Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research.

Use Restrictions

Permission to publish material from William R. Altizer Letter must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: William R. Altizer Letter, Ms2011-099, Special Collections, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Va.

Acquisition Information

Special Collections purchased the William R. Altizer Letter in September 2011.

Processing Information

The processing, arrangement, and description of the William R. Altizer Letter was completed in October 2011.

Biographical Note

William R. Altizer was born about 1826 in Virginia. He married Nancy Epperly (1831-1916) in 1852 and seems to have spent most of his life farming in Montgomery and Floyd Counties. Together, they had six children: Henry A. (b. 1952); Margaret A. (1855-1898?), who later married Tazwell Walters; Daniel M. (1865-1926), who later married a woman named Cordelia; Rufus T. (b. abt. 1860-1941), who married Lula Tice; Jesse (b. abt. 1861); and William H. (1863-1870).

In April 1862, William and his brother Riley enlisted with Company D, 63rd Regiment, Virginia Infantry. Although Altizer requested to be detailed as a blacksmith for his home town, records suggest his request was denied. He died from disease and was buried in Atlanta, December 1863.

Scope and Content

The collection consists of one letter from William R. Altizer to Governor Letcher, August 22, 1862. Altizer wrote to Letcher for permission "to do the Blacksmithing in [his] kneighborhood at the request of its sitazans." A note on the verso side indicates the request was forwarded to Major General John Floyd.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged by material type.

Index Terms

Subjects:

• Civil War