Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech
Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434)560 Drillfield Drive
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
Business Number: 540-231-6308
specref@vt.edu
URL: http://spec.lib.vt.edu
John M. Jackson
Administrative Information
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 to research.
Preferred Citation
Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Henry Clay Sommerville Letters, Ms1991-045, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.
Source of Acquisition
The Henry Clay Sommerville Letters were purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in 1991.
Processing Information
The processing and description of the Henry Clay Sommerville Letter commenced and was completed in October, 2022.
Biographical Note
Henry Clay Sommerville, son of James and Elizabeth Sommerville, was born in Hampshire County, (West) Virginia on June 8, 1834. The 1850 federal census lists the James and Elizabeth "Summerville" family as residents of Ray County, Missouri. By 1860, according to that year's census, Henry C. Sommerville had returned to Hampshire County and was studying medicine while living in the home of Dr. William "Sumerville." At the outbreak of the American Civil War, Sommerville left medical college in Philadelphia and enlisted in the Confederate hospital corps. He was appointed assistant surgeon at Liberty (now Bedford), Virginia, in June, 1863. He was transferred to Danville, Virginia, in December, then in March, 1864, to Lynchburg, Virginia, where he served for the remainder of the war. He married Frances "Fanny" E. Merriwether (1844-1892) in Lynchburg on December 14, 1864; the couple had two children. Following the war, Sommerville resumed his medical studies, graduating from the University of Pennsylvania in 1870, and establishing a medical practice in Clarke County, Virginia. On November 8, 1899, he married Philippa Randolph (1861-1929); the couple had two daughters. Henry Clay Sommerville died at White Post, Clarke County, and was buried in Mount Hebron Cemetery, Winchester, Virginia.
Scope and Content
This collection contains 11 letters sent to Dr. Henry Clay Sommerville, serving as a surgeon in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. Nine of the letters were sent from acquaintances in Liberty (now Bedford), Virginia, in early 1864. Included are letters from M. R. Scruggs, H. Feild, and J. R. Tinsley, relaying news of local social activities and news of mutual acquaintances (including gossip), as well as hospital news. Two letters from a woman identified only as "F. J. W." include some news relating to the war, including mention of a day of fasting.
Also included is a letter from Sommerville's brother William, written at Staunton, Virginia, in 1862, and advising Sommerville on the completion of his medical studies and to delay getting married: "A young physician is almost worshipped by females especially if he is settled & prospering, & if he is prudent & keeps cool, keeps his eye skinned, he can just make his fortune at one stroke--yes a fortune in beauty, intelligence, amiability and property also."
Subjects and Indexing Terms
- Civil War
- Local/Regional History and Appalachian South
- United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865
Rights Statement for Archival Description
The guide to the Henry Clay Sommerville Letters by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 ( https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/ ).