FLAG MAKERS OF THE CONFEDERACY
Confederate flags were the product of a patriotic Southern society. The Southern people, many of whom had established small businesses already, rose to the secession and war phases of their lives by altering what they originally did for a living to making equipment for the fledgling Confederate military. As the military expanded so did the demand for the services of the business community of the South.
Flags were no exception. The flag makers of the Confederacy were a polyglot of pre-war careers for the many small businessmen that got into making flags with secession and war. Others were civilians, mostly women, who, motivated by patriotism, sought to make their own contributions to the men in uniform. Flag making came in basically two phases; the secession period with the raising of military companies for the crisis (as well as the continuance of older militia units who would receive new colors), and the war period itself. There is a cross-blending of the two, as new companies were raised after the war started who would also need flags. Company flags, basically, were made and presented between November, 1860 and mid-1862.
Confederate flag makers came from pre-war careers that included carpet dealers; curtains dealers; sign , house or portrait painters; toy dealers; jewelry store owners; sail makers and ships chandlers, and many more. All saw a new way to expand their businesses, fueled by not only their patriotism, but also by another way to make money. The changeover of small businesses from one mode to flag making is indeed a microcosm of the transformation of Confederate business society as a whole.
This essay will cover both phases of flag making in their order of appearance. The section on early secession phase flags will not go into as much detail about the flag makers for a couple reasons. First, many of the makers were never identified in period sources like newspapers or diaries. Secondly, there are too many of them to deal with. This will, however, cover how some of the flags were made and then presented to units.
The second part covers the professional flag makers; those people or businesses who took this on as a fulltime avocation in addition to other things they made or sold to the Confederate military. Most of these people had established firms already that simply altered, or expanded, their services to grow their business and make more money. Some sold directly to local commands while others were sub-contracted through the Confederate depot system. A lot more details are available for these people and firms.
PART 1 — THE SECESSION ERA FLAG MAKERS – FOR HEARTH AND HOME.
The militia system was a primary component of the national defense system in 1860-1861. The Militia Act of 1792 enrolled every white male from the ages of 18 through 45 into this system, organized by the states and commanded by the respective state governors. Militia units had fought, with varying levels of success, in every war to date including the War of Independence. Some units fell into disarray after the Mexican War, while others stayed together and had regular drill sessions. Still other companies existed for the glamour side of things with parades, picnics, political gatherings, etc. as their only duty. Some units took their existence very seriously.
After the John Brown affair of 1859, which increased the sectional tensions even more than before, new militia units sprang up in the South. Many more formed after the secession of South Carolina in December, 1860. Each seceding state thereafter utilized newly formed companies, as well as some of the older militia units, as the basis for state armed forces. All of these new units, as well as the older ones, needed new flags to represent them in battle and to make a firm connection with the people at home that they would swear to protect.
As these units formed in the secession era, the patriotic fervor of the men who enlisted was equally matched by the ladies at home who formed Ladies Aid Societies and sewing circles to help equip their boys in uniform. But the socks, shirts, and other items these women made and sent to the companies in the field could not come close to matching the company flag in terms of importance and symbolism. Often decorated with slogans of local or national importance, these flags solidified the connection between the men in uniform and the civilians that helped support them.
The flags were presented, typically, in elaborate ceremonies that were often accompanied by bar-b-cue’s or picnics, and sometimes fancy military balls. The whole town would turn out to see their boys as they headed off to training camp where they would be mustered into regiments. Presenting company flags before their departure was the societal highlight of the era, and it engendered in the minds of the men that received them how important the folks at home would always be.
For example, the Washington Grays (Co. K, 1st North Carolina Artillery Regiment), prior to their departure for the coastal defenses of their state, were presented a flag by Miss Clara B. Hoyt. The presentation was covered by the local press, whose editor wrote, “the occasion (was) one of unprecedented interest.” The Grays’ captain, Thomas Sparrow, received the flag with, “his usual happy manner.” The unit then boarded a steamer and sailed away for their post of duty.
Period newspapers of the time were loaded with these stories. They varied in levels of reporting from a few lines that mentioned the unit getting a flag, who presented it and who received it, to those with enormous details as well as complete presentation and reception speeches. These were written before hand and dropped off at the local newspaper office who then ran them after the presentation was over. Reporters covered the events and sometimes made note of what the flag looked like and who made them. Sadly, neither of these aspects were covered often enough for latter day historians. More often than not, one must settle for flag descriptions that simply described the banner as, “a beautiful flag,” with no details on its maker or vivid description. Sometimes there were exceptions to this, and it is those that this section will concentrate on.
The patriotic zeal of Southern women can be shown in an article in the April 17, 1861, Memphis Appeal. It states, “Editors of Appeal: We the young ladies of Memphis, cannot bear arms in our country’s cause, but our hearts are with you and our hands at your service, for making cloths (sic), flags, or anything that a patriotic woman can do, for the southern men and southern independence.”
Local flags were made in two ways, for the most part. The first method was to utilize the sewing skills of the local soldier’s aid society or women with connections to the officers of the company, who then worked with purchased or donated material, often silk from dresses. If there was enough money to be had the silk was purchased at a dry goods dealer from bulk bolts in the proper colors. If the skill level of the ladies was sufficient, in terms of one or more of them having artistic talents, the flag could be decorated with painted devices, slogans or tassels. If sewing skills were lacking, a local business could be contracted to make the flag. These would often be curtain dealers, sail makers or dry goods dealers, all of whom would have had previous experience in working with cloth. These flags would be paid for by subscription, with each lady contributing to cover its cost. Wealthy donors could also pay for the flags outright.
One example for this type of flag making is the banner for the Macon Volunteers (Co. B/D, 2nd Georgia Battalion). In a letter from John A. Cobb (of the powerful Georgia Cobb family), written on March 20, 1861, to John B. Lamar, his uncle, he asked for help in securing a flag for the unit as, “there is no silk of sufficient width in the city of Savannah and the hamlets thereof to make a first rate flag.” The letter goes on to state that bulk silk and decorative fringe was purchased from a dry goods merchant named “Lathrop” (note – there were a couple dealers named Lathrop in Savannah, both sold military goods according to period newspaper ads). Cobb continues, “I have seen the sketch of the designs for both sides of the flag by Cerveau, the man who is to paint it, and am very pleased.” The artist was Savannah portrait painter Joseph Louis Firmin Cerveau, an immigrant from what is now Turkey, who moved to the city years before the war establishing a very successful painting business. Cerveau by this time already had experience painting secession banners and some other local unit colors. Two of Cerveau’s banners currently rest in the collections of Ft. Pulaski National Monument near the city. Cobb makes mention that the flag for the Macon Volunteers would cost $85.00, it being paid for, evidently, by Lamar. The Macon Telegraph of April 23, 1861, describes the flag and its devices; a cotton plant along with the slogan “King Cotton,” and the date of the unit’s original mustering in 1836. On the other side is painted the date of the state’s secession and the Georgia state coat of arms. Cerveau’s name as the painter is not mentioned.
If the ladies lacked artistic talent, the flag was then sent to a local or regional sign or portrait painter, who then used his talents to inscribe the flag with the unit name, date of formation and a patriotic slogan, all based on whatever instructions the ladies sent with the order. Subscriptions were often used to pay for the painter’s services. In addition, sometimes the ladies could do one part of the decorations and the painter the rest. For example, the Dixie Boys, (Co. A, 57th Georgia Infantry), received a flag made by the ladies of their community. According to the diary of Henrietta Armstrong, who was involved in making the banner, on October 3, 1861, “I went up to town this morning and purchased the materials for Mrs. Seward – the materials for making a flag which she intends presenting to Lucius Bryan’s company.” The next day she wrote, “I have painted the stars on the blue field of the flag this morning, Mrs. Seward sent the white stripes (sic) to Mr. Walcott to have an inscription on it. The company leaves on Tuesday morning and Mattie will present the flag to them at the depot.” The banner was finished on October 5th and presented to the company on October 8, 1861, as they left town.
