NOTE: The numbers cited in parentheses, e.g. 1:5, refer the researcher to the Series#:Folder# in which that name/topic will be found.

INTRODUCTION

The bulk of this collection dates from around the turn of the century and pertains to the business and personal dealings of Mrs. Bettie Houston, widow of William M. Houston. Largely, the material focuses on Mrs. Houston, the Houston & Bros. store, and her four surviving children. Researchers with an interest in turn of the century women’s history will find many of the materials interesting, as most pertain to Mrs. Houston’s business and personal/family dealings.

Arrangement: This collection is arranged into eight series and, within series, materials are arranged alphabetically. The eight series are: Account Books, 1837-1902; Athletic, 1902-1904; Bills/Receipts, 1867-1909; Correspondence, 1878-1950; Legal, 1845-1891; Literary, 1896-1901; Photographs, undated; and Printed Material, 1872-1940s.

Provenance: This collection was donated to the museum in several pieces over a ten-year period from 1967 to 1977. Much of it came in 1967 and was donated in the name of William Shelton Houston, deceased. The documents were accompanied by books, photographs, magazines, and objects for the museum. All of the documents seem to have been generated or originally owned by the Houston’s before coming to the museum. Donors were generally Houston family members, though Museum director Mr. William Moore did donate some of the material as well. The family Bible came from the Greensboro Public Library, having originally been donated to the library by Elisabeth Houston.

Processing: This collection was organized and the finding aid was prepared by Robert M. Browning, in January and February 1996.

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE

The Houston Family Papers consist of materials pertaining to the descendants of Levi Houston, one of the first owners of Greensboro city lots. Houston bought two downtown lots in 1808, including one along what is now S. Elm St. (Jas. W. Albright, Greensboro, 1808-1904: Facts, Figures, Traditions, and Reminiscences, Greensboro: Jos. J. Stone & Co., 1904: p. 6). Materials in the collection pertain to Levi’s son, John B. Houston, and the family of William Montgomery Houston (1852-1891), the son of John B. Houston.

William M. Houston was co-owner of Houston & Bros. Grocers located at 215 S. Elm St.  He married Margaret Elizabeth “Bettie” Kerr (1857-1934) in 1877 and had six children, two of which did not live past infancy. The collection has many references to the remaining four children: William Shelton Houston (1879-1966), Elisabeth Smith Houston (1884-1966), James K. Hall Houston (1886-1960), and Alice Kerr Houston (ca. 1889-1930). There are references to other Houston’s in the collection, including another Levi, for whom William M. Houston was executor to his estate. However, there is no genealogy available, currently, to track the Houston relationships.

William M. Houston died tragically in a train accident near Statesville, NC, in 1891. The store, which was the manufacturing headquarters for Tar Heel Liniment, was then managed by a Mr. S. A. Kerr and Mrs. Houston into the early years of the twentieth century.

SCOPE & CONTENT NOTE

As a source on turn of the century business in Greensboro, this collection is extremely broad in scope. Forming the bulk of the collection, the Bills & Receipts (Series 3) show a very diverse business community in Greensboro. Researchers will be able to get a good idea of the diversity in Greensboro business during this period.

Other materials in the collection contain evidence of life in turn of the century Greensboro. Items in the Printed Material, Legal, Athletic, and Photography series may be useful for those trying to piece together the social fabric of the city’s past. Researchers interested in Greensboro names, business, and families will also find the Account Books of interest. The most useful of these are filed with Account Books and numbered #15, #28, #54.

Along with the paper documents described here there is a Family Bible (filed with Family Bibles, Acc. #1971.94.3), and a photography collection (Photo Coll. 1977.1-153). Many of the photographs depict life in downtown Greensboro before and around the turn of the century.

The correspondence contains little information on the family, but includes such miscellaneous items as a World War II Franklin Roosevelt postal cover, postmarked 1950.

SERIES DESCRIPTIONS

1. Account Books. 5 folders (5 items). 1837-1902.

The first three account books (1:1-3) contain the accounts and ledgers of clients and customers of Houston & Bros. Grocers, located on S. Elm St. in downtown Greensboro. Many Greensboro businesses and names are found on the pages of these books. The minute book (1:4) is from a high school literary club, the Davis Literary Society, in which J.K. Hall Houston was a member and officer. The final account book appears to be an undated stock book, including some discernible Greensboro names.

2. Athletic. 3 folders (9 items). 1902-1904.

These materials pertain to the activities of J.K. Hall Houston, specifically community football and baseball teams: the Church St. Baseball Club and the Greensboro Football Club No. 2. The team book (2:3) contains rosters, constitutions, and game results for both clubs. It sheds interesting light into the organization of community based youth sports around the turn of the century, while also showing how some members of Greensboro’s population spent their leisure time.

3. Bills/Receipts. 85 folders (ca. 400 items). 1867-1909.

This large series comprises almost four fifths of the entire collection. The bulk of the materials date from the years immediately surrounding the turn of the century (1898-1902). Some relate to the business, Houston & Bros., while others pertain to the household affairs of  Mrs. Bettie Houston and her children. Most of the bills bear the name of Mrs. Houston in various forms, while some contain the name of her eldest son, William Shelton Houston. With few exceptions, they pertain to Greensboro businesses, except where noted: e.g., Strawbridge and Clothier (3:73), in Philadelphia, PA; or Elizabeth College (3:14) in Charlotte, NC.

The bills and receipts represent Greensboro businesses of all types, from grocers and dry goods merchants, to doctors and pharmacists. This great diversity suggests that the city was indeed a boomtown at the turn of the century. Most businesses were located in what is now the central downtown district within blocks of one another, and many were located on familiar streets such as S. Elm, W. Market, and Davie. In general, researchers will be able to get a sense of the comprehensive scope of turn of the century Greensboro business from these items.

4. Correspondence. 15 folders (39 items). 1878-1950.

This relatively small series of letters sheds little light on the Houston family. Some interesting features, however, include a 1950 Franklin D. Roosevelt World War II postal cover (4:3) addressed to William S. Houston.

A small collection of mostly Christmas cards from radio celebrity Jessica Dragonette (4:6) are also addressed to William S. Houston. Amongst these is a card from a company named Dean’s (4:5) based in New York City thanking him for a delivery they made to her.

Of particular interest are two telegrams (4:7) announcing the death of William M. Houston in a train accident near Statesville, NC, in 1891. The photograph collection (1977.146 & 147) contains several pictures of the wreckage in which Mr. Houston lost his life.

Other material in the series includes a letter from Hall Houston (4:8) to his sister at Elizabeth College in Charlotte, containing some family news. In addition, two items (4:11,13) pertain to athletic contests involving local teams.

5. Legal. 4 folders (8 items). 1845-1891.

The legal documents span several generations of the Houston family. The receipts of inheritance (5:3) show items received by John B. Houston upon the death of his father, Levi Houston. After the untimely death of William M. Houston in the train accident mentioned above, a Report of Commissioners (5:4) concerning the Houston family and Mrs. Bettie Houston was issued and includes the signatures of three Greensboro Commissioners: Sample Brown, Jesse Wharton, and John Pritchett.

The deeds (5:2) involve several topics relating to the family. One was issued by the City of Greensboro for a cemetery plot in Green Hill Cemetery purchased by William M. Houston just months before his death in 1891. Another deed involves a Harriet Houston, whose name appears nowhere else in the collection. It concerns her inheritance from a John Houston. The final two deeds pertain to William M. Houston as the executor of the estate of a Levi Houston. They involve property on S. Elm St. where the Houston & Bros. store was located. Dated in 1888, they largely concern the distribution of inheritance between heirs, including a Charles Emerson and his wife, from Virginia.

The most interesting document in the series is an agreement (5:1) between William M. Houston and Charles Emerson for the manufacturing and sale of Tar Heel Liniment. The formula was provided by Emerson and the capital for manufacturing by Houston. Profits were to be split evenly by the two parties; the name of the product became the joint ownership of both men.

6. Literary. 2 folders (3 items). ca. 1896-1901.

This small series, consisting of materials belonging to two of Mrs. Houston’s children, provides insight into secondary education in Greensboro around the turn of the century. The composition book (6:1) belonged to Hall Houston and was used by him in the sixth and seventh grades. It contains school work he completed at the time. The writing books (6:2) were used by Elisabeth Houston. One bears the stamp of Wharton Brothers Booksellers & Stationers, a Greensboro company, which also appears in the bills/receipts (3:81).

7. Photographs. 1 folder. (Filed separately, Photo Coll. #1977.1-153).

Each photograph in this collection has a separate data sheet filed in the Search Room that should be consulted for specific information. This collection contains numerous portraits of Houston family members, particularly the family of William M. Houston, and of several African American servants employed by the family. Also included are several pictures of the front of Houston & Bros. store, located on S. Elm St. in downtown Greensboro.

Of particular note are two photos of the 1891 train wreckage near Statesville, NC, in which William M. Houston lost his life. Many photographs show street scenes in Greensboro at or before the turn of the century. Several small pictures mounted on card stock showing parades in downtown Greensboro were taken by (William) Shelton Houston with a Kodak box camera from the second floor of the courthouse.

8. Printed Material. 18 folders (43 items). 1872-1945.

This printed materials consists of many diverse items. Several interesting advertisements (8:1) that relate to Greensboro appear on the back of Houston & Bros. letterheads. These city boosterish ads were designed to attract businesses to Greensboro.

A family Bible (8:2) lists some vital statistics on the family, and is stored separately from the collection. Some early business cards (8:4) of William M. Houston provide further evidence into the family’s business interests. Of particular note is a vol. 1, no. 1 copy of a pamphlet (8:13), the H-T Gazette, that apparently focused on local news.

Several programs/playbills for theater productions include performances at the Academy of Music (8:14), the Grand Opera House (8:15), and a private residence at 317 N. Greene St. (3:16). These provide a glimpse into how and where Greensboro residents enjoyed their leisure time.  In addition, the series contains numerous programs/playbills from Broadway shows in New York City.

One of the more interesting groups of items in this series is a small number of World War II ration coupons, which were owned by various members of the Houston family. These list some biographical information such as height, weight, age, address, and in some cases, occupation.

FOLDER LISTING

Index to the Houston Family Papers (1837-1950)

Note: The numbers following the name/subject entry — e.g. 1:1 –indicate in which Series:Folder (or, if no “:”, Series only) that name/topic can be found.

Academy of Music, Greensboro: program, 8:14 (1898)
African-Americans: servants, 7:1 (undated)
Athletics: 2 (1902-1904); correspondence re, 4:11, 13 (1903-1904)

Barbour Bros. Co.: 4:1 (undated)
Baseball: 2:1, 2:3 (1902-1904); correspondence re, 4:13 (1904)
Beall, W.D. (Physician): 3:1 (1899-1900)
Broadoaks Sanatorium, Morganton, NC: 3:2 (1901)
Brown, Sample: bills & receipts, 3:3 (1898-1899); as commissioner, 5:4 (1891)
Browning, J. M.: 3:4 (1891-1893)
Business:
Bedding: Gate City Mattress, 3:22 (1899)
Bicycles: Garland Daniel, 3:10 (1898-1901)
Booksellers and book selling: Greensboro Bookstore, 3:26 (1899); Wharton Bros., 3:81 (1899-1901)
Bottling Companies, Cola: Chero-Cola Bottling Co., 4:2 (1926)
Builder: J. N. Longest, 3:46 (1899)
Building Materials: Guilford Lumber Mfg. Co, 3:33 (1898-1900); Pitts & Monroe, 3:57 (1899);
John C. Wharton, 3:82 (1900)
Butcher: James W. Forbis, 3:18 (1900); J. F. Williams & Co., 3:83 (1901)
Candy: Greensboro Candy Mfg. Co., 3:27 (undated)
China and Glassware: E. M. Caldcleugh, 3:5 (1898-1902); J. R. McDuffie, 3:51 (189?)
Clothing trade (General): Rankin, Chisholm, Stroud, & Reese, 3:60 (1900);
C. M. Vanstory & Co., 3:78 (1898-1901)
Clothing trade (Men’s): Will H. Matthews & Co., 3:48 (1900)
Clothing trade (Women’s): Cator & Co., 3:8 (1900); Charles Dorsett, 3:11 (1901-1902);
S. L. Gilmer, 3:23 (190?); Gorrell & Dorsett, 3:25 (1899-1901);
Rosa Hamner, 3:34 (1900-1901); Mrs. L. A. Lunn, 3:47 (1899);
Ada M. Smith, 3:71 (1898-1899); Nannie C. Weatherly, 3:80 (1900-1901)
Coal and Wood: 3:9 (1899-1902)
Dentistry: W. W. Rowe, 3:66 (1899-1902)
Dry Goods Stores: Charles Dorsett, 3:11 (1901-1902); S. L. Gilmer, 3:2 (190?);
Harry-Belk Bros. and Co., 3:35 (1901); J. M. Hendrix & Co., 3:36 (1899-1901);
Johnson and Dorsett, 3:40 (1898-1901); Rankin & Hodgin, 3:61 (1899);
Strawbridge & Clothier, 3:73 (1898-1900); Thacker & Brockerman, 3:75 (1898-1901)
Furniture Dealers: C. O. Forbis, 3:17 (1899-1901); J. R. McDuffie, 3:51 (189?); N. J. McDuffie, 3:52 (1897-1899)
Grocers: The Elite, 3:13 (1900); Houston Bros. 1:1, 3:38, 4:7 (1877-1896); Rankin Bros., 3:59 (1901-1902)
Hardware Stores: Greensboro Hardware Co., 3:29 (1899-1901); Odell Hardware Co., 3:54 (1898-1901);
Wakefield Hardware Co., 3:79 (1899-1901)
Jeweler: W. B. Farrar, 3:16 (1897-1900); Schiffman Jewelry Co., 3:69 (1899)
Laundries: Greensboro Pressing Club, 3:30 (1899); Greensboro Steam Laundry, 3:32 (1899-1900)
Lumber Yards: Guilford Lumber Mfg. Co., 3:33 (1898-1900)
Mantles: McClamroch Bros., 3:50 (1901)
General Merchandise: Proximity Store Co., 3:58 (1899); J. W. Scott & Co., 3:67(1899-1901);
Strawbridge & Clothier, 3:73 (1898-1900); John Wannamaker’s, 8:9 (undated)
Opticians: W. B. Farrar, 3:16 (1897-1900)
Pharmacists/Druggists: John B. Fariss, 3:15 (1898-1901); Howard Gardner,3:21 (1901);
C. E. Holton, 3:37 (1898-1899)
Photographers: J. A. Leonard, 3:45 (1899)
Physicians: W. D. Beall, 3:1 (1899-1900)
Plumbing: J. R. Rich & Son, 3:64 (1900)
Produce Dealers: James W. Forbis, 3:18 (1900); John J. Phoenix, 3:56 (1899-1901);
J. F. Williams & Co., 3:83 (1901)
Publishers: Greensboro Publishing Co., 3:31 (1901); Record Publishing Co., 3:63 (1899-1901)
Shoes: Carolina Shoe Co., 3:6 (1899-1900); J. M. Hendrix & Co., 3:36 (1899-1901);
Rankin & Hodgin, 3:61 (1899); M. B. Shrier, 3:70 (1899-1901);
Thacker & Brockerman, 3:75 (1898-1901)
Stationers: Wharton Bros., 3:81 (1899-1901)
Tailors: J. H. Cartland, 3:7 (1899-1900); T. W. Stroud, 3:74 (1901)
Undertakers: W. R. Forbis, 3:19 (1899)
Wallpaper: E. D. Golden, 3:24 (1898-1901)

Caldcleugh, E. M. (China and Glassware): 3:5 (1898-1902)
Camp Bragg, Fayetteville, NC: Pass, 8:10 (1919)
Camps, military: Camp Bragg, 8:10 (1919)
Carolina Shoe Co.: 3:6 (1899-1900)
Cartland, J. H.: 3:7 (1899-1900)
Cator & Co. (Women’s Clothing): 3:8 (1900)
Cemeteries: Green Hill Cemetery, 5:2 (1891)
Chero-Cola Bottling Co.: 4:2 (1926)
Christmas: cards, 4:6 (1933-1942)
Church St. Baseball Club: 2:1, 2:3 (1902-1904); Correspondence concerning, 4:13 (1904)
Colleges and Universities: Elizabeth College, Charlotte, 3:14 (1904);
Peace Institute, Raleigh, 8:11 (1901)
Columbia Phonograph Co.: 4:4 (1906)
Criterion Theater, New York City: program, 8:17 (1899)
Cunningham Bros. (Coal and Wood): 3:9 (1899-1902)
Cyclist’s Dictionary: 8:3 (1895)

Daly’s Theater, New York City: program, 8:17 (1899)
Daniel, Garland (Bicycles): 3:10 (1898-1901)
Davis Literary Society: 1:4 (1901-1902)
Dorsett, Charles H. (Dry Goods): 3:11 (1901-1902)
Doub, Laura: 3:12 (1898-1901)
Dragonette, Jessica: letters and cards from, 4:6 (1933-1942)

Education, Secondary: examples of work, 6:1 (1899-1901); work books, 6:2 (ca. 1896)
Elite, The (Grocers) 3:13 (1900)
Elizabeth College, Charlotte, N.C.: 3:14 (1904)
Emerson, Charles: agreement with William M. Houston, 5:1 (1881); deed, 5:2 (1888)

Farriss, John B. (Pharmacist and Druggist): 3:15 (1898-1901)
Farrar, W. B. (Jeweler and Optician): 3:16 (1897-1900)
Football: 2:3 (1902-1904); correspondence re, 4:11 (1903)
Forbis, C. O. (Furniture): 3:17 (1899-1901)
Forbis, James W. (Butcher and Produce Dealer): 3:18 (1900)
Forbis, W. R. (Undertaker): 3:19 (1899)
Foushee, Smith & Co.: 3:20 (1901)

