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Mary A. Minnick Letter

 Collection
Identifier: Ms-2016-011

Scope and Content

The collection consists of a single letter written by Mary A. Minnick to her unnamed cousin, dated April 12, 1862. The letter includes family news (the death of several relatives and the war activities of friends and family), as well as updates about the county, including the delay on the part of local farmers to finish planting and the delay of a local gunsmith, Mr. [John] Whitesides to complete some promised weapons for the militia.

Dates

  • 1862

Creator

Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research.

Use Restrictions

Permission to publish from the Mary A. Minnick Letter must be obatined from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.

Biographical Information

Although the letter does not provide much detail on the identity of Mary A. Minnick, cross-referencing other names suggests she was likely an 18-year old from Abingdon, Washington County, Virginia, born about 1844 or 1845. The 1860 Federal Census shows Mary living in the same area as a John M. Whitesides, a local gunsmith. As of 1860, Mary was living with her parents and six siblings. Despite her occupation being listed as "spinster" at the time, in 1865, Mary married Samuel W. Aven (1842-1928), and they had five children. Mary and Samuel died in 1928 and are buried in Washington County, Virginia.

Extent

0.1 Cubic Feet (1 folder)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The collection consists of a single letter written by Mary A. Minnick to her unnamed cousin, dated April 12, 1862. The letter includes family news (the death of several relatives and the war activities of friends and family), as well as updates about the county.

Acquisition Information

The Mary A. Minnick Letter was purchased by Special Collections in March 2016.

Processing Information

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Mary A. Minnick Letter was completed in January 2017.

Title
Mary A. Minnick Letter, 1862
Status
Completed
Author
Kira A. Dietz, Archivist
Date
©2017 Virginia Tech. All rights reserved.
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script

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