Currier & Ives, the most successful publisher of mass market lithographs from 1834 to 1907, produced a number of customizable memorial prints for the grieving families of US Troops. During the Civil War, soldiers were often buried on the battlefield, thus denying their survivors the burial ritual. These prints often served as surrogate grave sites for families who lost loved ones in battle. Shrouded by the Victorian symbol of grief, a Weeping Willow tree, the image's central gravestone reads: “In memory of” with space for the name, place of death, and date, followed by the dead man's identification as “A brave and gallant soldier, and a true patriot." "His toils are past, his work is done," follows a short poem, "And he is fully blest; / He fought the fight, the victory won, / And enters into rest.”

Willis was 34 years old when he enlisted on 12/23/1863 at Afton, NY as a Private.  A week later, he mustered into Company G of the 5^th New York Heavy Artillery. Residence was not listed; 34 years old. The 2^nd Battalion of the 5^th New York was camped near the Belle Grove Plantation and on picket duty along Cedar Creek when it came into contact with advance elements of Early’s Army.  As they picketed the ford, Willis was killed in action – 6 days before the actual pitched Battle of Cedar Creek.  He left behind a widow and 3 children according to a pension claim.

Condition of the document is very good, with no rips or tears, save for a miniscule one at the low left corner. Minor acid transfer is noted along the edges but hasn’t compromised integrity.  Reverse is blank while the fillable fields across the front show Willis’ details in period ink.  Dimensions are 11.75” x 14.1”.

A very rare and haunting memorial piece from the Civil War.  [cm][ph:L]

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