Very nice vignette bust image of Major Frank Ward wearing a double-breasted frock coat with major’s shoulder straps.

Image is clear and the contrast is good. Paper and mount are clean.

Reverse has a period pencil inscription at top that reads “MAJOR WARD 15 P.V.C.” Photographer’s imprint is for F. GUTEKUNST… PHILADELPHIA, PA.

Frank Biddle Ward was born December 1, 1842 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

At the start of the Civil War he enlisted in the Duquesne Grays of Pittsburgh to serve for three months. The Grays made up Company B of the 12th Pennsylvania Infantry and spent their time guarding a railroad line in Maryland.

After being mustered out he enlisted for a second time as 1st Sergeant in the Anderson Independent Company of Cavalry. When the Company was expanded to form the 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry regiment Ward helped the recruiting efforts by raising 135 citizens of Pittsburgh winning for himself a commission to Captain of Company B on September 24, 1862. Less than a month later he was promoted to Major.

On December 29, 1862 during the battle of Stone’s River, the 15th Pennsylvania charged a Confederate position along Overall Creek. Led by Major’s Rosengarten and Ward the regiment scattered the enemy pickets and charged the Confederate line made up of the 10th and 19th South Carolina Infantry. The Rebels stood firm and unleashed a volley into the 15th which killed Major Rosengarten and severely wounded Major Ward who was carried to a field hospital where he died on January 4, 1863. His body was returned to Pittsburg and was buried in Allegheny Cemetery.

The 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry was organized in October of 1862 and was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland. The regiment saw action at Stones River, Mossy Creek and several smaller skirmishes.

During its service the regiment lost 128 officers and men killed, died of wounds and disease plus many others wounded.  [ad]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS,

CLICK ON ‘CONTACT US’ AT THE TOP OF ANY PAGE ON THE SITE,

THEN ON ‘LAYAWAY POLICY’.

THANK YOU!