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Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
Thomas Welsh Scrapbook
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesF_Scrapbk2
Date Range
1854-1936
  5 documents  
Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
Thomas Welsh Scrapbook
Description
Scrapbook appears to be the work of Thomas' son, Blanton Welsh. The volume was origianlly a record book for the Commonwealth Insurance Company, for which Thomas Welsh was an agent in Columbia. The scrapbook contains newspaper articles from the Columbia Spy, beginning with articles on the cholera epidemic of 1854, Welsh's cases as Justice of the Peace, and published war correspondence by Thomas Welsh under the names "Thirsty Squad" and "45". Blanton continued the scrapbook with newspaper articles about his father and sisters, and a lawsuit against him in 1930; his mother's obituary; his wedding announcement; his visiting cards; a letter from Lillie to Blanton; and letters to Thomas Welsh. The letters to Thomas Welsh are scanned and transcibed as MG0828_SeriesD-61_F03, MG0828_SeriesD-61_F04, MG0828_SeriesD-61_F05, MG0828_SeriesD-61_F07, MG0828_SeriesD-61_F08, MG0828_SeriesD-61_F09, MG0828_SeriesD-61_F10, MG0828_SeriesD-61_F11, MG0828_SeriesD-61_F12, MG0828_SeriesD-61_F13, MG0828_SeriesD-63_F10, MG0828_SeriesD-63_F14, and MG0828_SeriesE_F04.
Admin/Biographical History
Thomas Welsh (1824-1863) was a Lancaster County native (born and raised in Columbia), who rose from hardscrabble origins to local fame, first as a Mexican War hero, and then as a brigadier general during the Civil War. He was well known and well respected as a no nonsense officer, for his leadership and gallantry in battle, for his dedication to the service of his country, and for his concern for the welfare of his men. See MG0828 for more biographical information.
Date Range
1854-1936
Creation Date
1854-1936
Year Range From
1854
Year Range To
1936
Creator
Welsh, Thomas, 1824-1863
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 19
Storage Container
Box 0004
People
Buchanan, James
Welsh, Blanton Charles
Welsh, Alice
Welsh, Annie Eunice Young
Welsh, Effie
Welsh, Lilian
Welsh, Mary Young "Mazie"
Welsh, Thomas
Other Creators
Welsh, Blanton Charles, 1860-1939
Subjects
Clippings (Books, newspapers, etc.)
Columbia (Pa.)
Commonwealth Fire Insurance Company
Justices of the peace
Letters
Newspapers
Obituaries
Personal correspondence
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
West Point (N.Y.)
Zurich (Switzerland)
Search Terms
Buchanan Collections
Civil War
Clippings (Books, newspapers, etc.)
Columbia
Commonwealth Fire Insurance Company
Correspondence, Personal
James Buchanan
Justices of the peace
Letters
Newspaper clippings
Obituaries
Scrapbooks
West Point, New York
Zurich, Switzerland
Extent
1 item
Object Name
Scrapbook
Language
English
Condition
Fair
Condition Notes
Casing and binding are worn.
Parent Object ID
MG0828_SeriesF
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesF_Scrapbk2
Notes
Added to PP 12/29/2020 by HST
Provenance: Passed down through the family, Blanton Charles Welsh to Emilie Benson (Welsh) Wiggin to Nancy Jane (Wiggin) Townsend. Acquired from: Chuck Townsend, Knoxville, Tennessee, 2016/05/15.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment. Please contact research@lancasterhistory.org at least two weeks prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only. Please contact research@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Some items are photocopies from other collections--researchers must obtain permission for reproduction and publication from the owner of the original material.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Other Numbers
TW-F-XX-XX
Classification
MG0828
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Cataloged by Richard C. Wiggin prior to donation.
Documents

MG0828_SeriesF_MYWobit.pdf

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MG0828_SeriesF_TAWobit.pdf

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MG0828_SeriesF_wedding.pdf

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MG0828_SeriesF_AWobit.pdf

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Less detail
Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Object ID
MG0828
Date Range
1839-1932
Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Description
The General Thomas Welsh Family Papers is a collection of original correspondence, official documents, and ephemera. Many of the papers were created by or directed to Thomas Welsh between approximately 1843 and his death in 1863. They provide glimpses into his youth, his experiences in the Mexican War, his life in Columbia between the wars, and his rise in rank to Brigadier General during the Civil War.
