This group consists of three photos, a handmade spoon, and a soldier’s identification disc. The soldier was Allen C. McGrath of Chambersburg, PA.  The three images are all post-Civil War era. Two are of McGrath himself circa 1885 and the third is of his father.  McGrath poses in a formal jacket and sports long, white cheek whiskers.  The identification disc is a pewter “War of 1861” style disc. One side of the disc is stamped, “A C McGRATH / CO D / [Masonic symbol] / 126 REG / PA  V / PHIL  PA”. The reverse features “WAR OF 1861”, a laurel wreath, and “ENGAGED IN THE ABOVE BATTLES”… with “[Masonic symbol] / FREDERICKSBURG / [Odd fellows symbol]” stamped in the center. The condition of the disc is superb. The last piece is a souvenir spoon made by McGrath while a prisoner at Salisbury, NC. It appears to be constructed of bone and Mother of Pearl. An accompanying note claims the spoon was made for his wife, and her name “Sue” is carved into the bone handle. The handle is broken and there is some small loss where the handle and bowl connect.

Allen Clay McGrath enlisted on August 12, 1862. He was a private in Company D, 126^th PA Infantry. He was promoted to corporal four days later. The regiment was held in reserve at Antietam. At Fredericksburg they charged Marye’s Heights. On February 12, 1863, he was discharged due to chronic Diarrhea. During the Gettysburg Campaign his pension records state that he was captured by the Confederates while acting as a scout. He was captured during the retreat, on July 7, near Hagerstown, MD. His pension records further state that he was taken to “Libby & Castle Thunder, until Nov[ember]. Then in Salisbury N.C. prison until Mar. 17, 65.”

This interesting group comes with his complete military and pension records from the National Archives.  [jet]

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