Michigan State University Archives and Historical Collections
Marsh Family Papers
c.00047
Table of Contents
Summary Information
- Repository
- Michigan State University Archives and Historical Collections
- Creator
- Marsh family, (Benjamin F. Marsh)
- Title
- Marsh family papers
- ID
- c.00047
- Date [inclusive]
- 1833-1887, undated
- Extent
- 0.5 Cubic feet , 11 folders
- Language
- English
Preferred Citation
Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: "Item title, Collection title, Collection Identifier, Michigan State University Archives & Historical Collections, East Lansing, Michigan."
Biographical Note
Benjamin F. Marsh (born circa 1842) enlisted in Company G, 8th Michigan Infantry in August 1862 and mustered out in June 1865. He took part in the battles of Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Vicksburg, as well as skirmishes in Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee during the Civil War.
He is the brother of Alvah Marsh. In some government records he is recorded as Franklin B. Marsh.
Scope and Contents note
The Marsh family papers consist of original and typed transcripts of Civil War letters, the bulk of which were written by Benjamin F. Marsh to his family in Fentonville, Michigan, while serving in the 8th Michigan Infantry. There are also letters from other family members, including A. B. Fay, Ed Francis Holmes, Gordon K. Fay, Lucy A. Bacon, and Augustus Holmes.
The letters describe Marsh's army experiences on the march, in camp, in battle, on provost duty, and in army hospitals as both nurse and patient. Marsh took part in the battles of Antietam, Fredericksburg and Vicksburg, as well as skirmishes in Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee. The letters report on local boys serving with Marsh and ask constantly for news of home. Also included are letters (1872-1887) between Marsh and his wife largely concerned with family matters, and written while he was engaged in various railroad-building and repair projects in the Flint-Detroit area of Michigan. Letters from before the Civil War (1833-1856) era also discuss family matters and daily life. These letters are to update spouses, children, and parents while their family members are out of town for school, business, or other reasons.
The collection also includes an issue of Wolverine, a newspaper written by the 8th Regiment of the Michigan Infantry that provides the history of the 8th Regiment.
Civil War materials (1862-1865, folders 2-7) and the issue of Wolverine have been transcribed, scanned and placed online at http://civilwar.archives.msu.edu/collection/7-1C-9/marsh_fam/.
Administrative Information
Publication Information
Michigan State University Archives and Historical Collections
Conrad Hall888 Wilson Road, Room 101
East Lansing , MI, 48824
517-355-2330
archives@msu.edu
Revision Description
March 2011
Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open for research.
Legal Status
Copyright: Michigan State University. Property Rights: Michigan State University.
Conditions Governing Use
Permission to publish material from this collection must be obtained from University Archives & Historical Collections, Michigan State University.
Custodial History
Gifts of Mrs. Elmer Ellsworth and Mrs. Charles Jacobs. Transferred by Michigan State University Museum.
Gift of Mrs. C. Fred Marsh.
Related Materials
Related Archival Materials
See aso Alvah Marsh papers (c.00110)
Controlled Access Headings
Corporate Name(s)
- United States. Army -- Military life -- History -- 19th century.
- United States. Army. Michigan Infantry Regiment, 8th (1861-1865).
Family Name(s)
- Marsh family, (Benjamin F. Marsh)
Genre(s)
- Letters (correspondence)
Geographic Name(s)
- Detroit (Mich.)
- Flint (Mich.)
- United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Medical care
- Vicksburg (Miss.)
Personal Name(s)
- Ellsworth, Elmer, Mrs.
- Jacobs, Charles F., Mrs.
- Marsh, C. Fred, Mrs.
Subject(s)
- Antietam, Battle of, Md., 1862
- Fredericksburg, Battle of, Fredericksburg, Va., 1862
- Railroads -- Design and construction
Collection Inventory
Correspondence |
||||
| Folder | ||||
|
September 1833 - March 1856 |
1 | |||
|
August 1862 - November 1862 |
2 | |||
|
November 1862 - March 1863 1863 |
3 | |||
|
April 1863 - July 1863 |
4 | |||
|
August 1863 - March 1864 |
5 | |||
|
April 1864 - August 1864 |
6 | |||
|
September 1864 - October 1872 |
7 | |||
|
February 1873 - February 1887 |
8 | |||
|
undated |
9 | |||
|
|
||||
| Folder | ||||
|
Issue of Wolverine 1863 |
10 | |||
Oversized Material |
||||
| Drawer | ||||
|
Correspondence. Civil War Memorial |
41 | |||
|
|
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