Military History Commons^™

0896: John F. Smith Collection, 1978-2017, Marshall University Special Collections

Guides to Manuscript Collections

John F. Smith was a retired lieutenant colonel in the United States Army and former director of the Big Green Scholarship Foundation at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia.

The collection includes records of the Big Green Scholarship Foundation, research and papers of John F. Smith, and framed Marshall University basketball and football memorabilia.

0892: The Gregg Family Papers, 1940-2024, Marshall University Special Collections

Guides to Manuscript Collections

Anna Catherine “Kay” Kelly Gregg was born in 1920 in Dawson, West Virginia, to Aldridge James Kelly and Mary Leah Lowry. She was raised in Huntington, West Virginia, alongside her four siblings: James Thompson Kelly, Franklin C. Kelly, Bonna Kelly Paul, and Jeanette W. Kelly Scheerer. Kay enrolled at Marshall College in 1940 and completed her Bachelor of Arts degree from the Teachers College on September 12, 1944.

Harrison “Harry” Humphreys Gregg was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Daniel B. Gregg and Rebecca Humphreys. He attended the University of Cincinnati and later met Kay Kelly while visiting Huntington. The two …

0884: Terry Lowry 83rd Chemical Mortar Battalion Collection, 1927-2017, Marshall University Special Collections

Guides to Manuscript Collections

The 83rd Chemical Mortar Battalion was activated at Camp Gordon, Georgia, on June 10, 1942. Following intensive training, the unit was shipped overseas for duty and spent the next 508 consecutive days in combat during World War II. First stationed in North Africa, the 83rd participated in campaigns in Sicily, Italy, southern France, and Germany, and occupied Austria after the German surrender.

The collection was compiled by historian and author Terry Lowry, whose father served in the unit, and who was appointed official historian of the 83rd Chemical Mortar Battalion. Lowry’s book on the unit, Bastard Battalion, was published in …

0883: John O'Brien Collection, 1547-2017, Marshall University Special Collections

Guides to Manuscript Collections

This collection of O’Brien materials includes a large number of CDV, stereo card, and photograph images of prominent individuals from the nineteenth century, various locations in the United States and Europe, and Confederate military and political leaders. Other items include wartime and postwar broadsides, election tickets, pamphlets, and newspapers. There are two photographs signed by Jefferson Davis and letters from Shelby Foote and Douglas Southall Freeman. In addition to the manuscript and photograph materials, the collection includes a number of rare books, with the earliest published in 1546.

0891: Jean Edward Smith Collection, 1916-2015, Marshall University Special Collections

Guides to Manuscript Collections

Jean Edward Smith was a noted biographer and the John Marshall Professor of Political Science at Marshall University. He graduated from Princeton University and earned a Ph.D. from Columbia University. For more than thirty years, he was a professor at the University of Toronto. His biographical subjects included Lucius D. Clay, George W. Bush, Dwight Eisenhower, Ulysses Grant, John Marshall, and Franklin D. Roosevelt. Smith won the 2008 Francis Parkman Prize for his biography of Roosevelt and was the 2002 finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Biography or Autobiography for Grant. Jean Edward Smith died on September 1, 2019.

Materials …

0844: Anthony J. Boccio, Jr. Collection, 1961-1974, Marshall University Special Collections

Guides to Manuscript Collections

The Collection spans the years from 1961-1974 with the bulk of the materials from the period 1966-1969. The bulk of the collection consists of photographs of the building, launching and active duty service of the U.S.S. John Marshall. Also included are memorabilia and personal items of Mr. Boccio including a de-classified copy of the Enlisted Qualification and Re-Qualification training materials used on the submarine.

0846: Earl F. Dickinson Papers, 1942-2009, Marshall University Special Collections

Guides to Manuscript Collections

This collection contains photographs and papers related to Earl F. Dickinson’s personal life and time in the United States Marine Corps (USMC). The bulk of the collection relates to Dickinson’s service in WWII and includes combat photographs, portraits and group photos, certificates, and military records. Personal materials include a 1938 Marshall Commencement booklet, family photographs, a birth and death certificate, newspaper clippings, and a brief personal recollections about Dickinson. Also included are artifacts such as USMC pins and a stone taken from Mount Suribachi.

