Sidney Brewster papers

Collection

Identifier: MS-1066

Staff Only

Collection Overview

Scope and Contents

The Sidney Brewster Papers is a collection of Civil War era correspondence, written between 1861 and 1865. Most of the correspondence is between Sidney Brewster and his mother, Mrs. Nancy Brewster. Included are two letters from his brother George, three letters from Norman Brewster to his wife, two letters from Walter F. Brewster to his mother.

Sidney Brewster served with the 21st Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company C, from 1861 through 1863, when he was killed at the Battle of Chickamauga on September 19. The letters provide a fairly comprehensive view of soldier life including health conditions, camp life, troop movement, and battle. His letter of September 14, 1862 encourages his younger brother Walter to stay home rather than join the army. His letter of January 24, 1863 from Parole Camp, Annapolis, Maryland talks about being captured at the Battle of Stones River and his subsequent travels (about 1000 miles) to Chattanooga, Richmond, Atlanta, and finally to Annapolis by way of Fortress Monroe. His letters of May 18 and May 20, 1863 from Camp Chase discuss his exchange and return to the Regiment. The Company received new revolving rifles, five-shooters, according to his letter of June 8, 1863.

Dates

Creation: 1861-1897

Extent

.3 Linear Feet (1 letter size manuscript box)

Creator

Brewster, Sidney, 1844-1863 (Person)

Biographical / Historical

Sidney Brewster, born 18 May 1844 in Medina County, Ohio, was the son of Norman and Nancy (Philips) Brewster. Sidney had two older half-brothers George and Darwin Truman; a brother Walter F. Brewster; and a sister Elnora Brewster. His parents evidently divorced, as each remarried in 1864. Sidney served as a private in Company C of the 21st Ohio Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War. He enlisted on 29 August 1861. He was 17 years of age at the time of his enlistment even though military records indicate that he was 18. He received an 18th Birthday greeting from his mother written on 11 May 1862. His father Norman served in Company C, 3rd O.V.C., while his brother, Walter Brewster, served in Company G, 189th O.V.I. during the Civil War. Sidney was killed during the Battle of Chickamauga on 19 September 1863. The Sydney (Sidney) Brewster Post No. 160, G.A.R., at Lemoyne, Wood County, Ohio was named in his honor.

Conditions Governing Access

No known access restrictions.

Conditions Governing Use

Researchers using this collection assume full responsibility for conforming to the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright, and are responsible for securing permissions necessary for publication or reproduction.