Finding Aid to the Crenshaw Family Collection

JONES MEMORIAL LIBRARY
2311 MEMORIAL AVENUE
LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA 24501
(434) 846-0501
CRENSHAW FAMILY COLLECTION
The collection contains several letters of the Leroy A. CRENSHAW family and their
relatives the SYDNORs and the MARTINs. Some letters contain genealogical
information. The collection also includes letters from Walter CRENSHAW of the R.L.I.
Blues [Richmond Light Infantry Blues], written from Camp Cuba Libre, Jacksonville,
FL, during the Spanish-American War. Also included is an article written by Henry
Clinton SYDNOR, "A Virginia Boy in the Sixties," published in The Religious Herald,
Vol. 94, No. 41, 20 October 1921.
Also included in the collection is a scrapbook kept by Miss Jessie D. CRENSHAW.
FOLDER 1 CRENSHAW letters (William J. ROBERTSON, Nannie B. HARRISON,
John D. MILLER, Edmonia CRENSHAW, Leroy A. CRENSHAW, Walter
CRENSHAW, J. J. TERRY)
FOLDER 2 SYDNOR letters (William B. SYDNOR, William J. SYDNOR, Henry
Clinton SYDNOR)
[See folders for biographical sketches of correspondents.]

JONES MEMORIAL LIBRARY
2311 MEMORIAL AVENUE
LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA 24501
(434) 846-0501
WILLIAM JOSEPH ROBERTSON (1817-1898)
William Joseph ROBERTSON, son of John ROBERTSON and Sarah BRAND, was
born 30 December 1817 in Culpeper County, Virginia. Following the death of John
ROBERTSON in 1818, Sarah (BRAND) ROBERTSON, with her infant son, returned to
the home of her father, Joseph BRAND, in Albemarle County. [Charles M. Blackford,
"Memorials - William J. Robertson," Report of the Tenth Annual Meeting of the Virginia State Bar
Association, 1898 (Richmond: Williams Printing, 1898), pp. 81-102, hereinafter "Memorials;" Armistead
C. Gordon, Virginian Portraits: Essays in Biography (Staunton: McClure Co., 1924), pp. 77-106,
hereinafter "Virginian Portraits."]

A graduate of the University of Virginia, William J. ROBERTSON received his law
degree in 1841. [University of Virginia, Students of the University of Virginia: A Semi-centennial
Catalogue (Baltimore: Charles Harvey & Co., 1878), n.p.]

ROBERTSON began his law practice in Louisa County, Virginia, but later moved to
Charlottesville in Albemarle County. After serving as Commonwealth's Attorney for six
years he was elected to the Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals. [John H. Moore, ed., "A
Hometown Boy Looks at Charlottesville, 1858: A Letter of Benjamin F. Harlow," The Magazine of
Albemarle County History, Vol. 18 (1959-1960), p. 36, note 3; Virginian Portraits, loc.cit.]

On 16 August 1842, William J. ROBERTSON married Hannah Elizabeth GORDON,
daughter of William Fitzhugh GORDON and Elizabeth Lindsay. [John Vogt, T. William
Kethley, Jr., Albemarle County Marriages 1780-1853 (Athens, GA: Iberian, 1991), p. 269, hereinafter
"Albemarle Co. Marriages;" Virginian Portraits, loc.cit.; Raymond B. Clark, Jr., "Observations on
Washington Society," Papers of the Albemarle County Historical Society, Vol. 11 (1950-1951), p. 57, note
20.]

Following the death of his first wife, ROBERTSON married Alice (WATTS)
MORRIS, the daughter of Gen. Edward WATTS, and widow of Dr. George Washington
MORRIS of South Carolina, on 16 July 1863 in Roanoke, Virginia. ["Memorials," p. 102.]
Justice William J. ROBERTSON was removed from the Virginia Supreme Court of
Appeals in 1865 and entered into partnership with S. Valentine SOUTHALL in
Charlottesville. [Moore, "Hometown Boy," loc.cit.]
In 1888, ROBERTSON became the first president of the Virginia Bar Association.
He served as general counsel of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway Company and of the
Norfolk and Western Railroad Company. He also served as a member of the Board of
Visitors of the University of Virginia. William Joseph ROBERTSON died 27 May 1898.
["Memorials," loc.cit.; Students of the University of Virginia, loc.cit; Virginian Portraits, loc.cit.]

Letter, 6 November 1857, to "Dear Aunt"
The letter is written to Eliza L. (BRAND) CRENSHAW, the wife of Edmund B.
CRENSHAW. Edmund B. CRENSHAW married Eliza L. BRAND on 14 October 1829
(bond) in Albemarle County, Virginia. [John Vogt, T. William Kethley, Jr., Albemarle
County Marriages, 1780-1853 (Athens, GA: Iberian, 1991), p. 389.]
Sarah (Sally) BRAND married 31 July 1815 (bond), in Albemarle County, John
ROBERTSON. [Ibid.] These were the parents of William Joseph ROBERTSON (18171898).
Eliza L. BRAND and her sister, Sarah BRAND, were daughters of Joseph and Fanny
BRAND of the counties of Hanover and Albemarle. [Edgar Woods, Albemarle County in
Virginia (Bridgewater: Green Bookman, 1932), p. 149; William Ronald Cocke III, Hanover County
Chancery Wills and Notes (Columbia, VA: Author, 1940), p. 151.]

In the letter, Hannah is identified as Hannah E. GORDON, wife of William J.
ROBERTSON. Betty is perhaps Elizabeth ROBERTSON (born ca. 1843), daughter of
William J. and Hannah ROBERTSON. [1850 Census, Albemarle County, VA, National Archives
and Records Service, M-432, Roll 932, p. 182, Dwelling 385, Family 385. Also in the household is Sarah
ROBERTSON, aged 74 years, presumed to be Sarah (BRAND) ROBERTSON, mother of William J.
ROBERTSON.]

NANNIE B. HARRISON (1833- )
Nannie B. HARRISON, daughter of Braxton HARRISON and Cammilla A. M.
JOHNSON, was born ca. 1833, perhaps in Charles City County, Virginia. ["Marriage of
Braxton Harrison and Cammilla A. M. Johnson, 18 April 1826," William and Mary Quarterly, Series 1,
Vol. 8, p. 193; "Obituary of Braxton Harrison," Richmond Examiner, 28 January 1834, p. 3, in Virginia
Genealogical Society, Death Notices from Richmond, Virginia Newspapers 1821-1840, Special Publication
No. 9 (Richmond: The Society, 1987), p. 105. Harrison died 15 December 1833, at Farmer's Rest, Charles
City County, aged 30 years, survived by wife and 5 children.]

In 1850, the household of Carmella [sic] HARRISON, of Charles City County,
Virginia, included:
(Dwelling 338, Family 338)
Carmella HARRISON
42
Adalade HARRISON
21
Accanna (?) HARRISON 20
Thomas P. HARRISON 19
Nancy [sic] B. HARRISON 17
[1850 Census, Charles City County, VA, National Archives and Records Service, M-432, Roll 939, p. 407.]

By 1860, Thomas P. HARRISON, son of Carmella HARRISON, is enumerated as
head of the household, which included:
(Dwelling 108, Family 108)
Thomas P. HARRISON 29 Farmer Real est. 20,000

Personal est. 10,500
Camilla A. M. HARRISON 51 Personal est. 13,000
Nanny B. HARRISON 27
Personal est. 14,000
[1860 Census, Charles City County, VA, National Archives and Records Service, M-653, Roll 1340, p.
123.]

Letter, 1 August 1859, to Edmonia [CRENSHAW]
The writer of the letter appears to be Nanny B. HARRISON of Apperson's Post
Office, Charles City County, Virginia. The other persons named in the letter are
unidentified at present.

JOHN D. MILLER
Letter, 23 December 1860, to "Dear Cousin"
It would appear that John D. MILLER is writing to his cousin, Edmonia
[CRENSHAW]. "Cousin Eliza" may be Eliza L. (BRAND) CRENSHAW, mother of
Edmonia CRENSHAW. Apparently, Agnes [MILLER?], sister of John D. MILLER, is
in Virginia, perhaps staying with the CRENSHAW family. It is difficult to determine the
exact family relationship between John D. MILLER and Edmonia CRENSHAW.

LEROY A. CRENSHAW (ca.1815/1819-aft.1892)
Leroy A. CRENSHAW, probably the son of Walter and Mary (CLOUGH?)
CRENSHAW, was born ca. 1815/1819, probably in Hanover County, Virginia. [1880
Census, Henrico County, VA, Richmond City, National Archives and Records Service (hereinafter NARS),
T-9, Roll 1737, p. 46, Monroe Ward, Dwelling 605, Family 747, 306 S. Fifth St. Crenshaw aged 64 years
(b.ca. 1816); 1870 Census, Henrico County, VA, Richmond, NARS M-593, Roll 1654, p. 86, Dwelling
941, Family 1182. Crenshaw aged 51 years (b.ca.1819); 1860 Census, Henrico County, VA, Richmond,
NARS M-653, Roll 1352, p 431, Ward 2, Dwelling 1225, Family 1363. Crenshaw aged 41 years (b.ca.
1819); 1850 Census, Henrico County, VA, NARS M-432, Roll 951, p. 328, Dwelling 1493, Family 1626.
Crenshaw aged 35 years (b.ca. 1815); 1820 Census, Hanover County, VA, NARS M-33, Roll 138, p. 55.
Walter Crenshaw household includes two males 0-10 years (b.ca. 1810-1820); 1830 Census, Hanover
County, VA, NARS M-19, Roll 194, p. 212. Walter Crenshaw household includes 1 male 10-15 years
(b.ca. 1815-1820). No other Crenshaw household includes males with ages fitting time frame 1815-1819;
1850 Census, Hanover County, VA, NARS M-432, Roll 949, p. 381. Included in household of Walter
Crenshaw is Lee J. Clough, perhaps brother of Crenshaw's wife, Martha.]

CRENSHAW married (1) 18 November 1841 Mary Jane GLENN, daughter of
Thomas J. GLENN. [Ann Waller Reddy, Andrew Lewis Riffe IV, Virginia Marriage Bonds, Richmond
City (Staunton: McClure, 1939), p. 75.] Mary (GLENN) CRENSHAW died before 16
November 1850. [1850 Census, Henrico County, VA, loc.cit. Leroy A. Crenshaw age 35, Thomas E.
Crenshaw age 8, living in household of Thomas GLENN.]

(Continued)

LEROY A. CRENSHAW (ca.1815/1819-aft.1892)
(Continued)
He married (2) ca. 1851 Sarah B. SYDNOR, daughter of William Barrett SYDNOR
and Sarah Thomas AUSTIN. [Elizabeth Coalter, Neva Thompson, comp., Marriage Notices in the
Religious Herald, Vol. 1 (Richmond: Historical Records Survey, 1941), p. 141. Date of notice publication
21 August 1851; Hanover County Historical Society, Old Homes of Hanover County, Virginia (Hanover,
VA: The Society, 1983), pp. 33-34; History of Virginia, Vol. 4 (Chicago: American Historical Society,
1924), p. 21.]

Leroy A. CRENSHAW worked as a lumber merchant and lumber measurer in
Richmond, Virginia, ca. 1850-ca. 1896. [Letter, Conley Edwards, The Library of Virginia, 2 May
1995. Crenshaw is listed in the city directories 1874-1896; 1850 Census, Henrico County, VA, loc.cit.;
1860 Census, Henrico County, VA, loc.cit.; 1870 Census, Henrico County, VA, loc.cit.; 1880 Census,
Henrico County, VA, loc.cit.]

Leroy A. CRENSHAW died after 28 September 1892 when he wrote a letter to his
daughter, Jessie D. (CRENSHAW) MARTIN. [Letter, 28 September 1892, Crenshaw Family
Collection, MS1942, Jones Memorial Library, Lynchburg, VA.]

Nothing further is known of Leroy A. CRENSHAW at present.
Letter, 16 August 1861, to "Uncle Tommy"
The letter is apparently written to Thomas White SYDNOR, Baptist minister of
Nottoway County, Virginia. He was the brother of William Barrett SYDNOR, the father
of Sarah B. (SYDNOR) CRENSHAW.
Thomas White SYDNOR, son of Edward Garland SYDNOR and Sarah WHITE, was
born 1 June 1816, in Hanover County, Virginia. He attended the Virginia Baptist
Seminary and later graduated from Columbian College in 1838. He married (1) 15
October 1840, Sarah M. L. CHAPIN, daughter of S. CHAPIN of Columbian College. He
married (2) 11 December 1845, Blanche McCLANAHAN of Roanoke County, Virginia.
A Baptist minister, he served in pastorates in a number of counties in Virginia, finally
settling in Nottoway County in 1847 as pastor of Blackstone Baptist Church. He also
served as the superintendent of public schools in Nottoway County and as a trustee of
Richmond College. He died 4 May 1890. [George Braxton Taylor, Virginia Baptist Ministers, 4th
series, (Lynchburg: J. P. Bell, 1913), pp. 71-75; Tyler's Quarterly, Vol. 4, pp. 46, 152.]

"Garland" is perhaps Edward Garland SYDNOR, son of Thomas White SYDNOR,
and first cousin of Sarah B. (SYDNOR) CRENSHAW.
Edward Garland SYDNOR was born 5 March 1843, in Prince Edward County,
Virginia, the son of Thomas White SYDNOR and Sarah M. L. CHAPIN. [James I.
Robertson, 18th Virginia Infantry 1st ed. (Lynchburg: H. E. Howard, 1984), p. 79; 1850 Census, Nottoway
County, VA, National Archives and Records Service, M-432, Roll 965, p. 372, Dwelling 113, Family 113.]

(Continued)

LEROY A. CRENSHAW (ca.1815/1819-aft.1892)
(Continued)
Letter, 16 August 1861, to "Uncle Tommy" - Continued
He served in Company G, 18th Virginia Infantry, during the Civil War. According to his
service record, he was absent sick from August until October 1861. He was killed at
Antietam Creek on 17 September 1862, and his remains were reinterred in Blackstone,
Virginia, in 1866. [Robertson, loc.cit.]
"Elisha GUN" is perhaps Elisha G. GUNN, age 23, teacher, enumerated in the
household of William B. SYDNOR of Hanover County in 1850. [1850 Census, Hanover
County, VA, National Archives and Records Service, M-432, Roll 949, p. 412, Dwelling 73.]

In 1860, the household of E. G. GUNN, of Nottoway
County, Virginia, included:
(Dwelling 209, Family 200)
E. G. GUNN 33 Farmer
Mary E. GUNN 21
James M. GUNN 2
[1860 Census, Nottoway County, VA, National Archives and Records Service, M-653, Roll 1367, p. 938.
The household of Thomas W. SYDNOR is located nearby (Dwelling 183, Family 174), p. 934.]

An Elisha G. GUNN enlisted 22 April 1861 in Co. G, 18th Virginia Infantry. At the
time of his enlistment, he was a farmer, aged 34 years. He was captured at Sayler's Creek
on 6 April 1865 and was paroled from Point Lookout Prison on 4 June 1865. [Robertson,
18th Virginia Infantry, p. 58.]

"Mrs. Guns brother" and "Dr. Briggs" have not been identified at this writing.
"Mrs. Wm. Sydnor" is apparently Sarah Thomas (AUSTIN) SYDNOR, wife of
William Barrett SYDNOR, and mother of Sarah B. (SYDNOR) CRENSHAW.
"Sallie increased her family satturday [sic] night...[a] girl this time." "Sallie" is
apparently Sarah
B. (SYDNOR) CRENSHAW, wife of Leroy A. CRENSHAW. The daughter appears to
be Jessie D. CRENSHAW. [1870 Census, Henrico County, VA, National Archives and Records
Service, M-593, Roll 1654, p. 86, Dwelling 941, Family 1182. J. D. Crenshaw, age 8; 1880 Census,
Henrico County, VA, National Archives and Records Service, T-9, Roll 1737, p. 46, Richmond, Monroe
Ward, Dwelling 605, Family 747. Jessie D. Crenshaw, age 18.] The letter is dated 16 August 1861,

which was a Friday. This would place the birth date of Jessie D. Crenshaw as Saturday,
10 August 1861.
"Eusibius" has not yet been identified.
(Continued)

LEROY A. CRENSHAW (ca.1815/1819-aft.1892)
(Continued)
Letter, 28 September 1892, to "Dear Daughter"
Although "Dear Daughter" is unidentified in the letter itself, a note by "A. C.
MARTIN" on the reverse of the letter identifies "Dear Daughter" as Jessie D.
(CRENSHAW) MARTIN. Jessie D. CRENSHAW was born 10 August 1861, in
Richmond, Virginia, the daughter of Leroy A. CRENSHAW and Sarah B. SYDNOR.
Jessie D. CRENSHAW married, presumably, James M. MARTIN. [Letter, 16 August 1861,
Crenshaw Family Collection, MS1942, Jones Memorial Library, Lynchburg, VA. The envelope included
with the letter is addressed to "Mrs. James M. MARTIN care of J. M. MARTIN Esq." A handwritten note
on the envelope states that the letter is "from Grandpa Crenshaw."]

BURTON and CHESTERMAN appear to be building contractors, perhaps in
partnership, in Richmond. CHESTERMAN appears to be Wirt A. CHESTERMAN,
contractor, and BURTON may be Clarence G. BURTON, contractor. [Virginia Business
Directory and Gazetteer, 1911 (Richmond: Hill Directory Co., 1911), p. 510.]

FRANCES EDMONIA CRENSHAW (ca.1831-1906)
Frances Edmonia ("Eddie") CRENSHAW, daughter of Edmund B. CRENSHAW and
Eliza L. BRAND, was born ca. 1831, in Hanover County, Virginia, at Cedar Grove, the
CRENSHAW plantation. She married ca. 1867 William W. NEWMAN, son of Isaac
NEWMAN and Mary EASTHAM. William W. NEWMAN served as a judge of the
Hanover County Court and as a judge of the Henrico County Court. They were the
parents of two sons, William Crenshaw NEWMAN and Edmund Walter NEWMAN.
Frances Edmonia (CRENSHAW) NEWMAN died 15 March 1906. ["Marriage of Edmund B.
Crenshaw and Eliza L. Brand, 14 October 1829," John Vogt, T. William Kethley, Jr., Albemarle County
Marriages, 1780-1853, Vol. 1 (Athens, GA: Iberian Publ., 1991), p. 78; "Cedar Grove," Hanover County
Historical Society, Old Homes of Hanover County, Virginia (Hanover, VA: The Society, 1983), pp. 13-14;
John Comstock, ed., The West Virginia Heritage Encyclopedia, Vol. 5 (Richwood, WV: Comstock, 1974),
p. 92; History of Virginia, Vol. 5 (Chicago: American Historical Society, 1924), pp. 170-171.]

In the letter, Edmonia ("Eddie") CRENSHAW is planning to take "Virginia" back to
"the City" [Richmond?]. The identity of "Virginia" is unknown at present. In 1860, the
household of Eliza L. CRENSHAW, of Hanover County, included:
(Dwelling 280, Family 280)
E. L. CRENSHAW 55
Real est. $54,000
Personal est. $75,500
Edmonia CRENSHAW 25
[1860 Census, Hanover County, VA, National Archives and Records Service, M-653, Roll 1350, p. 360, St.
Paul's Parish.]

Since "Virginia" does not appear to be a member of the CRENSHAW household, it
may be that she is a near relative, or daughter of a friend.

WALTER CRENSHAW (ca.1875- )
Walter CRENSHAW, son of Leroy A. CRENSHAW and Sarah B. SYDNOR, was
born ca. 1875 in Richmond, Virginia. [1880 Census, Henrico County, VA, Richmond City,
National Archives and Records Service, T-9, Roll 1737, p. 46, Monroe Ward, Dwelling 605, Family 747,
306 S. Fifth St.; "Marriage of Leroy A. Crenshaw and Sarah B. Sydnor," Elizabeth Coalter, Neva
Thompson, comp., Marriage Notices in the Religious Herald, Vol. 1 (Richmond: Historical Records
Survey, 1941), p. 141.]

Walter CRENSHAW was mustered into service in the Richmond Light Infantry Blues
as a private in Company H of the 4th Regiment, Virginia Volunteers, on 24 May 1898.
[Report of the Adjutant-General of the Commonwealth of Virginia, 1898-1899 (Richmond: O'Bannon,
1899), p. 346; John A. Cutchins, A Famous Command: The Richmond Light Infantry Blues (Richmond:
Garrett & Massie, 1934), p. 340.]

The Richmond Light Infantry Blues reached Camp Cuba Libre at Jacksonville,
Florida, on 7 June 1898, and became part of the Third Brigade, Second Division, Seventh
Army Corps, under Maj. General Fitzhugh LEE. The regiments remained at Jacksonville
until October, 1898, when they were sent to Savannah, Georgia. [Cutchins, A Famous
Command, pp. 202-203.] CRENSHAW was discharged as a corporal on 22 November 1898,
perhaps in Savannah, Georgia. [Report, loc.cit.] He was later discharged from service in
the Blues on 19 March 1910. [Cutchins, A Famous Command, p. 364.]
Nothing further is known of Walter CRENSHAW at present.
Letter, 7 June 1898, to "Mother"
"Mother" is identified as Sarah B. (SYDNOR) CRENSHAW. "Uncle Bob" may be
Robert T. SYDNOR, brother of Sarah B. (SYDNOR) CRENSHAW, and son of William
B. SYDNOR of Hanover County, Virginia. [1850 Census, Hanover County, VA, National
Archives and Records Service, M-432, Roll 949, p. 412, Dwelling 73.]

"Sister" may be Jessie D. CRENSHAW, sister of Walter CRENSHAW. [1880 Census,
Henrico County, Richmond City, National Archives and Records Service, T-9, Roll 1737, p. 46, Monroe
Ward, Dwelling 605, Family 747, 306 S. Fifth St.]
Since Leroy A. CRENSHAW, father of Walter, is not mentioned in the letter, it may
be presumed that he is deceased by this time.
The remaining names mentioned in the letter (Sallie, Billy, Gertrude, Clara, Ellis
ROY) are unidentified at present.
Letter, 11 June 1898, to "Mother"
"Gen. LEE" appears to be Major General Fitzhugh LEE, son of Sydney Smith LEE
and Anna Maria MASON, who was born 19 November 1835 in Fairfax County, Virginia.
A graduate of West Point in 1856, he served on the staffs of Generals Ewell and
Johnston, and was later made lieutenant-colonel of the First Virginia Cavalry. Following

the Civil War, he was elected governor of Virginia in 1885. In 1896, he was appointed
consul-general to Havana, Cuba. Following his return to Washington in 1898, he was
commissioned major-general of the volunteers, and was assigned command of the
Seventh Army Corps. He was retired as brigadier-general of the volunteers in 1901. He
died 28 April 1905 and was buried in Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia.
[Dumas Malone, ed., Dictionary of American Biography, Vol. XI (New York: Charles Scribner's Sons,
1933), pp. 103-105.]

Other names in the letter (Sergt. SNEAD, Billy, Miss READY, Mr. SWEENEY) are
unidentified at present.
The envelope for the letter is addressed to Mrs. L.A. CRENSHAW, 316 Lombardy
Street, Richmond, Virginia.

JOHN JAMES TERRY (1844-1919)
John James TERRY, probably the son of Frances J. B. TERRY, was born 9 October
1844 in Hanover County, Virginia. He enlisted in Company G of the Fourth Virginia
Cavalry on 23 September 1861 at Fairfax Court House. He was paroled 23 April 1865 at
Ashland, Hanover County. He died 10 October 1919 in Hanover County. [1860 Census,
Hanover County, VA, National Archives and Records Service, M-653, Roll 1350, p. 449, Dwelling 232,
Family 229; Kenneth L. Stiles, 4th Virginia Cavalry, 1st ed. (Lynchburg: H. E. Howard, 1985), p. 138.]

Letter, 20 February 1911, to "Walter"
The letter is addressed to Walter, presumably Walter CRENSHAW, son of Leroy A.
CRENSHAW and Sarah B. SYDNOR of Richmond, Virginia. The subject of the letter
appears to be a personal narrative of the battle at Kelly's Ford on 16-17 March 1863. The
names mentioned in the letter all appear to be members of Company G, "Hanover Light
Dragoons," Fourth Virginia Cavalry.
"Geo[rge]" may be George Bowdman SYDNOR, son of William Barrett SYDNOR
and Sarah AUSTIN, who was born 20 February 1842 in Hanover County, Virginia. He
enlisted 16 August 1861 in Richmond, and was paroled 9 April 1865 at Appomattox
Court House. He died ca. 1911. [Stiles, p. 137; 1850 Census, Hanover County, VA, National
Archives and Records Service, M-432, Roll 949, p. 412, Dwelling 73; History of Virginia, Vol. 4 (Chicago:
American Historical Society, 1924), p. 21.

"Kimbrough" appears to be 4th Sergeant William J. KIMBROUGH. He enlisted on 9
May 1861, aged 35 years. He was wounded, captured, and escaped on 17 March 1863 at
Kelly's Ford. "Kimbrough...was praised for his exceptional actions during the final
charge. He was the first to pull down a fence in the way and continued to lead the
assault. Despite being sabred twice, shot and captured, he escaped
(Continued)

JOHN JAMES TERRY (1844-1919)
(Continued)
Letter, 20 February 1911, to Walter - Continued
and walked back twelve miles to rejoin the regiment." He was later killed in action on 9
May 1864. [Stiles, pp. 25, 120.]
"Orderly Sergent [sic] Wingfield" may be Walter Leake WINGFIELD, who was born
ca. 1827 and enlisted on 9 May 1861. He was captured and exchanged in June 1863. He
died 19 February 1907 in Richmond, Virginia. [Stiles, p. 144]
"The two Gelmans" may refer to three members of Company G by the name of
GILMAN. John Richard GILMAN, Joseph Coleman GILMAN, and Thomas Ellett
GILMAN are all sons of Richard B. GILMAN and Nancy C. ELLETT (?). [1850 Census,
Hanover County, VA, p. 383, Dwelling 670, Family 670; Stiles, p. 112.] The three GILMAN
brothers appear to be members of the company during the battle at Kelly's Ford and it is
difficult to determine exactly who "the two Gelmans" may have been.
Peter James FONTAINE, son of James FONTAINE and Juliet MORRIS, was born ca.
1840 in Hanover County, Virginia. [1860 Census, Hanover County, VA, p. 429, Dwelling 78,
Family 76; Hanover Historical Society, Old Homes of Hanover County, Virginia (Hanover: The Society,
1983), p. 141.] He enlisted 9 May 1861 in Company G and was elected sergeant on 5 August 1861. He
served on the staffs of Generals WICKHAM and ROSSER until the end of the war. He was severely
wounded at the battle at Kelly's Ford in 1863. After the war, he practiced law in Charleston, Kanawha
County, West Virginia. He died ca. 1908 in Charleston. [Confederate Veteran, Vol. 16, No. 12 (Nov.
1908), p. 587; Stiles, p. 110; University of Virginia, Students of the University (Baltimore: C. Harvey,
ca.1878).]

"Capt. Newton" appears to be William Brockenbrough NEWTON, son of Willoughby
NEWTON and Mary S. BROCKENBROUGH, was born 15 April 1832 in Richmond,
Virginia. He was a graduate of the University of Virginia in 1852 and was a lawyer and a
member of the Virginia legislature from Hanover County. He served as Captain of
Company G and was killed 11 October 1863. [John Lipscomb Johnson, comp., The University
Memorial (Baltimore: Turnbull Bros., 1871), pp. 496-514; "Marriage of Willoughby Newton and Mary S.
Brockenbrough, 12 May 1829," from Richmond Examiner, 15 May 1829, p. 3, in: Virginia Historical
Society, Marriage Notices from Richmond, Virginia, Newspapers, 1821-1840 (Richmond: The Society,
1988), p. 128.]

"Andrew MORGAN" is unknown at this writing.
"Boothe BROWN" may be Joseph Boothe BROWN, who was
wounded at Kelly's Ford and had all the fingers of his right hand amputated. He was
paroled 24 April 1865 at Ashland, Hanover County, Virginia. [Stiles, p. 101.]
"Harris" appears to be Joseph Richard HARRIS, of Company G, who enlisted 31
March 1862, and was killed in action at Kelly's Ford. [Stiles, p. 115.]

WILLIAM BARRETT SYDNOR (1806-1862)
William Barrett SYDNOR, son of Edward Garland SYDNOR and Sally WHITE, was
born 26 March 1806 in Hanover County, Virginia. [Tyler's Quarterly, Vol. 4, No. 1 (July 1922),
pp. 45-46.] He married 18 June 1829 Sarah Thomas AUSTIN, daughter of William Smith
AUSTIN and Nancy WINN. ["Marriage of William B. Sydner and Sarah T. Austin, 18 June 1829,"
Richmond Compiler, 22 June 1829, p. 3, in: Virginia Historical Society, Marriage Notices from Richmond,
Virginia Newspapers 1821-1840, Spec. Publ. 10 (Richmond: The Society, 1988), p. 168; Hanover County
Historical Society, Old Homes of Hanover County, Virginia (Hanover, VA: The Society, 1983), pp. 33-34.]

He operated a school at his home, Meadow Farm, in Hanover County before the Civil
War. During the war, northern troops were camped at Meadow Farm during the battles
of Cold Harbor, Ellerson's Mill, and Mechanicsville. SYDNOR died ca. 1862. [Hanover
Co. Historical Society, loc.cit.]

Letter, 2 July 1862, to "Bro[ther]"
From a note on the letter copy, this is a "fragment of letter written by Wm. B.
SYDNOR to his brother, Thos. W. SYDNOR of Nottoway Co."
Thomas White SYDNOR, son of Edward Garland SYDNOR and Sarah WHITE, was
born 1 June 1816, in Hanover County, Virginia. He attended Virginia Baptist Seminary
and later was graduated from Columbian College in 1838. He married (1) 15 October
1840, Sarah M. L. CHAPIN, daughter of S. CHAPIN of Columbian College. He married
(2) 11 December 1845, Blanche McCLANAHAN of Roanoke County, Virginia. A
Baptist minister, he served in pastorates in a number of counties in Virginia, finally
settling in Nottoway County in 1847 as pastor of Blackstone Baptist Church. He also
served as the superintendent of public Schools in Nottoway County and as a trustee of
Richmond College. He died 4 May 1890. [George Braxton Taylor, Virginia Baptist Ministers, 4th
series (Lynchburg: J. P. Bell, 1913), pp. 71-75; Tyler's Quarterly, Vol 4, pp.46, 152.]

"Bro. E." may be Edward Garland SYDNOR, son of Edward Garland SYDNOR and
Sarah WHITE, and brother of William Barrett SYDNOR and Thomas White SYDNOR.
He was born 12 December 1803 and married (1) Margaret W. COWLEY 15 January
1824 and (2) Sarah E. LADD 2 December 1834. [Tyler's Quarterly, Vol. 4 No. 1 (July 1922), pp.
45-46.] Edward and his family lived at Oakley Hill in Hanover County. He died 23
September 1865. [Hanover County Historical Society, Old Homes of Hanover County, Virginia
(Hanover: The Society, 1983), p. 38.]

"Mr. HOGAN" is perhaps Walker HOGAN, of Egyptfield, Hanover County. [Hanover
Co. Historical Society, op.cit., p. 18.]

"Dr. GAINES" is perhaps Dr. William Fleming GAINES, of Fairfield, Hanover
County. [Hanover Co. Historical Society, op.cit., p. 19. ]
(Continued)

WILLIAM BARRETT SYDNOR (1806-1862)
(Continued)
Letter, 2 July 1862, to "Bro[ther]" - (Continued)
"ELLISON's Mill," or ELLERSON's Mill, was named for the ELLERSON family of
Hanover County. "Dr. John H. ELLERSON...lived at Laurel Springs located on Cold
Harbor Road near Mechanicsville and owned ELLERSON's Mill on Beaverdam Creek..."
[Hanover Co. Historical Society, op.cit., p. 21.]

"Maj. General McCALL" appears to be George Archibald McCALL (1802-1868). A
graduate of West Point, he fought in the Florida Wars and served as aide-de-camp to
General GAINES. He also served in the Mexican War. McCALL was named InspectorGeneral in 1850 and resigned his commission in 1853. When the Civil War began, he
volunteered and was commissioned a Major-General of the Pennsylvania Volunteers.
President LINCOLN raised his rank to Brigadier General two days later. McCALL
planned operations in the Peninsular Campaign. He was taken prisoner 30 June 1862 at
the battle of Frayser's Farm. He was confined in prison in Richmond until paroled 18
August 1862 and exchanged. He resigned his commission on 31 March 1863. McCALL
died 26 February 1868 at his home at BelAir, Pennsylvania. [Ezra J. Warner, Generals in Blue:
Lives of the Union Commanders (Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press, 1964), pp. 289, 290.]

"Archer TIMBERLAKE" appears to be Archibald Burnett TIMBERLAKE of
Rutland, Hanover County. He married Emily Rush BOWE, daughter of Nathaniel
BOWE.
His two sons, Daniel Algernon TIMBERLAKE and John Henry
TIMBERLAKE, both served in Company G, 4th Virginia Cavalry, during the Civil War.
[Hanover Co. Historical Society, op.cit., p. 103.] "Richmond T. LACY" may be either Richmond
Terrell LACY, of New Kent County, or his son, Richmond Terrell LACY (1842-1903),
of New Kent County and Richmond, Virginia. [Philip Alexander Bruce, Virginia: Rebirth of the
Old Dominion, Vol. 5 (Chicago: Lewis Publishing, 1929), pp. 208-210.]

The names of the negroes have not been further identified. Others not yet identified
include: Mrs. WATTS, SPOTSWOOD house, Dr. TALLEY, W. H. VAUGHAN, and
Frank JOHNSON.
WILLIAM J. SYDNOR (ca.1830- )
William J. SYDNOR, son of William Barrett SYDNOR and Sarah Thomas AUSTIN,
was born ca. 1830 in Hanover County, Virginia. [1850 Census, Hanover County, VA, National
Archives and Records Service, M-432, Roll 949, p. 412, Dwelling 73; Tyler's Quarterly, Vol. 4, No. 1 (July
1922), p. 46. In the census record, his occupation is given as "surveyor."] Nothing further is known

of William J. SYDNOR at present.
The letters appear to be written to Sarah B. (SYDNOR) CRENSHAW, sister of
William J. SYDNOR, and wife of Leroy A. CRENSHAW of Richmond, Virginia. At the
time of the writing of the letters, William J. SYDNOR was living in Passaic, New Jersey.
(Continued)

WILLIAM J. SYDNOR (ca. 1830)
(Continued)
The letters discuss family relationships between the families of WHITE, ELLIS,
SYDNOR, and GARLAND.
HENRY CLINTON SYDNOR (ca.1850- )
Henry Clinton SYDNOR, son of William Barrett SYDNOR and Sarah Thomas
AUSTIN, was born ca.1850 in Hanover County, Virginia. [1860 Census, Hanover County, VA,
National Archives and Records Service, M-653, Roll 1350, p. 365, Dwelling 316, Family 316. "H. C." aged
10 years; Tyler's Quarterly, Vol. 4, No. 1 (July 1922), p. 46.]

Henry Clinton SYDNOR wrote "A Virginia Boy in the Sixties," a personal narrative
of life in and around his home in Hanover County, Virginia, during the Civil War. The
article was first published in The Confederate Veteran and later in The Religious Herald.
[Confederate Veteran, Vol. 20, No. 3 (Mar. 1912), pp. 105-107; The Religious Herald, Vol. 94, No. 41
(Oct. 1921), pp. 4-6.]

Camp Cuba Libre Jacksonville, Fla., June 11, 1898
My dear Mother
I am again now in a very awkward position to write a letter. I am leaning on our
eating table with a fine brush arbor for shade, during the day our company is only
allowed ten passes and as I was off yesterday to see the town, and secure some suitable
place to write letters I don't think it exactly right to try for another pass as I might deprive
some one of the opportunity I had yesterday hence I am writing as I am.
On Saturdays & Sundays we do no drilling, but are compelled to stay in camp during
the day except Sunday when I understand we are entirely free. I met our Chaplain this
morning & he invited me to spend some of my leisure time in his tent.
We are faring much better now than usual having some vegetables for our dinner and
sleeping apartments are very good & we are compelled to keep our blankets over us at
nights because they are very cool, the days are hot, except in the shade & then it is very
pleasant, the wind is blowing all the time.
There are at present nineteen boys around me so you may know how disagreeable it is
for me to write.
No doubt you have heard by now of the disgrace of one of our sergants [sic] who
while drunk, came in late & tried to pass the sentinal [sic] & upon being refused
threatened to shoot him, in all probability he will get about two years in the Sing Sing
Prison.
I presented my letter of introduction to Gen Lee last night at the Windsor Hotel & had
about half an hours chat with him.
Our blue flannel shirts were delivered to us today and our uniforms will be given us
Monday or Tuesday & as soon a we get them I intend to have my picture taken and sent
to you.
There is some chance of me being detailed to the hospital corps but I understand they
are to enlist for three years instead of two and if that is the case I will [11 June 1898 - 2]
not consent to it, but if it is only for two years I shall accept the possition [sic], besides
getting $21.60 per month instead of $13.60 I will be relieved from sentinal [sic] duty and
all active service except caring for the sick & wounded it was through the efforts of my
friend Sergt Snead whom I met while at the Blues Armory, that my chances are as good
as they seem to be.

Right here I stopped for dinner and while eating, your letter of the 10th was received
and was more than glad to here [sic] for the reason it was my first from home with the
exception Billys & with yours came a letter from Miss Ready.

Well I commenced this letter this morning at the camp & here I am now in Jacksonvill
[sic] in the Windsor Hotel, so you see how little we know what we are going to do with in
an hours time.
As I said we do no drilling on Saturdays or Sundays and are not allowed to go in town
on Saturdays nights, but are given our liberty from 12 M until 6.45 P.M. On Sundays I
understand we are perfectly at liberty and as we have a church in this town I expect to
attend & by the way if Mr. Sweeney knows the pastor of it I would be delighted to have a
letter of introduction.
Probably you would like to know some of our military laws & discipline: we have to
arise every morning at 4.30, dress in seven min. then is roll call, then clean our tents, eat
breakfast, it is then about seven at 9.30 we drill untill [sic] twelve then we have dinner
which by the way consisted today of the following which I enjoyed very much: stewed
beef with thick gravy & irish potatoes & bread & water. Now you may think that is an
awfully bad dinner but I enjoyed it very much.
Then you are compelled to salute every commissioned officer you meet & if sitting
when they pass we have to arise & stand at attention then salute him and for failure to
comply with this, you are placed in the guard house & given a stump to dig up the next
day.
When in the city we are compelled to keep our Jackets [11 June 1898 - 3] buttoned up
tight unless we have on our blue shirts & then our suspenders must not be worn but
simply a belt to hold our trousers up.
No standing collars or cuffs are to be worn. Last night two members of the "B" Co.
Blues, were in town on the street with two girls & the sentinal [sic] stopped them & made
them take off their collars & cuffs right there.
One would think J'ville was under martial law as sentinals [sic] are all over town.
I expressed two alligators to the children at home & at sisters, have they received them
yet.
I certainly wish you all could be here even if we are in camp, because we are having
such a fine time time [sic], no one has been sent to the hospital from our company, and I
think there are only ten from our regt.
With love to all & trusting you may write soon I am your aft. son. Walter
[Envelope postmarked 11 June 1898, Jacksonville, Fla. addressed to Mrs. L. A. Crenshaw
316 Lombardy Street Richmond Virginia]

Jacksonvile Fla Camp Springfield June 7/98
My dear Mother:
We have just reached our camping grounds, having arrived in J'ville at 4:50 this a.m.
Of course we are very much fatigued & worn out at present have had nothing to eat
since last night at 7 oclock except 1 cup of coffee. I was not sick at all on the train &
what was more I ate heartily all the way.
With the exception of knocking a negro & his hand-car off the track we met with no
accident whatever. The trip we took was several hundred miles out of the way, we went
as far west in Ga. as Atlanta but only stopped there 10 minutes in Macon we stayed about
20 minutes & saw a little of the town. All along the rout [sic] we were cheered & cheered
every one wishing to see the R.L.I. Blues, at Elberton Ga girls came to the train and
threw flowers in at us.
I am at present writing under rather disagreeable circumstances, though in the
W.C.T.U. tent put up for this purpose, the wind is blowing very hard & I am constantly
stopping to hold the paper down so just take this for what it's worth.
When I left R. I was suffering with a severe head-ach [sic], caused I guess from the
excitement Sunday morning which surpassed anything I ever witnessed, but before
traveling far I felt all O.K. and have felt fine ever since no one is sick but every one
hungry.
The Richmond boys here say the people of Jacksonville can't do enough for the Va.
boys they simple adore them.
There are all sorts of rumors afloat here among them is this that our Regt. goes to
Porto Rico in a few days, but no dependence is put in any thing.
The weather is clear & pleasant with the exception of the high wind, camp is about 1/2
mile from J'ville. our tents will not be issued untill [sic] this evening all our baggage is
out on the ground & had to go to some trouble to get my pen & paper.
[7 June 1898 - 2]
We amused our selves on the trip, when we stoped [sic] at a depot by chasing the
negro boys about 5 or 6 years old & bringing them in the coaches untill [sic] the train was
about to move.
On the way from Camp Lee to the depot the crowd was so great at our time we were
compelled to send sentinals [sic] ahead to make the people move back, from the size of
the crowd I would suppose the churches had but very few people to attend worship.

Uncle Bob saw me at the depot & gave me a box from Sallie, which I certainly did
enjoy as was also the basket Billy brought and by the way you can say to Billy I chewed
most all the gum, drank coffee three times a day and ate to a finish, wasn't sick at all &
slept like a top.
Tell the children, they can get all the charmelians [sic] here they wish & if I must send
them any, but I am very sorry to have to tell Gertrude her kitten had to be given up after
we reached here but I saw that it was given to a little boy who just begged & begged for
it, so I know it was well taken care off [sic], as was also the one Sister sent.
Everything will be have to be given up except those which you possitively [sic] need
so you might expect a package from me in a few days.
Tell Billy, Sister, Sallie & Clara, I will write to them in a few days but dont expect one
too soon, because there is lots to do in the next day or so.
Did you receive a postal card from me, through Ellis Roy from Atlanta.
The next time I write I hope I will not labor under such difficulties as this high wind.
Give my love to all those who love me, with lots for you & write soon to your aft. son
Walter
P.S.
Don't forget papers Monday Bulletin & Leader & Tuesday Times mail to me. W.
Sept 28th 1892
My Dear Daughter,
Your letter dated Sept. 16th was duly received and ought to have been answered
before this my excuse for not doing so is very unusual press of business. In addition to
my regular business for the last 3 weeks The State Lybrary [sic] Building plans have
taken up every spare moment of my time. The estimates have all now been made and the
contract will be awarded to Burton and Chesterman. So you will not attribute my delay
to want of love or respect or of any feeling or disposition to meet the issue.
Religion, marrying and polliticks [sic] are intirely [sic] personal matters, and should
be left to ones own choice. Of course when advise is asked of older heads it should not
be withheld. As you admit in your letter I warned you of one of the dangers to be feared.
Your children are now beginning to notice their Parents conduct and begin to wonder
why Papa is in one church and Mama in another. Why is it that we cannot have both with
us in the same house. Our Savior tells us that there is one Lord, one Faith, and one
Baptism. Now there are many baptisms. The time of our Savior there was but one
Baptism, and it is strange to me that any church or people can take upon themselves to
change the order of thing set up by him. Therefore how any one who has been instructed
in the scripture can turn there [sic] backs on its plain teaching is hard for me to
understand.

But as before stated religion is entirely personal and you are to be held entirely
responsible for your acts. I cannot advise. You are presumed to know all the
circumstances surrounding your case, and should be governed by them. But mind that
you do not offend your God.
Now my dear daughter, let you determine as you may I believe you will act in all good
concience [sic] and will do what you believe to be the best for you and your family. You
have a grave responsibillity [sic] resting on you and you will be held responsible for the
way you teach your children. Therefore dont be influenced by any way or belief, but go
to your Savior and be govern by him. He will guide you in the proper way.
Affectionately and lovingly your father,
L. A. Crenshaw
[28 Sep 1892 - 2]
[On reverse of letter, in another hand: Leroy A. Crenshaw writing to his daughter, Jessie
D. Crenshaw Martin about leaving the Disciples Church and joining the Methodist
Church with her husband. A. C. Martin]

Richmond Aug 26th 1861
Uncle Tommy
Dear Sir
I send a few lines to let you know that Garland arrived at my house last night
about nine oclock - very unwell, he also brought with him Mrs. Guns brother to
Elisha Gun's who is also quite sick. They had been on the carrs [sic] 24 hours - and of
course when they arrived at my house were very much [wanted]. The phisicians [sic]
who received them at the carrs [sic] last night promised to visit them this morning, but
have not done so up to dinner time. We told Garland that if he thought best we would
send for Dr. Briggs who resides near us and who attends our family - but he thought he
would wait and see if this army surgeon would come according to promise.
I do not think there is any cause to be alarmed about their condition. We will promise
to do the best we can for them. Mrs. Wm. Sydnor is staying with us and will remain for a
week or more and I know she will pay them every needfull [sic] attention in her power.
Sallie increased her family satturday [sic] night and is there for doing remarkby [sic]
well. She has [a] girl this time.
Do not suppose that we are inconvenienced by these gentlemen being with us. We
have an abundance of room - and take the greatest pleasure in doing every thing in our
power to add to their comfort.
I have learn to day by letter that Eusibius is also very unwell, so much so that he has
been placed in the hospital - in haste yours Leroy A. Crenshaw

Passaic, N. J. Mar 5/ 09
My Dear Sister
I am sending you two sheets from my record of the Whites that you may get
comments or suggestions from any of the interested ones - or corrections and additions
from any gratified to make them.
No doubt "Jennie White" can give points of interest from the Slashes "contingent" and
possibly from Missouri. Possibly sister may be in closer touch with her than your
self. I dont know I cannot recollect her at all.
I was fortunate indeed to get hold of the book which you sent me.
Tom Winns notes were very helpful now for notes on W. S. Austin & E[dward].
G[arland]. S[ydnor]. Have despaired of further informaton of cos. Garland Tinsleys
connection with the Sydnors. My impression is that Thos. J. Whites wife was a daughter
or sister of William Carter who lived on turnpike at Curds Hill where Peter Tinsley once
lived.
I inclose an envelope to send Jennie White if necessary or to use other wise.
Have been decidedly unwell for ten days. (21o temperature this am)
Your affectionate bro
W. J. Sydnor
[Pencil notes]
Hold the 2 sheets manuscript (?) as long as you wish & then
return When you write again send Hatties letter
Thomas J. White wife was sister of James Carter & dont know
who Wm. Carter was
M.W.T.

Passaic Mar 3d 09
My Dear Sister
I was certainly glad to receive the book (Wm S. White) and by same mail recd one
from H. M. White - so I returned yours, for which I thank you heartily as it (the historical
part) was indispensable to the accomplishment of my purpose. And the portion by
W[illiam]. S. W[hite]. is very interesting reading matter to any one. From the historical
pages you read
Barrett White born about 1727 died 1782 aged 55 Had 3 sons one named William
[White] 3 daughters one named Sarah [White] married E[dward]. G[arland]. S[ydnor].
William (or Capt. Billy) married Mildred Ellis, the parents of Wm. Spotswood [White],
Thomas J. [White], Philip B. [White], Harriet E. [White] & Elizabeth [White]. It is clear
that Barrett White was grand father to the five last named.
Sarah White married E[dward]. G[arland]. S[ydnor].consequently grand father to
Edward [Sydnor], Wm. B[arrett]. [Sydnor], John S. [Sydnor] & Thomas W. Sydnor.
And Barrett White was great grd father to Hattie White and also to our family.
Dont lose Hatties letter sent you as there are one or more dates that I did not secure.
I cannot hope to do so well with E[dward]. G[arland].S[ydnor]. or W[illiam] S[mith]
Austin. Have pretty good notes on grand mother on which I purpose to work now. I
suppose that Mrs. Gordon did not have any information about the Garland family, so I
must not worry my friends.
Walter will show you a nice letter from Dr. White. Sister attended Wm. S. Whites
school - can she tell us any thing about it - what years &c.
With Walters aid I hope to fix the date of the removal of cousin Tom Whites family to
Missouri also the store in which he did business in Richmond (Wyatt & White). I think
that Hattie said some thing about the time. Keep an ear open to any dates or connections
about the Charlottesville line.
[3 Mar 1909 - 2]
Hope that something will develope [sic] of Daddy Austins kin. I have an idea that his
mother died within my recollection of cancer: and her home was at Aunt Olivers [?]
where Aunt Charlotte White then lived. Dont know at what date Aunt Oliver died but
think that Aunt Charlotte came to Walnut Lane previous to or about the date of grand
mothers death in 1849.
Who can tell when the residence at Oakly Hill was erected by Uncle Edward and from
what place did he move to Oakly Hill. About what length of time did he and Aunt Sarah
live in Richmond at the Ladd house on 1st street. I have made a few notes on a slip
enclosed - that is more convenient for you keep than a long scrawl of a letter like this.

From time to time I purpose to jot down a few reminiscences of times connected with
Meadow Farm school &c &c
Must relieve [?] your patience and hope you will bear with my whims.
Your aff. Bro.
W. J. Sydnor

Charlottesville Novr 6th [18]57
Dear Aunt
Your letter was received when Hannah was too sick even to read it - she is now much
better - still confined to the bed however - chiefly from weakness - for I think she is free
from disease, & that she would soon be well were it not for her anxiety about Betty. She
has been very ill - with typhoid pneumonia - but we hope that the crisis of the disease is
past, for she has evidently been improving for the last two or three days. I fear though we
can hardly flatter ourselves, as yet, that she is out of danger.
We have an excellent nurse who stays with her constantly and our friends here are
very kind in their attention.
We were sorry to hear you had been sick since your return home.
As to the sweet potatoes - they would be very acceptable if you have any to spare - our
crop was a failure to a great extent. By directing them to me at Charlottesville & putting
them on the regular freight train they will come safely. I will pay the freight here. If you
send them, let me know when, that I may send to the Depot for them.
Very truly yours &c
Wm. J. Robertson
Mrs. E. L. Crenshaw
Love to Edmonia - I would like very much to make the acquaintance of our cousin
who is with you - and hope to have an opportunity to do so before she leaves Virginia - If
she remains until the health of our family is restored, as I hope it will be before long, we
will be very glad for her to visit us.

Cedar Grove 9th of March 1866
I can assure you I was delighted to receive your last. I knew you were not pleased
with my letters but the one dated Jan 30th showed it so much that I commenced to think
you had changed, and the sooner I know it the better, then your long silence both grieved,
and irotated [sic] me. please never write me such again unless another takes your heart.
Do write often and tell me about your self, where dining, spending the evening & so on.
I shall not be in the least jelous [sic] if you do not write as you did on the 30th what
caused you to write so?
You ask how changed, I am sadder, and burnt, and not so fond of flatery [sic] as I used
to be, still my Texas cousin says I am spoilt [sic] by it, and tells every one to stop, but
enough.
I suppose you very busy getting everything on your farm as it used to be. I have done
but little, but I see in spite of the weather several spring flowers are peeping up and
giving us their fragrance, I am very impatient for the spring buds to unfold, and make my
home pretty again.
I have not been to the City since I wrote to you, but expect to go in a day or two to
take Virginia, shall not remain but two days.
Please excuse this, I would write another if I had time, as Virginia has been talking to
me on topinks [sic] that interest her and it is now twi light. I think you always through
the mantle of charity on my imperfections, and I ask the same for this hurried letter.
Eddie Crenshaw

Clifton, Calhoun Co., Tex Dec 23rd 1860
My Dear Cousin
I was very agreeably surprised last evening upon receiving a letter from Cousin
Edmonia, in which I also received a cordial invitation to visit her whenever convenient both of which favors have been most thankfully received - and as soon as I reach old
Virginia I will certainly visit my cousin at her own home which afford me the greatest
pleasure.
I have often censured myself for not having visited you & cousin Eliza when in
Virginia last. - but my time was so limited, on account of my numerous business
engagements, that I was compelled to return home soon. - much sooner than was my
desire.
Sister Agnes seems to be so well pleased that I think it will be very difficult ever to
get her to come home again. I think she has quite forgotten her great love for Texas and
Virginia has taken her fancy completely, though she still says in her letters, "Texas
forever."
I think Texas is far superior in many respects to old Virginia, but still I have an
attachment for the old Dominion which will ever cling to me. "Not that I love Virginia
less but Texas more." I must say that I would prefer a Virginia wife, though our ladies of
Texas are I think at least equal to those of Virginia, but it is only a fancy of mine.
Virginia can certainly boast in number. I am glad to hear they have kind & true hearts
"as you say." I am entirely alone today. Mother, sister Emily & one or two other ladies
and Stanhope have gone fourteen miles to church, and I thought I could not employ my
time more pleasantly than writing to cousin Edmonia. I remained at home upon the plea
of indisposition but this was really my reason. I am acting upon the old adage (you see)
"The better the day, the better the deed." You asked me what position Texas would take
in the present crisis - She will act in union with her sister southern states, whether in
union or secession. Texas is in favor though of union if possible, though will ever be
willing & ready to act nobly her part in either case.
[23 Dec 1860 - 2]
There are more Lone Star flags floating through the country but they are only raised
by a few of the fire eaters who are very much in the minority. I am in favor of union
between north & south on fair terms.
Do write soon and give my love to Cousin E. & Sister A. Truly your most aft. cousin.
John D. Miller

