Papers of the Gilmer Family 1856-1865

Access and use

Location of collection:
University of Virginia, Special Collections Dept.
Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library
University of Virginia
P.O. Box 400110
160 McCormick Rd
Charlottesville, Virginia 22904-4110
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Brenda Gunn
Phone: (434) 924-1037
Phone: (434) 243-1776
Fax: (434) 924-4968

Summary

Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

The papers of the Gilmer family is largely a collection of incoming correspondence received and retained by Cummings Gilmer of Lebanon, Russell County, Virginia, and his daughter, Martha. On examination of the correspondence, it appears that Cummings Gilmer and his wife, Mary, had the following children: Charles Hayes Gilmer, William Rives Gilmer, John Edmonson Gilmer, Martha J. Gilmer, and Sarah W. Gilmer. Cummings' brother, William Gilmer, and his wife, Jane, had a son, James A. Gilmer, who is also represented in the collection.

Of primary interest are the early letters of John E. Gilmer, describing life and events at Emory and Henry College (one of his essays describes a duel) and his letters as a Confederate soldier, some of which were apparently written in collaboration with his brother, William, whose Civil War letters constitute the largest portion of the collection. The news of war and family are also reflected in the letters of Charles H. Gilmer. Death or imprisonment befell James and his cousins towards the end of the war. Unfortunately, only a few items of outgoing correspondence (from Cummings, his daughter, Martha, and his brother, William) are extant in this collection.

Acquisition information:
This collection was deposited in the University of Virginia Library for historical reference and photographing by Mr. M. C. Gilmer, Big Cedar Creek Farm, Lebanon, Virginia, on October 24, 1955.
Physical description:
This collection consists of 148 items on microfilm.