The collection contains correspondence with his wife and family from 1861-1863. There are also official correspondence and documents related to Welsh's military service, autobiographical pieces, correspondence following his death, obituaries, and family papers into the early twentieth century. Other items in the collection include genealogy pages from the family bible, photographic images of Thomas Welsh and family members, two scrapbooks, newspaper issues and newspaper clippings, written notes from recollections of one of Welsh's daughter, and a biographical sketch of Welsh written by his son.
Admin/Biographical History
Thomas Welsh (1824-1863) was a Lancaster County native (born and raised in Columbia), who rose from hardscrabble origins to local fame, first as a Mexican War hero, and then as a brigadier general during the Civil War. He was well known and well respected as a no nonsense officer, for his leadership and gallantry in battle, for his dedication to the service of his country, and for his concern for the welfare of his men.
Welsh lost his father at the age of 2, and went to work to support his family at age 8. He had very little formal schooling, and was largely self-educated. In 1843, at age 19, he left Lancaster County for Washington City, then went west as an itinerant carpenter/laborer to Cincinnati, Little Rock, and Fort Smith.
When the Mexican War broke out in 1846, he enlisted in a Kentucky regiment, and was severely wounded at the battle of Buena Vista (1847) from which he never fully recovered. Returning home to Columbia, he re-enlisted as a second lieutenant, assigned to the 11th U.S. infantry regiment in Mexico City. Within days of his arrival in Mexico City, he was declared unfit for service on account of his battle wound, and sent home again.
Back in Columbia as a civilian, he dabbled in politics, and received a patronage job in the Pennsylvania Main Line of Public Works (the rail and canal system connecting Philadelphia and Pittsburgh). After several years, he opened up a grocery and dry goods store in Columbia's canal basin. He also became an insurance agent. In 1857, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and his reputation grew as a community leader. By 1860, he was president of the Borough Council, a founding member of the Columbia Board of Trade, Vice President of the Columbia Cricket Club, and a canal boat operator, in addition to a dry goods merchant, insurance agent, and Justice of the Peace. He had a wife, 5 surviving children, and legal guardianship of his sister's 4 children.
When Confederate forces shelled Fort Sumter, marking the beginning of the Civil War, Thomas Welsh raised and organized the first company of volunteers from Lancaster County, and took them into the field as their Captain. Within days, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel of the regiment, which served out its 90-day enlistment in the Shenandoah Valley.
Returning to Harrisburg, he was appointed Commandant of Camp Curtin, the problem-plagued processing center for new recruits. In short order, Welsh cleaned up the camp's poor sanitary conditions, improved the health of the camp, and implemented soldierly discipline and training.
In October 1861, he resigned from his camp duties, and as Colonel of the 45th Pennsylvania, led his regiment into the field. After brief service outside of Washington, they were sent to South Carolina in December, where they were posted to Otter Island. After the battle of James Island, they were recalled to Newport News, in July 1862, then sent to guard Aquia Creek.
In September, now in brigade command in Burnsides' 9th Corps, Welsh chased Lee's Confederate army west into central Maryland. His brigade broke the enemy line in Fox's Gap, on Sept. 14, then 3 days later achieved the furthest Union advance at Antietam, reaching the edge of Sharpsburg, and nearly cutting off Lee's only avenue of escape. Welsh's gallantry earned him a field promotion to brigadier general, which Congress confirmed on March 13, 1863.
The 9th Corps (Welsh now in command of the 1st Division) was sent west in the spring of 1863, then dispatched south to support Grant's investment of Vicksburg. After Vicksburg fell, they turned east and defeated Confederate General Johnston at the Battle of Jackson. Welsh contracted malaria in the southern swamps, and died in Cincinnati upon their return north. One of his men later recalled, "Had he lived, Welsh would undoubtedly have attained a much higher command. 1
1. Beauge, Eugene, in Albert, Allen D., Ed., History of the Forty-Fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteer Infantry 1861-1865, Williamsport, PA: Grit Publ. Co, 1912, p. 79.
System of Arrangement
The collection is arranged in series:
Series A Thomas Welsh before the Mexican War
Series B Mexican War, 1846-1848
Series C Between the Mexican War and the Civil War, 1848-1861
Series D Civil War
Series E Post-Civil War
Series F Miscellaneous Family Papers
Series G Papers from the families of Gen. Thomas Welsh and Blanton C. Welsh
Date Range
1839-1932
Year Range From
1839
Year Range To
1932
Creator
Wiggin, Richard C.
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 19
People
Welsh, Thomas
Welsh, Annie Eunice Young
Welsh, Blanton Charles
Welsh, Effie
Welsh, Lilian
Welsh, Mary Young "Mazie"
Buchanan, James
Subjects
Letters
Mexican War, 1846-1848
Military orders
Military promotions
Personal correspondence
Political campaigns
Presidents--Election
Speeches, addresses, etc.
United States. Army--Military life
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
Search Terms
Civil War
Correspondence, Personal
Letters
Mexican War
Military life
Military orders
Military promotions
Political campaigns
Presidential elections
Speeches
United States Army
Object Name
Archive
Language
English
Condition
Fair to good
Condition Date
2020-12-18
Condition Notes
Items are in fair to good condition.
Object ID
MG0828
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment. Please contact archives@lancasterhistory.org at least two weeks prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only. Please contact archives@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Some items are photocopies from other collections--researchers must obtain permission for reproduction and publication from the owner of the original material.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pa.
Classification
MG0828
Description Level
Fonds
Custodial History
Almost all of the papers have been passed down through successive generations of Welsh's descendants, from Thomas Welsh's wife and children to his granddaughter, Emilie Benson (Welsh) Wiggin, to her daughter Nancy Jane (Wiggin) Townsend. After Nancy Townsend's death, her son Charles Townsend passed them on to his cousin, Richard Wiggin (grandson of Emilie Benson Wiggin) in 2015.
A few papers passed out of the family's possession and found their way into other collections. Richard Abel of Columbia, PA began collecting Welsh papers and artifacts some years ago, and subsequently transferred this collection of Welsh materials to Richard Wiggin in 2012.
Less detail
Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
Letter from Thomas Welsh to Alice Welsh
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-61_F07
Date Range
1861/05/10
  1 document     1 image  
Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
Letter from Thomas Welsh to Alice Welsh
Description
Handwritten letter from Thomas Welsh to daughter Alice. From Camp Scott, York County, Pennsylvania. Welsh describes rain and bad weather, his horse falling on him, and instructions to be good and to help her mother. Note: This is the third letter in May that mentions bad weather in early May and the need for soldiers to stay in Rev. Menges' church.
Admin/Biographical History
Thomas Welsh (1824-1863) was a Lancaster County native (born and raised in Columbia), who rose from hardscrabble origins to local fame, first as a Mexican War hero, and then as a brigadier general during the Civil War. He was well known and well respected as a no nonsense officer, for his leadership and gallantry in battle, for his dedication to the service of his country, and for his concern for the welfare of his men. See MG0828 for more biographical information.
Date Range
1861/05/10
Creation Date
1861/05/10
Creator
Welsh, Thomas, 1824-1863
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 19
Storage Container
Box 0001
People
Menges, John Henry
Welsh, Annie Eunice Young
Welsh, Blanton Charles
Welsh, Effie
Welsh, Lilian
Welsh, Mary Young "Mazie"
Welsh, Thomas
Subjects
Letters
Personal correspondence
Camp Scott (York, Pa.)
Weather
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
Search Terms
Letters
Correspondence, Personal
Camp Scott, York, Pennsylvania
Weather
Civil War
Extent
1 item, 1 page to scan
Object Name
Letter
Language
English
Condition
Poor
Condition Date
2020-12-23
Condition Notes
Letter is pasted into the Thomas Welsh Scrapbook, MG0828_SeriesF_Scrapbk2. Torn, some loss upper right corner.
Parent Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-61
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-61_F07
Location of Originals
Letter is pasted into the Thomas Welsh Scrapbook, MG0828_SeriesF_Scrapbk2.
Notes
Added to PP 12/23/2020 by HST
Provenance: Passed down through the family, Blanton Charles Welsh to Emilie Benson (Welsh) Wiggin to Nancy Jane (Wiggin) Townsend. Acquired from: Chuck Townsend, Knoxville, Tennessee, 2016/05/15.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment. Please contact research@lancasterhistory.org at least two weeks prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only. Please contact research@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Some items are photocopies from other collections--researchers must obtain permission for reproduction and publication from the owner of the original material.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Other Numbers
TW-D-61-07
Classification
MG0828
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Cataloged by Richard C. Wiggin prior to donation.
