Needham, S.H., undated
Dates
- undated
Biographical / Historical
Sumner Henry Needham (1828-1861) was a member of the 6th Massachusetts Regiment and a victim of the Pratt Street Riot of 1861. A native of Bethel, Maine, he was living in Lawrence, Massachusetts in 1861 when his militia regiment was dispatched to Washington, D.C. to aid in the defense of the nation's capital against Confederate attack. While crossing Baltimore, he was struck down by pro-Confederate rioters on East Pratt Street. At the time of his death, Private Needham was married to Hannah M. Johnson (1837-1898), with whom he had a son, Sumner Henry (1861-1934).
Extent
1 Photographic Prints : Cased daguerreotype ; 2 3/8 x 2 3/4 inches
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
General
Newspaper clipping inside of case reads "Another Victim of the Baltimore Mob. A dispatch from Baltimore, Saturday evening says: Private S.H. Needham of the 6th Mass. Regiment, Col. Jones, died this morning at the Lombard Street Informatory. He was struck on the back of the head with paving stones at the riot, having his skull fractured. he has spoken but a single word since then, which was in answer to a question whether he had a family, when he said "no." It is believed he did not comprehend the question, as it is stated he has a wife. His skull was trepanned and every possible attention paid to him but medical faculty and sister of the charity. His funeral will take place on Sunday."
Repository Details
Part of the H. Furlong Baldwin Library Repository
H. Furlong Baldwin Library
Maryland Center for History and Culture
610 Park Avenue
Baltimore MD 21201 United States
4106853750
specialcollections@mdhistory.org