Andrew F. Davis Papers

Collection

Identifier: MsC0454

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Scope and Contents

The Andrew F. Davis papers consist of one hundred and eight letters written by Davis to his wife Elizabeth Sarah McKee and daughters Orrilla (b. 1853) and Nancy (1856-1882). Arranged chronologically, these letters date from May 1861-October 1863. Davis wrote of such matters as troop morale, slavery, Copperheads, camp life, and battle. He was also concerned with his family's welfare in Indiana and often inquired about family and friends.

Dates

Creation: 1879-1891
Creation: Majority of material found within 1861-1863

Creator

Davis, Andrew F. (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Biographical / Historical

Andrew Foster Davis (1829 -- 1891) of Liberty, Union county, Indiana, enlisted in Company I, 15th Regiment, Indiana Volunteers on May 14, 1861. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant September 10, 1861, and as a first lieutenant November 1862. Davis was honorably discharged on October 23, 1863, in order to return to Indiana and serve as an elected official in Liberty. During his period of active service, Davis participated in major battles, such as those at Pittsburgh Landing and Perryville. He was also involved in the siege of Corinth, Mississippi, and battles near Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Extent

0.50 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Civil War soldier. Correspondence from Davis (an officer in Co.I, 15th Regiment, Indiana Volunteers) to his wife and daughters. Letters include information on troop morale, slavery, camp life, battles, Copperheads, etc.

Method of Acquisition

This collection was donated to the University of Iowa Libraries in 1986 by Andrew F. Davis' great-granddaughter, Mrs. Charles L. Grannon.

Related Materials

See also the Iowa Digital Library's Civil War Diaries and Letters Collection for a digitized diary, received in 2012, which is believed to be the diary of Andrew F. Davis.