Buttons
While buttons are common archaeological finds they are often quite useful for dating purposes as they change stylistically as fashion changes. While they are most useful as temporal markers, in some cases the decoration of a button can tell us more about the wearer. The analysis of the buttons below focuses on situations where a recovered button can tell us a great deal about its former owner. One of the few artifacts recovered during excavation that could be ascribed to a particular individual was a metal cufflink that featured a Masonic square and compass symbol, two circles above the compass, and a trowel. This cufflink was found on the surface of a cobble path in the farmhouse’s north yard. The only member of the Brumbaugh family known to have been associated with the Freemasons was U.S. Brumbaugh, who was listed as a member of the Itherial R.A. Chapter, No. 27 in Hagerstown. This chapter lived a short life, having been founded on November 11, 1872, and having its charter arrested on November 14, 1877. This small stud collar or cuff button is therefore a tangible link to U.S. Brumbaugh, who owned the property during this time. ﷯ A metal cufflink featured a Masonic square and compass symbol, two circles above the compass, and a trowel. One of the most interesting items was a shank button made of a 1789 George Washington inaugural medal. This artifact, found to the rear of the farmhouse, featured the initials of the first 13 colonies on its outer ring, while the inner ring proclaimed “LONG LIVE THE PRESIDENT” surrounding the elegantly scripted initials “GW” within. Research indicates that the token was produced in 1789 as a commemorative ornament for the inauguration of George Washington as the first president of the United States of America. The Quaker Brumbaugh family was not actively involved in the fight for American independence, but the presence of this medal suggests that they were at least supportive of the new United States government. This button would have been worn as a coat button, and given its ornate nature was designed to make a statement. ﷯ The 1789 George Washington inaugural metal before and after conservation. Another notable artifact was a United States military button featuring an eagle with a shield on the front and the lettering “WATERBURY BUTTON” on the back. This artifact was recovered from the rear of the smokehouse. This was a general service button manufactured as early as 1849. Waterbury Button Company was established by Aaron Benedict in 1812 in Waterbury, Connecticut, in response to the War of 1812. Before that time, uniform buttons had been imported from England, but because of the war, a factory had to be established in the United States. Waterbury Button Company produced uniform buttons for the War of 1812, the Civil War, World War I, and World War II along with many civilian buttons. An “I” in the middle of the shield on the button from the Brumbaugh-Kendle-Grove Farmstead site indicates that this button was worn by a member of an infantry regiment. ﷯ Civil War era button manufactured by the Waterbury Button Company. One of the most unique buttons came from a shallow planting hole in the west yard. Also manufactured by the Waterbury Button Company, it bore a corroded crest design with the letters “CONNECT…” on the front and "SCOVILL MF'G CO. WATERBURY” on the back. This was a Civil War Connecticut military shank button with the seal of Connecticut. A banner scroll on the front, rendered illegible by corrosion, once read "Qui Transt. Sust.," an abbreviation of what would later become the state motto “QUI TRANSTULIT SUSTINET,” meaning “he who transplanted sustains.” Above this banner was a grouping of three grape vines in the center. In an oval banner around the outside of the button would have been the words "Sigillum Reipublicae Connecticutensis,” or “seal of the republic of Connecticut.” Research indicates the button dates to between 1850 and 1865 based on the back stamp manufacturer, and was likely a coat button. This button is the only definite Civil War related artifact recovered from the site. ﷯ U.S. Military shank button dating to the civil war period. This button features the seal of the republic of Connecticut. There were several Connecticut regiments in the Hagerstown area during the course of the Civil War. The 4th Regiment of Connecticut Infantry was in Hagerstown in July 1861 for general duty, the 17th Regiment of Connecticut Infantry was involved in skirmishes near Hagerstown in July 1863, and the 18th Regiment of Connecticut Infantry was stationed in Hagerstown on provost duty in September 1864. There is no evidence of battle or encampment in the area, nor is there a basis to suspect any major impact to the farm from the war itself, so the skirmishing is unlikely. It is possible that a scout from either the 4th or 17th Regiments passed through and lost a button as they went, but the most likely scenario is that the button belonged to a member of the 18th Regiment. The 18th Regiment was stationed in Hagerstown on provost duty, whose mission it was to keep order within the army and protect the civilian population from the army. This work would have potentially brought soldiers into closer quarters with non-combatants as provost duty also involved convoys and resupply. Perhaps a member of the 18th Connecticut Regiment came to the farm in search of provisions, losing a button along the way.

