John Hunt Morgan Knife and Grouping ID’d to Hiram T. Fisher, 16th Ohio and 53rd USCT - Inventory Number: GRO 034

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Exceptional grouping brought home from the Civil War by Hiram T. Fisher. He enlisted in October 1861 as a corporal in the 16th Ohio Infantry and saw heavy action at Chickasaw Bluffs, Mississippi. In May 1863 he was promoted to captain and transferred to the 53rd United States Colored Troops. The stag handled two bladed folding knife in the grouping is accompanied by an old note written in Fisher’s hand. “Knife taken personally from the person of Guerrilla John Morgan of Arkansas at St. Charles Ark. in winter of 1863-64 on his capture by our scouting cavalry.”

The grouping includes two sewing kits or “housewives,” the first made of Moroccan leather with a silk interior. The second is made from black wool with three interior pockets and a red, white, and blue pin holder. This housewife is accompanied by a period note by Emma E. Fisher. “Needle book carried by brother Hi through the War of the Rebellion. Made by sister Jenni in Sept. 1861.”

Two hand carved wooden rings were likely made by Fisher in camp. One appears to be carved from briarwood and has a diamond cut into the face, with “1862” written on the band in ink. The other ring is carved from ebony with a checkered pattern on the band.

The tattered remnants of red and white silk stripes are accompanied by a period note that reads “fragments of national flag of 16th O.V.I. in War of Rebellion 1861 carried by H.T. Fisher as Color Sergeant in Battle of Chickasaw Bluffs Dec. 1862 and in other battles & campaigns.” A small piece of wood is displayed with a small period tag that reads “from tree at Vicksburg Mississippi under which General Pemberton surrendered to General Grant July 4th, 1863.”

Three captain of infantry shoulder boards are identified as Fisher’s by another old note and would have been worn by Fisher while he was Captain of Company F, 53rd USCT. Two are in good condition with some loosening of the bullion in places; the third is a smaller pattern and is in heavily worn condition.

This is a wonderful grouping of relics brought home by a veteran Civil War soldier of the Western Theater.

Hiram T. Fisher

Residence was not listed; 22 years old.

Enlisted on 10/7/1861 as a Corporal.

On 10/7/1861 he mustered into "I" Co. OH 16th Infantry

He was discharged for promotion on 5/19/1863

On 5/19/1863 he was commissioned into "F" Co. US CT 53rd Infantry

He Resigned on 2/23/1866

Promotions:

* Capt 5/19/1863 (As of Co. F 53rd USCT Infantry)

Comes housed in a 14 x 20 inch display case with red velvet backing and descriptive card.

Inventory Number: GRO 034 / SOLD