State has 4,000 unclaimed medals in storage from Civil War
The medals, crafted in New York in the 19th Century, come in three grades. (Photo: WV Dept. of Archives and History.)
West Virginia had a huge stockpile of medals minted in 1866 but is still looking for the descendants of many men who never claimed their “tokens of respect.”
Honoring Union soldiers who fought for the state to include African-Americans of the 45th Regiment of USCTs, the medals were designed on a pattern used by similar decorations issued to Ohio veterans and British medals issued after the Crimean War.
Commissioned by then-Governor A. I. Boreman, 29,099 of the medals were made in three designs: enlisted men who received one with the banner “Honorably Discharged,” those lost in the war marked “Killed in Battle,” and for officers and soldiers who had died of wounds or disease marked “For Liberty.”
In all versions, the medals carry a red, white a blue ribbon that has aged over the centuries, the words “Presented by the State of West Virginia” and a WV insignia.
Although most were issued through veterans groups just after the war, the West Virginia Department of Culture and History’s Archives and History Library has held on to thousands that were never claimed for generations. By 1982, the agency still had 5200 stored in their original cardboard boxes.
Today, archive officials advise Guns.com there are some 4,000 still on hand waiting for anyone who can establish a line of descent from the men who earned them to take these now 150-year-old medals into custody. Claimants can send copies of heirloom birth, death, marriage, will, deed, military, census or Bible records, etc. as well as other documents such as old letters, diaries, marriage announcements and obituaries.
“The medals represent an important part of the state’s history but more importantly they are part of the heritage of the heirs of the West Virginia troops represented in this list of Union veterans’ names,” advises the Archives.
To browse the list for an ancestor and find out more about providing documentation to claim his medal, visit the website set up by the state specifically for the purpose.
The post State has 4,000 unclaimed medals in storage from Civil War appeared first on Guns.com.
Source: http://www.guns.com/2016/02/23/state-has-4000-unclaimed-medals-in-storage-from-civil-war/
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
LION'S MANE PRODUCT
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules
Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.
Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.
| Visits: | 1,708,260,283 |
| Stories: | 8,449,949 |
Whistler Blowers, Insiders
