Family Tree Girl

I am trying to keep track of the challenge and I am slipping. This week I will acknowledge a family heirloom. My 2x grandfather-Ahira Harvey Worden was born on March 20, 1838, in Eaton, Michigan, his father, Parley Worden, was 42 and his mother, Lydoriana (Boyer), was 19. He married Elizabeth “Betsy” Boyer in 1859 in his hometown or on route to Michigan from New York. (yes they were cousins) They had eight children in 17 years and three survived. He died on December 12, 1916, in Shelby, Michigan, having lived a long life of 78 years, and was buried there.

Ahira Harvey Worden, a private from Michigan, fought for the Union during the Civil War. He served as a private in the 15th Regiment, Michigan Infantry, Company I.  In his profile he listed on 16 March 1865. He mustered out on 13 August 1865 at Little Rock, AR. (Record of Service of Michigan Volunteers 1861-65) He applied for his pension and it took about 40 years to get it, but it finally came in and then he died ($20) and his wife applied and got it.

After the war he joined the GAR Post #68 in Shelby, Oceana County, Michigan. Here is his GAR medal, one of my favorite heirlooms.

View the photo of Ahira and his wife and note he is proudly wearing his medal. When my brother Calvin (aka Todd) was sworn in the SAR & Sons of the Union Army he proudly wore this medal.

Ahira was also a whittler and here is a photo of a chair he whittled. 

Know your roots, they are long and strong!

Enjoy familytreegirl!