Titus Moss Walk Back In Time - The Cheshire Historical Society

The Cheshire Historical Society
Hitchcock Phillips House
43 Church Drive
Cheshire, Connecticut 06410 USA

Telephone: 203-272-2574

A May 2006 Preservation Month Activity Partially Funded By A Grant From CT Trust For Historic Preservation In Cooperation With The CT Humanities Council A WALK BACK IN TIME: CHESHIRE CT IN THE YEAR 1862 TITUS MOSS, CHESHIRE FARMER JOINS THE CIVIL WAR

The Cheshire Historical Society, 43 Church Drive, and, The Cheshire Historic District Commission, 84 South Main Street, Cheshire, Connecticut 06410

SCENE 1 - OPEN FIELD (LOCATION OF PRESENT TOWN HALL)

Characters introduced: Narrator - Ron Gagliardi, Mary Farrell (Clark's Servant) - Dotty Drufa, Titus Moss - Thom Peters, Capt. Joel Moss (Titus' Father) - Marshall Robinson

NARRATOR - Played by Ron Gagliardi Welcome everyone to July 1862. Look around you. We are standing in an open field - the town hall will not be built for several years. Wallingford Road is here with all the houses you see now. Cheshire is a small town of about 2000 people. The main industry is still farming but five hundred men, from England and Ireland, have come here to work in the barite mines. And the Cheshire Manufacturing Company, later called Ball & Socket, is making buttons for the uniforms of Union soldiers. The Civil War began a year ago and we are now in the thick of fierce battles on land and water. Eleven southern states have seceded from the Union and formed their own government. The United States is now divided in two. Emotions are running high with vigorous differences of opinion on the war, often called the Rebellion. Many in the North view the withdrawal of the Southern states as acts of treason and are ready to fight for a unified country. Others think that abolishing slavery is the main reason to keep fighting. In a few weeks 53 young men from Cheshire will form Company A, 20th Regiment of the Union Army. During our walk this afternoon you will meet and get to know a few people who were alive in Cheshire in the summer of 1862, and how their stories were changed because of this war. For example -- MARY FARRELL, SERVANT OF THE CLARKS - Played by Dorothy Drufva My mistresses are having a party and you're all invited. Today, this very afternoon. At our house on the Green. Refreshments will be served. Pardon me, Mr. Moss, did you know your wife is over there now, at the Clarks? TITUS MOSS - Played by Thom Peters Yes, yes, thank you kindly. My daughter Emma is sick so my wife and my mother have taken her to your mistress's herb garden in hopes of a cure. MARY FARRELL My mistress has a request of you, Mr. Moss -- would you go about to some of the neighbors and make sure they are coming to the party? TITUS MOSS I would gladly do that. I am in her debt. NARRATOR Well, as I was saying, many people's lives were changed because of the Civil War. For example, Titus Moss...

TITUS MOSS Good day to all of you. I am Titus Moss from Moss Farms Road, and this is my father Joel. We've come into town today to see about getting some help for my little daughter Emma. She is only three and has a sickness in the chest. I hope it is not serious. Since Mrs. Clark has requested that I go find the neighbors and see that they get to the party I will attend to that. But my thoughts are not of a party today. Emma's sickness is weighing on my mind. And other thoughts have been troubling me. I have a difficult decision to make. My family needs me, but President Lincoln may need me as well if this war is to be won. I have heard some good speeches using the strongest language possible. The point was that slavery was the cause of the rebellion and the way to put down the rebellion was to destroy the cause. Every man must to do his duty and if he met with anything that needed to be crushed he should do it if possible. JOEL MOSS - Played by Marshall Robinson Come, my son, do not dwell on this just now. Let's go to the neighbors and then quickly get back to the herb garden to see if Emma is feeling better. NARRATOR Everyone, please follow!

SCENE 2 - ALONZO SMITH HOUSE

Characters introduced: Alonzo Smith - Gavin Zambruski (actually his Dad filled in for him)

SCENE 3- GEORGE KEELER HOUSE

Characters introduced: George Keeler- Brad Zambruski

SCENE 2. ALONZO SMITH'S HOUSE NARRATOR Alonzo Smith's house stood here in 1862. He is a carpenter, in his 20s. He is also thinking of enlisting in the Union Army. SCENE 3. GEORGE KEELER HOUSE TITUS MOSS Mr. Keeler, I took note of your house while you were building it, and admire it often as I pass by.