To view materials from this collection that are digitized and available online, search the Earl F. …

0828: Richard Marks Collection, 1952-2014, Marshall University Special Collections

Guides to Manuscript Collections

The bulk of this collection related to Richard Marks’ research as a genealogist working on his family history, including an index card file of names. Other materials in the collection include personal papers related to his life, materials related to his career as a professor and lecturer, correspondence, and published works on intelligence and local history seen in newspapers, magazines, serials, and books. The collection has been broken down into series to include personal, teaching, correspondence, published works, and genealogy research materials.

0789: George J. Hill Collection, 1889-2011, Marshall University Special Collections

Guides to Manuscript Collections

This collection includes research materials used by Dr. Hill, pertaining to his research interests in medical, military, and New Jersey history, in addition to cancer and leprosy, Dr. Hill's medical specialties. It also includes copies of articles, reports, and abstracts written about Dr. Hill. Additionally, the collection has an assortment of historical pamphlets about leprosy.

0794: The Bon Ton Bullets In The Service, 1943-1945, Marshall University Special Collections

Guides to Manuscript Collections

This collection consists copies of nineteen editions of a Huntington, West Virginia area newsletter titled, “The Bon Ton Bullets in the Service” published between 1943 and 1945. The newsletter describes activities of area service members during World War II, and published excerpts from letters sent from servicemen, news from home, addresses, and miscellanea. Also included is an index of individuals mentioned in many of the newsletters.

0455: Brigadier General Chuck Yeager Collection, 1923-1987, Marshall University Special Collections

Guides to Manuscript Collections

This collection consists of manuscript materials, items, and books belonging to Brigadier General Charles "Chuck" Yeager . Items were created between1923 and 1987.

0770: Carrie Eldridge Collection, Marshall University Special Collections

Guides to Manuscript Collections

Carrie Eldridge is a genealogical researcher in Chesapeake, Ohio. This collection contains photocopies of many county record books of the Appalachian areas of West Virginia, Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky, ranging from the American Revolution until the end of the Civil War. The collection also contains high quality photographs of one room school houses of Cabell County, West Virginia, an audio cassette oral history, books, and pen nibs.

To view materials from this collection that are digitized and available online, search the Carrie Eldridge Collection here.

0773: Colwell Cemetery Records, 2007-2009, Marshall University Special Collections

Guides to Manuscript Collections

This collection consists of printed color images of tombstones of members of the Colwell family of Mason County, WV. Also included is a family pedigree chart and narrative of Captain Oliver Brown concluding his Revolutionary War Service.

0761: Marvin L. Stone Papers, 1924-2000, Marshall University Special Collections

Guides to Manuscript Collections

Personal papers of Marvin L. Stone. Marshall Alumnus, past editor of U.S. News and World Report, Deputy Director of the U.S. Information Agency during the Reagan Administration. He was founding president and chairman of the non-profit International Media Fund (IMF) in Washington, D.C, an organization that promoted free press in Eastern Europe and the Balkans. After the IMF, he spent a year in Europe on a Knight Foundation journalism fellowship, and then retired in 1996[?].

To view materials from this collection that are digitized and available online, search the Marvin L. Stone Collection, 1924-2000 here.

0755: John Pritchard Collection, 1864-1865, Marshall University Special Collections

Guides to Manuscript Collections

This collection consists of a tintype photograph with the following inscription: “(Tintype) Tintype picture of our family and father in Civil War uniform.” Tissue paper enclosed with the tintype contained the note "Elmer Pritchard's Fathers Picture". Also included in the collection are copies of the family’s family bible records as well as scanned copies of John A. Pritchard’s military records.

