Jonathan B. Labrant papers, 1862-1917, bulk 1862-1864

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Summary

Abstract:
Correspondence between Jonathan B. Labrant and his wife Mary; also letters to and by other family members.
Extent:
3.6 Linear Feet (3 boxes)
Language:
The records are in English.
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Jonathan B. Labrant papers, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.

Background

Scope and content:

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.

Biographical / historical:

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.

Acquisition information:
Gift of Richard Kiltz Miller, January 1973.
Arrangement:

The collection is arranged chronologically. It is housed in two boxes.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collection is open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services Department. For more information, please go to following web site.

Terms of access:

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.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Jonathan B. Labrant papers, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.

Location of this collection:
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, CA 91108, US
Contact:
(626) 405-2191
reference@huntington.org
Website