GEORGE KEELER - Played by Brad Zambruski Thank you, yes the house was finished two years ago. And right here, next door, I plan to put up a simple building, one where I can build stoves and sell them, maybe have an undertaking business in the back. There'll always be a need for that business, am I right? But that will have to wait until the Rebellion is over. NARRATOR We're off to Scene 4, at the Squire Beach House. In 1862 the house was owned by Roxanna Hitchcock. She has a visitor today, historian Joseph Beach.

Brad Zambruski and his Dad

Thom Peters and Brad Zambruski

SCENE 4- SQUIRE BEACH HOUSE

Characters introduced: Roxana Hitchcock - Joanna Miller, Joseph P. Beach - Josiah Rowe, Mary Beach (Joseph's daughter) - Michelle Carone

SCENE 4. SQUIRE BEACH HOUSE JOEL MOSS Good day, Mistress Hitchcock. I am Joel Moss, and this is my son Titus. We are asked to remind you of the Clarks' party this afternoon and to escort you there. ROXANNA HITCHCOCK - Played by Joanna Miller - Good day to you, and thank you kindly. Did you know that Joseph Beach is visiting me? He grew up in Cheshire just down the street and often comes home to see friends. He and his daughter are staying with me. JOEL MOSS Did Mr. Beach grow up in this house? ROXANNA HITCHCOCK No, his house was that brick one down the street. But Joseph is related to the Squire Beach who owned this house. There is Joseph now, lost in thoughts about his book, as usual. Joseph! This is Mr. Joel Moss and his son Titus. JOSEPH BEACH - Played by Josiah Rowe How delighted I am to meet you both. Do you know I am working on a history of Cheshire? I am very interested in the Moss family since they were among the first to come from Wallingford and settle here - up on the TenMile River, correct? TITUS MOSS Yes, exactly so. In the year 1694, John Moss Jr. was granted 100 acres of land, more or less, on 'Ye Tenn Mile River. In those early years our family encamped in a lean-to shelter near a large flat rock. Every Saturday night they returned to Wallingford in order to attend the Church services on Sunday. And the following day they traveled back to Cheshire to clear more land for the farm. The rock where my family sheltered can still be seen today, several hundred yards to the north at the corner of Moss Farms Road and Jarvis Street. JOSEPH BEACH Most interesting. And then after that, they built a house? TITUS MOSS My grandfather Joel built a one and a half story house in 1795 - that's where I live now. JOSEPH BEACH I would enjoy talking with you at length. But that will have to wait bit. I understand we're all to be at a party soon. Let me get my hat and I will walk with you to the Foote House. I understand that Admiral Foote is visiting in town for this weekend, what an honor it will be to talk with him. NARRATOR: Everyone, off to the Foote House if you please. And watch out for horse and carriages passing by - the traffic on a Sunday afternoon can be hectic!

Michelle Carone plays "Mary Beach"

Julianna Marone plays "Sally Moon"

Lauren Backman (as "Sarah Moon") with Julianna Marone and Michelle Carone

Josiah Rowe

SCENE 5 - REV. JOHN FOOT HOUSE

Characters introduced: Adm. Andrew Hull Foote - John White, Josephine Foote (his daughter) - Lizz Abbate

SCENE 5. THE GOVERNOR FOOTE HOUSE (OWNED SINCE 1846 BY TIMOTHY TROWBRIDGE) TITUS MOSS Congratulations, Admiral! I read that President Lincoln asked Congress to vote a thank you for your service in the war so far. ANDREW HULL FOOTE - Played by John White I am most appreciative of that, thank you, but this war is far from over. TITUS MOSS Sir, I admire so much your efforts to rid us of the evil practice of slavery. ANDREW HULL FOOTE In the 1850s I commanded the brig Perth off the coast of Africa on a mission to stop the shipment of slaves. TITUS MOSS I have listened to much news and speechifying about the Rebellion including denunciations of slavery. I have kept my troubled thoughts to myself thus far. ANDREW HULL FOOTE My grandfather John Foot owned a slave, I am ashamed to say. Right here in Cheshire. Early on, I vowed to do all I could do against that inhumane practice. JOSEPHINE FOOTE - Played by Lizz Abbate Come Father, let's be on our way to the party. But slowly… NARRATOR On we go - to the Cornwall House, built by Dr. Thomas Cornwall -- Again, watch for traffic!