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Buttons
While buttons are common archaeological finds they are often quite useful for dating purposes as they change stylistically as fashion changes. While they are most useful as temporal markers, in some cases the decoration of a button can tell us more about the wearer. The analysis of the buttons below focuses on situations where a recovered button can tell us a great deal about its former owner. One of the few artifacts recovered during excavation that could be ascribed to a particular individual was a metal cufflink that featured a Masonic square and compass symbol, two circles above the compass, and a trowel. This cufflink was found on the surface of a cobble path in the farmhouse’s north yard. The only member of the Brumbaugh family known to have been associated with the Freemasons was U.S. Brumbaugh, who was listed as a member of the Itherial R.A. Chapter, No. 27 in Hagerstown. This chapter lived a short life, having been founded on November 11, 1872, and having its charter arrested on November 14, 1877. This small stud collar or cuff button is therefore a tangible link to U.S. Brumbaugh, who owned the property during this time. ﷯ A metal cufflink featured a Masonic square and compass symbol, two circles above the compass, and a trowel. One of the most interesting items was a shank button made of a 1789 George Washington inaugural medal. This artifact, found to the rear of the farmhouse, featured the initials of the first 13 colonies on its outer ring, while the inner ring proclaimed “LONG LIVE THE PRESIDENT” surrounding the elegantly scripted initials “GW” within. Research indicates that the token was produced in 1789 as a commemorative ornament for the inauguration of George Washington as the first president of the United States of America. The Quaker Brumbaugh family was not actively involved in the fight for American independence, but the presence of this medal suggests that they were at least supportive of the new United States government. This button would have been worn as a coat button, and given its ornate nature was designed to make a statement. ﷯ The 1789 George Washington inaugural metal before and after conservation. Another notable artifact was a United States military button featuring an eagle with a shield on the front and the lettering “WATERBURY BUTTON” on the back. This artifact was recovered from the rear of the smokehouse. This was a general service button manufactured as early as 1849. Waterbury Button Company was established by Aaron Benedict in 1812 in Waterbury, Connecticut, in response to the War of 1812. Before that time, uniform buttons had been imported from England, but because of the war, a factory had to be established in the United States. Waterbury Button Company produced uniform buttons for the War of 1812, the Civil War, World War I, and World War II along with many civilian buttons. An “I” in the middle of the shield on the button from the Brumbaugh-Kendle-Grove Farmstead site indicates that this button was worn by a member of an infantry regiment. ﷯ Civil War era button manufactured by the Waterbury Button Company. One of the most unique buttons came from a shallow planting hole in the west yard. Also manufactured by the Waterbury Button Company, it bore a corroded crest design with the letters “CONNECT…” on the front and "SCOVILL MF'G CO. WATERBURY” on the back. This was a Civil War Connecticut military shank button with the seal of Connecticut. A banner scroll on the front, rendered illegible by corrosion, once read "Qui Transt. Sust.," an abbreviation of what would later become the state motto “QUI TRANSTULIT SUSTINET,” meaning “he who transplanted sustains.” Above this banner was a grouping of three grape vines in the center. In an oval banner around the outside of the button would have been the words "Sigillum Reipublicae Connecticutensis,” or “seal of the republic of Connecticut.” Research indicates the button dates to between 1850 and 1865 based on the back stamp manufacturer, and was likely a coat button. This button is the only definite Civil War related artifact recovered from the site. ﷯ U.S. Military shank button dating to the civil war period. This button features the seal of the republic of Connecticut. There were several Connecticut regiments in the Hagerstown area during the course of the Civil War. The 4th Regiment of Connecticut Infantry was in Hagerstown in July 1861 for general duty, the 17th Regiment of Connecticut Infantry was involved in skirmishes near Hagerstown in July 1863, and the 18th Regiment of Connecticut Infantry was stationed in Hagerstown on provost duty in September 1864. There is no evidence of battle or encampment in the area, nor is there a basis to suspect any major impact to the farm from the war itself, so the skirmishing is unlikely. It is possible that a scout from either the 4th or 17th Regiments passed through and lost a button as they went, but the most likely scenario is that the button belonged to a member of the 18th Regiment. The 18th Regiment was stationed in Hagerstown on provost duty, whose mission it was to keep order within the army and protect the civilian population from the army. This work would have potentially brought soldiers into closer quarters with non-combatants as provost duty also involved convoys and resupply. Perhaps a member of the 18th Connecticut Regiment came to the farm in search of provisions, losing a button along the way.
