- Collection
- Gary Hawbaker's Civil War Files
- Title
- Gary Hawbaker's Civil War Files
- Object ID
- MG0980
- Date Range
- 1861-
- Collection
- Gary Hawbaker's Civil War Files
- Title
- Gary Hawbaker's Civil War Files
- Description
- Research files on Civil War soldiers, including photocopies of Civil War records from Mr. Hawbaker's research at the National Archives.
- Box 1: Surnames A - F
- Box 2: Surnames G - Ma
- (William Manger's alias is Michael High.)
- Box 3: Surnames Mc - Q
- (Victor Enault--see John McLain)
- Box 4: Surnames R - Z
- (Wolfert also appears as Wolbert and Wolpert)
- Date Range
- 1861-
- Creator
- Hawbaker, Gary Thomas, 1944-2023
- Storage Location
- LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
- Storage Room
- Archives North
- Storage Wall
- Side 13
- People
- Afflebach, William
- Armstrong, Henry
- Albright, Adam
- Aument, Amos
- Aument, Franklin
- Aument, William F.
- Backet, James
- Bair, Abraham E.
- Baker, John
- Barber, John
- Bear, Nathan S.
- Barr, Edward
- Barton, Thomas B., Jr.
- Bauman, George M.
- Bear, William L.
- Benedict, Benjamin F.
- Beymount, Isaac
- Bitner, Albert H.
- Bitzer, Thomas J.
- Black, Thomas S.
- Black, William
- Blackburn, James
- Bonce, George
- Bowman, Charles
- Brady, Andrew
- Breneman, Edward DeWitt
- Brindle, Jacob
- Bubb, William H.
- Buford, William H. H.
- Cake, William J.
- Childs, Charles A.
- Chilson, Stephen L.
- Coffey, James
- Coleman, Henry A.
- Cohick, Samuel
- Cooper, Samuel J.
- Cox, George A.
- Cox, William W.
- Crummel, Jacob H.
- Cunningham, Israel
- Cunningham, James
- Curley, William B.
- Danner, Thomas Jefferson
- Davis, Charles
- Dellet, William
- Diffenderfer, Jacob
- Dougherty, Andrew
- Downey, David
- Duchman, Augustus C.
- Dunkle, Benjamin F.
- Eicherly, John G.
- Eicholtz, John C.
- Elliott, John
- Elmyer, George
- Engle, George W.
- Eshbach, Richael
- Everts, Strickler R.
- Feller, Henry
- Fisher, James G.
- Flick, Henry
- Foreman, Harrison
- Foreman, Joseph
- Forney, Isaac H.
- Fralich, Daniel C.
- Frankford, Edward
- Frecht, James L.
- Freeland, Edwin D.
- Freitag, Frederick D.
- Gable, Jacob F.
- Garber, John
- Getz, Jacob
- Greenawalt, Abraham B.
- Greenly, Andrew J.
- Gregg, William B.
- Gross, Joseph
- Grow, John H.
- Hackman, Henry
- Hahn, George
- Haines, Franklin A.
- Hamp, William H.
- Hannum, Abel K.
- Hargreaves, William F.
- Harman, Cyrus
- Harman, William H.
- Hart, Mattias
- Hartman, Lewis S.
- Harvey, John C.
- Hasselbach, Francis
- Hauke, Philip B.
- Heighstreet, Jacob
- Heiser, Peter Martin
- Herr, Lorenzo D.
- Hiestand, Harry G.
- Hine, Jacob D.
- Hoffmeier, William M.
- Holt, Robert
- Hook, Harry
- Hoover, Benjamin
- Hoover, Henry
- Hoover, William W.
- Hopwood, John
- Horner, George W.
- Hughes, David
- Hughes, Edward
- Hughes, William
- Hultzhouse, Elam
- Humes, James G.
- Jackson, John K.
- Judge, Thomas
- Kaley, Jesse
- Kauffman, Jacob G.