Gardner, Howard (Druggist): 3:21 (1901)
Gate City Mattress and Upholstery: 3:22 (1899)
Gilmer, S. L. & Co. (Dry Goods): 3:23 (190?)
Golden, E. D. (Wallpaper): 3:24 (1898-1901)
Gorrell & Dorsett (Women’s Clothing): 3:25 (1899-1901)
Grand Opera House, Greensboro: program, 8:15 (undated)
Green Hill Cemetery: deed, 5:2 (1891)
Greensboro Bookstore: 3:26 (1899)
Greensboro Candy Mfg. Co.: 3:27 (undated)
Greensboro, City of: advertisements, 8:1 (post 1892); bills and receipts, 3:28 (1901);
boosterism, 8:1 (post 1892); deed with William M. Houston, 5:2 (1891)
Greensboro Football Club #2: 2:3 (1902-1904); correspondence re, 4:11 (1903)
Greensboro Hardware Co.: 3:29 (1899-1901)
Greensboro Pressing Club: 3:30 (1899)
Greensboro Publishing Co.: 3:31 (1901)
Greensboro Steam Laundry: 3:32 (1899-1900)
Guilford Lumber Mfg. Co.: 3:33 (1898-1900)

Hamner, Rosa (Women’s Clothing): 3:34 (1900-1901)
Harry-Belk Bros. and Co. (Dry Goods): 3:35 (1901)
Hendrix, J. M. & Co. (Dry Goods and Shoes): 3:36 (1899-1901)
Holton, C. E. (Druggist): 3:37 (1898-1899)
Hospitals: mental/sanatoriums, 3:2 (1901)
Houston Bros. (Grocers): accounts, 1:1 (1877-1879); bills and receipts, 3:38 (1892-1896);
correspondence, 4:7 (1891); deed, 5:2 (1888); photographs, 7:1 (undated)
Houston, Elisabeth: writing books, 6:2 (ca. 1896)
Houston, Harriet: deed, 5:2 (1864)
Houston, J. K. Hall: athletics, 2:3 (1902-1904); composition book, 6:1 (1899-1901);
correspondence, 4:8, 11, 13 (1903-1904)
Houston, John B.: 1:2 (1837-1841); inheritance to, 5:3 (1845)
Houston, Levi: estate of, 5:3 (1845)
Houston, William Montgomery: agreement with Charles Emerson, 5:1 (1881);
correspondence, 4:9 (1878); death, 4:7, 5:4, 7:1 (1891);
photographs of, 7:1 (undated)
Houston, William Shelton: correspondence, 4:6 (1933-1942); photographs of, 7:1 (undated)
Hughs, J. R.: 3:39 (1901)

Johnson and Dorsett (Dry Goods): 3:40 (1898-1901)
Jordan, A.: 3:41 (1899)

Kerr, Samuel A.: accounts, 1:3 (1884-1894); bills and receipts, 3:42 (189?-1900)
King, R. A.: 3:43 (1898-1901)

Ladies Emporium: 3:44 (190?)
Leonard, J. A. (Photographer): 3:45 (1899)
Longest, J. N. (Builder): 3:46 (1899)
Lunn, Mrs. L. A. (Women’s Clothing): 3:47 (1899)

Manhattan Theater, New York City: program, 8:17 (1899)
Matthews, Will H. & Co. (Men’s Clothing): 3:48 (1900)
McClamroch Bros. (Mantles): 3:50 (1901)
McDuffie, J. R. (Furniture and Glassware): 3:51 (189?)
McDuffie, N. J. (Furniture): 3:52 (1897-1899)
Moore, W. S. (Organs, musical): 3:53 (1899-1901)
Musical Instruments: Organs, 3:53 (1899-1901)

Newspapers: Record Publishing Co., 3:63 (1899-1901)
New York Promenade Deluxe, New York City: program, 8:17 (1899)

Odell Hardware Co.: 3:54 (1898-1901)
Orgali, John: 3:55 (1900)
Orphanages: Orphans’ Home of the Synod, Barrium Springs, NC, 8:6 (1896)

Parades: photographs, 7:1 (undated)
Peace Institute, Raleigh, NC: 8:11 (1901)
Penmanship: Natural System of Verticle Writing, 6:2 (ca. 1896)
Phoenix, John J. (Produce Dealer): 3:56 (1899-1901)
Pitts & Monroe (Building Materials): 3:57 (1899)
Pritchett, John (Justice of the Peace): as Commissioner, 5:4 (1891)
Programs and Playbills, Greensboro: Academy of Music, 8:14 (1898); Grand Opera House, 8:15 (undated);
New York City, 8:17 (1898); Residence, 317 N. Greene St., 8:16 (1896)
Proximity Store Co. (Merchandise): 3:58 (1899)

Railroads: accidents, 4:7 (1891); photographs 7:1 (1891)
Rankin Bros. (Grocers): 3:59 (1901-1902)
Rankin, Chisholm, Stroud, & Reese (Clothing): 3:60 (1900)
Rankin & Hodgin (Dry Goods): 3:61 (1899)
Rankin, Margaret: 3:62 (1901)
Record Publishing Co. (Newspaper): 3:63 (1899-1901)
Rees Cigar & Sporting Goods Store: correspondence, 4:10 (1924)
Rich, J. R. & Son (Plumbing): 3:64 (1900)
Rigsbee, J. M., Durham, NC: 3:65 (1867-1869)
Rowe, W. W. (Dentist): 3:66 (1899-1902)

Schiffman Jewelry Co.: 3:69 (1899)
Scott, J. W. & Co. (Merchandise): 3:67 (1899-1901)
Scroggs, C. R.: correspondence, 4:11 (1903)
Sharpe, J. H.: 3:68 (1900)
Shrier, M. B. (Shoes): 3:70 (1899-1901)
Smith, Ada M., Durham, NC (Women’s Clothing): 3:71 (1898-1899)
Star Theater, New York City: program, 8:17 (1899)
Statesville, NC: railroad accidents, 4:7 (1891)
Stratford, W. O.: 3:72 (1899)
Strawbridge & Clothier, Philadelphia, PA: bills and receipts, 3:73 (1898-1900);
correspondence, 4:12 (1900-1901)
Stroud, T. W. (Tailor): 3:74 (1901)
Sunday Schools: certificates, 8:7 (1898-1899)

Taxes: 3:28 (1901)
Tar Heel Liniment Co.: agreement concerning manufacture of, 5:1 (1881)
Thacker & Brockerman (Dry Goods and Shoes): 3:75 (1898-1901)
Thomas, Mary: 3:76 (1900-1901)
Turner, W. H.: 3:77 (1901)

Vaccinations: certificate, 8:8 (1900)
Vanstory, C. M. & Co. (Clothing): 3:78 (1898-1901)

Wakefield Hardware Co.: 3:79 (1899-1901)
Wall, Willie: correspondence, 4:13 (1904)
Wannamaker’s, John, New York City (Merchandise): check book, 8:9 (undated)
Weatherly, Nannie C. (Women’s Clothing): 3:80 (1900-1901)
Weber & Fields’, New York City: program, 8:17 (1899)
Wharton Bros. (Books and Stationary): bills and receipts, 3:81 (1899-1901);
correspondence, 4:14 (1907); stamp, 6:2 (ca. 1896)
Wharton, Jesse: as Greensboro Commissioner, 5:4 (1891)
Wharton, John C. (Lime, Cement, and Plaster): 3:82 (1900)
Williams, J. F. & Co. (Meat and Produce): 3:83 (1901)
Winningham, J. L.: 3:84 (1909)
World War I: draft registration certificate, 8:5 (1917)
World War II: postal cover, 4:3 (1950); ration coupon book, 8:18 (1940s)

NOTE: The numbers cited in parentheses, e.g. 1:5, refer the researcher to the Series#:Folder# in which that name/topic will be found.

INTRODUCTION

This collection primarily documents the career and accomplishments of John D. Hodges (1884-1936) – for biographical materials see 6:6-15; 8:5 – although a notable exception to this generalization is the large quantity of material relating to the Click Family of Davie County (1:1-22). Researchers will also find materials relating to other members of the Hodges family scattered throughout the collection (2:13,15-18; 6:1,26,32,40,47-48,63; 8:6-11). Although there are many people and topics represented in the collection, as the descriptions below will show, it is particularly rich in materials relating to education in North Carolina.

Arrangement: This collection is arranged into twelve (12) series and, within series, materials are arranged alphabetically. The twelve series are: Click Family, ca. 1820-1935; Correspondence, 1882-1961; Financial, 1930-1949; Genealogy, ca. 1920s-1940s; Legal, 1815-1959; Literary, 1871-1942; Maps, ca. 1866; Photos, ca. 1870-1965; Postcards, ca. 1950s; Printed, 1889-1950; Prints, ca. 1880-1900; and School Documents, ca. 1880-1900.

Provenance: This collection was purchased by Bob Loy at an estate sale in Randolph County and sold to the Museum by Loy on March 16, 1984. The Hodges Papers were assigned the accession number 1984.29.6, and the photographs in the collection were assigned the accession number 1984.29.10.

Processing: This collection was organized and the finding aid prepared by J. Timothy Cole between November 1995 and January 1996.

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE

John Daniel Hodges (1844-1936), son of Mary Magdelene Click and Joseph Wells Hodges, was a Confederate veteran and North Carolina educator from Davie County. During the Civil War, he served in Company H of the 63rd North Carolina Cavalry and participated in the Gettysburg campaign. He was later very active in the North Carolina Division of the United Confederate Veterans. Hodges graduated from Trinity College in 1873 and pursued a career in education. He became head of several schools in North Carolina, among them Augusta Seminary and Hodges School, both located in Davie County, New Berne Academy, and Cooleemee High School. He was also active in North Carolina politics and a protégé of Furnifold M. Simmons. Hodges married Sarah “Sallie” Augusta Thompson in 1896, and the couple had six children: Mary Magdalene, Joseph Wells, John Daniel, Ruth Click, Sara Rebecca, and Paul Eustace Hodges.

Biographical Sources: For reference to Hodges’ Civil War record, see Walter Clark’s North Carolina Regiments, Vol. III, pp. 587-89.

SCOPE & CONTENT NOTE

The vast majority of the collection covers the time period from about 1870-1936. Types of materials include: manuscripts, diaries, speeches, reports, photos, a map, correspondence, financial records, school and legal documents, postcards, broadsides, news clippings, advertising cards, brochures, catalogs, certificates, envelopes, flyers, invitations, pamphlets, programs and prints.

Researchers interested in the history of education in late 19th and early 20th century North Carolina will find the collection to be especially useful; it is particularly rich in photos, flyers, catalogs, broadsides, documents, and programs relating to academies and schools with which Hodges was associated (8:15-20; 10:2,4-6,13,33,35-38,52-53,55; 12:1-2).

Also of interest are Hodges’ reminiscences of the Civil War (6:7,13-16) and Trinity College (6:44,57); his views on political issues in North Carolina such as farmer’s rights (6:72), prohibition (6:54), the Negro (6:35), and the role of the Democratic Party (6:5,24,53); Hodges’ correspondence with F.M. Simmons, a prominent North Carolina Democrat and white supremacist (2:26); and materials relating to Confederate Veterans organizations such as the UCV and UDC (2:31; 6:58-61; 6:87-90; 10:12,17,32,34,56-58).

SERIES DESCRIPTIONS

1. Click Family.  22 folders (ca. 250 items).  ca. 1820-1935.

The Click Family materials include a large body of correspondence between J.D. Hodges and Click relatives from Indiana, Arkansas, North Carolina, and elsewhere (1:1-3). It also includes materials from an accordion-style “filebook,” apparently organized according to their relationship with Click Family descendants (1:4-22). Finally, there are some Click Family genealogical tables (1:20) and a broadside relating to a Click Family reunion of 1920 (1:22).

2. Correspondence.  33 folders (ca. 90 items).  1882-1961.

The correspondence series includes nine letters to Hodges from the prominent North Carolina politician and white supremacist F.M. Simmons (2:26). These letters address matters such as the Rippy biography of Simmons, the reunion of the Trinity College class of 1873, the election of 1928, and Simmons’ defeat in 1930. There are also letters from Josiah Bailey (2:3) and W.D. Turner (2:30), and a 1932 holidays greeting card from the Hoover White House (2:19); and there are a number of letters from members of the Hodges family (2:10,13-18).

3. Financial.  1 folder (7 items).  1930-1949.

The single folder (3:1) financial series includes a few UCV receipts and a Southern Railway freight bill.

4. Genealogy.  2 folders (10 items).  ca. 1920s-1940s.

The genealogy series includes notes, mainly on birth and death dates for the Hodges (4:1) and Thompson (4:2) families.

5. Legal.  3 folders (ca. 13 items).  1815-1959.

A Hodges family estate inventory (5:1), a lease (5:2), and a copy of a petition for Jerusalem Church (5:3), Davie County, NC, can be found in the short legal series.

6. Literary.  92 folders (ca. 400 items).  1871-1942.

The literary series contains a large number of manuscripts, reports and speeches, most attributable to J.D. Hodges. “A Mother in Dixie” (6:2) is Hodges’ tribute to his own mother’s bravery in sending her only son off to war; “Behold the Virginia Muddle!” (6:5) is a study of the Democratic Party in North Carolina following the election of 1928(?); 6:6-15 includes various biographical materials relating to Hodges, including his Civil War experiences; “I Am a Democrat” (6:24), “Superfluous Officials” (6:52) and “Tammany History” (6:53) are other political tracts; “Marshall Ney” (6:31) addresses the much-discussed matter of a Rowan County man who claimed to be one of Napoleon’s generals; 6:35 describes African-Americans during slavery; 6:37 is a poem which Hodges often recited on Trinity College; 6:44 is Hodges’ reminiscence of Trinity College; 6:42 is a copy of the record book of the Dutchman’s Creek Church; “To Your Tents O’Israel” (6:54) and “Vestigia Nulla” (6:62) are political tracts on prohibition; 6:58-61 are related to the UDC; 6:72 is a speech which Hodges delivered before the Farmer’s Alliance; 6:80-81 are speeches presenting Governors Cameron Morrison and Locke Craig; 6:87-90 are speeches which were made before the UDC; and Hodges’ valedictory address before the Trinity College class of 1873 is 6:91.

7. Maps.  1 folder (1 item).  ca. 1866.

This item is a map of regions affected by the Civil War, published by O.D. Case & Co. in 1866.

8. Photos.  23 folders (ca. 75 items).  ca. 1870-1967.

The series includes photos and negatives of Hodges family members (8:3,5-11), and photos of schools at Augusta (8:15), Concord (8:16), Cooleemee (8:17), Granite Quarry (8:18) and Liberty (8:20). W.A. Smith (8:21), a commander of the North Carolina Division of the UCV may also be found in the series.

9. Postcards.  5 folders (ca. 20 items).  ca. 1950s.

The postcard series consists of scenic views of the Bahamas (9:1), California (9:2), Florida (9:3) and New York (9:5).

10. Printed.  60 folders (ca. 190 items).  ca. 1889-1950.

This series includes broadsides, brochures, clippings, envelopes, flyers, invitations, pamphlets and programs, many of which pertain to the various North Carolina schools and academies with which Hodges was associated. Augusta Seminary materials include a grade report (10:2), a flyer (10:33), and an 1893 program (10:52); 10:3 pertains to the Aycock Memorial Association and includes a very fine inset photograph of Governor Aycock; 10:4-5 are broadsides descriptive of Hodges School; 10:6 is a blank grade report for New Berne Collegiate Institute; 10:8 is a 1960 broadside entitled “Rights for Whites”; 10:12 is a colorful brochure for the 1911 UCV reunion; 10:13 is catalogue for Hodges Business School (1894); 10:19 includes clippings related to Hodges’ biography; 10:35-38 are flyers for Hodges School; 10:41 is an 1894 flyer for the Vance Memorial Association; 10:42 is an invitation for a Ku Klux Klan meeting (1924?); H.H. Smith of Ashland, Virginia, authored the character sketches of JEB Stuart (10:48) and Stonewall Jackson (10:51); 10:53 is a 1921 program for Cooleemee Public Schools; and 10:56-57 are UCV Convention programs.

11. Prints.  5 folders (5 items).  ca. 1880-1900.

The print series includes Robert E. Lee (11:5), Ulysses S. Grant (11:1) and the Hodges house(?) (11:4).

12. School documents.  3 folders (5 items).  ca. 1880-1900.

Leaves from an Augusta Seminary ledger (12:2), an 1892 announcement for Augusta (12:1), and a combination role/account book (12:3) are included in school documents.

FOLDER LISTING

Index to the John D. Hodges Papers (ca. 1815-1967)

Note: The numbers following the name/subject entry — e.g. 1:1 — indicate in which Series#:Folder# (or, if no “:”, Series only) that name/topic can be found. Dates of the items are given in parentheses for an individual Series/Folder or, if at the end, for the entire subject/name entry.

Andrews, Alex B.: correspondence (1934), 2:1
Anscombe, Francis C.: correspondence (1929), 2:2
Augusta Seminary (Augusta, NC): broadside (ca. 1890s), 10:2; flyer (1889), 10:33; ledger, 12:2; photo, 8:15;
program (1893), 10:52; school documents (1892), 12:2
Aycock, Gov. Charles B. (memorial): broadside (undated), 10:3

Bahamas: postcards (ca. 1950s), 9:1
Bailey, Sen. Josiah W.: correspondence (1936), 2:3
Barn: photo, 8:1
Bills and receipts (1930-1949), 3:1
Bundy, Bettie S.: correspondence (1933), 2:4

California: postcards (ca. 1950s), 9:2
Capital punishment: speech, 6:67
Card games: speech, 6:73
Chancellorsville, Va., battlefield: brochure (1935), 10:10
Cherry Hill Church, NC: correspondence (1949), 2:5
Chi Phi Fraternity: correspondence (1938), 2:6
Christian, Ida: correspondence (1938), 2:7
Christian, Ira: pamphlet (ca. 1920), 10:47
Civil War: clippings, 10:16; map, 7:1; mss., 6:2,7,13-16
Click, Daniel: genealogy, 1:4
Click, Elizabeth Graves: genealogy, 1:5
Click, Henry Harmon: genealogy, 1:6
Click, Jacob: genealogy, 1:7
Click, Jesse D.: genealogy, 1:8
Click, John Nicholas: genealogy, 1:9
Click, Mary Magdelene: genealogy, 1:10
Click, Michael, 2nd generation: genealogy, 1:11
Click, Michael & Sophia, 3rd generation: genealogy, 1:12
Click, Nicholas, 1st generation: genealogy, 1:13
Click, Nicholas, 2nd generation: genealogy, 1:14
Click, Rebecca & John: genealogy, 1:15
Click, Sarah & Rebecca: genealogy, 1:16
Click Family genealogy: 1:1-22
Concord ME Church, NC: mss., 6:17
Concord School, NC: photo (1905), 8:16
Confederate dead: mss., 6:18
Confederate Memorial, Davie County, NC: speech, 6:69
Confederate Reunion: flyer (1932), 10:34
Cooleemee School, NC: program (1921), 10:53; photo, 8:17
Craig, Gov. Locke, presentation of: speech, 6:81
Crawford, Mary: correspondence (undated), 2:8
CSA Roll of Honour: printed, 10:29
CSA veterans organizations: brochure, 10:12; clippings, 10:17; correspondence, 2:31; envelopes, 10:32;
flyer, 10:34; mss., 6:18,58-61; photos, 8:5,21; programs, 6:56-58; report, 6:66;
speeches, 6:69-70,87-90

Davie County, Confederate memorial: speech, 6:69
Davie County: history (mss.), 6:20; School Board/H.S. Committee (correspondence, undated), 2:9
Democratic Party: mss., 6:5,24,53
Dutchman’s Creek Church record book: mss., 6:42

Eliot, Mrs. G.F.: photos, 8:3
Eliot, Sara Hodges: correspondence (1936), 2:10

Farmer’s Alliance: speech (ca. 1890), 6:72
Florida: postcards (ca. 1950s), 9:3
Foster, Mr. (authority on bridge and card games): speech, 6:73
Fredericksburg, Va., battlefield: brochure (undated), 10:11
Freemasons: speech, 6:77

Gas station: photo, 8:4
Genealogy: Click Family, 1:1-22; correspondence, 1:1-3; Hodges Family, 4:1; lists, 1:20; Thompson Family, 4:2
Granite Quarry School, NC: photos (1915), 8:18
Grant, Gen. Ulysses S.: print, 11:1
Greensboro College: clippings, 10:18; print, 11:2

Hasty, Vance: correspondence (undated), 2:11
Hellard, Versie: correspondence (undated), 2:12
Hendricks, J.A.: print, 11:3
Hesperian Society: speech, 6:74
Hobson, William Henry: mss., 6:23
Hodges(?), Eustace: correspondence (1936), 2:13
Hodges, John D.: biographical, 6:6-15; clippings, 10:19; correspondence (1928-35), 2:14; photos, 8:5;
Trinity College reminiscences, 6:44,57; war experiences, 6:7,13-15
Hodges, John D., Mrs.: correspondence (ca. 1936), 2:15; obituary (clipping), 10:23
Hodges, Johnnie: mss. (“Johnnie’s Motto”), 6:26
Hodges, Mary: correspondence (1905-1930s), 2:16; photos, 8:6
Hodges, Paul: diary (ca. late 1920s), 6:1; photos, 8:7
Hodges, Paul & Johnnie: photo, 8:8
Hodges, Ruth: photo, 8:9
Hodges, Sallie, memorial to: mss., 6:32
Hodges, Sally: correspondence (ca. 1926), 2:17
Hodges, Sara: correspondence (1945, undated), 2:18
Hodges, Sara Elaine, wedding of: mss. (1933?), 6:63
Hodges Business College: catalogue (1894), 10:3
Hodges Family: correspondence, 2:13-18; diary, 6:1; mss., 6:6-15,26,32,40,47-48,63;
photos, 8:5-11; print of house(?), 11:4
Hodges School, Davie County, NC: broadsides, 10:4 and 10:5 (1877); flyers, 10:35-37 (ca. 1900);
speech, 6:75; summer school (flyer, undated), 10:38
Hog farming: broadside (ca. 1897), 10:7
Hoover, President: correspondence (1932), 2:19

Irving, I., and J.H. Paylor: correspondence (1936), 2:20

Jackson, Gen. Stonewall: pamphlet (ca. 1930), 10:51
Jerusalem Church, NC (1815): legal, 5:3
Jerusalem Farm Women’s Club: mss., 6:25
Johnsie: correspondence (1961), 2:21
Johnston Flood: mss., 6:27

Ku Klux Klan: invitation (ca. 1924), 10:42

Laney, J. Frank: correspondence (1936), 2:22
Lee, Bertha: correspondence (1931), 2:23
Lee, Gen. Robert E.: clippings, 10:20; prints, 11:5
Lee, Gen. Light Horse Harry: mss., 6:30
Liberty School (NC): photo (1917), 8:20
“Lost Cause”: speeches, 6:70,76

Maps: Civil War, 7:1
Marshall Ney: clippings, 10:21; mss. (1928?), 6:31
Miller, C.L.: correspondence (1947), 2:24
Minstrel revue (1931), 10:54
Morrison, Gov. Cameron, presentation of: speech, 6:71,80
Music: mss., 6:50; pamphlet, 10:50

Negro, the: mss., 6:35
New Berne Academy: invitation, 10:44
New Berne Collegiate Institute: broadside (ca. 1890), 10:6; program (1894), 10:55
New York: postcards (ca. 1950s), 9:5
New York City: photos, 8:14
North Carolina: military history (speech), 6:79; pamphlets, 10:45 (1934) and 10:49 (1904); toast to, 6:55
North Carolina, State of: envelope (ca. late 19th century), 10:30

Pearson Family: clippings, 10:24
Pegram, William Howell: mss., 6:64
Poetry: mss., 6:36-40,68,83
Political: mss., 6:3,5,19,21,24,52-54,56,62,67,72,80-81,84
Prohibition: mss. (1928?), 6:54,62

Religion: clippings, 10:25; mss., 6:17,33-34,41-43,51
Revolutionary War: clippings, 10:26; mss., 6:45
Riverside Church, NY: flyer (undated), 10:39

Santa Claus: advertising card (undated), 10:1
Schools: broadsides, 10:2,4-6; catalogue, 10:13; compositions, 6:46-48; flyers, 10:33,35-38; photos, 8:15-20;
programs, 10:52-53,55; school documents, 12:1-2
Science: mss. (1908), 6:49
Simmons, Sen. F.M.: correspondence (1928-1936), 2:26
Smith, W.A.: photo, 8:21
Smoot, J.E.: correspondence (1934), 2:27
Southern Railway: correspondence (1949), 2:28
Stratford (Va. birthplace of Gen. R.E. Lee): flyers, 10:40
Stuart, JEB: grave photo, 8:22; pamphlet (ca. 1930), 10:48
Supreme Court, U.S.: broadside (undated), 10:9

Travelers, The (ins.): envelope, 10:31
Trinity College: anniversary, 10:59; correspondence (1882), 2:29; mss., 6:37,44,57; speeches, 6:86,91-92
Turner, Lt. Gov. W.D.: correspondence (undated), 2:30

UCV (United Confederate Veterans): convention programs, 10:56 (1929) and 10:57 (1931);
correspondence (early 1930s), 2:31; envelopes, 10:32; report (1942), 6:66; reunion brochure (1911), 10:12;
report (1942), 6:66
UDC (United Daughters of Confederacy): mss., 6:58-61; program, 10:58; speeches, 6:87-90
US History: clippings, 10:27
USDA cotton acreage allotment (1950), 10:60

Vance, Gov. Zebulon (Vance Memorial): flyer (1894), 10:41

Washington, George: clippings, 10:28; monument to (photo), 8:13; pamphlet (1931), 10:46; tribute to (speech), 6:85
Weaver Hall: photo, 8:23
Wheeler, B.K.: correspondence (1937), 2:32
“White rights”: broadside (1960), 10:8
Wit and Humor: mss. (jokes), 6:28
World War I: mss., 6:65

Yale University: correspondence (1936), 2:33

NOTE: The numbers cited in parentheses, e.g. 1:5, refer the researcher to the Series#:Folder# in which that name/topic will be found.

INTRODUCTION

This artificial collection consists of various Civil War-related accessions that were combined into one collection during the early 1980s. An extensive index at the end of this inventory provides access to all the names and subjects mentioned in the collection. The researcher will find all types of material, with some series relating to individual items or events, and others composed of small manuscript collections in their own right. The holdings are mostly southern, private, war-related papers in the form of service records, correspondence, memoirs, diaries, and personal records relating to individuals both locally known and more renowned (e.g. J.E.B. Stuart, 31:1). Included are miscellaneous records primarily relating to the Union and Confederate military. While limited in scope, these records vary in form, including regimental records, official correspondence, financial documents, broadsides and other printed matter.

Although almost all the documents relate to events contemporary with the Civil War, some material was written after the fact (e.g. reminiscences and printed material). Some series contain material covering topics other than the Civil War; this material was kept together in the same series because it relates to the individual or family in question (e.g. see Series 10, Pilson Family Correspondence, 1837-1914).

Note: This collection does not represent all the Civil War materials (printed, manuscript, photographic, etc.) held by the museum. Other manuscript collections contain materials that have been kept with those collections and not incorporated into this artificial one. In addition, the museum has materials of similar types that were accessioned together — e.g. photographs, Prints & Drawings, printed items, etc. — and are filed with like types of material in Archives.

Provenance: The provenance of this material is largely unknown, the material having been accumulated since the museum’s inception, thus the rationale for grouping it into a single collection to facilitate easier access.

Processing: This collection was originally processed by Howard Hendricks in the 1980s. The collection was re-foldered in 1995, and this finding aid and its index were completed by Archivist J. Stephen Catlett in April 1996.

SCOPE & CONTENT NOTE

This collection includes some significant groupings of family papers, especially related to the Brown (3), Finley (5), and Pilson (10) families. Combined, these small collections follow a family from North Wilkesboro for the period 1838 to 1914. An important part of them is the correspondence of James B. Gordon, who rose from private to brigadier general in the service of the Confederacy. Another small collection is that of George W. Lewis (7:1-5) of the 28th Mississippi Cavalry. It includes correspondence, a daybook, military service papers, and postwar material.

Confederate financial documents in the collection include stock certificates and bonds, with one of the latter signed by Zebulon Vance and Jonathan Worth (4:1). Many other items reveal information on military regiments (see Index, under “Civil War—Confederate–Regiments,” and “Federal–Regiments”). For example, the papers of Peter C. Humble (6:1-3) contain financial, legal and military service records reflecting his service with the 13th N.C. Infantry.

A large portion of this collection consists of small groupings of items, many related to the wartime service or experiences of local persons. Some items relate to prominent peope, for example: Varina Davis’s letter of thanks to Dr. M.L. Woods (16:1); a copy of Joseph Johnson’s general orders no. 3, prohibiting fraternization with the enemy (25:1); a facsimile of Robert E. Lee’s Farewell Address (28:1); Gen. Gustavus W. Smith’s (33:1) 1863 book of letters; and personal correspondence of Gen. J.E.B. Stuart with Gen. James B. Gordon in 1864 (31:1).

Various examples of printed matter are included, such as a pamphlet from the Judge Advocate General’s office relating to the Order f the American Knights (34:1); a dispatch from the Southern Express Co. (32:1); and a broadside collection containing examples of various notices of local and national interest (2:1-19).

The several Miscellaneous series (8; 9; 62; 63) contain all types of items, including correspondence, discharges, paroles, safeguards, exemptions, and oaths of allegiance. One pardon is signed by William H. Seward (8:3).

This collection possesses many gaps and weaknesses, with no complete record of the events in question, but it does provide a good cross section of Civil War items and related items.

SERIES DESCRIPTIONS

1. Albright, Henry C.  4 folders (42 items).  1861-1864.

This series is arranged into four folders containing correspondence, bonds, and a tintype of Albright when Captain of Company G, 26th N.C. Volunteers (filed with other tintypes: 1971.205.1). The chronologically arranged correspondence of August 12, 1861 – July 25, 1864, is written chiefly by Albright to his brother-in-law, Thomas C. Dixon, and Dixon’s wife, Sarah (1:1). The $500 bond at 4% is dated March 16, 1864 (1:3).

2. Broadsides.  19 folders (21 items).  1861-1865, n.d.

The first 14 folders are arranged chronologically and the last five alphabetically. These originals and copies includes advertisements and notices covering the period of the war. Topics are military-related and of primarily local interest. Both Union and Confederate examples are on included.

3. Brown Family Letters.  6 folders (39 items).  1856-1864.

This series is comprised solely of correspondence relating to one branch of the larger family network that includes the Pilson and Finley families (see Series 5 & 10).

The letters are arranged into subseries relating to: Sarah Brown (3:1), Hugh Brown (3:2), Mary Cunningham (3:3), Gen. James B. Gordon (3:4), Amelia Halsey (3:5), and D.C. Williams (3:5). Mary Cunningham was engaged to Hugh Thomas Brown, Captain of the Arkansas Frontier Guards unit, and these letters center on the death of Hugh (3:3). The D.C. Williams letters (January 10, 1861 – May 15, 1863; 3:6) also concern the death of Hugh Brown, focusing on the disposition of his personal effects.

The letters written by Gen. James B. Gordon (1847, 1860, July 1861-March 30, 1864; 3:4) are in pencil and largely in poor condition. Letters to Gordon are mostly of a personal nature. Gordon rose from private to brigadier general, served with Hampton’s Legion, and finally commanded the N.C. Cavalry Brigade. He was wounded in action on May 12, 1864, and died on May 18 (See: Mark Boatner, Civil War Dictionary). The Aurelia Halsey letters (March 22 – December 31, 1864; 3:5) give details of her brother Gen. Gordon’s death in 1864 and lament his passing.

4. Confederate Financial Documents.  2 folders (19 items).  1861-1865.

The Confederate financial document are divided into bonds (4:1) and stocks (4:2). The bonds, dating from May 1, 1861 to March 19, 1864, include: 5 at 4% rate, 1 at 6% rate, 4 at 7% rate, and 5 at 8% rate. Two of the 8% bonds (#1881 & #6-5-?), each with a face value of $1,000, contain the signatures of Jonathan Worth and Zebulon Vance. Also included is a $100 bond purchased by M.A. White of Salisbury, NC, in February 1864.

5. Finley Family Letters.  4 folders (12 items).  1853-1880s.

This series relates to the Brown and Pilson family correspondence (see Series 3 & 10). The Martha Finley items are letters written to Finley, who was the sister of Sarah Brown, mostly in the 1880s (5:1). There are also letters sent by Martha Finley in 1853 and 1854 (5:2). The folder for Octavia Finley, who was possibly Martha’s daughter, includes letters from 1880 and 1889, both sent and received (5:4).

6. Peter C. Humble Papers.  3 folders (ca. 45 items).  1860-1894.

This series consists of financial, legal, and military papers. The Bills and Receipts include 35 items, mainly tax receipts (6:1). The four legal documents from Guilford County are a summons; a judgment from an action between W.M. Mebane vs. David Lineberry and Humble; a list of items sold from the estate of Simeon Humble; and a license to distill liquor (6:2). The military records reflect Humble’s service with Co. H, 13th N.C. Infantry (6:3). Included are a will written upon conscription into the service; a discharge; some miscellaneous IOUs from service; and a parole and Oath of Allegiance from North Carolina.

7. George W. Lewis Papers.  6 folders (19 items).  1860-1866.  [1977.8]

This material is varied and relates to the experience of Lewis as a cavalryman with the 28th Mississippi Cavalry. It consists of five subseries, as well as a related series (Series 11, see below) on the 28th Mississippi. The daybook presents many miscellaneous and barely readable entries (7:1). The clearest appears to be a listing of clothing with costs. The correspondence, dating from October 1860 to February 1866, consists of both letters received and sent (7:2). One interesting item is a handmade postal cover. The military papers include memoranda, furlough requests, clothing lists and passes that reflect Lewis’s service as Quartermaster and Sergeant in the 28th Mississippi during 1864-65 (7:3). A postwar voter registration form is from Mississippi (7:4), and a postwar photograph (7:5; filed with general photo collection; unable to locate, May 2020) shows Lewis seated in civilian clothes.

8. Miscellaneous Military Records.  8 folders (ca. 25 items).  1862-1865.

The material in this series represents a variety of types of documents. The folders are arranged alphabetically by type.

EXEMPTIONS (8:1) include an 1862 printed statement by Justice of the Peace John McLean attesting to Lewis Smith’s employment in a mechanical trade (at Shaw’s Mills, in Guilford County), which qualified Lewis for a military exemption. Also included is an Anson County exemption for employees Peter H. Swink & Hiram B. Braswell of Arnold & Cooley, firearms manufacturers in Anson County.

OATHS OF ALLEGIANCE (8:2) include one for Marcus W. Boyles of Lincoln County, NC, who was released from Pt. Lookout, MD, June 23, 1865 [1955.20.1]. Also one for A.M. Riggsbee of Orange County, NC, dated August 23, 1865 [1974.90.43].

PARDONS (8:3) include those of James R. McLean, and W.W. Perry (of Rockbridge County, Va.), signed by William H. Seward, with a hand stamp of Andrew Johnson’s signature.