Buttons
While buttons are common archaeological finds they are often quite useful for dating purposes as they change stylistically as fashion changes. While they are most useful as temporal markers, in some cases the decoration of a button can tell us more about the wearer. The analysis of the buttons below focuses on situations where a recovered button can tell us a great deal about its former owner. One of the few artifacts recovered during excavation that could be ascribed to a particular individual was a metal cufflink that featured a Masonic square and compass symbol, two circles above the compass, and a trowel. This cufflink was found on the surface of a cobble path in the farmhouse’s north yard. The only member of the Brumbaugh family known to have been associated with the Freemasons was U.S. Brumbaugh, who was listed as a member of the Itherial R.A. Chapter, No. 27 in Hagerstown. This chapter lived a short life, having been founded on November 11, 1872, and having its charter arrested on November 14, 1877. This small stud collar or cuff button is therefore a tangible link to U.S. Brumbaugh, who owned the property during this time. ﷯ A metal cufflink featured a Masonic square and compass symbol, two circles above the compass, and a trowel. One of the most interesting items was a shank button made of a 1789 George Washington inaugural medal. This artifact, found to the rear of the farmhouse, featured the initials of the first 13 colonies on its outer ring, while the inner ring proclaimed “LONG LIVE THE PRESIDENT” surrounding the elegantly scripted initials “GW” within. Research indicates that the token was produced in 1789 as a commemorative ornament for the inauguration of George Washington as the first president of the United States of America. The Quaker Brumbaugh family was not actively involved in the fight for American independence, but the presence of this medal suggests that they were at least supportive of the new United States government. This button would have been worn as a coat button, and given its ornate nature was designed to make a statement. ﷯ The 1789 George Washington inaugural metal before and after conservation. Another notable artifact was a United States military button featuring an eagle with a shield on the front and the lettering “WATERBURY BUTTON” on the back. This artifact was recovered from the rear of the smokehouse. This was a general service button manufactured as early as 1849. Waterbury Button Company was established by Aaron Benedict in 1812 in Waterbury, Connecticut, in response to the War of 1812. Before that time, uniform buttons had been imported from England, but because of the war, a factory had to be established in the United States. Waterbury Button Company produced uniform buttons for the War of 1812, the Civil War, World War I, and World War II along with many civilian buttons. An “I” in the middle of the shield on the button from the Brumbaugh-Kendle-Grove Farmstead site indicates that this button was worn by a member of an infantry regiment. ﷯ Civil War era button manufactured by the Waterbury Button Company. One of the most unique buttons came from a shallow planting hole in the west yard. Also manufactured by the Waterbury Button Company, it bore a corroded crest design with the letters “CONNECT…” on the front and "SCOVILL MF'G CO. WATERBURY” on the back. This was a Civil War Connecticut military shank button with the seal of Connecticut. A banner scroll on the front, rendered illegible by corrosion, once read "Qui Transt. Sust.," an abbreviation of what would later become the state motto “QUI TRANSTULIT SUSTINET,” meaning “he who transplanted sustains.” Above this banner was a grouping of three grape vines in the center. In an oval banner around the outside of the button would have been the words "Sigillum Reipublicae Connecticutensis,” or “seal of the republic of Connecticut.” Research indicates the button dates to between 1850 and 1865 based on the back stamp manufacturer, and was likely a coat button. This button is the only definite Civil War related artifact recovered from the site. ﷯ U.S. Military shank button dating to the civil war period. This button features the seal of the republic of Connecticut. There were several Connecticut regiments in the Hagerstown area during the course of the Civil War. The 4th Regiment of Connecticut Infantry was in Hagerstown in July 1861 for general duty, the 17th Regiment of Connecticut Infantry was involved in skirmishes near Hagerstown in July 1863, and the 18th Regiment of Connecticut Infantry was stationed in Hagerstown on provost duty in September 1864. There is no evidence of battle or encampment in the area, nor is there a basis to suspect any major impact to the farm from the war itself, so the skirmishing is unlikely. It is possible that a scout from either the 4th or 17th Regiments passed through and lost a button as they went, but the most likely scenario is that the button belonged to a member of the 18th Regiment. The 18th Regiment was stationed in Hagerstown on provost duty, whose mission it was to keep order within the army and protect the civilian population from the army. This work would have potentially brought soldiers into closer quarters with non-combatants as provost duty also involved convoys and resupply. Perhaps a member of the 18th Connecticut Regiment came to the farm in search of provisions, losing a button along the way.
