Mrs. Alexander Ross (M. J. Ross) wrote this undated letter from Kingston to her cousin. She mentions her family and their health. The top portion of this letter is missing.
The community of St. Peter was initially, and for a very brief time, known as Rock Bend, a name taken because of the presence of a sharp bend in the course of the Minnesota River on the east side of the settlement. The name was used probably from late in 1853 until sometime in 1854. The envelope shown here, addressed to Charles E. Flandrau (1828-1903), who was living in the area at the time, is one of only a few objects that survived with the name "Rock Bend" on it. Flandrau, himself, became a very prominent resident of the State of Minnesota. Among many other duties during his lifetime, he commanded the defenders of New Ulm in August of 1862 and later served on the Minnesota Supreme Court.
James George wrote this letter from Mantorville to his daughter, Helen on December 11, 1859. He writes about the value of education and warns her against associating with Mr. Wescotts, Blaisdelle or Sid Miller.
Rhoda George wrote this letter from Lebanon Junction, Kentucky to her children. She describes the trip from Fort Snelling to Lebanon, Kentucky and life with her son, George. A mortgage, property and James George's military duties are mentioned. She expresses concern over the state of the nation. On the last page, James George sends greetings and tells his family how to find the location of Lebanon on a map.
This undated letter is signed by James George, and includes a small greeting from Rhoda George written on the back They are starting for Lebanon, Kentucky and it was expected that Rhoda George would remain in Lebanon while James George went with his regiment. James George mentions meeting old friends from the Mexican War.
Rhoda George wrote this letter to her family from Camp Anderson (Lebanon Junction, Kentucky) to her children. She describes her son Ned, meals she has made, the health and well-being of family friends, making clothes for Ned and other correspondence from home.
Alexander Ramsey wrote this letter from Saint Paul. He discusses the rules and judgment that affect the appointedment of officers to new and existing regiments.
Rhoda George wrote this letter from Lebanon Junction, Kentucy. She mentions her husband's military duties, family friends and life in Lebanon. She describes the bed bugs in her room and inquires about financial situations at home and money she has mailed home.
The letter starts with a short note to Helen from Clinton Cilley. Rhoda George wrote this letter from Lebanon Junction, Kentucky. She describes her new lodgings and their Christmas dinner. She mentions details of their life in Kentucky.
James George wrote a short greeting to his children at the beginning of the letter and tells them that his regiment will march out the next day. Rhoda and Ned were expected to stay in Lebanon, Kentucky, until other lodgings could be found. Rhoda mentions her cooking, Mr. Cilley and other acquaintances. The letter is continued by Rhoda the next day as she describes her loniness at the departure of her husband from Lebanon Junction, Kentucky.
This letter is unsigned, but appears to be in Rhoda George's handwriting. She writes from Lebanon, Kentucky, that she has been sick. She longs for news from home and worries about her children and how they are faring without their parents. There are several men from around Wasioja that were in the local hospital.
This letter is unsigned, but appears to be in Rhoda George's handwriting. She writes about the weather in Lebanon, Kentucky, and describes the unhealthy climate and sickness among the men. There are several men from around Wasioja that were in the local hospital. She expresses concern over the upcoming battles.
This letter is unsigned, but presumed to have been written by James George. It is dated eighteen sixty one, but James George's unit was not in this area until January of eighteen sixty two. This letter was written from camp in near Jamestown, Kentucky. They are about sixteen miles from the enemy. There are rumors around camp the the enemy force is between nine thousand and twenty-five thousand men. He thinks Clinton Cilley will be promotes to one of the offices of Company C. He belives politics will prevent Cilley from being promoted to captain now.
Rhoda George wrote this letter from Lebanon, Kentucky. She mentions that she has not seen her husband since January first and expresses concern over the fate of her husband. She predicts that more soldiers will die from disease caused by the climate than will die by shooting. Many soldiers from Minnesota are in the hospital in Lebanon with various illnesses including measles and mumps. Lodgings are described as well as life in Lebanon with her son, Ned.
Rhoda George wrote this letter from Lebanon, Kentucky. She mentions that she has not seen her husband since January first and expresses concern over the fate of her husband. She predicts that more soldiers will die from disease caused by the climate than will die by shooting. Many soldiers from Minnesota are in the hospital in Lebanon with various illnesses including measles and mumps. Lodgings are described as well as life in Lebanon with her son, Ned.
