Set, Chess

Object number98.12.3

Datec.1862

MediumWood; Paint; Fabric; Thread

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Daniel E. Nevin

DescriptionSmall-size hand-carved wooden chess set, contained in a home-made linen pouch.Dimensions3.5 x 8.25 in. (8.9 x 21 cm)
Historical NotesChess set used by John I. Nevin during his confinement at Richmond's Libby Prison. Family legend states that the set was carved from soup-bones, but this set is obviously wooden. John I. Nevin was a Pittsburgh newspaper editor and served as a Major for the 93rd Regiment of the Pennsylvania Volunteers during the United States Civil War. Nevin was born on August 22, 1837 in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania to Reverend Daniel E. and Margaret Nevin. He studied in Sewickley, Pennsylvania and graduated from Jefferson College. Nevin worked as a teacher for two years until the Civil War broke out in 1861. He enlisted in the Union Army and was commissioned Second Lieutenant of Company G of the 28th Pennsylvania Volunteers Regiment under General Geary. After being captured by Confederate soldiers near Harper's Ferry on February 29, 1862, he became a prisoner at Libby Prison in Richmond, Virginia and later Salisbury Prison in North Carolina. Nevin was released as part of a prisoner exchange six months later and recruited and led the Independent Battery H, also known as John I. Nevin's Battery, under General Morrell. After resigning his commission in February of 1863, Nevin was promoted to Major of the 93rd Pennsylvania Volunteers Regiment in April of 1863 under General Hooker and commanded the Regiment at the Battle of Gettysburg. Nevin's last commission was as Lieutenant-Colonel of the 93rd Regiment in 1864, earned in large part as a result of his bravery at the Battle of Cedar Creek. In 1864, he was wounded at the Battle of the Wilderness in Virginia.Label TextReflecting a flair for journalism and social commentary, John Nevin’s wartime diary details his account of life at Libby Prison. While incarcerated, the young soldier commented on the idleness of his fellow prisoners. Nevin, however, dedicated his time to constructive undertakings such as reading, writing, and whittling. He carved this chess set from spare pieces of wood strewn about the facility. When released in August 1862, Nevin brought the items home to Allegheny City as reminders of his prison experience.

Related institution 28th Pennsylvania Volunteers

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