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Elizabeth Hughes Claim for Damages, 1868 (Ms2009-048)

 Digital Record
Identifier: Ms2009-048

Dates

  • 1868

Creator

Access Restrictions

Collection is open to research.

Use Restrictions

Permission to publish material from the [Elizabeth Hughes Claim for Damages, 1868] must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.

Biographical Information

Information in the claim states that Elizabeth Hughes' husband was a Union soldier who was killed in action before October 1862. No other information on Hughes or her family is available.

Language of Materials

English

Acquisition Information

The [Elizabeth Hughes Claim for Damages, 1868] was donated to Special Collections.

Related Material

[William Belew Claim for Quartermaster Stores, 1868], Ms2009-047. Finding aid available on the Virginia Heritage database.

General Physical Description note

1 folder; 0.1 cu. ft.

Abstract

Elizabeth Hughes claim for damages done to her home by unidentified Confederate forces in 1862. The claim is dated 1868, and details the loss of property stolen and destroyed by fire.

Abstract

In February of 1868, the General Assembly of the State of Tennessee passed "An Act to secure the loyal citizens of Tennessee recompense from the United States government for losses incurred by the Rebellion." A claim had a list of requirements, including the need for a signed statement the claimant was loyal to the Union and had never assisted the Confederate army, signatures of two witnesses swearing to the person's loyalty, witness statements to the acts of damage or theft, and the signature of a military of government official to vouch for the claimant and witnesses.

On May 20, 1868, Elizabeth Hughes filed a claim (numbered "No 6") for the loss of property stolen, including a horse and wagon, bushels of wheat, and sides of leather. The claim also contains notice of a fire, set by Confederate soldiers, in which Hughes lost "all of [her] house hold. Kitchen Furniture[,] some valuable Papers, and many other articles too tedious to mention." The total claim amounts to more than $1400. The identity of the unit(s) involved is not known. Signatures include those of witnesses, county and state officials, and the governor. Hughes' signatures come in the form of her mark, attested to in each case.

Processing Information

The processing, arrangement and description of the [Elizabeth Hughes Claim for Damages, 1868] commenced and was completed in March 2009.

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech Repository

Contact:
Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Drive
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg Virginia 24061 US
540-231-6308