Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
1981.006.002 |
Object Name |
Bible |
Description |
This Bible belonged to Finley P. Curtis Sr. (1841-1922). There is a handwritten inscription in the Bible that reads as follows: "This was my father's Bible (Finley Patterson Curtis, Wilkesboro, NC) Co. B, First North Carolina Infantry Regiment of State Troops. He carried it in a leather case supported by a strap around his neck. The strap was severed by a Minnie ball in the Battle of Chancellorsville, VA on May 3, 1863 where he was critically wounded in the neck and shoulder. The Bible was sent back to his parents by a soldier who recovered it from the battlefield. His mother and father believed for several days that he had been killed. The dark spots may be blood stains. circa 1930 By Finley A. Curtis Butler, Tennessee." There are additional handwritten inscriptions on the interior covers of the Bible. There is a bookmark made from human hair that is attached to the Bible. It is placed at the beginning of the book of Deuteronomy. It is unknown whose hair it is, or if the placement of the lock of hair is intentional and specific. Additionally, the spine of this Bible is torn and incredibly fragile. This artifact must be handled with care. Hairwork was a common mourning and sentimental art during the Victorian period. Sweethearts and family members may exchange locks of hair as momentos. |
Date |
1855 |
Collection |
Sacred and/or Religious Artifacts Collection |
Place of Origin |
USA |
Material |
paper, ink, leather |
Subjects |
local history |
Search Terms |
sacred |