Indiana University of Pennsylvania - Indiana, Pennsylvania in the Civil War

About This Collection

The Indiana Pennsylvania in the Civil War Era project includes primary sources including letters, diaries, and modern and historical photographs, now held in the collections of Indiana University of Pennsylvania's Special Collections or the Historical and Genealogical Society of Indiana County, that document the experience of men and women of Indiana County, PA during the Civil War era. Central to the collection are the papers of the White family including a diary kept by Pennsylvania State Senator Harry White, who fought for the North during the Civil War and was imprisoned in Libby Prison and a number of other prisons across the South; the letters of his father Thomas White, a prominent judge who was involved in the organization of the Republican Party in Pittsburgh; correspondence of Richard White, a brother who also served in the Union Army during the Civil War; and letters to members of the White family from the Pennsylvania governor and high ranking representatives of the federal government. Also included are other diaries of Civil War soldiers from the Indiana County area. Together these primary sources provide a glimpse into the experience of Civil War soldiers and their families at home and political life during the war.

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Letter from a mother to her sons and daughters, Drumhaply, October 11, 1850

Irish Americans--Correspondence. Ulster (North Ireland and Ireland)--Emigration and immigration--History--19th century--Sources.

Letter from a mother to her sons and daughters, Drumhaply [Drumhappy, Northern Ireland?], October 11, 1850. The mother writes that her family are all well, and that she has received a letter from a Samuel Irwins. She rejoices that they have all reached land safely. She reports that John [Oliver?] and his family are well, and that they have received a two-story house that is free. She also mentions how a woman named Margret is receiving many presents from a Mr. Alaxander [Alexander?], and that the Reverend Kenady [Kennedy?] remembers all of them during the five weeks of Sea Sacrament in Derry. There is a death mentioned in the letter of a Samuel Fulten, who passed away on July 10th, [presumably 1850]. There is also news of a new teacher to Drumhaply whose name is not mentioned. She writes about the attendance of various members of the family at school, and the status of their education. She reports that Matthew and Robert Hodge plan to go to Scotland. The mother concludes the letter with more updates concerning members of the family and/or the community, and offers support to daughters who are recovering from illness.

Letter from Agnes Graham to her mother, June 10, 1868

Graham, Agnes--Correspondence. Education--Pennsylvania--History--Personal narratives.

Agnes writes to explain that the reason she has not written more often is that she is not feeling well. Agnes has been attending school, [a post-secondary academy in Indiana, Pa.?] and is boarding at the house of a Mrs. M. She reports that her education is going well, but that she and her class prefer a text by the author Brooks rather than one by Stoddard which they've had to accept and which Mr. Bolar [County superintendent of schools] will use when he tests them. She writes that they spend little on food, and that most of their expenses are for tuition and boarding. She adds that if she stays there after vacation begins, Mrs. M. will be able to give her spinning and quilting work to do. She writes for advice from her mother about whether or not she should remain there for vacation.

Letter from Agnes Graham to James Graham, Jr.

Graham, Agnes--Correspondence. Graham, James. Lumbering--Pennsylvania--Indiana County.

Letter sent by Agnes Graham to her brother James Graham in March [year unknown]. Agnes writes to instruct James about cutting timber on her land for fences, rails, and building materials. She warns him not to allow the cattle to escape from her property.

Letter from Alexander White to Thomas White, 1865

White, Alexander M.--Correspondence. White, Thomas, 1799-1866. Peelor, David, 1811-1895.

Letter sent by Alexander White to his father Judge Thomas White from Baltimore in 1865. Alexander appears to be writing about the sale of property in Indiana. He refers to the Peelor map [compiled by David Peelor in 1856, it shows the property owners in each township and borough in Indiana County.] He says he wishes he had a copy but will try to manage without it.

Letter from B. B. Sprague to Thomas White, July 24, 1864

Sprague, B. B.--Correspondence. White, Thomas, 1799-1866. White, Harry L., 1834-1920--Biography. White, Harry L., 1834-1920--Military service. Salisbury Prison (N.C.). United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Prisoners and prisons. United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 67th (1862-1865)--Biography. Prisoner-of-war escapes--Confederate States of America--History--Personal narratives. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Sources.