James George wrote this letter from camp. The previous Sunday, they were attacked by rebel forces, but were able to drive them away. The rebel force left about two thoudsand mules and horses and other equipment worth about a half a million dollars. His regiment had twelve killed, five badly wounded and 20 slightly wounded. General Zollicoffer was killed.
James George wrote this letter from camp and describes life with his troops and their regiment's battles. He mentions that Captain Markham was wounded and would be returning home. Rhoda George and Ned are in Danville and are on their way to meet him. He has communicated with his wife by telegraph.
James Greorge wrote this letter from camp near Nashville, Tennessee. He has heard reports that the rebels destroyed parts of the railroad between the camp and Louisville. His unit will be marching south the next day. He does not feel that they will be involved in any more fighting because the rebels have been retreating and disbanding in all directions. He does not think that the South can make a stand against the superior force of the North. He hopes that Rhoda and Ned got home safely.
James Greorge wrote this letter from camp. He has not received mail in about a month and presumes it is because the Confederate forces control the area to the rear of his unit. He has heard of Union victories from the Potomac to the Gulf, but has no news of the enemy forces near him. He hopes Rhoda and George had a good trip home and arrived safely.
James George wrote this letter while in camp near Columbia, Tennessee. He expects to go south again in a few days and join a force of about 170,000 men. He talks about his prospects for a promotion. Ned is scolded for using bad language.
James George wrote this letter while in camp about forty miles north of the Alabama line. He has heard rumors that the enemy might make a stand near Cornith, Mississippi. His regiment now only has about five hundred able bodied men due to illness. Many are in the hospital, but he hopes they will return to the regiment. He has every reason to belive that the war will be over in a few months.
James George wrote this letter while in camp somewhere between Colimbia, Tennessee and Cornith, Mississippi. He writes about his health and the health of his unit. He is pleased that a surgeon is now traveling with them. He expects to get paid in a few days and has made arrangements to send some money home to his family. At one point in recent times, under medical advice, he issued regular rations of whiskey to his men. He felt it helped the men. A military board was in session examining a large number of officers who disgraced themselves in the previous Sunday's fight.
James George wrote this letter from camp near Cornith, Mississippi. The health of everyone in camp has improved. They have moved to a new clean camp and everyone's health is improving. He urges her to write and to send her letters to the camp via Louisville. He plans to send $200 to the Red Wing Express office in a few days. He praises Edna's improved writing and warns Rhoda to be careful of her cough.
James George wrote this letter from camp near Cornith, Mississippi. He has decioded to send his wife three hundred dollars instead of two hundred dollars. He advises her to not tell anyone about the money and to keep it with her at all times. He has discharged D. Rassitor because he was not fit for duty. Rassitor will be starting for home in a few days.
James George wrote this letter from camp near Cornith, Mississippi. He has sent three hundred dollars by Captain T. Eifer to the express office in Red Wing. He expects to get paid another four hundred dollars at the first of the month. He has done all the paper work to discharge Darwin Rassitor. They are expecting a big battle any day. His health is not good and he has trouble getting around.
James George wrote this letter in camp about four miles from Cornith, Mississippi. The weather is very hot. He now has additional medical aid and his health is improving. They are three miles from the enemy and expect a battle soon. The Fourth Regiment is about eight miles east of their location. Clinton Cilley now commands Comapany C.
This letter was written by James George from camp near Cornith, Mississippi. He is very close to the enemy, but is not sure if there will be a battle. He is unwell and intends to leave when the battle is over.
James George wrote this letter in camp south of Cornith, Mississippi. He is very tired after several days of engagment with the enemy. Captain Kiefer returned after delivering three hundred dollars to the Red Wing express office for Rhoda. The weather is very hot. A few days later, he adds a note to the letter stating that he will be going into a house and taking some medicine.
James George wrote this letter from White Sulphur Springs. He has been away from camp for one week and is anxious to return to his regiment. One of his acquaintances, Sweeney, is the bookkeeper at the hotel. James George has only been there two days, but is already feeling better. He expects to leave for camp the following week.
James George wrote this letter from Tuscumbia, Alabama. He returned to camp the previous night. The war news is not looking very promising. Captain Markham had been drinking again and has had to resign. Governor Ramsey is near Cornith, Mississippi and is expected to be in camp the next day.
