The Koontz Family Papers (Ms1984-172)

Title

The Koontz Family Papers (Ms1984-172)

Subject

Civil War

Description

This collection contains correspondence from three Confederate soldiers--brothers George and Milton Koontz and their cousin George Miller--as well as official documents, two diaries of Milton S. Koontz, George Koontz's copybook, Milton Koontz's sketchbook, a stationery box, and a pencil drawing. The Collection dates from 1861 to 1865. Transcripts are included for all the correspondence and diary entries.

The correspondence consists mainly of letters to Nellie Koontz McCann from her brothers George and Milton Koontz, as well as her cousin George Miller, who served in the 12th Virginia Cavalry. Other letters are from George and Milton Koontz to their mother. George Koontz's correspondence contains accounts of battles he was engaged in, including the Battle of Chancellorsville. Milton Koontz's diaries date from June 25, 1863 to December 31, 1863 and from March 12, 1865 to June 28, 1865. His 1863 diary includes a description of the Battle of Gettysburg (1-3 July 1863).

The Koontz family hailed from Edinburg, Shenandoah County, Virginia. George Koontz (1839-1925) enlisted in the Eighth Star New Market Artillery, Captain Rice's artillery battery, in 1861 at the beginning of the Civil War and served all four years in the artillery. George reenlisted in 1862, was appointed 1st Sgt., and was reassigned to the Danville artillery in September of 1862, when the Eighth Star New Market Artillery merged with the Danville Artillery. He was promoted to 1st Lt. in September of 1864. George Koontz was wounded during the Petersburg Siege. After the war, George Koontz married Mary C. "Molly" Newman. He served as the Edinburg county Treasurer for 30 years, from 1874 to 1904, and was also the Commander of the Shenandoah Camp of Confederate Veterans.

Milton Koontz (1840/41? - 1867), the brother of George, enlisted in 1862 and also joined the Eighth Star New Market Artillery. Like George, Milton was reassigned to the Danville artillery in 1862, but transferred to the 23rd Virginia Cavalry in 1864.

Creator

Koontz family

Date

1861/1865

Identifier

Ms1984-172

Bibliographic Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: Koontz Family Papers, Ms1984-172, Special Collections, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Collection Tree

http://spec.lib.vt.edu/pickup/Omeka_upload/Ms1984-172_KoontzFamily_F9_Letter_1864_1208a.jpg

Letter from Brigadier Cambell to a doctor in Lacy Spring requesting information regarding papers given to a soldier.
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/pickup/Omeka_upload/Ms1984-172_KoontzFamily_F9_Letter_1864_1124a.jpg

Partial Letter, possibly from one Koontz brother (George or Milton) to the other
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/pickup/Omeka_upload/Ms1984-172_KoontzFamily_F9_Letter_1864_0402a.jpg

Letter to George M. Philips from D.G. Mcintosh detailing the ration accounts for Philips' January furlough
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/pickup/Omeka_upload/Ms1984-172_KoontzFamily_F9_Letter_1864_0112a.jpg

Letter from Samuel Wightman to various friends and family
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/pickup/Omeka_upload/Ms1984-172_KoontzFamily_F9_Letter_1863_0817a.jpg

Letter from Angus Ridgill to Nellie Koontz thanking her and her family for housing him as a lone soldier. Ridgill also confesses his love to Nellie…
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/pickup/Omeka_upload/Ms1984-172_KoontzFamily_F9_Letter_1863_0219a.jpg

Letter from Saml Riggs declaring George W. Koontz his lawful attorney
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/pickup/Omeka_upload/Ms1984-172_KoontzFamily_F5_Letter_NDa.jpg

Letter from George M. Miller to Nellie. Tells of his failure to send a letter while at Louisa C. House and of his discovering George, Milt, and Polk's…
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/pickup/Omeka_upload/Ms1984-172_KoontzFamily_F5_Letter_1864_0421a.jpg

Letter from George M. Miller to Cousin Nellie Koontz. Addresses Nellie's continued lack of responding to Miller's letters. Also gives an account of a…
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/pickup/Omeka_upload/Ms1984-172_KoontzFamily_F5_Letter_1864_0308a.jpg

Letter from George M. Miller to Cousin Nellie Koontz. Details Miller's Company marching after Yankees. Miller also complains about the lack of…
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/pickup/Omeka_upload/Ms1984-172_KoontzFamily_F5_Letter_1863_1124a.jpg

