Tilghman Blazer Papers
This collection consists of two notebooks that Tilghman Blazer kept between 1864 and 1892. The first, which Blazer kept while serving with the 8th Tennessee Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War, provides an excellent description of military logistics in Tennessee and Georgia. It also includes valuable coverage of such engagements as Duck River, Franklin, and Nashville. The second notebook deals with Blazer's life after returning home. It includes such items as classroom rosters and records of business transactions between Blazer and his neighbors. Both of these notebooks are bound in leather with paper covers, and both are in good condition.
Researchers should note that there seems to be some debate as to the correct spelling of Tilghman Blazer's first name. Variations include Tilmon (listed in the 1870 Cocke County Census) and Tiglhman (listed in the Report of the Adjunct General of the State of Tennessee, where his first and last name are also switched).
Dates
- 1864-1892
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
0.2 Linear Feet
Abstract
The Tilghman Blazer Papers, 1864-1892, contains two notebooks, both of which are in fairly good condition. The first details his military experience as a member of Company K of the 8th Tennessee Volunteer Infantry (Union) in Georgia and Tennessee during 1864, and the second contains classroom rosters and business transactions written after his return to Cocke County, Tenn.
Biographical/Historical Note
Tilghman Blazer was born on March 13, 1830 in Cocke County, Tennessee. He married Sarah Ann Stuart (November 07, 1830 -- November 28, 1910) on January 01, 1851 when both were 21 years old. They had 8 children: William (born 1852, died 1856), George (born 1853, died 1856), James Anderson (born 1855, died 1912), Mary Jane (born 1855, died 1905), Melvin P. (born 1861, died 1938), Emma Eliza (born 1863, died 1912), T. Sherman (born 1866, died 1868), and Ulysses S. Grant (born 1868, died 1938). Tilghman Blazer worked as a farmer, and his family was relatively well off financially.
Blazer mustered into Company K of the 8th Tennessee Volunteer Infantry Regiment on July 01, 1863, and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant on April 27, 1864. While serving with this unit, he saw heavy action in Tennessee during the fall and winter of 1864. Through most of February and March 1865, Blazer was sick with pneumonia at an Alexandria, Virginia hospital. Blazer was discharged from the hospital and mustered out of the army on May 19, 1865.
When the war ended, Tilghman Blazer returned home to his family in Cocke County. There, he farmed and taught school until his death on July 15, 1893. He is buried in the Riedtown Methodist Church Cemetery in Cocke County, Tennessee.
Arrangement
Collection consists of two folders.
Acquisition Note
Collection was purchased by Special Collections in September 2003.
- Nashville (Tenn.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865.
- Tennessee -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Personal narratives.
- Tennessee -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Regimental Histories.
- Tennessee -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865.
- United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Campaigns.
- United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Regimental histories.
- United States. Army. Tennessee Infantry Regiment, 8th (1862-1865).
Repository Details
Part of the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Repository