Atherton Blight, United States Sanitary Commission

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1st Lieutenant
Joined
Aug 5, 2011
Location
SE PA
Had occasion to visit the impressive operation at Erdenheim Farm yesterday and considering the number of Cavalry Regiments raised in the Philadelphia area, wondered about their intersection with our area of interest.
http://erdenheimfarm.com/equine-program/

Tripped over Atherton Blight, unsung hero in the process.

Although a farm proprietor, Blight was not inclined to dedicate himself to a career in farming, instead preferring the intricacies of law. He was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar Association in 1859.[17] Erdenheim farm was sold to Aristides Welch during October 1862 and subsequently this farm became notable for the breeding of racing horses.[6]

(So half of my original question is answered)

During the American Civil War he served as one of the directors of the United States Sanitary Commission, a private relief agency created by federal legislation on June 18, 1861, to support sick and wounded soldiers, with Blight having access to General George B. McClellan. Blight's understanding and exposure to the British Sanitary Commission, which had been set up during the Crimean War (1853–1856) informed the setting up of its US counterpart.[18] He also served in a committee promoting recruitment of minorities during 1863.[19]

After the American civil war he was involved with the Freedmen's Bureau.

His philanthropic causes in Philadelphia revolved around the needs of war veterans and the sanitary requirements of a fast growing city.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atherton_Blight

His pre-war papers are preserved at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
https://discover.hsp.org/Record/ead-Am.0255
 
Had occasion to visit the impressive operation at Erdenheim Farm yesterday and considering the number of Cavalry Regiments raised in the Philadelphia area, wondered about their intersection with our area of interest.
http://erdenheimfarm.com/equine-program/

Tripped over Atherton Blight, unsung hero in the process.

Although a farm proprietor, Blight was not inclined to dedicate himself to a career in farming, instead preferring the intricacies of law. He was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar Association in 1859.[17] Erdenheim farm was sold to Aristides Welch during October 1862 and subsequently this farm became notable for the breeding of racing horses.[6]

(So half of my original question is answered)

During the American Civil War he served as one of the directors of the United States Sanitary Commission, a private relief agency created by federal legislation on June 18, 1861, to support sick and wounded soldiers, with Blight having access to General George B. McClellan. Blight's understanding and exposure to the British Sanitary Commission, which had been set up during the Crimean War (1853–1856) informed the setting up of its US counterpart.[18] He also served in a committee promoting recruitment of minorities during 1863.[19]

After the American civil war he was involved with the Freedmen's Bureau.

His philanthropic causes in Philadelphia revolved around the needs of war veterans and the sanitary requirements of a fast growing city.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atherton_Blight

His pre-war papers are preserved at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
https://discover.hsp.org/Record/ead-Am.0255
I wonder if he's related to the Civil War historian David Blight.
 
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