The rest of this section on company flags will be broken down by the state where the known flag maker resided. Some regimental colors will be included. Some of these people would go on to make other Confederate flags as a trade, but most would make only one banner for their local unit. The section will cover flags made from late 1860 through 1861, before the Confederate supply system was better organized for a long war with the establishment of the large depot system that utilized professionals and small businesses as suppliers.
ALABAMA
Jackson O. Belknap – Mobile, AL.: Belknap was a prominent local businessman, who painted signs and political banners. His work was featured in the ante-bellum political campaigns of the state, the painted likenesses of the candidates being called, “lifelike.” With the coming of the secession crisis, Belknap moved into making flags. In 1860 he made flags for the Alabama militia units of the area. Seeking a wider customer base, he advertised in papers in Montgomery and evidently Mississippi, for a flag of the Shubuta Rifles (Co. A, 14th Mississippi Infantry) exists that bears his signature. Some of the flags that Belknap made in 1860-1861 include those of the Enterprise Guards, Sumter Rifle Guards, Marion Rifles (early militia flag), Canebrake Rifle Guards (Co. D, 4th Alabama Infantry) and others. Later in 1861 he was contracted by the Confederate Navy to make a few flags. Belknap would later become the primary flag maker for the Mobile Depot.
R. & D. Bush – Mobile, AL.: The Bush brothers were sail makers in Mobile who also advertised themselves as flag makers. Besides some guidons in August, 1861, for the State of Alabama, no other flags have yet been connected to the firm. They did, however, make tents.
Fremis (Francis) Corra – Montgomery, AL.: Corra advertised in local papers as a “fresco and oil decorative painter.” If he did nothing else to make claim as an important flag painter, in November, 1860, he was contracted to paint the large flag that, when brought into the chambers in Montgomery in January, 1861, became known as the Secession flag of Alabama. Originally quite huge the flag was badly damaged in a storm on February 10, 1861, while flying over the then Confederate capitol. Corra also, in January, 1861, painted a flag for a Benton, AL cavalry unit. By December, 1861, he was living in Louisville, KY.
George Cowles – Montgomery, AL.: Cowles ran a dry goods establishment on Market Street that also sold sewing machines. In March, 1861, after the design for the First National flag of the Confederate States Of America was finally chosen by the Provisional Congress, it was Cowles that got the nod for making the first example. On March 4th, 1861, at 4:00 PM, Miss Letitia Tyler, granddaughter of a former U.S. president, hoisted Cowles’ work to the breeze proclaiming to the world that a new nation was born. The banner was probably sewn by store employees.
Nicola Marschall – Marion, AL.: Marschall, a Prussian immigrant living in Marion, AL., is one of the most famous Southern flag makers and certainly the most famous one from Alabama. Since 1905, he has been credited in many secondary sources as the designer of the First National flag of the Confederacy. It seems clear, based on published interviews with people who lived in Marion at the time, and with Marschall himself, that he did sketch three flag designs at the request of Mrs. Napoleon Lockett, who’s social connections included the state’s governor. However, his name does not appear on the list of those who submitted designs to the Congressional Committee on Flag and Seal. Additionally, chairman William Porcher Miles, in his full report to the Provisional Congress of March 4, 1861, made note of the committee’s displeasure at the designs they had received to date. In 1872, Miles, in a letter to Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard, noted that in 1861, “the committee could not agree upon a flag,” and that, “they” submitted four designs to the Congress for approval. Lastly, contemporary newspaper accounts credit the flag’s design to the committee itself, “since none of the designs sent by the individuals,” were deemed “suitable.” Marschall’s connection to this flag pattern remains unclear and further research continues. He did paint several banners for Alabama companies however. Included in these are those of the Marion Light Infantry (Co. G , 4th Alabama Infantry), the Marion Rifles (1861 cotton plant flag later carried by the 28th Alabama Infantry), and the silk presentation banner of the 28th Alabama Infantry, lost in late 1863 in Chattanooga. Marschall was also a portrait painter of excellent reputation, executing paintings of prominent individuals of the era. Many of Marschall’s portraits survive today.
Samuel Tepper – Camden, AL.: Born in England, Tepper moved to Alabama in 1833. Originally a contract painter for signs and buildings, upon secession, Tepper lent his talents to units requiring flags. He is credited with painting the banner of the Wilcox True Blues (Co. I/K, 1st Alabama Infantry) and that of the 23rd Alabama Infantry (whose flag was made by local ladies with donated materials – Tepper did the lettering). A post-war newspaper article claims he painted the flag of the Wilcox Dragoons, but that banner is signed by Jackson O. Belknap. It is not known if he did any other flags as yet.
Henry Vaughan – Mobile, AL.: Vaughan was a sail maker by trade, part of the old firm of Vaughan & Newton. His business was advertised as the “flag and sail loft.” Early in the secession period, he made some large post and fort flags for area defenses as well as hospitals and was paid by the State of Alabama for doing so. His business was advertised as the, “H. Vaughan, Flag and Sail Loft.” One large flag (9 by 14 feet – the standard storm flag for posts), captured in the war, bears his name and there are others from Mobile of similar size that he may well have made as well.
GEORGIA
J.L. Firmin Cerveau – Savannah, GA.: As detailed in the earlier part of this essay, Cerveau was an immigrant from what is now Turkey (Ankara). He made his way to Savannah in the 1840’s where he became very popular as a painter. His specialty was murals and large pictures, according to the book, “Cerveau’s Savannah.” By 1861 he was painting flags for secession parades and Georgia units, including the state flag of the Ochlocknee Light Infantry (Co. B/E, 29th Georgia Infantry) and the aforementioned Macon Volunteers. In November, he kept up his flag making business by making a pair of flags and oil cloth covers for them in addition to marking them with their designations. He received $88 for his labors. He may have continued making flags later in the war.
John G. Coffin – Augusta, GA.: Coffin was a local painter who, in May, 1861, painted a Georgia state banner for the Blodgett Volunteers (Co. I – 1st, 3rd Georgia Infantry).
Mrs. F. Dessau – Macon, GA.: Mrs. Dessau sold bonnets and millinery goods in her Macon shop. She was known for traveling all over the South to make inventory purchases. In 1861, she rolled over into making military goods like sashes and selling buttons. She also made the second company flag for the City Light Guards (Co. A, 2nd Georgia Battalion), which was a First National (“Stars and Bars”) flag.
J.N. Fisk – Augusta, GA.: Fisk was a local painter who made the flag of the Walker Light Infantry (Co. I, 1st Georgia Infantry – Ramsey’s), according to a June, 1861 newspaper article. Another article in March, 1861, has the details of the flag he painted for the Greene Rifles (Co. A, Phillip’s Legion). His studio was located on McIntosh Street.
William Hone – Savannah, GA: While Hone advertised in local papers offering flags for sale, none have yet been connected to any of the Savannah units. In July, 1861, he was contracted by the Confederate Navy to make “one ensign.” Hone also made, according to an August, 1861, newspaper article, flags for the Savannah Military Fair. He also made flag halliards for Camp Wilson, a local military post, as well as tents for area troops.
