Andrew Altman papers

Collection

Identifier: MS-0707

Staff Only

Collection Overview

Scope and Contents

The Andrew Altman Papers consist of both originals and transcripts (primarily provided by Malcolm Campbell) of over 150 Civil War letters written by a private serving in Co.D, 68th Ohio Volunteer Infantry between 1861 and 1865, or by other members of the Altman Family. The majority of the letters, between Andrew and his father John, describe the military activities of the 68th as well as family matters and personal events.

The 68th Ohio was involved in guard and picket duty during the early part of the War, but after 1863 they were involved in a series of battles in the Western Theater, including Champion Hills, Vicksburg, Kenesaw Mountain, Big Shanty, the Siege of Atlanta, and the Battle of Jonesboro. The letters from Andrew during each military action contains observations and opinions about the battle, with reports of who was killed and wounded.

The personal aspect of the Altman letters includes numerous notes added to the letters to his father, directed to Andrew's younger brother Isaac. Through the series of correspondence, until the report of Isaac's death in August of 1864, Andrew carries on an affectionate correspondence, remarking about soldiering, local girls, and camp life in general. Letters to his father, in addition to the usual military news, often remark about local agriculture and the weather.

The small series of correspondence in the collection from Cyrus Altman, serving with Co.B, 38th O.V.I., to his cousin Andrew and uncle John, provides only a slightly different perspective on the War. One of his letters of Dec. 9, 1862, describes the dusty conditions on the march and the difficulty in finding water.

Typical of the experiences of a private soldier of the period, the Altman letters are a mix of information about the regiment, news about the activities of other soldiers from home and other Ohio Regiments, descriptions of camp life, news and rumors about the conduct of the War, and accounts of military actions. With the availability of transcripts, the letters are both informative and easily accessible.

Dates

Creation: 1861-1937

Extent

1.7 Linear Feet (4 letter size manuscript boxes )

Creator

Altman, Andrew, 1842-1903 (Person)

Biographical / Historical

Andrew Altman was born near Findlay, Ohio on Jan. 30, 1842, the son of Sarah Star and John Altman. During the Civil War Andrew enlisted in the 68th O.V.I., serving as a private in Co.D. Mustering-in at the age of 19 on October 26, 1861, he saw service during such battles as the Siege of Vicksburg, Kenesaw Mountain, the Siege of Atlanta, and the Battle of Jonesboro. When he mustered-out with the Regiment on July 10, 1865 he was just over 23 years old and a veteran.

Married on Oct. 24, 1867 to Martha A. Fisher, Andrew started a family, although of his three children, only daughter Anah survived. During the post-War period Andrew was a member of the O.P. Randall Post, no. 211, of the Grand Army of the Republic, Napoleon, Ohio.

On Sept. 29, 1903, Andrew Altman died in Damascus Township, Henry, County, Ohio after an illness of over a year. He was buried in Hoy (Shunk) Cemetery in Harrison Township, Henry County, Ohio on October 1, 1903.

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.

Language of Materials

Materials in English.

Additional Description

Arrangement

CORRESPONDENCE

CORRESPONDENCE - Andrew Altman to John Altman; 1861-1865; arranged chronologically. Correspondence with father (and some to brother Isaac), including some unmatched fragments; also a daily diary listing for May and June 1864

CORRESPONDENCE - John Altman to Andrew Altman; 1863-1864; arranged chronologically. Five letters to son, Andrew (two just fragments). Two are written on the same sheets as letters from Andrew to his father. The first of these is written on the back of Andrew Altman's letter to his father, dated of Mar 7, 1863; the second on the letter of July 30, 1864.

CORRESPONDENCE - Cyrus Altman; 1861-1863; arranged chronologically. Correspondence while serving with Co.B, 38th O.V.I. to cousin Andrew and uncle John Altman

CORRESPONDENCE - Miscellaneous; 1891, 1937; arranged chronologically. Correspondence relating to the pension of Andrew Altman and Martha A. Altman

PRINTED MATERIAL

CIRCULARS; 1882?. Dr. Eells' Circular. Patent medicine advertisement for "blood purifier".

ARTIFACTS

RIBBONS; Undated; G.A.R. memorial ribbon from the Oscar P. Randall Post, no.211, Napoleon, Ohio

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The donation and transfer of these records to the Center for Archival Collections was arranged through the cooperation of Valerie Petersen on June 19, 1995.