John C. Linehan Department of New Hampshire Medals - SOLD

Department of New Hampshire John C. Linehan Medals - Inventory Number: VET 037 / SOLD

Blue ribbon with silver top bar, has silver writing that reads, "DEP'T NEW HAMPSHIRE FOR COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF LINEHAN."  Has likeness of John Linehan in the center.  Back of the ribbon has makers tag and patent date.  Measures approximately 5 1/4 inches long and 2 1/8 inches wide. 

Second medal is a GAR medal.  Top bar is a brass patriotic spread winged eagle perched on cross cannon barrels over a stack of cannonballs.  The reverse has a pin and bar for suspending the US flag ribbon, this flag ribbon has a red edge indicating that the wearer was a department officer.  There is a rank strap attached to the center of the US flag with a Colonel's eagle to indicate Staff Officer for a Department Commander.   Attached to the US flag bottom is a star shaped drop medal.  The face of the medal has the Goddess of Liberty in the center, representing loyalty, and on either side stands a soldier and a sailor clasping hands in front of the Goddess to represent fraternity.  Two children are kneeling in the foreground to receive a benediction and the assurance of protection from comrades. This is the symbol of charity.  On each side of this center group are the flag and eagle representing freedom and an ax and a bundle of rods for union.  In the star points are the emblems of different arms of service, bugle for infantry, cannon for artillery, muskets for marines, swords for cavalry, and an anchor for sailors. Surrounding the center is the legend, Grand Army of the Republic, 1861 Veterans -1866, the later date commemorating the close of the war and the founding of the order.

On the reverse side is a laurel branch for victory, and the national shield surrounded by the different corps badges, each on a keystone showing that they are united and will protect the union. The clasp of the badge is an eagle with crossed cannons and ammunition, representing defense. The clasp and medal are united by the national flag, which is the ribbon of the order.

John C. Linehan enlisted on August 15, 1861 as a 3rd Cl Musician, attached to the Third New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry, serving therein until he received his discharge and mustered out on August 31, 1862. 

Linehan was a member of W. I. Brown Post, No. 31, G. A. R., of Penacook, having officiated as its First Commander; he has twice served as delegate to the National Encampment from New Hampshire, in 1878 and 1879; was a member of the National Council of Administration in 1880 and 1881; Department Commander of New Hampshire G. A. R. in 1883 and 1884; President of the New Hampshire Veteran Association in 1885 and 1886; served on the National Pension Committee, G. A. R., from 1884 to 1888; and was unanimously chosen Vice-Commander-in-chief at St. Louis in 1887. He resides in Penacook, a suburb of Concord.

Inventory Number: VET 037 / SOLD