PAROLES (8:4), dated 1865, include those of: J. Rhett Mote (Greensboro, May 2) [1973.11.269]; Tobias Peeler (Salisbury, NC, May 29) [1974.90.49]; John Smith and James Jones (Head-Quarters, Army Potomac, April) [1974.42.34]; and Cicero R. Barker (April; unable to locate, May 2020).

SAFEGUARDS (8:5), both written from Greensboro, include a postwar (August 1865) item concerning D.P. Foust and distilling [1976.168.30]; and J.M. Cox, of Rockingham County, relating to a horse [1981.22.1].

VOUCHERS (8:6), dated 1862-64, include: three railroad (one for the Raleigh & Gaston Railroad); one “sub-voucher” for enrolling 44 men into service; Greensborough Patriot voucher; a payment for slave labor (Richard, owned by James M. Booker, of Campbell County, Va.) to work on fortifications near Lynchburg, Va.; one copy from a record book listing accounts receivable for the J & F Garrett Co. (maker of Tarpley Carbine) and Raleigh Gas Works. There are also five railroad vouchers (in the same envelope), four being from Danville to Greensboro.

ORDNANCE REPORT (8:7) includes one oversize item: “A condensed statement of Ordnance and Ordnance stores manufactured, purchased and received … by Ordnance Dept. at Raleigh, NC from 1st October 1862 to 31st March 1864.”

ORDNANCE CORRESPONDENCE (8:8) includes one letter of December 1864 from Thomas D. Hogg to Maj. Cooper, concerning arms to be requisitioned from High Point [1985.81.4]. Included is the requisition, listing arms and tools.

9. Miscellaneous Personal Correspondence. 7 folders (16 items). 1861-1865.

This diverse group of original letters (with one photocopy) is varied in content and arranged chronologically.

(9:1) is a draft of a letter, unsigned, to “Officers and other Members of the St. Paul’s Rifle Corps,” from St. Paul’s Parish. The writer acknowledges, with appreciation, his honorary membership in the rifle corps.

(9:2) is a February 1861 letter from Moses Raymond (Newton, NC) to A.B. Carmichael about the “political excitement” and its effect on seed and oil prices.

(9:3) includes five items from 1862:

— April 2: Robert Brewer Hiram and J.J. McLean to Larking Brewer, written from a camp at Goldsboro, NC, concerning personal matters [1970.76.1].
— April 8: Capt. John Hobbs to A.D. Wait, listing monies consigned to Wait from men in Hobbs’ unit (Federal) [L1963.35.3].
— April 21: Isaac Wisenhunt to Robert Perkins from Camp Wyatt, mentioning illness in camp, the blockade runner CSS Nashville bringing in 18,000 stands of Enfield rifles and other news (copy).
— June 23: “Cousin” to Eliza Andres (Bladen County) from a camp near Richmond, speaks of picket duty and the hardships of field service. Also mentions the death of Henry Clay Gorrell (includes a cover).
— August 4: An unsigned letter from Greensboro to an unknown soldier, describing Greensboro in 1862, mentioning the Gorrell family and death of Henry C. Gorrell.

(9:4) includes one item, dated January 5, 1863, from J.H. Peterson to his son, John W. Peterson, then serving with the 69th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The father mentions the difficulties of getting a package to his son, and also great joy at the news of his son’s safety [1974.90.46].

(9:5) includes five items of 1864:

— March 2: Clara Ellis to Birch Ellis of the 1st Wisconsin Heavy Artillery, discussing Clara’s family routine. Enclosed from “Jennie” is a swatch (in cover) of material for her new dress [1974.90.47].
— April 19: E.T. Wellborn to Gen. John B. Gordon, about a possible family relationship to the general, and requesting corroboration from him.
— June 20: From James A. Jones in Greensboro (“President, Moratoch M & M Co.”) to Mr. Morris, about establishing a rolling mill at the Danbury Iron Works [1980.155.2].
— November 12: G.H. Lindsay to Mother from Ft. Pulaski, Ga., during his stay as a prisoner of war. On the verso is genealogical info., ca. 1942 [1956.1.1].
— November 13: C.R. Mayton to Mr. Meriweather, from “Wagon Train Armstrong’s Brigade” about medicine for Armstrong’s Brigade.

(9:6) includes two 1865 letters: Presley Hale (in Greensboro, with 65th Reg. Indiana Vol.) to Miss Clara R. Merrill, thanking her for sending the cakes. Also a letter from Mana D. Foust to “Dear Children” concerning life and hardships in May 1865, mentioning Randolph County and the 170,000 troops who had passed through her property [1979.80.1].

(9:7) is an undated letter (February 17) from D. Worth at Company Shops to Pvt. S. Benbow concerning sending money.

10. Pilson Family Correspondence.  7 folders (36 items).  1837-1914.

This series relates to the Brown and Finley family letters (see Series 3 & 5). It is organized into seven subseries relative to: Cornelia Christian, Ella Gilley, Carrie Pilson (Mrs. Frank Pilson), Elizabeth Pilson, and Matthew Pilson. Most of the letters are postwar and concern family matters.

(10:1) includes five letters (1837, 1848) written to Cornelia Christian in Lenoir, Caldwell County. Signers include: Samuel Finley, Matthew Pilson, Elizabeth & Lavinia Pilson, Rev. Francis McFarland (from Rosemont, Va.?).

(10:2) includes three letters (1888, 1907) of Ella Gilley concerning family matters.

(10:3) comprises one 1888 letter from Carrie Pilson to her mother, plus one note.

(10:4) holds 11 items (1888-98) written to Carrie by various family members.

(10:5) includes a letter dated May 1859 from Elizabeth Pilson, and her wedding announcement.

(10:6) includes three letters (1859, 1880, 1888) from Matthew Pilson in Augusta Co, Virginia, to W.W. Lenoir in Lenoir, NC.

(10:7) is a miscellaneous folder of nine items (1859-1897) from various family (or extended family) members.

11. Regimental Records.  8 folders (32 items).  1862-1865.

This miscellaneous grouping of items is arranged by state and includes a variety of types of documents from muster rolls to passes and orders.

(11:1) Massachusetts, 23rd Regiment (Infantry) is one casualty list, 1862-65, of killed, wounded and missing, giving names, places and date of casualty.

(11:2) Mississippi, 28th Regiment (Cavalry), includes five items: lists, vouchers, and correspondence reflecting military routine. Of importance is a letter regarding the cessation of hostilities sent by order of Howell Cobb, April 21, 1865. It relates to the George C. Lewis material in Series #7.

(11:3) South Carolina, 2nd Regiment (Cavalry), is an 1861 list of officers and men of the “Brook’s Troop” Regiment.

(11:4) New York, 115th Vols (Tenth Corps, Army of the Ohio), includes six 1865 items: two circulars (muster-out designations, May 30); mustering circular, June 5; and four miscellaneous orders, May & June, including one dated from Raleigh, NC

(11:5) U.S., 5th Regiment is a muster roll, compiled for June-August 1863.

(11:6) Virginia, 11th Reg. is a muster roll (damaged), for February-August 1862.

(11:7) North Carolina, 53rd Regiment (Infantry), comprises 16 items, 1862-63, including: muster rolls, enlistment papers, pass, and orders. Includes items from Co. A, commanded by Capt. Alexander P. McDaniel, a Guilford County native. Included is his commission, signed by Gov. Henry T. Clark, and also a document signed by J. Turner Morehead [L1984.135].

(11:8) Pennsylvania, 15th Regiment (Cavalry). Includes 1 clothing book, for Companies K, L & M, for 1862-65 (oversize; unable to locate, September 1999).

12. Albright, James W.  1 folder (typescript, 314pp.).  1862-1865.

“Diary and Reminiscences of James W. Albright of Greensboro, NC” is a typescript from the originals held by the Southern Historical Collection at UNC Chapel Hill. It contains a record of Albright’s military exploits with the 12th Virginia Battalion of Light Artillery during the period from 1862 to 1865, with details of the Petersburg Campaign and Wilmington, NC. The pages are not arranged continuously chronologically, as it begins with 1864, and 1862 to 1864 is on pages 126-204. Albright’s involvement in printing Confederate paroles in Greensboro in April 1865 is found on pp. 299-300. (In this version he cites the order to print 60,000 forms, whereas in his Greensboro 1808-1904, p. 83, he lists no quantity.) Also contained here are reminiscences of Greensboro during the 1840s (pp. 115-125), including the presidential political campaign of 1840; fires in Greensboro; Methodist church and building history. Many instances mentioned in this work can be found in his published history of Greensboro.

13. Coble, Eli S.  6 folders (6 items/tablets).  1861-1863, n.d.

This material consists of wartime reminiscences by Coble of his service in the 21st N.C. Infantry (“The Dixie Boys”). It includes good personal observations of marches, battles, weapons, food and other minutia of army life. [See E. Coble Collection at the North Carolina State Archives: #1637, p. 437 in 1981 guide.]

Some of Coble’s reminiscences are typescript, and others are written on original writing tablets. They were not written contemporary to the events, however, as the accession information indicates that four of the tablets (13:1-4) were brought to the museum by Andrew Joyner Jr., and that Coble had written them in July 1893. [1925-64 Accession Ledger, pp. 298-299.]

(13:1), July 1861 – June 7, 1862, includes observations of 1st Manassas and the first part of the Valley Campaign.

(13:2), August 1862 – December 1863, recounts 2nd Manassas, and activities around Fredericksburg, Va.

(13:3), August 1862 – 1863, is labeled “Book Second” and contains information found in previous tablets.

(13:4), December 1862 – June 1863, recounts the battle of Salem Church and the march into Pennsylvania.

(13:5), n.d., recounts the Valley Campaign.

(13:6), n.d. begins as a letter written to Lindsey Fields, in September 1895.

14. Cowan, James M.  Letters.  1 folder (2 items).  1863, 1865.

These relate to the Claude H. Denson collection of wartime letters (Series 17). One item is a brief note from Lavinia Cowan to “Mistress” dated February 1865. The other letter of February 1865 is by Cowan while a prisoner of war at Governor’s Island to his father. Cowan mentions Gen. Whiting, recently wounded and captured at Fort Fisher.

15. Cox, Milton H.  Service Record.  1 folder (1 item, 7pp.).  1861-1865.

This folder contains copies of Cox’s service records, including pay forms, rosters, inspection report lists, and muster rolls. They document his service, promotion, wounding, capture and release as a Lieutenant with Co. A, 6th N.C. Troops.

16. Davis, Varina.  Letter.  1 folder (1 item).  1890.

Varina Howell Davis was the second wife of Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States of America. Mrs. Davis writes on October 14, 1890, to Dr. M.L. Wood, thanking him for the certificate of stock from the Davis Land Company. The letter is signed in the distinctive form “V. Jefferson Davis” and is written on stationery bordered in black mourning trim.

17. Denson, Claude B.  Correspondence.  1 folder (8 items).  1863-1864.

Includes letters both sent and received by Lieut. Denson, covering the period from May 1863 to June 1864. Mostly written to his wife, the letters mention his experiences at Ft. Fisher and Wrightsville, NC. [The museum also has cased photos of Denson (1981.185.1-4) and one carte de visite (1981.185.5).]

18. Dixon, Thomas C.  Exemption Papers.  1 folder (4 items).  1863-1864.

Includes an exemption, dated April 11, 1863; an extract of Special Orders #239 of December 10, 1864, sending Dixon from Camp Stokes (Greensboro, NC) to Salisbury, NC, after having been pronounced unfit for field service; a furlough of December 10, 1864, given to him for 15 days leave from the Salisbury Arsenal to Snow Camp; and a letter of March 30, 1864, written by Thomas Ruffin to Hon. McLean requesting an exemption for Dixon because of his employment at the Cain Creek Foundry. It is endorsed and signed by J.R. McLean, Rep. 6th District, NC.

19. Efland, Lewis.  Tax Records.  1 folder (9 items).  1864-1865.

These tax records relate to a Guilford County farmer during February 1864 to February 1865. Also included are: a bond; a postal cover addressed to the Hon. W.P. Mangum, with the Confederate Navy Seal embossed on it; and a receipt reflecting a purchase of hay and corn by Anderson’s Brigade.

20. Howerton, J.C.  Letters.  1 folder (3 items).  1862-1863.

Howerton served in Lewis’s Battery, Wilcox Brigade, Anderson’s Division, Army of Northern Virginia. Two of the letters are written to his cousin, B.H. Howerton (see Series 21, below).

21. Howerton, B.H.  Exemption. 1 folder (1 item).  1863.

Dated January 21, 1863, this exemption requests relief from military duty by reason of employment and provision of a substitute (see Series 20, above).

22. Hutchinson, Samuel.  Diaries.  1 folder (2 items).  1863-1864.  [1968.28.1-2]

These two small diaries were written by Hutchinson while serving with the 2nd Virginia Regimental Band. The first diary — July 22, 1863 – June 3, 1864 — describes daily life and battles, with specific reference to the Shenandoah Valley Campaign. In the back of this are Hutchinson’s drawings of James Madison’s obelisk with words reading “Madison Born March 16, 1751, Died June 28, 1836” and “In memory of Dolley Payne, wife of James Madison, born May 20, 1768, died July 8, 1849.” Also included in the back of this diary is a drawing of the house at Montpelier.

The second diary covers July 4-November 12, 1864. It describes camp life and references to the 1864 campaign to Richmond. Also included are several loose pages from the 1864 period in protective sleeves.

23. Hutchinson, Thomas.  Diary.  1 folder (2 items).  1864-1865.

Hutchinson was a private in Co. I, 26th Virginia, and his diary from December 1864 – April 1865 describes daily routine with specific references to food, desertions and the Appomatox Campaign. Included are copies of his service records, such as muster, prisoner of war and interment records.

24. Irvin, Andrew M.  Service Records.  1 folder (3 items).  1862-1863.

Copies of Irvin’s records — muster roll, roll of honor, sick and wounded register — for service with Co. G, 45th N.C. infantry regiment.

25. Johnston, Joseph.  Document (copy).  1 folder (1 item).  1864.

A photocopy of General Field Order No. 3, dated July 11, 1864, which prohibited intercourse with enemy pickets.

26. King, James B.  Discharge.  1 folder (1 item).  1865.

King was discharged from the 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry at Lexington, NC, on July 18, 1865.

27. King, William J.  Passes.  1 folder (2 items).  1864.

King served with Co. D, 63rd (5th) N.C. Cavalry, attached to Beverly Robertson’s Brigade in 1863 and Rufus Barringer’s Brigade in 1864. One pass, dated August 1863, is signed by A.R. Venable and countersigned by R.H. Chilton. The second pass, dated August 1864, is signed by Rufus Barringer, Brigade Commander, and countersigned by Walter Taylor. They relate to obtaining a horse. [1975.93.1-2]

28. Lee, Robert E.  Address.  1 folder (1 item).  1865.

A facsimile of Lee’s Farewell Address — General Order No. 9, April 10, 1865, announcing the surrender of Confederate forces.

29. McGehee, Charles.  Service Records.  1 folder (9 items).  1865.

Copies of his service records for the 53rd N.C. Infantry regiment. McGehee was captured at Gettysburg and held prisoner until exchanged in March 1865. Included are muster rolls, lists, rosters and hospital records.

30. Postal Covers.  1 folder (11 items).

These are Confederate covers, three with CSA marks. Those whose addresses appear on the covers are: Mrs. Ursilla Bryan, Miss Lucie Christian, Milton L. _________, Miss Theresa Peterson (2 items), George Ruffin, Capt. William L. Scott, J. Thomas White, and three covers to Peter Coble of Guilford County from Pvt. Henry Coble and Pvt. J.A. Coble.

31. Stuart, J.E.B.  Letters.  1 folder (2 items).  [Wigwam letter missing, July 1988]

Both letters are dated April 13, 1863, and one is directed to Brigadier Gen. James B. Gordon. One letter, written under a heading of Cavalry Corps A.N.VA., is an order by Stuart directing Gordon on military matters. The second letter, written from Wigwam, is a personal note regarding his promotion to a lieutenant general and quelling rumors regarding his separation from the cavalry.

32. Southern Express Co. Dispatch.  1 folder (1 item).  1865.

Dated March 3, 1865, from Greensboro, NC, this dispatch was sent to Capt. S.S. Kirkland from Samuel R. Chrisman regarding rerouting Hart’s Battery.

33. Smith, Gustavus W.  Dispatch Book.   1 folder (1 item, 9pp.).  1863-1864.

This book, which is incomplete, dates December 29, 1863 to January 13, 1864. Most of the letters are short and pertain to simple military administrative matters or orders to subordinates, although important leaders are included. The letters reflect Smith’s personal movements and the impending attacks by him on New Bern and Wilmington. Many letters appear to be in the hand of his adjutant, Sam W. Milton, but are endorsed by Smith.

34. U.S. Government.  Pamphlet.  1 folder (1 item).  1864.

This War Department pamphlet, “Order of American Knights,” is dated October 18, 1864. Written by J. Holt, the article focuses on the dangers of the order, its extent, organization, principles and purposes.

35. Washburn, Jeremiah.  Service Records.  1 folder (6 items).  1861-1883.

Washburn was a captain with the 21st New York Volunteers and was killed in action at Second Manassas on August 30, 1862. These records, which are copies, relate to those of his wife, Martha (see Series 36, below).

36. Washburn, Martha.  Pension Records.  1 folder (9 items).  1864-1906.

Copies of pension records, including application forms, depositions, attorney briefs and a notice of pensioner due to death (of Jeremiah Washburn, Co. C, 21st N.Y. Volunteers).

37. Wyrick, William.  Pass.  1 folder (1 item).  1863.  [L1979.1.5]

Wyrick served with Co. A, 1st N.C. This is a 30-day hospital furlough dated November 13, 1864, on an official CSA form. It notes transportation in kind and commutation of rations paid at Lynchburg.