Images
Documents
Less detail
Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
Letter from Thomas Welsh to Mazie (Mary) Welsh (daughter)
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-62_F03
Date Range
1862/03/26
  1 document     4 images  
Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
Letter from Thomas Welsh to Mazie (Mary) Welsh (daughter)
Description
Handwritten letter with envelope from Thomas Welsh to his daughter, Mazie. From Otter Island, South Carolina. Letter includes a description of the small "house" constructed for him by soldiers and its furnishings; mentions the weather; and details promotions and assignments made by Welsh as well as the health and death of soldiers. Encourages family to write. Envelope addressed to Miss Mazie Welsh, Box 192, Columbia.
Admin/Biographical History
Thomas Welsh (1824-1863) was a Lancaster County native (born and raised in Columbia), who rose from hardscrabble origins to local fame, first as a Mexican War hero, and then as a brigadier general during the Civil War. He was well known and well respected as a no nonsense officer, for his leadership and gallantry in battle, for his dedication to the service of his country, and for his concern for the welfare of his men. See MG0828 for more biographical information.
Date Range
1862/03/26
Creation Date
1862/03/26
Creator
Welsh, Thomas, 1824-1863
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 19
Storage Container
Box 0001
People
Budding, Calvin Spangler
Fessler, Andrew Jackson
Gregg, Theodore
Vache, Howard W.
Keller, Oscar
Kelsey, Edward A.
Wagner, Augustus
Welsh, Alice
Welsh, Annie Eunice Young
Welsh, Blanton Charles
Welsh, Effie
Welsh, Lilian
Welsh, Thomas
Welsh, Mary Young "Mazie"
Subjects
Death
Health
Letters
Otter Islands (S.C.)
Personal correspondence
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
United States. Army--Military life
Weather
Wrightsville (York County, Pa.)
Search Terms
Civil War
Correspondence, Personal
Death
Health
Letters
Military Life
Otter Islands, South Carolina
Weather
Wrightsville, York County, Pennsylvania
Extent
2 items, 4 pages to scan
Object Name
Letter
Language
English
Condition
Fair, Good
Condition Date
2020-12-26
Condition Notes
Letter is good. There's a slight tear on one fold; also slight discoloration. Envelope is fair. The envelope is ragged on the edge, and the stamp has been cut out.
Parent Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-62
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-62_F03
Notes
Added to PP 12/26/2020 by HST
Provenance: Passed down through the family, Blanton Charles Welsh to Emilie Benson (Welsh) Wiggin to Nancy Jane (Wiggin) Townsend. Acquired from: Chuck Townsend, Knoxville, Tennessee, 2016/05/15.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment. Please contact research@lancasterhistory.org at least two weeks prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only. Please contact research@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Some items are photocopies from other collections--researchers must obtain permission for reproduction and publication from the owner of the original material.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Other Numbers
TW-D-62-03
Classification
MG0828
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Cataloged by Richard C. Wiggin prior to donation.
Images
Documents
Less detail
Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
Letter from Thomas Welsh to Alice Welsh (daughter)
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-62_F07
Date Range
1862/07/27
  1 document     4 images  
Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
Letter from Thomas Welsh to Alice Welsh (daughter)
Description
Handwritten letter from Thomas Welsh to his daughter, Alice. From Newport News, Virginia. Letter details Welsh's frustration over not receiving a letter from home and not being able to secure leave to visit home. Shares news about various soldiers from Columbia under his command and the return of a deserter to his previous command. Inquires about health of the family and to give each child a kiss from him.
Admin/Biographical History
Thomas Welsh (1824-1863) was a Lancaster County native (born and raised in Columbia), who rose from hardscrabble origins to local fame, first as a Mexican War hero, and then as a brigadier general during the Civil War. He was well known and well respected as a no nonsense officer, for his leadership and gallantry in battle, for his dedication to the service of his country, and for his concern for the welfare of his men. See MG0828 for more biographical information.
Date Range
1862/07/27
Creation Date
1862/07/27
Creator
Welsh, Thomas, 1824-1863
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 19
Storage Container
Box 0001
People
Andrews, Joseph
Bookman, Mrs.
Dickinson, Andrew
Farnsworth, C. W.
Koch, Charles H.
Haines, Henry A.
Hinkle, John J.
Hostetter, Andrew
Hostetter, Elizabeth Hiestand
Mullen, Amos
Philips, Captain
Vache, Howard W.
