In 1905 “bands of urchins grotesquely costumed paraded the streets in the center of the city” and “one plump youngsters wearing female disguise elicited roars of laughter wherever he appeared”. “Masqueraders locked arms and rushed up and down Chapel street yelling at the top of their voices”. “Torpedoes were exploded, gates reversed, doors bombarded and all manner of pranks played”. In 1910, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Galligan of Elm Street had a party with friends. Tables were “decorated with lighted pumpkin heads, hobgoblins and flowers”. Dr. and Mrs. Devereaux went as Happy Hooligan and Yama Girl, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hemmeler as ghosts and Mr. and Mrs. John McQuiggan as college sport and Spanish dancing girl. In 1915, Edward P. Judd’s store on Chapel Street was the place to get “clever novelties for table decorations, and favors for dance parties”. Societies such as the Scottish Caledonian Club, whose hall was located on State Street, would hold annual Halloween celebrations. [2]

“Duck and catch” (apple bobbing), burning nuts and ghost stories were popular at parties and games were played which foretold the future. Apples were peeled in one unbroken curl, the peel waved “slowly three times around the head” and dropped. “It ought to form something very like the first letter of the future bride’s or husband’s name”. An unmarried girl would walk into a dark room with a candle and was supposed to see her future husband in the mirror and unmarried men were blindfolded and told to choose from three dishes which indicated whether he would marry a spinster, widow or “die a poor, forlorn old bachelor”. [3]

In 1928, it was reported that Halloween was no longer a time when “anything went”. Less gates were stolen since they had been replaced with hedges and instead “motorists suffered the most” since air was let out of tires and “seats filled up with slightly decomposed vegetables”.[4]

Halloween originates from the Celtic harvest holiday of Samhain. What is now November 1^st was the beginning of winter and it was believed this was the time when “the souls of those who had died during the year traveled into the otherworld” and “the ghosts of the dead were able to mingle with the living”. Christians attempted to replace Samhain with All Saints day (All Hallows day) but this failed and All Hallows Eve, Hallowe’en still celebrated. Although Halloween was observed in some parts of colonial America, it was the influx of immigrants in the mid to late nineteenth century that helped increase the popularity of the holiday nationally. [5]

The 1820 census lists only one Horace Carpenter in the United States. He lived in Whitehall, Washington County, New York. The official enumeration day was 7 August 1820 and the household consisted of one male aged 16-25, one female aged 26-45 and 3 females under 10. This census therefore corresponds well with what is known about Horace, Betsey, Polly, Eleanor and Betsey Jr (although the sampler suggests Horace had turned 26 that year). At this time it appears Horace was involved in agriculture. This census also shows the Carpenter family listed next to Samuel Lawrence and close to Ann Carpenter, who were possibly relatives of the couple.[1]

Cemetery transcriptions for Whitehall confirm that Betsey died 31 July 1822, aged 29 years, 4 months and 6 days and Maria was born in 1800 and died 15 June 1826, aged 26 years, 5 months and 16 days. Both were buried in the Williams Street Cemetery and both said to be the wife of Horace Carpenter. Although the death dates correspond with the information in the sampler, the ages do not quite match with the birth dates provided. This could be due to an error in the transcription process, inaccurate information on the gravestone or a lack of knowledge by young Sally.[2]

A transcription of the records of the First Presbyterian Church of Whitehall suggest that a Horace Carpenter married “Elenour” Bostwick on 27 September 1830 and also Maria Lockwood on 20 August 1833. Whether the same Horace married both women is unclear. A 56 year old Horace Carpenter can be found in the 1850 census living in the town of Rochester, Racine County, Wisconsin and working as a farmer. His birth state is given as New Hampshire and a Maria A. listed with him, probably his wife. Furthermore, Sabrina Lockwood also resided with the family and thus it seems likely this Horace is the same one memorialized in the sampler.  Five children appear in the household who were probably Horace’s sons. The oldest was born in New York around 1836 and the youngest in Wisconsin around 1847. The other three were born in Ohio, suggesting the family lived there from about 1838-1844.  Only two Horace Carpenter’s appear in Ohio in 1840 and by comparing the ages of the children in 1850 with those in the 1840 census, an appropriate family identified as living in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County. A male aged 15-19 appears in the household, who might represent Albert who was about 16 at this time.[3]

