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William J. Helsley Letters

 Collection
Identifier: MS-1439

  • Staff Only

William J. Helsley wrote these two letters to his wife, Mary, on July 23 and September 7, 1864 during the Civil War. In them, he describes guarding a bridge over the Tennessee River, the Confederate retreat from Atlanta, and General Morgan's death.

Dates

  • 1864 July 23-September 7

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 Special Collections.

Extent

0.1 Linear Feet (1 folder)

Abstract

William J. Helsley wrote these two letters to his wife, Mary, on July 23 and September 7, 1864 during the Civil War. In them, he describes guarding a bridge over the Tennessee River, the Confederate retreat from Atlanta, and General Morgan's death.

Biographical/Historical Note

William Jefferson Helsley was born to Henry and Sarah (Diehl) Helsley in Mahoning County, Ohio on December 14, 1839. He married Mary Yancer on September 10, 1861, and the couple had three children, F. Sherman (1866-1951), William A. (1869-), and Mary Ellen (1874-). During the Civil War, William Helsley served with Company G of the 19th Ohio Infantry and was eventually promoted to Corporal. Helsley returned to Ohio after the war and worked as a farmer. He died on December 4, 1916, in Trumbull, Ohio.

Arrangement

This collection consists of a single folder.

Related Archival Materials

Interested researchers may also wish to consult:

  1. MS-1460: William J. Helsley Letter, 1864 August 6
  2. MS-3929: William J. Helsley Letter, 1864 August 29

Repository Details

Part of the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Repository

Contact:
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Knoxville TN 37996 USA
865-974-4480