SCENE 6 - EDWARD CORNWALL HOUSE

Characters introduced: Edward A. Cornwall - Ed Kania

SCENE 6. THE CORNWALL HOUSE Edward Cornwall is standing on his porch. JOSEPH BEACH Good day to you Edward. We are all going to the party, are you joining us? EDWARD CORNWALL - Played by Edwin Kania By all means, I would not miss it. JOSEPH BEACH May I ask for a few details about your family and this house? EDWARD CORNWALL Well Joseph, as you know, my father Thomas was a doctor. I myself was born in 1802 and this house was built five years later. My father had a sanitarium here for cancer patients. It is now my home. Cousin Andrew, you seem to be coming along well. Is this your first time out? These parties at the Clarks have a way of bringing everyone together. EDWARD CORNWALL What are your impressions of the war? Will the North prevail? ANDREW HULL FOOTE It is going to be a long hard fight. We'll need many more soldiers and very soon. EDWARD CORNWALL I've heard a rumor that the President will call for more troops any day now. With quotas for each state. CT has already sent many men... ANDREW HULL FOOTE Yes, three regiments! Last year Connecticut was requested to send one regiment and ended up sending three. TITUS MOSS Your courage, Captain Foote. I am in awe of you. I wish I knew what I should do. Enlist or tend to my family here at home. ANDREW HULL FOOTE You're a good lad. You'll make the right decision. EDWARD CORNWALL Not everyone is cut out to be a solder. NARRATOR Our next stop will be the former Abijah Beach Tavern. In 1862 this was a residence, owned by Martin Brennan. On our way we will pass by the Russell Cook House, owned by the Fields family in 1862 and noted for its attractive gardens.

SCENE 7 - ABIJAH BEACH TAVERN

Characters introduced: Martin Brennan - Kenneth Backman

SCENE 7. ABIJAH BEACH TAVERN (NOW OWNED BY MARTIN BRENNAN) EDWARD CORNWALL Come along Martin - Can you leave your grand huge house, five fireplaces, and a ballroom -- and come along to a party? MARTIN BRENNAN - Played by Ken Backman - I can always be tempted away by a party at the Clarks! NARRATOR On to the Church Green if you please. Please gather there. Scene 8 will begin when everyone has arrived at the Green.

SCENE 8 - ON THE GREEN

SCENE 8. SOUTHWEST CORNER OF THE CHURCH GREEN. MARTIN BRENNAN Gentlemen, what do you say we stop off at the Munson Hotel before going to the Clarks? Anyone for that? George Munson might be about. TITUS MOSS We must go see how little Emma is doing. JOSEPHINE FOOTE Pa, you need to get to the Clarks and sit down for a bit. ANDREW HULL FOOTE I'm looking forward to seeing my old boyhood friend, Robert Hitchcock. We grew up together, we both went to the Academy, and now we're both visiting our old haunts. NARRATOR Let us walk slowly now and stop to look at the Congregational Church, designed by the famous architect David Hoadly,and built in 1825. MARTIN BRENNAN Is it true that there is a church pew where slaves sat? EDWARD CORNWALL Yes, I am sad to say that some of our parishioners and even one of our ministers kept slaves in the past, but those days are gone here in the North. Now some homes in Cheshire are part of the Underground Railroad where slaves are helped to escape. NARRATOR Please come with me to the herb garden in back of the Hitchcock House. Living in the Hitchcock House in 1862 are Lucretia Hitchcock Clark, now a widow, and her two daughters.

