ORANGE — The pocket Bible that Claire Wagner bought for a dollar a month ago at a yard sale in Orange has become more than a bargain find — it has led to a hunt for its history. Inside the small leather-bound book is an inscription in pencil dated September 1862. Wagner, an Orange resident, believes it was a gift provided by the American Bible Society for those going off to war and that the Bible belonged to a Civil War soldier from Athol. The legible parts of the inscription reveal the name “(initial or abbreviation) Edward N” with an indistinguishable last name, from a “Mary M” with a last name that appears to be “Blake,” and is dated “Athol Sept 24 1862.”
A tiny slip of paper with a printed poem that looked to have at one time been glued to the inside cover says, “A mother’s blessing on his head; A kiss upon his brow; That last farewell is uttered, And he’s a soldier now.” An inside page reads: “The New Testament of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Translated out of The Original Greek” and the American Bible Society in New York “instituted in the year 1816.”
Wagner has been conducting online research and has referred to the book, “Massachusetts Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines in the Civil War” to try to track down any local connection, but hasn’t come across any leads yet. She plans to look into Athol veterans records and other resources.
Wagner said she is also looking for anyone who may have any special ties or information about “Edward,” or “Mary.” She may be contacted by email at claireewagner76@gmail.com.