James M. Wysor 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], James M. Wysor Letter, Ms2013-035, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Creator:
Wysor, James M., Sr. (James Miller), 1845-1929
Abstract:
The collection contains a letter, dated June 15, 1864, from James M. Wysor to his mother. While stationed at Kennesaw Mountain, Wysor, a soldier in the 54th Virginia Infantry writes about picket and military activities and actions, rations, and deserters.
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], James M. Wysor Letter, Ms2013-035, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The collections contains a letter, dated June 15, 1864, from James M. Wysor to his mother. While stationed at Kennesaw Mountain, he writes about picket and military activities and actions, rations, and deserters. He discusses the health of an uncle in the army with him, an encounter with old friends on the march, and of cannon fire he hears while writing the letter.

Biographical / historical:

James Miller Wysor or Weiser was born on August 17, 1845, to George Washington and Margaret Ann Wysor of Dublin, Pulaski County, Virginia. He had several siblings, including Henry C. and John C. Wysor.

During the American Civil War, Wysor enlisted on August 8, 1863, at Belle's Bridge, Tennessee, as a private in the Confederate Army. There he joined the "F" Company of the Virginia 54th Infantry. On March 19, 1865, Wysor was taken prisoner at Bentonville, North Carolina, where he was sent and confined to Point Lookout, Maryland.

After the war, Wysor starting spelling his surname as Weiser and became a farm laborer in Minnesota. He married Laura Adams Ware (1857-1937) around 1878. They had several children, including Hannah M., James M., Jr., Mary W., and Raymond W. They returned to Virginia in the 1870s.

Wysor died on Nov. 27, 1929, and is buried alongside his family in the New Dublin Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Dublin, Virginia.

Sources:

U.S. Federal Census, 1850-1920.

"Wysor, James M.", National Park Service's Civil War Soldier database, https://www.nps.gov/civilwar/search-soldiers-detail.htm?soldierId=852350E1-DC7A-DF11-BF36-B8AC6F5D926A, accessed Nov. 5, 2024.

"James M Wysor" in the U.S., Civil War Soldier Records and Profiles, 1861-1865, Ancestry.com, https://www.ancestrylibrary.com/search/collections/1555/records/1256704, accessed Nov. 5, 2024.

"James Miller Weiser Sr.", Findagrave.com, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/38065558/james-miller-weiser, accessed Nov. 5, 2024.

"Laura Ware Weiser", Findagrave.com, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/38065574/laura-weiser, accessed Nov. 5, 2024.

"James M Weiser" in the Virginia, U.S., Death Records, 1912-2014, Ancestry.com, https://www.ancestrylibrary.com/search/collections/9278/records/779061, accessed Nov. 5, 2024.

Acquisition information:
The collection was purchased by Special Collections in February 2013.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the James M. Wysor Letter was completed in July 2013.