The American flag that flew over Corydon when Morgan’s Raiders came through offered inspiration for St. Paul’s John Settles to participate in the Sesquicentennial Celebration.
Settles has collected guns and military items for more than 50 years, he noted. The flag at the center of his desire to play a role in the Sesquicentennial, he noted, was acquired from a man who purchased it from the William Henry Harrison estate.
“He wanted it to be taken care of,” he said.
At first, Settles explained, the flag that now shows 36 stars had only 34.
“Since things were handmade back then, it was easier to just add stars as states were added,” he noted.
He pointed out that there are four signatures of flag-makers on the flag, along with bullet holes and blood stains.
Now, the flag will be preserved for history under tempered, acid-free glass in a frame constructed by Scheidler Glass.
Settles also brought original Colt revolvers, a Remington and a Henry rifle, a 1780 flintlock firearm and a rifle constructed in Lafayette in 1850. He also displayed a wooden canteen, one of few that survived from the civil war period. In addition, his display included a metal canteen that likely saved a soldier’s life.
“The bullet is still in there,” he said of the dented canteen.
Settles also brought Civil War era swords as well as a hat made of the pelt of a Canadian Lynx.
He noted he has held five auctions of firearms and military items at his home between Greensburg and St. Paul, working to hone his collection to its finest pieces. His Sesquicentennial presentation offered visitors a view into history that has taken Settles a great deal of time and effort to collect and preserve.
Sharing the tent with Settles was Phil Jackson, Jr., presenting guns by Decatur County gunsmith Turner Barns as well as firearms by John Wilder and a Spencer repeating rifle. Between the two men, a history was visible in firearms and other military items.
Features
Related Photos
-
Elizabeth Bailey
Local Men Loaded With History For 150th
- Features
-
-
Local Volunteer Named "GOTR Coach of the Year"
GREENSBURG - Katy Riester, of Greensburg, was recently named Girls on the Run Coach of the Year for 2011.
-
GES Kind Deed winners
GREENSBURG - In September, the students and staff at Greensburg Elementary School accepted RachelÕs Challenge to change the world through our kind deeds.
-
Decatur County son is Native June
GREENSBURG - Good Fryday ended on a deserted stretch of highway just north of Flagstaff, Ariz.
-
Harlem Globetrotters to visit Batesville
BATESVILLE - The high-flying basketball antics of the historic Harlem Globetrotters are coming to Batesville Jan. 11.
-
Native son lives rock and roll dream
GREENSBURG - Few musicians would point to Thanksgiving as the origin for their dreams of rock-and-roll greatness.
-
club chatter 121411
Country Girls and Guys 4-H
The Country Girls and Guys 4-H Group met at 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec.11 at the Kingston Presbyterian Church. -
Events 121411
Local clubs, service groups, fraternal organizations and others are encouraged to send their Coming Events information to the Daily News at news@greensburgdailynews.com or Daily News, PO Box 106, Greensburg, IN 47240.
-
Foundation cookbook available in new locations
The Hospital Foundation has announced that its new cookbook, "Recipes for a Cause," is now available in additional locations for last-minute shoppers.
-
Wenning is Optimist Youth for November
The Greensburg Optimist Club selected South Decatur Senior Danielle Wenning as its Youth of the Month for November.
-
DCMH lends support to Cheer Fund
In honor of the board of trustees and the medical staff, Decatur County Memorial Hospital donated $1,500 to the Daily News Cheer Fund.
- More Features Headlines
-
Court: CA Gay Marriage Ban Is Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Raw Video: Giants Celebrate Another Super Bowl
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Greek Leaders Seek Deal As Bankruptcy Looms
Bernanke: Recovery Depends on Consumer Spending
Komen Official Out After Planned Parenthood Row
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Eastwood in Super Bowl Ad 'Compassionate'
Stranded Fishermen Rescued From Bay of Green Bay
Analyst: Outside Troops Won't Intervene in Syria
Murder Trial for Ex-U.Va. Lacrosse Player Begins
NY Giants Touch Down Victorious
Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time
US, UK Pressure on Syria; More Homs Violence
Raw Video: Mass Killer Wants Medal, Freedom
Few Answers in Death of Sons of Missing Utah Mom
Court Strips Contador of Tour De France Title
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
And the Winner for Best Super Bowl Ad Is...
