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WILLIAM McCOLLAM PAPERS


Reference Code:

Repository: University of Akron Archival Services

Title: WILLIAM McCOLLAM PAPERS

Dates: 1859-(1864)-1867

Extent: 0.5 cubic foot

Creator: William McCollam

Language: English

Access: Collection is open for research.

Finding Aid prepared by: Archival Services Staff

Revised by: Richard Wisneski, July 25, 2007

Related Material:

Biographical History:

William McCollam (1831-1896) was born in Harrison County, Ohio. He moved, in 1849, to Uhrichsville, Ohio where he resided the rest of his life. cCollam married Margaret Warfel by whom he had three children: Esther, Samuel, and William L. Upon Margaret's death, McCollam married (in 1863 or 1864) her sister Caroline (Callie) by whom he had four more children: John T., James A., Edward A., and Caroline.

Prior to the Civil War, McCollam engaged in carpentry in partnership with Matthew Trickle. The firm McCollam and Trickle produced furniture, bedsteads, and upholstery. By 1895 the firm was McCollam and Sons and chiefly provided undertaking services.

On May 9, 1864 McCollam was mustered into the 161st Ohio Volunteer Infantry as part of the 70th Battalion for 100 days' service. The 161st OVI was mustered in at Camp Chase, Ohio and was immediately sent to Cumberland, Maryland. The unit soon moved on to Martinsburg, Virginia. Lieutenant McCollam's company served picket duty nearly the entire 100 days, seeing only one brief skirmish (June 6 to June 8) during this time. The 161st OVI mustered out at Camp Chase September 2, 1864. McCollam remained in the Ohio National Guard, ultimately becoming a captain of his company in March 1865.

Scope and Content:

The collection consists of correspondence and military records (1859-1867) relating to the military career of William McCollam and others of Uhrichsville, Ohio. The bulk of these records are from 1864.

This collection is notable for its inclusion of Callie McCollam's correspondence. Most soldiers' wives' correspondence does not survive the men's service. Both McCollams discuss their daily lives and events during the 100 days of McCollam's service.

Arrangement:

There are six series, each arranged chronologically: I. Letters from William McCollam to Callie McCollam; II. Letters from Callie McCollam to William McCollam; III. Letters from Others; IV. Miscellaneous Items; V. Military Records; and VI. Envelopes.

Items in the first four series are consecutively numbered; those enveloped not placed with the appropriate letter are numbered as well. There are no originals in series IV; these items are only available as photocopies; there are three items in series III that exist only as photocopies. A detailed register of the contents of this collection is available.

Container List:

MILITARY RECORDS

Office of the Quartermaster General of Ohio, 1864-1865

August 2, 1864


Morning Report of Co. K 161st OVI

August 5, 1864


Report of Conditioned Officers Belonging to their Detachment

May 16, 1865


Ordnance Report Transferal Form

June 1, 1865


Request for Discharge by Abner Welch

September 11, 1865


Revised Annual Report Co. B

Adjutant General's Office -- General Headquarters -- Ohio -- Orders and Circulars

May 30, 1863


General Orders no. 13 noncommissioned officers appointments

April 6, 1864


General Orders no. 10 abolition of the enrolled militia and replacement by the National Guard

September 19, 1864


General Orders no. 30 deserters and their treatment

General Orders no. 31 preparation of regimental histories

General Orders no. 32 preparation of annual reports

February 1, 1865


General Orders no. 33 revocation of discharges and application procedures for future discharges

October 12, 1863


Circular relating to fines

June 24, 1865


Balloting for First Lieutenant, Co. B, 70th Battalion, Ohio National Guard


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