85 YEAR OLD Civil War Veteran Lauren Higbie Recorded On Early 78rpm Record (Absolutely Captivating!) 

It's very hard for me to get my mind around the fact that I'm hearing the voice of a man who was born a few months shy of the U.S.A.'s 66th birthday, and lived long enough to see airplanes, radio, and recorded sound.

I'm British with little connection to the American civil war, but the lyrics, the voice and the knowledge of what Mr Higbie went through earned my full respect and brought a tear to my eye. Thank you for preserving this history.

WOW! " we were boys when we enlisted and our wrinkled brows were clear". That line kind of choked me up. Thank you for uploading.

This is a great song! The lyrics as I heard them: I am standing on the summit of a century of years That has measured the life of our nation And I see, way down the mountain, a flood of blood and tears That was shed for our country's salvation And I see a mighty legion who, for our nation's life, Would forfeit young manhood's fresh glory And I see a mighty legion that perished in the strife Now sleeping in garments stiff and gory And we're going soon to meet them in the bivouac of the soul As the shadows around us give warning And I want to see my comrades when the angels call the roll All are ready for inspection in the morning We were boys when we enlisted And these wrinkled brows were fair And our eyes were not dimmed in their vision And the frost that never melts had not fallen on our hair And our step had not lost its precision But the years have built their terraces on every comrade's brow And age makes our weary limbs quiver And the frost is falling thick As we run the double quick To the camp that is over the river And we're going soon to meet them in the Bivouac of the soul As the shadows around us give warning I want to see my comrades when the angels call the roll All are ready for inspection in the moning

You are very welcome. I was stunned when I heard this the first time as well. I can't imagine that many songs would stimulate the emotions 80 plus years hence as this one does. The Civil War was a very uniquely emotional conflict and the soldiers that fought in it will always warrant a humbling and honorable reverence. Thank you for the comments.

Thanks for your gracious comments. I agree with you that rare recordings such as this should be preserved. I have played this example only a handful of times and keep it very secure in a temperature controlled environment. The horn is an original Victor Talking Machine horn made of oak. You are very welcome anytime and thanks again for stopping in.

Guy sure sounds like he's been through a lot, that's for sure.

I saw action in Afghanistan and can't even fathom how it must have been for those civil war vets. So much of the song still holds true across generations of veterans. Thank you for digitizing this and helping preserve it for future posterity.

Amazing to be able to hear the voice of someone who lived through that period! Did a little research and learn that Lauren lived from 1842-1930, and his daughter Mabel who is singing with him 1879-1942.

This truly is remarkable... A voice from a man who fought in the great Civil War, thank you so much for sharing this

This is more than a recording. This is a great historical treasure. Thank you for sharing this important piece.

God bless you Lauren Higbie.I am sure that you and your comrades are together again. :)

Protect this record ... its a priceless treasure.

May you rest in Peace and maybe we can learn from this how horrible war is

This was recorded the year after his wife died.

Written by Reverend John H. Lozier First National Chaplain, Grand Army of the Republic Published by Lozier Bros., Mt. Vernon, Iowa (1890) last verse not on this recording I am standing on the summit Of a century of years That hath measured the life of our nation, And I see on down the mountain A flood of blood and tears That was shed for our country's salvation. And I see a mighty legion, who for the nation's life went forth in young manhood's fresh glory, And I see a mighty legion who perished in the strife Now sleeping in garments stiff and gory. And we’re going soon to meet them in that bivouac of the soul, As the shadows around us give warning, And I want to see my comrades when the angels call the roll, All are ready for inspection in the morning. We were boys when we enlisted, and these wrinkled brows where fair, And our eyes where undimmed in their vision, And the frost that never melts had not gathered on our hair, And our step had not lost its precision. But the years have built their terraces on every comrades brow, And age makes our weary limbs quiver, And the frosts are falling thick and we’re on the double quick to the camp that is over the river. And we’re going soon to meet them in that bivouac of the soul As the shadows around us give warning, And I want to see my comrades when the angels call the roll, All are ready for inspection in the morning. But though the Veterans vanish their children still remain, The deeds of their Fathers to cherish. And the cause for which we battled our children will maintain, And the foes of our banner shall perish. For we battled not in vain if still that banner waves, Through ages our nation adorning. And loyal hands shall plant it with the flowers on our graves, Till the great reveille in the morning. And we’re going soon to meet them in that bivouac of the soul As the shadows around us give warning, And I want to see my comrades when the angels call the roll, All are ready for inspection in the morning.