- Kaufman, Tobias B.
- Keech, George
- Keene, George
- Keene, Joseph M.
- Keiffer, Thompson
- Keller, Martin V. B.
- Kendig, George W.
- Killian, Henry M.
- King, George W.
- Klein, Gottleib Christian
- Kline, John
- Kunkel, Peter
- Kurtz, Isaac W.
- Kurtz, Obadiah
- Lambert, David
- Leedars, Charles
- Lefever, Elam
- Lefever, John S.
- LeFevre, Hiram L.
- Leonard, William
- Lewis, James
- Lithgow, David
- Lockwood, George T.
- Lutz, Josiah Alfonso Howlett
- Lonious, William A.
- Manger, William
- Markley, Charles A.
- Marshbank, Robert B.
- Mason, John H.
- Maynard, Ambrose
- McCall, Franklin
- McCauley, Henry C.
- McClain, John C.
- McClain, William G.
- McCracken, John C.
- McCulley, James T.
- McCumsy, William
- McGinley, John A.
- McGinnis, Peter L.
- McGrann, John L.
- McIntire, Henry M.
- McKeegan, John
- McLain, John
- McPhail, William T.
- Mercer, George A.
- Metzgar, Emanuel C.
- Metzger, Emanuel
- Miller, Alfred H.
- Miller, George
- Miller, George B.
- Miller, Jacob M.
- Miller, Samuel S.
- Millicsock, Augustus
- Milton, William
- Mishler, Henry L.
- Moffet, James
- Mohow, Jacob
- Morrison, Jasper
- Morrison, John H.
- Moss, John A.
- Murphy, Calvin L.
- Murray, William E.
- Myer, Grabill B.
- Myers, David M.
- Myers, Gilbert C.
- Nauman, John L.
- Neff, Aldus J.
- Nyman, Ambrose F.
- Ochs, George H.
- O'Neil, Charles
- O'Rourke, Patrick I.
- O'Rourke, Washington A.
- Parvin, Theodore C.
- Patton, Edwin C.
- Phrame, Rohrer J.
- Pickel, Isaac H.
- Pinkerton, Charles R. G.
- Potts, Junius B.
- Powers, Ambrose C.
- Price, Thomas P.
- Quinn, Patrick
- Rauch, Lewis A.
- Read, Lewis W.
- Reed, John C.
- Renner, John B.
- Resser, Jacob
- Rettican, John
- Riley, John B.
- Rinier, Hiram
- Rinier, Jacob
- Rinier, Samuel
- Roberts, R. Biddle
- Robinson, John
- Rock, Miles
- Rockafellow, Andrew D.
- Rooney, Joseph C.
- Rupert, Alfred
- Ruth, David
- Ruth, Hiram
- Rutter, John K.
- Rutter, Joseph
- Sanders, Daniel L.
- Seibert, John
- Setley, Samuel
- Shanes, Joseph
- Sheaffer, John
- Short, Andrew
- Sprecher, Philip L.
- Stark, Charles C.
- Stauffer, William D.
- Spece, Frederick
- Stayley, William H.
- Steers, Isaac B.
- Steers, Thomas J.
- Steinheiser, George F.
- Stewart, William Warren
- Stone, Augustus
- Stoner, Samuel
- Strachan, James E.
- Strachan, Samuel S.
- Strickler, Jacob M.
- Styer, Jonathan
- Swope, George K.
- Talley, William Cooper
- Templeton, Jacob
- Thomas, Joseph R.
- Todd, Lemuel
- Varnes, Henry C.
- Waggoner, John A.
- Weaver, Joseph
- Weidler, Milton
- Weidel, John
- Weiler, Jacob
- Wenditz, Theodore
- Werntz, George L.
- Wherry, John A.
- Whitlock, Franklin
- White, John
- Winour, George
- Wolfert, Peter
- Worth, Joseph P.
- Wortz, John M.