Buttons
While buttons are common archaeological finds they are often quite useful for dating purposes as they change stylistically as fashion changes. While they are most useful as temporal markers, in some cases the decoration of a button can tell us more about the wearer. The analysis of the buttons below focuses on situations where a recovered button can tell us a great deal about its former owner. One of the few artifacts recovered during excavation that could be ascribed to a particular individual was a metal cufflink that featured a Masonic square and compass symbol, two circles above the compass, and a trowel. This cufflink was found on the surface of a cobble path in the farmhouse’s north yard. The only member of the Brumbaugh family known to have been associated with the Freemasons was U.S. Brumbaugh, who was listed as a member of the Itherial R.A. Chapter, No. 27 in Hagerstown. This chapter lived a short life, having been founded on November 11, 1872, and having its charter arrested on November 14, 1877. This small stud collar or cuff button is therefore a tangible link to U.S. Brumbaugh, who owned the property during this time. ﷯ A metal cufflink featured a Masonic square and compass symbol, two circles above the compass, and a trowel. One of the most interesting items was a shank button made of a 1789 George Washington inaugural medal. This artifact, found to the rear of the farmhouse, featured the initials of the first 13 colonies on its outer ring, while the inner ring proclaimed “LONG LIVE THE PRESIDENT” surrounding the elegantly scripted initials “GW” within. Research indicates that the token was produced in 1789 as a commemorative ornament for the inauguration of George Washington as the first president of the United States of America. The Quaker Brumbaugh family was not actively involved in the fight for American independence, but the presence of this medal suggests that they were at least supportive of the new United States government. This button would have been worn as a coat button, and given its ornate nature was designed to make a statement. ﷯ The 1789 George Washington inaugural metal before and after conservation. Another notable artifact was a United States military button featuring an eagle with a shield on the front and the lettering “WATERBURY BUTTON” on the back. This artifact was recovered from the rear of the smokehouse. This was a general service button manufactured as early as 1849. Waterbury Button Company was established by Aaron Benedict in 1812 in Waterbury, Connecticut, in response to the War of 1812. Before that time, uniform buttons had been imported from England, but because of the war, a factory had to be established in the United States. Waterbury Button Company produced uniform buttons for the War of 1812, the Civil War, World War I, and World War II along with many civilian buttons. An “I” in the middle of the shield on the button from the Brumbaugh-Kendle-Grove Farmstead site indicates that this button was worn by a member of an infantry regiment. ﷯ Civil War era button manufactured by the Waterbury Button Company. One of the most unique buttons came from a shallow planting hole in the west yard. Also manufactured by the Waterbury Button Company, it bore a corroded crest design with the letters “CONNECT…” on the front and "SCOVILL MF'G CO. WATERBURY” on the back. This was a Civil War Connecticut military shank button with the seal of Connecticut. A banner scroll on the front, rendered illegible by corrosion, once read "Qui Transt. Sust.," an abbreviation of what would later become the state motto “QUI TRANSTULIT SUSTINET,” meaning “he who transplanted sustains.” Above this banner was a grouping of three grape vines in the center. In an oval banner around the outside of the button would have been the words "Sigillum Reipublicae Connecticutensis,” or “seal of the republic of Connecticut.” Research indicates the button dates to between 1850 and 1865 based on the back stamp manufacturer, and was likely a coat button. This button is the only definite Civil War related artifact recovered from the site. ﷯ U.S. Military shank button dating to the civil war period. This button features the seal of the republic of Connecticut. There were several Connecticut regiments in the Hagerstown area during the course of the Civil War. The 4th Regiment of Connecticut Infantry was in Hagerstown in July 1861 for general duty, the 17th Regiment of Connecticut Infantry was involved in skirmishes near Hagerstown in July 1863, and the 18th Regiment of Connecticut Infantry was stationed in Hagerstown on provost duty in September 1864. There is no evidence of battle or encampment in the area, nor is there a basis to suspect any major impact to the farm from the war itself, so the skirmishing is unlikely. It is possible that a scout from either the 4th or 17th Regiments passed through and lost a button as they went, but the most likely scenario is that the button belonged to a member of the 18th Regiment. The 18th Regiment was stationed in Hagerstown on provost duty, whose mission it was to keep order within the army and protect the civilian population from the army. This work would have potentially brought soldiers into closer quarters with non-combatants as provost duty also involved convoys and resupply. Perhaps a member of the 18th Connecticut Regiment came to the farm in search of provisions, losing a button along the way.
Buttons
While buttons are common archaeological finds they are often quite useful for dating purposes as they change stylistically as fashion changes. While they are most useful as temporal markers, in some cases the decoration of a button can tell us more about the wearer. The analysis of the buttons below focuses on situations where a recovered button can tell us a great deal about its former owner. One of the few artifacts recovered during excavation that could be ascribed to a particular individual was a metal cufflink that featured a Masonic square and compass symbol, two circles above the compass, and a trowel. This cufflink was found on the surface of a cobble path in the farmhouse’s north yard. The only member of the Brumbaugh family known to have been associated with the Freemasons was U.S. Brumbaugh, who was listed as a member of the Itherial R.A. Chapter, No. 27 in Hagerstown. This chapter lived a short life, having been founded on November 11, 1872, and having its charter arrested on November 14, 1877. This small stud collar or cuff button is therefore a tangible link to U.S. Brumbaugh, who owned the property during this time. ﷯ A metal cufflink featured a Masonic square and compass symbol, two circles above the compass, and a trowel. One of the most interesting items was a shank button made of a 1789 George Washington inaugural medal. This artifact, found to the rear of the farmhouse, featured the initials of the first 13 colonies on its outer ring, while the inner ring proclaimed “LONG LIVE THE PRESIDENT” surrounding the elegantly scripted initials “GW” within. Research indicates that the token was produced in 1789 as a commemorative ornament for the inauguration of George Washington as the first president of the United States of America. The Quaker Brumbaugh family was not actively involved in the fight for American independence, but the presence of this medal suggests that they were at least supportive of the new United States government. This button would have been worn as a coat button, and given its ornate nature was designed to make a statement. ﷯ The 1789 George Washington inaugural metal before and after conservation. Another notable artifact was a United States military button featuring an eagle with a shield on the front and the lettering “WATERBURY BUTTON” on the back. This artifact was recovered from the rear of the smokehouse. This was a general service button manufactured as early as 1849. Waterbury Button Company was established by Aaron Benedict in 1812 in Waterbury, Connecticut, in response to the War of 1812. Before that time, uniform buttons had been imported from England, but because of the war, a factory had to be established in the United States. Waterbury Button Company produced uniform buttons for the War of 1812, the Civil War, World War I, and World War II along with many civilian buttons. An “I” in the middle of the shield on the button from the Brumbaugh-Kendle-Grove Farmstead site indicates that this button was worn by a member of an infantry regiment. ﷯ Civil War era button manufactured by the Waterbury Button Company. One of the most unique buttons came from a shallow planting hole in the west yard. Also manufactured by the Waterbury Button Company, it bore a corroded crest design with the letters “CONNECT…” on the front and "SCOVILL MF'G CO. WATERBURY” on the back. This was a Civil War Connecticut military shank button with the seal of Connecticut. A banner scroll on the front, rendered illegible by corrosion, once read "Qui Transt. Sust.," an abbreviation of what would later become the state motto “QUI TRANSTULIT SUSTINET,” meaning “he who transplanted sustains.” Above this banner was a grouping of three grape vines in the center. In an oval banner around the outside of the button would have been the words "Sigillum Reipublicae Connecticutensis,” or “seal of the republic of Connecticut.” Research indicates the button dates to between 1850 and 1865 based on the back stamp manufacturer, and was likely a coat button. This button is the only definite Civil War related artifact recovered from the site. ﷯ U.S. Military shank button dating to the civil war period. This button features the seal of the republic of Connecticut. There were several Connecticut regiments in the Hagerstown area during the course of the Civil War. The 4th Regiment of Connecticut Infantry was in Hagerstown in July 1861 for general duty, the 17th Regiment of Connecticut Infantry was involved in skirmishes near Hagerstown in July 1863, and the 18th Regiment of Connecticut Infantry was stationed in Hagerstown on provost duty in September 1864. There is no evidence of battle or encampment in the area, nor is there a basis to suspect any major impact to the farm from the war itself, so the skirmishing is unlikely. It is possible that a scout from either the 4th or 17th Regiments passed through and lost a button as they went, but the most likely scenario is that the button belonged to a member of the 18th Regiment. The 18th Regiment was stationed in Hagerstown on provost duty, whose mission it was to keep order within the army and protect the civilian population from the army. This work would have potentially brought soldiers into closer quarters with non-combatants as provost duty also involved convoys and resupply. Perhaps a member of the 18th Connecticut Regiment came to the farm in search of provisions, losing a button along the way.
Buttons
While buttons are common archaeological finds they are often quite useful for dating purposes as they change stylistically as fashion changes. While they are most useful as temporal markers, in some cases the decoration of a button can tell us more about the wearer. The analysis of the buttons below focuses on situations where a recovered button can tell us a great deal about its former owner. One of the few artifacts recovered during excavation that could be ascribed to a particular individual was a metal cufflink that featured a Masonic square and compass symbol, two circles above the compass, and a trowel. This cufflink was found on the surface of a cobble path in the farmhouse’s north yard. The only member of the Brumbaugh family known to have been associated with the Freemasons was U.S. Brumbaugh, who was listed as a member of the Itherial R.A. Chapter, No. 27 in Hagerstown. This chapter lived a short life, having been founded on November 11, 1872, and having its charter arrested on November 14, 1877. This small stud collar or cuff button is therefore a tangible link to U.S. Brumbaugh, who owned the property during this time. ﷯ A metal cufflink featured a Masonic square and compass symbol, two circles above the compass, and a trowel. One of the most interesting items was a shank button made of a 1789 George Washington inaugural medal. This artifact, found to the rear of the farmhouse, featured the initials of the first 13 colonies on its outer ring, while the inner ring proclaimed “LONG LIVE THE PRESIDENT” surrounding the elegantly scripted initials “GW” within. Research indicates that the token was produced in 1789 as a commemorative ornament for the inauguration of George Washington as the first president of the United States of America. The Quaker Brumbaugh family was not actively involved in the fight for American independence, but the presence of this medal suggests that they were at least supportive of the new United States government. This button would have been worn as a coat button, and given its ornate nature was designed to make a statement. ﷯ The 1789 George Washington inaugural metal before and after conservation. Another notable artifact was a United States military button featuring an eagle with a shield on the front and the lettering “WATERBURY BUTTON” on the back. This artifact was recovered from the rear of the smokehouse. This was a general service button manufactured as early as 1849. Waterbury Button Company was established by Aaron Benedict in 1812 in Waterbury, Connecticut, in response to the War of 1812. Before that time, uniform buttons had been imported from England, but because of the war, a factory had to be established in the United States. Waterbury Button Company produced uniform buttons for the War of 1812, the Civil War, World War I, and World War II along with many civilian buttons. An “I” in the middle of the shield on the button from the Brumbaugh-Kendle-Grove Farmstead site indicates that this button was worn by a member of an infantry regiment. ﷯ Civil War era button manufactured by the Waterbury Button Company. One of the most unique buttons came from a shallow planting hole in the west yard. Also manufactured by the Waterbury Button Company, it bore a corroded crest design with the letters “CONNECT…” on the front and "SCOVILL MF'G CO. WATERBURY” on the back. This was a Civil War Connecticut military shank button with the seal of Connecticut. A banner scroll on the front, rendered illegible by corrosion, once read "Qui Transt. Sust.," an abbreviation of what would later become the state motto “QUI TRANSTULIT SUSTINET,” meaning “he who transplanted sustains.” Above this banner was a grouping of three grape vines in the center. In an oval banner around the outside of the button would have been the words "Sigillum Reipublicae Connecticutensis,” or “seal of the republic of Connecticut.” Research indicates the button dates to between 1850 and 1865 based on the back stamp manufacturer, and was likely a coat button. This button is the only definite Civil War related artifact recovered from the site. ﷯ U.S. Military shank button dating to the civil war period. This button features the seal of the republic of Connecticut. There were several Connecticut regiments in the Hagerstown area during the course of the Civil War. The 4th Regiment of Connecticut Infantry was in Hagerstown in July 1861 for general duty, the 17th Regiment of Connecticut Infantry was involved in skirmishes near Hagerstown in July 1863, and the 18th Regiment of Connecticut Infantry was stationed in Hagerstown on provost duty in September 1864. There is no evidence of battle or encampment in the area, nor is there a basis to suspect any major impact to the farm from the war itself, so the skirmishing is unlikely. It is possible that a scout from either the 4th or 17th Regiments passed through and lost a button as they went, but the most likely scenario is that the button belonged to a member of the 18th Regiment. The 18th Regiment was stationed in Hagerstown on provost duty, whose mission it was to keep order within the army and protect the civilian population from the army. This work would have potentially brought soldiers into closer quarters with non-combatants as provost duty also involved convoys and resupply. Perhaps a member of the 18th Connecticut Regiment came to the farm in search of provisions, losing a button along the way.
