ID’D NEW TESTAMENT – PRIVATE GEORGE BELL, 3rd NJ and 23rd PA – WITH INSCRIPTION AND LOCK OF HAIR

ID’D NEW TESTAMENT – PRIVATE GEORGE BELL, 3rd NJ and 23rd PA – WITH INSCRIPTION AND LOCK OF HAIR

Hover to zoom

Image 1 Image 2 Image 3 Image 4 Image 5 Image 6 Image 7 Image 8 Image 9

$495.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 2025-1933

Shipping: Determined by Method & Location of buyer

To Order:
Call 717-334-0347,
Fax 717-334-5016, or E-mail

Private George R. Bell was a 28-year-old carpenter when he enlisted on 4/27/1861 Trenton and mustered into the 3rd New Jersey, serving with them a 3-month term before mustering out.  On August 8th, he was back in the war, enlisting in Company H of the 23rd PA, eventually rising to the rank of Corporal.  Adding to the resume, he apparently also served in Company E of the 82nd Pennsylvania after transferring on 8/23/1864, but few details are available and it may have been a period clerical error.  Both the 23rd and 82nd saw extensive combat, with each playing a role in defending and securing Culp’s Hill at Gettysburg.  At Cold Harbor, the 23rd suffered 194 casualties in the June 3rd assaults. George’s service records are a bit sparse, but he may have had this bible on his person as the 23rd took their place in line on the right flank at Gettysburg.  A deep dive into traditional archives would likely yield more information about his life during and after the Civil War.

The bible itself is in good condition with no compromises to its integrity or presentation. This New Testament edition was published by the American Bible Society in 1860 The slightly-faded black fabric cover shows use at the folds, but remains complete. Some very minor material loss is noted along the edges of the closing tab (part of the rear cover but folds to close at front).  The closure loop is lightly crazed, but secure.  Separation between the pastedown and fly leaf pages is noted, but all binding is tight and secure. Gilt page edges retain most finish, with initials “G R B” lightly scratched across the top and bottom edges.

Several notes of lineage are present, with the first flyleaf inscribed in pencil, largely too light to read.  The words “Jolly Day” are legible. A patriotic, 1861-dated poem entitled “OLDEN GUARDS” from a Trenton publication is pasted to the front cover’s interior. A penciled inscription on the flyleaf reads “G. K. Bill. June the 26th 1869 / A keepsake from Manny (or Marry) D. James of Trenton, N. J. A member of the 8th New Jersey Vol / the year one thousand eight hundred sixty one / Three Months Men.”  The reverse flyleaf and inside cover are inscribed in pencil, “This I will keep til Deth Wen Ded I want it sent to Trenton New Jersey to Hunter(?) M. Bell. / George Rinton Bell / Book [received] in / Trenton N. Jersey / April 22, 1861”. A lock of brown hair, obviously well-aged, is tucked between the title page and flyleaf.  It is not known whether the hair belonged to George or a loved one, but his hair color was listed as brown at the time of enlistment.  A piece of pink silk, a folded piece of foil, and a clipped mid-century portrait of Jesus as a shepherd, suggesting the bible had a long and useful life.  Dimensions are 2.9” x 4.4”.

A very interesting, identified bible with layers yet to uncover.   [cm][ph:L]

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

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

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS.

THANK YOU!

Inquire »

Inquire About ID’D NEW TESTAMENT – PRIVATE GEORGE BELL, 3rd NJ and 23rd PA – WITH INSCRIPTION AND LOCK OF HAIR

should be empty