Assistant Surgeon Thomas M. Laney, "Gosline's Zouaves," Gettysburg

[kanemono]

Thomas Murray Laney M.D was born on the west branch of the Susquehanna River in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, on January 4, 1828. He and his twin brother Joseph were the youngest of ten children. The two twins served on opposite sides in the Civil War.  Joseph, a dentist, was a Confederate officer and Thomas, a physician, fought for the Union.  They reportedly never spoke to each other after the war. His early education was acquired in Columbia County, Pennsylvania. In 1849 he began the study of medicine in Greenville, Pennsylvania. He took his first course of lectures during the winter of 1850-51, at the Western Reserve College at Cleveland, Ohio. He then attended Maryland University at Baltimore during the winter of 1852-53, graduating in March. He then began practicing medicine at Blairsville, Pennsylvania, until 1862. He enlisted in the Federal Army on August 4, 1862 as an Assistant Surgeon in the 95th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry "Gosline's Zouaves". He was engaged at Crampton's Gap and Antietam, he participated in the battle of Fredericksburg, the “Mud Marsh” and Chancellorsville in the spring of 1863. The Regiment was engaged in the battle of Gettysburg and participated in the line of battle north of Little Round Top. The 95th Infantry then took up a position at the western edge of Munshower Field, later the Regiment was positioned at the Rose Farm as part of a reconnaissance in force. The 95th Infantry was engaged in the pursuit of Lee's army to the Potomac River until the campaign ended on July 14, 1864. Laney participated in the Wilderness Campaign, Spottsylvania Court House, Cold Harbor and Petersburg. Laney resigned his commission on July 25, 1864 due to ill health. He re-enlisted as a Surgeon in the Pennsylvania 206th Infantry on September 14, 1864. The Regiment was mustered out at Richmond Virginia on June 26, 1865. At the end of the war he returned to his practice at Blairsville, remaining there until 1867, when he traveled to Savannah, Missouri, where he purchased a home, and resumed his medical practice. Thomas Murray Laney died in Corydon, Iowa, on January 3, 1891. He is buried in Savannah Cemetery, Savannah, Missouri.

[USCapturephotos]

That is a beautiful grouping to an officer in a less famous Zouave regiment. 
Paul

[skypilot6670]

     When I first opened this page my reaction was , “ WOW “ . The image , corps badge , medical dept name plate and instrument plus GAR Badges . That’s a  nice medical grouping. Then to read his history . It really was a brother against brother war .  Thanks Dick for posting another great group.          
    What is the thing at the very top of the post ?  A comb ?   Mike

[USCapturephotos]

I hadn’t noticed that Mike. Looks like a folding comb.

Paul

[wartimecollectables.com]

Super bit of history! Can you post a pic of the back of the corps badge?

[katieony]

A really outstanding, historical group...thank you for sharing it!

 

Michael

[M24 Chaffee]

Great photo to go with this very interesting grouping! Both brothers survived the war but they lost each other anyway.

 

Frank

[kanemono]

The object pictured is indeed a comb. Actually two combs that lock together. Here also is a picture of the reverse of the Corps Cross. The pin is a simple coiled piece of brass soldered to the back. the chain is also brass. The "6" may be a low karat gold. I believe the Corps Badge is post war GAR. The cross was obviously created by a local jeweler with limited skills but I like it for that reason.

[kanemono]

Here is another patent by Eagle.

[wartimecollectables.com]

34 minutes ago, kanemono said:

Excellent, thanks! Wonderful badge.