Welsh, Annie Eunice Young
Welsh, Blanton Charles
Welsh, Effie
Welsh, Mary Young "Mazie"
Wike, Henry
Wike, Mrs.
Welsh, Thomas
Subjects
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
Letters
Personal correspondence
Columbia (Pa.)
Fort Monroe (S.C.)
Newport News (Va.)
Baltimore (Md.)
Philadelphia (Pa.)
New York (N.Y.)
Search Terms
Civil War
Letters
Correspondence, Personal
Columbia
Newport News, Virginia
Fort Monroe, Virginia
Baltimore, Maryland
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
New York, New York
Extent
1 item, 4 pages to scan
Object Name
Letter
Language
English
Condition
Good
Condition Notes
Good; some discoloration along the folds.
Parent Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-62
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-62_F07
Notes
Added to PP 12/26/2020 by HST
Provenance: Passed down through the family, Blanton Charles Welsh to Emilie Benson (Welsh) Wiggin to Nancy Jane (Wiggin) Townsend. Acquired from: Chuck Townsend, Knoxville, Tennessee, 2016/05/15.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment. Please contact research@lancasterhistory.org at least two weeks prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only. Please contact research@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Some items are photocopies from other collections--researchers must obtain permission for reproduction and publication from the owner of the original material.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Other Numbers
TW-D-62-07
Classification
MG0828
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Cataloged by Richard C. Wiggin prior to donation.
Images
Documents
Less detail
Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
Letter from Annie Welsh to Thomas Welsh describing the chaos surrounding the burning of the Wrightsville-Columbia bridge
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-63_F25
Date Range
1863/07/01
  1 document     4 images  
Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
Letter from Annie Welsh to Thomas Welsh describing the chaos surrounding the burning of the Wrightsville-Columbia bridge
Description
Handwritten letter to Thomas Welsh from his wife, Annie in Columbia, Lancaster County. Letter describes the approach of the Confederate army to Columbia; the fleeing of citizens from York County acrosss the bridge; the reactions of various people in Columbia; her determination to stay in Columbia; and the terrible site of seeing the river bridge on fire. See MG0828 SeriesE F04 for related envelope. Note: General Welsh was at Vicksburg at the time, commanding the 1st Division of the 9th Corps in support of General Grant.
Admin/Biographical History
Thomas Welsh (1824-1863) was a Lancaster County native (born and raised in Columbia), who rose from hardscrabble origins to local fame, first as a Mexican War hero, and then as a brigadier general during the Civil War. He was well known and well respected as a no nonsense officer, for his leadership and gallantry in battle, for his dedication to the service of his country, and for his concern for the welfare of his men. See MG0828 for more biographical information.
Date Range
1863/07/01
Creation Date
1863/07/01
Creator
Welsh, Annie Eunice Young, 1831-1894
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 19
Storage Container
Box 0001
People
Wall, Jennie
Mullison, Ann
Hook, Mrs.
Appold, Mr.
Stacy, Mr.
McCorkle, William Strickler
Meade, George Gordon
Cowden, Matthew
Cowden, Annie
Welsh, Effie
Welsh, Lilian
Welsh, Blanton Charles
Welsh, Annie Eunice Young
Welsh, Thomas
Subjects
Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge (Pa.)
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
Letters
Personal correspondence
Search Terms
Civil War
Letters
Correspondence, Personal
Wrightsville, York County, Pennsylvania
Columbia
Columbia - Wrightsville Bridge
Extent
1 item, 8 pages to scan
Object Name
Letter
Language
English
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2020-08-18
Parent Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-63
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-63_F25
Notes
Added to PP 12/27/2020 by HST
Provenance: Passed down through the family, Blanton Charles Welsh to Emilie Benson (Welsh) Wiggin to Nancy Jane (Wiggin) Townsend. Acquired from: Chuck Townsend, Knoxville, Tennessee, 2016/05/15.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment. Please contact research@lancasterhistory.org at least two weeks prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only. Please contact research@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Some items are photocopies from other collections--researchers must obtain permission for reproduction and publication from the owner of the original material.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Other Numbers
TW-D-63-25
Classification
MG0828
Description Level
Item
Images
Documents
Less detail
Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
Welsh Family Scrapbook
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesF_Scrapbk1
Date Range
1850-1890
Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
Welsh Family Scrapbook
Description
The Welsh Family Scrapbook contains articles from a variety of newspapers, about a variety of subjects. Most are undated, but appear to date from before 1850 through approximately 1890. Many of the articles pertain to Thomas Welsh and his family, but otherwise no overall theme, pattern or thread is discernible. The articles are pasted in a very loose chronological order, with many exceptions. The underlying book itself is David Carpenter's Execution Docket record from 1822-1823, and many pages have not been pasted over. Note: Contains articles and records related to James Buchanan.
