Bennett Family Correspondence, 1861-1864

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Summary

Title:
Bennett family correspondence
Dates:
1861-1864
Abstract:
Letters to Seeley James Bennett (1833-1905) in Contra Costa County, California, from his family in Iowa.
Extent:
0.21 Linear Feet (1 box)
Language:
Materials are in English.
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item]. Bennett family correspondence, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.

Background

Scope and content:

Twenty-one letters to Seeley J. Bennett and a few to his wife Jennie, primarily from his parents and brothers. There are also a few letters from a lawyer, Philip Myers. Letters discuss friends and family news, Seeley's marriage and move to California, supplying Seeley's business with mules and horses and other financial and business ties, probating Stephen R. Bennett's will in California, and the health of both parents and brothers. Many letters mention the Civil War experiences of his brothers Charles and George, including marches, illnesses, and George's involvement in the Battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, and Corinth in 1862, and his lengthy recovery from battlefield injuries. Letters convey considerable anxiety about the health of various family members, post-war prospects for George and Charles, and Seeley Bennett's infrequent communication and distance from his family. Handwritten transcripts provided by the donor are included for each letter.

Biographical / historical:

Seeley James Bennett (1833-1905) was born in Ohio to Stephen R. Bennett (1796-1863) and Susan Gregory Bennett (1803-1875). He had two younger brothers, George and Charles. The family later relocated to Oskaloosa, Iowa. Around 1859, Seeley Bennett left Oskaloosa for Contra Costa County, California, where he ran a successful stagecoach business in the town of Pacheco and then Martinez. He married Jane (Jennie) Elizabeth Hough (1843-1929) and the couple had one son, Stephen Earl Bennett (1864-1906). Seeley Bennett's brothers both enlisted in the United States Army during the American Civil War: George J. Bennett (1842-1886), private and then captain of the 7th Regiment of Iowa Infantry, and Charles G. Bennett, a sergeant in the 33rd Regiment of Iowa Infantry.

Acquisition information:
Gift of Nancy L. Barnes and Garland N. Barnes, October 2025.
Processing information:

Processed at the time of accessioning by Kelly Kress in March 2026.

Arrangement:

Letters are arranged chronologically, followed by transcripts also arranged chronologically.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Kelly Kress
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2026-04-02 10:58:19 -0700 .

Access and use

Restrictions:

Open for use by qualified researchers and by appointment. Please contact Reader Services at the Huntington Library for more information.

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]. Bennett family correspondence, 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
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