Horace and his family can also be found in Racine County in 1860. Horace’s birth place is again given as New Hampshire and his occupation as farmer. A published source suggests that Horace was the son of Ezra Carpenter, who settled in Hanover, New Hampshire and thus this may be where Horace was born. This source also provides Horace’s wife’s name as Betsey Lawrence and residence in 1848 as Racine, Wisconsin, supporting the notion that this sampler relates to the Wisconsin Carpenter family. A gravestone reveals Horace died on 3 January 1870 and was buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Waterford, Racine County.[4]

What about Horace’s older children?
While Horace moved out west, this does not hold true for his older children. Published sources suggest that Betsey Jr. married Philip Thatcher Brewster on 8 January 1840 in Clintonville, New York and Eleanor married Philip’s brother, William Brewster. Eleanor died in the city of Taunton, Massachusetts on 9 September 1888. Her death record provides her birthplace as Whitehall and parents as Horace Carpenter and Betsey. While Horace’s birthplace is unknown, Betsey’s is given as Whitehall.[5]

A Mary Carpenter married Edward Parker in Whitehall on 23 October 1834. A gravestone transcription suggests she died 1 August 1845 and was buried in Boardman Cemetery, Whitehall. Her birth date is given as 1816. Since Polly is a nickname for Mary is it therefore possible that Mary was the Polly named in the sampler? It is interesting that Horace named a child Edward Parker Carpenter in 1844, perhaps after his son-in-law?[6]

At this time it is not clear what happened to Albert.

Although this sampler provides valuable genealogical information about the Carpenter family, it also poses questions. Who was Sally Carpenter and what was her connection to New Haven? Is it possible that Sally was actually Polly? Born in 1815, Polly was the oldest Carpenter daughter and although she was younger than most girls that did needlework, the year 1826 also appears on the piece, perhaps suggesting that it was just started in 1822. Was Polly sent to New Haven after her mother’s death, perhaps attending one of the schools in the City? Or was Sally a more distant relative of the family?

***This sampler can be found at the New Haven Museum.

—–

During the Napoleonic Wars, the British declared the whole of the French coast blockaded and the French declared the same for the whole of Britain. Neutral American merchant ships and their cargoes were seized and sold by the British and French for supposedly violating these blockades. In 1807, Congress reacted by laying an Embargo, which prevented cargoes bound for foreign destinations from leaving American ports. This greatly affected New England farmers who were now unable to export their surpluses. Restrictions were also placed on British imports and New Haven’s once thriving seaport collapsed as much of its trade involved the British and French West Indies. [1]

British-American relations deteriorated further when attempts were made to take English born American citizens from American ships and impress them into the Royal Navy and when Britain was seen hindering America’s Northwest expansion. Ultimately war was declared against Britain in 1812.[2]

Underside of canteen.

“New England States were against the war” and did not “allow their militia to join in the forces intended to invade Canada”. They were also willing to trade with the British, thus postponing a blockade of the New England coast. In November 1813 however, the Long Island Sound was blocked destroying all trade. The patrolling of this waterway even interrupted the building of the United Church (North Church) on the New Haven Green, since permission had to be obtained from the British Commander (whose ship was situated off New London) to transport lumber down the Connecticut River. [3]

The British raided Saybrook and made an attempt near Stratford, causing great concern in New Haven. The Connecticut Herald stated that “Many towns of considerable importance and wealth are entirely exposed, and liable at any moment to be laid in ashes by a single gun-brig” and the Columbian Register reported that “Preparation to repel invasion cannot too speedily be made.” Believing that Fort Hale (Black Rock Fort) alone could not provide the necessary protection New Haven needed, Fort Wooster (Beacon Hill) was built in 1814. In early October the newspapers reported that “A British frigate and brig have been hovering between Guilford and Fairfield for three or four days” and “where the next blow will be attempted no one can tell”. With no regular troops, Connecticut looked towards her militia for protection and Fort Wooster was ready for her garrison by late October. [4]

