William Walker Ward Diary and Photographs
This diary records William Ward's time as a prisoner of war during the Civil War, his release through officer exchange, and his activities during the last bit of the war. Throughout this diary, Ward records letters sent, money spent, and people met, as well as the weather and occasional bits of war news. As he traveled, he also mentions the food available in various parts of the South during the last year of the war. Also included are two portrait photographs of Ward and his wife, Bettie Rucks Ward.
Dates
- 1864 March 30-1865 April 6
Conditions Governing Access
Collections are stored offsite, and a minimum of 2 business days are needed to retrieve these items for use. Researchers interested in consulting any of the collections are advised to contact Special Collections.
Conditions Governing Use
The copyright interests in this collection remain with the creator. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library.
Extent
0.1 Linear Feet (1 folder)
Abstract Note
This diary records William Ward's time as a prisoner of war during the Civil War, his release through officer exchange, and his activities during the last bit of the war. Throughout this diary, Ward records letters sent, money spent, and people met, as well as the weather and occasional bits of war news. As he traveled, he also mentions the food available in various parts of the South during the last year of the war. Also included are two portrait photographs of Ward and his wife, Bettie Rucks Ward.
Biographical/Historical Note
William Walker Ward was born on October 5, 1825, to Nathan and Lucy (Huges) Ward. He lived in Smith County, Tennessee, where he was admitted to the bar in 1850. In 1855, he was elected to the State House of Representatives. On May 20, 1861, he enlisted as a private in the 7th Tennessee Infantry, but became ill and was sent home. Once he recovered, he organized a cavalry unit which became part of Morgan's Cavalry. He quickly rose from Sergeant to Colonel commanding the 9th Tennessee Cavalry. Ward led his regiment in many battles, skirmishes, and raids in Tennessee and Kentucky before he, Morgan, and most of their men were captured during the "Great Northern Raid" across Indiana and Ohio on July 19, 1863. As a prisoner, he spent time in Fort Delaware before being moved to Charleston to act as a human shield for the city.
Ward married Elizabeth Rucks on December 23, 1862, and they had one child, Lula Lee (Sykes), who was born on April 8, 1866. Ward died on April 10, 1871, his health never having fully recovered from his time as a prisoner, and is buried near Rome, Tennessee.
Arrangement
This collection consists of a single folder.
Acquisition Note
This manuscript was donated by Dr. K. J. Phelps, Sr. in 1982.
Repository Details
Part of the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Repository