Category Archives: 150 Years Ago This Month

Big Data

Posted on January 12, 2015 by SUMPTER

The average Union soldier had more girth than the average Rebel? Recently I read about the importance of statistics and statisticians to the British government during World War II. Here’s some evidence that during the American Civil War a Northern … Continue reading →

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beauty pageant

Posted on January 1, 2015 by SUMPTER

The Battle of Franklin was already over a month old when a local newspaper reprinted the following editorial 150 years ago this month. As the war entered its fifth calendar year were the people becoming brutalized, insensate; numb to the … Continue reading →

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break before more war

Posted on December 30, 2014 by SUMPTER

An officer who completed his three year gig with the Infantry and then signed back up – with the Engineers. He was able to take a break sometime 150 years ago this month. From a Seneca County, New York newspaper … Continue reading →

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shaming the abolitionists?

Posted on December 23, 2014 by SUMPTER

A Democrat publication wondered why, if over two million adult men voted for President Lincoln’s re-election, the President had to threaten a draft to come up with 300,000 more soldiers. From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in 1864 or … Continue reading →

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exterminate them!

Posted on December 18, 2014 by SUMPTER

A Seneca County, New York newspaper in 1864 said it was skeptical about reports of the horrible conditions in Southern prison camps – until it spoke with a couple native sons who had survived the experience: RETURNED PRISONERS. Lieut. CORT. … Continue reading →

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unrepentant

Posted on December 16, 2014 by SUMPTER

From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in December 1864: A DESERTER named “French Bill” was hung at Harper’s Ferry a short time ago. The gallows was one of the old fashioned kind, with trap-door, &c. Three thousand soldiers witnessed … Continue reading →

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leaden sky ledger

Posted on December 13, 2014 by SUMPTER

As a Richmond paper tallied the military balance sheet for 1864, the conclusion was inescapable – the South had had a great year. From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in 1864: The Military Account Current Between North and South … Continue reading →

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grand idea

Posted on December 11, 2014 by SUMPTER

Actually, over two grand From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in December 1864: Arrested for Forgery. Lieut. H.C. Furniss, of Waterloo, is now under arrest at Elmira, charged with forging the name of Provost Marshal Knapp, of this district, … Continue reading →

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“virtual defeat”

Posted on December 9, 2014 by SUMPTER

A Democrat-leaning publication in upstate New York was skeptical about claims of a Union victory at the Battle of Franklin. From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in December 1864: The Battle at Franklin. The battle of Franklin, Tenn., on … Continue reading →

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Samuel Oliver

Posted on December 8, 2014 by SUMPTER

Apparently 150 years ago this month the body of a soldier arrived home before word of his death. From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in December 1864: DEATH OF A SOLDIER. – The remains of Corporal Samuel Oliver of … Continue reading →

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