August 1st /[18]59
Dear Miss Edmonia,
Seemingly have not kept my promise of writing (very promptly) firstly did not write
at the Point because your friend Mr Jones did not keep his promise of providing me with
ink. could not you know without. secondly have been very unwell since my arrival
home. am now scarcely able to sit up. the weather is so oppressive [causes?] me to think
of leaving home. such weather and I do not agree. Will you believe it Mr. Jones (your
Mr. Jones) did not make his appearance. saw me to the foot of the steps often on
departure from the wharf (never since have I set eyes on him). oh! wish you could have
seen, and heard him as the all unconscious [?] steamer ploughed her way between the
waves, heap blessings and imp[ ]ation on her. as the gap widened between you. (I could
not help being amused) but felt sorry too for him (never saw much greater devotion.)
said in most doleful accents he would see me again, a promise he took care not to
perform, but could sympathize with his feelings. How desolate would have seemed the
ball room, the music like a death knell of departed hope. it is said by those who profess
to know to be painful to love, but more so, not to be thus affected, think judging from a
limited experience, those happiest who do not, but enough of so hackneyed a subject as
Love
Oh Miss Edmonia! cannot begin to tell how much I missed you Martha and self
guess she feels considerably relieved of her trouble, in getting us upstairs evenings. the
evening of the day you left, sought our accustomed corner in the ball room, but it looked
so altered. next evening changed my location to the opposite side of the room, retained it
during my stay.
Came up the river the Tuesday following as we expected. Dr Friends party - and a
host of others were along. The dignified Mr. Boles, etc (like him right much). I wished
very much for you, to help me talk to him, as well as also, to talk to me. did not leave
many at the Point, though suppose they are having constant accessions? Mrs. Williamson
came home with me, when the time came for her to go, hated to give her up. We often
talked of you both, indeed while at the Point, found my self several times almost at the
door of the room that was yours fear the
[1 August 1859 - 2]
inmates thought me very inquisitive, was not a very interesting looking set, so did not
trouble them.
Relative to our proposed trip to the White Mountains, have not been able to find one
of the masculine gender, at all inclined that way. think they have less friendship for the
North, than the ladies. their political animosity seems to do away with their curiosity, to
see its objects of interest and wonder. Niagara can not tempt them. You and Mrs.
Williamson ought (one, to act the bear in the manner we proposed, received a message
from her a short time ago, to get ready for the Springs, as the season is so far advanced,

think there is no alternative, feel anxious again to inhale the invigorating mountain air,
whether of White Mountains, or those of Virginia. Sincerely wish we could, when ever
we do go, be together. have you positively decided where and when you will go? it is
too bad, that ladies are so dependant [sic]. think we will have to make it a bridal trip.
Almost inducement enough for one to marry. do you think so? Guess some one wished
you did. some one besides Mr. Hume.
Have a host of things to tell, and talk about, but feel so badly. my hand trembles so,
can scarcely guide my pen. went a few days ago to see a little girl who was very ill, with
the most malignant form of sore throat. she has since died as it is thought contagious
shall be in constant apprehension for several days longer. Mother sat up with her last
night. My brother is out, so I am really alone, alone, wish I were with you, or you here.
shall not forget the promise you and Mrs. Crenshaw made, of paying me a visit. Much
love to the latter, reserving a goodly share from truly and sincerely your friend.
Nannie B. Harrison
S. excuse this scrawl
P.S. Had omitted giving you my direction, being very anxious to hear from you. it is a
great over sight. Direct to (Apperson's Post Office, Charles City Co.) and do write as
soon and whenever you can. will be always pleased to hear from you.
Yours truly,
Nannie

Beaver Dam Feby 20th [1911 in pencil]
Dear Walter
Your letter received. I also send the copy of Geo's letter sent by you to Gilly. My
recollection of Kellys Ford is that I was the 4th man in 1st set of fours. Kimbrough was
wounded in the morning but stayed with co. He ranked as Sergent [sic] & did not rise in
ranks & consequently was not in 1st set of 4s as counted off though he was in his place at
head of column. Kimbrough & Orderly Sergent [sic] Wingfield both rode in front with
1st set of 4s. My memory is that I held the horses being no. 3. while the 2 Gelmans and
George pulled down fence & I think Kimbrough also. Peter Fontaine was shot as we
crossed the fence & was the 1st man shot in this charge. I remember well that Capt
Newton & I were the only men in the immediate front who got out. We passed through
the Yankey squadron as they advanced to meet our charge. I was shot in the mouth while
inside the Yankey lines and trying to bring out a prisoner. I talked with Andrew Morgan
about George's letter & he also seemed confident I was in the 1st set of fours.
In the 1st fight in the morning and on the opposite side of the road from the charge in
the evening Boothe Brown & Kimbrough were wounded and a man named Harris killed.
This is about my remembrance of the day. Give my best love to George when you write
& tell him to drop me a line. There is not a man living from whom I had rather hear & to
see him I think would lengthen my days.
Very truly,
J. J. Terry
[ViHMss2SY255a1]

"Fragment of letter written by Wm. B. Sydnor to his brother
Thos W. Sydnor of Nottaway Co."
2nd July 1862
Dear Bro:
I wrote you a short letter on yesterday requesting you to send the negroes, [wagons?]
&c down at once - & also for the girls to come home also. I know of nothing this
morning to change that as arrangement. Tho the severe cannonading on the river last
evening from which I have not heard causes a good deal of uneasiness - suppose the gun
boats were storming the battery - we hear distant firing of can & small arms this morning
toward the Pamunkey - can not tell why or where
[margin note] on the river at Drurys Bluff
Letters can not contain the various incidents hourly transpiring in our vicinity & which
would be interesting to those acquainted with the country - Three of the negroes (Henry,
Isaac & Tom Banks) who have been taking holiday for 6 weeks, came home on
yesterday, Robert, Claiborne, Lewis, Pleasant, Pompey, Cornelius, Bob Banks, Ben
Banks, Capt. Austin's Reuben & Pleasant are all still gone & also 5 men hired - Bro E.
has lost 3 boys & 1 man Jacob It is generally thought that many will be retaken my opinion is the most will make
good their escape. All others near hear [sic] have lost in proportion. Doc Gaines lost
more than any one else & I suppose has been as gre[at] a sufferer - Mr. Hogan has faired
no bet[ter] except in the loss of our negroes I think the Sydnor family have suffered as
little as any others in this immediate region - The general destruction to property & crops
is indescribable - I know that our own army still rema[ins] in reach, we can not tell where
the troubles will end & what the extent of suffering. The battles of the last 25 days have
been bloody terrifick [sic] in the extreme - on last Thursday evening the fighting
commenced just above May field where our forces camped for the night continued
towards Mechanicsville to Ellison's mill. The enemy having breast works & batteries
from the old bar[ ] mill down Beaver Dam to my house - all down that creek in crossing
over to take the batteries we lost severely. They were
[2 Jul 1862 - 2]
driven from their without much more fighting till they crossed Gaines Mill Creek & from
their to old Mrs. Watts was a perfect slaughter pen - The enemy then succeeded in
crossing the swamp at Grape Vine bridge & other crossings which they had before made
over to Henrico where was the main body of their army - from that time to [ ] the
fighting has been in Henrico perhaps with increased violence & energy
I was in town on yesterday & had a personal interview at the Spotswood house with Maj.
General McCall, whom I knew, a Yankey Gen. who was taken prisoner on White Oak

Swamp the night before. He went into some of the minutia of the engagement - stating
that our men attacked one of his batteries 3 times & were as often driven back, they
received reinforcements & made the 4th charge in which they succeeded in fighting over
the guns with bayonets & the butts of their muskets, with tears streaming down his face
said every member of his staff was killed & he himself was made prisoner. I have met
with several officer prisoners [ ] with whom I had met at our house. This Gen. McCall,
commanded the Pennsylvania reserve 30,000 strong - I suppose he has been paroled What is to be done with all the prisoners, the sick, the wounded, the dying & dead the Lord onlly [sic] knows. I do trust that these who are a far off know [?] such scenes as
we daily witness, will be economical & saving to the utmost & try & make all the crops
in their power all & more than all will be needed & that very soon, or suffering &
starvation will soon meet us face to face There is little or no fencing left near here say from the turnpike to New Kent - & what
below I know not - Archer Timberlake, Dr. Talley, W. H. Vaughan, Frank Johnson &
many others of our acquaintance have been arrested & carried off by the Yankeys.
Richmond T[?]. Lacy of New Kent...
[ViHMSS2SY256a1]