E.J. Johnson & Co. – Macon, GA.: A June, 1861 advertisement in the Macon Daily Telegraph states that this firm was offering to make flags, in addition to drums and other equipment. To date, no connection has been made between this company and any Georgia units.
D. & E.S. Lathrop – Savannah, GA.: The Lathrops ran a dry goods store on 140 Congress Street in this city and got into selling military goods early on. The letter from John A. Cobb mentioned above has the name “Lathrop” therein, but it is not known if this is the correct firm that supplied the cloth for the flag of the Macon Volunteers.
Henry Lathrop & Co. – Savannah, GA.: This dry goods firm also advertised their services in military goods from their store at 141 Congress St., across the street from the above. In 1862 they sold the military 2 marker flags. This also might be the firm mentioned in Cobb’s letter.
J.S. Lathrop – Savannah, GA.: Commission merchants on Bay St. in Savannah, this Lathrop might also be the connection for the Macon Volunteers flag. As such, since all the firms dealt in cloth, all could very well have supplied material for flag makers in the city.
William Mackie – Atlanta, GA.: Mackie was a local fresco and sign painter whose name can be found on a secession banner he made in 1860 for the States Rights Club of Fulton (County). He has yet to be directly connected to local unit flags but he did advertise his talents in local papers so presumably some used him.
John Maier – Atlanta, GA.: Maier was a local painter. In October, 1861, he was contracted to paint the banner for the 35th Georgia Infantry, whose flag was sewn by a “Mrs. Durand.” He also advertised that he painted, “military banners.”
McLaughlin & Fisk – Augusta, GA.: This firm painted several local unit flags. The “Fisk” is J.N. Fisk of above. Their studio was located on McIntosh Street. Georgia companies receiving their flags include the Hutchins Guards, Evans Guards (Co. K, 13th Georgia Infantry), and the Panola State Guards.
W.H.H. Phelps – Columbus, GA.: A newspaper ad from September, 1860 shows Phelps as a dealer of “political flags.” Phelps also sold mail envelopes marked with CS flags as the war began. It is not know if he had anything to do with local unit colors.
Charles A. Platt – Augusta, GA.: Platt ran a local furniture, carpets and curtains business that began to turn out military merchandise with the coming of the war. In August, 1861, he was contracted by Col. T.R.R. Cobb to make, “1 regimental flag & streamer, 1 squadron flag & staff, 4 marker flags & staffs,” for Cobb’s Legion, one of the more famous Georgia units. Besides flags, Platt offered camp chests, cots, army mattresses, tents and other goods. He was also captain of the Clinch Rifles, a long lived local militia unit, who became part of the 5th Georgia Infantry.
Jacob. B. Platt – Augusta, GA.: Brother of Charles Platt, he advertised heavily in 1861 papers around the state for his flag making business, often operated with his brother Charles. Both were prominent in Augusta society and served in the local defense battalion, which Charles commanded. Platt made many local flags, not only for units, but also buildings and fire companies. In February, 1861, Platt submitted a design for the first Confederate flag to the Committee on Flag & Seal in Montgomery, AL.
Mrs. L. Salvaterre – Savannah, GA.: The Savannah Republican of September 3, 1861 mentions the flag of the Bartow Artillery being, “the handiwork of Mrs. L. Salvaterre.” She was the wife of a local businessman who may have had considerable artistic skills, as this banner was quite elaborate and well decorated.
Thomas W. Shea – Savannah, GA.: Shea advertised his “house, sign and decorative painter,” business in local papers. A November, 1860 newspaper article lists him as painting the flag for the Republican Blues of the city, one of its oldest militia units. The flag bore a lone star and a rattlesnake with the “Don’t Tread On Me,” motto.
Southern Bag factory – Augusta, GA.: In April, 1861, this firm advertised their business in local newspapers offering, “bags, tents, awnings, flags.” To date, no connection with any Confederate units and this firm regarding flags has been established.
LOUISIANA
Henry Cassidy – New Orleans.: Originally a sail maker, Cassidy was contracted by the states of Alabama and Louisiana to make flags. Some of these were for the forts of the area, utilizing his experience in working with large pieces of cloth to make storm and garrison flags. Several of the flags he made were recruiting banners. For the most part he made tents in 1861. He advertised his business as a “tent, awning and flag manufactory.”
Miss Nettie Green – New Orleans, LA.: The Louisville Courier of May 6, 1861, mentions Miss Green as making a flag for Kentucky’s Davis Guards, who were passing through the city.
Grover & Baker Sewing Machine Office – New Orleans, LA.: According to an advertisement in the Daily Delta in May, 1861, this firm sold, “Confederate flags made of silk, gold fringe, silver stars,” from their store on Camp Street. To date no definite flag connection ahs been made to any Louisiana unit, but they are only the second sewing machine firm to be identified as making flags.
William Noble – New Orleans, LA.: Noble was contracted by the State of Louisiana to make large garrison sized state flags and the poles for them to be hoisted upon. These 25 foot flags were for the various military training camps of the area. He seems to have been acting as an agent for another local flag maker, Charles Royal, for the latter’s name is found on one of Noble’s invoices which mentions this fact. Later, Noble got into making flags for the Confederate Navy.
Mrs. A.E. Ober – New Orleans, LA.: Ober’s name can be found in local newspaper advertisements that state, “Confederate and State flags made of silk, complete with staffs, spears & c.” She worked out of the sewing machine office on Camp St., which may have been her husband’s business. So far, no direct connection to flags made by her for any Louisiana units has been established but she probably made at elast some.
Charles Royal – New Orleans, LA.: Royal was one of the main suppliers of sailing vessel equipment in this vital port city. In 1861, he advertised as selling “all kinds of flags and banners,” along with tents and more. Royal, indeed, made tents for the State of Mississippi’s troops, as well as for other customers. In January, 1861, he was paid to make a large Pelican flag (not the official Louisiana state flag), and in March, for making a flag and flag staff for “Captain Bradford’s rendezvous.” The latter was the genesis of the 1st Louisiana Regular Infantry.
Spearing & Co. – New Orleans, LA.: Originally sail makers, this firm made flags for Louisiana militia units before the war. In 1861 they sold sets of flag halliards to the state. In October of that year, the firm made a flag for the Confederate Navy. They were also large scale suppliers of tents to the army.
Samuel Todd – New Orleans, LA.: In September, 1860, Todd was hired by the Clinch Rifles of Augusta, GA, to make their militia flag , which he completed that month. So far, no flags for Louisiana untis have been connected with his work.
MARYLAND
Edward Gibbs – Baltimore, MD.: Gibbs ran a “banner and regalia” business on Gay Street. Gibbs received much of his early war business from the South during the secession period. In January, 1861, Gibbs made a “Palmetto flag” for the Edgefield Riflemen (Co. , South Carolina). A February, 1861 Richmond newspaper article mentions a couple other flags from Baltimore for the 115th Virginia Militia and the New Creek Riflemen, but does not specify if it was Gibbs or another Baltimore flag maker, Thomas Jefferys, that made them.
Thomas Jefferys – Baltimore, MD.: Jefferys, like Gibbs, also produced secession period Southern unit flags. He advertised as a “sign, banner, ornamental and heraldic painter,” and this, no doubt , kept him busy during this crucial time. Jefferys seems to have begun making military flags for Mexican War units, working in conjunction with another city flag maker, Mrs. Ann Sisco. On his own well before secession, in 1860 he had executed a banner for the Wilmington Light Infantry, a company of North Carolina Militia (later Co. G, 18th North Carolina Troops). Another North Carolina flag bearing his name is that of the State Guard of Pasquotank (Co. L, 17th North Carolina Troops). Several Virginia unit flags also bear Jefferys signature, including those of the Lancaster Grays (CO. H, 40th Virginia), the Princess Anne Cavalry (Co. A, 5th Virginia Cavalry), and the Prince William Cavalry (Co. A, 4th Virginia Cavalry). A few other flags, including some in Maryland, show his style although they are not signed by him. Further research is pending.