0752: Charles Edward Viers Collection, 1889-2004, Marshall University Special Collections

Guides to Manuscript Collections

This collection consists of personal papers and materials related to Mr. Charles Edward Viers. The collection is divided into three series: Series 1: Papers, Series 2: Photographs, and Series 3: Items. Series 1 primarily covers legal documents relating to deeds and oil and gas contracts (found in the lockbox in Series 3), clippings related to Viers receiving the Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medal in 1996, teaching documents such as contracts and two report cards, Viers’ Marshall transcripts, Viers’ military papers and a small amount of correspondence from 1945 and 1995-1996, and Civil War discharge papers and an arrest of …

0742: John E. Wellman Photograph Collection, 1943-1988, Marshall University Special Collections

Guides to Manuscript Collections

This collection is primarily composed of digital copies of a photograph album containing photographs taken by John E. Wellman, a combat photographer with the 571st Bomb squadron, 390th Bombing group, 8th Air Force, 1943-1945. Photographs show B-17s and fighter planes in formation, bombing runs, aerial views of bombs and ground attacks, and anti-aircraft fire during World War II. Other materials in the album include a 1943 class photo from the Army Air Force Technical Training School at Lowry Field, group and training photographs, a certificate signifying service in the 390th bomb group, and a 1988 color photograph featuring Wellman at …

0738: American Red Cross Western West Virginia Chapter Records, 1917 - 2002, Marshall University Special Collections

Guides to Manuscript Collections

This collection from the Huntington Cabell County Chapter of the American Red Cross spans the years of 1917-2002. The collection was divided into three record groups; administration, programs, and services. The majority of the administration files consist of annual reports and minutes from various committee and board meetings. The program files contain an assortment of fundraisers and campaigns, which includes the annual American Red Cross Ball 1985-2001. The service files offer a variety of information on disaster, blood, and military service to the community including information on the Canteen, which was in operation during WWI. Photographs and slides comprise a …

0728: Henry Peyton Papers, 1832-2004, Marshall University Special Collections

Guides to Manuscript Collections

This collection consists of printed email exchanges between Joanne J. Hughes and Cora Teel, archivist at Marshall University, and copies of records relating to Henry Peyton and his descendants. Topics covered include potential Mormon faith connections, Peyton’s Revolutionary War Service and application for his pension, and genealogical information exchanged via letters and attached records.

0718: Robert Wyatt Letters, 1715-1990, Marshall University Special Collections

Guides to Manuscript Collections

This collection consists of copies of materials accumulated by Robert Wyatt during his search for information about the Rosette family. The collection is predominantly composed of copies of correspondence from Louis and Frank Rosette, two brothers, to other members of their family beginning in the 1850s and lasting to circa 1910. Other members of the family, including Cordelia Rosette, Anna/Ann/Annie Rosette and later Wells, John Rosette, George Rosette, and George Wells also write during this time. Letters discuss Louis’ and Frank’s service in the Civil War, family issues, and current events. Other materials in the collection include genealogical information and …

0715: Zophar Dean Ramsdell Papers, 1861-1865, Marshall University Special Collections

Guides to Manuscript Collections

This collection consists of copies of quartermaster reports for the 5th Regiment, West Virginia Infantry, including monthly property accounts, clothing, stationery, hospital supplies, ordnance materials, animal return and acquisitions, food and fuel receipts, issued supply registers, and correspondence. Due to the nature of copied materials, the legibility and completeness of materials can vary, but is overall high.

0714: First Regiment West Virginia Volunteer Infantry Muster Roll, 1898-1899, Marshall University Special Collections

Guides to Manuscript Collections

This collection consists of one muster-out roll for the First Regiment West Virginia Volunteer Infantry, Company K, by Captain Albert L. Haston, Co L, 1st Regiment of West Virginia volunteers from May 14, 1898-Feb 4, 1899.

