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Labrant (Jonathan B.) Papers
mssHM 73100-73223
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Contributing Institution:
The Huntington Library
Title: Jonathan B. Labrant papers
Identifier/Call Number: mssHM 73100-73223
Physical Description:
3.6 Linear Feet
(3 boxes)
Date (inclusive): 1862-1917
Date (bulk): 1862-1864
Abstract: Correspondence between Jonathan B.
Labrant and his wife Mary; also letters to and by other family members.
Language of Material: The records are in
English.
Collection is open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader
Services Department. For more information, please go to following
web site .
The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from
or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such activities. The
responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and obtaining
necessary permissions rests with the researcher.
[Identification of item], Jonathan B. Labrant papers, The Huntington Library, San Marino,
California.
Gift of Richard Kiltz Miller, January 1973.
Jonathan B. Labrant, Union soldier, was son of Jonathan Leibrandt and Margaret Isenbirgh
Leibrandt (Labrant), German immigrants who came to America in 1832. In 1851, the family
moved to Pierce Township, DeKalb County, Ill. In 1861, Jonathan B. Labrant married Mary
Melissa Wilson. Their first son Charles was born in 1862, followed by Albina (1866), Wilson
(1869), and twins Alvin and Calvin (1879). In February 1862, Labrant enlisted in the 58th
Regiment, Co. G of Illinois Infantry, and took part in the battle of Shiloh, advance and
siege of Corinth, Miss. (June-August, 1862), Meridian Campaign, (Feb.-Mar. 1864), Red River
Expedition, Smith's expeditions to Tupelo and Oxford (Miss.), march through Arkansas and
Missouri in pursuit of Price (Sept.-Nov. 1864), and Battle of Nashville. In 1863 the
regiment was stationed at Springfield (Ill.), Cairo (Ill.) and Paducah (Ky.), guarding
prisoners. He was mustered out in Chicago, in February 1865. After the war he lived in
Kansas.
The collection is arranged chronologically. It is housed in two boxes.
Correspondence between Jonathan Labrant and his wife Mary Melissa and his parents and
siblings (chiefly between 1862 and 1864), miscellaneous letters addressed to the Labrants,
photographs and documents. One letter is in German.
Jonathan Labrant's Civil War letters cover his service in Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana,
Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas, including encouters with fugitive slaves, "black
rebels," and Confederacy sympathizers, and discuss military actions, camp life - rations,
inspections, drills, etc., recruiting in Illinois in 1863, and war news. His correspondence
with other veterans of the 58th Regiment includes discussions of the history of the regiment
and current political affairs. His wife's letters give updates on friends and family, local
news, and describe challenges faced by a young mother running a household.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
African Americans -- Mississippi -- History -- Civil War,
1861-1865
German Americans -- Illinois -- 19th century --
Correspondence
Married women -- Illinois -- Correspondence
Red River Expedition, 1864 -- Personal narratives
Soldiers -- Illinois
Soldiers -- United States -- History -- 19th century --
Correspondence
Women -- Illinois -- Correspondence -- Civil War, 1861-1865
Arkansas -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Personal
narratives
Illinois -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Personal
narratives
Louisiana -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Personal
narratives
Mississippi -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Personal
narratives
Tennessee -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Personal
narratives
United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Personal
narratives
United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Regimental
histories -- Illinois -- Sources
United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- -- Veterans --
Correspondence
Family papers -- United States -- 19th century
Letters (correspondence) -- United States -- 19th century
Military records -- United States -- Civil War, 1861-1865
Photographs -- United States -- 19th century