Philip S Galpin. Photograph in New Haven Museum's collection

Philip S. Galpin was born in Berlin, Connecticut around 1795 and moved to New Haven as a young man, where he worked as a clerk in a store. Galpin served in the 1^st Battalion Connecticut Artillery and was a private under commander Joseph A. Bishop from 8 September to 21 October 1814. During this time he likely used the canteen shown above to keep hydrated. Fortunately the British never attacked New Haven and peace was declared in December 1814. [5]

Following the war, militia and new recruits formed the New Haven Grays and were called on when trouble arose in the city. In 1824, they had to deal with “an incensed and indignant gathering of townspeople”, who were in uproar after a deceased female was exhumed by the Yale medical school with the intention of being used for research. Galpin served as captain of the Grays from 1823-1826 and was a prominent New Havener, in which he was a state senator and served as the mayor of New Haven for 8 years. He was also involved in establishing the first carpet factory in the city and from 1841 until his death in 1872 was the secretary and manager of the “Mutual Security Insurance Company”.[6]

***The canteen is on display in the main gallery at the New Haven Museum.

On April 15, 1912, the New Haven Register reported that the Titanic had smashed “full speed into an iceberg in a thick fog on her maiden voyage” and that although she had “immediately settled forward and began to sink”, her “up-to-date construction” allowed her to stay afloat.  A White Star Line official initially declared that “her numerous water tight compartments” made her “absolutely unsinkable” and that the incident “should not cause any serious anxiety”. At this time it was believed that the passengers were being taken off and that it was “probable” they were all safe, while the “Helpless ship” was being towed to Halifax by the Virginian. [1]

The true scale of the catastrophe however soon began to unfold and on April 16^th it was reported that “shortly after 2 o’clock” on the morning of April 15^th, the “Titanic made her great dive into the ocean, carrying with her to death over 1,200 persons”. Over the next couple of days, while the rescue ship Carpathia made her way to New York, the families of those onboard nervously awaited news of their loved ones. On the 17^th, the more prominent names missing from the list of known survivors included, Colonel John Jacob Astor, a businessman and believed to be the richest passenger onboard, the millionaire merchant Isador Straus, Major Archibald W. Butt, aide to President Taft, American Artist Francis D. Millet, London journalist William T. Stead and businessman Benjamin Guggenheim. Locally people eagerly awaited news about Mr. and Mrs. Adolph F. Dyker, a young West Haven couple. [2]

Adolph Dyker was a 23 year old Swedish-American who lived at 468 Washington Avenue in West Haven. He was a conductor on a local trolley line, doing the Woodmont run in the summer of 1911 and his courteousness towards the passengers “won him much favor”. In 1908, he married 18 year old, Massachusetts born Anna Judith Elizabeth Anderson in New Haven. During the first couple of years of their marriage they lived with her parents, Carl and Johanna Anderson, at 187 Center Street in West Haven. Upon hearing that his father was grievously ill in Olsta Gnesta, Sweden, Adolph and Anna hurriedly made preparations to return to Sweden and travelled from New York to Liverpool onboard the Campania, arriving in England on December 13, 1911. By the time they reached Sweden however, Adolph’s father had passed away. The Dyker’s began their journey home in April 1912 and travelled from Gothenburg, Sweden to Hull, England onboard the Calypso. On April 10th they boarded the Titanic at Southampton. [3]

Although third class passengers, the Dyker’s would have experienced a level of comfort on the Titanic more superior than most ships of the day. They either slept in one of the 84 two berth cabins or shared their cabin with strangers, sleeping in bunk beds. Their room likely contained a sink and a small amount of wardrobe space, as well as heat and electric lighting. They would have enjoyed simple but ample food in the dining saloon and socialized in the General Room. Adolph may have also smoked and drank in the Smoking Room.[4]