- Zellers, Jacob T.
- Extent
- 4 boxes, 254 files, 4 cubic ft.
- Object Name
- Archive
- Language
- English
- Object ID
- MG0980
- Location of Originals
- National Archives (archives.gov)
- Access Conditions / Restrictions
- No restrictions.
- Copyright
- Collection items may be photographed. Please direct questions to Research Center Staff at Research@LancasterHistory.org.
- Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. 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.
- Accession Number
- 2022.021
- Other Numbers
- MG-980
- Classification
- MG0980
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Custodial History
- Box list added to database 1 February 2024.
- Collection
- Revolutionary War Collection
- Title
- Revolutionary War Collection
- Object ID
- MG0098
- Date Range
- 1776-1976
2 documents
- Collection
- Revolutionary War Collection
- Title
- Revolutionary War Collection
- Description
- The Revolutionary War Collection contains a variety of materials from and about the Revolutionary War in Lancaster County and Pennsylvania. The original records include correspondence, military pay certificates, court records, and an orderly book kept by Lt. Col. Adam Hubley, Jr. during the Sullivan Campaign of 1779. There are also research notes and secondary sources, including a list of prisoners of war, a list of males in Lancaster County in 1776, Continental Hospital Returns 1777-1780, articles, information on soldiers buried in Lancaster County, and an article about John Paul Jones.
- Date Range
- 1776-1976
- Creation Date
- 1776-1976
- Year Range From
- 1776
- Year Range To
- 1976
- Creator
- LancasterHistory (Organization)
- Storage Location
- LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
- Storage Room
- Archives South
- Storage Wall
- Side 03
- People
- Beddulph, Robert
- Boyd, John
- Burd, James Edward
- Chambers, Stephen
- Coedans, James
- Cooke, William
- Ferree, John
- Getty, Christian
- Gurney, Francis
- Hubley, Adam
- Jolly, James A. "Jim"
- Joy, Daniel
- Kieffer, Henry Martyn
- Moore, William
- Neal, James
- Patterson, Alex
- Porter, Thomas
- Ramsay, David
- Rapp, Brandon
- Reid, George W.
- Worner, William Frederic
- Zellty, John A.
- Subjects
- Cemeteries
- Letters
- Military history
- Military regulations
- Newtown, Battle of, Newtown, N.Y., 1779
- Prisoners of war
- Soldiers
- Stony Point, Battle of, Stony Point, N.Y., 1779
- Sullivan's Indian Campaign, 1779
- United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783
- United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783--Campaigns
- United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783--Prisoners and prisons
- Search Terms
- Battle of Newtown
- Battle of Stony Point
- Cemeteries
- Clippings (Books, newspapers, etc.)
- Correspondence
- Finding aids
- Haudenosaunee Confederacy
- Letters
- Manuscript groups
- Military history
- Military records
- Military regulations
- Prisoners of war
- Receipts
- Revolutionary War
- Soldiers
- Sullivan Campaign, 1779
- Extent
- 3 boxes, 40 folders, 1.25 cubic ft.
- Object Name
- Archive
- Language
- English
- Object ID
- MG0098
- Notes
- Harmful Language Warning: LancasterHistory is committed to preserving and providing access to materials chronicling Lancaster County's heritage. As a historical resource, this orderly book reflects the racial prejudices of the era and the violence perpetrated against the Haudenosaunee Confederacy during the American War of Independence. In order to maintain the historical integrity and context of collection items, LancasterHistory does not censor historical documents or edit language, titles, or organization names when transcribing original content. This volume contains language that is offensive, oppressive, graphic, and may cause distress. LancasterHistory does not condone the use of this language.
- Access Conditions / Restrictions
- No restrictions. Please use digital images and transcriptions when available.
- Copyright
- Collection may not be photocopied. Please direct questions to Research Center Staff at research@lancasterhistory.org.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
- Revolutionary War Collection (MG-98), Box #, Folder #, LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pa.
