Hackley Family World War I Correspondence

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.

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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], Hackley Family World War I Correspondence, 1917-1918, Ms2025-045, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Abstract:
The collection contains four letters sent from France during World War I. The letters were primarly sent between soldiers asking where they are located or if they have arrived in France. The recipent for three of the letters was Woodford Hackley, and soldier enlisted in 1917.
Language:
The material in this collection is in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Hackley Family World War I Correspondence, 1917-1918, Ms2025-045, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection contains four letters sent during World War I. The first was sent from France on October 6, 1917. The letter was handwritten by Sgt. Dan P. Wood and addressed to Alice M. Hackley, his aunt. Dan writes about memories of a friend and his hopes for a reunion when everyone returns home. The second letter was sent from France on November 1, 1917, and was handwritten by William H. Beach. It is addressed to W.B. Hackley, a fellow soldier. William writes that he is unsure of where Hackley is and the intention of the letter is to locate him. Letter three was a typed letter, sent on January 30, 1918, by Dan Hackley and was addressed to Woodford Hackley. He writes that he has been stationed at three different towns while in France and he wonders if Woodford has arrived there yet. He also questions Woodford's work at the University of Virginia hospital unit. The fourth letter was handwritten and sent on December 18, 1918 to Woodford Hackley. The letter informs Woodoford that the sender has arrived in France.

Biographical / historical:

Woodford B. Hackley was born August 2, 1894, in Culpeper County, Virginia. His father was Walter Hackley and mother was Alice Wood Hackley. He was enlisted into military service on September 28, 1917, and was discharged April 10, 1919. He married Elizabeth Clair Blair, who died in 1987. Woodford died on September 24, 1978.

External sources:

Woodford Broadus Hackley. February 13, 2007. Find a Grave. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/17917465/woodford_broadus-hackley. Accessed June 16, 2025.

Woodford Broadus Hackley in the U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010. Ancestry Library. https://www.ancestrylibrary.com/search/collections/2441/records/7551313. Accessed June 16, 2025.

Acquisition information:
The Hackley Family World War I Correspondence was purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in July 2016.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Hackley Family World War I Correspondence was completed in June 2025.

Indexed terms

Subjects:
World War, 1914-1918