Name/Title
Framed Hard TacksDescription
Two Civil War period hardtack biscuits mounted on white mat board and framed under glass. Frame is back with a painted silver edge on the exterior edged nearest glass. Mat board has been nailed to frame with brass headed nails and there is a small brass or brass plated ring on the back for hanging the frame. Biscuits look like overgrown soda crackers. Mat board the hardtack biscuits are mounted on has hand lettering below reading: "Hard Tacks" Brought Home from Civil War by Burton Gillespie.Use
by Private Burton Gillespie, Sr. (1846-1931), as a member of the 25th Infantry Regiment during the American Civil War.Context
These cracker-like squares were a staple ration for American soldiers on both sides of the Civil War and were popular due to their long shelf life and low cost. Gillespie returned home to Shelbyville with the hardtack in July of 1865.
An article about Gillespie and the hard tacks was published in the May 7, 1980 issue of the Shelbyville News. Gillespie was the donor's grandfather.Collection
Burton-Gillespie Family, (Mrs Cecile MonAcquisition
Accession
1981.025Source or Donor
Cecile Gillespie MontgomeryAcquisition Method
DonationMade/Created
Date made
circa 1865Notes
Made: Frame made by Roy RayRelationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
Burton Gillespie, Sr.Create Date
June 30, 2000Update Date
February 13, 2025