On the night of April 14^th, Anna was enjoying the company of her husband and although many had retired to bed and were in their nightclothes when the ship hit the iceberg at around 11:40pm, Anna was apparently fully dressed with the exception of her hat. When the call came for women and children first, Anna “hung back with her husband” until he threw her into a lifeboat, boat 16, which was situated at the back of the ship and purportedly released at around 1:20am. Once in the lifeboat and rowing away from the ship, it is reported that Anna saw Adolph “standing on the deck waving his hand to her”. She heard a “terrible explosion” and “reports like a revolver” and “saw the big boat sink”. The Titanic sank at around 2:20am.[5]

Whether Adolph fought to stay alive in the freezing Atlantic Ocean or drowned by being trapped in the ship or sucked down during the sinking is unclear. He was one of the estimated 1,509 people that perished on the Titanic that night. Only 13% of third class men survived and Adolph’s body, if recovered, was never identified. Whilst being third class reduced Adolph’s chances of survival, being a man alone made his prospects grim. Only 20% of men across all classes survived and all the prominent men listed above shared Adolph’s fate.[6]

Anna on the other hand apparently stayed in her lifeboat for about 5 hours until she was picked up by the Carpathia. The lifeboat contained mostly third class passengers and crew members and during the night it was reported that the survivors were “moderately quiet” although suffered from “exposure and excitement”. In the lifeboat Anna allegedly carried with her a satchel containing two gold watches, two diamond rings, a sapphire necklace and 200 crowns, which she subsequently lost on the rescue ship. On the Carpathia Anna saw many passengers with broken arms and legs caused by falling into the lifeboats or upon “the rubbish from the ship which was floating in the sea”. It is said that she held up her courage during the trip and sympathized with others.[7]

When Anna reached New York on the evening of April 18^th, her family apparently had trouble finding her as they were initially refused from passing through the custom house, as Anna’s name was not on the list of survivors, and then nearly missed her when she went out the other end of the pier. For several days after the crash Anna was hopeful that her husband had survived but by the 19^th believed there was “no question about her husband being drowned as he was standing on deck when the boat” sank. Upon reaching her parents West Haven home, Anna had to be carried in by her brothers, where she wept bitterly. On the 20^th it was reported that her condition was “rather serious”, in which she was of “frail build and delicate constitution” and was “suffering with a severe cold and from a nervous breakdown”.[8]

Despite the women and children first rule, only 49% of third class women survived, although 74% of all women survived. Anna sued the White Star Line for the loss of her husband and the loss of baggage, jewelry, money and other effects.  She went on to marry John A. Josephson and died on February19^th, 1961 in New Jersey. [9]

In order to protect society from sin and corruption, New Haven’s criminal justice system was particularly harsh, the punishment for many seemingly minor crimes being severe. New Haven had a conviction rate of about 93%, which it is believed was the highest of any British Colony in North America. [4]  Here are some examples of alleged crimes in the 1630’s and 1640’s, along with their punishments. Ultimately the word of God ruled and these records show people punished mercilessly for their immorality, especially when it came to sexual deviancy.

You can read more about these and other crimes in Records of the Colony and Plantation of New Haven, from 1638-1649.

This powder horn belonged to “Jabez Turner” and was made on October 15, 1778, most likely in New Haven.[1] It is decorated with ships, a church, mermaid, fish, livestock, soldiers and possibly a fortification and was used to carry gun powder for a flint lock gun during the Revolutionary War. It is unclear whether it was used throughout Jabez’s service and was just engraved in 1778 or only used after the October date.

Jabez was born in Bristol, Pennsylvania on January 31, 1756 but moved to New Haven with his parents when he was a few months old. [2]  With the first call for troops[3], Jabez enlisted at New Haven in May 1775[4] and by the 24^th had done 12 half days of “Duty” (training) in New Haven under Captain Christopher Alling.[6] It is likely Jabez gathered with others on the New Haven Green, the men “ready for a march, with their arms glittering and their knapsacks on their backs”[5], powder horns hanging from their shoulders.  It appears Jabez was part of General Wooster’s First Regiment in a company commanded by Captain Samuel Wilmott.[7]

Underside of powder horn showing ship (center), fortification (right) and church (left).

Allegedly the company marched from New Haven to Horseneck (part of Greenwich) and then onto New York, pitching tents at the Bowery. Time was spent “getting off cannon” from the “Grand battery” and it was here that a British ship, HMS Asia, apparently fired at them. The company went onto Harlem, staying there for about half a month, and then sailed to the eastern end of Long Island[8], where British ships were rendezvousing and soldiers were going ashore for livestock and other supplies.[9] In order to prevent further raids, Jabez helped remove livestock from Plum Island and although he recalled that they were again fired at, no injury was caused.[10]  In late September, the troops sailed to Ticonderoga via Albany and went to Brown Point and the Islands to the west of Lake Champlain. In October they were involved in the siege and capture of St. John’s and Jabez remembers helping with the building of a fortification. In November, the Regiment marched to Montreal and took possession of the City without battle. [11] Here Jabez was discharged on November 28^th, having served for six months. [12] It is probable that Jabez changed companies during this service as the information he supplied in his pension file suggests he was originally a soldier in the 1st Company but discharge lists show he was discharged from the 10^th.[13]

Underside of powder horn showing soldiers.

In August 1776, Jabez allegedly went back into service and was drafted at New Haven into a company of militia. He sailed to New York, was sent to Long Island until the American’s retreated and then went back to New York until it too was lost. As a carpenter, he was put to use at Kings Bridge, helping to build barracks and was dismissed in September having served for six weeks. In December, Jabez apparently volunteered and marched from New Haven to Pells Neck, New York, remaining there for 3 weeks. In April 1777, Jabez again volunteered and was in this service for 10 days, marching from New Haven to Reading and involved in a skirmish at “Kompo Heights” (most likely what is now Westport). He purportedly volunteered in October 1777, marching from New Haven to Danbury, onto Fishkill, Peekskill, Gallows Hill and “Krum Pond”, being involved in scouting and dismissed after two weeks.[14]

While further service is not mentioned in Jabez’s pension file, it is possible that he continued to participate in the War after 1777, since he was chosen to be on an alarm list in 1781 and appears as a Lieutenant.[15]

Front of powder horn providing details about the owner and when and where it was made.

Although Jabez grew up in New Haven and can be found living in Hamden in 1790[16], he moved to Great Barrington, Massachusetts around 1795[17] and is found there in the 1800 and 1810 censuses.[18] By 1835 however, he was living with his son in Kinderhook, Columbia County, New York and by 1841 lived in Alton, Madison County, Illinois with his son Timothy.[19] Jabez died on December 12, 1846 in Godfrey, Madison County.[20] In an 1873 newspaper article Jabez’s son, Deacon W.W Turner, celebrated his Golden Wedding Anniversary. At this time, Jabez’s Revolutionary War service was remembered and among the curiosities on display was,…the powder horn.[21]

In the early 1880’s, Valentine’s cards were “highly ornamented with figures and surroundings in color”.[3] Dealers in “fancy stationery”[4] and booksellers like Northrop, Mr. Judd and Charles Coan, all on Chapel Street[5], displayed “visible representations of genuine love-variegated in color, trimmed with lace, embossed, gilded,…decorated with crimson hearts pierced with arrows,…perfumed with orris root or spices”. [6] It was reported that one of the prettiest cards in 1883 had “puffed silken or satin sides of delicate tints and edged with fringe to match” and the designs in this year were “generally floral”.[7]

In 1884, 5,000-6,500 Valentine’s Day letters were received by the New Haven post office, much exceeding the number of Christmas and Easter cards sent.[8] In 1891, a Chapel Street stationer stated that celluloid was “made into hearts hand painted with some appropriate Valentine design”. “Bannerettes, handkerchief boxes, pin trays, book marks”, “Penwipers which thoroughly concealed their identity,.. blotters tied with ribbons and their covers beautifully decorated” and “sachet bags of silk and satin, trimmed with lace” were all sold, these gifts being both useful and ornamental.[9] It was reported that although women bought more Valentine’s than men, there was more money in selling to men since they would pay “four and five and six dollars”. Thus, like today, cupid made “a hole in the pocketbook as well as in the heart”.[10]

However, Valentine’s Day was not just about the lover but also the “wicked small boy”[11] and the day was often used to “square up the year’s grudges”[12].  Yellow and blue “abominations” called “comic” Valentine’s were often sent in New Haven,[13] causing women to “avoid the post-office until the era of truth-telling” was over.[14] In 1887, it was reported that “One servant girl on Whalley avenue had four of them carried to her on the first mail delivery” and “One of the carriers received a comic valentine entitled “The Masher””.[15] Ultimately these cards caused people to regard “their mail,…with suspicion and distrust”[16].

It was reported that “One of the most remarkable valentines ever sent through the New Haven post-office, was forwarded to a Grand avenue man,… The package was a box about two feet long, one foot wide and six inches high, wrapped up in course paper and tied with heavy cord,… The valentine consisted of one of the common penny-cartoons and a big piece of velvet carpet, considerably worn. To the carpet was attached a letter,…

Dear Mike-
Take this carpet to wipe your
dirty feet when you go around to the back
door calling on the girls”[17]

In 1894, it was said that the comic cards had “verses” “as suggestive and calculated to make the recipient’s bosom heave with indignation because of their applicability” and that there would be “many incensed people in the city”.[18] The senders of these cards often had the receivers help pay for postage and thus people were “paying for a “grind” on themselves”. In 1896, it was believed that the post office received about 1,000 comic Valentine’s and about 20 of these “were held at the office as scurrilous mail” and “destroyed” since they were “sent in unsealed envelopes”. In this year there were a few cards addressed to policemen, in which the “the cheap caricatures” represented them as “taking bribes and hush money”. [19]  In 1897, the “Bloomer Girl” was ridiculed, one verse of the hard hitting “poem” stating that “Death seems to have made a mistake and overlooked you”. “The mother who trundles her baby on her wheel” was “liable to get one of the valentines labeled “The Idiot Mother””. Apparently “No nationality or race escaped” being characterized. [20]

Ultimately, there were two very different positions New Havener’s could take on Valentine ’s Day in the middle to late Nineteenth Century and whilst some Valentine’s breathed “tender, loving sentiment” others were “filled with hissing hate”. [21]

On June 22, 1916, Art enlisted in the Connecticut National Guard at New Haven[7] and was involved in protecting American lives and property from violet raids along the Mexican border.[8] In and around Nogales, Arizona, Art would have learned to ride, shoot and mount guard as well as how to care for himself and horse.[9] On July 10 and September 6 1916, Art was appointed a cook[10] and under the direction of Sergeant Arthur J. Fisher, gained specialist knowledge in how to conjure food out of army rations.[11] After 4 months of experience in the field, Art’s Troop (Troop A) returned home and was mustered out of federal service.[12]

On August 3, 1917, the Troop was mustered back into federal service and Art was made a soldier of the U.S. Army.[13] During the summer, Art was likely based at Niantic, performing close order drill and road hikes. The Troop soon learned that their horses were to be replaced by machine guns, becoming members of what the British called, the “suicide club”.[14] The Troop initially became Company A of the 101^st Machine Gun Battalion but then Company D of the 102^nd Machine Gun Battalion.[15]

In October, the Company traveled to England and then onto France, staying in barracks about 3½ miles southeast of Neuf-Chateau. [16] Here time was spent gaining knowledge about the surrounding area and the “air-cooled, gas operated, strip-fed” Hotchkiss machine gun was issued. There were drills on how to handle the guns, gas masks were distributed and tested through a chamber filled with chlorine gas, mules were trained to haul gun and ammunition carts for example in preparation for the trip to the trenches and the Company learned about grenade throwing. It was during this time that five small pigs were dropped from a train near camp. Art, along with Private Minor, decided to capture and kill them and they were likely a welcome addition to army rations. The Company left the camp after 3 months, on February 7, 1918.[17]

