Beschreibung:

Albert Woolson (1847-1956). Last surviving Civil War Union soldier. Sheet of 50 three cent postage stamps honoring the Final National Encampment of the GAR, signed by Albert Woolson in blue ink, with certification stamp below signature, stating in part: This is to certify that I personally secured the signature of Albert Woolson, Union Veteran of the Civil War and Member of the GAR, on this sheet of stamps commemorating the Final National Encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic. In affixing his signature, Mr. Woolson stated that he was 105 years of age on February 11, 1952, that he served with Battery C, First Minnesota Heavy Artillery Regiment. The above signature was obtained at Albert Woolson's home at 215 East Fifth Street, Duluth, Minnesota on September 4th, 1952. Signed in blue ink by A.E. Neumann on September 8, 1952. Sheet measures 9 x 10 in., framed together with lithographic portrait of an aged Woolson dressed in uniform, 8 x 10 in. (sight), under "Tru Vue" conservation glass, 16.5 x 23.75 in. overall. Letter with Woolson's return address included stored inside plastic sleeve affixed on frame verso along with brief description of Woolson. Albert Woolson may not stand out for his heroism during the Civil War or for his accomplishments, before or after. He was, in every sense but one, an ordinary soldier doing ordinary duty during the nation’s bloodiest crisis. But Woolson did stand out in one regard: when he died at the age of 109 in 1956, he was recognized as the last surviving veteran of the Union Army. Having enlisted with the 1st Minnesota Heavy Artillery at 17, Woolson served in Tennessee for the final two years of the war and spent much of the rest of his life affiliated with the Grand Army of the Republic, of which he eventually became honorary commander in chief. He has the distinction of being recognized with his own monument on the battlefield at Gettysburg. Condition: Woolson's signature is not incredibly strong, but it is readable.