THE GREENPOINT MONITOR MUSEUM - John Ericsson JHS 126 - May 2003

THE GREENPOINT MONITOR MUSEUM
"ROAD SHOW"
May 2, 2003

Presented At:

J.H.S. 126 - "JOHN ERICSSON SCHOOL"

Page - 4

Geoge's cousin, Grenville Weeks, served on the
USS Monitor as an Assistant Surgeon.
His cousin was on the USS Monitor when
it sunk in a storm off Cape Hatteras on December 31, 1862
as it was being towed by the side wheeled steamer the
Rhode Island. He was not killed but three of his fingers were
crushed and his arm pulled out of its socket as the
waves pushed the Rhode Island against the lifeboat carrying
the USS Monitor's crewmen. His fingers were amputated
and his arm replaced in its socket aboard the Rhode Island.

Following is a quote of Assistant Surgeon, Grenville Weeks:

"Their names are for history; and so long
as we remain a people, so long will the work
of the Monitor be remembered, and her story
told to our children’s children....
The ‘little cheesebox on a raft’ has made
herself a name which will not soon be forgotten
by the American people."

George is fulfilling this quote of his ancestor.

George's great great grandfather Charles F. Weinmann
also fought in the Civil War. He joined Company H, 9th
New York Volunteers;
also known as the Hawkins' Zouaves from New York City.
The regiment wore the type of uniform worn by
George when they went off to war.

Ellsworth's First Fire Zouaves also came from New York.
They were New York City Firemen.
Among the Civil War artifacts brought to the class
is the top of an Ellsworth Fire Zouave
flag standard (flagpole) which once carried the flag that
led the Fire Zouaves into battle. The flag standard
was cut many years ago when it was made into a
presentation piece as a gift to the Grand Army of the Republic
who were veterans of the Civil War.
It has been passed down to the
Oliver Tilden Camp No. 26,
Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.

Ellsworth Fire Zouave flag standard.

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