MISSISSIPPI
Mrs. S.A. Brett – Hernando, MS.: In 1861, Mrs. Brett, a lady with artistic talents, painted a flag for the Missouri State Guard which was sent to their quartermaster Matthew Moore stationed in Memphis. This was in response to his newspaper appeals for help with uniforms and flags. In October, 1861, Moore thanked Brett via the Memphis Daily Appeal.
Dr. John Cullen – Oxford, MS.: A March, 1861 article mentions Cullen’s name as the painter of the flag of the Lamar Rifles (Co. G, 11th Mississippi Infantry), which was presented to the company before they left town. It is described as a “magnolia flag,” which makes it a state color.
Lee Mallary (or Mallory) – Jackson, MS.: Mallary was hired in August, 1861 by C.H. Manship, who was expanding his local business into making flags. At least one Mississippi company flag was painted by Mallary, whose name appears on the banner of the Duncan Riflemen (Co. A, 3rd Mississippi Battalion). He may also have painted the Van Dorn variant battle flag of the 3rd Louisiana Infantry.
C.H. Manship – Jackson, MS.: Manship was a successful, local businessman of varied talents. Advertisements for his company began as early as 1836. He was contracted by the State of Mississippi in the secession era for military goods sold to the state quartermaster Gen. William Barksdale. Manship also got into making flags, ”in consequence of the increased demand for Flags and Banners.” According to a newspaper ad, Manship hired artist Lee Mallary (or Mallory) to do them. He was also a local politician in the city, rising to mayor by 1862.
MISSOURI
M.M. Flesh – Jefferson City, MO.: According to the 1860 Census, Flesh was a paper hanger in Missouri’s state capitol. Gen. Sterling Price enacted regulations that called for each unit of the pro-Confederate Missouri State Guard to have a blue flag with the state coat of arms on it. Responding accordingly, in 1861, according to Missouri Brig. Gen. James Harding, Flesh painted, “some ten of these flags,” for units of this command. According to Harding, Flesh was never paid for his work. He was further described as being, “a very loyal man, but he painted some mighty nice flags for the rebels.” He moved to St. Louis sometime after the war.
NORTH CAROLINA
Lemuel Beeman – NC.: Beeman painted, according to the unit history, the flag of the Anson Guards (Co. C, 14th North Carolina). Nothing else is known about him at this time.
Mrs. Kate Cameron – Raleigh, NC.: Mrs. Cameron was contracted by the North Carolina State Quartermaster’s office in 1861 to make the first flags for the newly raised state volunteer regiments. These were probably the flags that were sent to Norfolk, Virginia to be decorated by J.W. Belote (see below). No other flags connected to Cameron has yet surfaced. The photo of the flag of the 2nd North Carolina State Troops, shown here is one of the flags painted by Made by Mrs. Cameron and Painted by Mr. Belote. Photo courtesy of the North Carolina Museum of History, Raleigh, North Carolina, © North Carolina Museum of History.
J. Cassidey – Wilmington, NC.: An 1861 newspaper ad offers the sale of “red, white and blue bunting,” and “Confederate flag bunting.” It is not known if he sold this cloth to the state of to local units and posts.
Sophia Partridge – Raleigh, NC.: Ms. Partridge’s name has been linked to painting the banner of the North Carolina Greys (also the King Mountain Greys – Co. I, 6th North Carolina State Troops), according to a post-war account. She may have also done at least two other company flags for units of the Old North State. Partridge ran a girl’s school in the city where she was also an art instructor.
Col. S.J. Person – North Carolina quartermaster.: Pinson, in September, 1861, received a letter from state QM General L. O’B Branch, that told of a shipment of leftover bunting for making flags. While the first eleven state flags were made of silk in Norfolk, VA, this cloth was probably supplied to the flag makers of 1862 for the wool bunting state flags produced through the Raleigh Depot by Frances Miller (see below).
W.H. & R.S. Tucker – Raleigh, NC.: This firm was paid in April, 1861, for making a flag for Gen.John Hoke’s, the North Carolina state Adjutant General. It may have been his first headquarters flag. A June, 1861, newspaper ad from the firm offered “1 bunting flag, 9 feet by 4 1/2 feet.” They are also listed as supplying wool bunting to the state for making flags in October, 1861.
Alfred A. Watson – Wilmington, NC.: Watson, probably a local painter, executed the banner of the Cherokee Brown Riflemen (Co. F, 2nd Georgia Infantry). Most of his flag making would come in later years however.
PENNSYLVANIA
Horstmann Brothers – Philadelphia, PA.: This well known and established military goods firm, who would go on to make many banners for Union troops during the war, also made and decorated military flags for Southern militia units, even after the beginnings of secession. They advertised, for example, in Richmond, VA., newspapers as late as December, 1860 offering, “silk and bunting flags.” The flag of the Guilford Grays, (Co. B, 27th North Carolina Infantry), is one of their creations (based on a design by Dr. D.P. Weir), as is that of the Perquiman Rangers, a North Carolina cavalry unit. Two of the Virginia company flags executed by the firm are, the Caroline Grays (Co. E, 30th Virginia Infantry – the flag was made in Richmond by George Ruskell and sent to Horstmann’s for painting) and the Rockbridge Rifles (Co. K, 4th Virginia Infantry – later Co. H, 27th Virginia Infantry).
SOUTH CAROLINA
Miss M. H. Ancrum – Charleston, SC.: Miss Ancrum was the sister of James H. Ancrum, who was color bearer for the Washington Light Infantry Volunteers. As this company was mobilized for war in May, 1861, Miss Ancrum, using a design by her brother, made the unit their flag before they left town to john Hampton’s Legion.
William H. Arnold – Charleston, SC.: Arnold began painting flags as early as 1853, when he did a banner for the Aetna Fire Engine Company of the city. Located on King Street, Arnold, by secessions’s time, was also contributing his talents to other flags, including that of the German Hussars. One flag he painted that did not go to a South Carolina unit, was that of the Magnolia Cadets (Co. C, 4th Alabama Infantry). It seems that the captain of the Cadets, N.H.R. Dawson, was originally from Charleston, and attended the 1860 Democratic Convention there. He may have become familiar with Arnold’s work while in town. He sent the banner, made by the half sisters of Mary Todd Lincoln in Selma, AL to Charleston for Arnold to paint it.
Bee & Silcox – Charleston, SC.: Bee & Silcox were ship’s chandlers located on East Bay Street. Using their experience in working with large pieces of cloth, they manufactured several large (at least 12 by 16 feet) Confederate First National flags for local structures, including the offices of the Charleston Mercury newspaper and a building in Georgia. Nothing has turned up as yet to connect them to forts or military units.
Jesse H. Bolles – Charleston, SC.: Bolles maintained a gallery on King Street. In January, 1861, he was contracted to paint the Palmetto flag of the Charleston Courier newspaper office. So far no connection to military units has turned up.
William Brower – Charleston, SC.: Brower, like many other Charleston based painters, had a gallery on King Street. In May, 1861, he painted the two sided Confederate/Palmetto flag for the Ruffin Guards (Co. K, 7th South Carolina Infantry). He may have also done other flags for other units but nothing else with his name has turned up as yet.
