Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research.

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [item], [folder], William B. Turner Papers, 1864-1938, Ms2022-044, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Source of Acquisition

The William B. Turner Papers was purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in 2014.

Processing Information

The processing, arrangement, and description of the William B. Turner Papers commenced and completed in August 2022.

Biographical Note

William B. Turner was born December 25, 1834 in Lockport, New York, and lived until February 22, 1912. Turner was a veteran of the American Civil War, during which he served in the Union Army with the 27th New York Light Battery, or the Buffalo Light Battery Company. By the time Turner left the army, he had attained the rank of Sergeant. After he left the army, Turner returned to Buffalo, where he returned to work as a printer. Turner married Caroline Brainerd on February 10, 1870. The two had at least five children together: George Harris, William Brainerd, Richard Heafford, Henry Clay, and Cornelia Elizabeth.

Scope and Content

This collection contains the papers of William B. Turner, a Union soldier in the American Civil War. His memoir entitled, "Waifs: Or, Rough-Notes of the Life of a Soldier Boy!" was written by Turner about the Battle of the Wilderness from the April 16 and June 1, 1864. The collection also has Turner's discharge papers from the 27th New York Light Battery, a letter from Turner to the Commissioner of Pensions about his pension, and a letter from the Commissioner replying to Turner. The collection includes other military documents and family papers belonging to Turner and family.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Civil War
• United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865
• Wilderness, Battle of the, Va., 1864

Rights Statement for Archival Description

The guide to the William B. Turner Papers by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 (https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/).