Samuel Chester Reid collection
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Abstract
This collection consists of a photostat copy of Samuel Chester Reid's petition to Congress for the establishment of a line of telegraphs from New York to New Orleans. Additional items include programs from the 1956 dedication of the Samuel Chester Reid Monument in Brooklyn's Green-Wood Cemetery, as well as a transcript of a speech given by Charles S. Thomas, Secretary of the Navy, at the ceremony. A map of Green-Wood Cemetery marking the location of the Reid monument is also included.
Biographical Note
Samuel Chester Reid (1783-1861) was born in Norwich, CT. He served in the Navy in the War of 1812, for which he was regarded as a national hero. After resigning from the Navy, Reid moved to New York, N.Y., where he published the New York Telegraph and Signal Book and was appointed harbor master in 1843. Reid is also credited for designing the stars and stripes scheme to the American flag, which Congress adopted in 1818. Reid died in New York City and was buried in Brooklyn's Green-Wood Cemetery in an unmarked grave. A memorial monument marking the site of his grave was erected and dedicated in 1956.
Source:
- Queen, Thelma, and Harry G. Heiss. "Samuel Chester Reid family papers, 1807-1963: Biographical Note." Accessed April 14, 2011. http://findingaids.loc.gov/db/search/xq/searchMfer02.xq?_id=loc.mss.eadmss.ms009199&_faSection=overview&_faSubsection=bioghist&_dmdid=d74482e19
- Associated Granite Craftmen's Guild, Inc. Dedication to Perpetuate the Memory of Samuel Chester Reid, 1783-1861. Brooklyn, N.Y.: 1956.
Scope and Contents
This collection consists of a photostat copy of Samuel Chester Reid's petition to Congress for the establishment of a line of telegraphs from New York to New Orleans. Additional items include programs from the 1956 dedication of the Samuel Chester Reid Monument in Brooklyn's Green-Wood Cemetery, as well as a transcript of a speech given by Charles S. Thomas, Secretary of the Navy, at the ceremony. A map of Green-Wood Cemetery marking the location of the Reid monument is also included, along with a photographic reproduction of a painting of Reid's ship "General Armstrong."
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Conditions Governing Access
Open to researchers without restriction.
Preferred Citation
Identification of item, date (if known); Samuel Chester Reid collection, 1973.179, Box and Folder number; Brooklyn Public Library, Center for Brooklyn History.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Thomas Manning, 1957.
About this Guide
Processing Information
Minimally processed to the collection level.
