These two letters were written by Corp. William Budd Shinn, (1832-1899) of Co. H, 138th OVI (National Guard) that served on active duty from 2 May 1864 to 1 September 1864 (100 Days). William was the son of Job Rogers Shinn (1799-1871) and Anna Maria Miller (1808-1887) of Hamilton county, Ohio. This Regiment was mustered… Read More 1864: William Budd Shinn to Elizabeth Hine

This incredible letter was written by Marcus Morton Johnson (1840-1927) from Sumner, Kansas, to his only brother, Hiram Johnson (1838-1925). Marcus and Hiram were the sons of Artemus Ward Johnson (1814-1886) and Experience Briggs (1817-1871) of Walnut township, Atchison county, Kansas—formerly of Hopkinton, Massachusetts. He learn from the letter that both Marcus and his father… Read More 1861: Marcus Morton Johnson to Hiram Johnson

This interesting letter was written by Lorenzo Dow Round (1813-1877), the son of George C. Round, Sr. (1779-1852) and Martha Sally Hopkins (1784-1831) of Herkimer county, New York. His identity was confirmed by the mention of his younger brother Bertram Round (1829-1859) who died on 25 September 1859 in Alabama. He wrote the letter to… Read More 1860: Lorenzo Dow Round to Nephew

This letter was written by Edward Oscar Fitzalan Roler (1833-1907), the son of Peter W. Roler (1803-1880) and Catharine A. R. Carson (1814-1870). Edward was a graduate of DePauw University (Greencastle, IN), and Rush Medical College (Chicago, IL) in 1859. In 1861, Roler enlisted as an Assistant Surgeon in the 42nd Illinois Infantry. He was… Read More 1865: Edward Oscar Fitzalan Roler Letter

This letter was written by William S. Watson (1839-1900), the son of William Watson (179901870) and Sarah Ann Kennedy (1807-1846) of Marshall, Clark county, Illinois. He wrote the letter to his friend, Lydia Jane Waller (1839-1879) of Marshall, Illinois. On 20 July 1861, William enlisted in Co. D, 11th Indiana which was under the command… Read More 1861: William S. Watson to Lydia Jane Waller

This letter was written by George W. Thompson (1842-1919), the eldest son of Aaron Thompson (b. 1809) and Nancy Chapman (b. 1826) of Darwin, Clark county, Illinois. He wrote the letter to Lydia Jane Waller (1839-1879) of Clark county. George identified himself as a farmer when he enlisted on 14 June 1861 as a private… Read More 1864: George W. Thompson to Lydia Jane Waller

This letter was written by Lt. James W. Morgan of Co. K, 4th Cavalry Missouri State Militia, who was serving as the Asst. Provost Marshal General at Marshfield, MO. in September 1862. James was commissioned a lieutenant on 22 May 1862 and resigned his commission on 16 September 1863. He wrote the letter to Lt.… Read More 1862: James W. Morgan to William M. Albin