This collection contains the papers of Civil war soldier and teacher Obadiah E. Baker and his wife, Melissa Dalton Baker, of Iowa and, later, Northern California, and their family between the late 1850s and early 1900s. Notably, the collection contains letters kept by Obadiah Baker to his wife, while serving in the 2nd Iowa Cavalry Regiment, which reflect on military operations on the Western front, camp life, and Civil War hospitals and medical care.

Civil War soldier and teacher Obadiah Ethelbert Baker (1838-1923), a native of Eden, New York, moved to Iowa with his parents, settling in Strawberry Point in 1856. At 21, he began teaching a class of 72 students at the local district school. In 1860, he married Melissa Dalton (1844-1918). In 1860s, Melissa, formerly a student of his, taught school in the same district.

1.33 Linear Feet (2 boxes)

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.

Open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services Department. For more information, contact Reader Services.