Letter from George M. Miller to Cousin Nellie Koontz. Talks of Miller's hopes for furlough during the holidays. Also discusses Jane[?] George's…
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/pickup/Omeka_upload/Ms1984-172_KoontzFamily_F5_Letter_1863_0926ad.jpg

Letter from George M. Miller to Cousin Nellie Koontz. George tells of the good spirits of the men in his company and complains about the "outrages"…
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/pickup/Omeka_upload/Ms1984-172_KoontzFamily_F5_Letter_1863_0608a.jpg

Letter from George M. Miller to Cousin Nellie Koontz. Gives an account of George's time in Tuckyhoe including two reviews and sightings of General…
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/pickup/Omeka_upload/Ms1984-172_KoontzFamily_F5_Letter_1862_1004a.jpg

Letter from George M. Miller to his Cousin Nellie Koontz. Miller gives a short account of his night with the 8th Star and requests to hear from Alice.
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/pickup/Omeka_upload/Ms1984-172_KoontzFamily_F3_Order_1864_1117a.jpg

Special Order to Milton S. Koontz. Orders him to be transferred to Cavalry and promoted.
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/pickup/Omeka_upload/Ms1984-172_KoontzFamily_F3_Letter_NDa.jpg

Letter from Milton S. Koontz to his mother. Short letter regarding requests for goods and minor updates to the war.
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/pickup/Omeka_upload/Ms1984-172_KoontzFamily_F3_Letter_1864_1208a.jpg

Letter from Milton S. Koontz to Sister Nellie. Letter mainly concerns Milton's decision to accept the transfer to Cavalry from Battery.
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/pickup/Omeka_upload/Ms1984-172_KoontzFamily_F3_Letter_1864_1125a.jpg

Letter from Milton S. Koontz to Brother [George?]. Asks for advice regarding his transfer from Battery to Cavalry that he just recieved.
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/pickup/Omeka_upload/Ms1984-172_KoontzFamily_F3_Letter_1864_1108a.jpg

Letter from Milton S. Koontz to his sister Nellie. Primarily details the troop movements and small skirmishes that have taken place recently.
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/pickup/Omeka_upload/Ms1984-172_KoontzFamily_F3_Letter_1864_1010a.jpg

Letter from M.K. to Private G.W. Koontz. Letter details the impact of G.W.'s absence and provides updates on what is going on at home. Letter is…
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/pickup/Omeka_upload/Ms1984-172_KoontzFamily_F3_Letter_1863_0829a.jpg

Letter from Milton S. Koontz to his Sister Nellie. Mainly details reports and false reports of military movements. Also mentions a portfolio and book…
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/pickup/Omeka_upload/Ms1984-172_KoontzFamily_F3_Letter_1863_0802a.jpg

Letter from Milton S. Koontz to Sister Nellie. Details Milton's desire for furlough and the punishment some soldiers recieved for leaving without…
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/pickup/Omeka_upload/Ms1984-172_KoontzFamily_F3_Letter_1863_0113a.jpg

Letter from Milton S. Koontz to his sister Nellie. Details requests for food and clothing items. Also includes details on the creation of "buckwheat…
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/pickup/Omeka_upload/Ms1984-172_KoontzFamily_F3_Letter_1862_1104a.jpg

Letter from Milton S. Koontz to his sister Nellie. Details their recent troop movements as well as Milt's experiences in Martinsburg.
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/pickup/Omeka_upload/Ms1984-172_KoontzFamily_F1_Song_NDa.jpg

Song lyrics to the song "The Southern Wagon"
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/pickup/Omeka_upload/Ms1984-172_KoontzFamily_F1_List_NDa.jpg

List of Absentees from Co. G. 23 Reg, VA. Includes, Name, Reason & Time of Absence, and Residence
Ms1984-172_KoontzFamily_F1_Letter_ND_1_a.jpg

Letter from George W. Koontz to the family of Captain George W. Wooding. Letter informs of Woodings death in Spottsylvania County VA
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/pickup/Omeka_upload/Ms1984-172_KoontzFamily_F1_Letter_1865_0331a.jpg

Letter from George W. Koontz to Sister Nellie. Details the skirmishes around a fort between the Appomatox River and Battery 5. He also stresses his…
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/pickup/Omeka_upload/Ms1984-172_KoontzFamily_F1_Letter_1864_1231a.jpg

Letter from George W. Koontz to Sister Nellie. Koontz tells of his Christmas experiences with his company.
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/pickup/Omeka_upload/Ms1984-172_KoontzFamily_F1_Letter_1864_1209a.jpg

