Civil War Tiemann
pocket surgical kit of Dr. John Coover
A Civil War pocket surgical kit made
by George Tiemann, New York. This kit belonged to Civil War assistant
surgeon, John B. Coover, M. D. who was killed during the Civil War.
The importance of this kit is that is provides a 'dated' example of
the type of pocket kit to be expect to have been carried by a Civil
War surgeon. The instruments are marked Tiemann as well. (Photos
and text provided by Coover relative and current owner of this kit: Fred Scott)
The following is a letter about Dr.
Coover upon his death:
"Again it is our duty to record the
death of another victim to this wicked rebellion; and for none of them was
it with more sincere sorrow that that (sic) with which we record the death
of our friend, Dr. John B. Coover, surgeon of the 6th Pa. cavalry. Dr. C
had been for some time acting medical Inspector of the cavalry division of
Sheridan's army, but at the time of his death was on his way from Winchester
to Harper's Ferry, to resign his position in the regiment to accept a higher
one on General Torbett's staff. When with four miles of Harper's Ferry on
Monday evening, about 4 o'clock, the part with which he was traveling,
numbering about twenty, was attacked by a party of guerrillas who spring
(sic) from the bushes and fired a volley into the party. The only one
struck was Dr. C., who was pierced by a ball in the abdomen. His horse ran
with him to Harper's Ferry - he having sufficient strength to retain his
seat. Arriving there he received the kindest attention but all was of no
avail, and on Tuesday night at twelve, he expired.
Dr. C stood deservedly high in the
estimation of the military as well as the medical authorities, and at
the time of his death was recommended for a higher position in the
medical department of this State. Here, where his many virtues were
known and appreciated by numbers, his death is mourned with genuine
sorrow. Thus was cut down in the prime of life another patriot, and
ended forever the hopes which animated as true a breast as was ever
covered by the Union blue. And we may add, another life lost to be
accounted for with the thousand already sacrificed, by the fiends in
human shape who are striving to overthrow the Union.
The funeral will take place form the
residence of his parents, about three miles from this place , on Monday
next. ------the memory , and the turf above------------- ever
green."
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Most likely
Tiemann logo during the Civil War
Note the 63
address |
Most likely Civil War logo from 1864 to 1866
Note the 67 address |
The above maker labels are to illustrate the " G.
Tiemann & Co " font and layout as seen on this pocket kit, neither
label is on this pocket kit. Note the Tiemann name imprinted on the
flap of the kit below.
Army specified contents of a pocket case
during the Civil War
Source: "The
Medical and Surgical History of the War of the Rebellion. (1861-65.) Part
III, Volume II, Chapter XIV.--The Medical Staff and Materia Chirugica"
"The Pocket Case contained: 1 scalpel, 3 bistouries, 1 tenotome, 1 gum lancet, 2 thumb lancets, 1 razor (small), 1 artery
forceps, 1 dressing forceps, 1 artery needle, 6 surgeon's needles, 1
exploring needle, 1 tenaculum, 1 scissors, 1 director, 3
probes, 1 caustic holder, 1 silver catheter (compound), 6 yards suture
wire (iron), ¼ oz. ligature silk, 1/8 oz. wax, 1 Russia leather case."
See additional information on pocket surgical kits
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