Personal Effects Belonging to an "Andrews Raider"

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/10/2013

Private William James Knight of the 21st Ohio Infantry was awarded in 1863 one of the very first Congressional Medals of Honor for his activities behind enemy lines during Andrews' Raid the previous year. Knight was one of the Ohio volunteers who, led by civilian scout James Andrews, made their way into Georgia and there stole "The General," a Southern locomotive. The raiders' dash northwards on the Western & Atlantic R.R. left destruction and pandemonium in its wake as intended. The line, if disabled, would have been useless to Confederate forces in the event of a Union thrust into the Deep South. The raiders did not reach Union-held territory and were all captured. Andrews and several others were executed as spies. Those spared were imprisoned. Of these, some were exchanged while others, including Knight, escaped. Knight's effects offered here include the following: Pine box with sliding lid, 3" x 12" x 4", the lid carved with a picture of The General labeled as such and the phrase "WHAT A RIDE," the sides are additionally carved PVT. WM. J. KNIGHT / ENL. 8-29-1861 / DIS. 9-27-1864 and CAPTURED 4-17-62 / ESCAPED 10-16-62…plus; a CDV portrait of Knight in civilian clothes, 1860s, J. Hill, St. Cloud, Minnesota backmark…plus; Chromolithograph card illustrating The General, 5 ¾" x 3 ½"…plus; four (4) pieces of printed ephemera from the 1888 GAR National Encampment in Columbus, Ohio...plus; a 1913 GAR National Encampment Medal from Chattanooga…plus; a 1915 Soldiers and Sailors Association reunion ribbon…plus; a tooled leather wallet promoting "Seal of Minnesota Cigars,"…plus; a brass locomotive door knocker…plus; a metal Masonic scimitar reading Stryker (OH) LODGE - 611…plus; Flag lapel pin emblazoned UNION EX-PRISONERS OF WAR…plus; Minneapolis medal stamped W.J.K. and Masonic medal stamped "Wm. J. Knight." All items in fine or better condition.

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