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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], Sylvan B. Morris Correspondence, Ms1988-089, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Source of Acquisition

The Sylvan B. Morris Correspondence was purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in 1988.

Processing Information

The processing and description of the Sylvan B. Morris Correspondence commenced and was completed in May, 2021.

Biographical Note

Sylvan B. Morris, son of Dr. Shelby B. and Catherine Knox Morris, was born in Shelbyville (Shelby County), Indiana, on April 7, 1830. He attended school in Lebanon, Ohio, and remained there, as a merchant's apprentice. He married Myrtilla (Myrta) John (1829-1914) in Harrison, Ohio, on May 24, 1854, and the couple would have six children. During the Civil War, Morris organized Company A, 146th Ohio Infantry (National Guard), which mustered in May 12, 1864 and served three months in West Virginia, before being detached to Camp Chase to guard prisoners. Following the mustering out of the 146th in September, 1864, Morris enlisted as a private in the 194th Ohio Infantry and after promotion to lieutenant served on the regimental staff. In 1875, the Morrises returned to Shelbyville, where Sylvan Morris opened a very successful dry goods store. He also served on the city's school board and city council and was mayor for one year. Sylvan B. Morris died in Shelbyville, February 19, 1922, and was buried in Forest Hill Cemetery, Shelbyville.

Alexander Hamilton Cauble, son of Adam and Mary Polly Hubbard Cauble, was born in Salem (Washington County), Indiana, on December 5, 1827, and worked as a carpenter and farmer. He married Susanna Morris (1832-1908), and the couple would have seven children. During the Civil War, Cauble served as a sergeant in Company E, 5th Indiana Cavalry. He was discharged on June 18, 1865. Alex Cauble died in Washington County July 25, 1901, and was buried in Highland Friends Cemetery, Salem.

Scope and Content

This collection contains two letters (one incomplete) from Sylvan B. Morris, captain of Company A, 146th Ohio Infantry (National Guard) during the American Civil War, to his wife. In one letter, written from Fayetteville [West Virginia], Morris notes that his regiment has just had wash day and relays general information about his recent return from Columbus [Ohio]. In a partial letter, likely also written at Fayetteville, Morris discusses poverty among the local inhabitants, noting the financial near-ruin of one resident and describing in detail the castoffs worn by another family. He also mentions cases of measles in camp and the medical personnel of the regiment.

The collection also contains a letter from Alex Cauble, a soldier at Camp Carrington (Indianapolis, Indiana), to his cousin, "Senath Morris" (likely Asenath Morris Winslow (1843-1914)) of Canton (Washington County), Indiana). Writing on December 16, 1862, Cauble discusses family matters, then notes the health conditions in camp, mentioning cases of measles and rheumatism. He adds that they have lost four horses and that the regiment will soon be leaving Indianapolis for parts unknown.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Civil War
• United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865

Rights Statement for Archival Description

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