Thomas J. Edwards papers (25th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Rgt. research archives)

 Collection
Identifier: MS-1122

Collection Overview

Abstract

The Thomas J. Edwards Papers, a research archive centered on the 25th O.V.I. but including other regiments, such as the 107th, 180th and 1st Ohio Light Artillery Battery H, consists of photocopies, scanned images, notes, printed material, and transparency overlays from programs related to the history of the regiments. The material was used in the research and editing of Edwards’ 2003 republication of the Edward C. Culp 1885 regimental history, “Raising the Banner of Freedom : the 25th Ohio Volunteer Infantry in the War for the Union” and in presentations related to Ohio regiments in the war.

Dates

  • Creation: 1862-2006

Extent

1.11 Cubic Feet (3 archive boxes)

Creator

Scope and Contents

The Thomas J. Edwards Papers consists primarily of subject file copies of research materials gathered in the course of re-editing the Edward C. Culp 1885 regimental history of the 25th O.V.I., “Raising the Banner of Freedom : the 25th Ohio Volunteer Infantry in the War for the Union”, which was published in 2003, along with overhead transparencies used by Edwards in programs associated with that book.

Among the items in the collection are copies of letters, diaries, official records, articles, and copies from printed regimental records. Supporting information of use to genealogical researchers can be found on the CD disks and also in one of the transparency programs. The additional information from Christopher D.W. Nelson on the 107th O.V.I. complements the history of the 25th O.V.I. since that latter regiment was brigaded with the 25th Ohio at Chancellorsville and Gettysburg.

A copy of “Raising the Banner of Freedom” signed by Edwards has been separately cataloged and placed in the CAC book collection.

In addition to material related to the 25th and 107th Thomas Edwards also did research and writing on the 180th Ohio Volunteer Infantry and Battery H, 1st Ohio Volunteer Light Artillery. His research collection includes a copy of “Through the Eyes of Soldiers: the Battle of Wyse Fork”, which Edwards wrote with William H. Rowland, a transcript of the Diary of Francis J. McFarland, 1864-1865, and transcripts of Civil War letters of Lt. Col. John Wood. Related to the 1st O.V.L.A. material gathered by Edwards includes a copy of Edward C. Browne’s history “First Ohio Light Artillery Battery H : the James Barnett Papers”, copies and transcripts related to Captain G.W. Norton, and other items associated with the Battery.

Biographical / Historical

The 25th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was mustered at Camp Chase, Ohio in June 1861 for 3 years of service but was not mustered out until June 1866. During their service they saw action in such battles as Bull Run, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and Fort Wagner. Company D of the regiment transferred to become the 12th Battery, Ohio Light Artillery in 1862, and a new Company D was organized in 1864 to serve 1 year. At expiration of the term of service in 1864 some original members of the Regiment mustered-out, but veterans and new recruits continued to serve until June, 18, 1866, making the 25th Ohio Volunteer Infantry the last Ohio regiment in the war.

The original history of the Regiment was written in 1885 by brevetted Colonel Edward C. Culp. In preparing an edited re-publication of the Culp history in 2003 Thomas J. Edwards gathered a variety of supporting information which forms the core of this collection.

The 107th Ohio Volunteer Infantry was organized in September 1862 for three years service, mustering out at the end of the war on July 10, 1865. Some of the battles in which it played a part were Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, where it served with the 25th O.V.I. and the 1st OVLA.

The 180th Ohio Volunteer Infantry was a one-year unit that mustered in September 1864 and served until July 1865, largely doing garrison and guard duty.

Battery H, 1st Ohio Light Artillery was organized in November 1861 and served through the war until June 1865. Its term of service saw such battles as Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Cold Harbor, and Petersburg.

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.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The collection was donated to the Center for Archival Collections by Thomas J. Edwards of Myrtle Beach, SC on June 12, 2009 with an addition on September 16, 2009.

Title
Guide to the Thomas J. Edwards papers (25th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Rgt. research archives)
Author
Marilyn Levinson, Cooper Clarke
Date
June 2009, September 2009, February 2019
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
English