A view into history and its pathos. From a young man primed for battle, to an old man reflective of his life. A message for us all.

I bet he couldn't fathom someone listening to his voice in 2020, the power of voice recording is incredible.

All I can say is WOW!!! That old fellow could sing. If he had made a record of songs, I would have bought them.

It must have been amazing to have been born in the 1840's and to have lived to see the automobile, airplane, telephone, phonograph, electricity and plumbing in homes, etc.

North or South, this is amazing. This man deserves a purple heart only if he was still alive. :(

This Man could really sing. I bet in his young years, others would ask him to sing. What a haunting song, about this Man's war years, and how many of his fellow soldiers were killed or now were old like him.

.Wow, this is great! I'm from the Netherlands and have great interest in the history of the U.S. .. This record is a historical gem. But the voice of mr.Higbie to hear you sing, a veteran is totally awesome. In his voice you can hear the pride but also the sadness of a soldier. In what century we live in a war there are no winners only losers especially under the ordinary soldier. Just be careful with this record.

Wow, I never in a million years would have though I would be listening to a man, who fought in the civil war. I am most grateful that you posted this.

great song so beautiful, sad, and powerful makes me cry when i hear it

My pleasure. It's very gratifying to hear from people like you who take the time to post such encouraging and gracious comments. One of these days I would like to post the other side of this record which is by the same Civil War veteran. Thank you for stopping in for a visit.

Thank you! :-) I have a photo of my 8-year old daddy in the Polish scout uniform shaking hand to the veteran of the Polish January Uprising 1863 against Russia. When I listen to your record I think about those youths fighting at the same time for their freedom, just 150 years ago... ;-)

Thanks very much for sharing. My great grandfather was also a survivor of the civil war. I am looking forward to meeting him when my time comes.

You are very welcome, goldenlady1983! I have always been deeply moved by this recording as well. Thanks for stopping in and please come back again soon.

What a lovely old recording that is. Thank you to Justin Bester for the words. I am an Australian, so the Civil War had nothing to do with us, but it is a painful piece of history and here was a man who was a part of it. There are so many stories from that awful time. Thank you MuicBoxBoy for allowing us to hear this "old timer." He is long dead, "but liveth." It is easy to see why you "consider it one of the real treasures of my record collection."

This brought tears to my eyes, thinking of the gent who was singing and what he had endured.

This is so emotive and inspiring. I hope if I reach 85 I will sing so well. You have performed a service by preserving so much that was good of our past. When I was a child I knew a priest who was 97 and remembered Ireland during the hard times of the Great Famine in the mid 19th century. He told me about another friend of his who had been born in the late 18th century called John McHale who became the Bishop of Tuam and was a leader in the struggle against English absentee landlords.

Wonderful. Going this week to Gettysburg with son's class trip. Goes to show the internet can be more than cable tv .

I remember watching a video, showing civil war veterans that had gathered at, I think, the 75th anniversary of the war. There was one old fellow there in full uniform, demonstrating with his old musket, the manual of arms. He was doing okay, but then he faltered, having that look of " Oh shit, I can't remember what comes next," and this other veteran there throws down his cane and grabs that musket from the first guy as if to say , " Gwadammit, lemme show ya how it's done!" to which he shakily but hurriedly "shows how it's done". I thought that was such a brilliant piece of footage, knowing how it must've been, myself being a civil war reenactor at the time I saw this video and trying to learn the manual of arms. It was fantastic, to say in the least.

Captivating indeed! This is what I call a REAL collectors' item. Congratulations on owning & thanks for sharing.

Mr. Higbie was a Union soldier.

Great comments! Thank you for sharing that great story. By 1924 any surviving Civil War veterans would still have a lot of memories of the war. It's a shame that there weren't more recordings of these people and their memories before they passed.

Thank you so very much for this; it is so moving and special, hearing such words sung by someone who's own life is recounted in the lyrics.

You are very welcome. When I found this record years ago and first listened to it I was hoping that someday I would be able to share it with those who, like me, would have a sincere appreciation for it. I thank you for your encouraging comments.

I've listened to this probably 100 times throughout the past 7 years, and every time it's lust as powerful.

im crying right now. I don't know why. Thank you for uploading this. Sometimes I Feel like I was born in the wrong era and I belong with those men. This is a beautiful video. Thank you.