Letter sent by B. B. Sprague to Judge Thomas White from Washington on July 24, 1864. Sprague reports how Judge White's son Harry was able to escape from the Confederates who were holding him prisoner. According to Sprague, Harry and several other officers managed to jump out of the train they were being transported in from Salisbury Prison in North Carolina while the train was still moving. The group decided to split up so that they would not attract as much attention. Sprague reports that he has not heard from Harry since the group split. He suspects that Harry may have been recaptured.

Letter from C. E. Robinson to her Aunt, September 19, 1865

Robinson, C. E.--Correspondence. White, Katharine. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Economic aspects. Food prices--Pennsylvania--Pittsburgh--1860-1870. Food prices--United States--1860-1870.

Letter sent by C. E. Robinson to her aunt [possibly Katharine White?] from Allegheny on September 19, 1865. Robinson writes to let her aunt know that she has sent her a bonnet. She notes that the bonnet will cost around eleven dollars, and tells her aunt not to be shocked because crepe is now six dollars a yard. Robinson points out that the price of eggs has also gone up. Robinson writes that she misses her aunt and wishes she could be with her more often. Robinson goes on to say that she is not currently keeping a housemaid because her family is small enough for her to take care of by herself and her current maid is in Philadelphia. She sends her love to many members of her family.

Letter from Daniel Helman to Josiah Helman, June 7, 1866 [1864?]

Wilderness, Battle of the, Va., 1864--Casualties. Wilderness, Battle of the, Va., 1864--Personal narratives. Helman, Daniel--Correspondence. Helman, Daniel--Military service. Helman, Josiah. Pennsylvania--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Hospitals. United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 61st. (1861-1865)--Biography. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Sources.

Letter sent by Daniel Helman to his cousin Josiah Helman from Chester US General Hospital in Delaware County, Pa. on June 7 [the letter is dated both 1866 and 1864 with 1864 as the likely date]. Daniel is in the hospital because he was wounded in battle [Battle of the Wilderness] on May 5. [His unit is the 61st Pennsylvania Infantry. Daniel suffered a wound in his thigh.] He will likely be staying there until he is well enough to leave. Daniel does not know anything about the other men he was fighting with. He is especially concerned about a friend, Daniel Repplogle.

Letter from Elizabeth Graham to her brother, James Graham, Belview, May 28, 1868

Graham, Elizabeth--Correspondence. Graham, James. Indiana County (Pa.)--Social life and customs--19th century--Sources. Education--Pennsylvania--History--19th century--Sources.

This is a letter from Elizabeth Graham to her brother, James Graham, which was sent from Belview on May 28, 1868. Elizabeth Graham describes her schoolwork and a schoolmate, Theodore Borland, who is an exceptional student especially in mathematics. She notes that some of the younger children in the neighborhood have formed a choir that goes from house to house. Elizabeth has been attending a singing school in Shilling every Saturday afternoon. The instructor is Joseph Brown.

Letter from Frank R. Fleck to Winfield Scott Shields, Allegheny City, PA, February 23, 1883

Fleck, Frank R.--Correspondence. Fleck, Frank R.--Military service. Shields, Winfield Scott, 1847-1946--Military service. Grand Army of the Republic--National encampment--1880-1890. United States. Army. Pennsylvania Light Artillery Regiment, 1st Battery G (1861-1865).

This is a letter from Frank R. Fleck to Winfield Scott Shields in Brady, Pa. sent from Allegheny City, and dated February 23, 1883. He writes to Shields about his pharmacy business in the Pittsburgh area, and that he is married with two sons. He has had his own business for eight years and deals almost exclusively with prescription drugs. He and Shields were "mess mates" in the same artillery unit in the Civil War. Like Shields, he is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He recommends that Shields attend the organization's encampment in Denver.

Letter from George Getty to Thomas White, January 6, 1864.

White, Harry L., 1834-1920--Biography. White, Thomas L., 1799-1866. Getty, George--Correspondence. Pennsylvania--Politics and government--19th century. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Sources.

Letter sent by George Getty to Judge Thomas White from the State House on January 6, 1864. Getty writes to Thomas White urging him to use his influence to find a way for the imprisoned Harry White to give up his seat in the deadlocked Pennsylvania Senate. He says that the act would be seen as magnanimous and would benefit Harry's reputation and, Getty implies, enhance Harry's future political prospects. He adds that such sacrifices are necessary because of the actions of Jeff Davis and "Copperheads" in the Pennsylvania Senate.