38. Young Ladies Knitting Society.  1 folder (1 item).  1863.

The Young Ladies Knitting Society was a Greensboro organization. This item is a letter pasted to a scrapbook page. It is addressed to the above society from T.D. Jones, Capt. Co. F, 27th N.C. Troops, and thanks them for a shipment of socks.

39. Ephemera (printed).  1 folder (2 items).  1866, n.d.

This folder contains an 1866 calendar pamphlet, “Memorable Events of the Great Rebellion” [1971.27.1]. Also included is “An Official Guide of the Confederate Government From 1861 to 1865 at Richmond” [1973.180.2].

40. N.C. Official State Documents (printed).  1 folder (3 items).  1861-1863.

Two items are “Governor’s Communications,” one concerning the sale of arms to Joseph R. Anderson & Co. (1861) and the second a resolution confirming the loyalty of the State of North Carolina (1863) [1980.124.3]. Also included are Resolutions by the North Carolina General Assembly during 1862-63, declaring final secession from the Union [L1980.152.1].

41. Speeches & Addresses.  1 folder (3 items).  1861, n.d.

This printed item, “Address to the People of North Carolina” by Calvin H. Wiley, et.al., discourages the neglect of the North Carolina common school system in this “time of peril and trial.” (There are two copies of this pamphlet, 15pp.) Also included is a printed “Speech of Hon. William A. Graham of Orange…” given at the Convention of N.C., December 7, 1863, about  ordinances concerning Test Oaths and Sedition (Raleigh: W.W. Holden, Printer, 1863. 31pp.).

42. Printed General Orders (CSA).  1 folder (4 items).  1863-1865.

All items are from the Adjutant and Inspector General’s Office, Richmond.

#1 (January 3, 1865) explains the Conscription Act (ages 18 to 40).
#13 (January 31, 1865) lists CSA arsenals and armories (including Greensboro).
#146 (November 9, 1863) publishes the cost of cloth for the army.
No # (November 16, 1861), State militia general officers and regimental commanders are ordered to respond to regulations for Confederate generals.

43. Jackson, Thomas J. (Stonewall).  1 folder (1 item).  1863.

This item is a copy of a field message from Jackson to Col. Gaston Lewis, September 28, 1863, informing him that his regiment would soon be ordered back to Jackson’s command.

44. Bishop’s Home Guards.  1 folder (2 items).  1861.

Two documents relating to the establishment of Home Guards for Capt. M.R. Bishop’s District, probably in Guilford County. One document is Richard Levins’ appointment as a “patrol” for the unit (June 4, 1861). The other is an enlistment sheet (May 2, 1861).

45. Davidson Guards.  1 folder (1 item).  1861(?).  [L1981.132.10]

Address by the Ladies of Davidson made during the presentation of a banner to the Guards (later Co. A, 21st Reg.).

46. Civil War Education.  1 folder (2 items).

Includes a notebook from a Mt. Airy School (part of the Harris Collection Mss. Coll. #66), in which are written the words to some Confederate songs, including the “Bonnie Blue Flag.” Also includes a handwritten literary journal – “The Sun-Beam” — from Elton, N.Y., which includes poetry and articles extolling the Union, with a Union flag on the back cover, dated January 29, 1863.

47. Albums (non-photographic).  1 folder (1 item).

This album, owned by Mattie Purvis, contains handwritten poetry and messages written by several women and men (including Confederate and Federal soldiers). On one page is part of a Confederate flag cut-out.

48. Smith, William.  1 folder (2 items).  1837/1862.

Includes a booklet, The Chess-Players (Boston: 1837), which was owned by William Smith, a Confederate Congressman, wartime governor of Virginia, and a major general. An explanatory note states that the book was captured as “rebel property from the residence of Ex-Congressman Billy Smith, Fair Fax C.H., Va. April 1st, 1862 and presented to C.A. Walborn … by Gen. [Lafayette Curry] Baker, Chief of the Secret Service of the United States.”

49. Hancock, Winfield Scott.  1 folder (1 item).  1884.

A postwar note (June 16, 1884) sending regrets for not being able to attend a “Celebration Ball by the Young Gentlemen of Greensboro…” Hancock, a Union general, commanded the II Corps of the Army of the Potomac and ran unsuccessfully in 1880 as the Democratic candidate for president against Garfield.

50. Cox, Theodore.  1 folder (1 item).  1865.  [2017.25.1]

A letter from Lt. Col. Theodore Cox at the headquarters of the 23rd Corps in Greensboro to Maj. J.R. Chisman (probably Samuel R. Chrisman) dated May 7, 1865. It acknowledges a request for “transportation for certain named negroes to their homes” and states that the Chief Quartermaster has been instructed to provide that transportation. Cox was likely the younger brother of Major General Jacob D. Cox, who commanded the 23rd Corps.

51. S.C. Official State Documents.  1 folder (1 item).  1852.

Journal of the State Convention of South Carolina… (Columbia, 1852). Declares that South Carolina has the right and sufficient cause to secede but refrains to do so because of considerations of expediency. This marked the evolution of states’ rights opinion from nullification to secession.

52. Newspaper Illustration.  1 folder (2 items).  1865.

Includes one illustration from Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper (May 1865) of negotiations between generals Sherman and Johnston held on April 18, 1865. Also an illustration from Harper’s Weekly (June 3, 1865) of the paroling of Confederate prisoners at Greensboro.

53. Guilford Grays.  1 folder (4 items).  1862-1932.

The most significant items in this series are two letters. One was sent from Henry Coble to his father on January 11, 1863, from a camp near Petersburg, Va. He asks for a “fresh snack” to be sent by way of Rev. T.L. Tray. The second is composed of separate letters on front and back, both addressed to Coble’s father, one from John Henry and the other from cousin J.M. Hardin (Co. B, 27th N.C. Infantry). They are dated April 27, 1862, from Camp South West near Kinston. They ask for utensils and also request correspondence. Also included are two typescripts, one detailing the Guilford Grays experiences of Henry Brown, published in the Greensboro Daily News, January 17, 1932. Another is a postwar address on behalf of the Grays to the “Queens” of Edgeworth Seminary, thanking them for a banner presented to the company (apparently commemorating their Civil War Service).

54. Clark, Walter M.  1 folder (1 item).  1861.

A photocopy of a cadet unit muster roll, 1861, written by Walter Clark. The unit name is unknown, although it could possibly be a Randolph County company in which Clark served as an officer cadet. See: Address by Walter Clark about Randolph Co. Soldiers… p. 8. Clark later edited North Carolina Regiments, 1861-65 (1901).

55. Poll Books.  1 folder (2 items).  1864.

Two Pennsylvania poll books from the 1864 election, used by soldiers of Columbia and Berks counties, were used at various sites (military camps, hospitals, etc.) to enable Federal soldiers to vote by absentee ballot in the presidential contest between Lincoln and McClellan.

56. Ladies Soldiers Aid Society of Greensboro.  1 folder (1 item).

This item is an appeal by the society for bandages and financial contributions to aid the Confederate hospitals in North Carolina and Virginia. It also announces an upcoming meeting.

57. Map.  1 folder (1 item).  ca. 1865.

A map (published by James T. Paterson), owned by Capt. Frank B. James, of the 52nd Reg. (Ohio Infantry), which was stationed in North Carolina. The route of Sherman’s march from Savannah to Raleigh is traced in pencil.

58. Poem.  1 folder (2 items).

A portion of the noted poem, “Lines on the Back of a $500 Confederate Note” is included, plus a typewritten sheet giving the history of the poem.

59. Bibliography.  1 folder (1 item).

A dated bibliography of the Battle of Gettysburg.

60. Pamphlet.  1 folder (1 item).  1866.

A Guide to the Fortifications and Battlefields Around Petersburg, printed in 1866 by Jarratt’s Hotel, Petersburg, Virginia, as a guide to the Petersburg battlefield. It is interesting in that it was prepared so shortly after the war and intended primarily for northern visitors. The information for the book was furnished by a federal engineer and includes a map.

61. Pamphlet.  1 folder (1 item).  1911.

“Address by Walter Clark About Randolph County Soldiers in the Great War 1861-1865,” printed in conjunction with the erection of a Confederate memorial. It details the formation and activity of Randolph County companies during the war. Clark was Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court.

62. Miscellaneous Military Records — Federal.  5 folders (6 items).  1863-1866.

Includes a variety of military documents (see also Series 8).

(62:1) Discharges. 2 items. Includes two Union naval discharges, one for Seaman William Lewis from the Ohio (November 23, 1863) [1985.119.1], and one for James Bright from the Ossipee (June 29, 1865) [1985.81.2]. Bright’s discharge was processed by the paymaster on the U.S. Receiving Ship North Carolina.

(62:2) Receipts. 1 item. Receipts for Lt. John Dettimore for molasses, sugar, etc. from July 12, 1864 to March 1, 1865. A 2-cent U.S. Internal Revenue stamp is affixed [1976.145.3].

(62:3) Calendar. 1 item. Includes an 1865 calendar card from the Office of the Surgeon General, USA.

(62:4) Pamphlet. 1 item. “Index of Circulars, Adjutant General’s Office, 1866.” This index was part of the 8th U.S. Infantry Regimental Library. The unit occupied Raleigh after the war [1984.90.1].

(62:5) Correspondence. 1 item. Official correspondence from Commander H. Rolando, captain of the U.S. Steamer Seminole, to the commander of the steamer Antona, A.S.B. Zerega, dated January 8, 1864. The letter contains instructions to Zerega on what to do if a ship attempts to run the blockade [L1980.128.4].

63. Miscellaneous Military Records — Confederate.  6 folders (9 items).  1861-1865.

(63:1) Medical furloughs. 3 items. Includes three furloughs: Private William Wynck, 1st N.C. (1863; unable to locate, May 2020); Corporal J.L. Stroun, Hunton’s Brigade (1864) [L1979.1.6]; and Private J.S. Segles, 20th S.C. (1865).

(63:2) Railroad Items. 2 items. Includes a waybill for the Piedmont Railroad, for 140 sacks of corn for Major Chrisman, March 5, 1862. Also a Confederate rail pass on the Raleigh & Gaston Railroad, from Weldon to Raleigh, November 25, 1862 [L1979.1.3].

(63:3) Telegrams. 1 item. Includes a telegram (November 3, 1861) from N.C. Lamb of Raleigh, informing General Pillow (at the time, a Confederate brigadier in Tennessee) that Capt. Sawyer’s rifles were finished and that Pillow’s order for 10,000 rifles would be ready within a year.

(63:4) Commissary. 1 item. Printed list of circulars issued by the Confederate States Subsistence Dept. from July 8-21, 1864. The circulars deal with the distribution of rations to hospitals. Distributed by Major James Sloan, Chief Commissary, NC, whose department was based in Greensboro.

(63:5) Receipts. 1 item. Receipt for D.W. Cooper by Pvt. Henry Smith, 2nd Battalion N.C. Infantry. Smith’s father sued Cooper for the $1500 owed him as a substitute (in the army) for Cooper. The receipt is for $100 of the balance owed.

(63:6) Passports. 1 item. This passport (September 20, 1864) for Wilhelm R. Bergholz, a German citizen, allowed him to go through Confederate lines to either the port of Wilmington or Charleston [1981.58.12].

64. Receipt.  1 folder (1 item).  1865.

This receipt, witnessed in Greensboro on December 10, 1865, certifies that J. Coltrain and M. Coltrain paid their federal taxes during the period of the “insurrection.”

65. Report.  1 folder (1 item).  1861.  [1983.31.4]

This eleven page Confederate report is from the Committee on Machinery on the stores, machinery, and property captured at Harper’s Ferry. It was the result of a dispute between the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Confederate government over who had rights to the machinery. The committee asked that Virginia hand over the machinery to the central government but resolved that it be kept in Virginia. Some of the machinery had already been sent to the arsenal in Fayetteville, NC.

66. Miscellaneous Personal Correspondence.  5 folders (5 items).  1861-1865.

Includes various letters by soldiers, both Union and Confederate.

(66:1) 1 item. September 25, 1861. Rev. Robert Hanner Gillespie writes to his son, William Henry Harrison Gillespie, instructing him to take precautions in regards to the measles William contracted while at Camp Trenton, Tennessee. A Guilford County native and former minister of Buffalo Presbyterian Church, Rev. Gillespie was then residing in Purdy, Tennessee [1957.21.1].

(66:2) 1 item. July 1, 1862. This is two letters on one sheet, written from Garysburg, NC. Both are probably addressed to the same individual, a mutual friend of George W. Shofner, Co. F, 53rd NC Infantry, and another soldier. Shofner mentions the Federal losses at Richmond (Peninsula Campaign), which he hopes will end the war. Both recount their experiences in camp, on guard duty, and other routines of camp life [1979.98.11].

(66:3) 1 item. April 6, 1863. In this letter, Surgeon Samuel Kneeland of the 45th Massachusetts expresses his concern about sanitation conditions at the regiment’s camp near New Bern, NC. He instructs Col. C.R. Codman about measures that need to be taken to alleviate the problem [1985.42.1].

(66:4) 1 item. September 20, 1864. W.P.M. Kirkman, a Confederate prisoner at Pt. Lookout, Maryland, requests a tin of tobacco from his father.

(66:5) 1 item. April 25, 1865. Written from Raleigh, NC, from “Edgar” to “Frank,” this is from a member of the 154th Reg., N.Y. Volunteers, and mentions Johnston’s surrender and the impending end to hostilities. Most of the letter is of a personal nature.

FOLDER LISTING

Index to the Civil War Collection (ca. 1837-1914)

Note: The numbers following the name/subject entry — e.g., 1:1 — Series#:Folder# (or, if no “:”, Series only) that name/topic can found.

A:
Albright, Henry C.: 1:1-3 (1861-64)
Albright, James W.: diaries, 12:1
American Knights, Order of: 34:1 (1864)
Anderson’s Brigade: 19:1 (1864-65)
Andres, Eliza: 9:3 (1862)
Ansonia County, NC: 8:1
Antona (ship): 62:5 (1864)
Armstrong’s Brigade: 9:5 (1864)
Arnold & Coolly: firearms manufacturers, 8:1 (1862)

B:
Baker, Gen. Lafayette Curry: 48:1 (1862)
Barker, Cicero R.: parole, 8:4 (1865)
Barringer, Rufus: 27:1
Benbow, Pvt. S.: 9:7 (1860s)
Bergholz, Wilhelm R.: passport, 63:6
Bishop’s Home Guards (Guilford County?): 44:1 (1861)
Blockade running: supplies, 9:3 (1862)
Booker, James M.: slave voucher, 8:6 (Virginia)
Boyles, Marcus W.: oath of allegiance, 8:2
Braswell, Hiram B.: military exemption, 8:1 (1862)
Brewer, Larking: 9:3 (1862)
Brown family: 5; papers 3:1-6
Brown, Allen: corresp., 3:1 (1860)
Brown, Henry: Guilford Grays experiences, 53:1 (1932)
Brown, Hugh Thomas: corresp., 3:2 (1856-64)
Brown, Sarah: corresp., 3:1 (1860)

