Sunday, July 19, 2015

Virginia Volunteers M1902 Dress Frock Coat
Colonel & Aide de Camp

Identified officer was Colonel & Aide de Camp to Governor E.L. Trinkle. See photo below of Register Officers Virginia Volunteers from State Archives at the Library of Virginia. Officer listed as "Colonel & Aide de Camp, staff of Governor & Commander & Chief" This officer, Irving Vallandigham Parham was a prominent citizen of Petersburg Virginia. He was one of several civic leaders who were instrumental in having Camp Lee built at the present Fort Lee site in WWI. He lost his right hand and possibly part of his arm around 1913. The shoulder cord is on the left shoulder as found. Not sure if this because of the missing limb or if it is historically correct. Parham served on the Chamber of Commerce, was Mayor of Petersburg, but resigned to become City Treasurer, where he remained for 30 years up until his death in 1961.


M1902 Pattern 



This beautiful uniform and Governor`s Staff photo can be seen in my space at Cold Harbor Antique Mall in Mechanicsville, VA.
It can be seen anytime at my online store sundayhistorical.com



Below is page 129 of the register of officers in the Virginia Volunteers.
Register Officers Virginia Volunteers from State Archives at the Library of Virginia


The obituary for I. Val Parham in The Progress-Index newspaper is provided as a source of background information and it contains his photograph.
Obituary for I. Val Parham 1961

I. Val Parham`s cousin Henry V. Parham was Captain of the Petersburg Guard in 1917.
Add  5 strand heavy bullion quatrefoil of a Colonel


Virginia State Seal Buttons
Colonel rank eagle on shoulder knot

Back view of coat showing 4 buttons

Typo on first initial