James George wrote this letter from camp near Tuscumbia, Alabama. He was very pleased with the reception he got when he returned to camp. The health of his men is good and they are getting a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. He has received news of a battle near Richmond and is not encouraged with the outcome. He speculates that England may enter the war in support of the Confederacy. He feels they can take Canada in sixty days if England enters the war.
James George wrote this letter from camp near Tuscumbia, Alabama. He advises Rhoda on financial matters and tells her to direct any future letter via Cairo, Illinois. His unit is expected to soon move one hundred miles east. He has heard that the Third Regiment has been taken prisoner. Governor Ramsey spent the day with him. Two people died of whiskey.
James George wrote this letter from camp. General McCook is near death. The general had been sick for about two weeks, requiring him to travel in a spring wagon. The wagon was usually in the front of the brigade and was attacked by rebels when it got too far ahead of the rest of the unit. General McCook was gravely wounded and expected to die. The general's regiment, the Ninth Ohio, in retaliation, burned and destroyed everything belonging to members of the cavalry who shot the general. On the back of the letter, dated August 7, 1862, James George reports that the general has died and they brought his body to the railroad in Deckerd, Tennesse to send it home.
James George wrote this letter from camp. After the general died the day before, they started marching. They had no tents the night before and he got wet from the dew. The men of the Ninth Ohio had been acting badly since the general died. James George drove off some members of that unit who were abusing two young ladies. The weather has been very hot. He mentions possibilities for General McCook's replacement. There is word that the rebels are marching towards his regiment. He is fearful that the war will go on indefinitely.
This letter, dated August 26, 1862, describes the fighting between settlers and Dakota men who participated in a conflict in a southern Minnesota community, most likely in New Ulm. Wheelock also describes his experiences as a member of a burial party that ventured out into the surrounding countryside. Many dead settlers were found, as well as a group of thirteen settlers who had been hiding for three days. Wheelock states his intention to leave Minnesota if the fighting does not stop soon and if he is not able to feel that he is safe in his home.
James George wrote this letter from camp near Shephardsville, Kentucky. They are between Louisville and Lebanon Junction. The rebels forces left yesterday, as the union forces were arriving. He sent six hundred dollars to the Red Wing Express office and wants Rhoda to acknowledge when she receives the money.
Jacob Dieter wrote this letter while he was at Fort Ridgley, Minnesota. He made his way from Rochester, through Mankato and New Ulm to Fort Ridgley. He is waiting for the pay master and will send money home as soon as possible. He mentions several acquaintances and reports on their health.
Jacob Dieter wrote this letter from Jefferson City, Missouri. He mentions that he has sent twenty dollars home. He has guard duty frequently because most of the companies have moved south.
Jennie Allen writes this letter from Omro, Wisconsin. She has been writing to a young man in the army. Her father was quite sick, but is doing much better. She inquires how her aunt is doing and how she is getting along with her family during these hard times. She is planning to send a photograph.
Jacob Dieter wrote this letter from Osage City, Kansas. It has been very cold and snowy. He bought himself a pair of boots. He is owed two months pay. He asks if Martha received the jewelry he sent.
Jacob Dieter wrote this letter from Osage City, Kansas. He had two boils on his face. Mail has been slo9w coming from home but he believes that it is due to the heavy snows in Illinois and Wisconsin. New Years day it was twenty-two degrees below zero in his camp. He has been working and has earned sixteen dollars since he came to Osage. He spent five dollars and twenty-five cents for a pair of boots and another dollar and a half for an ax.
Jacob Dieter wrote this letter from Osage City, Kansas. He is doing well and expects to earn some more money if they stay in the same place. It is warmer and the snow is almost all gone. The rings that he sent home cost one dollar and fifteen cents.
Jacob Dieter wrote this letter from Osage City, Kansas. He is well and hopes they are all doing fine. He has already sent ten dollars home this month and expects to send another three dollars as soon as he gets paid. He earned one dollar splitting rails. He mentions wanting Martha to get a cow from Nat Irish. It was rumored that the paymaster was in Jefferson. He has not heard from his brother, William. He is anxious to hear how his father is doing.
William Dieter wrote this letter from Olmsted County. He asks about Jacob's health and tells Jacob that his family is doing fine. The weather has been cold but is starting to warm up. Farmington and Zumbro voted a hundred dollars bounty. Martan Dieter has reenlisted. Most of the people they know have been home on furlough. Peter Dieter is moving to the Ward Irish farm.
