Chest, Medicine

Object Name:

Chest, Medicine

Object ID:

2017.033

Place of Origin:

New Hampshire

Date:

1863

Description:

Traveling medical chest, Civil War. Rectangular pine box, painted blue with lettering and decorations on top and front. "SAM'l. P. CARBEE. / ASS'T SURGEON / 12th N.H. Vols." painted in black with red outlining on top. "S.P.C." painted in black with red outline on a scroll on center of front. Gold, green, black, and red diamond and star escutcheon painted around key hole on front. "Asst. Surg. / Saml. P. Carbe / Wells River / N.H." handwritten in pencil on right side. Iron hinges and lock. Hemp rope handles on two sides, removed and stored inside.

Material:

Wood
Metal
Steel

Dimensions:

H-11.8 W-19.6 D-14.5 inches

Provenance:

Samuel P. Carbee (1836-1900) was born in Bath, NH, to John H. and Anna (Powers) Carbee. He was educated in public schools and at the Newbury (Vermont) Seminary. In 1850 he began the study of medicine with Dr. Albert H. Crosby of Wells River, and then continued with Drs. Dixi Crosby and Alpheus B. Crosby of Hanover. Carbee enlisted as a private in the 12th Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers in 1862, serving until October 1863, when he was commissioned an assistant surgeon. He participated with the regiment at the battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg and was with the Army of the Potomac from the battle of the Wilderness to the capture of Richmond. After the War he studied medicine at Dartmouth College, graduating in 1866. He settled in Haverhill, NH, where he practiced medicine for more than 30 years. A Republican, Carbee served as Grafton County Commissioner, a member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives, and surgeon-general of New Hampshire under Governor Charles A. Busiel. He was a prominent member of the Grand Army of Republic as well as several fraternal orders.

Credit Line:

New Hampshire Historical Society Purchase

People:

Carbee, Samuel P. (1836-1900)

Subjects:

Civil War, Medical equipment and supplies