godofredus
Sergeant Major
- Joined
- Apr 17, 2013
- Location
- Chicago
I recently bought this CDV of this man, and every reference I found of him says he sold his portrait to raise money to live. I thought there was some sort of disability pension for the severely wounded established shortly after the war. If so, does any one know how much? I know current VA base disability is about $ 1,100 a month which is poverty level. Was the Civil War-era disability pension about the same in terms of ratio?
New York State native Alfred A. Stratton (1845-1874) enlisted in Company G, 147th New York Vols on August 19, 1863, as a substitute for August Lass who had been drafted. Poor Alfred was severely wounded by cannon fire during the battle of Petersburg, Virginia on June 18, 1864. As a result, he lost both arms by amputation. He was promoted sergeant and discharge due to his disability later that summer and subsequently moved to Washington, D. C., married and started a family, only to die within ten years of his wounding. He is now buried at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Washington. War-date oval view CDV showing Stratton in uniform, missing his arms, while wearing an ornate Fifth Corps badge on his chest. This image is no doubt one of the many Stratton sold to help support himself after his wounding. No photographer's imprint. Near fine
New York State native Alfred A. Stratton (1845-1874) enlisted in Company G, 147th New York Vols on August 19, 1863, as a substitute for August Lass who had been drafted. Poor Alfred was severely wounded by cannon fire during the battle of Petersburg, Virginia on June 18, 1864. As a result, he lost both arms by amputation. He was promoted sergeant and discharge due to his disability later that summer and subsequently moved to Washington, D. C., married and started a family, only to die within ten years of his wounding. He is now buried at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Washington. War-date oval view CDV showing Stratton in uniform, missing his arms, while wearing an ornate Fifth Corps badge on his chest. This image is no doubt one of the many Stratton sold to help support himself after his wounding. No photographer's imprint. Near fine