I listened to this piece at least ten times this evening.

He sounds like he's gonna cry And the song adds emotion with his voice

Ever since I first heard this recording, it is always the song I think of the most everytime I read about the Civil War. It is so poignant...and the melody encapsulates that time period so well. Thanks for posting, and thank you Lauren Higbie for recording this. What a moving tribute by an old civil war soldier staring back over "the summit of a century of years"!

Just.... just.... wow. It took me to tears.

Wow. I've got goosebumps after listening to that. Thanks for posting.

Amazing!!! My middle school music class will be hearing this one in the fall. Thanks for posting!!!

Thank you for sharing this important piece of history. His voice, as well as the lyrics, are haunting and touching. I enjoy listening to old records and hope to one day start a collection like you.

We have such an amazing Story to teach our Children!

Absolutely incredible. What an historic treasured Recording to have in your collection. Thank you so much for sharing.

crazy that moment where it sounds like a needle loudly scraping against a rough metal plate and then suddenly words and music start coming out

My great-great-great grandfather fought nearly the entire conflict in the Union 86th Indiana, and I have been deeply interested in CW matters for years. Hearing this makes me think that the singer was a contemporary of my grandfather, and through his voice I can actually *hear* that generation. Excellent song, thanks so much for sharing.

As the previous comments reflect, this piece is extremely moving! Thank you for posting this where it can be experienced by all. Did you not used to have the written words accompany this? I think that was a valuable addition. Thank you again!

As a descendant of many soldiers who fought in that war and others, I would like to extend my gratitude for sharing this wonderful recording. THANK YOU!!

There are no words to describe how touching this is. And I imagine Mabel is his wife singing with him?

I sincerely appreciate your comments. I also share your feelings of wishing to hear more of his life as a Civil War soldier. It would be fascinating. Thanks for your comments.

Thank you for sharing this amazing bit of history. I have such respect for the soldiers of the Civil War. They were divided but reunited for our country.

I would honestly listen to this record for as long as I could. It is captivating, perpetrating, astonishing and beautiful. If you have the opportunity of making this in a digital MP3, you'd make me a happy man. But whatever the case, thank you for sharing, eventhough I'm 4 years late.

Wow! This was so beautiful! Hauntingly so.

Thank you for keeping this treasure alive. It's a piece of history we would probably never have heard otherwise!

