Jacob Gibson Armstrong (1836-1886) was closely involved with the Armstrong family's farming business. While his brothers Thomas and Wilbur pursued education and later enlisted with the local volunteer regiment when the war started, Jacob remained in Muskingum County to help his father William and mother Jane with tending livestock and selling wool. Jacob had a hand in managing finances for the family and it is to him that Thomas and Wilbur's appeals for support while away from home were often addressed. While he correspondend with family and friends on the frontlines, he was a steadfast observer of politics. In 1863, he ventured down to Lawrence, Kansas to defend the city against William Quantrill's guerrilla forces and was wounded in the conflict. By 1865, Jacob settled in Gratiot, Ohio with his partner Mattie.
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Letter from Jacob G. Armstrong to Thomas S. Armstrong
Jacob G. Armstrong
March 02, 1862; Norwich, OHJacob discusses Wilbur's health and the people caring for him in the 4th Street Hospital. William heads for Cincinnati to visit Wilbur at the urging of Mr. Gomer Wynne.
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Letter from Jacob G. Armstrong, Jane Armstrong, and Matilda Hull to Thomas S. Armstrong
Jacob G. Armstrong, Jane Armstrong, and Matilda Hull
March 30, 1862; Norwich, OHNotes from Jane Elizabeth Armstrong, William Armstrong, Jacob, and Matilda Hull in mourning after Wilbur's death.
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Letter from Jacob G. Armstrong to W.G. Spencer
Jacob G. Armstrong
February 05, 1863; Norwich, OHJacob updates the Spencer family on Thomas's activity, considers military strategy and Ambrose Burnside; describes the wool business in relation to a cotton shortage
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Letter from Jacob G. Armstrong to Thomas S. Armstrong
Jacob G. Armstrong
October 13, 1865; Gratiot, OHJacob congratulates Thomas on the prospect of having "in one year a little Boy" and his securing a teaching position. Jacob Armstrong reports on a local county fair and responds to Thomas's inquiry about buying property in Clinton, Illinois.
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Letter from Jacob G. Armstrong to Thomas S. Armstrong
Jacob G. Armstrong
November 26, 1865; Gratiot, OHJacob has at last received the money Thomas sent from Annapolis and suggests suing the courier service for interest. The sum will be used to pay debts and bolster the family's farming business.