"April 4, 1849 : Old Sam, Famous Michigan Civil War " Topic

…Horse, Born.

"Old Sam was born April 4th, 1849 at the Abraham C. Fisk Breeding Stables in Coldwater Michigan. Before the Civil War, Old Sam was used to pull a street car back and forth from the train depot to the Southern Michigan Hotel in Coldwater. This street car carried passengers who needed transportation to and from the hotel. Sam was stabled behind the hotel and well aquainted with Cyrus Orlando Loomis whose father managed the hotel.

Also, long before the Civil War, an artillery company, recognised as part of the state militia, existed in Coldwater. At the beginning of the war, its services were tendered to Governor Austin Blair. This became the first volunteer artillery of Michigan and would later become known as the famous "Loomis Battery". Cyrus Orlando Loomis was soon selected as its commander. He was first commissioned as Captain and later, a General.

Since Old Sam was well-disciplined and used to the loud noises of the whistling, bell-ringing and chugging locomotive, Loomis had requested that he become part of his artillery. O.B. Clark honored the request and Old Sam was donated to be used as one of the 200 horses. It was, in fact, at this time that Old Sam acquired that nickname, given to him by Loomis who had become quite attached to him. Old Sam was twelve years old, whereas most war horses were aged three to five years old…."
Main page
link

Amicalement
Armand

Raul,

Thanks for posting this.

Dave

A votre service mon cher ami!. (smile)

Amicalement
Armand