Admin/Biographical History
Thomas Welsh (1824-1863) was a Lancaster County native (born and raised in Columbia), who rose from hardscrabble origins to local fame, first as a Mexican War hero, and then as a brigadier general during the Civil War. He was well known and well respected as a no nonsense officer, for his leadership and gallantry in battle, for his dedication to the service of his country, and for his concern for the welfare of his men. See MG0828 for more biographical information.
Date Range
1850-1890
Creation Date
1888/10/06
Year Range From
1850
Year Range To
1890
Creator
Welsh family
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 19
Storage Container
Box 0003
People
Buchanan, James
Welsh, Blanton Charles
Welsh, Alice
Welsh, Annie Eunice Young
Welsh, Effie
Welsh, Lilian
Welsh, Mary Young "Mazie"
Welsh, Thomas
Subjects
Clippings (Books, newspapers, etc.)
Columbia (Pa.)
Scrapbooks
West Point (N.Y.)
Zurich (Switzerland)
Search Terms
Buchanan Collections
Clippings (Books, newspapers, etc.)
Columbia
James Buchanan
Newspaper clippings
Scrapbooks
West Point, New York
Zurich, Switzerland
Extent
1 item
Object Name
Scrapbook
Language
English
Condition
Fair
Condition Notes
The binding is badly deteriorated, and cover material is powdery and disintegrating. Some fraying of pages is visible, but most of inside material is still intact and readable.
Parent Object ID
MG0828_SeriesF
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesF_Scrapbk1
Notes
Added to PP 12/29/2020 by HST
Provenance: Passed down through the family, Blanton Charles Welsh to Emilie Benson (Welsh) Wiggin to Nancy Jane (Wiggin) Townsend. Acquired from: Chuck Townsend, Knoxville, Tennessee, 2016/05/15.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment. Please contact research@lancasterhistory.org at least two weeks prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only. Please contact research@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Some items are photocopies from other collections--researchers must obtain permission for reproduction and publication from the owner of the original material.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Other Numbers
TW-F-XX-20
Classification
MG0828
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Cataloged by Richard C. Wiggin prior to donation.
Less detail
Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
Letter from Alice Welsh to Thomas Welsh
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-61_F03
Date Range
1861/05/06
  1 document     2 images  
Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
Letter from Alice Welsh to Thomas Welsh
Description
Handwritten letter from 9-year old Alice to her father, Thomas Welsh. Letter inquires about his health, reminds father of his birthday, and includes information on the weather and on visitors to the house.
Admin/Biographical History
Thomas Welsh (1824-1863) was a Lancaster County native (born and raised in Columbia), who rose from hardscrabble origins to local fame, first as a Mexican War hero, and then as a brigadier general during the Civil War. He was well known and well respected as a no nonsense officer, for his leadership and gallantry in battle, for his dedication to the service of his country, and for his concern for the welfare of his men.
Welsh lost his father at the age of 2, and went to work to support his family at age 8. He had very little formal schooling, and was largely self-educated. In 1843, at age 19, he left Lancaster County for Washington City, then went west as an itinerant carpenter/laborer to Cincinnati, Little Rock, and Fort Smith.
When the Mexican War broke out in 1846, he enlisted in a Kentucky regiment, and was severely wounded at the battle of Buena Vista (1847) from which he never fully recovered. Returning home to Columbia, he re-enlisted as a second lieutenant, assigned to the 11th U.S. infantry regiment in Mexico City. Within days of his arrival in Mexico City, he was declared unfit for service on account of his battle wound, and sent home again.
Back in Columbia as a civilian, he dabbled in politics, and received a patronage job in the Pennsylvania Main Line of Public Works (the rail and canal system connecting Philadelphia and Pittsburgh). After several years, he opened up a grocery and dry goods store in Columbia's canal basin. He also became an insurance agent. In 1857, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and his reputation grew as a community leader. By 1860, he was president of the Borough Council, a founding member of the Columbia Board of Trade, Vice President of the Columbia Cricket Club, and a canal boat operator, in addition to a dry goods merchant, insurance agent, and Justice of the Peace. He had a wife, 5 surviving children, and legal guardianship of his sister's 4 children.