SCENE 9 - HERB GARDEN (BACK OF HITCHCOCK HOUSE)

Characters introduced: Lucretia (Lucy) Clark - Mary Ellen Kania, Nancy Upson Moss (mother of Titus Moss) - Jeanné Chesanow, Emma Moss (daughter of titus Moss) - Emma Gaudio, Nurse - Eleanor Herrmann, Caretaker of the Herb Garden - Ingeborg Venus, Jennette Beecher Moss (wife of Titus Moss) - Sylvia Abbate, Sarah Moon - Lauren Backman, Sally Moon (daughter of Sarah Moon) - Julianna Marone

SCENE 9. HERB GARDEN AT THE HITCHCOCK-PHILLIPS HOUSE LUCRETIA (LUCY) CLARK: - Played by Mary Ellen Kania Nancy, this granddaughter of yours is most delightful. She is very sweet and has wonderful manners, regardless of her current health. NANCY MOSS - Played by Jeanné Chesanow Thank you for your kind words and your care of my young Emma. What shall we do for her? LUCRETIA (LUCY) CLARK Nancy, you may have met our nurse. She has taken care of many people in Cheshire. Nurse, can you help Emma? NURSE - Played by Eleanor Herrmann My cousin (points at the woman tending the garden - Garden Cultivator is played by Ingaborg Venus) is the faithful caretaker of this garden. She and I have given careful thought as to what medicinal herbs will help. We have selected three remedies. This is hyssop to help control Emma's cough. We have steeped the leaves in boiling water to make a tea. Heat this until quite warm, and let her drink a bit of it from time to time when she is coughing. NANCY MOSS Thank you Nurse. I am most grateful for your help. NURSE The second remedy is a mustard plaster which you can prepare at home. Here is mustard seed. Grind this into a fine powder, then mix it with flour and water to make a paste. Spread the paste on a muslin cloth. Before you put the plaster on her, rub her chest with sweet oil to protect her skin. JENNETTE MOSS - Played by Sylvia V.S. Abbate How does this plaster work? NURSE It dilates the blood vessels and increases the blood supply to the area. This will encourage healing. JENNETTE MOSS We are most grateful, Nurse. Emma also has trouble sleeping from time to time. I worry that she is not getting the rest she needs. NURSE Here is a bundle of dried lavender blossoms. Put this under her pillow at bedtime or for her mid-day nap. The sweet scent of the lavender will overcome the odor of the mustard plaster and will encourage sleep. JENNETTE MOSS So then, my daughter will get well? LUCRETIA (LUCY) CLARK Young Emma is strong and willing. It is our hope that these remedies will restore her to good health. JENNETTE MOSS My sincere thanks to all of you for your help and good wishes. TITUS MOSS My dear wife, I need a moment to speak with you. LUCRETIA (LUCY) CLARK Oh my, my. I see the signs of melancholia and strife. Perhaps some chamomile tea is needed? NANCY MOSS I think, dear Lucy, that there are times of heartbreak when nothing seems to help. LUCRETIA (LUCY) CLARK: Mrs. Moon! We didn't want to ask in front of the Mosses. How is your son doing? He enlisted last year, right? SARAH MOON - Played by Lauren Backman Yes, young William. is fine. He enlisted in the 15th Regiment last year. He was at the battle of New Orleans. So, thank God, he survives thus far. Thank you for asking. And, I must tell you, that the money he got when he enlisted has made it possible for us to buy our house. When we first came here from England -- for my husband to work in the mine - we rented a house that Mr. Cornwall had had built. Now we are the owners - with a mortgage to Mr. Cornwall. And my son is out of the mine, for which I am thankful. NANCY MOSS The waiting is hard, isn't it. I know Titus, my son, is thinking that he should enlist, but he's also needed here at home. A hard decision. He was always a thoughtful boy, maybe even a bit too serious MARY FARRELL Everything is ready for the party! LUCRETIA (LUCY) CLARK: Thank you. We're ready too! This nosegay is for you, Nancy, my dear friend. Now let us go.