- Other Numbers
- MG-98
- Other Number
- MG-98
- Classification
- MG0098
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Custodial History
- Cataloged prior to 1997. Items have been added and the finding aid has been updated since 1997.
Documents
- 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.
- Collection
- Wolpert Family Papers
- Title
- Wolpert Family Papers
- Object ID
- MG0685
- Date Range
- 1861-1945
1 document
- Collection
- Wolpert Family Papers
- Title
- Wolpert Family Papers
- Description
- This collection contains letters from Private Peter Wolpert to his brother during the Civil War. In addition here are records of Peter Wolpert's military service including the Company E, Regiment 1, Pennsylvania Reserves Infantry Muster Roll, plus that unit's Casualty Sheet and an information card from the Pennsylvania State Archives, all which indicate he died in action at Antietam. And the collection also has a Lancaster Intelligencer Journal newspaper article about Peter Wolpert's son, Charles, as he remembers President James Buchanan's funeral.
- Date Range
- 1861-1945
- Year Range From
- 1861
- Year Range To
- 1945
- Date of Accumulation
- 1861-1864, 1945
- Creator
- Wolpert family
- Storage Location
- LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
- Storage Room
- Archives South
- Storage Wall
- Side 14
- Extent
- 1 box, 4 folders
- Object Name
- Archive
- Language
- English, German
- Object ID
- MG0685
- Access Conditions / Restrictions
- The items in Folder 4 are restricted.
- Copyright
- Collection may not be photocopied. Please direct questions to Research Center Staff at research@lancasterhistory.org.
- Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory.
- Credit
- Wolpert Family Papers (MG-685), Folder #, LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pa.
- Other Numbers
- MG-685
- Classification
- MG0685
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Custodial History
- Processed and finding aid prepared 25 March 2013. Added to database 16 January 2018.
Documents
- Collection
- James Buchanan Collection
- Title
- Certificate of appointment for Jonathan N. Heall
- Object ID
- MG0096_Oversized_F001
- Date Range
- 1860, no date
4 images
- Collection
- James Buchanan Collection
- Title
- Certificate of appointment for Jonathan N. Heall
- Description
- Certificate of appointment for Jonathan N. Heall, appointed Second Lieutenant of the First Regiment of Artillery. 9 June 1860. Letter from James Buchanan to Col. E. Townsend. No date. Mounted signature of James Buchanan.
- Date Range
- 1860, no date
- Creator
- Buchanan, James, 1791-1868
- Storage Location
- LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
- Storage Room
- Archives North
- Storage Wall
- Side 03
- Subjects
- Appointments, Military
- Search Terms
- Certificates
- Military appointments
- James Buchanan
- Buchanan Collections
- James Buchanan Presidential Library
- Object Name
- Certificate
- Language
- English
- Parent Object ID
- MG0096
- Object ID
- MG0096_Oversized_F001
- Location of Originals
- LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
- Associated Material
- James Buchanan Papers, Dickinson College Archives & Special Collections,
- http://archives.dickinson.edu/collection-descriptions/james-buchanan-papers
- James Buchanan and Harriet Lane Johnston Papers, Library of Congress,
- https://www.loc.gov/collections/james-buchanan-and-harriet-lane-johnston-papers/
- James Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania,
- http://www2.hsp.org/collections/manuscripts/b/Buchanan0091.html
- James Buchanan Papers, Penn State University Libraries,
- https://libraries.psu.edu/findingaids/1458.htm
- Related Item Notes
- James Buchanan Collection (MG0096) https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/lhdo3760
- James Buchanan Family Papers
- Historical Society of Pennsylvania microfilm
- Photograph Collection
- Curatorial Collection
- Wheatland Collection
- Wheatland Mansion
- Notes
- May 2020 PastPerfect Conversion
- 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.
