Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

Collection open for research.

Use Restrictions

Physical characteristics and conditions affect use of this material. Photocopying of original not permitted. Use copy is filed by title in Unpublished Papers.

Preferred Citation

Thomas Russell Smith Reminiscences, 1908 (SC 0098), Thomas Balch Library, Leesburg, VA.

Acquisition Information

N. R. Smith, Medford, NJ

Alternative Form Available

Typescript copy in Unpublished Papers

Accruals

2000.0010

Custodial History

Formerly catalogued and NUCMC 87

Processing Information

Alexandra S. Gressitt, 9 February 2012

Biographical Information

Thomas Russell Smith (16 August 1833-17 October 1914), was a son of Jonas and Miriam (Russell) Smith of Lincoln, Loudoun County, Virginia. Smith was a farmer and member of the Goose Creek Monthly Meeting. He married Ellen Haines (25 July 1835-5 February 1925) daughter of Reuben and Sarah Haines of Carroll County, Maryland, 17 October 1859. They had four children: Anna T. (b. 4 June 1862-15 August 1903; married Eli Elliott and moved to Iowa), Sarah H. (22 March 1864-29 November 1939, m. Howard M. Hoge and moved to Iowa), Harvey T. (27 April 1867-26 August, 1888-kicked by a stallion), and J. Russell (3 February 1874-unk, married Henrietta Stewart and moved to Swarthmore, PA).

Thomas R Smith was a faith based conscientious objector and was one of several members of the Friends in Loudoun County who paid a fine, $500 Confederate, to insure exemption from military duty.

Scope and Content

In 1908, Thomas Russell Smith, at the behest of his children, set down his memories of the American Civil War. As a member of Society of Friends and the Goose Creek Monthly Meeting, Smith was a conscientious objector. During the war, Loudoun was buffeted by soldiers from both sides of the conflict. Smith provides a flavor of this back and forth and talks about family members, including one who joined the Union forces despite Smith's efforts to dissuade him. The narrative comments on enforced labor, transportation of grain and corn, theft of livestock and horses, and the burning of his barn. Smith's memoirs start with a description of his wedding day, 17 October 1859, which was the night prior to John Brown's raid, and provides detailed description of how these events impacted their wedding festivities and life. The concluding passages of the memoir recount the burning of his barn, removal of his livestock and recounts how he went after the soldiers and retrieved a cow needed to provide milk and butter for his children.

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