Civil War Cavalry Frock Coat Worn by Capt. Samuel N. Titus, 11th PA Cavalry 

An outstanding navy blue wool nine-button single-breasted captain's frock coat identified to Samuel N. Titus who became Major, 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry. Coat with serviceable cuffs. Shoulder straps are yellow cloth with double row gold bullion border and captain's bars. The lining of the coat is typical dark olive with a close quilted pattern through chest and under arms.  Sleeves are lined in white with rare cloth tailor's tag on inside left arm marked: "T. McCormick, Merchant Tailor, Baltimore, 149 Baltimore Street."  Written In period ink on the tailor's label is: "Lt. Titus, Portsmouth, Va." Titus held this rank until being promoted captain in June 1864 and likely wore this coat with new straps until being promoted to major in October 1864. Left inside chest pocket piped. Inside cloth belt with brass buckle. Skirt is 20" to rough edge and 10" bell-shaped elbows. Back of coat has three seams that lead to center vent.  Vent has two buttons at top and middle of the vent. 

Accompanying the frock coat is a file that includes a photocopied / transcribed newspaper article from 1917 announcing Samuel Titus' 80th Birthday reception recounting his long life and giving excellent details of his extensive military service. Also four pages of copied genealogy listing his "Maternal lineage" along with National Archives military and pension records.  Additionally, there is significant information relating to Samuel Titus found Online.

Samuel Nye Titus (1837-1821) joined the 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry as Sergeant, Co. M., on August 26 1861 and was quickly promoted to 1st Lieutenant in October. He rode during the Peninsula Campaign and later served under Generals Butler, Burnside, Custer, Kilpatrick in the various campaigns in eastern Virginia and North Carolina. Recently promoted Major on October 1, 1864, Titus was severely wounded at Darbytown Road on October 7, 1864 and captured. A lively biography published in the November 19, 1917 edition of the Marion Ohio Tribune related: Major Titus witnessed and participated in some noted battles of the Civil War. He saw the Cumberland sunk, and the Congress blown up by the Merrimac…(He) was wounded several times, the most serious wound being received on October 7, 1864, when his right arm was shattered and at the same time he was captured, taken prisoner and confined in Libby Prison. Quickly exchanged, Major Titus was hospitalized and later brevetted Colonel for bravery at Darbytown Rd. Released from the hospital just before Christmas 1864, Titus was invalided home and never returned to duty being discharged for wounds on March 11, 1865.

After the war Samuel Titus lived in Marion County, Ohio engaged in farming and stock raising. He attained prominence and was elected to two terms in the Ohio State Legislature, served as deputy postmaster, and was still active as a probation officer well into his late 70’s. A Mason, he was also a member of the Cooper Post, Marion, Ohio, GAR, and served a single term as Senior-Vice-Commander of Ohio.

Samuel N. Titus answered the final roll call on March 1, 1921. The newspaper said of him: (He) is noted for his reticence in discussing his Civil War service. With a splendid record of accomplishments and bravery back of him to be intensely proud of, he might well boast of military honors. But on the contrary he is never heard to mention them… Such is often a genuine hero.  

Provenance: D. Taylor to Consignor 2004

Front of coat shows signs of wear and stains on both sides of chest and skirts.  Signs of mothing on front of coat, shoulders and collar.  Few moth holes on each side of skirt and sleeves. Small tear on first button hole from skirt.  Mothing and moth holes on back of coat. Tear on left button at center vent.  Wool on back of coat shows signs of wear and stains. Small repair on back of right shoulder.  Overall condition is good.