Inventory of the William McCollam Papers, 1858-1897


Title:
William McCollam Papers, 1858-1897
Repository:
Archives and Special Collections, University Libraries, The University of Akron
Phone: 330-972-7670
http://www.uakron.edu/libraries/archives
Creator:
McCollam, William 1831-1896
Dates:
1858-1897
Quantity:
.33 cubic feet (2 document cases)
Abstract:
This is a collection of correspondence and military records (1859-1897) relating to the military career of William McCollam. The bulk of these records are from 1864.
Identification:
99/241
Location:
Archival Services
Language:
The records are in English
Sample Image:
William McCollam Papers Digital Collection

Biography of

William McCollam (1831-1896) was born in Harrison County, Ohio. He moved, in 1849, to Uhrichsville, Ohio where he resided the rest of his life. McCollam married Margaret Warfel by whom he had three children: Esther, Samuel, and William L. Upon Margaret's death, McCollam married (in 1863 or 1864) her sister Caroline (Callie) by whom he had four more children: John T., James A., Edward A., and Caroline.

Prior to the Civil War, McCollam engaged in carpentry in partnership with Matthew Trickle. The firm McCollam and Trickle produced furniture, bedsteads, and upholstery. By 1895 the firm was McCollam and Sons and chiefly provided undertaking services.

On May 9, 1864 McCollam was mustered into the 161st Ohio Volunteer Infantry (OVI) as part of the 70th Battalion for 100 days' service. The 161st OVI was mustered in at Camp Chase, Ohio and was immediately sent to Cumberland, Maryland. The unit soon moved on to Martinsburg, Virginia. Lieutenant McCollam's company served picket duty nearly the entire 100 days, seeing only one brief skirmish (June 6 to June 8) during this time. The 161st OVI mustered out at Camp Chase September 2, 1864. McCollam remained in the Ohio National Guard, ultimately becoming a captain of his company in March 1865

Scope and Content

The collection consists of correspondence and military records (1859-1867) relating to the military career of William McCollam and others of Uhrichsville, Ohio. The bulk of these records are from 1864. There are five series, each arranged chronologically: I. Letters from William McCollam to Callie McCollam II. Letters from Callie McCollam to William McCollam III. Letters from Others IV. Other Items V. Envelopes

Items in the first four series are consecutively numbered; those envelopes not placed with the appropriate letter are numbered as well. There are three items in series III that exist only as photocopies.

There are no originals in Series IV: Other Items consists of photocopies of Certificates of Membership to the 70th Battalion Ohio Volunteer Militia Later the 70th Battalion Ohio National Guard. It also includes photocopies of some reports and assignments while the Battalion was activated as the 161st Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Equipment list of the Company B 70th Infantry after the war and booklet from the 2nd annual fair of the Uhrichsville Agricultural Society in 1867 among other items.

Box 2 consists of 'use copies' of the original correspondence so it's contents are not listed on this inventory.

This collection is notable for its inclusion of Callie McCollam's correspondence. Most soldiers' wives' correspondence does not survive the men's service. Both McCollams discuss their daily lives and events during the 100 days of McCollam's service.

Statement of Arrangement

There are five series, each arranged chronologically:
Letters from William McCollam to Callie McCollam
Letters from Callie McCollam to William McCollam
Letters from Others
Other Items
Envelopes

Restrictions on Use

Copyright restrictions may apply. Permission to reproduce or publish materials in this collection must be secured in writing from Archival Services, University Libraries, The University of Akron.

Restrictions on Access

No restrictions on access; except not available through interlibrary loan. Copyright restrictions may apply. Permission to reproduce or publish materials in this collection must be secured in writing from Archival Services, University Libraries, The University of Akron.

Related Material: Related Material

Alvin Coe Voris Letters, 1860-1865 Sidney Edgerton Papers, 1846-1901 John J. Polsley Letters, 1836-1948 Joseph Sailor Letters, 1862-1863 Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), Buckley Post #12, 1870 - 1938


Indexing Terms

The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the library's online public access catalog.

Subjects:

McCollam, Maria Caroline, 1841-1901 -- Correspondence
McCollam, William, 1831-1896 -- Correspondence
United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Correspondence
United States. Army. Ohio Infantry Regiment, 161st (1864)

Preferred Citation

[Identification of Item], William McCollam Papers, Archival Services, University Libraries, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio

Detailed Description of The Collection


BOX 1 / Folder 1
McCollam to Wife; letters 1-11, May 6-29, 1864




BOX 1 / Folder 2
McCollam to Wife; letters 12-24, May 31-June 24, 1864




BOX 1 / Folder 3
McCollam to Wife; letters 25-38, June 26- August 7, 1864




BOX 1 / Folder 4
Wife to McCollam; letters #39-47, May 8-26, 1864




BOX 1 / Folder 5
Wife to McCollam; letters #38-58, May 27- August 2, 1864




BOX 1 / Folder 6
Letters from Others; letters #59-74, December 1, 1859- May 11, 1864




BOX 1 / Folder 7
Letters from Others; letters # 75-88, May 22, 1864- February 13, 1866




BOX 1 / Folder 8-10
Other Items, Item 89-100, undated




BOX 1 / Folder 11
Company B Members (who opted for special insurance), June 24, 1865




BOX 1 / Folder 12
General Headquarters, State of Ohio Circular Relating to Military Fines, May 30, 1863-February 1, 1865




BOX 1 / Folder 13
Office of Quarter Master General of Ohio, August 2, 1864-September 11, 1865