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Rare CDV Photo Alexander Millener Aged 104 One of the Oldest Surviving Rev War

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:500.00 USD Estimated At:600.00 - 800.00 USD
Rare CDV Photo Alexander Millener Aged 104 One of the Oldest Surviving Rev War
American Revolution
Rare Carte de Visite Photograph of Alexander Millener Aged 104 - One of the Oldest Surviving Revolutionary War Veterans
1864-Dated, Civil War Period Carte de Visite Photograph of Alexander Millener, One of the Oldest Surviving Revolutionary War Veterans, Drummer and Valley Forge Veteran, Choice Very Fine.
Original 1864 Carte de Visite Photograph of, Alexander Millener (1761 - 1865), measuring 2.5” x 4”. Caption below photo reads, "Alexander Millener, Aged 104, ONE OF THE SURVIVORS OF THE REVOLUTION. Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1864, by N.A. & R.A. Moore, of Hartford, in the clerk's office of the district court of Connecticut." Photo shows Millener seated and holding his cane. Backstamp reads, "N.A. & R.A. Moore / Photographers Corner East of the Allyn House". Also text at bottom reads, “Additional Copies from the plate from which this picture is taken can be had if desired.

It is said that Alexander was a drummer in Washington's Life Guard. Alexander's biography shares his memories of meeting “Lady Washington” during her visits with the soldiers at the Valley Forge hospital. He stated that Martha used thorns instead of pins on her cloths. He took a lot of pride when General George Washington patted him on the head and referred to him as “his boy.Minor soiling not affecting image, having strong contrast and excellent tone. One of a series of six done in conjunction with Hilliard's volume "Last Men of the Revolution," and issued as separate cards.
One of last men of Revolution: By Dawn Roe

Alexander Milliner, a drummer boy in the American Revolution. Alexander served under the name of Alexander Maroney, using the surname of his stepfather, Florence Maroney. Alexander was born at Quebec, Canada and served in the war as a drummer with Graham's Company and transferred into the New York Continental Line under Col. Goose Van Schaick. His stepfather, Florence Maroney, was a sergeant in General Philip Schuyler's Life Guard, also part of the Van Schaick regiment.

It is said that Alexander was a drummer in Washington's Life Guard but his muster rolls with the Continental Line do not confirm that. His pension states that he served about 3 1/2 years.

Regardless, part of the New York Line was stationed at Valley Forge, which was Washington's headquarters from December 1777 to June 1778. Interestingly the muster rolls with the Cont Line are dated 1780, after the period of Valley Forge, so perhaps there are additional muster rolls under an alternate spelling.

Alexander's biography shares his memories of meeting “Lady Washington” during her visits with the soldiers at the Valley Forge hospital. He stated that Martha used thorns instead of pins on her cloths. He took a lot of pride when General George Washington patted him on the head and referred to him as “his boy.”

He stated that once he performed for Washington and was so well received that the general gave him a tip, which prompted the other soldiers to follow suit.

With his money he purchased tea for his mother who was following the troop as a washerwoman in order to stay close to her son.

I'm sure the tip was well deserved considering his pay cards show that his stepfather collected Alexander's wages during the time he served under Van Schaick.

Alexander was a vibrant man, and his biography states that after the Revolution he served in the Navy. It also says that Milliner wanted to beat his drum in the Civil War but was rejected due to his age. That didn't slow him down as he would beat his drum at patriotic events and parades. He gave a public performance at the age of 100 in Rochester. He loved drumming and even had a nice collection of civil war era drums.

One of his drums belonged to the 178th New York Infantry. Another was presented to the Daughters of the American Revolution by his daughter Mary Horton. Alexander was published in a book “The Last Men of the Revolution,” being among the last six survivors of the war.

His photograph is on file with the Library of Congress. He died at Adams Basin, N.Y. in 1865 and is buried at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Rochester with his son, Joel.