c. 1862

Civil War Breastplate

The American Civil War (1861-1865) was the most destructive war that the United States has ever experienced. More lives were lost than in any other war in the history of the United States, over half a million perished in conflicts between the two American armies. About 4000 men served from Allen County-most were volunteers and 489 lost their lives.

There was much debate in Fort Wayne in the 1850s on the national questions of slavery and secession. During the presidential campaign of 1860, local leaders were successful in bringing Democratic candidate Stephen A. Douglas to Fort Wayne. Douglas delivered a speech to a crowd of 60,000 in which he disagreed with his opponent Abraham Lincoln's assertion that the country could not continue as half slave and half free. Fort Wayne residents voted to elect Douglas 3,224 to 2,552. However, following the southern states' declaration of secession in December, the city turned to unity and focused on contributing to the war effort.

This breastplate was worn by Lt. Samuel J. Bailey, of Company B, 72nd New York Infantry Regiment, during the Civil War. The left shield bears an indentation made by a rifle ball. Though he was wounded during the Battle of Williamsburg in May 1862, the shield saved Lt. Bailey's life. It was brought to Fort Wayne about 1910 when his daughter Margaret Crankshaw moved to the area with her husband James. Margaret had an avid interest in history and served as Regent of the local Daughters of the American Revolution, 1915-1917 and 1929-1931. The body armor was donated to the Historical Society in June 1958 by Margaret's son Charles.