Here is an old article written about Lauren Higbie roughly 15 years before he recorded this. "Strange Case of Lost Memory-Story of Laurentine Higbe, Formely of Schuyler Lake. Doubtless there are many readers, says a correspondent of the Utica Press, who will remember Laurentine Higbie, who, as a young man, lived in Schuyler Lake village. The story of his strange disappearance and subsequent discovery will be of interest. Mr. Higbie is in the land of the living and occupies a happy home in prosperous circumstances. Laurentine Higbie was the son of John Milton and Anna Maria Nash Higbie, and grandson of "Father Nash", a noted missionary in the pioneer days of this country. He was born in a house near the southern boundary of Exeter, March 30, 1842. There he grew to man's estate. His mother died when he was five years old. Mr. Higvie was possessed of a sociable nature, free hearted and open handed to a fault. His temperament was artistic and he was a fine singer, knew all the popular songs of the day and was never loath to entertain the company in which he was a member. In 1863, when 21 years old, he enlisted in the First New York Light artillery and at the first was in camp in Elmira. Later he joined his battery and remained with it until mustered out the latter part of June 1865. Following the close of the war Mr. Higbie went to Kansas, where he bought 80 acres of land, sold 40 of them and abandoned the remainder and went to Illinois. He was of a roving disposition and frequently a considerable length of time elapsed between his letters home. Shortly before leaving home he studied landscape painting with Mrs. Ida Sutherland, who is now a blind and aged woman, still living near her childhood home on Angell Hill. February 16, 1874, after a long silence, a letter was received from Mr. Higbie, postmarked Chicago. In the letter he expressed anxiety to hear from home, but, although several of his friends replied at once, nothing more was heard from him. His father and other members of his family felt great uneasiness for his safety and every clue to his whereabouts was eagerly investigated. Years passed and the missing one was not located and hope died out of the hearts of his relatives are now dead, only one brother is left and one half-brother who lives in Idaho. About three years ago a pension examiner investigated the claim of one Lauren F. Higvie of Wilmington, Ill., to a pension. It seems that the application had been made about six years previous, but as the army roll contained no such name, the only way to obtain a pension was for the man to identify himself as Laurentine Higbie, whose name did appear on the roll. A correspondence was begun between the authorities, the man and Mrs. Higvie, with members of the Higbie family here. At the time when Mr. Higbie's regiment held its reunion in Utica, last August Mrs. Higby and her daughter went to that city. The daughter's husband, Judge Marshall, who was greatly interested in the case, had compiled a leaflet, comparing the similarity of the two names, autographs and other marks of Laurentine Higby's identity. These leaflets were distributed among the members of his old regiment. The man himself had lost track of his early life, and he himself was of little help in establishing his identity. He had forgotten his father's name and the scenes of his childhood and young manhood. His brothers he could not remember at all. The wife and daughter came to Exeter from Utica and visited among relatives of Mr. Higbie. Follwoing their stay practically all doubt regarding him was dispelled and it is considered certain that Lauren F. Higby of Wilmington, Ill., and Laurentine Higbie are one and the same person. Since his setting at Wilmington he has followed the business of house painter, and his three sons work with him at the trade. His wife and two daughters setting to music the verses her mother composed. All the family are musical, the father still being an excellent singer and deeply interested in singing the old songs of long ago. He has occasionally painted a landscape by way of diversion, and these personal characteristics had much to do with the settling of his identity. A short time ago his brother, Delevan, who lives at the old homestead, and William Rose of Schuyler Lake, went to Wilmington for the purpose of identifying Mr. Higbie. While there they met an old comrade, James Evans who is an eminent physician in Iowa. Dr. Evan's theory of the strange state of mind in which Mr. Higbie has lived for years, is that he has been "leaded" a condition caused by the constant use of paint and which the doctor says sometimes effects the memory. A sad incident of the trip of Mr. Higbie and Mr. Rose was in the fact that Judge Marshall, son-in-law of Laurentine Higbie, died suddenly, and was buried the day before they arrived at Wilmington. The case of Laurentine Higbie is a strange one indeed. Much there is in it that savors of fiction and romance, but, nevertheless, the story is true, and the many friends are joyful over the finding of the man who was lost. There are many points in the years between when Laurentine Higbie became Lauren F. Higby that will never be cleared up. Only the complete return of the man's memory can do that. At all events, his wife and children are grateful that the lost years of their loved one's life are partially accounted for. It is supposed that after the last letter home Mr. Higbie lost his memory, then married, and somehow in some unexplained way, retained a name like his own. The Physician's theory seems very reasonable; at all events is the best that can be taken until, perhaps, the man himself may be able to tell more of his life." Richfield Springs 1913

Thank you for posting this. As a life-long student of the Civil War, I really can appreciate this--this rare treasure from the past. Thanks again for preserving this wonderful piece of history.

God Bless all those brave Men who fought to preserve our Union:). It is a privilege to hear what America used to be like. I know this man has met his "role call by the Angels" in Heaven. This is deeply moving and beautiful for all those who are interested in the Civil War and our rich American History.

Incredible. Hearing it for the first time was like going back in time as we begin to hear the voice, it seemed so close yet so far in history. Thank you!

My first ever post in response to a RU-vid Video, to say ABSOLUTELY STUNNING! What SOUL and CHRISTIAN LOVE and LONGING, exudes from this MAN and his LADY!!!! We should all have been so lucky to have met this couple. Christians will!

One of the coolest things I've ever seen on U-Tube. Thank you so much for sharing it!

Laurentine Higbie Residence was not listed; 21 years old. Enlisted on 12/30/1863 at Exeter, NY as a Private. On 12/31/1863 he mustered into "Batty A" Co. NY 1st Light Artillery He was Mustered Out on 6/28/1865 at Elmira, NY Sources used by Historical Data Systems, Inc.: - New York: Report of the Adjutant-General 1893-1906 (c) Historical Data Systems, Inc. @ www.civilwardata.com

Talk about nostalgic... this is really cool! Thank you so much for sharing!

As I was hearing the song I... wept. I couldn't do anything else but listen to every word. Thank you Mr. Higbie for your service and may you find your comrades in the bivouac of souls.

Awesome to be able to hear a voice who fought in this horrible war

Amazing. Absolutely Amazing.

