Jeffrey Thomas Wilson (1843-1929) was a former slave who spent most of his life in and around Portsmouth and Norfolk, Virginia. He outlived four wives and had at least twelve children. Wilson's diaries include entries on a range of topics from local…
Letter from Catlett Conway to his brother, Willy, discussing the declining health of "Pa"; detailing a visit from John Conway and his son Kent; Catlett's new job in the coal business with Charles H. Page; and the current political climate, mentioning…
Letter from Catlett Conway to his brother Henry, in which Catlett indicates that he has enclosed a letter from John Conway to himself concerning their father's will and the division of the estate; also includes details of Catlett's health, lonely…
Letter from Catlett Conway to Willie, describing his life and health in Philadelphia with his daughter Mary Wallace, and speculating on the state of the country post-Civil War.
Letter from Catlett Conway to Willie, reporting on the coming of spring and expressing surprise that Willie is making his annual trip to Blacksburg so early
Letter from Catlett Conway to Willie, discussing the possibility of a Conway family reunion and recounting a chapter meeting of UVA alumni at which he was a special guest of honor for being the oldest living member.
Letter from Catlett Conway to Willie, describing his Christmas in Philadelphia, reflecting on the severity of past winters, and commenting on President Wilson and the hope that the United States will succeed despite German strength.
Letter from Catlett Conway to Willie, thanking him for sending a genealogy of the Conway family and sharing that the Daughters of the Confederacy have asked him to write a paper on a "war subject" to share at a meeting.
Letter from Catlett Conway to Willie, reporting on the death of Sister Nellie on March 6, 1912 and noting that she was buried next to her husband Catlett and son Henry in Hanover County.
Letter from Catlett Conway to Willie, describing his health troubles and contesting some accounts of the Civil War that he read by relaying his own experiences and opinions.
Letter from Catlett Conway to Willie, expressing Southern displeasure with "forced reconstruction" and the perceived negative effects of the "free negro."
Letter from Catlett Conway to Willie, describing his Thanksgiving in Philadelphia with family along with his opinions on the city and its institutions, and commenting further on his view of current histories of the Civil War.
Letter from Catlett Conway to Willie, discussing details of the Conway family genealogy that he and his daughter Mary Wallace had investigated and comparing the education and school systems of the South and the North, asserting that "public school…
Letter from Catlett Conway to Willie, thanking Willie for a copy of the Atlanta Journal and reflecting on the value of soldier accounts (specifically Confederates') from the Civil War; speculating on the possible publication of his own stories;…
Letter from Catlett Conway to Willie, catching up on news concerning numerous family members; detailing his current comfortable living situation and his daughters
Letter from Catlett Conway to Willie, thanking him for the birthday pin and especially the card, and telling Willie that his Christmas will be spent in Hanover with Catlett Fitzhugh's family.
Letter from Catlett Conway to Willie, in which he discusses pleasant business relations with Colonel Carter Braxton of Newport News, his employment at brother-in-law Parker Thornton
Letter from Catlett Conway to Willie, discrediting an article about Charlie Conway by Marion Johnson; recounting a street car strike which resulted in the deaths of citizens and soldiers attempting to quell the
Letter from Catlett Conway to Willie, recounting their university days in Charlottesville and Blacksburg before the Civil War and speculating on living situations after the next move.
Letter from Catlett Conway to Willie, relaying the news of the death of Kent, Johnny's only son, and asking to be informed of any details of the death; and recalling a speech given a few days prior by Harvard president and historian Charles Francis…
Letter from Catlett Conway to Willie, congratulating him on his daughter's marriage and speculating on the outcome of the presidential race between Alton B. Parker and Theodore Roosevelt.
Letter from Catlett Conway to Willie, indicating that Willie should subscribe to the Sunday paper for Confederate stories; speaking of some family relations; and explaining why he no longer takes an active part in the "Confederate Camps."
Letter from Catlett Conway to Willie, describing a picture that he had taken a few days prior; commenting on Willie's article in the Sundays' Dispatch titled "Early in the Valley" in reference to a Civil War battle which Willie participated in; and…
Letter from Catlett Conway to Willie, informing Willie of a visit from John and his son Kent, the latter of whom wishes to undergo a risky operation to remove a blood clot from his brain.
Letter from Catlett Conway to Willy, reminiscing over their life as brothers and expressing satisfaction with how their lives have unfolded; detailing his and his daughter Mary Wallace
Letter from Catlett Conway to Willy, explaining that, due to his busy work schedule, he rarely has time to socialize with many people in the city and therefore does not have many connections. He refers to three physicians -- Dr. Hugh Taylor, Dr. E.…
Letter from Catlett Conway to Willy, explaining why letter-writing and reading books have become difficult; describing his time on the first floor of a new house which he rented for himself and Mary Wallace; recalling a memory of a hunt with a couple…
Letter from Catlett Conway to Willy discussing different accounts of cavalry movements during the Civil War, General Robert E. Lee's wartime decisions, and masonic meetings.
Letter from Conway Catlett to Willy, adding to an account of Custer's raid of Charlottesville that Willy requested in the Dispatch, answered by Mr. Clem Morton. Concludes with Catlett's opinion on going to war with England over the country of…
Letter from Catlett Conway to Willy, thanking him for sending a copy of the "Magazine of Medicine," in which Willy had a picture and article; detailing his busy and tired days working in coal; speculating on the terms of his and his housemates'…