1861 Civil War 1st Ed Soldier's Hymn Book withART, NAME & PHOTO! Identified NY ME

  
1861 Civil War 1st Ed. Soldier's Hymn Book w/ART, NAME & PHOTO! The Preface page tells part of the tale of this treasure, with the YMCA of NY scrambling to publish these hymn books for newly called Union soldiers at the very beginning of the Civil War. The June 18,1961 publication date is just 2.5 months after the attack on Ft. This book is especially rare because of its owner, "Clifton Jones", of the 5th Maine, Company E. He'd been literally born on the Fourth of July and was just seventeen years old when he enlisted on May 3, 1861. Evidence suggests he was a drummer. He wrote his own name in the front cover of the hymn book, and added some artistic flourishes that may reflect fireworks maybe a take on his birthdate?

The biggest surprise is his photo that was clearly added contemporarily on the next page. One thing is certain, the presence of a photo paired with the signature and clear and specific identification is very rare. The book is in good condition considering its age and obvious use, with front and back covers intact and no apparent missing pages.

Jones lived to be 78 years old and is buried in Hanover, Maine. The 5th Maine, Co E, was present for many major Civil War battles, including Manassas, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Gettysburg. This little hymn book is a museum quality piece, and a true treasure for any Civil War collector.

It is from the collection of the late Lowell Jevens, and avid Civil War collector for 50+ years and a lifelong history buff.