Fellow Sharpshooters

On the Civil War Veterans Historical Association Vol 24, No. 4 (April-June) issue of the Veteran is a fascinating account written by George Kane and Tom McCory about the origins of the USSS Survivors Medal. The original Medal shown in the article is inscribed on the back:

PRESENTED
To Miss M.L. Barrett
By the Association of
Survivors of the Berdan's
>>SHARPSHOOTERS<<
In token of their appreciation
Of her valuable services in
Designing this Medal
Sept. 6, 1893

According to John Carey, 2nd Lt. Albert R. Barrett enlisted in Co. H. 1st USSS. The article indicates he enlisted in May 1861, but this reflects his service with the 7th NY, along with other future USSS officers, WW Winthrop and Lewis Parmalee. Barrett rose through the ranks until mustering out in November 1862. He married Marie Barnes in September 1865, and had a daughter. Unfortunately, I've not had any success locating 'M.L. Barrett' full name and of her life beyond this tantalizing footnote in USSS history.

Former Sargant of Company C-1st USSS Frank Cobb. and former Captain of the Wisconsin Company, Charles A. Stevens joined about 200 other former Sharpshooters to establish the short lived organization. The medal's release coincided with the publication of Berdans Sharpshooters in the Army of the Potomac. Cobb was President of the Michigan Companies Survivors of Berdans Sharpshooters, and a photo of his medal appeared in the Hudson Gazette. Stevens, publisher of the Shakopee Courier included a picture of his medal and a review of the regimental history.

Here is the link to the article: https://www.cwvha.org/xarchive/TheVeteran2008-2011/newsletters/2008-2011Vol24No4.pdf

For those Sharpshooters who wish to have their own modern reproduction of the Survivors medal, these can be purchased through the Gettysburg Museum Store bookstore: https://gettysburgmuseumstore.com/collections/medals-corps-badges/products/berdan-sharpshooter-medal


Bill Skillman