W. Carrington & Co. – Charleston, SC.: This was a local jewelry store that, in its contribution to local units, displayed company flags for the public before they were presented to the units. Two of these flags were the Calhoun Guard (Co. A, 1st South Carolina/Charleston Battalion, then Co. E, 27th South Carolina Infantry) and the Jackson Guard. While they probably did not make the flags, they might have paid for them.
Mrs. W.H. Casson – Charleston, SC.: Mrs. Casson was the wife of the commander of the Governor’s Guard (Co. A, 2nd South Carolina Infantry) and she made the palmetto with lone star flag that the unit received in February, 1861. The flag featured a lot of embroidery.
Hattie Choice – Spartanburg, SC.: In March, 1861, the Lawson Fork Volunteers (Co. , 5th South Carolina Infantry) received the company flag, “the handiwork of Miss Choice.” The flag contained typical South Carolina symbols of the palmetto tree and coiled rattlesnake.
Lawrence L. Cohen – Charleston, SC.: The city being a hotbed of painters and artists, local units never lacked for skilled people to paint their flags. In November, 1860, Cohen, trained in Germany, executed a flag for the Lafayette Artillery. In April, 1861 he joined the battery itself!
William Douglas – Charleston, SC.: Douglas’ name comes up in a December, 1860, newspaper article about new secession flags being thrown to the breeze in that city. Douglas’ flag was listed as being 13 by 12 feet with the proper palmetto, rattlesnake and other secession symbols and slogans.
Monsieur Dovilliers – Columbia, SC.: This artist, of French extraction, painted a banner for the South Carolina Zouave Volunteers, a unit affiliated with Hampton’s Legion. Two men with his name are listed in the 1859 city census: E. Dovilliers and Mitchell Dovilliers.
Grinevald – Charleston, SC.: Grinevald was a painter who also taught drawing and painting to the citizens of the city. In March, 1861, the flag he painted for the Secession Guards (Co. A, 7th South Carolina Infantry) was presented to the company. He was described as a, “worthy artist.”
Hayden & Whilden – Charleston, SC.: This firm is another prime example of one that was engaged in doing something else before the war that altered its business with the secession period. Advertising as dealers in watches, clocks, jewelry and fancy goods, with a sideline in military goods, starting in August, 1861, they tried their hand at flags. They were evidently quite good at it, for orders for flags from the firm took off. In August, they made garrison and camp colors and by October had executed storm and signal flags for local forts as well as a company flag for the Irish Volunteers. By the next year, flag making became one of their primary income sources.
Dr. C.H. Kingsmore – Newberry, SC.: Kingsmore was a local photographer doing daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes. He was also a painter, and in 1861 painted the banner of the Rhett Guard (Co. L, Gregg’s 1st South Carolina Volunteers). His banner was immortalized in a sketch by William Waud showing the regiment in line by companies. Kinsgmore’s banner was quite prominent with its slogan, “the fair of Newberry to the Rhett Guard,” therein.
Thomas Knock – Charleston, SC.: Knock was hired in 1861 to paint the flag of the Calhoun Guards. His artwork was based on the design drawn by T. Ladson Webb, Jr. it is not known if he painted other unit colors.
August Knorr – Charleston, SC.: Knorr, another of the many sign and ornamental painters in this city, painted a few flags in 1861. Included in these are the banners of the Bamberg Guard (Co. K, 1st South Carolina Infantry), and the Monticello Guards (same regiment). The stylings on the flags of the Cedar Creek Rifles, the Catawba Rangers, the Marion Artillery and the Darlington Guards suggest that these were also painted by Knorr.
Mrs. V. H. Manget – Columbia, SC.: Manget is credited for making the presentation flag of the Richland Volunteer Rifles (Co. , 1st South Carolina Volunteers).
Louisa McIntosh – Darlington, SC.: Louisa, sister of David G. McIntosh, captain of the Pee Dee Rifles/Artillery (1st South Carolina Volunteers), made the unit’s banner , along with some help from other women of the community.
G.G. Newton (with F. Newton) – Columbia, SC.: G.G. Newton advertised as a sign and ornamental painter in the city. In 1861, he got into painting military flags for local units, as well as those from other parts of the state. The flag of the Martin Guards (Co. A, 13th South Carolina Infantry) is signed by “F. Newton,” who was probably a brother working for the firm. The “F” is a middle initial. Three other flags, the Lexington Guards, the Richland Guards, and the Saluda Guards are of very similar style, so Newton handled a few colors it seems.
Thomas W. Radcliffe – Columbia, SC.: Radcliffe ran a jewelry store in this city, with sidelines in silver ware, guns and military goods. As such, Radcliffe may have made, or had commissioned, several unit flags. Included in these are the flags of the Emmet Guards, Congaree Mounted Riflemen, and the Glen Springs Company, all of which were displayed for the public in his store.
Ravenel, Huger & Millikin – Charleston, SC.: This firm was an importing business, and during the war worked in getting goods through the blockade. In December, 1861, they supplied about 230 wool bunting (red , white and blue) to the State of North Carolina to be made into state flags.
J.E. Richard – Columbia, SC.: Listed in period newspapers as being an “artist painting in fresco, distemper and oils,” Richard, like many others of his trade, jumped in painting unit banners. Among those he did are the flags of the Columbia Grays (Co. C, 2nd South Carolina Infantry) and the Columbia Rifles (Co.A, 15th South Carolina Infantry). Richard worked with J.J Browne’s Guilding store on Richardson Street.
Mrs. Phillip Schuckman – Charleston, SC.: Phillip Schuckman was the proprietor of a “fancy goods” store on King Street. His wife (whose name is currently unkown) often took sub-contracting work from the firm of Hayden & Whilden, in which she embroidered flags for local units. Her work was excellent, and it served to propel her to local prominence in flag embroidering. Among the banners that bore here work are the 9th South Carolina Infantry, the Brooks Artillery, the 8th South Carolina Infantry and two flags for the 1st South Carolina Infantry (Gregg’s).
Sisters Of Our Lady Of Mercy Convent – Charleston, SC.: A period article mentions this convent’s students making a flag for the Irish Volunteers (Co. K, 1st South Carolina Infantry – Gregg’s) of the city.
Madame Togno – Charleston, SC.: Togno’s name is mentioned in a March, 1861, Charleston Mercury article on the flag of the Gasper Guards as being its maker as well as presenter. She has not yet been connected to any other flags.
Usruline Order Convent – Columbia, SC.: Another Catholic institution that also got into embroidering flags for units on a limited scale was this convent in Columbia. In 1861, they made the flag of the Kirkwood Rangers (Co. H, 7th South Carolina Cavalry), and in May, 1862, handled the flag of the 20th South Carolina Infantry. These embroidered flags were typically very ornate affairs.
Hugh E. Vincent – Charleston, SC.: Vincent was a prominent local businessman who operated as a ship’s chandler. He sold materials to the CS Ordnance Bureau as well as the Navy and other departments. He was contracted to make large flags for the various forts around the city after the state’s secession in late 1860. These include a state flag for Ft. Morris, and CS flags for Ft. Moultrie. The first Confederate flag hoisted over captured Ft. Sumter was made by Vincent. He also made numerous signal flags and 16 flags in November, 1861 which may have been for units of the area. Some of the flags Vincent made were for warships, and this included foreign banners that warships carried at sea for salutes. In June, 1861, and again in July, North Carolina quartermaster L.O’B. Branch wrote Vincent inquiring if he could provide state regimental colors. As they ended up being made in Norfolk, Vincent obviously did not care to make them or could not. A March, 1861 newspaper article stated his firm, “has been busily occupied in furnishing flags for ships, forts and companies.”
