Spirits of the Dead - Edgar Allen Poe

Today, I am reminded of Edgar Allen Poe and his poem, Spirits of the Dead. I truly hope that Poe was right.

Vintage Photo of Alfred Decker, Civil War Soldier - Circa 1800s

This photo is of Alfred Decker in his Civil War uniform. He was born in 1842 and died in 1914. His wife was Alvina Canfield.

At age 22, Alfred Decker mustered into the Union Army as a Private.

Alfred Decker’s obituary read as follows:

Alfred Decker, a veteran of the Civil War, who was injured in the Battle of Wilderness in Virginia, died at his home at Huguenot at 9:30 o’clock Monday night, after a long illness of old age and general debility. He was aged 72 years. The deceased was born in the town of Deerpark about 72 years ago and had always lived at Huguenot.

He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Decker. On September 4th, 1864, he enlisted in Company M, 15th Regiment, New York State Heavy Artillery. He was wounded in the Battle of the Wilderness on May 12th, 1864, and lost his right arm below the elbow and a thumb and a little finger on the left hand. He was discharged on September 29, 1864.

His funeral notice read as follows:

The late Alfred Decker married Elvina Campbell, who died thirteen years ago. He is survived by two sons: Charles and John Decker, and a daughter, Bella DeGraw of Huguenot, NY; three sisters, Mrs. Senia Jackson, Mrs. John Smith, and Mrs. Emma Naples of Port Jervis, and one brother, Abraham Decker of Philadelphia.

Vintage Photos of Europe - Circa WW II - Part 3 of 3

The following are photos that were taken during World War II. They were once the property of the late H.A. Decker:

Vintage Photos of Europe - Circa World War II - Part 2 of 3

The following are photos that were taken during World War II. They were once the property of the late H.A. Decker:

Vintage Photos of Europe - Circa World War II - Part 1 of 3

The following are photos that were taken during World War II. They were once the property of the late H.A. Decker:

Vintage Photo - World War II Veterans and Military Paperwork - Circa 1940s - Howard A. Decker

Vintage Newspaper Clippings - I.O.R.M. Morris Kent and Lyel Akin - Circa 1900s

Several relatives of the late Howard A. Decker were members of the Improved Order of Red Men. Proof may be found in the death notices of Morris Kent and Lyel Akin. The death notices for Morris Kent and Lyel Akin are provided below:

The history of the fraternal organization is an interesting one. It dates back to well before the Revolutionary War and has changed names over the years. A great deal of information about the organization’s roots may be found on The Improved Order of Red Men’s website. There is also a book available online titled, Official History of the Improved Order of Red Men, that may shed some light on the group’s origins for those that are interested in learning more.