Letter from George W. Koontz to Sister Nellie. Informs Nellie that Milt will be returning home soon and will provide news. Also requests a Rhetoric…
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/pickup/Omeka_upload/Ms1984-172_KoontzFamily_F1_Letter_1864_1203a.jpg

Letter from George W. Koontz to Sister Nellie. Koontz talks primarily about Milt's dilemma of whether to transfer or not.
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/pickup/Omeka_upload/Ms1984-172_KoontzFamily_F1_Letter_1864_0911a.jpg

Letter from George W. Koontz to Sister Nellie. Koontz gives an update on their postal improvements, as well as detailing his expectations for the…
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/pickup/Omeka_upload/Ms1984-172_KoontzFamily_F1_Letter_1864_0722a.jpg

Letter from George W. Koontz to [Sister] Nellie. Koontz offers minor updates from the war including the defense of Richmond against Grant. Koontz also…
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/pickup/Omeka_upload/Ms1984-172_KoontzFamily_F1_Letter_1864_0716a.jpg

Letter from George W. Koontz to his Sister Nellie. Koontz shares his thoughts on Grant's next moves in the campaign. Letter ends abruptly (Missing…
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/pickup/Omeka_upload/Ms1984-172_KoontzFamily_F1_Letter_1864_0704a.jpg

Letter from George W. Koontz to his Mother. Koontz tells of the weakness of Grant, the improper actions of the Yankee soldiers, and the recent…
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/pickup/Omeka_upload/Ms1984-172_KoontzFamily_F1_Letter_1864_0628a.jpg

Letter from George W. Koontz to his sister [Nellie?]. Details the current state of Koontz and his fellow soldiers. Also recounts recent battles at…
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/pickup/Omeka_upload/Ms1984-172_KoontzFamily_F1_Letter_1864_0515a.jpg

Letter from George W. Koontz to his Mother. Gives a detailed account of the "Great Battle" that occured on the Plank & Old Orange & Fredericksburg…
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/pickup/Omeka_upload/Ms1984-172_KoontzFamily_F1_Letter_1864_0503a.jpg

Letter from George W. Koontz to Nellie. Shares that his troop will march to the front lines and explains other troop movements around Culpeper,…
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/pickup/Omeka_upload/Ms1984-172_KoontzFamily_F1_Letter_1863_1205a.jpg

Letter from George W. Koontz to Sister Nellie. Recounts recent events around Madeenville. Also dicusses recent correspondences with other family…
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/pickup/Omeka_upload/Ms1984-172_KoontzFamily_F1_Letter_1863_0813a.jpg

Letter from George W. Koontz to his Mother. Recalls events since last letter (from Camp Mitchell's Station). Includes other war news and requests for…
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/pickup/Omeka_upload/Ms1984-172_KoontzFamily_F1_Letter_1863_0726a.jpg

Letter from George W. Koontz to Sister Nellie. Discusses current thoughts on the war, wishes to return home, and requests for clothing.
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/pickup/Omeka_upload/Ms1984-172_KoontzFamily_F1_Letter_1863_0509a.jpg

Letter from George W. Koontz to Sister Nellie & Cousin Alice. Discusses the numerous dead that resulted from a recent battle.
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/pickup/Omeka_upload/Ms1984-172_KoontzFamily_F1_Letter_1863_0225a.jpg

Letter from George W. Koontz to Sister Nellie. Discusses recent ongoings in the war.
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/pickup/Omeka_upload/Ms1984-172_KoontzFamily_F1_Letter_1861_1001a.jpg

Letter from George W. Koontz to his mother. Discusses current illness and letters recieved from others.
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/pickup/Omeka_upload/Ms1984-172_KoontzFamily_F1_Letter_1861_0821a.jpg

Letter from George W. Koontz to Sister Nellie. Discusses prospects of peace, recent battles (Manassas) and the current ongoings in the army.
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/pickup/Omeka_upload/Ms1984-172_KoontzFamily_F1_Letter_1861_0621a.jpg

Letter from George W. Koontz to Sister Nellie. Shares experiences of camp life and his fellow soldiers. Includes an explanation of credit due in case…
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/pickup/Omeka_upload/Ms1984-172_Diary_1865_FrontCover.jpg

Milton S. Koontz's Diary from March 1865 to May 1865. Primarily details the movements and actions of Koontz and his fellow troops.
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/pickup/Omeka_upload/Ms1984-172_Diary_1863_FrontCover.jpg

Milton S. Koontz's Diary from the dates June 10, 1863 to December 31, 1863. Focuses primarily on the military related actions of each day

View all Items in the The Koontz Family Papers (Ms1984-172) Collection