Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Jacket |
Catalog Number |
1972.3.10 |
Maker |
Columbus Depot |
Date |
ca. 1862 |
Material(s) |
Wool/Cotton/Brass |
Dimensions |
H-29 W-19 inches |
Description |
This Confederate shell jacket is constructed of a 2/1 twill unbleached cotton warp yarn and a grey wool weft yarn. The length of the jacket measures from the bottom of the collar to the waist seam or bottom of the coat 20 1/4". The jacket is constructed of 6 pieces of fabric in the body of the garment and two pieces of fabric for the sleeves. There is a standing collar which measures 1 1/4" in the center back and 1 1/8" at the center front. The cuffs on the sleeves are straight and are 2 7/8" in height. Both the collar and cuffs are made of a similar fabric which is medium blue in color. The buttons on the coat consist of 5 down the center front and 5 on each cuff. The buttons have the Kentucky state seal and all appear to be replacements. Cuff buttons possibly those attached by rings to the large buttons on the coat. Coat buttons attached by rings. Thread from original buttons still present. There is no shoulder ornamentation. The interior of the garment is lined with an unbleached cotton oznaburg. There are two pockets on the interior. One on the right breast and one on the left breast. |
Notes |
According to the family, this early example of a Columbus Depot-style jacket belonged to Elijah Woodward, but has been found to have been worn instead or also by his brother John Woodward. The jacket was a common style for the Orphan Brigade soldiers. Both Woodwards served in Company C, 9th Kentucky Infantry, CSA. Their sister, Fanny Woodward, donated the coat to the J.C. Breckinridge Chapter of the UDC in August, 1944. Elijah Woodward (born 1838) and John A. Woodward (born Sept. 1839) joined the Confederate Army at Hopkinsville, Kentucky and served in Company C, 9th Kentucky together. They fought at the battle of Shiloh in April 1862. They deserted together at Murfreesboro, Tenn., in November 1862. In July 1863, Elijah and John both registered for U.S. Federal service in McLean, Ky. They were both listed as being farmers, single and having no military service. A November 15, 1862 letter with attached memo from their commanding officer, Thomas H. Hunt to the commanding general, General Forrest, describes John as wearing the jacket. The memo includes a description of them both, "J. A. Woodward is about 5 Ft. 4 inches high & of a stout build - dark hair - 20 years old - had on a brown pants & Gray Pea jacket & Gray cap / Elijah Woodward is about 5 ft 6 or 7 inches high stout build - dark hair - & about 23 years of age had on gray Pants - blue jeans frock coat & black wool hat." This document confirms that not only did John Woodward wear this short jacket, but that Elijah Woodward wore a frock coat (1972.3.9) also donated by their sister, Fanny Woodward. The Confederate First Kentucky Brigade, nicknamed the Orphan Brigade, included the 2nd, 4th, 6th and 9th Kentucky Infantry regiments and Cobb’s, Byrne’s and Graves’s batteries of artillery, and, at times, the 3rd and 5th Kentucky Infantry. |
Media Links |
A SURVEY OF CONFEDERATE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT QUARTERMASTER ISSUE JACKETS Part 3 |
Collection |
United Daughters of the Confederacy Collection |
Event |
Civil War |
People |
Woodward, Elijah Woodward, J.A. |
Subjects |
Civil wars Military uniforms Men's clothing Infantry |
Search Terms |
Orphan Brigade Civil War 9th Kentucky Infantry Confederate States of America |
Physical Holder |
Kentucky Historical Society - KHS |