While I cannot identify the names listed, I can tell you that most quilts of this nature were created as a gift, either for a minister who was leaving a church, for a bride, or in memory of some one. More times than not the recipient was leaving the area, so it was a "to remember us by" quilt. Often the square in the center of the quilt identifies the recipient of the quilt. You are fortunate that the individuals name are given, as often only initial's were stitched in. Squares were given each participant who decorated them or signed their names as they desired and then they were incorporated into the creation of the quilt. More often then not, they were women, however, from time to time, a man's name was included. Since this quilt was made during the beginning of the civil war, it may be that this was given to someone going off to war. Many quilts have been found which were made for that purpose, to remind a soldier of those who loved him as well as to keep him warm. Quilts like this were also raffled off as fund raisers during the war to help raise money for various causes. Again the women of a particular church would do this to help aide the war effort. Judy Cassidy Apr 5, 2011 07:46:16 PM, [email protected] wrote: =========================================== Hello, List, Maybe you can help. The Nyack Quilt now in the possesion of the Historical Society of the Nyacks is about to be exhibited (May 7). I am among a few who are trying to identify the 44 signers (all women) and the reason why they might have made this quilt in 1862. One theory is that it could have been made to raise funds to support local men who enlisted. Thirteen of the signers are Blauvelt and Haring women. In the "Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System" (CWSS; National Parks website), I have found 98 Blauvelt and Haring men who enlisted from New York and New Jersey. One of the most intriguing is Abram Pye Haring, who was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in 1864 for his bravery at Bachelors Creek, NC, defending New Berne, NC. Unfortunately, although he is well documented in the CMOH records, the CWSS System does not have him. Does anyone know who this man is? He was born in New York, New York, on November 15, 1840. Died on February 22, 1915. Was married to Emma Hollet. He appears in the 1860 and 1870 Federal Censuses in the household of Kimball Dunham. Is buried in Canterbury Cemetery in Cornwall, NY. Any help in placing him into the Blauvelt and Haring families will be most appreciated. Thank you. ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message