Wartime Signature of Oliver H. Rippey Colonel 61st PA Vol. Infantry

Wartime Signature of Oliver H. Rippey Colonel 61st PA Vol. Infantry - Killed in Action - Inventory Number: AUT 081

Civil War Union Army Officer. He served during the Civil War first as Lieutenant Colonel of the 7th Pennsylvania (Three Month) Infantry, then as Colonel and commander of the 61st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He was killed in action at the May 31, 1862, Battle of Fair Oaks, Virginia while leading his men.

Among those who fell at the recent struggle on the Chickahominy was Col. Oliver H. Rippey, of the Sixty first Pennsylvania Volunteers. The deceased was a resident of Pittsburgh and was only 36 years of age. Col. Rippey served during the Mexican war as a private in the Duquesne Grays, and after his return officiated as clerk to Mayor Herron, of Pittsburgh, during the year 1849. Subsequently he studied law, was admitted to the bar in due time, and rose rapidly in the profession, ultimately enjoying a lucrative practice. He was among the first to answer his country's call, after the Sumter outrage, and organized a company under the name of the "Scott Legion," composed partially of his old comrades in arms in Mexico. As Captain he entered the service, and upon attaching his company to the Seventh Pennsylvania Regiment, he was chosen Lieutenant-Colonel, in which capacity he acted with credit until the close of the three months' campaign, returning home with a Colonel's commission for three years’ service. He succeeded in raising a regiment, and after a long sojourn in the vicinity of Washington City, accompanied Gen. MCCLELLAN in the expedition to the Peninsula, and continued thenceforth in active service up to the time of his death. His loss will be deeply regretted by his many friends.

Comes housed in 6 x 8 riker display case with red velvet and descriptive card.

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Inventory Number: AUT 081