When Confederate forces shelled Fort Sumter, marking the beginning of the Civil War, Thomas Welsh raised and organized the first company of volunteers from Lancaster County, and took them into the field as their Captain. Within days, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel of the regiment, which served out its 90-day enlistment in the Shenandoah Valley.
Returning to Harrisburg, he was appointed Commandant of Camp Curtin, the problem-plagued processing center for new recruits. In short order, Welsh cleaned up the camp's poor sanitary conditions, improved the health of the camp, and implemented soldierly discipline and training.
In October 1861, he resigned from his camp duties, and as Colonel of the 45th Pennsylvania, led his regiment into the field. After brief service outside of Washington, they were sent to South Carolina in December, where they were posted to Otter Island. After the battle of James Island, they were recalled to Newport News, in July 1862, then sent to guard Aquia Creek.
In September, now in brigade command in Burnsides' 9th Corps, Welsh chased Lee's Confederate army west into central Maryland. His brigade broke the enemy line in Fox's Gap, on Sept. 14, then 3 days later achieved the furthest Union advance at Antietam, reaching the edge of Sharpsburg, and nearly cutting off Lee's only avenue of escape. Welsh's gallantry earned him a field promotion to brigadier general, which Congress confirmed on March 13, 1863.
The 9th Corps (Welsh now in command of the 1st Division) was sent west in the spring of 1863, then dispatched south to support Grant's investment of Vicksburg. After Vicksburg fell, they turned east and defeated Confederate General Johnston at the Battle of Jackson. Welsh contracted malaria in the southern swamps, and died in Cincinnati upon their return north. One of his men later recalled, "Had he lived, Welsh would undoubtedly have attained a much higher command. 1
1. Beauge, Eugene, in Albert, Allen D., Ed., History of the Forty-Fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteer Infantry 1861-1865, Williamsport, PA: Grit Publ. Co, 1912, p. 79.
Date Range
1861/05/06
Creation Date
1861/05/06
Creator
Welsh, Alice, 1851-1923
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 19
Storage Container
Box 0001
People
Boyer, Mr.
Smith, Martin
Menges, Mr.
Stehman, Mr.
Strickler, Mr.
Welsh, Annie Eunice Young
Welsh, Effie
Welsh, Thomas
Welsh, Alice
Subjects
Letters
Personal correspondence
Weather
Birthdays
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
Search Terms
Letters
Correspondence, Personal
Weather
Birthdays
Civil War
Extent
1 item, 2 pages to scan
Object Name
Letter
Language
English
Condition
Fair
Condition Notes
Letter is pasted into the Thomas Welsh Scrapbook, MG0828_SeriesF_Scrapbk2.
Parent Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-61
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-61_F03
Location of Originals
Letter is pasted into the Thomas Welsh Scrapbook, MG0828_SeriesF_Scrapbk2.
Notes
Added to PP 12/23/2020 by HST
Provenance: Passed down through the family, Blanton Charles Welsh to Emilie Benson (Welsh) Wiggin to Nancy Jane (Wiggin) Townsend. Acquired from: Chuck Townsend, Knoxville, Tennessee, 2016/05/15.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment. Please contact research@lancasterhistory.org at least two weeks prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only. Please contact research@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Some items are photocopies from other collections--researchers must obtain permission for reproduction and publication from the owner of the original material.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Other Numbers
TW-D-61-03
Classification
MG0828
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Cataloged by Richard C. Wiggin prior to donation.
Images
Documents
Less detail
Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
Letter from Mary (Mazie) Welsh to Thomas Welsh
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-61_F04
Date Range
1861/05/10
  1 document     1 image  
Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
Letter from Mary (Mazie) Welsh to Thomas Welsh
Description
Handwritten letter from 8-year old Mary (Mazie) to her father, Thomas Welsh. Letter includes news about various family members, caring for chickens, and inquiries about his health.
Admin/Biographical History
Thomas Welsh (1824-1863) was a Lancaster County native (born and raised in Columbia), who rose from hardscrabble origins to local fame, first as a Mexican War hero, and then as a brigadier general during the Civil War. He was well known and well respected as a no nonsense officer, for his leadership and gallantry in battle, for his dedication to the service of his country, and for his concern for the welfare of his men. See MG0828 for more biographical information.
