Original Civil War 35 Star Flag, Signed Maurice Browning , Camden N.J. History

Description

Original Civil War Era Flag in very good condition overall with 35 hand sewn stars applied to both sides. (those are shadows of tree branches showing up on it in the photo)  It is signed on the edge Maurice Browning. I couldn't find him at first but then checked Ancestry.com
and found his Civil War draft registration on the rolls of Camden, NJ. 1863, class 2 for "service".  He was 43 at the time. That gave me the lead I needed and started finding all kinds of things. His family has an amazing history in Camden.
His father was Abraham Browning, owned the Market Street Ferry which became the West End Ferry. He was also a NJ Attorney General. After his death his sons, including Maurice, took over the Ferry.  Maurice was an
Officer of St Pauls Church, Director of the West Jersey Ferry, Director of the First National Bank of Camden, and President of the Board of Managers at Camdens First Hospital.  I think this flag has a pretty important story... possibly flown on one of the Ferries or at the Ferry House.  It's possible that Maurice's service was the Ferry... what it may have transported from Camden to Philadelphia.  It certainly deserves more research from someone who has more resources than I do.  There is a website called "CamdenHistory" with some more information.... but I think there is much more to be found out.  The flag is 4.5 by 8. The color is strong. There are a few horizontal splits in the fabric that you barely see at all when it is laying flat. Once it is mounted properly and framed they will not be seen at all.  There is a bit of blue missing from the very top near the header. There are a couple very old repairs. This flag has been flown !  It will be shipped boxed and insured for it's full value.