William Dieter wrote this letter from Olmsted County. He asks about Jacob's health and tells Jacob that his family is doing fine. The weather has been cold but is starting to warm up. Farmington and Zumbro voted a hundred dollars bounty. Martan Dieter has reenlisted. Most of the people they know have been home on furlough. Peter Dieter is moving to the Ward Irish farm.
Jacob Dieter wrote this letter from Camp Blackwater, Missouri. Several acquaintances have gone home on furlough but Jacob does not think he will be able to get home because it will cost about fifty dollars for the trip. He is only on guard duty once a week. They have fresh pork and can buy honey for one dollar a gallon.
Jacob Dieter wrote this letter from Warrensburg, Missouri. He has earned twenty-eight dollars working out, but does not know if he will get more work. He tells Martha that Parks Penharlow is in the hospital, so the rumors that she had heard that he was dead are untrue. While they were in Osage City they slept in a building, but in Warrensburg, they are sleeping in tents. He received a letter from his father. His company expects that they will move about five miles to guard a bridge.
Jacob Dieter wrote this letter from camp in Independence, Missouri. He was impressed with the beauty of the countryside. Bushwhackers have been operating in the area and they passed many burnt buildings on the way to Independence. He is now three hundred miles south of Rochester and about one hundred and fifty miles east.
James George wrote this letter from Ringgold, Georgia. He has not received any letters for awhile. He is now in the extreme front within sight of the rebel force. He does not believe that he will be mustered out.
James George wrote this letter from Ringgold, Georgia. He has no time to write and expects to move soon. His troops are in good condition. He states that old officers will go out at the end of their enlistment and he expects to do the same. He will send more money home as soon as he is paid.
Jacob Dieter wrote this letter from Independence, Missouri. His health is still good. He has newspapers from Saint Louis giving accounts of General Grant driving Lee towards Richmond. Jacob thinks the war will soon be over. He plans to buy Mary a ring as soon as he is paid. He only has ten cents left. He hopes to be paid for four months wages in July. He thanks Ellen for sending the book mark. He thinks it is a great blessing to have a chance for his children to go to school. In the south, the poor do not get any formal education and have to make do with what they learn from home. He has not had any drills recently and is doing mostly guard duty. Sam Mott has small pox.
James George wrote this letter from camp near Tunnel Hill, Georgia. They are under marching orders and have been in the front for several days. He is very tired.
Varnum Hadley wrote this letter to inform Martha Dieter of the fate of her husband. Jacob Dieter was last seen about twenty miles from the railroad. A list of all the wounded and missing from Company F is included.
Jacob Dieter wrote this letter from prison camp in Andersonville, Georgia. Sixteen men from his company were captured on June eleventh. He is concerned because he won't get paid while he is a prisoner and he doesn't know how his family will fare. He sent some money from Saint Louis and he wants to know if his wife received it.
Committee, Young Men's Library Association, Winona, Minnesota
Date Created:
1866-05-24
Description:
An announcement of the Annual Election of Officers to the Young Men's Library Association, Winona Minnesota. Candidates endorsed by the special committee include Franklin Staples for president, Thomas Simpson for vice-president, E. A. Gerdtzen for secretary, John H. Andrews for treasurer, and C. N. Waterman, John Dobbs, D. A. Coe, M. G. Norton, and William Mitchell for directors.
Keyes, D. W.; Mitchell, William B., 1832-1900; Benson, Charles; Young Men's Library Association, Winona, Minnesota
Date Created:
1867
Description:
Newspaper clippings that advertise the Young Men's Library Association Course of Lectures for 1867 in Winona, Minnesota. Scheduled to appear were Ralph Waldo Emerson, Professor Edward Youmans, Theodore Tilton, General Henry Sibley, Frederick Douglass, and Wendell Phillips.
Keyes, D. W.; Young Men's Library Association, Winona, Minnesota
Date Created:
1867-01 - 1867-05
Description:
A season ticket to the Young Men's Library Association Course of Lectures, from January 1 to May 1, 1867, in Winona, Minnesota. The ticket admits one lady and gentleman. Featured speakers include Ralph Waldo Emerson, Professor Edward Youmans, Theodore Tilton, General Henry H. Sibley, Frederick Douglass, Wendell Phillips, and Petroleum V. Nasby.