Letter from H. E. [Helen E.] Pelletreau to W. S. Shields, Pittsburgh, PA, April 16 (no year)

Shields, Winfield Scott, 1847-1946--Biography. Pelletreau, H. E. [Helen E.]--Correspondence. Pennsylvania College for Women (Pittsburgh, Pa.)--1890-1955.

This is a brief letter from H. E. [Helen E.] Pelletreau to Winfield Scott Shields, written from Pittsburgh, PA, and dated April 16 [no year indicated]. In this letter, Pelletreau [who was Acting President of the College from 1878-1881 and President from 1881-1894] is writing to inform Shields that she has sent him a catalog for the Pennsylvania College [Pennsylvania College for Women, now Chatham University]. He mentions that if Shields needs additional information she will be happy to provide it and that if Shields' daughter would like to visit the college, that can be arranged.

Letter from Harry White to A. G. Curtin, December 13, 1864; Letter from Harry White to Col. Thomas, January 12, 1865

White, Harry L., 1834-1920--Correspondence. White, Harry L., 1834-1920--Military service. Curtin, Andrew Gregg, 1817-1894. Pennsylvania. Governor (1860-1864 : Curtin). United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 67th (1861-1865)--Biography. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Personal narratives. United States. Army--Recruiting, enlistment, etc.--Civil War, 1861-1865. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Sources.

Letter sent by Harry White to Pennsylvania Governor A. G. Curtin from Harrisburg, PA on December 13, 1864 and letter sent by Harry White to Colonel Thomas on January 12, 1865. Harry writes to Governor Curtin to ask for more officers for his regiment. Governor Curtin has commissioned a few men to become officers, but these men were taken prisoner before the company was able to muster out. Now, because the company does not have enough officers, it cannot muster out. Harry asks Governor Curtin to shift his commissions to men who are currently with the company so that it can return to service. Harry's letter to Col. Thomas states that he is willing to take full responsibility for any complaints about the new promotions the Governor is going to give. [Note: This document is a photocopy of the original letter]

Letter from Harry White to Anna White, April 16, 1865

White, Harry L., 1834-1920--Correspondence. White, Harry L., 1834-1920--Military service. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Destruction and pillage. Richmond (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Personal narratives. United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 67th (1861-1865)--Biography. Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865--Assassination. Libby Prison. Prisoners of war--Virginia--Libby--History--19th century. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Prisoners and prisons. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Sources.

Letter sent by Harry White to his wife Anna White from Richmond, Virginia on April 16, 1865. Harry writes that he has been having a good time in Richmond, but at the time of writing the letter he is sad because President Lincoln has been assassinated and that Lincoln's "goodness of heart" and "generous instincts" toward a defeated people will be sorely missed. Harry reports that Richmond is a beautiful city although, he says, the "crumbling walls & smouldering ruins" he sees are evidence of Union destruction. He is proud that the government is providing food to the "hungry and helpless population." He reports on his visit to Libby Prison, where he was held for much of his imprisonment. He notes that Dick Turner, one of the notorious guards who mistreated him, now inhabits his former cell in Libby. After finishing his business in Richmond, Harry intends to seek out his old regiment in Petersburg, Virginia, and help his "Indiana boys" as much as he can.

Letter from Harry White to E. P. Hildebrand, April 10, 1865

United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Personal narratives. White, Harry L., 1834-1920--Correspondence. White, Harry L., 1834-1920--Military service. Hildebrand, E. P. White, Thomas, 1799-1866. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Political aspects. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Surrenders--Confederate. Richmond (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Sources.

Letter sent by Harry White to E. P. Hildebrand from Washington on April 10, 1865. Harry writes that he has heard it from the highest authority that the war is ending. Harry is leaving Washington for Richmond to join the Army of the Potomac, but he hopes to be back in Washington in a few days. Harry notes that if Hildebrand needs any money, he should go see Harry's father, Judge White, who will take care of any debts. He says he will repay his father later.