Charles West & Son – Charleston, SC.: Like Hugh Vincent, this firm were ship’s chandlers, supplying goods for the merchant vessels of Charleston Harbor. In 1861, they, too, got into producing flags. The sizes indicated on some of the invoices show that these flags may have been for naval vessels, hospitals or posts. However, other flags may well have been for army units. In all, between August and September, 1861, West & Son produced over 19 flags. In 1862, the firm made a boat flag. By 1863, they were producing signal flags for the Confederate Navy.
TENNESSEE
Armstrong & Ryder – Memphis, TN.: This firm included the Ryder mentioned below, and they advertised as “sign and ornamental painters,” doing, “signs, banners and transparencies.” No local units have been connected to them as yet but they probably had their hand in the myriad of secession banners and transparencies that were flown from buildings and carried in the huge city secession parades in early 1861.
Beck & Myers – Nashville, TN.: According to an April, 1861 article in a Nashville newspaper, this firm of ornamental painters, got into making flags , “in good style…and at moderate prices.” It is currently not known if they made any for local units.
C.D. Benson & Co. – Nashville, TN.: Originally a music store located on Union Street, they became engaged in selling Confederate flags to the public, and, presumably, military units in April, 1861.
Cattie Cain – Nashville, TN.: Miss Cain was one of a group of young women who made a Stars and Bars national flag for the Rock City Guards, a Nashville militia battalion that later becames Companies A, B, and C of the First Regiment of Tennessee Volunteer Infantry. The other ladies credited with making the flag were M.A. Kitch, Fannie E. Claiborne, Laura V. Claiborne and Imogen Cain. The flag was presented by Fannie Claiborne to Captain James B. Craighead, commander of Company B, in a ceremony in Nashville on April 23, 1861.
Imogen Cain – Nashville, TN.: Miss Cain was one of a group of young women who made a Stars and Bars national flag for the Rock City Guards, a Nashville militia battalion that later becames Companies A, B, and C of the First Regiment of Tennessee Volunteer Infantry. The other ladies credited with making the flag were M.A. Kitch, Fannie E. Claiborne, Laura V. Claiborne and Cattie Cain. The flag was presented by Fannie Claiborne to Captain James B. Craighead, commander of Company B, in a ceremony in Nashville on April 23, 1861.
James Cameron – Memphis, TN.: Cameron was a Scottish immigrant who came to Memphis and set up a local business that produced and sold, “paper hangings, upholstery and curtain goods,” at his store on Main Street. With the secession period he moved into flag making. A couple existing flags bear his signature, and he made the flag of the 9th Mississippi Infantry in 1861. Cameron also sold goods to the Ordnance Bureau. He may have been the “Cameron” of the firm Kenzie & Cameron, local tent makers. Cameron would leave Memphis after its fall to the Federals and move to other cities further south to continue to supply goods (tents, wagon covers, shirts) to the military. He would end up in Mobile by 1864.
Fannie E. Claiborne – Nashville, TN.: Miss Claiborne was one of a group of young women who made a Stars and Bars national flag for the Rock City Guards, a Nashville militia battalion that later becames Companies A, B, and C of the First Regiment of Tennessee Volunteer Infantry. The other ladies credited with making the flag were M.A. Kitch, Laura V. Claiborne, Cattie Cain and Imogen Cain. The flag was presented by Fannie Claiborne to Captain James B. Craighead, commander of Company B, in a ceremony in Nashville on April 23, 1861. The flag in the photo is a flag of the Rock City Guards, and may be the flag made by these ladies. A similar flag of nine stars was made by Georgina Foster for the Rock City Guards; but that flag was described as being made of silk, while the flag in this image is made of cotton. [Photo courtesy of the Tennessee State Museum, Nashville, Tenn.]
Laura V. Claiborne – Nashville, TN.: Miss Claiborne was one of a group of young women who made a Stars and Bars national flag for the Rock City Guards, a Nashville militia battalion that later becames Companies A, B, and C of the First Regiment of Tennessee Volunteer Infantry. The other ladies credited with making the flag were M.A. Kitch, Fannie E. Claiborne, Cattie Cain and Imogen Cain. The flag was presented by Fannie Claiborne to Captain James B. Craighead, commander of Company B, in a ceremony in Nashville on April 23, 1861.
Mrs. Capt. Decker – Memphis, TN.: Another of the respondents to the ads for making flags for the Missouri State Guard, Mrs. Decker (her husband’s name unknown at this time) turned over three flags to Missouri State Guard quartermaster Matthew Moore in 1861 that she made. She was thanked by Moore in a newspaper card on October, 18, 1861.
Robert Dickson – Memphis, TN.: In the 1860 Memphis City Directory, Dickson was listed as a “sign, house, steamboat and ornamental painter,” who also offered “military and fire company flags & banners.” To date no local unit has been connected to him through a flag. Research is pending.
Robert T. Fleming – Nashville, TN.: Fleming advertised as a “house, sign and ornamental” painter on Union Street, and may have had his hand in painting flags for local units as they formed for war. A September, 1860 newspaper advertisement mentioned that he offered flags and banners as part of his trade.
Georgina Foster – Nashville, TN.: On May 8, 1861, in the presence of “a large number of citizens” at the home of lawyer Daniel E. Carter, on High Street (now Sixth Avenue North) in Nashville, Georgina Foster presented a flag to Company B of the First Regiment Tennessee Volunteer Infantry. The flag was accepted by Dr. D. F. Wright on behalf of the Company. On May 8, 1861, Company B departed from Nashville to join the rest of the Regiment at Camp Harris, near Allisonia, Tennessee. The flag made by Miss Foster was described as a Confederate States national flag made of silk, with “a neat circle of nine stars.”
William Fry – Nashville, TN.: Fry advertised his business as dealing in, “silk and satin flags and banners, gilded and painted to order,” in local newspapers. In July, 1861 he painted the six by nine foot banner for the 16th Tennessee Infantry, which was presented to the regiment in a ceremony. According to the article, “the painting and lettering was done in Fry’s best style.” Fry also executed the elaborate Irish/First National flag for the 10th Tennessee Infantry, the so-called “Sons Of Erin” flag. He may well have done other unit colors but none have surfaced as yet.
William Hearn – Nashville, TN.: Hearn’s art gallery was on Market Street. Sometimes, in conjunction with Mrs. J.T. Lord, wife of a local sewing machine shop proprietor, he made flags for Tennessee units. Among those colors that he executed are the flags of the 3rd Tennessee Infantry (adorned with a knight in armor), and the regimental colors of the 23rd and 24th Tennessee Infantry (the latter two definitely with Mrs. Lord’s help). No other flags have been connected to Hearn as yet.
M.A. Kitch – Nashville, TN.: Miss Kitch was one of a group of young women who made a Stars and Bars national flag for the Rock City Guards, a Nashville militia battalion that later becames Companies A, B, and C of the First Regiment of Tennessee Volunteer Infantry. The other ladies credited with making the flag were Laura V. Claiborne, Fannie E. Claiborne, Cattie Cain and Imogen Cain. The flag was presented by Fannie Claiborne to Captain James B. Craighead, commander of Company B, in a ceremony in Nashville on April 23, 1861.
Mrs. J.T. Lord/Singer Sewing Machines Agent – Nashville, TN.: Mrs. Lord’s husband, J.T. Lord, ran the Singer sewing machine franchise in Nashville. After the secession of the state, she used the stores ability to work with cloth to begin making flags. According to one source, Nashville papers ran advertisements of the store offering , “Southern flags made to order.” Mrs. Lord worked with local painter William Hearn to produce a pair of flags for the 23rd and 24th Tennessee Infantry in 1861.
