Large 1866 Token?

[fuzzymaster]

This is about the size of a half-dollar

 

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[djackson7348]

I can't identify it but it is interesting.

 

[fuzzymaster]

I havent found anything on the net that looks close. Hopefully someone here may have an idea.

 

[invent4hir]

Not sure about the token itself, but a search for J.V. Rainey in FamilySearch came up with 4 records: 1) 1880 U.S. Census showing his birth year to be about 1853; 2) marriage in 1875; 3) burial; and 4) grave stone. You would have to investigate more to determine if he is the same person as shown on your token - but at least the time frame is right. If it is the same person, see if he has a descendant in the area and consider giving them the token as it is a real piece of family history.

 

[invent4hir]

Given that J.V. was about 12 to 13 years old in 1866, it could a fair token.

 

[fuzzymaster]

Thanks, that saves me a trip to the courthouse. I have never used Family Search, very interesting. I will see where this goes.

 

[invent4hir]

Thanks, that saves me a trip to the courthouse. I have never used Family Search, very interesting. I will see where this goes.

Let us know what you find out about J.V.

 

[fuzzymaster]

I will for sure.

 

[invent4hir]

fuzzymaster, any progress on determining who J.V. was?

 

[Bramblefind]

The father of that James Vernon Rainey b. in 1854 was also named James (as seen on the gravestone). I haven't been able to confirm his middle initial yet but he may be a more likely candidate based on the 1866 date. He was born about 1825 and in the 1870 Census he was a Hotel Keeper in Oberlin, Ohio.

The J.V. Rainey b. 1854 is listed as his son "Vernon Rainey" age 16 at that time.

 

[Bramblefind]

Another clue -- in March 1869 there was a fire in Norwalk, Ohio that damaged the "American House". James Rainey was the proprietor per the newspaper article.

Maybe the "American House" and the "American Union" were the same - a hotel/inn in Norwalk?

 

[eyemustdigtreasure]

American Union - Ohio on one side
1866 -'65? on the other side with
J.V. Rainey
Then there's two set of initials in center
A token, I guess

 

[invent4hir]

American Union - Ohio on one side
1866 -'65? on the other side with
J.V. Rainey
Then there's two set of initials in center
A token, I guess

The 2 sets of initials in the center could just be one set, M.M.H., depending on how you hold the token.

 

[invent4hir]

Another clue -- in March 1869 there was a fire in Norwalk, Ohio that damaged the "American House". James Rainey was the proprietor per the newspaper article.

Maybe the "American House" and the "American Union" were the same - a hotel/inn in Norwalk?

This is GOOD stuff! I'd research this lead on-line. If you run that to ground, maybe check out the historical society and/or library once the COVID-19 threat passes. Stay healthy!

 

[cw0909]

not sure this is related to your token/medallion, went to chronicling america
to search for what a american union is/was. found this
https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/...ion+&andtext=&dateFilterType=yearRange&page=1
ran a search of the american union commission, found these
https://www.loc.gov/item/11021126/
the book,scroll down for pgs
https://quod.lib.umich.edu/m/moa/AB...iew=toc;xc=1;q1=The+American+union+commission
and some leaflets
https://www.loc.gov/search/?in=&q=American+union+commission&new=true
and active in Oberlin,Lorain county Ohio, a Mr Gibson pg 894
https://www.google.com/books/editio...berlin ohio 1866&pg=PA553&printsec=frontcover