W.W. Gibson Civil War Papers
This collection contains three muster sheets of Company I, 11th Texas Cavalry, dating from June 15, 1861 to May 1, 1862. These muster rolls indicate the condition of each man of the company, their enlistment dates, time of last pay or pay to be allotted, as well as other notes by the commanding officer. Also included are four copies of letters transcribed by C.L. Gibson of Knoxville, TN. The letters are from W.W. Gibson, a member of the Texas Cavalry unit, to his significant other, Lizzie Crawford of Knoxville, TN. These letters describe the fighting in which the Texas regiment has been involved under the command of the Army of Tennessee. They also discuss the romantic situation between Gibson and Lizzie Crawford, eventually stating that he would like her to join him in Texas. The letters further indicate that although Gibson left Mt. Pleasant, Texas as 1st Sergeant, he is later promoted to Lieutenant and in command of this cavalry unit.
Dates
- 1861-1863
Language
The language of the material is English.
Conditions Governing Access
Collections are stored offsite and must be requested in advance. See www.special.lib.utk.edu for detailed information. Collections must be requested through a registered Special Collections research account.
Conditions Governing Use
The UT Libraries claims only physical ownership of most material in the collections. Persons wishing to broadcast or publish this material must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants on www.special.lib.utk.edu for detailed information. Collections must be requested through a registered Special Collections research account.
Extent
0.1 Linear Feet
Abstract
This collection contains three muster sheets of Company I, 11th Texas Cavalry, and four copies of letters written by W.W. Gibson to his significant other, Lizzie Crawford of Knoxville, TN. It is transcribed by C.L. Gibson of Knoxville, TN.
Biographical/Historical Note
William Wyatt Gibson was born July 16, 1838, in Dohlonega, Georgia. As a young man he was one of the publishers of the North Georgia Sentinel, but soon relocated to Texas. When the American Civil War began, Gibson was mustered as a 1st Sergeant of the 11th Texas Cavalry, Company I under General Joe Wheeler. His unit served throughout the war, Gibson himself being promoted to Lieutenant and eventually Captain.
Gibson married Elizabeth “Lizzie” Crawford on November 8, 1865, in Knoxville, Tennessee, and the two returned to Texas, although they would soon settle back in Knoxville. His obituary states that he was “connected with all the newspaper and printing establishments of this city since his residence here”, and he was prosperous enough to support his wife and family of five children, including Richard, William, Crawford, Amanda, and Anna.
W.W. Gibson died on August 8, 1898, a few days after suffering what might have been a stroke, which left him at least partially paralyzed. His wife Elizabeth died February 2, 1914 at the age of 73, and they are both buried in Old Gray Cemetery in Knoxville.
Acquisition Note
This collection was donated to Special Collections by C.L. Gibson.
Repository Details
Part of the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Repository