Anthony K. Simmons Letter

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 for 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], Anthony K. Simmons Letter, Ms2009-011, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Creator:
Simmons, Anthony K., 1810-1886
Abstract:
The collection contains a letter from Anthony K. Simmons describing the health of son Ed, a private in Company A, 28th Virginia Infantry recently wounded in the Battle of Gaines' Mill, and relating Americna Civil War news from Manchester, Virginia.
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], Anthony K. Simmons Letter, Ms2009-011, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection consists of a letter written by Anthony K. Simmons, a resident of Botetourt County, Virginia during the Americna Civil War. Writing from Manchester, Virginia to his son William, Simmons describes the health of his younger son, Ed, a private in Company A, 28th Virginia Infantry, recently wounded at the Battle of Gaines' Mill. Simmons also mentions by name several other members of Company A and is complimentary of "Mrs. Harris," who owns the house in which he is boarding while he visits his son in the hospital. Simmons writes of the 28th Virginia's current position and relays a rumor about the number of Union prisoners on Belle Isle.

Biographical / historical:

Anthony K. Simmons was born on March 11, 1810 in Virginia. He married Sophia Bower (1811-1885) in Botetourt County in January 1835; the couple lived in the western district of Botetourt County and had nine children, including William and Edmund. A farmer, Simmons also served as a justice of the peace. He died October 2, 1886. Simmons' surname appears in some records as "Simmon" and his letter of July 17, 1862 is signed in this manner.

William Bower Simmons was born in Botetourt County on August 29, 1838. A Roanoke College student at the outbreak of the American Civil War, he enlisted in Company A, 28th Virginia Infantry on May 15, 1861. Simmons was shot in the back at Howlett's House on June 18, 1864 and recovered in a Richmond hospital. Following the war, he served as a Botetourt County supervisor and judge for many years. William Simmons died on November 30, 1917.

Edmund O. Simmons, younger brother of William B., was born in Botetourt County, Virginia, on July 14, 1843. He enlisted as a private in Company A, 28th Virginia Infantry on August 5, 1861. He was was wounded in the Battle of Gaines' Mill on June 27, 1862 and died in a Richmond hospital on August 5.

Acquisition information:
The Anthony K. Simmons Letter was donated to Special Collections in 2008.
Processing information:

The processing and description of the Anthony K. Simmons Letter commenced and was completed in January 2009.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard