This is the stone of Alonzo P. Stinson. It reads:
"Alonzo P Stinson
Third Sergeant Company H
Fifth Regiment
Maine Volunteer Infantry
Aged 19 Years
Killed First Battle Bull Run
July 21, 1861"
Stinson was the first volunteer soldier from Portland to give his life in the Civil War. It was presented to the City of Portland July 4th, 1908 by the surviving members Company H. Something I learned: all soldiers were issued a knapsack and a bedroll on joining up, but most discarded their knapsacks along the way. Soldiers kept mementos and other valuables secreted within their roll. So the design of this stone marker makes perfect sense. It's quite unique. I just can't believe I've never stumbled upon it until now or even heard about its existence.
I learn something new everyday.
Imagine that.
it's a beautiful memorial...
ReplyDeleteI also like to learn something new everyday, thank you for this story. The memorial is really beautiful and perfectly kept...
ReplyDeletesad to think of a man so young dying in war - as so many have.
ReplyDeleteWhen I read you were "on it," I thought you meant your name was there and now you're a reincarnated being of some sort.
ReplyDeleteIt's a very nice tombstone! I don't want to talk about the Civil War this morning.
Quite a nice monument to a very young man. I am glad you followed through and actually learned something. Good!
ReplyDeleteMB
It's quite an impressive stone.
ReplyDeleteThere's a gravestone up in Ontario's cottage country for a soldier who went south to fight in the war. I've photographed it once.
It's a beautiful and well thought out memorial. Thanks for doing the investigative work for us.
ReplyDelete1861... only 19, you really have wonder when it will end. It's a wonderful find Birdman, you really were onto it pronto!
ReplyDelete1861... only 19, you really have wonder when it will end. It's a wonderful find Birdman, you really were onto it pronto!
ReplyDeleteSo young!
ReplyDeleteDiscarded their knapsacks. . . There's another mystery for you to solve. :-)
ReplyDeleteI enlarged the picture to get a better view. Very nice!
ReplyDeleteIt's touching that surviving members of his company saw fit to remember him 47 years later.
ReplyDeleteSad because he was so young, but moving just the same.
ReplyDeleteNice monument.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful monument as a tribute
ReplyDeleteYou know it pays to look around and be curious. Nice find.
ReplyDeleteI work with people who have been employed in downtown Tulsa and have never ventured out from the building and parking garage and they don't want to either. I have no use for people like that.
It's a unique and appropriate gravestone, and I certainly was off the mark with my guess.
ReplyDeleteI always tell folks that the best thing about having a photography blog is that it can't be done from my living room . . . I have to get out and look for stuff. Looks like you have had the same lesson.
ReplyDelete