Amidon, Edward S., 1834-1906
Dates
- Existence: 1834-07-13 - 1906-06-01
Biography
Edward Amidon was born in Johnston, Rhode Island on July 13, 1834. Amidon worked on the New York and New England Railroad as a brakeman and laborer and as a loom repairman in Meredith, New Hampshire. He married Hannah Augustus Rowe of Gilford, New Hampshire in 1852 and had daughters Iney and Clara. Amidon enlisted in Co. E of the NH 5th Volunteers on Sep 30, 1861. On June 1, 1862 Amidon incurred a bullet wound in his neck and back at the battle of Fair Oaks, VA. After his convalescence Amidon was listed as a deserter when he returned home to Rhode Island to visit his mother. He was captured, imprisoned and sentenced to return to service without pay for 18 months. He returned to service as a Landsman in the Navy on May 12, 1863 under the alias Edward Aldrich. A crewwmate swore in an pension affidavit that Amidon enlisted under an alias so his family would not know his whereabouts. Amidon served on board the U.S.S. Sabine and the Niagara until his May 11, 1864 discharge. He died at Laconia, NH on June 01, 1906.
Found in 1 Collection or Record:
Edward S. Amidon Civil War papers
Edward S. Amidon (1834-1918), sailor. The collection contains two journals and his naval discharge certificate, documenting Amidon's experiences as a sailor aboard the USS Sabine and USS Niagara during the Civil War. Photocopies of his muster rolls and pension documents are also included.