C:
Cain Creek Foundry: 18:1 (1864)
Camp Stokes (Greensboro): 18:1 (1864)
Camp Trenton, TN: 66:1 (1861)
Camp Wyatt: 9:3 (1862)
Carmichael, A.B.: 9:2 (1861)
Chilton, R.H.: 27:1 (1864)
Chrisman, Major: 63:2 (1862)
Chrisman, Samuel R.: 32:1, 50:1 (1865)
Christian, Cornelia: 10:1 (1837-56)
Christian, Lucie: postal cover, 30:1
Civil War–Confederate:
Advertisements: 2
Anderson’s Brigade: 19:1
Artwork: 2:8 (1864)
Cavalry: Greensboro inspection, 2:15 (n.d.)
Battles: 1st Bull Run, 2:14 (1861), 13:1; 2nd Bull Run, 13:2 (1862); Petersburg guide, 60:1 (1866)
Bonds: 4 (1861-64), 19:1
Cadets: muster roll, 54:1 (1861)
Calendar, Confederate: 39:1 (1866)
Campaigns:
Appomatox, 23 (1864-65)
Fredericksburg, 13:2 (1862-63)
Gettysburg, 13:4 (1863)
Petersburg, 12:1, 60:1
Richmond, 22:1 (1864), 66:2 (1862)
Shenandoah Valley, 13:5, 22 (1963-64)
Wilmington, 12:1
Camp Stokes (Greensboro): 18:1 (1864)
Commissaries: 2:7 (1863); NC, 63:4 (1864)
Commodities: seed & oil prices, 9:2 (1861)
Diaries: 12 (1862-65); 22 (1863-64); 23 (1864-65)
Discharges: military, 6:3
Equipment & supplies: blankets, 2:4 (1862); clothing costs, 7:1, 42:1; food, 62:2 (1964-65)
Exemption forms/papers: 8:1 (1862); 18:1 (1863-64); 21:1 (1863)
Firearms: 8:8 (1864), 40:1 (1861), 63:3 (1861)
“blockade” rifles, 9:3 (1862)
Green’s Carbine, 2:19 (n.d.)
Tarpley carbine, 2:6 (1863)
Flag (representations of): 46:1; 47:1
Foundries: Cain Creek Foundry, 18:1 (1864)
General Orders: 42:1 (1861-65); #18, 2:10 (1865); #98, 2:13 (1865)
Government: guide to, 39:1 (1861-65)
Hart’s Battery: 32:1 (1865, Greensboro)
Home front: Randolph County, 9:6 (1865)
Home Guards: 44:1 (1861)
Horses: 8:5
Hospitals: 56:1, 63:4 (1864); passes: 37:1 (1863)
Maps: Sherman’s march, 57:1 (1865)
Medical: conditions in NC, 66:3 (1863); furloughs, 63:1 (1863-65)
Navy, Confederate: seal, 19:1
Newspapers: illustrations, 52:1 (1865)
Oaths of Allegiance: 6:3; 8:2 (1865)
Ordnance: corresp., 8:8 (1864); reports at Raleigh, 8:7 (1862-64)
Pamphlets: 40:1 (1861-63); 41:1 (1861); 61:1 (1911)
Pardons: 8:3
Parole forms: 8:4 (1865); printing in Greensboro, 12:1 (1865)
Passports: 63:6 (1864)
Pension records: 36:1 (1864-1901)
Piedmont Railroad: waybill, 63:1 (1862)
Prisoners: Governor’s Island, 14:1 (1865)
Postal covers: 30:1; handmade, 7:2
Railroads: 63:2 (1862); vouchers, 8:6
Receipts: 62:5
Regiments:
Arkansas: Frontier Guards, 3:3
Mississippi: 23rd, 11:2; 28th, 7, 11:2
North Carolina: 1st, 37:1, 63:1; 2nd bat., 63:5; 13th, 6:3 (1862-65); 21st, 45:1 (1861);
21st “Dixie Boys”, 13 (1861-63); 26th, 1; 27th, 38:1 (1863), 53:1; 45th, 24:1 (1862-63); 53rd, 11:7, 9:1, 66:2;
63rd Cavalry, 27:1 (1864)
South Carolina: 2nd (“Brook’s Troop”), 11:3 (1861); 20th, 63:1 (1865)
Virginia: 2nd (Reg. Band), 22:1; 11th, 11:6; 12th, 12:1 (1864-65); 26th, 23 (1864-65);
Anderson’s Div., 20:1 (1862-63)
Reminiscences: 13 (1861-63)
Schools and schooling: 46:1
Safeguards (passes): 8:5 (Greensboro, 1865)
Salisbury Arsenal: 18:1 (1864)
South Carolina: state documents, 51:1 (1852)
Songs & poetry: 46:1 (1863); 58:1
Stocks (financial): 4 (1863-65)
Speeches & orations: 41:1 (1861-65); at Greensboro, 2:16 (n.d.)
Surrender: 66:5 (1865); Sherman/Johnston, Harper’s Weekly illus., 52:1 (1865)
Taxes: receipt (Greensboro), 64:1 (1865); records, 19:1 (1864-65)
Telegrams: 63:3 (1861)
Vouchers: 8:6 (1862-64)
Voting: registration form, 7:4 (Mississippi, 1867)
Women’s organizations: 38:1 (1863); 56:1 (1865)
Women’s roles: address to Davidson Guards, 45:1; 2:4 (1862)
Civil War–Federal:
Calendar: 62:3 (1865)
Circulars: Index of Circulars (book, 1866)
Clothing: 15th Pennsylvania, 11:8 (1862-65)
Correspondence: official, 61:5 (1864)
Discharges: 62:1 (1863-65)
Receipts: 62:2 (1865)
Regiments:
Indiana: 65th, 9:6 (Greensboro, 1865)
Massachusetts: 23rd, 11:1
New York: 21st, 35:1; 115th (10th Corps), 11:4
Massachusetts: 45th, 66:3
New York: 154th, 66:5 (1865)
Ohio: 52nd, 57:1; 69th, 9:4 (1863)
Pennsylvania: 9th, 2:1 (1865); 15th (Cavalry), 11:8
U.S.: 5th, 11:5; 8th, 62:4 (1866)
Wisconsin: 1st (Heavy Artillery), 9:5 (1864)
Sherman, Gen. Wm. T.: March (penciled on map), 57:1
Clark, Gov. Henry T.: signature, 11:7
Clark, Walter M.: 54:1 (1861); printed address, 61:1 (1911)
Clothing: swatch of material, 9:5 (1864)
Coble, Henry: 53:1 (1863)
Coble, Eli S.: 61:1; reminiscences, 13:1-3 (1861-63)
Coble, Pvt. Henry: postal cover, 30:1
Coble, Pvt. J.A.: postal cover, 30:1
Coble, Peter: postal covers, 30:1
Codman, Col. C.R.: 66:3 (1863)
Cole, Capt. B.L.: inspection at Greensboro, 2:15 (n.d.)
Coltrain, J.: tax receipt, 64:1 (1865)
Coltrain, M.: tax receipt, 64:1 (1865)
Company Shops: letter from, 9:7 (1860s)
Confederate States of America:
Bonds: 4:1 (1861-64)
Stocks: 4:2 (1863-65)
Cooper, D.W.: 63:5
Cooper, Major: 8:8 (1864)
Cowan, James M.: 14:1 (1863, 1865)
Cowan, Lavinia: 14:1 (1865)
Cox, J.M.: 8:5 (Rockingham, County, 1865)
Cox, Milton H.: 15:1 (1861-65)
Cox, Theodore: 50:1 (1865)
Cunningham, Mary: corresp., 3:3 (1861-63)

D:
Danbury Iron Works: rolling mill, 9:5 (1864)
Danville, Va.: railroad vouchers (to Greensboro), 8:6
Davidson Guards (NC): address to by Ladies, 45:1 (1861?)
Davis, Varina: 16:1 (1890)
Denson, Claude B.: 14:1; 17:1 (1863-64)
Dettimore, Lt. John: 62:2 (1865)
Distilling: 8:5
Dix, John Ross: poem re. Sheridan & Longstreet, 2:8 (1864)
Dixon, Sarah: letters to, 1:1-2 (1861-64)
Dixon, Thomas C.: letters to, 1:1-2 (1861-64); 18:1 (1863-64)

E:
Eckel, Alexander P.: 2:1 (1861)
Edgeworth Female Seminary: 53:1
Efland, Lewis: 19:1 (1864-65)
Elections, U.S.: registration, 7:4 (1867)
Elton, NY: literary journal, 46:1 (1863)
Ellis, Birch: 9:4 (1864)
Ellis, Clara: 9:4 (1864)

F:
Fields, Lindsey: letter to, 13:6 (1895)
Finley, Ellen: corresp., 5:3 (1860)
Finley, Martha: corresp., 5:1-2 (1853-54, 74-80s)
Finley, Octavia: corresp., 5:4 (1880-89)
Finley, Samuel: 10:1 (1837, 1848)
Foust, D.P.: 8:5 (1865)
Foust, Maria: 9:6 (1865)
Ft. Fisher: 17:1 (1863-64); Gen. Whiting wounded at, 14:1
Ft. Pulsar, GA: 9:5 (1864)

G:
Garysburg, NC: letter from, 66:2 (1862)
Gillespie, Robert H.: corresp., 66:1 (1861)
Gillespie, William Henry Harrison: 66:1 (1861)
Gilley, Ella: 10:2 (1898-1907)
Gilmer, James A.: speech, 2:16 (n.d.)
Goldsboro, NC: 9:3 (1862)
Gordon, Gen. James B. (1822-64): corresp., 3:4 (1847-64); letter from J.E.B Stuart, 31:1 (1863)
Gordon, Gen. John B. (1832-1904): letter to, 9:5 (1864)
Gorrell, Henry Clay: death of, 9:3 (1862); poem in death, 2:5 (1862)
Gorrell, Ralph: speech, 2:16 (n.d.)
Gorrell family: 9:3 (1862)
Governor’s Island: prison, 14:1 (1865)
Graham, William A.: speech (pamphlet), 41:1 (1863)
Greensboro, NC:
celebration ball, 49:1 (1884)
description, 9:3 (1862)
Ladies Soldiers Aid Society, 56:1 (1865)
letter from, 9:3 (1862), 9:6 (1865)
reminiscences, 12:1 (1840s-60s)
tax receipts from, 64:1 (1865)
Young Ladies Knitting Society, 38:1 (1863)
Greensboro Female College: benefit concert, 2:18 (n.d.)
Greensborough Patriot: voucher, 8:6
Guilford County, NC: farm tax records, 19:1 (1864-65); home guards, 44:1 (1861)
Guilford County Vigilance Committee: mtg. of southern supporters, 2:17 (n.d.)
Guilford Grays: papers, 53:1 (1863-1932)

H:
Hale, Presley: 9:6 (1865)
Halsey, Aurelia: corresp., 3:5 (1864)
Hancock, Winfield Scott: 49:1 (1884)
Hardin, J.M.: 53:1 (1862)
Harper’s Ferry, Va.: report on, 65:1 (1861)
Hart, ______: re. Hart’s Battery, 32:1 (1865)
Henry, John: 53:1 (1862)
High Point, NC: ordnance, 8:8 (1864)
Hiram, Robert B.: 9:3 (1862)
Hobbs, Capt. John: 9:3 (1862)
Hogg, Thomas D.: 8:8 (1864)
Holt, A.: 34:1 (1864)
Howerton, B.H.: 20:1; 21:1 (1863)
Howerton, J.C.: 20:1 (1862-63)
Humble, Peter C.: papers, 6:1-3 (1860-94)
Humble, Simeon: estate sale, 6:2
Hutchinson, Samuel: 22:1 (1863-64)
Hutchinson, Thomas: diary, 23:1 (1864-65)

I:
Irvin, Andrew M.: 24:1

J:
Jackson, Thomas J. (“Stonewall”): order (copy), 43:1 (1863)
James, Capt. Frank B.: 57:1 (1865)
Johnson, Andrew: stamped signature, 8:3
Johnston, Joseph E.: general orders, 25:1; surrender terms, 2:9-10 (1865)
Jones, James A.: 9:5 (1864)
Jones, Capt. T.D.: 38:1 (1863)

K:
King, James B.: discharge, 26:1 (1865)
King, William J.: 27:1 (1864
Kinston, NC: military camp, 53:1 (1862)
Kirkland, S.S.: 32:1 (1865)
Kirkman, W.P.M.: corresp., 66:4 (1864)
Kneeland, Samuel: corresp., 66:3 (1863)

L:
Ladies Soldiers Aid Society of Greensboro: 56:1 (1865)
Lamb, N.C.: telegram re. rifles, 63:3 (1861)
Lee, Gen. Robert E.: Farewell address, 28:1 (1865, facsimile)
Levin, Richard: 44:1 (1861)
Lewis, Col. Gaston: order from Gen. Jackson, 43:1 (1863)
Lewis, George W.: papers, 7:1-5 (1850s-67); 11:2
Lewis, William: seaman on Ohio, 62:1 (1863)
Lexington, NC: discharge at, 26:1 (1865)
Lindsay, G.H.: 9:5 (1864)
Lineberry, David: 6:2
Liquor: license, 6:2
Longstreet, Gen. James: poem about, 2:8 (1864)
Lynchburg, Va.: 37:1 (1863); fortifications, 8:6

M:
McDaniel, Alexander P.: 11:7 (1862-63)
McGehee, Charles: service records, 29:1 (1865)
McLean, James R.: 18:1 (1864); pardon, 8:3
McLean, John: 8:1 (1862)
Madison, Dolley, 22:1 (1863)
Madison, James (sketch of obelisk), 22:1 (1863)
Mangum, W.P.: 19:1
Massachusetts: 23rd Regiment, 11:1
Massachusetts Arms Co.: use of Green’s Carbine, 2:19 (n.d.)
Mayton, C.R.: 9:5 (1864)
Merill, Clara: 9:6 (1865)
Meriweather, Mr.: 9:5 (1864)
Milton, Samuel W.: Adjutant to Gen. Smith, 33:1 (1863-64)
Montpelier, VA (Madison estate): sketch of house, 22:1 (1863)
Moratoch M & M Co. (Greensboro): 9:5 (1864)
Morehead, James Turner: 11:7 (1862-63)
Morris, Mr.: letter to (Greensboro) 9:5 (1864)
Mote, J. Rhett: parole, 8:4 (Greensboro, 1865)
Mt. Airy, NC (?); school notebook, 46:1 (1860s)
Myers, A.C.: 2:2 (1862)

N:
Nashville (blockade runner): supplies, 9:3 (1862)
New Bern, NC: attacks on, 33:1 (1863064); sanitary conditions, 66:3 (1863)
North Carolina: “loyalty” resolution, 40:1 (1863); secession resolutions, 40:1 (1862-63); school system, 41:1 (1861)
North Carolina (ship): discharge processed aboard, 62:1 (1865)

O:
Ohio (ship): discharge from, 62:1 (1863)
Ossipee (ship): discharge from, 62:1 (1865)

P:
Peeler, Tobias: parole, 8:4 (Salisbury, 1865)
Pennsylvania: poll books, 55:1 (1864)
Perkins, Robert: 9:3 (1862)
Perry, W.W.: pardon, 8:3
Petersburg, Va.: 53:1 (1863); campaign reminiscences, 12:1
Peterson, J.H.: 9:4 (1863)
Peterson, John W.: 9:4 (1863)
Peterson, Theresa: postal cover, 30:1
Pillow, Gen. Gideon Johnson: 63:3 (1861)
Pilson family: 5; papers, 10
Pilson, Carrie: 10:3-4 (1888)
Pilson, Elizabeth: 10:1 (1837, 1848); 10:5 (1859, 1914)
Pilson, Lavinia: 10:1 (1837, 1848)
Pilson, Matthew: 10:1 (1837, 1848); 10:6 (1859; 1880s)
Point Lookout, MD: 8:2 (1865); 66:4 (1864)
Purvis, Mattie: scrapbook album, 47:1 (1860s)

R:
Railroads: vouchers: 8:6
Raleigh, NC: 66:5 (1865); pamphlet from occupation, 62:4 (1866); orders from, 11:4 (1865); ordnance at, 8:7 (1862-64)
Raleigh & Gaston Railroad: 8:6; pass, 63:2 (1862)
Randolph County, NC: address on Civil War soldiers, 61:1 (1911); troops passing through, 9:6 (1865)
Raymond, Moses: 9:2 (1861)
Regiments:
North Carolina, 2:3 (1862)
St. Paul’s Rifle Corps, 9:1 (1860)
Richmond, Va.: 2:2 (1862)
Riggsbee, A.M.: oath of allegiance, 8:2 (1865)
Robertson, Beverly: 27:1 (1864)
Rolando, Capt. H.: 62:5 (1864)
Ruffin, George: postal cover, 30:1
Ruffin, Thomas: 18:1 (1864)
Ruger, Maj. Gen.: General Order #98, 2:13 (1865)

S:
Saint Paul’s Rifle Corps: 9:1
Salisbury, NC: Arsenal, 18:1 (1864)
Scott, Capt. William L.: postal cover, 30:1
Segles, J. S.: 63:1 (1865)
Seminole (ship): 62:5 (1864)
Seward, William H. (1839-?): 8:3
Shaw’s Mills (Guilford County): 8:1 (1862)
Sheridan, Phillip Henry (1831-88): poem about, 2:8 (1864)
Sherman, William T.: map of march, 57:1 (1865); surrender terms, 2:9-10 (1865)
Shofner, George W.: corresp., 66:2 (1862)
Slavery: voucher, 8:6 (Virginia)
Sloan, James: 2:4 (1862); district commissaries, 2:7 (1863), 63:4 (1864)
Smith, Gen. Gustavus Woodson (1822-96): 33:1 (1863-64)
Smith, Pvt. Henry: 63:5
Smith, John: parole, 8:4 (1865)
Smith, Lewis: 8:1 (1862)
Smith, William (1797-1887): 48:1 (1837, 1862)
Snow Camp, NC: 18:1 (1864)
Southern Express Co.: dispatch, 32:1 (Greensboro, 1865)
Stroun, J.L.: 63:1 (1864)
Stuart, J.E.B.: 31:1 (1863)
Swink, Peter H.: 8:1 (1862)

T:
Tarpley, Garrett Co.: rifle sale, 2:6 (1863)
Taylor, Walter: 27:1 (1864)
Tray, Rev. T.L.: 53:1 (1863)

U:
United States Government: War Dept. pamphlet, 34:1 (1864)

V:
Vance, Gov. Zebulon: proclamation, 2:12 (1865); signature on bond, 4:1
Venable, A.R.: 27:1 (1864)
Virginia: battle of Fair Oaks, 2:5 (1862); Campbell County slave voucher, 8:6

W:
Wait, A.D.: 9:3 (1862)
Walborn, C.A.: 48:1 (1862)
Washburn, Jeremiah: 35:1 (1861-83)
Washburn, Martha: 36:1 (1864-1901)
Watlington, W.P.: 2:3 (1862)
Wellborn, E.T.: 9:5 (1864)
White, J. Thomas: postal cover, 30:1
White, M.A.: 4:1 (Salisbury, NC, 1864)
Whiting, Gen. William Henry Chase (1824-65): 14:1 (1865)
Wiley, Calvin H.: pamphlet (“Address to the People of N.C.”), 41:1 (1861)
Williams, D.C.: correspondence, 3:6 (1861-63)
Wilmington, NC: attacks on,
Wood, Dr. M. L.: letter from Mrs. Jeff. Davis, 16:1 (1890)
Worth, D.: 9:7 (1860s)
Worth, Jonathan: signature on bond, 4:1
Wrightsville, NC: 17:1 (1863-64)
Wynck, William: 63:1 (1863)
Wyrick, William: hospital pass, 37:1 (1863)

Y:
Young Ladies Knitting Society [Greensboro]: 38:1 (1863)

Z:
Zerega, A.S.B.: 62:5 (1864)

NOTE: The numbers cited in parentheses, e.g. 1:5, refer the researcher to the Series#:Folder# in which that name/topic will be found.

INTRODUCTION

This collection consists primarily of materials relating to David Schenck and the Guilford Battle Ground Company, an organization he helped organize and for which he served as the first president. Founded in 1887, the not-for-profit company was charged with the dual mission of trying to acquire the land on which the Battle of Guilford Courthouse was fought and establishing a park there to commemorate that Revolutionary War event and its participants.

Researchers will find the collection rich in materials relating to some of the activities of the Guilford Battle Ground Company, particularly the acquisition of land and the negotiations relating to the design and installation of the Nathanael Greene Memorial Monument in the park.  Also of interest may be a small group of documents pertaining to David Schenck’s personal affairs, which include items that trace the history of ownership of his “home lot” and early deeds for lots in Green Hill Cemetery.

