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Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech
Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434)Original 2000 web version of the finding aid funded in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Gerrianne Schaad, Archivist
The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.
Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction . Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication . Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.
The collection is open for research.
Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Sturtevant Family Letters, 1858-1884, Ms1993-023, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.
The collection was purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in 1993.
The processing, arrangement, and description of the Sturtevant Family Letters was completed in November 2024.
Ann Maria Sturtevant and Owen Sturtevant were married and lived in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois. Other family members lived in Springfield and Monticello, Illinois.
There are 145-pages worth of letters from the Sturtevant family in this collection ranging from 1858-1884. Most of the letters include information about family births and deaths, illnesses and daily happenings. The pre-war era letters are mostly information on family and farm affairs. The letters that were written during the American Civil War contain information on family affairs, information on the members of the Sturtevant family in the Union Army, and local happenings. The post-war letters cover family affairs, including the divorce of Ann Sturtevant's brother William.
Content Warning: Some letters from the collection include racist language and references to slavery.
The Sturtevant Family Letters are arranged in alphabetical order according to the author of the letter.
The guide to the Sturtevant Family Letters by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 ( https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/ ).
Letter to Sister Ann from Elizabeth Durkee dated September 23, 1864, mentions an uncle selling one enslaved person and future plans to sell nine enslaved persons.
Content Warning: includes references to slavery
Letter written December 8, 1860 mentioning finding eleven enslaved persons and searching records for other enslaved persons. Also inquires whether the recipient, "Sir", thinks Montgomery and Durkee should go to Maryland for further searching.
Content Warning: includes references to slavery