Sons of Liberty. Lincoln Camp No. 2. Minute book.

Sons of Liberty. Lincoln Camp No. 2. Minute book.
MANUSCRIPT ledger. 175 pages written in period ink.
pp. 173. Original sheep, worn. Folio.

Washington, DC, 1866-70.

    LEOPOLD KARPELES AND THE SONS OF LIBERTY.

    Minutes book covering the entire existence of a patriotic organization established in the nation’s capitol.

    The volume records the names of members, activities and finances connected with Lincoln Camp No. 2, Sons of Liberty, Washington, DC. The organization was established March 21, 1866 and disbanded November 5, 1870.

    Prague born Leopold Karpeles (1838-1909) Medal of Honor recipient and inductee into American Jewish Hall of Fame, joined within a week after the organization was established. He remained a member until it was disbanded. Karpeles is noted in this volume a number of times.

    Karpeles immigrated to Texas early in life and made a living protecting convoys on the American frontier. An Abolitionist, he is known to have assisted the Underground Railroad before the outbreak of the war in 1861. Karpeles subsequently volunteered for the Union Army, carrying the battle standard for the 46th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment during an expedition     During the Battle of the Wilderness, his unit suffered extensive casualties as the Union's right flank collapsed. Karpeles stood his ground, rallying a number of other men to hold their positions during the fight until sundown. Karpeles was wounded later in the campaign, forcing his retirement from the military. He spent the rest of his life in Washington, D.C. first in business and later working for the United States Department of the Treasury living in Washington until his death.