Civil War Era wallet-note inside

[Crockett]

Hello folks,

I was given a Civil War era wallet, very nice, folds out several times and has pockets at each end, folding money space in the middle, etc. I found one just like it at a flea market and made a nice reproduction for myself. Similar examples found in Lords.

This wallet belonged to a L.S. Ludington, MD from New Britain Connecticut. Within the back pocket is a note saying that a Gilbert L. Mixter died in the rebel prison at Andersonville, Georgia in 1864. The note has the exact date, but I can't recall it at the moment. I found a Gilbert L. Mixter who belonged to the 1st Mass. Cavalry, Co E, and was captured at Parker's Store, VA on 29 November 1863.

I also found reference to a Lewis S. Lugington of the 119th Co, 2nd Reg. Battalion. Hmm, that makes no sense, but that is what it said. I also found a reference to a Linus Sheppard Ludington of the 1st Reg. Connecticut Heavy Artillery.

I am trying to figure out who these people were, how the owner of the wallet knew Mr. Mixter. Lugington was a practicing physician, but I don't know if he was during the war, most likely after.

Anyone have any ideas?

Joe Mode

[Dignann]

Re: Civil War Era wallet-note inside

Joe,

One way is to get their Compiled Service Records and any pension files that may exist from these two soldiers (Mixter - 1st Mass. Cav., Ludington - 1st Conn. Heavies). See if their paths crossed. Perhaps Ludington was at Andersonville as well.

You can order records through the National Archives itself, or Broadfoot Publishing offers the service.

Eric

[rand19th]

Re: Civil War Era wallet-note inside

Joe,
Use the Connecticut Historical Society website. They may be able to provide you with muster or discharge rolls, or at least be able to research the name for you. They have much information on several other Conn units that fought in the War.
Randy Pesut
2D Conn Heavy Artillery
11TH CT Vol Inf

[FortyRounder]

Re: Civil War Era wallet-note inside

I also found reference to a Lewis S. Lugington of the 119th Co, 2nd Reg. Battalion. Hmm, that makes no sense, but that is what it said. I also found a reference to a Linus Sheppard Ludington of the 1st Reg. Connecticut Heavy Artillery.

According to records on ancestry.com, Linus Ludington enlisted in Co. G, 1st CTHA in New Britain on May 22, 1861. He transferred to 119th Co., 2nd BN, Veteran Reserve Corps on November 14, 1863. He was discharged on June 3, 1864. In 1876 he applied for a pension.

Gilbert Mixter was a mechanic who joined Co. E 1st MA Cavalry in Springfield on September 10, 1861, age 34. He died of diarrhea at Andersonville on July 27, 1864.

[Crockett]

Re: Civil War Era wallet-note inside

Thank you gentlemen for the suggestions and research information. This adds historical value to the wallet.

Thanks,

Joe Mode