Veteran’s Reunion Grouping of George A. Price, 9th Illinois Cavalry

Veteran’s Reunion Grouping of George A. Price, 9th Illinois Cavalry - Inventory Number: VET 293

Great collection of yellow silk reunion ribbons and bronze medallions belonging to George A Price of the 9th Illinois Cavalry. The 1888 History of the Ninth Regiment Illinois Cavalry Volunteers provides a biographical sketch of Price. 

“George A. Price was born in Vestal, Broome County, N. Y. , November 4, 1839. When twelve years of age he went to New York, and there learned the trade of a hatter. In April, 1861, he went with Company E, of the Seventh Regiment, New York S. M. to Washington under the first call for troops, remaining with them until the regiment returned to New York in June. In July he went to Illinois to visit his parents. November 9, he enlisted in Company M, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, and on the 13th was made Commissary Sergeant of his company. January 13, 1862, he was appointed Regimental Sergeant- Major, and served in that capacity through the campaigns in Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas, until September 4, 1862, when he was discharged for disability at Helena, Ark. 

In 1863 with health partially restored, he returned to New York, and the next year became a member of the firm of Bigelow & Co., hatters and furriers, Brooklyn. In 1869 the firm was re- organized under the name of Balch, Price & Co. , and has continued the same to date. They are the leading merchants in their line in the city of Brooklyn, and widely known in the trade . Mr. Price joined the Grand Army of the Republic in 1884, and was soon after appointed Adjutant of his Post, No. 327, Department of New York, and was largely instrumental in securing to it the name of " U. S. Grant, " after the decease of the great General. He served as Adjutant for three years and is now (June 1, 1888) , the Senior Vice- Commander. He has twice been honored by the Commanders- in - Chief ( Generals Fairchilds and Rea), with the appointment of Aid- de- camp on their staffs. He is a member of the New England Society of Brooklyn (both his grandfathers having been born in New England),and has recently been elected President of the Bryant Society of Brooklyn. In February, 1865, Mr. Price was married to Miss Adel aide A. Wentz, of Binghampton, N. Y. They have two sons, Henry Allen and Frank Julian.

The subject of this sketch, though not long in service with the Ninth, did not fail to make his mark as a soldier, and while he was Sergeant- Major was often called upon to perform the duties of Adjutant, which he did thoroughly and well. He was a hard worker, and often volunteered to go out when scouts were in order or any prospect of fighting appeared probable. He was of delicate build, and his health failing, he was obliged to give up the idea of becoming a great soldier, and left the service in the fall of 1862. He is now a member of one of the largest business houses in Brooklyn, a prominent figure in Grand Army circles and cherishes a lively interest in his old comrades of the Ninth. His present address is Brooklyn, N. Y.”

The eight silk ribbons from 9th Illinois Veteran Association reunions date from 1892 – 1912 and remain in good condition with areas of light staining on some. The bronze 9th Illinois Cavalry three-tier badge is comprised of a 1 ½” medallion depicting four carbine bullets in relief. The disk is suspended from crossed sabers and a pin bar marked “9th ILL. CAVALRY.” The stamped brass, false embroidered. “9” pin has developed a mellow patina and is complete with three soldered attachment pins on the reverse. The lot includes a photocopied image of George A. Price in full G.A.R. regalia. A fine cavalry veteran’s reunion grouping.

Comes housed in an 16 x 24 inch display case with red velvet backing and descriptive card.

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 Inventory Number: VET 293