"For your consideration is a historic hand made and sewn Civil War Union flag made in Harrison Valley (Potter County) in the northern tier of Pennsylvania. Charles Doud took this flag to many of the major Civil War battles. The flag has seen Spotsylvania, Malderness, and Appomattox Courthouse – see Mr. Doud’s Discharge record below. Please see the history below.
The flag measures 5.8 x 12 feet and contains nine stripes and 34 stars. The flag has been in the original family since the war. My receipt for the flag (which details some of the history) is signed by the granddaughter Ms. Gladys Swetland, and will accompany the flag. Thanks for looking. Serious inquiries are always welcome.
Provenance of 1861 flag purchased from Ms. Gladys Swetland of Mills, Pennsylvania on May 15, 1998:
Ms. Swetland was born on April 18, 1892. This story was told to her by her grandparents, Mary E. Doud and Charles H. Doud. Mr. Doud spoke very little of the war to anyone but his wife after returning. Gladys said that by the time the war was over, he had had enough.
Mary Doud hand sewed this 35-star US flag in the year 1861 at the beginning of the Civil War. To the best of her memory, Gladys recalled that less than thirteen stripes were used as several of the original thirteen colonies may have already sided with the south when the flag was made. Mary Doud hand dated the flag “1861” in a star, stamped the flag “MADE AT HARRISON VALLEY, PA” with another hand dated “1861”.
The following details were copied direct from Mr. Douds’ Civil War record taken directly from his original discharge letter (retained by Ms. Swetland):
“Charles H. Doud enlisted from Potter County, Pa., and was mustered in to the limited 3 year Service at Harrisburg, Pa., April 4th, 1864, as Private to serve three years in Company II, 53rd Regiment. Pa. Vol. Infantry. Under Captains James S. Hall & Geo. B. Richards. Colonel Mr. M. Mintzer. Blue Regiment was assigned to the 3rd Brigade 1st Div. 2nd Corps, army of the Potomac. Engaged at Malderness, May 5-7, 1864, where he was wounded by gun shot in left foot. Spotsylvania May 8-18, Po River, May 10, Cold Harbor, June 1-12, Petersburg, June 15-30, Riams Sta. Aug 25, Boydton Plank Road, Mar. 31 of 1865, Five Forks, Apr. 1, 1865, Deep Creek, Apr. 5. Surrender of Lee on April 9, 1865. Marched to Washington, D.C. Grand Review May 23rd.
Honorably discharged near Washington, D.C. June 30, 1865 By reason of Close of War.”
Ms. Swetland believes this was a re-enlistment of her grandfather (Charles H. Doud), at which time he took this same flag with him that was sewn by his wife. The flag was stored in the attic in a blanket chest built by her grandfather after the war. Signs of use and purported battle scars are evident on the flag.
Gladys said her grandmother was furious when Charles re-enlisted. Mr. Doud brought back a melodeon on his return trip after the end of the war to appease his wife. In 1998, Gladys still played that same melodeon which resided against the west wall of her living room in Mills. Gladys passed away on December 14, 2005 at the age of 113. She was the fourth oldest person in the USA and the ninth oldest person in the world. Much of her life has been documented and can be found on the internet.
May 29, 1998
The purchaser will receive the original receipt. Mr. Doud’s discharge paper stating the battles he fought in is now in the Potter County Historical Society. "