Art was involved in the Aisne-Marne, St Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne offences and Champagne- Marne defense. He also saw action in Chemin des Dames, Pas Fini (Ile de France), Touls-Boucq, Kupt and Troyon (Lorraine).[18]

In Chemin des Dames, Art and Private McAviney likely found trench warfare tedious and as a result “produced “life-size bombardments” one night” “by throwing hand grenades over the parapet until their tactics were discovered”[19] (parapet formed the side of the trench directly facing the enemy line[20]). In late March 1918, the Machine Gun Battalion was ordered to the northwest of Toul and until the Kitchen arrived Art and Private Ackerman prepared meals.[21] On April 9, Art was promoted from private to corporal[22] and on May 19^th, Art was involved in a boxing match against Jenson of the 163rd Infantry, fighting six rounds. He won with ease and brought considerable wealth to his supporters (almost the entire company).[23]

In October, the Company moved north of Verdun, east of the Meuse River (Meuse-Argonne area) and took up new positions in woodland in Bois d’Ormont. Here the American and German lines were very close to each other but were at a stand-still until the 23^rd when aggressive action was ordered. Artillery was fired by both sides and all about the line were the dead bodies of French, American and German soldiers. Company D were relieved on October 30^th and on November 1^st went to Bois des Caures, a quieter sector, slightly right of the positions they occupied in the Bois d’Ormont woods. The infantry cleared the woods of Germans on November 8^th and the Company advanced toward Ville devant Chaumont, through the eastern edge of Champneuville woods. [24]

It was in this conquest that Art was wounded by machine gun fire and died on November 10^th.[25] This was one of the “last battles on the western front”, the armistice being declared just one day later, on November 11^th.[26]  Art was buried at the Meuse-Argonne American cemetery in Romagne, France.[27] During the fighting, Company D suffered 86 casualties, of which two thirds of these were caused during the last 3 weeks of war.[28]

Albert Z. Downs Jr. was born in the town of Woodbury in Litchfield County on 31 December 1838 and was the son of Albert Zeri and Sarah (Prichard) Downs. [1] Albert lived in Woodbury until the age of 11 and attended the Minor Town District School. Around 1850/1 Albert moved with his family to the neighboring town of Bethlehem, where he attended winter school for five years and worked on a farm during the summer season. Around 1855, he moved with his family to the village of Westville, New Haven County, where he resided for the rest of his life. [2]

By 1860, Albert was living with the family of Morris Isbell. [3] Isbell was a Westville blacksmith and wagon maker, whose shop was located on Main Street, near its intersection with Tyron Street. [4] For four years between 1855 and 1861, Albert was engaged as an apprentice under Isbell, learning from his mastery. [5] As such he may have fastened metal shoes on horses and made and repaired farm and home equipment.

On 30 August 1861, Albert enlisted in Company F of the Sixth Regiment of the Connecticut Volunteers and was mustered in on 7 September. [6] Albert was joined by his younger brother, Edward. On 17 September, the Regiment, consisting of 1008 officers and men, left New Haven for “the seat of war”. [7] During his enlistment, Albert sent many letters home, providing a poignant account of his experiences and an invaluable insight into what the Sixth endured. ^[8] The letters portray Albert as a young man, who cared greatly about what others thought of him. [9] When illness caused him to be left behind at camp, while the rest of the Regiment went on an expedition, Albert was concerned he would miss out on the “action”, suggesting him to be adventurous and fearless. [10] Although just 3 years older than his brother Edward, Albert appeared much more serious, Edward seeming more inquisitive and mischievous. [11] In March 1863, Albert was appointed “Regimental Armor” [12] and was kept busy fixing revolvers, knapsacks, field lanterns and bayonets for example. ^[13] Albert was mustered out at New Haven on 21 August 1865. [14]

Upon return from the war, Albert began work with the A Beecher and Sons match manufacturing company as a machinist and blacksmith and as such he would have been responsible for ensuring the match making machines were working efficiently. [15] In 1870, match companies were combined to make the Swift, Courtney and Beecher Company and in 1881 the company was incorporated under the Diamond Match Company. [16] When the Diamond Match Company moved its operations out of New Haven, the Geometric Tool Company began leasing the empty factories. [17] Ultimately it appears that Albert worked on the same site from about 1867 until about his death in 1921, working first in the match factories and then for the Geometric Tool Company. [18] He was likely involved in making new machinery as production practices and needs changed overtime.

On 1 May 1867, Albert married Emily A. Evarts at the Westville Congregational Church. [19] Emily was born on 1 May 1842 and was the daughter of James Evarts and Emily Clark. [20] The couple had four children together; Linna (Downs) Pond, James Downs, Edith Downs and Alberta Downs. [21] Additionally it is suggested that Emily and Albert were largely involved in the raising of their only grandchild, Elton Downs. [22]

On 14 October 1870, Albert bought land on Willard Street in Westville for $525. [23] It is not indicated that a dwelling house stood on this land, which may explain why Albert borrowed $2400 from his father in law, James, on 1 January 1871. [24] This money Albert likely used to pay for the building of a house for his family. Albert and Emily resided continuously in this house from 1871 until their deaths and two of their daughters continued to reside there until the 1960’s. This house continues to stand today. [25]

In 1887, Westville had no lighted streets, water, fire engines or police. It was reported, in the New Haven Evening Register, that it was “not a village or township capable of self-reliant, independent action in local affairs” but was “rather the tail end of the town of New Haven, incapable of a single wag until the big New Haven part feels like it,…”. Furthermore, it was suggested that “many of our citizens have died and seem willing to die, simply “waiting for the wagging””. [26] This was a notion that Albert certainly did not adhere to. Newspaper articles suggest that Albert was actively involved in the Westville community. In both 1879 and 1883, he was appointed a special constable for Westville, a necessity as Westville had no police of its own. [27] Although Westville had “done very little for herself”, she did have her own school district, allowing her independent action in this arena. [28] In 1884, Albert was elected the clerk of the Westville board of education, a position which he held several times, including in 1886 and 1887[29] and from 1892-1899. [30] From 1903-1907, Albert was an auditor for the School Board.[31]

As he grew older, Albert became increasingly involved in the Westville Congregational Church and in 1891 was the superintendent of the Sunday school. [32] Albert was also the Clerk of the Church, a position which he held for over 30 years and which he began in about 1886.[33] On 29 June 1884, Albert became a Deacon of the Church.[34]

Albert was also an active participant in G.A.R affairs (Grand Army of the Republic) and was a member of the Admiral Foote Post. [35] The post was organized on the 26 March 1868 which may have been when Albert first joined. [36] In 1885 and 1886, he is reported to have attended veterans picnics, which allowed him the opportunity to meet up with old comrades, many of which he may not have seen since the war. [37] He would have worn his blue uniform “set off by the glittering brass buttons” and was most likely joined by his wife and children. In 1885 the event was held at Savin Rock and Albert may have taken part in the wheelbarrow race or the barrel race on the water or he may have listened to the band play and joined in with the dancing.[38] In 1886 although Albert did not win any of the “Interesting Races and Athletic Contests”, he did win an order of a dozen photographs. [39] On several occasions during Memorial Day, Albert was responsible for decorating the graves of “departed heroes” in the Westville Cemetery. [40] He would have worn a single-breasted straight front blue sack coat with rolling collar, five G.A.R buttons with two small G.A.R buttons on each sleeve, blue trousers, the Grand Army badge and white gloves. [41]

Albert died on 23 January 1921 at the age of 82 and his obituary revealed that he was one of Westville’s “oldest and most respected residents”.[42] Emily lived for an additional 10 years and died 1 January 1931. [43] The couple are both buried in the Westville Cemetery.[44]

** This information was taken from a lineage paper I wrote last year. If you are interested in finding out more about Albert’s life, including details from the letters he wrote during the Civil War and information about his father and grandfather, you will find the paper at the New Haven Museum Library, entitled “One Descendent of Zeri Downs (Ca. 1769-1840)”. The original Civil War letters are housed at the John Hay Library, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island.