The Cheshire Historical Society
Hitchcock Phillips House
43 Church Drive
Cheshire, Connecticut 06410
December 2004 - MEDAL OF HONOR issued 26 October 1864 on display in the Exhibit Room
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The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to WOODBURY, ERI D. Rank and Organization: Place and Date: Entered Service At: Birth: Date of Issue: |
Eri D. Woodbury came to Cheshire in 1865 as a teacher of Latin and Greek at Cheshire Academy (then the Episcopal Academy of Connecticut) and remained a town resident until his death in 1928. The "Professor", as the boys called him, was a great figure, not only to the boys of the Academy but to the town as well. He was Cheshire's last surviving Civil War veteran. He was a "master" at the Academy for 38 years, serving as school principal from 1896 - 1903.
"As we read the Professor's diary, we see why he had such a hold on the boys. It was not only because he believed every one of them had more good in him than evil, but because he was honest with them, and, above all firm. He was also vastly entertaining, and his nightly stories in the session room of the Junior School brought history to life…" Our Town, p. 155, by Marion Moore Coleman.
Our Town is available in the Society's "Cheshire Collection" (research only) and also for sale in the gift shop.
Fifty Years as Soldier and Teacher, the Diary and Recollections of Eri Davidson Woodbury is in the Society's "Cheshire Collection" (research only).
Citation:
During the regiment's charge when the enemy was in retreat Sgt. Woodbury encountered 4 Confederate infantrymen retreating. He drew his saber and ordered them to surrender, overcoming by his determined actions their willingness to further resist. They surrendered to him together with their rifles and 12th North Carolina (C.S.A.) regimental flag.
Call 203-272-2574 or e-mail for more information.