John Luck – Nashville, TN.: Luck was a merchant at 45 Union Street who dealt in, “toys, fancy articles, musical instruments and sheet music,” and with this as his background, he jumped into making flags in 1861 for Tennessee units. His advertisements began appearing in local papers in the summer of 1861. He made a large garrison flag in October and a recruiting flag back in May. Also of note is the flag he made for the 3rd Tennessee Cavalry Battalion. The bulk of his known flags work came in 1862. He also made secession flag badges for civilians.
W.B. Miller & Co. – Memphis, TN.: A local dry goods merchant, in April, 1861, they advertised as being a place where “flag silks” could be purchased. They also advertised, “material for flags, military cloth.” They may have supplied the cloth for the local flag makers.
Miller & Pimm – Memphis, TN.: Advertising their business as “Sign and banner painting,” this firm may have been involved with painting many of the local unit colors, but no firm documentation has turned up as yet connecting a flag to them.
C.E.W. Miller/Isadora Miller – Memphis, TN.: In 1861, the quartermaster of the Missouri State Guard’s 1st Division, Matthew Moore, took up residence in Memphis to secure supplies for his pro-Confederate command. Taking an ad in a local paper, Moore requested the help of, “any lady or gentleman willing to paint or embroider one or more Missouri State flags.” In response, C.E.W. and Isadora Miller made three flags, for which they were thanked by Moore in the Memphis Daily Appeal of September 15, 1861.
Moore, Halstead & Co. – Memphis, TN.: An 1861 Memphis Daily Appeal advertisement for this firm states simply, “flag staffs.” While nothing else has been located for them, they undoubtedly made them for local units as well as those needing them that passed through the city in 1861-1862.
W.H. Passmore – Memphis, TN.: Making his living as a sign and fresco painter, Passmore, upon secession, turned to painting unit flags. One of the flags he executed was for an Arkansas company passing through the city, whose uniqueness earned it a mention in a local newspaper sine it featured a large knife painted on the field, with the phrase, “war to the…” and then the knife!
M.T. Ryder – Memphis, TN.: Ryder, after splitting from the above firm, advertised his painting business in local papers, which included “flag and banner painter.” No direct connection to local units has yet been made.
Smith & McLure – Memphis, TN.: Local carpenters, this firm was contracted for “making 4 flag staffs,” in October, 1861 for the Confederate Ordnance Bureau. It is not known currently if these were for local unit flags.
Speed, Donoho & Strange – Memphis, TN.: This was a dry goods firm, suppliers of large amounts of cloth, rugs, curtains and fine materials to the local citizenry. They were also involved with making the flag of the 9th Mississippi Infantry in 1861 (through James Cameron), and may have supplied local flag makers with the bulk cloth for their flags.
St. Agnes Academy – Memphis, TN.: Another respondent to the appeal of Missouri State Guard quartermaster Matthew Moore for flags for his troops was the St. Agnes Academy of this city. They turned over to Moore a, “magnificent flag with the coat of arms of Missouri richly embroidered…,”
C. Woolmer – Memphis, TN.: Woolmer advertised his “Southern Flag Manufactury, in local papers. Originally he made and sold mattresses. In May, 1862, after gearing up for war, Woolmer advertised that he needed, “ladies are wanted immediately to make war flags.” Woolmer offered flag poles and finials for them as well. While there has not yet been a direct connection with Woolmer to any Tennessee units, there is a possibility that he may have made the silk flags for Gen. Leonidas Polk’s Corps, in January, 1862, as they were issued to the corps from Memphis. However, other local flag makers are just as likely to have made them.
TEXAS
D.J. Cronin – Marshall, TX.: Cronin advertised in 1865 newspapers offering his services as a flag maker. It is not known as yet if he made flags in the secession or war years.
Howard & Buchardt – Galveston, TX.: A March, 1861 newspaper article mentions a Confederate First National flag made by this firm.
Samuel Maas – Galveston, TX.: Maas was a local commission merchant and grocer. In November, 1861, he was contracted to make “3 large flags,” probably for local posts. In doing so he used some of the 68 yards of bunting he was paid for on the same invoice. He more than likely made other flags but only one of his invoices survives.
Rice & Baulard – Galveston, TX.: Listed in local directories and newspaper ads as executing, “house, sign and ship painting,” they managed to paint at least one Texas unit flag. The First National flag of the 20th Texas Infantry is signed by them, and it is one of the most beautiful flags ever done. Sadly, it is not known if they painted any other unit flags.
VIRGINIA
J.W. Belote – Norfolk, VA.: Though a Virginian, Belote is actually best known for painting the first ten silk North Carolina state flags in 1861 through a contract from the NC state quartermaster, for which he was paid $500. For the flag of the 1st North Carolina State Troops, on a separate contract, he was paid $50. He may also be the artist behind a series of Virginia company flags that all have a very similar artistic styling to them. Further research is pending. The photo of the flag of the 2nd North Carolina State Troops, shown here is one of the flags painted by Belote. Photo courtesy of the North Carolina Museum of History, Raleigh, North Carolina, © North Carolina Museum of History.
Constance Cary – Richmond, VA.: If there was ever the archetypical Southern belle, it was Constance Cary. Her biggest contribution to Confederate flags is probably one of the most famous flag making events in history. Contacted by Quartermaster Colin. M. Selph, Cary and her two cousins made the first three battle flags of the Army of Northern Virginia pattern. Using whatever silk they could find (it was not their own dresses as legend has it – she later mentioned its poor quality), Cary sewed her emblem, which was presented in November, 1861 to Gen. Earl Van Dorn. She embroidered her name along its edge. With its presentation, Constance and her cousins gained Southern immortality.
Hettie Cary – Baltimore, MD, and Richmond, VA.: Also one of the famous “Cary Invincibles,” this Baltimore belle moved to Richmond and, with her cousin Constance, and sister Jennie, made the first three Army of Northern Virginia battle flags. The flag made by Hetty was presented to Gen. Joseph E. Johnston, which resides today at the Museum Of The Confederacy. In March, 1862, Hettie made 1000 lance pennons for Confederate cavalry units.
Jennie Cary – Baltimore, MD, and Richmond, VA.: Also one of the famous “Cary Invincibles,” Jennie’s battle flags was presented to Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard, hero of Ft. Sumter. She also made the flag for the 1st Maryland Battalion, according to a period newspaper article, which she presented to the unit. Afterwards she serenaded the men with “Maryland, My Maryland, ” which she supposed wrote the lyrics to.
W.B. Chambers – Petersburg, VA.:
Bonneau De St. Marcel – Norfolk, VA.: Acccording to the Richmond Dispatch of October 19, 1861, this local artist painted the banner of the Norfolk Light Artillery Blues. It was described as being in, “the most artistic style.”
Charles A. Delano – Petersburg, VA.: Delano was a sign painter by trade. In October, 1861, Delano produced a flag for the 5th North Carolina Volunteers (15th NCST) in 1861, according to NC State quartermaster records. The flag cost $65. Further research into other flags he worked on is pending as the city may have been a source for several painted unit colors.
Dunn & Spencer – Petersburg, VA.: In 1861, this firm was contacted about making silk state flags for North Carolina regiments by the North Carolina state quartermaster. It is currently not known if they made any other flags.
Ellett & Drewry – Richmond, VA.: This firm advertised in local papers as selling “red, white & blue bunting,” which was used for making durable flags. They may have sold their stock to local flag makers.
