Viars Family Papers, 1861-ca. 1913

Held by The Filson Historical Society 

Creator:  Viars Family 

Title:  Papers, 1861-ca. 1913 

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 V618 

Scope and Content Note 

Letters of the three Viars brothers written while serving in the 7th Ohio Cavalry in the Civil War. They describe the everyday life of a soldier as well as the fighting done by the unit. The battles of Atlanta Ga., Selma, Ala. And Knoxville, Tenn. Are talked about in some detail. Also includes a circular specifying the qualifications for medical service. 

Biographical Note 

The three Viar brothers, Gideon, James and David were farmers from Gallia County Ohio, near Addison. They join the Ohio 7th Cavalry during the Civil War. They participate in fighting in Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama. James is killed in the fighting near Knoxville, Tennessee in December 1863. David deserts the Army after the death of his brother. Gideon also takes a “French Leave” for five months but returns to finish his service until the end of the war. After the war, Gideon returns to Ohio. 

Folder List 

Folder 1: Correspondence 1861 – May 1863. 

Folder 2: Correspondence June 1863 – December 1863. 

Folder 3: Correspondence February 1864 – December 1864. 

Folder 4: Correspondence January 1865 – circa 1913. 

Folder 5: Miscellaneous Papers.