- Other Number
- MG-0096 Heall Certificate
- Classification
- MG0096
- Description Level
- Item
- Custodial History
- Digitization of the James Buchanan Collection was funded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, PHMC Appl ID # 201808013051, 2019-2020.
Images
- Collection
- General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
- Title
- Letter from Thomas Welsh to daughter
- Object ID
- MG0828_SeriesD-61_F02
- Date Range
- 1861/07/06
1 document
2 images
- Collection
- General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
- Title
- Letter from Thomas Welsh to daughter
- Description
- Handwritten letter from Thomas Welsh to "My Dear Little Daughter." Letter describes camp life and includes some information about the arrival of his unit in Martinsburg, Virginia. Note: Amos Mullen served with Thomas Welsh as 3rd Sergeant in the 2nd Pa. Reg., Co. F.
- 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
- 1861/07/06
- Creation Date
- 1861/07/06
- Creator
- Welsh, Thomas, 1824-1863
- Storage Location
- LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
- Storage Room
- Archives South
- Storage Wall
- Side 19
- Storage Container
- Box 0001
- Subjects
- Letters
- Personal correspondence
- United States. Army
- Military life
- United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
- Extent
- 1 item, 2 pages to scan
- Object Name
- Letter
- Language
- English
- Condition
- Fair
- Condition Notes
- Fair to good; fading ink; discoloration on the backside along the folds.
- Parent Object ID
- MG0828_SeriesD-61
- Object ID
- MG0828_SeriesD-61_F02
- 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-61-02
- Classification
- MG0828
- Description Level
- Item
- Custodial History
- Cataloged by Richard C. Wiggin prior to donation.
Images
Documents
- Collection
- General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
- Title
- Letter from Thomas Welsh to Edwin S. Young
- Object ID
- MG0828_SeriesD-61_F06
- Date Range
- 1861/12/18
1 document
4 images
- Collection
- General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
- Title
- Letter from Thomas Welsh to Edwin S. Young
- Description
- Handwritten letter from Thomas Welsh to his brother-in-law, Edwin S. Young. From Headquarters, Otter Island, South Carolina. Welsh expresses his hope that the "rebellion" will soon be over; discusses his deployment to Otter Island, his activity to defend the outpost, camp food, Christmas plans, interactions with people of color and nephew Howard Vache's adaptation to life as a soldier.
- 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
- 1861/12/18
- Creation Date
- 1861/12/18
- Creator
- Welsh, Thomas, 1824-1863
- Storage Location
- LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
- Storage Room
- Archives South
- Storage Wall
- Side 19
- Storage Container
- Box 0001
- Subjects
- Letters
- Personal correspondence
- United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
- Port Royal (S.C.)
- Beaufort (S.C.)
- Charleston (S.C.)
- Ashepoo River (S.C.)
- Edisto River (S.C.)
- Saint Helena Sound (S.C.)
- Christmas
- United States. Army--Military life
- Search Terms
- Letters
- Correspondence, Personal
- Civil War
- Port Royal, South Carolina
- Beaufort, South Carolina
- Charleston, South Carolina
- Fenwick Island, South Carolina
- Bear Island, South Carolina
- Ashepoo River, South Carolina
- South Edisto River, South Carolina
- Edisto River, South Carolina
- Saint Helena Sound, South Carolina
- Christmas
- Persons of color
- United States Army
- Military life
- Extent
- 1 item, 4 pages to scan
- Object Name
- Letter
- Language
- English
- Condition
- Poor
- Condition Date
- 2020-12-23
- Condition Notes
- Mostly good; slight tearing along the folds; discoloration on the backside of page 4. Note: Pages 1 and 2 are different paper size than pages 3 and 4.
- Parent Object ID
- MG0828_SeriesD-61
- Object ID
- MG0828_SeriesD-61_F06
- 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-61-06
- Classification
- MG0828
- Description Level
- Item
- Custodial History
- Cataloged by Richard C. Wiggin prior to donation.
