Civil War Collections

2011-2015 marks the Sesquicentennial Anniversary of the American Civil War. To commemorate this event the Special Collections and Archives of Wright State University has gathered materials related to the Civil War from several of its collections. This series contains many letters, diaries, and other ephemera from Ohio natives. The authors of these letters and diaries served the Union Army and often wrote about daily life in the camps, fighting, and more. Though these materials often include factual information such as accounts of the weather, ledgers, and other lists, a closer inspection will often reveal content of a more personal nature.

The Civil War Collections includes materials from the following series:

James F. Overholser Papers (MS-5)

Oscar D. Ladley Papers (MS-138)

Patterson Family Papers (MS-236)

Wallace Family Papers (MS-92)

For more information on these collections, please visit Wright State University Special Collections and Archives.

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Typed transcript of closing account of James F. Overholser

James F. Overholser

Typed transcript of closing account of James F. Overholser Civil War Manuscript. This manuscript includes an autobiographical account of Overholser's life and family after the Civil War.
Map of a battlefield

James F. Overholser

Map of a battlefield, drawn by James F. Overholser. This map was most likely extracted from a letter.
Extracts from a diary of a Private Soldier in the War of the Rebellion

James F. Overholser

Eighty-eight page manuscript written by James F. Overholser, originally titled, "Extracts from a diary of a Private Soldier in the War of the Rebellion in 1861 to 1865." These "extracts" contain autobiographical information as well as accounts of Overholser's experiences during the war.
Letter to Julia Patterson from her nephew Frank Jones on November 30, 1865

Frank J. Jones

Frank Jones wrote this letter to his aunt Julia Patterson on November 30, 1865. The letter is damaged and difficult to read but discusses family affairs and daily life.
Letter to John Patterson from his uncle William, dated November 25, 1865

William

This letter was written to John H. Patterson from his uncle William, dated November 25, 1865. In the letter he talks about a purchase of cattle and expresses concern for the health of John's brother William.
Letter to Julia Patterson dated November 22, 1865

D. Johnson

This letter was written by D. Johnson to Julia Patterson dated November 22, 1865. The writer discusses a letter they received from Mrs. Patterson regarding the sale of some of her property near Van Wert.
Letter to Robert Patterson from a friend dated November 9, 1865

Unknown

This letter was written to Robert Patterson from a friend on November 9, 1865. In the letter the friend inquires about a letter sent to Stephen Patterson.
Letter to Julia Patterson from Rachel Reynolds, dated September 20, 1865

Rachel Reynolds

This letter was sent to Julia Patterson from Rachel Reynolds on September 20, 1865. The letter contains news of family and daily life.
Letter to Julia Patterson from Mary Johnston dated August 19, 1865

Mary L. Johnston

This letter was written from Mary L. Johnston to her sister Julia Patterson on August 19, 1865. The sister writes that she will be coming to visit soon due to Willie Johnston's poor health.
Letter to a Captain in the United States Army regarding the duty of soldier on July 11, 1865

Zachary W. Smith

This letter was sent to Captain Robert Patterson from Zachary Smith on July 11, 1865. The letter discusses the enlistment of a soldier and the need to identify the soldier for discharge.
Letter from Stephen Patterson to his brother John written June 29, 1865

Stephen Patterson

This letter was written from Stephen Patterson to his brother John, dated June 29, 1865. In the letter Stephen writes from Burning Springs, West Virginia, and talks about his employment with the Old Burning Spring Richey Company and Standing Stone Oil Company, and about working in the oil business in general.
Letter to Julia Patterson from her sister Elizabeth Jones dated June 25, 1865

Elizabeth Jones

This letter was sent to Julia Patterson from her sister Elizabeth Jones, dated June 25, 1865. In the letter she writes of daily life and family news.
Letter, 1865 April 23, James Overholser to Aunt and Uncle [Mary and Crib Burns]

James F. Overholser

Letter from James F. Overholser to his aunt and uncle, Mary and Crib Burns from "Camp two miles from Raleigh, N.C."
Letter, 1865 February 11, Oscar D. Ladley to Sister

Oscar D. Ladley

Letter to Oscar Ladley's sister from Yellow Springs, Ohio. Oscar writes that he arrived last night, but that he can't visit his sister in "Campbellstown." He promises to meet her in Dayton on the 14th.
Letter to William Patterson from his friend, William McMullen, dated January 30, 1865

William Patterson

This letter was written to William Patterson from a friend, William McMullen, on January 30, 1865. In the letter the friend discusses the whereabouts of mutual acquaintances from the war.
Letter from William Patterson to his brother Stephen, dated January 26, 1865

William Patterson

This letter was written by William Patterson to his brother Stephen on January 26, 1865. In the letter he says he will not be able to loan Stephen the money he requests.
Just before the Battle, Mother [Lyrics]

James F. Overholser

Handwritten copy of lyrics of "Just before the Battle, Mother" composed by James F. Overholser while in camp near "Poctalago" Station, South Carolina. These lyrics were most likely extracted from a letter.
Letter, 1865 January 15, Oscar D. Ladley to Sister

Oscar D. Ladley

Letter to Captain Thomas J. Robinson from Oscar D. Ladley in Jacksonville Florida. Oscar writes to request that Private Rufus P. Miller from Company E of the 75th Ohio Volunteers be released from his arrest on the grounds that he has served his time.
Diary of James F. Overholser, January through March 1865

James F. Overholser

This diary of James F. Overholser contains entries dated from January through March of 1865. This diary includes work account notes from 1866, as well as notes in the back regarding Atlanta. Also located in the back pocket of the diary is a musical score of the song "Dixie's Land" and typed testimonials advertising "Piso's Cure for Consumption."
Diary of James F. Overholser, March through June 1865

James F. Overholser

This diary of James F. Overholser contains entries dated from March through June of 1865. This diary also includes work account and finance notes from August of 1865 through September of 1866.
Letter, 1864 December 25, Oscar D. Ladley to Mother and Sisters [Catherine, Mary, and Alice Ladley]

Oscar D. Ladley

Letter to Oscar Ladley's mother and sisters from Hilton Head, South Carolina. Oscar writes that they arrived on a steamer the prior day, that the men from his regiment are mistaken for being a part of General Sherman's men because of their rough appearance, and wishes his family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Letter to William Patterson from a friend, Barrett Langdon, dated December 15, 1864

Barrett Langdon

This letter was written to William Patterson from a friend, Barrett Langdon, on December 15, 1864. The friend inquires about a package he expected to receive and asks for news of mutual acquaintances.
Letter, 1864 December 15, Oscar D. Ladley to Mother and Sisters [Catherine, Mary, and Alice Ladley]

Oscar D. Ladley

Letter to Oscar Ladley's mother and sisters from Pocotaligo, South Carolina. In his letter Oscar writes about being on the front, hearing heavy firing from General Sherman in Savannah, and other news about the war.
Letter to a Mr. Patterson from Alice Winters, dated November 15, 1864

Alice Winters

This letter was written from Alice Winters to a Mr. Patterson, dated November 15, 1864, inviting him to be a member of the "Bazique" Club.