William H. Armstrong (1810-1896) and Jane Elizabeth Gibson Armstrong (1811-1881) are the father and mother of the Armstrong generation that includes Thomas, Jacob, Matilda, Mary Elizabeth, Wilbur, and Flavilla, among others. They settled their family on a farmland very near the border of Muskingum and Licking Counties, making their living by harvesting wool. William and Jane's religious observance and teaching were fundamental to Thomas's eventual interest in pursuing the ministry. In February 1860, while still at Ohio Wesleyan, Thomas wrote that their moral training acted as a "guiding star" to him. They remained lifelong residents in the region, as did several of their children.
Included in the correspondence collected here are letters exchanged regarding to Wilbur's illness and death.
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Letter from William Armstrong to Thomas S. Armstrong
William Armstrong
March 01, 1862; Cincinnati, OHWilliam describes Wilbur's condition and asks Thomas to write him at the hospital.
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Letter from Gomer Wynne to William Armstrong
Gomer Wynne
March 22, 1862; Cincinnati, OHInvoice from undertaker for Wilbur's coffin
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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 L.D. Smith to William Armstrong
L.D. Smith
June 07, 1862; Cincinnati, OHL.D. Smith, a friend of Wilbur, expresses his condolences to William regarding Wilbur's death
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Letter from Gomer Wynne to William Armstrong
Gomer Wynne
June 20, 1862; Cincinnati, OHGomer Wynne reminds William of payment due for treatment and transport of Wilbur's remains; expresses condolences
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Application for arrears of pay from William Armstrong
William Armstrong
July 01, 1862; Norwich, OHWilliam Armstrong's application for arrears of pay and $100 bounty from the State of Ohio for Wilbur's death.
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Letter from Gomer Wynne to William Armstrong
Gomer Wynne
July 05, 1862; Cincinnati, OHGomer Wynne speaks of Wilbur and another man who was in the hospital.
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Letter from W.G. Spencer to Armstrong Family
W.G. Spencer
November 11, 1862; Germantown, OHW.G. Spencer sends condolences to the Armstrongs regarding Wilbur's death and news about his family; anxieties about the war
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Letter from W.G. Spencer to William Armstrong
W.G. Spencer
October 16, 1863; Germantown, OHW.G. Spencer discusses wool prices, asks after Thomas, and wonders when the war will end.