Date Range
1861/05/10
Creation Date
1861/05/10
Creator
Welsh, Mary Young, 1853-1927
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 19
Storage Container
Box 0001
People
Vache, Elizabeth Young
Welsh, Annie Eunice Young
Welsh, Blanton Charles
Welsh, Effie
Welsh, Mary Young "Mazie"
Welsh, Thomas
Subjects
Letters
Personal correspondence
Chickens
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
Search Terms
Letters
Correspondence, Personal
Chickens
Civil War
Extent
1 item, 1 page to scan
Object Name
Letter
Language
English
Condition
Poor
Condition Date
2020-12-23
Condition Notes
Letter is pasted into the Thomas Welsh Scrapbook, MG0828_SeriesF_Scrapbk2.
Parent Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-61
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-61_F04
Location of Originals
Letter is pasted into the Thomas Welsh Scrapbook, MG0828_SeriesF_Scrapbk2.
Notes
Added to PP 12/23/2020 by HST
Provenance: Passed down through the family, Blanton Charles Welsh to Emilie Benson (Welsh) Wiggin to Nancy Jane (Wiggin) Townsend. Acquired from: Chuck Townsend, Knoxville, Tennessee, 2016/05/15.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment. Please contact research@lancasterhistory.org at least two weeks prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only. Please contact research@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Some items are photocopies from other collections--researchers must obtain permission for reproduction and publication from the owner of the original material.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Other Numbers
TW-D-61-04
Classification
MG0828
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Cataloged by Richard C. Wiggin prior to donation.
Images
Documents
Less detail
Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
Letter from Alice Welsh to Thomas Welsh
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-61_F11
Date Range
1861/06/18
  1 document     2 images  
Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
Letter from Alice Welsh to Thomas Welsh
Description
Handwritten letter from 9-year old Alice to her father. From Columbia. Letter mentions family news, harvesting peas and potatoes from the vegetable garden, an update on condition of the hens, a visit from Uncle Ed, a visit from Uncle David and the gifts he brought, and a fire in Mr. Tupple's shop. Note: Uncle Ed is most likely Annie's brother Edwin Swift Young. Uncle David is most likely David Karmany, who married Annie's sister, Lydia.
Admin/Biographical History
Thomas Welsh (1824-1863) was a Lancaster County native (born and raised in Columbia), who rose from hardscrabble origins to local fame, first as a Mexican War hero, and then as a brigadier general during the Civil War. He was well known and well respected as a no nonsense officer, for his leadership and gallantry in battle, for his dedication to the service of his country, and for his concern for the welfare of his men. See MG0828 for more biographical information.
Date Range
1861/06/18
Creation Date
1861/06/18
Creator
Welsh, Alice, 1851-1923
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 19
Storage Container
Box 0001
People
Karmany, David Martin
Tupple, Mr.
Welsh, Annie Eunice Young
Welsh, Blanton Charles
Welsh, Effie
Welsh, Lilian
Welsh, Mary Young "Mazie"
Young, Edwin Swift
Welsh, Thomas
Subjects
Letters
Personal correspondence
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
Search Terms
Letters
Correspondence, Personal
Civil War
Extent
1 item, 2 pages to scan
Object Name
Letter
Language
English
Condition
Poor
Condition Date
2020-12-26
Condition Notes
Letter is pasted into the Thomas Welsh Scrapbook, MG0828_SeriesF_Scrapbk2.
Parent Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-61
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-61_F11
Location of Originals
Letter is pasted into the Thomas Welsh Scrapbook, MG0828_SeriesF_Scrapbk2.
Notes
Added to PP 12/26/2020 by HST
Provenance: Passed down through the family, Blanton Charles Welsh to Emilie Benson (Welsh) Wiggin to Nancy Jane (Wiggin) Townsend. Acquired from: Chuck Townsend, Knoxville, Tennessee, 2016/05/15.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment. Please contact research@lancasterhistory.org at least two weeks prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only. Please contact research@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Some items are photocopies from other collections--researchers must obtain permission for reproduction and publication from the owner of the original material.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Other Numbers
TW-D-61-11
Classification
MG0828
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Cataloged by Richard C. Wiggin prior to donation.
Images
Documents
Less detail

10 records – page 1 of 1.