James B. Ferguson, Jr. – Richmond, VA.: Ferguson was the owner of a local import/export business. Later in 1861 he was “drafted” as a quartermaster captain to work for the newly formed Richmond Clothing Depot. In April, 1861 he sold blue merino to the state for making state flags.
J. & F. Garrett – Richmond, VA.: In November, 1861, this dry goods firm was contracted by the State of Virginia for French merino for making state flags for Virginia units.
S. Hoffman, Jr. – Bedford County, VA.: The flag of the Bedford Southside Dragoons (Co. F, 2nd Virginia Cavalry), is signed by artist “S. Hoffman, Jr.” Nothing more has been located on him as yet although he may have resided in Lynchburg.
Alfred T. Jones – VA.: Mr. Jones, whose place of business has not yet been determined, painted, in 1860, a Virginia style flag for the Botetourt Dragoons, later Co. C, 2nd Virginia Cavalry. To date, no other flags have surfaced bearing his name.
Harvey Jones – Norfolk, VA.: A May, 1861 invoice from Jones to the Carrituck Atlantic Riflemen (Co. E, 17th North Carolina Troops), shows that he made a “collar and cap for flag staff,” for the unit. By trade Jones was a saddles and harness maker, but seemingly got into making accouterments for flag staffs.
P. Horton Keach – Richmond, VA.: Mentioned in a pre-war city directory, Keach was a, ”wholesale dealer and manufacturer in regalia, banners, flags…” as well as articles for ladies clothing. Nothing has been found to connect him as yet to unit colors. His business was purchased by George Ruskell by 1861.
H.P. Keane – VA.: Keane was probably a sign and ornamental painter, who, in October, 1861, was hired by the state to paint the Virginia coats of arms on the first state flags issued to Virginia regiments later that month. The flags were presented to Virginia units of the Confederate Army of the Potomac. Later, in 1862, Keane again painted 49 state infantry flags and 8 state cavalry banners. He also did larger flags for the state capitol, both state and Confederate patterns. He was probably located in Richmond.
Kent, Paine & Co. – Richmond, VA.: A prominent dry goods firm in this city, they procured 120 yards of white bunting and 82 yards of blue bunting for making Virginia state flags in September, 1861. The cloth may have gone into the making of the first state flags issued in late October by Governor John Letcher. The firm also sold other types of military cloth.
Laura Lacy – VA.: Ms. Lacy received a contract from the Confederate Ordnance Bureau for “83 lance flags,” and “166 lance slides,” in August, 1861. At this stage of the war, the Confederates were raising lancer units in their cavalry. In October, she made a further 200 lance flags for Col. George Croghan’s cavalry command of Wise’s Legion (later the 10th Virginia Cavalry). These are the small First National guidons seen in relic shops and private collections today.
Mrs. McAdam (Possibly Nancy) – Petersburg, VA.: research is still pending on this ladt flag naker from Petersburg, who made more flags, it seems, for North Carolina than she did for Virginia. One of her most famous works was the flag of the Franklin Rifles (Co. L, 15th North Carolina Infantry), the flag that was claimed to have been the banner made from Orren R. Smith’s First national flag submission. McAdam also did, “one fine silk flag” for which she was paid $100 in May, 1862, and a Virginia flag in June of the same year. She may have done others as well but no paperwork for them has surfaced as yet.
Miss McDonald – Richmond, VA.: This flag maker has yet to be fully identified. The Richmond Whig of June 18, 1861 makes mention of, “the beautiful state flag which flies over the Whig Building is the admiration of all beholders. It is the handiwork of Miss M’Donald of 9th Street south of Main…” More research is needed to connect her to other flags.
Lewis Montague – Richmond, VA.: Montague was a local painter, who was contracted to do work on the Virginia state flags being made for Virginia and other regiments. One of his newspaper ads stated, “Attention military: Have your knapsacks and guns marked before you leave the city.” Along with his brother, he also lettered tents and wagon covers. He would do sub-contracting work for the Richmond Depot later on, lettering battle flags.
Sylvester Mountcastle – Petersburg, VA.: Listed in a pre-war city directory, Mountcastle’s business was advertised as, “a painter, gilder and glazier,” and that he offered his services to military companies. No connection yet shown to Virginia unit flags, although it seems an artist that painted them was from this city.
M. Rosenbaum – Richmond, VA.: In November, 1861 Rosenbaum, who ran a dry goods dealership, provided blue merino for making Virginia state flags. In January, 1862, he did the same with more cloth.
George Ruskell – Richmond, VA.: Ruskell may well be the primary citizen flag maker in Richmond. An Irish immigrant, he began by purchasing the ladies dress trimmings and variety goods shop originally run by P. Horton Keach in 1858. With the secession of the state, he jumped into making flags. Not only was he involved with supplying the cloth for making state flags, but he also handled the large Confederate First National flags for local buildings like the state capitol (this one being 18 by 25 feet) and state armory. Several Virginia units received Ruskell made banners, including the Carolina Grays (Co. E, 30th Virginia Infantry – the painted devices were done in Philadelphia by Horstmann’s), the Bath Cavalry/Bath Grays (Co. F, 11th Virginia Cavalry), the Montgomery Fencibles (Co. G, 4th Virginia Infantry), the 2nd Virginia Infantry’s state flag and the Lancaster Cavalry (Co. D, 9th Virginia Cavalry). Some North Carolina companies gave him orders for their banners, including the Granville Grays (Co. D, 2nd North Carolina State Troops), while the 3rd North Carolina State Troops wrote him inquiring about his prices for making their flag in June, 1861. Ruskell also made the first large batch of First National battle flags (over 40) for the Confederate Army of The Potomac in the summer of 1861, using wool bunting taken from the Gosport Navy Yard when it was captured from the Federals. In late December he was contracted for several signals flags. He seems to have gotten out of making flags by the end of 1862.
Thomas Smith – Norfolk, VA.: In October, 1861, Smith sold the State of Virginia 29 yards of blue merino, which was used for making state flags for Virginia units.
John R. Thompson – Richmond, VA.: Beginning in November, 1861, Thompson was hired by the State of Virginia to make regimental flags. His first order was for “20 state regimental flags for the Virginia troops in the field,” as well as for their covers. In December, he made a further 8 infantry flags and 4 cavalry flags along with their covers. April, 1862 finds another order for 20 regimental flags with their covers. He was acting for a ladies society in these cases. His last invoice is dated March, 1864, and it was for making oil cloth flag covers.
West & Brother – Richmond, VA.: This local carpentry firm was hired by the State of Virginia in October, 1861 to produce 50 flag staffs for Virginia regimental flags. In addition to the poles, they attached the finials for them. The firm went on to do other carpentry work for the Confederate government.
George Fitz Wilson – Lynchburg. VA.: Wilson’s name was mentioned in a July, 1861 newspaper article as having made the flag of the Lynchburg Beauregard Rifles (Capt. John J. Shoemaker’s Horse Artillery). He was described as being, “an excellent artist.”
Mrs. Woolhouse – Richmond, VA.: This lady is shown as an embroiderer for military units in one of the city directories.. She may have done some of the work for local unit flags.
PART 2 — THE PROFESSIONAL FLAG MAKERS.
Written and compiled by Greg Biggs. Research contributors include: Bob Bradley and Ken Tilley, Alabama Dept. of Archives and History; Tom Belton, North Carolina Museum of History; Ken Legendre; Howard Madaus; Bruce Bazelon; Dave Hunter; Jim McGhee; Ron Field; Mark Jaeger; Vicki Betts; Lee White; John Bigham, South Carolina Relic Room; Devereaux Cannon; Anthony Rushing; Les Jensen, West Point Museum; and Greg Biggs.