Arrangement: The materials that compose the Guilford Battle Ground Collection are alphabetically arranged into the following seven series: Correspondence, 1898-1916; Drawings, 1902; Financial, 1891-1905; Legal, 1857-1895; Miscellaneous, 1898; Printed, 1887-1954; and Watkins, Nancy Woodburn, 1959.

Provenance: The Guilford Battle Ground Collection was donated to the Greensboro Historical Museum over the course of a number of years. Accession numbers assigned to materials in the collection include the following: 1950.9.1, 1956.3.1, 1965.27.21, 1967.181, 1969.1.1, 1970.20.2, 1973.51.3, 1973.143.92, 1974.87.1-2, 1976.83.1, 1980.28.12, 2020.57.1, 2020.68.1, and 2023.21.1. The Museum also possesses related materials that are not part of the collection, such as early images of the park and a copy of Schenck’s book entitled North Carolina, 1780-’81 (1950.9.1). Researchers interested in either Schenck or The Guilford Battle Ground Company may want to consult the David Schenck Papers (#652) held by the Southern Historical Collection at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. A copy of the inventory to the Schenck Papers is in the first folder of this collection.

Processing: This collection was organized and the finding aid prepared by Francis D. Pitts III in April 2000.

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE

In 1881 Judge David Schenck, presiding over the Ninth Judicial District in North Carolina, resigned his position with the court to become the general counsel for the Richmond and Danville Railroad, which at that time had its main legal offices in Greensboro.

Upon moving to Greensboro in 1882, Schenck actively embraced public service in his new community. As a town commissioner, he sought to modernize and expand the infrastructure of the city and to improve its public schools. During his tenure Schenck helped accomplish some of these goals, culminating with his giving the dedication speech when the cornerstone was laid for the new Lindsay Street School.

Of the personal projects he undertook while in Greensboro, perhaps none was more important to him than the one to save the site where the Battle of Guilford Courthouse took place. Largely through efforts on Schenck’s part, the Guilford Battle Ground Company was organized in 1887 to help effect that objective. Its mission was to raise money to purchase as much of the former battlefield as possible and to establish a park there commemorating the battle and its participants. The Company succeeded in this mission, and in 1917 the site was deeded to the National Park Service. Today, the park, one of the best of its kind in North Carolina, is designated the Guilford Courthouse National Military Park.

Biographical Sources: The primary sources in the collection coupled with a number of secondary sources provided information that afforded thumbnail sketches of David Schenck and the activities of the Guilford Battle Ground Company. The most useful in the latter group include the following titles: The Monuments at Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, by Thomas E. Baker (Greensboro, NC, 1979); Founders and Builders of Greensboro, 1808-1908, compiled by Bettie D. Caldwell (Greensboro, NC: Jos. J. Stone & Co., 1925); Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, Vol. 5, P-S, edited by William S. Power (Chapel Hill, NC: The UNC Press, 1994); and A Memorial Volume of the Guilford Battle Ground Company, by David Schenck (Greensboro, NC: Reece & Elam, Printers, 1893).

SCOPE & CONTENT NOTE

Types of materials in this collection include correspondence, drawings, financial and legal documents, and printed matter.

The bulk of the collection focuses on the activities of the Guilford Battle Ground Company. Researchers will find the collection strong in materials relative to the establishment of a park dedicated to commemorating the Battle of Guilford Courthouse. Of special note in this regard are the items highlighting the actions of the Guilford Battle Ground Company, especially the acquisition of land, as represented in deeds (4:3-12,14,16,18-23), on which the battle was fought. Also of note is correspondence relating to the design and installation of the Nathanael Green Memorial Monument at the park (1:2-7). Researchers may also find the financial documents of the Guilford Battle Ground Company useful, particularly a list of stockholders (3:1), a financial statement (3:4), and a copy of a stock certificate (3:5) that was originally issued in 1887, the year the company was organized.

The printed series contains materials that will afford researchers the opportunity to examine how the park developed and the types of items produced to commemorate the Battle of Guilford Courthouse. Items that will be particularly useful include materials relating to the activities of the Guilford Battle Ground Company (6:1,3-4,6,10); pamphlets examining aspects of the history of the battle and the site (6:7-9,11); and sesquicentennial celebration materials from 1931 (6:5,13).

In addition, the collection contains materials related to the personal affairs of David Schenck, the first president of the Guilford Battle Ground Company. Although these items have no bearing on the activities of the Company or the development of the park, they will prove useful in illuminating aspects of local history. Of particular interest are the documents relating to what Schenck called his “home lot,” which traces ownership of the property from 1857 to the time he purchased the land in 1882 (4:17). The “Greensboro High School” property, or “Academy Lot,” as it was sometimes called, is mentioned in some of these documents. Also of interest in the Schenck materials are two early deeds for lots in Green Hill Cemetery (4:15).

SERIES DESCRIPTIONS

1. Correspondence.  8 folders (ca. 20 items).  1898-1916.

The bulk of the correspondence series pertains to the negotiations relating to the design and installation of the Nathanael Greene Memorial Monument in the park dedicated to the Battle of Guilford Courthouse. The earliest piece of correspondence in this series is from Philadelphia sculptor Otto J. Schweizer, who submitted a proposal in December 1911 in response to a “circular letter of invitation” from the U.S. Corps of Engineers (1:5). His proposal was not chosen, but it may prove helpful to researchers interested in gaining insight into the specifications required of those submitting bids. The other letters pertaining to this topic will help the researcher understand the process by which the monument took shape. In C. Alphonso Smith’s letter, information relating to the appropriate wording for the monument is discussed (1:6). Correspondence from the office of Albert Randolph Ross, architect for the project, provides important information about how decisions were made and efforts coordinated between the principal parties involved in approving the design and producing the monument (1:3). Folders 1:2,4,7 augment the process by which the project finally came to fruition. Also in this series is a letter in which the celebrations of July 4, 1898, at the “Battle Ground” are discussed (1:8).

2. Drawings.  1 folder (1 item).  1902.

The one item in this series is a blueprint produced by W.B. Trogdon, which he titled “Property of the Guilford Battle Ground Association, Deed from D. Schenk [sic] Esq., Jany., 1902.” A prominent feature of the drawing is Lake Wilfong.

3. Financial.  5 folders (5 items).  1891-1905.

The financial series consists of items relating to the business of the Guilford Battle Ground Company. Materials worthy of note include a list of stockholders (3:1); a financial statement (3:4); and a copy of a stock certificate that was originally issued in 1887, the year the company was organized (3:5).

4. Legal.  23 folders (ca. 60 items).  1857-1895.

The bulk of the legal series appears to consist of deeds associated with purchases made by the Guilford Battle Ground Company, which sought to acquire the land where the Battle of Guilford Courthouse was fought (4:3-12,14,16,18-21). The series also contains a number of deeds and legal documents not associated with the business of the company. All of these relate, either directly or indirectly, to the personal affairs of David Schenck. This grouping consists of two sets of items. The first folder contains two deeds for lots in Green Hill Cemetery (4:15); the second, both deeds and legal documents pertaining to the property Schenck called his “home lot” (4:17). An interesting aspect of the latter group of materials is that they trace ownership of the property from 1857 to the time of Schenck’s purchase of the land in 1882. The “Greensboro High School” property, or “Academy Lot,” as it was sometimes called, is mentioned in some of these documents. Folder 4:13 also contains a deed that may be associated with Schenck’s property. Other noteworthy materials include contracts between the Guilford Battle Ground Company and contractors (4:1-2) and the articles of agreement to incorporate the “Battle Ground Park Company” (4:22).

5. Miscellaneous.  1 folder (1 item).  1898.

The miscellaneous series contains a Richmond & Danville Railroad business envelope, ca. 1898 (5:1).

6. Printed.  14 folders (21 items).  1887-1954.

The printed series contains a number of items of note. Researchers interested in the development of the park and some of the materials produced to commemorate the Battle of Guilford Courthouse will find a variety of items. The 1887 circular (6:3), 1888 invitation (6:4), 1907 annual report (6:1) and pamphlets in folders 6:6,10 afford a glimpse into the activities of the Guilford Battle Ground Company. Additional pamphlets examine other aspects of the history of the battle and the site (6:7-9,11-12).

Other noteworthy items include a 1947 Guilford Courthouse National Military Park brochure (6:2); sesquicentennial celebration materials (6:5,13); and one page of the instructions in the “Programme of Competition for the Memorial Monument” (the other pages are missing) from the Corps of Engineers (6:14).

7. Watkins, Nancy Woodburn.  1 folder (4 items).  1959.

This series contains exposition and maps produced by Nancy Woodburn Watkins. According to her, the materials pertain to “Rockingham County’s part in the Battle of Guilford Court House.”

FOLDER LISTING

Index to the Guilford Battle Ground Company Collection (ca. 1857-1959)

Note: The numbers following the name/subject entry – e.g. 1:1 – indicate in which Series#:Folder# (or, if no “:”, Series only) that name/topic can be found. Dates of the items are given in parentheses for an individual Series/Folder or, if at the end, for the entire subject/name entry. The abbreviation GSO indicates a Greensboro association.

Barringer, John A.: deed, 4:3 (1890)
Blair, F.S.: deed, 4:4 (1886)

Coble, H.L.: 1:1 (1916)

Dennis, James: deed, 4:5 (1887)
Dennis, Robert: deed, 4:6 (1893)
Dennis heirs: deed, 4:7 (1887-1888)

Elias, Kope: deed, 4:8 (1893)

Green Hill Cemetery (GSO): 4:15 (1883-1889)
Greene, Nathanael Memorial Monument: 1:2-7 (1911-1915); 6:14 (1911)
Guilford Battle Ground Co.: 1 (1898-1918); map, 2 (1902); 3 (1887-1905); 4:1-12,14,16,18-23 (1886-1894); 6:1,3-4,6-10,14 (1887-1915)
“Guilford Battle Ground Gavel, The”: pamphlet, 6:11 (1954)
Guilford Battle Sesquicentennial: 6:5,13 (1931)
Guilford Courthouse National Military Park: 6:2,5,13 (1931-1947)

Hall, Miriam C.: deed, 4:9 (1892)
Hoskins, Charles: deed, 4-10 (1890)
Hoskins, Theodosia: deed, 4:11 (1888-1894)

Lane, George T.: deed, 4:12 (1890)

Macon, Nathaniel: 6:12 (1902)
Mendenhall, Delphina E.: deed, 4:13 (1867)
Merritt, Robert C.: 1:2 (1914)

Norwood, Henry: 4:1 (nd)

Richmond & Danville Railroad: cover, 4:2,15 and 5:1 (ca. 1898)
Rockingham County (NC): Rev. War contributions, 7 (1959)
Ross, Albert Randolph: 1:3 (1914)
Ross, Phoebe: deed, 4:14 (1890)

Schenck, David: deed, 4:15-17 (1857-1893); 6:3-4,6 (1887-1904)
Schenck, David, Jr.: deed, 4:18 (1892)
Schenck, Paul W.: 1:4 (1914-1915)
Schweizer, J. Otto: 1:5 (1911)
Sikes, Emsley: 3:2 (1895); deed, 4:19 (1887-1892)
Smith, C. Alphonso: 1:6 (1914)
Stickle, H.W.: 1:7 (1914)

Vanstory, C.M.: 3:3 (1905)

Ward, Naomi: deed, 4:20 (1887-1891)
Watkins, Nancy Woodburn: 7:1 (1959)
West, J.H.: 1:8 (1898); 4:2 (1892)
Wilborn, Jesse: deed, 4:21 (1887-1889)

NOTE: The numbers cited in parentheses, e.g. 1:5, refer the researcher to the Series#:Folder# in which that name/topic will be found.

INTRODUCTION

The Joseph Gruendler Papers are a highly specialized collection that focuses primarily on draft counseling efforts, draft resistance, and conscientious objection during the Vietnam Conflict. Gruendler worked as a draft counselor and was active in anti-war efforts in Greensboro. The collection consists mostly of printed materials such as newsletters, pamphlets, booklets, handbooks, and brochures with only a scant amount of correspondence. Researchers interested in conscientious objection, the draft, military procedures, and anti-war activities will find this collection useful.

Arrangement: The Joseph Gruendler Papers are organized into fifteen series according to subject and document type. The series are: American Friends Service Committee, Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors, Conscientious Objectors, Conscientious Objector Service, Correspondence, Directories, Greensboro Peace Center, Legal, Miscellaneous, Peace and Freedom Through Non-Violent Action, Printed, Southern Student Organizing Committee, United States Army, War Tax Resistance Movement, and Winnipeg Committee to Assist War Objectors. There are nine books which were removed and placed in the book collection. The titles are in the appendix at the end of the finding aid.

Provenance: This collection was donated by Joseph Gruendler in 1987 and assigned accession number 1987.157.1.

Processing: The processing of this collection was begun by Tim Cole, and the finding aid was completed by Christine Dumoulin, Archives Assistant, in June 2004.

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE

Joe Gruendler was born on February 2, 1941, in Madison, Wisconsin. He earned a Ph.D. in engineering from the University of Wisconsin prior to coming to North Carolina. In 1968, he came to Greensboro to teach at North Carolina A&T. He was an anti-war activist and was involved in several activities, including leafleting around Greensboro, organizing demonstrations, and attending national anti-war demonstrations. He was also active in draft counseling, working with students at A&T and others who objected to military conscription. Gruendler was also involved with the Greensboro Peace Center, a local place where like-minded people could gather and organize. After the Vietnam conflict, he received a second Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and continued to teach at NC A&T until 2004.

Biographical Sources: The biographical information was gathered from the temporary finding aid and an interview conducted by Howard Hicks. Information was also gathered from an informal phone interview with Gruendler on June 24, 2004.

SCOPE & CONTENT NOTE

The types of materials in this collection are primarily printed items, such as bulletins, broadsides, manuals, handbooks, flyers, newsletters, and pamphlets. The bulk of the items relate to national organizations providing support and publications for conscientious objectors and draft resistance, draft education, non-violent resistance, and war tax avoidance with some materials from local groups. National organizations include the American Friends Service Committee, the Central Committee for Conscientious Objection (CCCO), and the Conscientious Objector Service. Local organizations include the Greensboro Peace Center and the Southern Student Organizing Committee.

There are numerous items pertaining to draft counseling, which entailed educating potential draftees on their options pertaining to military service. Educational materials for draftees include publications explaining draft procedures including medical reports for draft registrants (2:13), the draft lottery (2:20), draft laws (8:3), and addresses for the Armed Forces Examining and Entrance Stations (2:2). Materials for draft counselors include a circular for draft counselor training sessions (1:2), a draft counselors manual (2:10), and a draft law primer (8:2).

Several series contain materials on conscientious objection by reasons of religious or moral beliefs. A May 15, 1972 letter from Joseph Gruendler to Senator B. Everett Jordan states that he will no longer carry a draft card or cooperate with the Selective Service (5:1). Series three has pamphlets printed by different religious groups stating their position on war and conscription. The bulk are Christian based, such as “The Cross Before the Flag” (3:14), Catholics and Conscientious Objection (3:9), and Christian Pacifism (3:10). There is also a pamphlet on the Jewish perspective called “Can a Jew be a Conscientious Objector?” (3:8). Non-Religious publications include a newspaper discussing immigration to Canada (11:16), and a pamphlet “Services to Conscientious Objectors (2:18).

The anti-war materials consist of articles, a poster, flyers, circulars, and pamphlets published by the CCCO and other institutions. A newspaper from the Greensboro Peace Center focuses on the economic impact of war and gives ways for conscientious objectors to protest the war by economic means (7:4). A pamphlet called “The Air War and Its Costs” emphasizes the destruction and violence against the Vietnamese people by air raids (11:6), and an information packet with two articles documenting the horrors of war (1:2).

Series fourteen is of particular interest in that it contains materials on the war tax resistance movement. Participants refused to pay taxes that supported the conflict. There is a booklet on war tax resistance, what it means, and how to legally avoid paying taxes (14:1), a pamphlet on the war tax refusal campaign (14:14), and income tax refusal (14:5).

There are also nine books including a guide to the draft by activists Arlo Tatum and Joseph S. Tuchinsky, Handbook for Conscientious Objectors, guides about non-violence, and Ain’t Gonna Pay for No More War, a book about war tax resistance. (Filed separately. See appendix)

SERIES DESCRIPTIONS

1. American Friends Service Committee. 10 folders (12 items). 1950-1970.

This series contains items relating to different activities of the committee, especially education relating to the different aspects of the war, such as draft counseling, moral considerations, and conscientious objection. Several materials came from the south eastern regional office in High Point, NC. There is a circular announcing various draft counselor training sessions (1:1), a pamphlet on the responsibility of High Schools to properly inform students of the draft (1:8), and an information packet containing articles on the de-humanization of war and the military (1:2).

2. Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors. 20 folders (20 items). ca. 1968-1972.

The materials in this series relate to draft counseling and inductees on means of legally avoiding military service. The CCCO was a national, Quaker-affiliated organization that worked primarily with those facing pre-induction or induction into the military. The organization trained draft counselors to assist inductees on means of legally avoiding military service. There is a Draft Counselors Manual, containing information on draft procedures, the draft lottery, selective service classifications, and deferments (2:10). There is also The Draft Counselor’s newsletter (2:11), and publications for potential draftees, such as a fact sheet on the Vietnam draft (2:6), Compulsory work for Conscientious Objectors (2:9), and information on the draft lottery (2:20).

3. Conscientious Objectors. 20 folders (20 items). ca. 1965-1972.

This series contains items expressing views and providing education about conscientious objection to war. The bulk of these materials relate to religious groups and their statements on war and the Vietnam conflict. There is a booklet which gives options for alternative service as a non-combatant (3:1) and a handbook for conscientious objectors (3:4). The handbook gives information about what conscientious objection is, legal matters such as potential prosecution, and obtaining non-combatant status. Several of the pamphlets include views from the Catholic (3:9), Methodist (3:8), Baptist (3:7), and the Unitarian Universalist Churches (3:19) opposing war.

4. Conscientious Objector Service. 1 folder (1 item).

The item in this series is a guide to alternative service published by the National Interreligious Service Board for Conscientious Objectors. It provides information on finding alternative service jobs, hiring procedures, the CO on the job, foreign placement, and umbrella agencies.

5. Correspondence. 2 folders (7 items). 1970-1972.

Folder one contains letters pertaining to Joseph Gruendler. There is one letter from the CCCO inviting him to attend a seminar on the Selective Service (5:1). There are also two interesting letters from Gruendler protesting the war. The first one is to Senator Everett B. Jordan protesting U.S. involvement in Indo-China and a letter to the local selective service board, stating that he “can no longer in conscience cooperate with the selective service system” (5:1).

There is also a memo from the Bach-Mai Hospital Emergency Relief Fund asking for donations for medical assistance (5:2). The hospital was destroyed after a bombing raid by American forces.

6. Directories. 1 folder (1 item). 1971.

The item in this series is a National Draft Counseling directory listing the various draft counseling centers throughout the United States. The centers listed provided information and aid for free.

7. Greensboro Peace Center. 6 folders (11 items). 1972-1973.

The Greensboro Peace Center was a small organization of volunteers fundamentally against war activities. They provided draft counseling, information on conscientious objection, organized leafleting and anti-war marches. In this series are several newsletters discussing various aspects of the war as well as information on center meetings (7:4). There is also a December 15, 1972, letter that proposes a determination to “speak out and denounce the administration’s criminal venture in Asia” and an undated letter from Joe Gruendler proposing war tax resistance (7:2). There is also a pamphlet about the peace center and what it stands for (7:6).

8. Legal. 3 folders (3 items). ca. 1970.

This series contains two pamphlets on draft law (8:1-2) and an unidentified organizational document with an executive order to set up a new system (8:3).

9. Miscellaneous. 1 folder (4 items). ca. 1970.

This series contains a medical questionnaire given to potential draftees prior to conscription, an article on the experiences of three draft non-registrants, and a recommended list of reading materials for those interested in conscientious objection.

10. Peace and Freedom Through Non-Violent Action. 1 folder (1 item).

This item is a magazine called Win published by the organization Peace and Freedom Through Non-Violent Action. It contains an article called the “Manifesto for Nonviolent Revolution,” by George Lakey, a list of local War Resisters League groups, and a section on conscientious objectors who were imprisoned.

11. Printed Materials. 23 folders (30 items). ca. 1968-1970.

This series contains booklets, manuals, pamphlets, and newsletters relating to the draft, non-violence, immigration to Canada, and conscientious objection. A booklet outlines procedures for potential draftees meeting with their local draft board (11:1) and a pocket manual explains different aspects of draft resistance (11:17). There is also a training manual for non-violent responses (11:11) and guidelines for high school draft education (11:21). Other materials include a manual for draft age immigrants to Canada (11:10), a flyer called “The Air War and Its Costs” (11:6), and a memo outlining the criteria for classification of conscientious objectors (11:12).

12. Southern Student Organizing Committee. 1 folder (1 item). No date.

The item in this series is a print out from the Greensboro chapter discussing the purpose of the Selective Service System.

13. United States Army. 1 folder (1 item). ca. 1968.

This series contains a manual printed out by the medical services division of the U.S. Army explaining the standards of medical fitness for potential draftees.

14. War Tax Resistance Movement. 14 folders (14 items). ca. 1970.

he items in this series consist of printed materials relating to war tax resistance. War tax resistance was used as a means of protest by refusing to pay taxes that subsidized the conflict. There is a broadside that defines what a war tax center is (14:3), a booklet explaining different aspects of war tax resistance (14:1), and a newspaper called Tax Talk (14:10). There are also publications on how to avoid war taxes legally (14:9), income tax refusal (14:6), and tax resistance in North Carolina (14:11).

15. Winnipeg Committee to Assist War Objectors. 1 folder (1 item).

This one page document contains facts about the basic requirements for Americans interested in immigrating to Canada to avoid the draft.

FOLDER LISTING

Index to the Joseph Gruendler Papers (ca. 1969-1973)

NOTE: The numbers following the name/subject entry — e.g. 1:1 — indicate in which Series#:Folder# (or, if no “:”, Series only) that name/topic can be found.

American Friends Service Committee: 1:1-10
AMEX : 11:7 (Magazine)

Bach-Mai Hospital Emergency Relief Fund: 5:2
Bach Main Hospital: 5:2

Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors: 2, 5:1
Check out the Odds: 11:8 (Magazine)
Conscientious Objectors: 2:3, 2:7, 2:9, 2:18, 3:1-20, 4:1, 11:2, 11:12, 11:19, 11:20, 15:1
Jewish: 3:8
Quakers: 2

Draft:
Counseling: 1:1, 2:10, 2:11, 2:18, 4:1, 6:1, 8:1, 8:2, 11:1, 11:9, 11:10, 11:17, 11:20, 11:21
Education: 2:1, 2:2, 2:10-13, 2:19, 2:20, 8:2, 8:3, 11:1, 11:9, 11:21
Homosexuality and: 11:22
Resistance: 3:1-20, 4:1, 5:1, 7:1-6, 11:10-12, 11:20, 15:1

Greensboro Peace Center: 7:1-7:6
Gruendler, Joseph: 5:1, 7:2

Homosexuality and the Draft: 11:22

Immigration to Canada: 11:10, 11:16, 15:1

Jordan, Senator Everett B.: 5:1

Lakey, George: 10:1

Magazines:
AMEX: 11:7
Check out the Odds: 11:8
Win: 10:1
Manifesto for Nonviolent Revolution: 10:1
Manuals:
Draft Counseling Education Centers:11:9
Draft Counselors Manual: 2:10
Guide to the Draft. 2nd Edition – Appendix
Guide to the Draft. 3rd Edition – Appendix
Manual for Draft Age Immigrants to Canada: 11:10
Medical Services Standards of Medical Fitness: 13:1
Military: 2:1, 2:2, 11:4

National Action Research on the Military Industrial Complex: 1:6
National Interreligious Service Board for Conscientious Objectors: 4:1
Non-Violence: 10:1, 11:11

Peace and Freedom Through Non-Violent Action: 10:1 (Magazine)

Selective Service:
Counseling: 1:1, 2:10, 2:11, 2:18, 4:1, 6:1, 8:1, 8:2, 11:1, 11:9, 11:10, 11:17, 11:20, 11:21
Education: 2:1, 2:2, 2:10-13, 2:19, 2:20, 8:2, 8:3, 11:1, 11:9, 11:21
Homosexuality and: 11:22
Resistance: 3:1-20, 4:1, 5:1, 7:1-6, 11:10-12, 11:20, 15:1
Southern Student Organizing Committee: 12:1

Tax Talk: 14:10 (Newspaper)

United States Army: 2:2, 11:4, 13:1

Waller, Signe Goldstein: 7:3, 7:4, 7:6
War Resisters League: 10:1
War Tax Resistance: 14:1-14
Win: 10:1 (Magazine)
Winnipeg Committee to Assist War Objectors: 15:1

Appendix: Books Removed and Placed in Rare Books

1. Calvert, Robert, Compiler. Ain’t Gonna Pay For War No More. New York: War Tax Resistance, 1972. (1987.157.1i)

2. Ferber, Michael and Staughton Lind. The Resistance. Boston: Beacon Press, 1971. (1987.157.1e)

3. Finn, James, Ed. A Conflict of Loyalties. New York: Pegasus, 1968. (1987.157.1g)

4. Gregg, Richard B. The Power of Non-Violence. New York: Shocken Books, 1969. (1987.157.1h)

5. Kendall, David and Leonard Ross. The Lottery and the Draft: Where Do I Stand? New York: Harper & Rowe, 1970. (1987.157.1c)

6. Suttler, David. IV-F: A Guide to Draft Exemption. New York: Grove Press, Inc, 1970. (1987.157.1d)

7. Tatum, Arlo and Joseph S. Tuchinsky. Guide to the Draft. 2nd Edition. Boston: Beacon Press, 1969. (1987.157.1a)

8. Tatum, Arlo and Joseph S. Tuchinsky. Guide to the Draft. 3rd Edition. Boston: Beacon Press, 1969. (1987.157.1b)

9. Tatum, Arlo. Handbook for Conscientious Objectors. Philadelphia: Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors, 1972. (1987.157.1f)

NOTE: The numbers cited in parentheses, e.g. 1:5, refer the researcher to the Series#:Folder# in which that name/topic will be found.

INTRODUCTION

This collection consists primarily of correspondence and other materials relative to the daily operations of the City of Greensboro during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The bulk of the collection, correspondence to and from the mayor’s office, serves to illustrate how the city government operated during a period characterized by change, growth, and expansion. Researchers interested in urban history will find a number of items that document the process by which the city organized its municipal functions and expanded the role of government in the community.

Arrangement: The City of Greensboro Collection is arranged into two correspondence series. Series 1 (Incoming, 1892-1929) is arranged chronologically, then alphabetically within each year. Series 2 (Outgoing, 1897-1920) is arranged chronologically by year and month.

In addition, documents that did not have a date but had been found in a dated folder (or in one that gave a range of dates in the heading) were placed with either a no date designation (series 1) or a question mark (series 2) at the end of the last year indicted on the original folder.

It should be noted that certain items filed in series 2 were done so because they had a City of Greensboro letterhead or label on the back of the document; however, they are often petitions or applications for licenses made to the city.

Provenance: It appears that this collection was accepted by the Greensboro Historical Museum as a donation from the City at an unknown date. The collection has been assigned accession number 1997.44.1.

Processing: This collection was organized and the finding aid was prepared by Francis D. Pitts III in March 1997.

HISTORICAL NOTE

In 1897, with the easing of the depression that had affected the nation for close to four years, Greensboro, like many other cities, started to show signs of an economic recovery. By the turn of the century, the city’s growth was in full swing, indicating it was being transformed into an urban center with a diversified economy. With this transformation came an increased population and new demands on the city’s ability to provide services.

As a result, between the late 1890s and 1920, the city set about the task of organizing its municipal functions and expanding and improving the community’s infrastructure. In an effort to meet the demands attendant to change and unparalleled growth, Greensboro’s mayors and legislative boards (aldermen served until 1911; commissioners until 1921; and city councilmen from 1921 to the present) transformed the city government so it began to operate more like a business. This is evidenced by numerous actions, such as paving and installing lighting for streets, improving the water system, providing sewer lines and treatment facilities for the city, and many other projects and initiatives that suggested a strong sense of municipal purpose.

Although the focus of the city government was local, interchange in the region is apparent, for correspondence between Greensboro officials and government officials from nearby cities — such as Danville, Virginia, Anderson, South Carolina, and Charlotte, Wilmington and Winston-Salem, North Carolina — shows that advice or information on how to contend with various urban concerns was readily exchanged. Also during this time, Greensboro exhibits signs of a burgeoning relationship with the state and federal governments on issues such as health and defense, among other topics.

While it is apparent that the city engaged in much business with local companies, it is also evident that a significant amount of business was conducted with a number of companies outside of Greensboro and the state of North Carolina. Of particular note are the arrangements entered into regarding the issuance of bonds, the purchases of major equipment and supplies, and contracts for professional services.

In addition to the items in this collection, the museum has three account books — AB#7 (1894-96); AB#8 (1901-15); AB#9 (1896-1900) — whose dates overlap the period covered by the City of Greensboro Collection They can be found in the museum archives filed with other Account Books.

Historical Sources: The most useful secondary sources in giving an overview of Greenboro’s history include the following titles: Albright, James W. Greensboro, 1808-1904, Greensboro, NC: Joseph J. Stone & Co., 1904; Arnett, Ethel Stephens. Greensboro, North Carolina: The County Seat of Guilford, Chapel Hill, NC: The UNC Press, 1955; and Fripp, Gayle Hicks. Greensboro: A Chosen Center, Woodland Hills, CA: Windsor Publications, 1982. Caldwell, Bettie D. Founders and Builders of Greensboro, 1808-1908, Greensboro, NC: Joseph J. Stone & Co., 1925 also provides useful biographical sketches of people who were influential in Greensboro’s affairs.

SCOPE & CONTENT NOTE

The types of materials in this collection include bills, business accounts and applications, contracts, correspondence, receipts, bids, petitions, and various other documents pertinent to local governmental concerns. Most of the material relates to some aspect of the operation of the city government of Greensboro, North Carolina. The bulk, which consists of correspondence to and from the mayor’s office, dates between 1898 and 1920. Very little of this material is of a personal nature. There are, however, many documents that illustrate the tenor of the times, revealing those concerns and interests that were considered of import during the period. There are four items that predate and one that postdates this period.

Researchers interested in urban history in general and Greensboro’s evolution in particular will find ample material related to municipal affairs. It is especially rich in documents that reveal the process by which the city attempted to provide services and expand its role in the community. Some of these materials show how the city contracted to lay wires for telephones (1:147); sought bids and bought material for street lights (e.g., 1:18; 2:63); enhanced its ability to extinguish fires (e.g., 1:99; 2:18); paved and widened streets (e.g., 1:125; 2:20); engaged in improving water facilities and sewer lines (e.g., 1:50; 2:16); and other actions that indicate an active municipal role in the community’s affairs.

Some documents provide a window on other city activities and prevailing attitudes, such as those relating to African Americans (1:24,454,758,794; 2:37,72,138). Researchers interested in women’s history, should see an interesting letter from the president of the Equal Suffrage Association of NC (1:673). Also of interest is the letterhead on correspondence from U.S. Senator Lee S. Overman, chairman of the Committee on Woman Suffrage (1:385).

Other materials reveal the practices or customs of their respective periods, such as a blank ballot from 1909 (2:53) and Mrs. Moses H. Cone’s mourning card (1:300) acknowledging the city’s sympathies on the death of her husband. Researchers will find many other such items in the collection that serve to illustrate life in Greensboro in the first two decades of the twentieth century.

SERIES DESCRIPTIONS

1. Incoming Correspondence.  871 folders (ca. 3750 items).  1892-1929.

The bulk of this series primarily consists of correspondence to the mayor’s office from businesses and individuals. The former documents the numerous activities the city engaged in during the period the collection covers; the latter illustrates the level of involvement city government had with citizens of Greensboro and others seeking information. A final sizeable group of correspondence is from state or federal agencies or other municipal entities.

Researchers interested in the expanding role of city government should consult the folders containing information on street lighting 1:18,27,29,60); street paving (1:125,184,366,405,434,580,724,823); water and sewer networks (1:50,52,70,139); and fire protection (1:99,260). There are numerous other documents, however, that speak to the urban concerns of the day. Practically any folder with a business’s name on it will reveal an aspect of a municipal activity that was of some import during this time.

Particularly fine letterheads come from the following Greensboro businesses, institutions, and organizations: Andrews (1:5), Boycott (1:8), Simpson-Shields Shoe Co. (1:47), Southern Loan and Trust Co. (1:55), Greensboro Nurseries (1:82), Odell Hardware Co.(1:124), Greensboro Steam Laundry (1:140), Hunter Mfg. (1:173), John T. Rees’s Place (1:190), Wysong and Miles Co. (1:202), Gate City Bill Posting Co. (1:258), Consolidated Furniture Co. (1:313), Oak Ridge Institute (1:380), Standard Table Co. (1:445), Greensboro Fire Dept. (1:560), Greensboro Roller Mills (1:564), Newman Machine Co. (1:614), Gate City Life and Health (1:692), Jefferson Standard Life (1:715), McGlamery Auto Co. (1:736), National Motor Co. (1:743), Vick Chemical Co. (1:768), Keeley Institute (1:817), and J. B. Leathers and Co. (1:824).

Much of the information from individuals relates in large part to taxes or payment for services provided by the city. A sizeable number of items are complaints and inquiries. Others are a response to a city inquiry. Taken together, they reveal an interesting component of the community’s social fabric and could help inform a study devoted to the city’s social history from the turn of the century through 1920.

The correspondence from other governmental agencies or organizations suggests a burgeoning collegial relationship between these groups and the Greensboro city government in dealing with issues and concerns of a more universal nature. For example, see Jewish Relief Commission of NC (1:573); National Committee on Prisons and Prison Labor (1:610); U.S. Food Administration (1:634 — includes layout for painted signs used to save food during World War I); U.S. Fuel Administration (1:635); and U.S. Public Health Service (1:766,851). These and other examples indicate a less parochial approach to addressing urban problems and national concerns.

2. Outgoing.  159 folders (ca. 750 items).  1897-1920.

The bulk of this series chronicles the evolution of city government and its interchange with individuals during the first two decades of the twentieth century. It differs from series 1 in that almost all of the material comes from individuals representing the city government.

For those researchers interested in the correspondence pertaining to the infrastructure of the city, see folders containing information on street lighting (2:63); street paving (2:20,27-28,30,32,37,39-40,42,47,58,60,70); water and sewer networks (2:16,18,23,27-28,30,33,35-37,58,65,74,79); and fire protection (2:18-19,71,138). The other correspondence with businesses underscores the priorities of the city government during a period of change, growth, and expansion.

As with series 1, the correspondence to individuals, in large part, is concerned with tax and fee collection for services rendered. In addition, the city makes inquiries, answers questions and fields complaints. The material of this type serves to complement its counterpart in the incoming series, helping to inform the social history perspective of the collection.

The correspondence to state and federal agencies and other municipal entities suggests a collegial relationship beyond the local scene.

FOLDER LISTING

Unless otherwise noted, all folders contain material from people or businesses with a Greensboro connection.