Eugene Hartford
Date of Birth
1841
Date of Death
Unknown
Letters Authored
2
Letters Received
0
Eugene Hartford was born 182 years ago.
Letters Authored in Collection
| Date | Recipient | Title |
|---|---|---|
| June 22, 1862 | James Hartford | Sailor describes naval attack & death of his sister in a letter from New Orleans |
| May 8, 1863 | James Hartford | Sailor writes short letter to his father from New Orleans |
History
BACKGROUND
The first of the two letters written by Eugene Hartford that we acquired was the one written 8 May 1863; it was in fact, the first letter that I ever owned. At that time, little if anything could be discovered about Eugene Hartford. He is enumerated in the 1860 Census in the 5th Ward, Bangor City, Penobscot County, Maine with his father James L. Hartford, 40, whose occupation is given as "Painter Artist". Eugene has not been found in any prior or subsequent censuses and it is assumed the difficulty lies in the fact that Eugene is apparently his middle name since he signed one of the letters, S. E. Hartford. His occupation was noted in the 1860 Census as “mariner”. Given the content of the letter, his occupation, and the fact that he was writing from New Orleans, it was assumed he was a sailor. Then, in 2008, the second letter, written 22 Jun 1862 was found and purchased on Ebay; this confirmed that he was, in fact,a sailor. This has proven to be somewhat of an impediment to researching Eugene Hartford's military records, as naval records are not as available as that of soldiers.
THE 22 JUN 1862 LETTER
This letter was written from New Orleans to Eugene's father, with an additional page addressed to his mother. He relates his good fortune at still being alive after a naval “attack upon the forts.” More poignantly it describes the moment he learned of his 19 year old sister's death. His sister “Harriet” is listed in the 1860 Census as 19 years old.
THE 8 MAY 1863 LETTER
In a brief letter, Eugene discusses the prospect of going home.
1860 CENSUS
Eugene, 19, is enumerated in the 5th Ward, Bangor City, Maine living with his father, James L. Hartford, 40, occupation “artist painter” and birthplace noted as New Hampshire. Also listed are Hannah Hartford, 31, Hattie Hartford, 17, and Frederick Hartford, 5.
1870 CENSUS
James Hartford, 49, is enumerated in Fairfield, Somerset County, Maine. His occupation is now listed as photographer. Living in the household are: Elizabeth Hartford, 39, Fred Hartford, 16, Mary Hartford, 8, and Hal Hartford, 3.
1880 CENSUS
James L. Hartford, 61, is enumerated as living in Fairfield, Somerset County, Maine, and his occupation is listed as photographer. Living with him are: Elizabeth Hartford, 51, noted as wife, Mary Hartford, 18, daughter and noted “without occupation”, and Harold Hartford, 13, noted as son and attending school.