Associated Western Literary Societies, Chicago, Illinois
Date Created:
1867-02-15
Description:
The Associated Western Literary Societies circular noting Wendell Phillips' lecture schedule. Phillips was scheduled to speak in Winona, St. Paul, Minneapolis, and Faribault in April of 1867.
A hand written letter from Wendell Phillips to the Young Men's Library Association, dated March 22, stating he will not be able to fulfill his speaking engagement in Winona, Minnesota scheduled for April 19, 1867. Phillips was supposed to appear as a part of the Young Men's Library Association Course of Lectures for 1867.
James George wrote this letter to his daughter, Helen on December 12 (no year). He mentions that his wife, Rhoda, is suffering from inflamation of the lungs as well as depression and that he has rheumatism. He also writes about Lerwhilleger's legal problems.
A receipt issued by D. Sinclair and Company, Publishers of the Daily and Weekly Republican, Job Printers, Bookbinders and Blank Book Manufacturers, to the Winona Library Association, Winona, Minnesota.
A receipt issued by O. B. Gould, Attorneys at Law and Court Commissioner, to the Winona Library Association, Winona, Minnesota for fees associated with recording the library's Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State.
A check from the Treasurer of the Winona Library Association to A. H. Snow in the amount of five dollars. The check is number 1 and signed by E. A. Gerdtzen, secretary, and O. B. Gould, president.
A receipt issued by D. Sinclair and Company, Publishers of the Daily and Weekly Republican, Job Printers, Bookbinders and Blank Book Manufacturers, to the Winona Library Association, Winona, Minnesota.
A check from the Treasurer of the Winona Library Association to J.E. Prentiss for insurance in the amount of fifteen dollars, signed by E. (Ernest) A. Gerdtzen, Secretary, and O. (Ozro) B. Gould, President. The check is number 18 and dated April 28, 1874.
A receipt issued by P. Simon and Company, Wholesale and Retail Dealers in All Kinds of Furniture, to the Winona Library Association, Winona, Minnesota.
A receipt issued by D. Sinclair and Company, Publishers of the Daily and Weekly Republican, Job Printers, Bookbinders and Blank Book Manufacturers, to the Winona Library Association, Winona, Minnesota.
A receipt issued by First National Bank, Winona, Minnesota, to the Winona Library Association for rent paid from January 1, 1874 to July 1, 1874 in the amount of $50.00.
The agreement hand-signed by individual subscribers to the Winona Library Association, promising a contribution of at least ten dollars each year for the next five years.
The agreement hand-signed by individual subscribers to the Winona Library Association, promising a contribution of at least five dollars each year for the next five years.
This newspaper was published the day of the attempted robbery of the First National Bank of Northfield. It contains a firsthand account of the raid as well as other news of that day.
Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway receipt to Mrs. Thomas Wilson of the Winona Library Association, Winona, Minnesota, for the shipment of one box of books.
A receipt issued by D. Sinclair and Company, Publishers of the Daily and Weekly Republican, Job Printers, Bookbinders and Blank Book Manufacturers, to the Winona Library Association, Winona, Minnesota.
A receipt issued by William Jay Whipple, publisher of the Winona Herald, Job Printer, Book Binder and Blank Book Manufacturer, to the Winona Library Association, Winona, Minnesota for 1000 book labels.
This letter is undated and unsigned, but probably was written by Rhoda George after the death of her husband, James. She writes about finances, funeral expenses and important papers. There are problems with the probate proceedings bacause of the strange wording in the will. She has almost no money left and can not access her husband's money. Ned will take his bar examination on April third. Her widow's pension application has been filled out and is expected to be mailed the next day.
A description of the directory from the title page: A complete alphabetical list of business firms and private citizens; a classified list of all trades, professions and pursuits; a Miscellaneous directory of city and county ofices, public and private schools, churches, banks, incorporated institutions, etc. Sold only by subscription.
Board of Directors, Winona Library Association, Winona, Minnesota
Date Created:
1885
Description:
A hand-written note stating that Miss Jennie (Jeannette) Clarke has been unanimously elected to serve as librarian of the Winona Library Association. Clarke succeeds Mrs. A. G. Fockens, and will serve in this capacity at the Winona Public Library for 50 years, resigning in 1935.
An annual report of the number of books checked out and visitors at the Winona Library Association and Reading Rooms from June 1, 1884 to May 31, 1885.