What a beautiful recording. I will be sharing with my friends.

hauntingly ethereal and beautiful you are force to feel his anguish and profound emotion simply by listening and hearing his voice..very few things in life have the powerful quality .. thanks for uploading

Thank you! This is a voice that is forever still and which speaks for a generation that most only think of as fuzzy black and white images in photographs. The truth is that they were real flesh and blood people with aspirations hopes and uncertainties jsut like us. What a rare treasure.

Wow so awesome to hear the voice of civil war vet. From oh so long ago. God bless. Thanks for sharing

This is absolutely beautiful, you were really lucky to find this amazing piece of history... Thanks for sharing!! 👌👌👏👏

What a beautiful way of preserving the memory of these soldiers and their sacrifice so long ago.

@Skytroop You are very welcome. Your comments are sincerely appreciated and I surely agree with you. I'm hoping that my recent efforts in posting what I feel are the words that Mr. Higbie is singing are included in the video. It seems that sometimes when I play the video myself I see them sometimes and sometimes I don't. I would appreciate hearing from you and others on this. Thanks again for your comments.

Bless your heart Mr Higbie. Salute! USN(RET)

Deeply moving. Thank you, Mr. Higbie, for everything.

Beautiful and moving. Thank you so much for the upload and for helping to preserve some of these gems of history.

Thanks for your wonderful comments, RagtimeFreak86. Recognizing that recordings like this may have a rather limited audience it's both refreshing and encouraging to hear from appreciative viewers like you. Thanks again for stopping in and taking the time to post your comment.

Very moving. I am at a loss of words when I hear or see veterans from the Civil War. Sad, incredibly sad...

Please consider converting this valuable piece of history into digital form with decent equipment so that to replay it would not require wearing out the irreplaceable recording on the needle of the antique phonograph. To hear the voice of a man who was actually a veteran of the civil war is amazing!

Absolutely amazing. I can't help but think of how quickly the 'greatest generation' is fading away. Thank god we have much better technology to document their heroism.

Tht was incredible! Wow is all I can say. I have never heard the voice of a Civil War veteran. Thanks so much for posting this timepiece for all to enjoy.

Tremendously affecting, as though I felt the Earth move.

What an incredible piece of our history. It's a period of our history that captivates and fascinates me on so many levels. I can't even imagine the horrors of this truly savage war that pitted and ripped countrymen against and apart from each other, even years after its end. It was a very different time and place in history, and I believe the side you served on had as much or more to do with honor for your "country" or side if you will, as it did anything else, especially to the average soldier. RIP Troops. Thank you for sharing this.

I'm a Civil War buff and I am really moved my this ... what a great idea to post this. Thanks for sharing. This is priceless.

Beautiful tribute to the cause of the Union soldier, and of the sacrfices made for, as the song says, "The salvation of our nation". As their comrades stepped out of march, to meet their maker, Union civil war veterans became increasingly sentimental, knowing that each of them faced the same fate. Read the texts of GAR encampment notes for more insights. Thank you very MUCH for sharing this lovely, touching song. This veteran had a fine voice for 85 years.

This song is excellent. I could see myself listening to this while smoking a good pipe.

Thank you for sharing this piece of history.

Wow what a powerful song. A tribute to what they did ; and you know singing those words he had to feel very mortal. Yet he had a lot of faith to look forward and seeing his friends again in Heaven Thank you for this recording.

I do hope you are saving / archiving some of these gems in MP3 or FLAC - these recordings are too precious to lose, and I'm sure the LOC would agree. (maybe it belongs in the Folkways archives / collection?) TY for sharing!

@McGrenzer You are very welcome and thank you for such moving comments. I'm pleased that this recording has been so well received and sincerely appreciated. It's refreshing to know that there are many others including yourself who are equally moved by this recording as I have been since I first listened to it.

@KEGST Thanks for your interesting and thoughtful comments. I really enjoy history as well and am a huge fan of history documentaries.

Special finds like this are what make sites like RU-vid so worthwhile. thanks so much for posting this one of a kind recording. This one would be well worth digitalizing to preserve for future generations as I highly doubt that there are many copies of it left in existance.

Someone needs to re-sing this and put it on the radio. Thank you for posting this.

Thank you for posting this... To hear the voice of a civil war vet is such a treasure!

Thank you. I'm pleased to hear that you enjoyed this!