Skip to main content

Winthrop, Theodore, 1828-1861

 Person

Biographical Note

Born in New Haven, Connecticut, Theodore Winthrop (1828-1861) was the son of Francis Bayard Winthrop and Elizabeth Woolsey. After studying at Yale and spending time writing novels and short stories, Winthrop enlisted in the 7th New York Regiment at the beginning of the American Civil War in 1861. After being appointed to General Benjamin Butler's staff with the rank of major, he was killed during the first land engagement of the war at Big Bethel, Virginia, a short distance from the city of Hampton. His unpublished novels were published postumulusly, including "Cecil Dreeme", "John Brent", and "Edwin Brothertoft", among others. Overall, his writings gained critical success after his death.

Source:

"Theodore Winthrop papers" entry, nypl.com, http://archives.nypl.org/mss/3363#overview

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

Theodore Winthrop Papers

 Collection
Identifier: Ms-2021-004
Abstract This collection contains an original poem written in the hand of Theodore Winthrop, the first Union officer killed in the American Civil War. Verses describe the great importance and coming destruction and suffering that the war will bring. This collection also includes Winthrop's original signature and a period envelope that depicts his memorial. Born in 1828 and a graduate of Yale, Winthrop volunteered in 1861 with the 7th New York Regiment. After being made a major on the staff of...
Dates: 1861, undated
Found in: Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech / Theodore Winthrop Papers

Staff Interface | Visit ArchivesSpace.org | v3.3.1 | Send Feedback or Report a Problem