Lauren Backman and Julianna Marone

2nd Curator Warren VanAlmkerk and his sister, Society Director Lois VanAlmkerk

SCENE 10 - HITCHCOCK PHILLIPS HOUSE

Characters introduced: Carlos Huntley - Larry Herrmann, Captain Timothy Guilford - Eric Anderson, Commodore Robert B. Hitchcock - Ray Verner, Howard Moss (Son of Titus Moss, Howard is Age 6) - Kevin Bowman

SCENE 10. FRONT OF HITCHCOCK HOUSE. NARRATOR If you could please find a seat. Thank you. For those of you joining us now, I'd like to welcome you to the Town of Cheshire in the year of 1862. We are at the Cheshire Historical Society, the Hitchcock-Phillips House built in 1785 by the merchant Rufus Hitchcock. Passed down to his daughter the widow Lucretia Hitchcock Clark who lives here now with her two daughters. We are gathered here to celebrate the Fourth of July which is coming up in two days! Let's have some music to begin! (Music begins to play popular songs of the era) Just at this moment, when everyone is seated and the music is playing, a noise is heard (someone points and shouts, Who's that? and the music stops in mid-song) A man is running, running, waving a piece of paper. Everyone stops talking - silence-- to look at this man! EDWARD CORNWALL (calls out) It's Huntly! The telegraph operator! ANDREW HULL FOOTE This can't be good news. CARLOS HUNTLY Played by Larry Herrmann News bulletin, just in over the telegraph -President Lincoln calls for more troops. (Reads aloud from a sheet of paper) "I have made a decision to call for 300,000 more troops, chiefly infantry; that I hope will be raised without delay, and that an order fixing the quota required from each State will be issued by the War Department at once." (Silence - then cheers from the Home Guard and Capt. Guilford.) CAPT. TIMOTHY GUILFORD - Played by Eric Anderson This is what we've been waiting for men! We'll be the first to enlist--Hurrah for our Russell Rifles! Watch out Rebs, you traitors, you won't get away with deserting our country. ANDREW HULL FOOTE I fear that things are not going well for the Union CARLOS HUNTLY There will be money for soldiers. and I hear that Cheshire will vote to allot another $100 in addition for soldiers with families. $50 for single men. TITUS MOSS It's not a matter of money. It's a matter of conscience. (The men discuss this loudly. The women are silent and sad.) JOSEPH BEACH I have heard that Prospect has contributed the largest proportion of soldiers to the Union cause of all Connecticut towns. Cheshire boys will feel obligated to go. ANDREW HULL FOOTE The southern people are saying. "The fatal blow has been dealt this 'grand army' of the North." They think that their General Lee has turned the tide, and I fear Lee's army may begin to have a lot of success. EDWARD CORNWALL There will be many objections to this draft! The protesters say this is a total war - a war to destroy the old South instead of to restore the old Union. ANDREW HULL FOOTE The old South includes slaves and I for one intend to keep on fighting, if only to end slavery -- an inhumane practice! TITUS MOSS I too must go fight for what I believe in. CAPT GUILFORD Hurray for you, Moss! TITUS MOSS Son, come to me. Howard, while I am gone, be a good boy at school and try to do just as Miss Minor wishes. At home you must mind mother and do all you can to help her. Mother has so much to do and Emma is not big enough to help much yet. Father will be so far from home that I won't be able to help, so you must help and be as good as you can. You must kiss mother and Emma and be just as kind and good as you can so you will grow up a good and useful boy. THE YOUNG HOWARD MOSS - Played by Kevin Bowman Father, I will try. I will try to be a good boy. But must you go? TITUS MOSS It is my aim and prayer that I may act as it becomes a soldier. I have been blessed beyond what I have right to expect with health and friends, and endeavor to be thankful for them. (Silence and then the crowd murmurs.) EDWARD CORNWALL We wish you well, dear Titus, and to all you soldiers and your families, our thoughts will be of you. COMMODORE ROBERT HITCHCOCK - Played by Ray Verner Well said. Now let us put serious thoughts aside and enjoy the rest of this beautiful summer afternoon. Let's not forget, everyone needs some fun. Especially at a time like this. My dear cousins have prepared food and drink for one and all. NARRATOR Wait, Commodore Hitchcock, we need a few more minutes of serious thought. All our guests from the 21st century want to know - what will happen to Titus Moss? How about Admiral Foote, and all those they have met today. Come, everyone, over to the Civil War Monument! We will travel forward in time!

