Nixon Stewart Letters

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Restrictions:

The collection is open to research.

Terms of access:

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.

Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Nixon Stewart Letters, Ms1988-086, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Creator:
Stewart, Nixon
Abstract:
Two letters from Rev. Nixon Stewart (1842-1908), a private in Company E, 97th Ohio Infantry during the American Civil War, written from hospitals in Nashville and Louisville, to his sister Maggie.
Language:
The materials in the collection are in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Nixon Stewart Letters, Ms1988-086, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains two letters (one a fragment) from Nixon Stewart, of the 97th Ohio Infantry, written while Stewart was confined to military hospitals in Nashville, Tennessee; and Louisville, Kentucky. Writing to his sister Maggie, Nixon focuses largely on personal matters, mentioning mutual acquaintances. He notes that he recent attended a Black church service and briefly recounts the recent activities of his regiment during his convalescence, naming the soldiers of his company wounded. He reflects on the prospects for an end to the war and at one point expresses a desire to return to his regiment, writing, "I would much rather be stought [sic] enough to stand the hardship with the Reg. than to be here."

Biographical / historical:

Nixon B. Stewart, son of John and Mary Blair Stewart, was born May 14, 1842. The 1860 census lists Nixon Stewart, 18, together with Margaret Stewart, 19, among the seven Stewart children living in the Adamsville (Muskingum County) residence of John and Mary Stewart. In August, 1862, Stewart enlisted in Company E, 97th Ohio Infantry, for three years' service. By November, 1862, Stewart, suffering from dysentery, was confined to a hospital in Nashville. He was transferred to the hospital in Louisville the following March, then received a medical discharge May 8, 1863. Stewart returned to Muskingum County, and following his eventual recovery, he joined the Adamsville militia. Elected sergeant, Stewart served with the militia when it was called for 100 days' active duty in May, 1864, and mustered into Federal service as Company E, 160th Ohio Infantry. In 1865, Stewart married Mary A. Shroyer (1845-1927). The census for 1870 describes Nixon Stewart as a 28-year-old farmer. Also listed in the household were Mary Stewart, 25, and two young Stewart children. The couple added a third child by 1880. Nixon Stewart died January 3, 1908, and was buried in Fairview Church Cemetery, Adamsville (Muskingum County), Ohio.

Acquisition information:
The Nixon Stewart Letters were purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in 1988 and 1989.
Processing information:

The processing and description of the Nixon Stewart Letters commenced and was completed in May, 2021.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard