Civil War Union Documents
“Col. Ellsworth’s Funeral March” Decorative Sheet Music
(ELMER EPHRAIM ELLSWORTH) (1837-1861). Law Clerk and soldier, best known as the First Conspicuous Casualty of the American Civil War. In 1860, Ellsworth went to Springfield, Illinois, to work with Abraham Lincoln. He studied law in Lincoln's office and helped Lincoln with his 1860 campaign for president. Ellsworth was only 5' 6" tall, but Lincoln called Ellsworth "the greatest little man I ever met." He accompanied Lincoln to Washington, D.C. in 1861.
c. 1861, “Col. Ellsworth’s Funeral March,” composed by Sep. Winner and dedicated to Francis E. Brownell Esq., published by Lee & Walker, Philadelphia. Color Lithograph of Ellsworth and plain title page from the Sheet Music, each measuring approximately 9.5” x 12.75” (by sight), matted together to an overall size of 25.75” x 18.5” for display. Some light tone and margin chips (not seen), being very nicely matted having an excellent pleasing and colorful appearance. Colonel Ellsworth, being the first person of note to die in the Civil War, produced a profound sensation of distress throughout the country. An impressive, display.
Ellsworth was known for being a part of Abraham Lincoln’s law office in 1860, as a law student. At the outbreak of the Civil War he formed a regiment from the New York Volunteer firemen. On the occupation of Alexandria, May 24, 1861, Ellsworth saw the Confederate Flag flying over the Marshall House Inn and determined to remove it. Going to the roof, he tore down the Flag with his own hands. As he descended the stairs with the Flag in in his arms, he was shot to death by the proprietor of the hotel. Ellsworth, being the first person of note to die in the Civil War, produced a profound sensation throughout the country.