Helsley, William Jefferson Papers, 1861-1865

Held by The Filson Historical Society 

Creator:  Helsley, William Jefferson 

Title:  Papers, 1861-1865 

Rights: For information regarding literary and copyright interest for these papers, contact the Collections Department. 

Size of Collection:  0.33 cubic feet 

Location Number:  Mss. A H474 

Scope and Content Note 

Letters written while Helsley was a member of the 19th Ohio Infantry serving in Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama. Near the end of the war he is assigned to the Pioneers, building bridges and clearing roads. He comments on politics, the Copperheads, Generals, slavery and the rebellion. His attitude towards the rebels becomes more virulent as the war progresses. 

Biographical Note 

William Jefferson Helsley and his wife Mary were farmers from Southington, Trimbull Co., Ohio. In 1861 William enlists in the 19th Ohio Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War. His unit is in Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama. In 1865 he is assigned to the Pioneers to clear roads and build bridges. 

Folder List 

Folder 1: Personal Correspondence 1861-1862. 

Folder 2: Personal Correspondence 1863. 

Folder 3: Personal Correspondence 1864. 

Folder 4: Personal Correspondence 1865.