CARLOS HUNTLY Played by Larry Herrmann

News bulletin, just in over the telegraph -President Lincoln calls for more troops. (Reads aloud from a sheet of paper)

"I have made a decision to call for 300,000 more troops, chiefly infantry; that I hope will be raised without delay, and that an order fixing the quota required from each State will be issued by the War Department at once."

TITUS MOSS Son, come to me. Howard, while I am gone, be a good boy at school and try to do just as Miss Minor wishes. At home you must mind mother and do all you can to help her. Mother has so much to do and Emma is not big enough to help much yet. Father will be so far from home that I won't be able to help, so you must help and be as good as you can. You must kiss mother and Emma and be just as kind and good as you can so you will grow up a good and useful boy.

THE YOUNG HOWARD MOSS - Played by Kevin Bowman Father, I will try. I will try to be a good boy. But must you go? TITUS MOSS It is my aim and prayer that I may act as it becomes a soldier. I have been blessed beyond what I have right to expect with health and friends, and endeavor to be thankful for them.

SCENE 11 - CIVIL WAR MONUMENT ON THE GREEN - 10 YEARS LATER (1872)

Characters introduced: Howard Moss (Son of Titus Moss, Howard at Age 16) - Shane Cianci

SCENE 11. CIVIL WAR MONUMENT ON THE CHURCH GREEN NARRATOR Connecticut sent over 54, 000 men to the Civil War. Over 5000 died, many from diseases. From Cheshire 126 men enlisted; their names are here on this monument which was put in place in 1866 a year after the war was over. In our stories today, we have met a number of people, both soldiers and civilians. You may wonder what became of them. Let's find out. Edward Cornwall! EDWARD CORNWALL Edward Cornwall was a popular man, active in many roles. He was justice of the peace, selectman, judge of probate, town clerk, and served in the General Assembly seven times. After his death Elm Street was re-named Cornwall Avenue. His home is now an office building. NARRATOR Joseph Perkins Beach! JOSEPH BEACH Joseph Beach came back to live in his home town in 1867, at about the same time he finished his History of Cheshire. The book describes the earliest beginnings of Cheshire in 1694 with many farms and families described in detail: the Mosses, Ives, Brooks, and Doolittles. NARRATOR Admiral Foote? ANDREW HULL FOOTE Even though Andrew Hull Foote was 56 in 1862, he wanted to go back and serve again after his wound healed, but he died on his way to his next command in June 1863. He is buried in the Grove Street Cemetery in New Haven, in a large ornate tomb. The Navy Department obituary said of him, "A gallant and distinguished naval officer is lost to the country." NARRATOR Commodore Hitchcock? ROBERT HITCHCOCK Commodore Hitchcock's military career was a long and successful one. In his 50s at the time of the Civil War, he commanded several ships and following the war was in charge of a navy yard at Cold Spring, New York the town where he is buried. Hitchcock presided over the ceremony held right here in 1866 when this monument was put in place Look for the portrait of Commodore Hitchcock over the fireplace inside the Historical Society House. NARRATOR William Moon? SARAH MOON William Jr. was mustered out in 1865 at the end of the war and came home to Connecticut. We sold the house on Elm Street after the barite mines closed in 1878 and hoped to head west in search of more opportunities. William stayed here in Connecticut for several years after the war. NARRATOR Alonzo Smith served, then was mustered out, and became the secretary to Connecticut's 20th Regiment, keeping in touch with all the men in that regiment. Nettie Smith, his granddaughter took over after his death as secretary to that Regiment. Her notes are in the Historical Society library. George Keeler was a Sergeant in Co. A with all the Cheshire boys including Titus Moss. Keeler was wounded twice. Finally he was discharged because of disability on Dec.22,1864. Captain Guilford? What became of you? CAPT. GUILFORD Captain Timothy Guilford enlisted in the CT 20th Regiment - formed up in New Haven September 8, 1862. He served during the whole war, survived, and went to work for the Waterbury Button Co. His final resting place is in Waterbury. NARRATOR About the Mosses: The house where Titus Moss lived, 859 Moss Farms Road, is pictured in Landmarks of Old Cheshire, 1976, but has since been demolished. As for Titus? TITUS MOSS I enlisted with Guilford, several of the Doolittles, Alonzo Smith, George Keeler all of us in CT's 20th Regiment. I died on the battlefield at Chancellorsville the last day of the battle, in the spring of 1863. I was struck and wounded, and did not think it was serious at first. As I lay there, my final thoughts were of Jennette and my beloved children. Capt Guilford had the onerous task of writing the news of my death to my family. JENNETTE MOSS I'll never forget. The letter arrived on my 36th birthday, the 15th of June in the year of 1863. (Reads)

