William Verser 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], William Verser Letter, 1861, Ms2023-128, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet
Abstract:
The William Verser Letter was written on May 13th, 1861, in Burkesville, Virginia by William Verser to his son Edward, who was employed as a clerk in Farmseville, Virigna. The letter contains information about William, his wife and daughter's concerns for Edward, as well as the deployment of his brother, Cicero, under the command of a Captain Booker in the Confederate Army.
Language:
The materials in this collection are in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], William Verser Letter, 1861, Ms2023-128, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The William Verser Letter was written on May 13th, 1861, in Burkesville, Virginia by William Verser to his son Edward, who was employed as a clerk in Farmseville, Virigna. The letter contains information about William, his wife and daughter's concerns for Edward, as well as the deployment of his brother, Cicero, under the command of a Captain Booker in the Confederate Army.

Biographical / historical:

William Verser, a Southern schoolmaster in Burkeville, Virginia, was the father of Edward P. Verser, who was employed as a clerk in Farmville. William's other son, Cicero, was deployed as a Private in Company F of the Virginia 18th Infantry under the command of Captain Richard A. Booker.

Cicero had enlisted in the Confederate Army on April 23, 1861, at the age of 23. After transfering to Compayny C on April 30th, 1862, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant on May 26th of the same year. He was wounded in the battle of Gettysburg on July 3rd, 1862, and he was captured as a prisoner of war. Cicero died at the age of 26 on May 27th, 1864 as a POW. Edward, following his brother, joined Company F of the Virginia 18th Infantry. He later died of disease at his home in 1864.

External Sources:

"SGT Cicero A. Verser", Findagrave.com, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/20089535/cicero-a-verser

Acquisition information:
The William Verser Letter was purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in January 2020.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the William Verser Letter was completed in November 2023.