Brenneman Family Collection

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], Brenneman Family Collection, 1863, Ms2025-093, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Abstract:
This collection contains two photographs and a letter. The photographs are family portraits of the Brennemans' and the letter was written during the American Civil War by Elias Brenneman.
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], Brenneman Family Collection, 1863, Ms2025-093, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains two photographs and a letter. One photograph depicts five family members, including Annie and Steward Brenneman and two people identified as "Lucy's parents." The second photograph includes four family members, including Caroline Strickler Brenneman. The letter was written by Elias Brenneman on March 19, 1863, to his wife Caroline. The letter includes updates on Elias while he was in Camp Suffolk, Virginia, during the American Civil War. The letter has a stamp at the top that reads, "Union and Constitution. A transcription of the letter is included.

Biographical / historical:

Elias Brenneman was born November 24, 1832, and married Caroline Strickler. In 1862, Elias was drafted into the Union Army during the American Civil War where he served as a private with the 166th Pennsylvania Infantry. He was discharged in July of 1863. Elias died October 7, 1904, and Caroline died December 9, 1916.

External Source:

Elias Good Brenneman. March 30, 2007. Find a Grave. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/18685267/elias_good-brenneman. Accessed January 28, 2026.

Acquisition information:
The Brenneman Family Collection was donated to Special Collections and University Archives in August 2019.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Brenneman Family Collection was completed in January 2026.