Buttons
While buttons are common archaeological finds they are often quite useful for dating purposes as they change stylistically as fashion changes. While they are most useful as temporal markers, in some cases the decoration of a button can tell us more about the wearer. The analysis of the buttons below focuses on situations where a recovered button can tell us a great deal about its former owner. One of the few artifacts recovered during excavation that could be ascribed to a particular individual was a metal cufflink that featured a Masonic square and compass symbol, two circles above the compass, and a trowel. This cufflink was found on the surface of a cobble path in the farmhouse’s north yard. The only member of the Brumbaugh family known to have been associated with the Freemasons was U.S. Brumbaugh, who was listed as a member of the Itherial R.A. Chapter, No. 27 in Hagerstown. This chapter lived a short life, having been founded on November 11, 1872, and having its charter arrested on November 14, 1877. This small stud collar or cuff button is therefore a tangible link to U.S. Brumbaugh, who owned the property during this time. ﷯ A metal cufflink featured a Masonic square and compass symbol, two circles above the compass, and a trowel. One of the most interesting items was a shank button made of a 1789 George Washington inaugural medal. This artifact, found to the rear of the farmhouse, featured the initials of the first 13 colonies on its outer ring, while the inner ring proclaimed “LONG LIVE THE PRESIDENT” surrounding the elegantly scripted initials “GW” within. Research indicates that the token was produced in 1789 as a commemorative ornament for the inauguration of George Washington as the first president of the United States of America. The Quaker Brumbaugh family was not actively involved in the fight for American independence, but the presence of this medal suggests that they were at least supportive of the new United States government. This button would have been worn as a coat button, and given its ornate nature was designed to make a statement. ﷯ The 1789 George Washington inaugural metal before and after conservation. Another notable artifact was a United States military button featuring an eagle with a shield on the front and the lettering “WATERBURY BUTTON” on the back. This artifact was recovered from the rear of the smokehouse. This was a general service button manufactured as early as 1849. Waterbury Button Company was established by Aaron Benedict in 1812 in Waterbury, Connecticut, in response to the War of 1812. Before that time, uniform buttons had been imported from England, but because of the war, a factory had to be established in the United States. Waterbury Button Company produced uniform buttons for the War of 1812, the Civil War, World War I, and World War II along with many civilian buttons. An “I” in the middle of the shield on the button from the Brumbaugh-Kendle-Grove Farmstead site indicates that this button was worn by a member of an infantry regiment. ﷯ Civil War era button manufactured by the Waterbury Button Company. One of the most unique buttons came from a shallow planting hole in the west yard. Also manufactured by the Waterbury Button Company, it bore a corroded crest design with the letters “CONNECT…” on the front and "SCOVILL MF'G CO. WATERBURY” on the back. This was a Civil War Connecticut military shank button with the seal of Connecticut. A banner scroll on the front, rendered illegible by corrosion, once read "Qui Transt. Sust.," an abbreviation of what would later become the state motto “QUI TRANSTULIT SUSTINET,” meaning “he who transplanted sustains.” Above this banner was a grouping of three grape vines in the center. In an oval banner around the outside of the button would have been the words "Sigillum Reipublicae Connecticutensis,” or “seal of the republic of Connecticut.” Research indicates the button dates to between 1850 and 1865 based on the back stamp manufacturer, and was likely a coat button. This button is the only definite Civil War related artifact recovered from the site. ﷯ U.S. Military shank button dating to the civil war period. This button features the seal of the republic of Connecticut. There were several Connecticut regiments in the Hagerstown area during the course of the Civil War. The 4th Regiment of Connecticut Infantry was in Hagerstown in July 1861 for general duty, the 17th Regiment of Connecticut Infantry was involved in skirmishes near Hagerstown in July 1863, and the 18th Regiment of Connecticut Infantry was stationed in Hagerstown on provost duty in September 1864. There is no evidence of battle or encampment in the area, nor is there a basis to suspect any major impact to the farm from the war itself, so the skirmishing is unlikely. It is possible that a scout from either the 4th or 17th Regiments passed through and lost a button as they went, but the most likely scenario is that the button belonged to a member of the 18th Regiment. The 18th Regiment was stationed in Hagerstown on provost duty, whose mission it was to keep order within the army and protect the civilian population from the army. This work would have potentially brought soldiers into closer quarters with non-combatants as provost duty also involved convoys and resupply. Perhaps a member of the 18th Connecticut Regiment came to the farm in search of provisions, losing a button along the way.
