R. Curtis Edgerton Papers mssEdgertonr

Gina C Giang
The Huntington Library
March 2020
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, California 91108
reference@huntington.org


Contributing Institution: The Huntington Library
Title: R. Curtis Edgerton papers
Creator: Edgerton, R. Curtis (Reuben Curtis), 1822-1893
Identifier/Call Number: mssEdgertonr
Physical Description: 0.42 Linear Feet (1 box)
Date (inclusive): 1861-1862
Abstract: Reuben Curtis Edgerton was an Army surgeon during the American Civil War. The letters are primarily addressed to his wife Lydia O. Tiffany, about Army life from 1861-1862.
Language of Material: Materials are in English.

Conditions Governing Access

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

Conditions Governing Use

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]. R. Curtis Edgerton papers, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Charles L. Carter, August 1975.

Biographical / Historical

Rueben Curtis Edgerton was born in Essex County, New York on September 10, 1822. Edgerton was a Union soldier and joined the 26th Illinois Volunteer Regiment in the fall of 1861. Although Edgerton entered the Army as a band member, he gradually concentrated on hospital work and eventually became acting assistant surgeon. His regiment was stationed in Hannibal, Pleasant, and Commerce, Missouri, and saw some service in Tennessee and Mississippi.

Scope and Contents

Collection consists of 53 letters written by Reuben Curtis Edgerton between October 1861 and June 1862. Edgerton addressed 52 of the letters to his wife Lydia O. Edgerton, nee Tiffany, and one letter to his daughter Ellen Edgerton. In his letters, Edergton describes a soldier's life and medical and sanitary affairs during the American Civil War from 1861-1862. Thirty-six of the letters were written while Edgerton was stationed in Hannibal, Pleasant, and Commerce, Missouri. Other letters originated from Tennessee, Mississippi, and New York.

Processing Information

Processed by Huntington Staff, March 1978. Gina C Giang created a finding aid derived from a legacy summary report.

General

Formerly call number: mssEdgerton papers.

Arrangement

Materials in loose chronological order.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Missouri -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Personal narratives
Tennessee -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Personal narratives
United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Medical care -- Sources
United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Regimental histories -- Illinois -- Sources
Edgerton, Lydia, 1842-1927

Box 1, Folder 1a-4

R. Curtis Edgerton papers 1861-1862