05/30/2026
For many years, the Canton Historical Society has been fortunate to benefit from the generosity, knowledge, and enthusiasm of Nick Marathas. Earlier this week, Nick stopped by to visit, share stories, and reminisce about a lifetime spent working, living, and contributing to the Canton community he loves.
Over the years, Nick has donated numerous artifacts to our collections, helping preserve the stories of Canton and its people for future generations. During his visit, he paused for a photograph holding one of those remarkable gifts: the tin cup and plate that once belonged to Sergeant Charles E. Bootman of Canton.
Bootman was a 25-year-old shoemaker who enlisted with the 4th Massachusetts Regiment during the Civil War. Like more than thirty other men from Canton who answered the call to serve, he left behind family, friends, and a growing community. On June 14, 1863, during the bloody assault on the Confederate stronghold at Port Hudson, Louisiana, Sergeant Bootman was killed in action alongside fellow Canton resident Private Stephen H. Smith.
Today, these simple objects—a cup and a plate—connect us directly to a young man whose life was cut short in service to his country. They remind us that history is not merely dates and events, but the stories of ordinary people who lived extraordinary lives.
We are deeply grateful to Nick Marathas for preserving and sharing these tangible links to Canton’s past. Through donations like these, the stories of Sergeant Bootman and countless others continue to be told.
Thank you, Nick, for your friendship, stewardship, and enduring commitment to preserving Canton history.
Every object has a story. Every donor helps keep those stories alive. If you have photographs, documents, artifacts, or family heirlooms connected to Canton’s past, we invite you to consider sharing them with the Canton Historical Society. Together, we can ensure that the people, places, and moments that shaped our community are remembered for generations to come.