Letter from Harry White to S. B. Thomas April 20th, 1865

White, Harry L., 1834-1920--Military service. White, Harry L., 1834-1920--Correspondence. Hagenbuch, Jacob C.--Military service. Griffin, George W.--Military service. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Prisoners and prisons. Prisoners of war--Union--1860-1870. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Sources. Thomas, S. B.--Military service.

Letter sent by Harry White to Executive Aid-de-Camp Colonel S. B. Thomas from Burkeville, Va. on April 20, 1865. Harry writes that he has received the commissions that he asked Thomas for. One of the comissions has become problematic, however. Harry comissioned G. W. [George W.] Griffin to be captain of Company H. J. C. Haggenbuch [Jacob C. Hagenbuch], the First Lieutenant of Company H, had been captured by the Confederates and while imprisoned had been commissioned Captain. Meanwhile, G. W. Griffin [George W.] had been commissioned as Captain. A problem arose when Hagenbuch escaped from the Confederates and rejoined the Union army. Rather than muster out, Hagenbuch wished to remain with his regiment, and therefore complicated the matter of who was captain of Company H. Harry was able to bring Griffin and Hagenbuch together and the two resolved the matter with Griffin remaining captain of Company H. As part of this resolution, Harry is writing to Thomas to commission Hagenbuch as Captain of Company E, because their captain's term has just expired and he has mustered out.

Letter from Harry White to S. B. Thomas, April 5, 1865

White, Harry L., 1834-1920--Correspondence. White, Harry L., 1834-1929--Military service. United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 67th (1861-1865)--Promotions. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Personal narratives. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Sources.

Letter sent by Harry White to Col. S. B. Thomas from Harrisburg on April 5, 1865. Harry provides a list of men he recommends for promotion from his regiment. These men come from the Pennsylvania counties of Lebanon, Indiana, Northampton, Monroe, and from Wayne, Pennsylvania.

Letter from Harry White to S. B. Thomas, January 18, 1865

White, Harry L., 1834-1920--Military service. White, Harry L., 1834-1920--Correspondence. United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 67th (1861-1865)--Biography. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Sources.

Letter sent by Harry White to S. B. Thomas from Harrisburg, Pa. on January 18, 1865. Harry writes that he has found out from some authority in Washington that men have joined his regiment and it is now manned to the minimum required numbers. That being the case, he is applying for a promotion from the rank of Major to a commission as Colonel.

Letter from Harry White to Thomas White, February 25, 1865

White, Harry L., 1834-1920--Correspondence. White, Thomas, 1799-1866. Salisbury Prison (N.C.) United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Prisoners and prisons. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Desertions. Military deserters--Confederate States of America. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Sources.

Letter sent by Harry White to his father Judge Thomas White from Washington on February 25, 1865. Harry writes his father to request aid for a rebel deserter. The deserter was a Union man who was conscripted by the Confederates. He guarded Harry while Harry was imprisoned at Salisbury, North Carolina. Harry notes that the man is a farmer's son, so any labor that pays that Judge White can find on one of his farms would be sufficient.

Letter from Harry White to Thomas White, January 19, 1865

White, Harry L., 1834-1920--Correspondence. White, Harry L., 1834-1920--Military service. White, Thomas, 1799-1866. United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 67th (1861-1865)--Biography. Pennsylvania--Politics and government--19th century. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Sources.

Letter sent by Harry White to his father Judge Thomas White from Harrisburg on January 19, 1865. Harry writes that he has just come to Harrisburg from Baltimore. His purpose in being there was to give a lecture to the legislature. While he was in Baltimore, Harry bought some stock in the Altoona Coal and Lumber Company. He is confident it was a good decision, and says he can double his investment. Harry has been promoted to colonel and is preparing to go back to the war.

Letter from Harry White to Thomas White, June 10, 1862

White, Harry L., 1834-1920--Correspondence. White, Thomas, 1799-1866. Pennsylvania--Politics and government--19th century. Indiana County (Pa.)--Politics and government--19th century.

Letter sent by Harry White to his father Thomas White from the headquarters of the 67th Regiment in Annapolis, MD on June 10, 1862. Harry discusses an upcoming election and the friends he thinks will support him in Indiana County. He has written letters to supporters and is also planning to come home to speak with them directly to seek their vote.

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Indiana University of Pennsylvania - Indiana, Pennsylvania in the Civil War

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