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Francis and Harriet Ferguson Collection

 Collection
Identifier: MS-2125

  • Staff Only

This collection of letters exchanged by Francis and Harriet Ferguson deals with life on both the battle and home fronts during the American Civil War.

The collection contains 34 letters that Francis wrote to his wife, Harriet, and 19 letters that Harriet wrote to him between 1864 and 1865. Francis's letters deal primarily with camp and regimental life. He relates interesting anecdotes about life in the regiment and tells his wife about their movements and activities. After Francis was wounded in 1864, his letters speak of hospital life and his road to recovery; his letters also occasionally speak of his faith and his religious views.

Harriet's letters to Francis deal primarily with life at home in Fairview including updates of their young daughter Florence.

Unfortunately, some of these letters have been damaged by rodents, who have chewed them into near illegibility. Others have become severely faded as a result of their age. Although these letters have been preserved as well as is possible under the circumstances, many of them can no longer be deciphered.

Dates

  • 1864-1865

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

0.5 Linear Feet (1 half box)

Abstract

This collection of letters exchanged by Francis and Harriet Ferguson deals with life on both the battle and home fronts during the American Civil War.

Biographical/Historical Note

Francis Ferguson (1821-1880), a native of Fairview, Pennsylvania, served with Company C of the 111th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment during the American Civil War. Ferguson was wounded in July 1864 during the Atlanta Campaign, probably near either the Chattahoochee River or Peachtree Creek. He was then evacuated to the Lookout Mountain Third General Hospital near Chattanooga, Tennessee. He likely returned to his family in Fairview in late April 1865.

Ferguson was married to Harriet Hayes (1837-1911) and they had one child, Florence (1862-1929). Harriet later married Samuel Edson following Ferguson’s death.

Arrangement

Collection is in a single box and consists of two series: Series I, Francis Ferguson Correspondence; and Series II, Harriet Ferguson Correspondence.

Acquisition Note

Collection was purchased by Special Collections in August 2004.

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