Linton and Leary Family Papers
Scope and Content
This collection contains letters written by Ned and Bill Linton to thier sister Rachel Leary, during thier time in the American Civil War. In these letters, the brothers describe the conditions they faced, struggles with illness, and the operations of thier units. An undated document from Rachel Leary's husband, W. A. Leary Jr., describes the movements of his unit from 1861-1862 during the Civil War. Transcriptions are included.
Dates
- Creation: 1862-1865, undated
Creator
- Linton, William, d. 1865 (Person)
- Linton, Edward (Person)
- Leary, William A., Jr., d. 1874 (Person)
- Leary, Rachel Linton, 1829-1910 (Person)
Language of Materials
The materials in this collection are in English.
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open for research.
Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use
The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.
Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction.
Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication.
Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.
Biographical Note
Edward "Ned" Linton was a Private with the Ringgold Battalion of the Pennyslvania Calvary. His brother William "Bill" Linton was a Sergeant with the 28th Regiment of the Pennsylvania Infantry. William died at the battle of Sailors Creek on April 6th, 1865. Their sister Rachel, was married to William A. Leary, Jr. a Philadelphia bookseller. William Leary also enlisted with the Union Army with the 95th Pennyslvania Volunteers, but left for home in 1862 after becoming ill.
External Sources:
"Edward Linton", National Parks Service Civil War Soldier Database, https://www.nps.gov/civilwar/search-soldiers-detail.htm?soldierId=97A1A2B3-DC7A-DF11-BF36-B8AC6F5D926A , accessed September 4th, 2026.
"William Linton", National Parks Service Civil War Soldier Datebase, https://www.nps.gov/civilwar/search-soldiers-detail.htm?soldierId=21A0A2B3-DC7A-DF11-BF36-B8AC6F5D926A , accessed on September 4th, 2026.
"William A, Leary", National Parks Service Civil War Soldier Datebase, https://www.nps.gov/civilwar/search-soldiers-detail.htm?soldierId=884453B2-DC7A-DF11-BF36-B8AC6F5D926A , accessed on September 4th, 2026.
"William A. Leary", Findagrave.com, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/41733698/william_a-leary , accessed on September 4th, 2026.
Full Extent
0.1 Cubic Feet (1 folder)
Abstract
This collection contains letters written by Ned and Bill Linton to thier sister Rachel Leary, during thier time in the American Civil War. In these letters, the brothers describe the conditions they faced, struggles with illness, and the operations of thier units. An undated document from Rachel Leary's husband, W. A. Leary Jr., describes the movements of his unit from 1861-1862 during the Civil War. Transcriptions are included.
Source of Acquisition
This collection was donated to Special Collection and University Archives in September, 2025.
Rights Statement for Archival Description
The guide to the Linton and Leary Family Papers by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 (https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/).
Processing Information
The processing, arrangement, and description of the Linton and Leary Family Papers was completed in September, 2026.
- Title
- Linton and Leary Family Papers, 1862-1865, undated
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Macie Kendrick, Graduate Assistant
- Date
- 2026 (CC0 1.0)
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech Repository
Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Drive
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg Virginia 24061 US
540-231-6308
specref@vt.edu