Buttons
While buttons are common archaeological finds they are often quite useful for dating purposes as they change stylistically as fashion changes. While they are most useful as temporal markers, in some cases the decoration of a button can tell us more about the wearer. The analysis of the buttons below focuses on situations where a recovered button can tell us a great deal about its former owner. One of the few artifacts recovered during excavation that could be ascribed to a particular individual was a metal cufflink that featured a Masonic square and compass symbol, two circles above the compass, and a trowel. This cufflink was found on the surface of a cobble path in the farmhouse’s north yard. The only member of the Brumbaugh family known to have been associated with the Freemasons was U.S. Brumbaugh, who was listed as a member of the Itherial R.A. Chapter, No. 27 in Hagerstown. This chapter lived a short life, having been founded on November 11, 1872, and having its charter arrested on November 14, 1877. This small stud collar or cuff button is therefore a tangible link to U.S. Brumbaugh, who owned the property during this time. ﷯ A metal cufflink featured a Masonic square and compass symbol, two circles above the compass, and a trowel. One of the most interesting items was a shank button made of a 1789 George Washington inaugural medal. This artifact, found to the rear of the farmhouse, featured the initials of the first 13 colonies on its outer ring, while the inner ring proclaimed “LONG LIVE THE PRESIDENT” surrounding the elegantly scripted initials “GW” within. Research indicates that the token was produced in 1789 as a commemorative ornament for the inauguration of George Washington as the first president of the United States of America. The Quaker Brumbaugh family was not actively involved in the fight for American independence, but the presence of this medal suggests that they were at least supportive of the new United States government. This button would have been worn as a coat button, and given its ornate nature was designed to make a statement. ﷯ The 1789 George Washington inaugural metal before and after conservation. Another notable artifact was a United States military button featuring an eagle with a shield on the front and the lettering “WATERBURY BUTTON” on the back. This artifact was recovered from the rear of the smokehouse. This was a general service button manufactured as early as 1849. Waterbury Button Company was established by Aaron Benedict in 1812 in Waterbury, Connecticut, in response to the War of 1812. Before that time, uniform buttons had been imported from England, but because of the war, a factory had to be established in the United States. Waterbury Button Company produced uniform buttons for the War of 1812, the Civil War, World War I, and World War II along with many civilian buttons. An “I” in the middle of the shield on the button from the Brumbaugh-Kendle-Grove Farmstead site indicates that this button was worn by a member of an infantry regiment. ﷯ Civil War era button manufactured by the Waterbury Button Company. One of the most unique buttons came from a shallow planting hole in the west yard. Also manufactured by the Waterbury Button Company, it bore a corroded crest design with the letters “CONNECT…” on the front and "SCOVILL MF'G CO. WATERBURY” on the back. This was a Civil War Connecticut military shank button with the seal of Connecticut. A banner scroll on the front, rendered illegible by corrosion, once read "Qui Transt. Sust.," an abbreviation of what would later become the state motto “QUI TRANSTULIT SUSTINET,” meaning “he who transplanted sustains.” Above this banner was a grouping of three grape vines in the center. In an oval banner around the outside of the button would have been the words "Sigillum Reipublicae Connecticutensis,” or “seal of the republic of Connecticut.” Research indicates the button dates to between 1850 and 1865 based on the back stamp manufacturer, and was likely a coat button. This button is the only definite Civil War related artifact recovered from the site. ﷯ U.S. Military shank button dating to the civil war period. This button features the seal of the republic of Connecticut. There were several Connecticut regiments in the Hagerstown area during the course of the Civil War. The 4th Regiment of Connecticut Infantry was in Hagerstown in July 1861 for general duty, the 17th Regiment of Connecticut Infantry was involved in skirmishes near Hagerstown in July 1863, and the 18th Regiment of Connecticut Infantry was stationed in Hagerstown on provost duty in September 1864. There is no evidence of battle or encampment in the area, nor is there a basis to suspect any major impact to the farm from the war itself, so the skirmishing is unlikely. It is possible that a scout from either the 4th or 17th Regiments passed through and lost a button as they went, but the most likely scenario is that the button belonged to a member of the 18th Regiment. The 18th Regiment was stationed in Hagerstown on provost duty, whose mission it was to keep order within the army and protect the civilian population from the army. This work would have potentially brought soldiers into closer quarters with non-combatants as provost duty also involved convoys and resupply. Perhaps a member of the 18th Connecticut Regiment came to the farm in search of provisions, losing a button along the way.