__________________________________

"To Mr. Julius Moss from Capt. Timothy Guilford. Camp of the 20th Connecticut Volunteers Near Stafford Court House June 11th, 1863 Friend Moss Dear Sir, I must perform an unpleasant duty today … Col. Wooster returned to Camp yesterday and gave me some information in regard to our missing men. He says he knew your brother. Had often seen him talking with Mr. Sanford (our old chaplain) when they messed together and has the distinct recollection of seeing him on the Battle Field at Chancellorsville lying among the dead. This was when he was permitted by his captors to pass along under a strict guard near the line of works where our regiment lay on that terrible Sunday morning May 3rd. He says he knew the face and figure of the man well, but associated him with the name of Joel I. Brooks and that is the reason your brother's name did not appear in his report of the killed and wounded left on the field. After talking with Colonel, I am forced with the conviction that the most worthy and useful man of Company A was killed on the field of battle while nobly fighting the enemies of his country … It would be difficult to find a man in the whole regiment who left his home and interesting family from motives as purely and unselfishly patriotic as Titus Moss. … Always helpful toward others and never wanting help himself, always considerate of others and forbearing, and maintaining a truly Christian spirit and conversation amid the demoralizing influences of the Camp, he won the respect of, and endeared himself to, the whole company. The return of none was looked for after the battle with more earnest hope, and now that hope seems to be extinguished… … I feel, my friend, that any attempt I can make towards assuaging a grief so profound as that you and the family of the deceased must feel, must fall far short of its object… I am with respect, Yours Truly Timothy Guilford"

NARRATOR Titus Moss's remains never came back to Cheshire. He was buried where he fell, on the battlefield at Chancellorsville, Virginia. The Moss family's place of rest is marked by an obelisk at St. Peter's graveyard. And what of Emma? JENNETTE With the kind permission of those gathered here, I will read something that I wrote.

"Little Emma is gone. Gone to heaven. On November 26th, 1863, an angel came and took her away. She was a lovely child - gentle and loving; the pet of our family, the youngest, only in her sixth year. But she could not stay with us any longer. Now that she has gone, I do not feel that I have sinned in loving her too well. If I went from home she claimed it as her right to be the first to welcome me on my return. But all this has changed now. Death has set his seal on my beautiful one and I am bereaved indeed. Many long and gloomy weeks have passed since I saw her in her last untroubled sleep. O much as I had always loved her, I never looked upon her with such pride and tenderness as when I saw her wrestling with disease and death. Her sufferings were terrible but she bore up against them with a brave fortitude that seemed wonderful in one of her tender years."

NARRATOR Mrs. Moss, what became of Howard, your son? JENNETTE MOSS My son Howard was such a blessing throughout this time. If we could look forward at Howard in 1872. He is 16 then, and the man of the house. Howard, dear, would you please carry on from here? HOWARD MOSS, age 16 - Played by Shane Cianci Of course, Mother. I remember my father every day of my life and try to be what he wanted me to be. I hope he would be proud of me for being active in our church, for my looking after Mother -- and even for my choice of a wife. Mr. Beach, sir, I am asking for your lovely Mary's hand in marriage.

JOSEPH BEACH You have my blessing. He takes Mary's hand and puts it into Howard's. (The Crowd cheers!) ROBERT HITCHCOCK And now that the future has been revealed - let's go back in time once again to this day in 1862 - back to my cousin's house. My cousin has on display many fine needleworks and other items for your interest. The herb garden is open. There is punch, pumpkin bread, strawberry shortcake and many other treats for you. Please, please come. Enjoy yourselves. Let's not dally in the future. The present is what we have. Let's enjoy it. Let's drink to 1862 and the better times that lie ahead. Here's to Cheshire! And to the Union! ALL (shout) The Union! The Union!