Awesome! Blacksmith Sighed A.E. BACHMAN – Lancaster County, PA Tobacco Spear – Civil War Soldier

A rare 7″ blacksmith signed tobacco spear marked by a man with a great story, Aaron Eugene Bachman of Lancaster County, PA. Bachman was born in 1843 and served during the Civil War for nearly four years. A rare instance when a tool can be associated with a great amount of history.

The following is from findagrave.com:

Obituary published in the Lititz (PA) Record, Thursday, 24 Aug 1916, pg. 1, column 3.

“Death of A. E. Bachman – Aaron Eugene Bachman, an inmate of the Brethren Home, Neffsville, died in that institution on Sunday at 7.45 P. M., August 20, from heart failure. He was in his 74th year. He is survived by the following children: Dr. M. E. Bachman, of Des Moines, Iowa; John and Jacob, of Lititz; Mrs. Henry Eberly, of White Horse, and Mrs. H. A. Martin, of Eden, Pa. Mr. Bachman’s wife died at this place about seven [sic – five] and a half years ago and his mother died here May 30, 1914*, at the age of 97 years. Deceased was born at Lititz January 30, 1843; he was a member of the Zion’s Children church. He was of an affable disposition and enjoyed the acquaintance of a large number of friends. Mr. Bachman was a blacksmith by occupation, which vocation he followed for more than 50 years, 35 of which were spent at Farmerville. He responded to Lincoln’s call for volunteers in 1861 and served in Co. L 1st Pa. Reserves Cavalry, for 3 years and 10 months. Reminiscences of his soldier life were always keen, and pleasant memories of his comrades in blue were the theme of many an entertaining story. Since he retired from active business he wrote a book of his soldier experiences from memory fifty years after the war. Owing to his illness of a year and one half this book has not been published. The funeral was held Thursday, August 24, at 12.30 P. M. at the Brethren House and at 2 P. M., interment was made at the Zion Children cemetery at Rothsville. Rev. I. W. Taylor officiated at the Brethren Home and Rev. Joseph A. Martin at the church at Rothsville.”

A portion of his autobiography can be found here: https://lindseyforster.com/2015/01/28/aaron-eugene-bachman-blacksmith-cavalryman-prisoner-of-war/