Helena W. Sprague collection, 1776-1903

Collection

Identifier: A1977-005

Scope and Contents

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The Helena W. Sprague Collection is a collection containing correspondence, papers and ephemera relating to life in America before, after, and during the Civil War. The dates of the materials range from the 1700s to the early 1900s.The majority of the correspondence is from two families, the Fishers and the Frashers, who were related by marriage. Their correspondence spans from the 1850s to the 1860s.Other papers included in the collection are from a Charles Jones of Marshfield, Massachusetts. His papers range from the early to mid-1800s. There is also one letter from a John DuVal to the family of a Thomas Alexander dated 1849. Letters from the Scott family are also in this collection and date from the Revolutionary War to the early part of this century. From the camps of a Civil War soldier to life in growing Chicago, from Marshfield to Maine there are detailed accounts of everyday life as well as valuable information on military and historic events, and vivid descriptions of life and places in America.

Dates

Creation: 1776-1903

Creator

Sprague, Helena W. (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Materials in this collection may be governed by copyright. It is the responsibility of the researcher to identify and satisfy the holders of all copyrights. Please contact the Archivist regarding permission to publish material.

Biographical / Historical

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JOHN E. FISHER was a resident of Boston, Massachusetts and was a brass finisher by trade. He, and his brothers James and Fred B. all served in the Civil War. His brothers survived. Their parents, John Sr. and Sarah Fisher resided at 101 Marion Street in East Boston and this is where many of JEF's letters were sent.

John E. Fisher, 1841-1864

1841 John E. Fisher born.

1861, May 18 John E. Fisher enlisted, joined the 29th Massachusetts Regiment, Co. K.

1861, April- John E. Fisher served at Camps Butler 1862, April and Newport News in Newport News, Virginia.

1862, May Stationed at Long Battery, Norfolk, Virginia.

1862, May Stationed at Shingle Creek, Suffolk, Virginia.

1862, June 28 Wounded at Savage's Station, Virginia.

1862, July Harrison's Landing, Virginia.

1862, October Harper's Ferry, Virginia.

1864, January Transferred to the 36th Massachusetts Regiment.

1864, May 12 Seriously wounded in the Battle of Spotsylvania, Virginia.

1864, May 21 John E. Fisher died of his wounds in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

JOHN "ARCHIE" FRASHE was John E. Fisher's uncle. John "Archie" lived in Chicago, Illinois during the mid-1800's.

JOHN FRASER was John "Archie"'s father and John E. Fisher's grandfather. John resided in Kennebunk Port, Maine with his wife, Susan. His letters date from the 1850's and 1860's.

CHARLES JONES lived in Marshfield, MA during the early to mid-1800's. His papers include an insurance policy and three deeds for property in Marshfield.

FRED. B. FISHER, JEF's brother and a resident of East Boston, Massachusetts, was an upholsterer before he served in the War.

1837 Fred. B. Fisher born.

1862, August 6 Enlisted and mustered, Private.

186?, December Serving in 14th Regiment at Marryland Heights, Virginia.

1864, July 8 Mustered out, Corporal.

Extent

43 item/s

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Custodial History

The collection was donated by Helena W. Sprague of Waltham, Massachusetts in September of 1977. There are no records that indicated how Miss Sprague came upon this collection of materials, whether through inheritance or purchase. There are some indications that the materials are from her family and that she may be related to Charles Jones of Marshfield.