0703: Rosanna A. Blake Collection, 1818-2000, Marshall University Special Collections

Guides to Manuscript Collections

This collection consists of manuscript and other paper items collected by Rosanna A. Blake. Included are letters, diaries, correspondence, unit rosters, Confederate imprint forms and currency, 1860-1865. Also included are 3D items including firearms, edged weapons, tin soldiers, original Civil War art work, the Volck shield, and Southern periodicals relating to the Civil War. Notably, the collection includes 3 original Robert E. Lee letters, 1 Jefferson Davis letter, and 2 general orders dictated by Lee. The O'Brien sub-collection contains Civil War pamphlets and booklets, over 300 monographs and books, photos, CDV's, original Civil War art work, the Volck shield, ambrotypes …

0702: Kenneth Hechler Collection, Book Correspondence, 1954-1998, Marshall University Special Collections

Guides to Manuscript Collections

Letters to Cecil Roberts of Fort Worth, Texas about Hechler's book, "The Bridge at Remagen"; includes a letter from L. E. Engeman, Col. U. S. Army ret., who commanded the 14th Tank Battalion at the taking of the bridge.

0697: Archibald Debow Norris Diaries, 1861-1863, Marshall University Special Collections

Guides to Manuscript Collections

This collection consists of copies and transcriptions of three diaries, spanning January 1861- April 1863, of Private, later Captain, Archibald D. Norris of the 7th Regiment, Tennessee Infantry, Co. K during the Civil War, ending with the Fredericksburg campaign. The diaries are extensive, and cover details about the war and specific battles as well as camp life. There are also entries about Norris’ evolving feelings about the state of the union. According to a note in the collection, there are a significant proportion of West Virginia related content in the diaries.

0681: Virginia Talbott Quay Papers, 1918-1984, Marshall University Special Collections

Guides to Manuscript Collections

This collection consists of several formats and topics of materials related to the activities of Virginia Talbott Quay, including a scrapbook of newspaper clippings dating between 1930 and 1950 about social and cultural events as well as the activities of lineage societies, including the United Daughters of the Confederacy. Other materials relate to her work with several lineage societies, including the U.S. Daughters of 1812 and Daughters of American Colonists. Also included in the collection are World War II materials such as a paper soldier cap, a pledge to sell bonds, and newspaper clippings. Other portions of the collection include …

0671: James E. Verlander Papers, 1896-1911, Marshall University Special Collections

Guides to Manuscript Collections

Huntington, West Virginia merchant and National Guard company commander. Papers are military papers related to Co. I, 2nd Infantry, West Virginia National Guard, of which Verlander was captain. Includes judgments of summary court, executions for fines and petitions, summonses, and charge and specification forms, all related to infractions of discipline.

0670: Jean Edward Smith; John Marshall: Defender Of A Nation Manuscript Materials, Marshall University Special Collections

Guides to Manuscript Collections

This collection contains many materials used in the writing of "John Marshall: Defender of a Nation." It also has the original draft for the book written by Jean Edward Smith. Aside from the research material and written work, this collection also holds the book on Diskette and photos and illustrations used in the book.

0678: Karen N. Cartwright Nance Collection, 1865, Marshall University Special Collections

Guides to Manuscript Collections

This collection consists of a scanned copy of the diary of C. F. Ropes, a Union soldier with the Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and a copy of a publication titled “Civil War Diary of C. F. Ropes, 38th/34th Iowa Volunteer Infantry, Co. “H”, 1865” compiled, annotated, and edited by Karen N. Cartwright Nance. The diary covers the period from January to September 1865, and takes place mostly in the Gulf area between Galveston, Texas, and Pensacola, Florida. The publication, in addition to a transcription, includes a schedule and map of C. F. Ropes movements, as well as an index of subjects …

0661: Elizabeth Cometti Collection, 1861-1869, Marshall University Special Collections

Guides to Manuscript Collections

This collection consists of a microfilm copy of items selected by Elizabeth Cometti about West Virginia taken from the Southern Historical Collection at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, specifically materials taken from the W. R. Redding Papers, 1861-1865 and the William Thomas Sutherlin Papers, 1842-1892. The Redding materials are from 1861 while Redding was stationed in Virginia, to his wife, Elizabeth M. Redding, in Randolph County, Ga.. He discusses camp life, troop movements and skirmishes, and conditions at home. Sutherlin materials date from 1868 to 1869 and may include correspondence and other papers relate to the varied business …