginia. In the winter of 1861 along the Potomac, the unit picketed and guarded telegraph lines from Frederick to Hancock, Maryland. He took part in Bank’s Campaign of March 1862, in the Shenandoah Valley and engaged with Stuart’s Cavalry at Leesburg, Va. in September; the siege of Harper’s Ferry, and being the advance guard, and cut through the Rebel lines and captured General Longstreet’s Ammunition Train of ninety wagon on September 15th. In October, Cole’s Cavalry assisted in the capture of a portion of Stuart’s Cavalry at Hyattstown, Md. He participated in the reconnaissance with General Geary to Winchester, Va., and closed the year of 1862 with fights at Charlestown, Berryville, and Smithfield, and spent the winter at Harper’s Ferry, and made further raids in the near Virginia counties, chasing after White’s amd Mosby’s Guerillas.
Horner’s unit assisted in the destruction of the bridge across the Potomac near Harper’s Ferry on July 4, 1863. There were several more fights through 1863 including a fight at Charlestown and Rippon, Va., in October, were he had his horse shot out from under him, and ending campaigning with a 15 day raid up the Shenandoah Valley in December.
1864 continued with heavy fighting against Mosby’s Guerillas at Loudon Heights, Va. on January 10th; Winchester, Mechanicsville Gap, Middletown, Md, Hagerstown, and Keedysville, Md. to August. With Sheridan’s Cavalry Corps in the Shenandoah Valley. Cole’s Cavalry spent the winter on the upper Potomac headquarters at Hedgesville, Va., guarding railroad and telegraph lines from Harper’s Ferry to Cumberland. Muster out of service at Harper’s Ferry, Va. on June 28th, 1865.
Horner is listed as being captured briefly on July 6, 1864 (place not stated) and was a POW taken at Middletown, Maryland. He also held promotions as 1st sergeant, 2nd and 1st lieutenant & adjutant (April 1864), and major on February 1, 1865.
These items are from a larger grouping for Horner (see the photo showing all that the larger lot included).
Additional information
| Weight | 1 lbs |
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