The collection is open to research.
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Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Nixon Stewart Letters, Ms1988-086, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.
The Nixon Stewart Letters were purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in 1988 and 1989.
The processing and description of the Nixon Stewart Letters commenced and was completed in May, 2021.
Nixon B. Stewart, son of John and Mary Blair Stewart, was born May 14, 1842. The 1860 census lists Nixon Stewart, 18, together with Margaret Stewart, 19, among the seven Stewart children living in the Adamsville (Muskingum County) residence of John and Mary Stewart. In August, 1862, Stewart enlisted in Company E, 97th Ohio Infantry, for three years' service. By November, 1862, Stewart, suffering from dysentery, was confined to a hospital in Nashville. He was transferred to the hospital in Louisville the following March, then received a medical discharge May 8, 1863. Stewart returned to Muskingum County, and following his eventual recovery, he joined the Adamsville militia. Elected sergeant, Stewart served with the militia when it was called for 100 days' active duty in May, 1864, and mustered into Federal service as Company E, 160th Ohio Infantry. In 1865, Stewart married Mary A. Shroyer (1845-1927). The census for 1870 describes Nixon Stewart as a 28-year-old farmer. Also listed in the household were Mary Stewart, 25, and two young Stewart children. The couple added a third child by 1880. Nixon Stewart died January 3, 1908, and was buried in Fairview Church Cemetery, Adamsville (Muskingum County), Ohio.
This collection contains two letters (one a fragment) from Nixon Stewart, of the 97th Ohio Infantry, written while Stewart was confined to military hospitals in Nashville, Tennessee; and Louisville, Kentucky. Writing to his sister Maggie, Nixon focuses largely on personal matters, mentioning mutual acquaintances. He notes that he recent attended a Black church service and briefly recounts the recent activities of his regiment during his convalescence, naming the soldiers of his company wounded. He reflects on the prospects for an end to the war and at one point expresses a desire to return to his regiment, writing, "I would much rather be stought [sic] enough to stand the hardship with the Reg. than to be here."
The guide to the Nixon Stewart Letters by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 (https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/).