Images
Documents
- Collection
- General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
- Title
- Letter from Thomas Welsh to Annie Welsh
- Object ID
- MG0828_SeriesD-61_F15
- Date Range
- 1861/08/22
1 document
- Collection
- General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
- Title
- Letter from Thomas Welsh to Annie Welsh
- Description
- Fragment of a handwritten letter from Thomas Welsh most likeley intended for Annie Welsh. The letter fragment contains news from camp; a discussion of the acceptance by his men of discipline, temperance, drilling, etc.; a visit by Govenor Curtin's brother to visit his two sons, and the expectation of his next posting. The letter identifies him as "45" in the letters published in the Columbia Spy. Note: Although the letter fragment is not dated, its content clearly establishes its origin in Camp Hamilton, November 1861. This is a transcription of the original letter.
- 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
- 1861/08/22
- Creation Date
- 1861/08/22
- Creator
- Welsh, Thomas, 1824-1863
- Storage Location
- LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
- Storage Room
- Archives South
- Storage Wall
- Side 19
- Storage Container
- Box 0001
- Subjects
- Letters
- Personal correspondence
- United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
- Port Royal (S.C.)
- United States. Army--Military life
- Fernandina (Fla.)
- Fort Monroe (Va.)
- Search Terms
- Letters
- Correspondence, Personal
- Port Royal, South Carolina
- Military life
- Camp Hamilton
- Fernandina, Florida
- Fort Monroe, Virginia
- Civil War
- Extent
- 1 item, 2 pages to scan
- Object Name
- Letter
- Language
- English
- Condition
- Unknown
- Condition Notes
- This is a transcription only.
- Parent Object ID
- MG0828_SeriesD-61
- Object ID
- MG0828_SeriesD-61_F15
- Location of Originals
- Unknown.
- Notes
- Added to PP 12/26/2020 by HST
- Transcription provided to donor by Dennis Buttacavoli via email. The original is presumably in his possession.
- 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-61-15
- Classification
- MG0828
- Description Level
- Item
- Custodial History
- Cataloged by Richard C. Wiggin prior to donation.
Documents
- 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
- Collection
- General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
- Title
- Copy of a letter from General Ambrose Burnside to General George McClellan
- Object ID
- MG0828_SeriesD-62_F13
- Date Range
- 1862/09/25
1 document
1 image
- Collection
- General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
- Title
- Copy of a letter from General Ambrose Burnside to General George McClellan
- Description
- Handwritten report marked "Copy" at top addressed to Major General George McClellan recommending Colonel Thomas Welsh and Colonel Benjamin C. Christ for promotion to Brigadier General. Burnside notes they served "with high credit" and "with distinction" and "as brave and skilful officers."
- 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
- 1862/09/25
- Creation Date
- 1862/09/25
- Storage Location
- LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
- Storage Room
- Archives South
- Storage Wall
- Side 19
- Storage Container
- Box 0001
- People
- Burnside, Ambrose Everett
- Christ, Benjamin Caspar
- McClellan, George Brinton
- Pope, John
- Stevens, Isaac Ingalls
- Welsh, Thomas
- Subjects
- United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
- Letters
- Antietam (Md.)
- Port Royal (S.C.)
- Newport News (Va.)
- Military promotions
- Search Terms
- Civil War
- Letters
- Correspondence
- Antietam, Maryland
- Port Royal, South Carolina
- Newport News, Virginia
- Military promotions
- Extent
- 1 item, 2 pages to scan
- Object Name
- Letter
- Language
- English
- Condition
- Fair
- Condition Notes
- Fair to good, with torn edges and a small stain.
- Parent Object ID
- MG0828_SeriesD-62
- Object ID
- MG0828_SeriesD-62_F13
- 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-62-13
- Classification
- MG0828
- Description Level
- Item
- Custodial History
- Cataloged by Richard C. Wiggin prior to donation.
Images
Documents
