Mead Family Papers

Collection

Identifier: MsC0372

Staff Only
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Scope and Contents

The Mead papers are composed primarily of correspondence, with a small number of pension records. All material is arranged chronologically. The major correspondents are James H. Mead, Ellen Kepner Mead, Robert M. Kepner, and Adda Mead Bradford. There is a handwritten index of the letters in the departmental file.

Dates

Creation: 1861-1929
Creation: Majority of material found within 1862-1866

Creator

Mead Family (Family)

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Biographical / Historical

James H. Mead (1839 -- 1904) joined the army in 1862, serving in Company E, Regiment 24, Iowa Infantry Volunteers. He later became an officer of the 62nd Regiment of the U.S. Colored Volunteer Infantry, in Companies B, E, H, and K. He was a 2nd Lt. in Company B when discharged from the army in the spring of 1866.

Ellen Kepner Mead and James H. Mead were married July 4, 1866. Ellen Mead (b. 1842) is addressed variously as Elizabeth, Nell, Nellie, Nettie, Ellie, and E.E. throughout the correspondence.

Robert M. Kepner (1838 -- 1929) was the brother of Ellen Mead. Kepner served with Company G, 7th Regiment, Iowa Infantry Volunteers, 1861 -- 1864. He was wounded twice in the Battle of Corinth, 1862.

The last major correspondent was Adda Mead Bradford. She was the sister of James H. Mead. In 1864 she married Matt Bradford.

Extent

1.00 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Civil War correspondence and pension records of an Iowa County family. Some of the topics of correspondence include the Battle of Corinth, Copperheads in Iowa, Black troops, and farm life in Iowa.